Journal The Union St.
Class of 2021 looks toward “new normal” page 3
Chess on the rise 5
Opinion: Being biracial in today’s America 14
Staff Editorial: Colorado lawmakers must pass common sense gun laws 15
Cherry Creek High School 9300 E. Union Ave. Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Vol. 6 Issue 4 May 2021
USJ STAFF Editors-in-Chief Hannah Edelheit & Jane McCauley
Design Editor Madison Seckman
Opinion Editor Giovanni Machado
Staff Writers Lily Deitch Lydia Foster Breanna Medel Nathan Meredith Aila MonLouis Adam Nowlin Jane Parker Natalie Swyers Jonathan Trigg Izabella Urias Ramos Ethel Yagudayeva
Sports Editor Raegan Knobbe
Advisor Yoni Fine
News Editor Carly Philpott Features Editor Madison Seckman A&E Editor Bre Mennenoh
FRONT COVER BY CARLY PHILPOTT
Purpose: The Union Street Journal is a student publication distributed to the students, faculty, and staff of Cherry Creek High School. The paper serves as an information source amd a two-way communication forum for both the school and the community. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of Cherry Creek High School or the Cherry Creek Letters to the editor. Letters to the editor are accepted and can be submitted via email to theunionstreetjournal@gmail.com Letters cannot be anonymous and they may be edited for clarity.
Letter from the editors Even after two months of being back fully in-person, it’s still hard to believe that this chaotic year is finally coming to an end. And honestly, as much as we want to graduate and begin the next stage of our lives in college, we can’t help but feel bound to the USJ and all of the memories we made here over our high school careers. We want to thank our advisor, Yoni Fine, and the rest of our staff for all of the hard work they have put in this year. We’re beyond proud of the work that has come from the USJ this year, and we know it has been extremely difficult throughout this unique year to have been as passionate as they were. For each of us, the newsroom has been our second home where we have created our strongest relationships, learned the most about ourselves and each other, and experienced what it means to be journalists today. We were recently talking about how this year just blurred into the last, leaving us with the feeling that we never got closure. And we think that’s probably how most people have felt this year. So it’s been difficult to remember that this year even counted, even mattered as another step in high school, and this pandemic has definitely taken its toll on all of us physically and mentally to try and stop us from remembering the value and memories we make in high school. But we also think coming back full in-person has at least attempted to bring back a bit of that closure we never received last year. It feels nice being on campus in the spring again and remembering what it feels like to have the year wind down rather than being sent home to sit in front of computer screens for hours. And especially for us, our spring issue is our marker that the year is ending, and we can begin finding that closure we have lost over the past year. We hope it brings that same sense of closure for you as well.
Peace and love, Hannah Edelheit & Jane McCauley
Find more stories at unionstreetjournal.com
@creekusj
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“I’m just hoping things can get back to normal.”
Class of 2021 looks toward future after year of disruption PHOTO BY CARLY PHILPOTT
BY CARLY PHILPOTT News Editor
When Creek first went remote last year, the class of 2020 was devastated to lose several uniquely senior experiences: prom, Senior Day, graduation parties. At the time, communities came together to bring seniors across the country experiences to replace what they were missing out on. A year later, however, the novelty of missing senior year seems to have worn off. After so long in the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the original community-building traditions have dissolved: people no longer clap for healthcare workers at the shift change, organize drive-by birthday parties, or go on Zoom for every holiday and special occasion. Nonetheless, seniors this year missed out on a lot, and with no way of recreating those experiences in sight, many seniors are feeling left behind. “We didn’t get to hang out with all of our friends every day or do a senior prank,” senior Anjali Kurse said. “Senior ditch days are irrelevant now; it feels like the usual traditions were just stripped due to lack of school time. I feel like I’ve missed most of the carefree days where I just hung out and made memories with my friends.” The class of 2021 missed out on almost ev-
LEAVING THEIR MARK: Seniors complete annual traditions such as signing the windows in Post-Grad, pinning maps with their college decisions, and picking up yearbooks. For seniors such as Anjali Kurse, leaving Creek brings hope and opportunity. “I’m really hoping to academically excel in college and go on to medical school,” she said. “I hope to make a ton of new, long-lasting friends too!” erything: Homecoming, pep rallies, sporting events, even full in-person school for three quarters of the year. “It was kind of difficult just to deal with all the cohort stuff and also transition back into the full in person learning,” senior Shannon Straub said.
“It feels like the usual traditions were stripped due to a lack of school time.”
Senior Anjali Kurse With everything different this year, the normally difficult pieces of being a senior became several times worse. Thousands of 2020 seniors across the country chose to de-
fer their college decisions until this year, and many colleges didn’t have as many spaces open due to COVID-19, so getting into college was more difficult than in a normal year. “There were somehow more people that applied this year and [that] made an already difficult process 10 times more competitive,” senior Teal Wall said. “Having to go through the college process without having consistent access to counselors and teachers made it a lot harder.” Still, 2021’s senior class is looking forward to a better college experience. “I’m just hoping things can get back to normal, you know what I mean?” Straub said. “It’s not going to be normal normal, but like a new normal. I just hope that I can make new friends and figure out what I want to do with my life.” Senior Elisabeth Plum agreed. “I’m hoping for a normal college experience since we didn’t get a normal senior year,” she said. “Maybe things will be back to normal by then.”
May 2021
Student hesitation to receive vaccines could complicate return in the fall BY JANE McCAULEY Editor-in-Chief
As vaccine distribution speeds up across the county and state, hesitation in eligible Creek students to receive shots increases as well. Although many students haven’t been eligible for a vaccine until now, there is still a significant portion of eligible students who are neglecting to receive a dose.* “I just haven’t gotten around to it,” junior Zoe Keith said. “I think that there’s a level of uncertainty because you don’t want to get [COVID], but I know I’m a healthy kid. So if I did get it, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. I like the vaccine, but I don’t necessarily think I’m going to die.” Other students feel similarly that receiving the vaccine is not a priority, and some aren’t convinced that the available vaccines are even safe enough to take in the first place. Some students, like freshman Julia Leach, have stated that they probably won’t take it, even when they are eligible “I don’t think I need it,” Leach said. “There aren’t as many studies saying that teenagers need it.” She quickly added, “Well, there are, but I don’t want the side effects.” According to the CDC, the only side effects from vaccines are sore arms and overall fatigue that eventually wear off within a few days. The CDC also stated that side effects are normal, healthy responses to the vaccine, assuring that it means they are working properly and emphasized that there are more unknown long-term health risks with receiving COVID-19 than the vaccine itself. Although the Johnson and Johnson did temporarily stop the distribution of the vaccine due to blood clots, the company cleared the vaccine again on Apr. 23 because they are extremely rare, occurring in less than one in a million cases. However, it’s more possible to develop blood clots because of COVID than it if because of the vaccine, as are most of the side effects.
Since administration sent students back full-time on Apr. 5, over 200 students have been sent home to quarantine. While many students disregard the safety and importance of the vaccine, there are still many students like freshman Bella Parra who expressed that the vaccine is worth receiving because everyone has “worked so hard” to be safe and keep the spread under control. “I think despite the side effects, it’s better than having nothing,” Parra said. And for students like senior Maya Lee, being sent home to quarantine after exposure was more complicated than just having to worry about whether she would test positive or not. “It was emotionally hard because if I [had] COVID, I [would have] to tell so many people,” Lee said. “But [quarantine] is important, and I don’t want to spread it, you know?” Principal Ryan Silva expressed that although there is a link between student hesitancy to take the vaccine and increased exposures and quarantines, it’s beneficial that students have the option to take the vaccine. However, Silva also discussed options available for students who are already vaccinated to stay on campus. “There have been times where students have not had to quarantine because they have had the vaccine, so that would exempt them,” Silva said. After hearing how many Creek students were hesitant to receive a dose of the vaccine, Lee asked the same question so many people have been contemplating over the past year. “How are we going to return to normal?” Lee said. “If you have the opportunity to contribute to helping us return back to the way things were, I feel like having a couple of sick days is worth it.” Despite many students’ current concerns about how the fall will develop, Principal Silva has optimistic expectations for next year and the possibility of returning to a “more normal” school environment. “Hopefully, more teenagers can be vaccinated,” Silva said. “They’re not required to, but they would only help us.”
*The FDA authorized the Pfizer vaccine for people ages 12-15 on May 10 while Moderna and Johnson & Johnson remain available only to people 18 years and older.
4 | News
Cherry Creek Disctrict COVID stats & trends Since Apr. 1 incident rate of 935 cases per 100,000 people
2,835 positive cases
Apr. 1
May 1
98 hospitalizations
Apr. 1
May 1
45,589 tests
Apr. 1
May 1
SOURCE: TRI-COUNTY HEALTH DEPT.
THE RISE OF CHESS
Chess’s popularity peaks among Creek’s students and staff BY GIOVANNI MACHADO Opinion Editor
64 squares, 32 pieces, and basically an infinite number of positions and games to be played. Chess has peaked in popularity like never before during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking and re-sparking interest in many people around the globe – including at Creek. “This year, because everyone was so isolated and closed, one of the things that our friend group did was we started playing chess,” said junior Aryan Roy, co-president of the Creek chess club. “It’s a way to have fun and sort of ease up. And while we were playing that game, we were like, ‘Oh, well, maybe other people want to play too.’” Roy, along with juniors Matthew Anderson and Shreyas Sriram, decided to create a new chess club at Creek. “We just want to provide a club so that people that were interested in chess in the school but might not necessarily have
known where to go or others to play with could all have an environment where you can just have fun and play chess,” Sriram said. The club not only includes those who recently became fond of the game, but also those who have dedicated a great part of their lives to it. “As long as you start earlier, you have more time to play,” freshman Neil Bhavikatti, who is rated 2118 by the U.S. chess federation, said “now, in high school, it’s a lot more work, so I have a little bit less time to do chess books and focus on chess a little bit more. So that’s why starting as early as possible is important.” One of the greatest catalysts to chess’s ascension over the last year was the release of the TV show The Queen’s Gambit. “I think had The Queen’s Gambit been released pre-COVID, it wouldn’t have had quite the impact,” said Jeremy Gilbert, science teacher, and sponsor of the chess club. “I think this past year was such an aberration for people being home so much with so much time, so parents were able to hang out with their kids and maybe teach them this game.” Chess is speculated to be over 1500 years
PHOTO BY GIOVANNI MACHADO
SKYROCKETING: Chess board sales increased over 200 percent in the month after the release of The Queen’s Gambit, and daily online chess games played soared from 11 million to over 17 million. “I really think it’s an art,” junior Aryan Roy said.
old, yet it is able to maintain its relevance and engage new players of all ages. “It’s just 64 squares. You have everything right in front of you, but the possibilities are endless,” Sriram said. “I think that’s what really is fascinating about chess is the moves are so simple. It doesn’t take very long to understand how to move each piece and whatnot. But despite that, there are trillions of games you can play.” Magnus Carlsen, the current chess world champion, was the most paid e-sports athlete last year, and while some argue whether or not Chess should be considered an e-sport, some believe it’s more than that. “I really think it’s an art,” Roy said. “You have to be as creative as possible. Even though many people may disagree with me, I really think it is a sport because chess requires intense mental preparation.” Chess is a recognized sport by the International Olympic Committee. The committee’s decision was supported by the arguments that Chess is competitive, demands skills, and is physically demanding. “It’s really cool to sit down and play a game and destroy somebody. And so humbling that you know the next game you get destroyed,” Gilbert said. “I’m really humbled by the fact that I can play a game where I’m beating somebody that I know is better than me, but I made one move, and all of a sudden it just comes back the other way, and I’m getting beat. It’s frustrating, but it’s all about learning - that’s what I appreciate. I think it’s learning more about it, becoming better at it, making mistakes in games, and then trying to improve every time I play a new game.” Perhaps chess won’t be able to keep itself at the same place it is in terms of popularity, yet it’s clear it isn’t going away anytime soon, and Gilbert believes that it should become more present in our everyday lives. “I strongly believe, and I’ve said this for years, that chess should be a class in school,” Gilbert said. “It improves critical thinking skills, it improves concentration. It’s like music. There’s such a link between the musical mind and success in math and other subjects, and schools that have chess, as a curriculum, performed very well.”
May 2021
Should teachers address current events? Many students wish teachers would acknowledge events outside of school BY HANNAH EDELHEIT Editor-in-Chief
When we walk into school, we expect the four core basic subjects: math, science, English, and history. But how often do we talk about things outside of the classroom that impact our lives? In a USJ poll of 98 students, predominantly history and English teachers regularly brought up current events and/or controversial political topics in class. “I approach [teaching] more holistically, so of course I have my content that I need to cover, but we’re dealing with humans, and we’re existing in a world together,” English teacher Yoon Park said. “I think, as an educator, it would be remiss of me to not address what’s going on outside these walls.” Some teachers find it harder to incorporate discussions into class because there is too much material to cover. “Personally, it’s a little bit harder to do that in a science course,” science teacher Michael Maudal said. “Because with our set standards, there isn’t much fluctuation to incorporate [current events].” Many students go to school to get a holistic education and want to connect with their teachers - whether that be about core subjects or what is happening outside of the classroom. “I believe that it is extremely important to discuss outside events,” sophomore Theodore Hardman said. “For example, the Capitol insurrection and other events occurring in the present are going to go into our history books; it seems stupid not to discuss it in the moment.” Subjects like math and science usually focus more on numbers and facts, so it’s more difficult to integrate current events into class naturally; however, some can talk about experiences outside of the classroom. “We talk a lot about inequities in science, especially in our CP chemistry, whether that be gender inequities or racial inequities,” Maudal said. Many teachers do feel a sense of responsibility toward addressing issues that aren’t traditional to their subjects. “I think it’s our duty,” Maudal said. “Any teacher, regardless of what subject area we teach, we need to incorporate information in.” Classrooms can also open up opportunities for discussion so
6 | Features
ART BY MADISON SECKMAN
students can hear each other’s feelings and opinions about political topics and current events. This helps students understand each other and the world around them. “It’s a good chance for people to talk about what they heard because people hear different things from different sources,” Senior Faith Watkins said. “And then people who heard nothing can learn about it from different perspectives.” Some teachers may be hesitant to go over controversial topics in class because it may put them at risk of looking like they are giving their opinions. “I think making students aware of topics is very important and different from pushing their personal views on the students,” senior Eden Kinde said. It can be difficult to facilitate conversations when there are many opinions about a topic. Tensions can run high when a topic is more personal to some students, so engaging with them in a positive way with a safe space is beneficial to the discussion. “We also want to let a student’s voice be heard, and not be too quick to jump on that and say ‘hey this is incorrect, hey this isn’t,’ but to give them a platform to discuss, to talk in a safe place.” Maudal said. This can also give teachers insight into their students and help strengthen their relationship. Hearing a student’s voice and perspective can open up the door for further conversations. “It’s kind of important to know what your students believe because that’s a part of who we are,” junior L. Roberts said.
In which classes do your teachers bring up current events? World Language 1.5%
Fine Arts 1.5% English 35%
History 52%
Scan the QR code for the full story. USJ POLL OF 98 CREEK STUDENTS CHART BY HANNAH EDELHEIT
Math 3% Science 7%
“We’re taking a lot of [inspiration] from the 2000s and the 90s.” junior Romina Dadkhah
BY LILY DEITCH Staff Writer
Shirt: $20 Vest: $35 Skirt: $28
From: Amazon $21.99
“I think Brandy Melville is super popular.” junior Kaylee Chen
Brand: Thredup $12.99
FA SH ION
Creek students express their personalities through their fashion choices. Here’s a look at some current trends:
PHOTO COURTESY OF THREDUP
“When people just dress up in general, it makes them feel good about themselves. It’s like a kind of this positivity that Creek establishes.” junior Romina Dadkhah
Brand: Walmart Shirt: $5 From: arc Thrift Store Jeans: $15 PHOTO BY MADISON SECKMAN
“It’s getting as diverse as it’s ever been. Oversized clothes have started to come back a little bit, and the bleach look with a black shirt.” junior Christopher Alvarez
Brand: Poshmark $19.00 POSHMARK BRANDY MELVILLE
Creek students’ favorite places to visit over the summer BY MADISON SECKMAN Features/Design Editor
“Flatirons Mall - the place is sick. It’s a mall. You go shopping.” sophomore Xavier Via
“Taco Bell parking lot. We go get McDonald’s and park in the Taco Bell parking lot when it’s empty.” senior Faith Watkins
Miles from School: 31 Cost: Varies
Miles from School: 1.9 Cost: Varies
Miles from School: 1.4 Cost: Free
“A little trail [in Orchard Hills Park]. It’s a tiny little bench that’s hidden and there’s a pond and an exchange of books.” junior Jillian Kaplan
“Sunset Park or Bear Park near my house. Just kind of local parks that I like to hang out in and play sports.” freshman Max Haas
Miles from School: 3.7 Cost: Free PHOTOS BY MADISON SECKMAN FLATIRONCROSSING.COM
May 2021
2021 Cherry Creek H. S. Scholarships LEAH E. ABRAHAMSSON Creek to College Scholarship Post Graduate Center CCHS Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Sibling Award Northwestern Mutual SALONI AGARWAL President Joseph A. Sewall Award University of Colorado Boulder SOFIE J. ALBADA Hesperian Scholarship Chapman University Academic Scholar Superlative Award University of South Carolina, Columbia Merit Scholarship Miami University President Horace M. Hale Award University of Colorado Boulder ELLA B. BARCLAY National Scholars Award University of Iowa Colorado Access Award University of Iowa NATHAN F. BARNES Silver Scholarship New Mexico Tech HENRY D. BATSON Athletic Scholarship Men’s Swimming Duke University SANYA BHARTIYA University and Dean’s Scholar University of Chicago SARAH J. BIAN Trustee Scholarship, Knox College Presidential Scholarship Boston University Knox Factor Scholarship Knox College Merit Scholarship University of Colorado Boulder Merit Scholarship Northeastern University Merit Scholarship Colorado State University CAROLINE J. BRANDON Crimson and Gold Scholarship University of Denver Arizona Excellence Scholarship University of Arizona Dean’s Scholarship Indiana University Founder’s Award Creighton University RedHawk Excellence Scholarship Miami University Founder’s Scholarship Texas
8 | Grad Scholarships
Christian University Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship University of Kentucky JOSHUA T. BRAZILE Musical Theater Scholarship Converse College Alumni Award Academics and Theater Wagner Theater Regents Scholarship Loyola University of Chicago Rising Star Scholarship The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts Recognition Award Marymount Manhattan College Columbia Scholar Award Columbia College Chicago Faculty Recognition Award Columbia College Chicago MCLA Commitment Scholarship Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Visit Scholarship Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Class of 1928 Scholarship Nazareth College Red, Black, and Silver Scholarship Barry University Dean’s Scholarship Loyola University New Orleans KESSAYA A. BREZINSKI KU Achievement Scholarship University of Kansas RILEY L BROWN Arizona Distinction Award University of Arizona Green & Gold Scholarship Colorado State University WILLIAM W. CARROLL Men’s Agitat Molem Minds Move Mountains Scholarship University of Oregon Provost’s Scholarship Oregon State University JAIDEN A. CARTER Creek to College Scholarship Post Graduate Center CCHS OLIVER B. CASIS Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Scholarship University of Colorado Boulder Arizona Recognition Award University of Arizona Oaks Scholarship California Lutheran University Provost Scholarship University of Northern Colorado
Laptops from Lawyers Scholarship Arapahoe County Bar Association and Foundation SANTIAGO A. CASTILLO Boettcher Foundation Scholarship Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship Vanderbilt University National Merit Scholarship & Benacquisto Scholarship University of Florida Presidential Scholarship Boston University Northeastern Honors Scholarship English Legacy Scholarship Northeastern University Harvey Scholarship Colorado School of Mines Chancellor Scholarship University of Denver Presidential Endowed Scholarship Texas A&M National Merit Scholarship Texas A&M National Merit Scholarship University of Texas at Dallas Presidential Scholarship University of Alabama Arizona Excellence Award University of Arizona New American University Scholar Arizona State University JUINKYE CHIANG Dean’s Scholarship Syracuse University Orange Distinction Award Syracuse University Julian Burruss Scholarship Virginia Polytechnic Institute Canes Achievement Award University of Miami NICOLE Y. CHEN CBS Future Leaders in STEM Award Chick Tech National Merit Scholarship National Merit Scholarship Corporation Michelson-Morley Scholarship Case Western Reserve University LOGAN E. CHRISTIANSON Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Scholarship MILLA R. CHUNTON Trustee Scholarship Hobart and William Smith Colleges ABBIGAIL J. COPP Rocky Mountain Scholar University of Denver
Athletic Scholarship Women’s Soccer United States Air Force Academy Ignatius Scholarship University of San Francisco Arthur Schulte Scholarship University of Portland JUSTIN W CYPRESS Mark Twain Scholarship University of Missouri CAETANO DE SA Boston Conservatory at Berklee Merit Scholarship Boston Conservatory at Berklee Greenwood Village Arts and Humanities Scholarship Greenwood Village Arts and Humanities Council KELLEY V. FRANCIS Athletic Scholarship Women’s Soccer Bucknell University Dean’s Scholarship Bucknell University LAURIE I. FREDERICKSON Dean’s Scholarship University of Indiana Faculty Scholarship Texas Christian University Academic Recognition Award Tulane University Raise Me Tulane University RedHawk Excellence Scholarship Miami University Distinguished Scholar Southern Methodist University Esteemed Scholars Program University of Colorado Boulder Dean’s Scholarship University of Denver Dean’s Scholarship American University NOAH FULTON Presidential Scholarship and Achievement Award Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University New American University Scholar Arizona State University Presidential Scholarship University of Colorado Benacquisto Scholarship University of Florida FINN L. GARRIGAN Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Scholarship University of Southern California National Merit Scholarship University of Southern California
MERIELLE C. GOJO Athletic Scholarship Women’s Golf Colorado State University Pueblo GRACE R. GRANTZ SCU Bronco Scholarship University of Santa Clara Minds Move Mountains Scholarship University of Oregon Dons Scholarship Award University of San Francisco ELLA M. GROOTERS Purple and Gold Scholarship University of Washington SCU Bronco Scholarship University of Santa Clara President James H. Baker Award University of Colorado Boulder ALEXANDRA S. GRUITCH Athletic Scholarship Women’s Softball University of Maine Merit Scholarship University of Maine ALICE HAN Laptops from Lawyers Scholarship Arapahoe County Bar Association and Foundation KAISA A. HARRIS President Joseph A. Sewall Award University of Colorado Boulder UO Excellence Scholarship University of Oregon Purple and Gold Scholarship University of Washington Trident Coastal Scholarship University of California San Diego Regents Scholarship University of California Santa Barbara Achievement Award Gonzaga University ELIZ A A. HILL National Merit Scholarship Vanderbilt University NICOLE L. HILL National Merit Scholarship Vanderbilt University GENEVIEVE A. HOLLIDAY Morehead-Cain Scholarship University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Forty Acres Scholar University of Texas at Austin Liberal Arts Scholarship Emory University New American University Scholarship Arizona State University KATHRYN A. HOLLIS Dean’s Scholarship Columbia College Chicago
Trustees’ Scholarship Marymount Manhattan College College of Fine Arts Scholarship Millikin University DERRICK W. HSIEH Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Scholarship Purdue University MITCHELL C HUGHES National Merit Scholarship Southern Methodist University MAYA J. HUNTER Boettcher Foundation Scholarship CU Denver School of Medicine University Scholarship Case Western Reserve University Garrett-Sherwood Scholarship Whitman College John N. Stern Mathematics and Natural Sciences Merit Scholarship Oberlin College Alumni Award Denison University Chancellor Scholarship University of Denver Meliora Alumni Scholarship University of Rochester CRISTINA R. INBODEN Dean’s Scholar Chapman University ANDREW JUNG QuestBridge Scholarship Princeton University YUNSEO JUNG Otis Presidential Scholarship Otis College of Art and Design SAIC Recognition Scholarship and George & Isabella Brown Scholarship School of the Art Institute of Chicago Ringling Dean’s Scholarship Ringling College of Art and Design Parsons Scholarship The New School ROSHAN S. KERN National Merit Scholarship Case Western Reserve University HAKEEM A. KHALEEL Creek to College Scholarship Post Graduate Center CCHS ADARSH KOTLAPATI National Merit Scholarship Boston University National Merit Scholarship University of Pittsburgh National Merit Scholarship Vanderbilt University National Merit Scholarship University of Missouri, Kansas City Pitt Scholar Academic Scholarship, University of Pittsburgh
Arizona Tuition Award University of Arizona National Merit Scholarship University of Oklahoma President Joseph A. Sewall Award University of Colorado Boulder President’s Scholars Scholarship Temple University Academic Excellence Scholarship University of Connecticut ANJALI G. KURSE National Merit Scholarship University of Alabama BRADLEY R. LANG Dean’s Scholar Chapman University ANALISE E. LEVY Summit Scholarship University of Oregon Merit Award University of New Mexico EDWARD J. LEWIS William J. Bradley Scholarship William J. Bradley Foundation KYLE D. MATHY Apex Scholarship University of Oregon Presidential Scholarship Willamette University Academic Achievement Scholarship University of Seattle Provost’s Scholarship University of Puget Sound James H. Baker Award University of Colorado Boulder Presidential Scholarship Loyola Marymount University President’s Scholarship Award University of San Francisco Heritage Fund Santa Clara University Regents Scholarship Gonzaga University Achievement Scholarship Whitman College President’s Scholarship in Debate Whitman College BRENDAN N. MCDOWELL George Beadle Scholarship University of Nebraska-Lincoln Husker Heritage Scholarship University of Nebraska-Lincoln Centennial Scholarship University of Denver JONATHON G. MORELLA Green & Gold Scholarship Colorado State University BRIDGET C. MURPHY University Scholarship University of Southern California
Alcala Award University of San Diego New American University President’s Award Arizona State University Regents Scholars Pepperdine University SCU Bronco Scholarship University of Santa Clara President’s Scholarship University of Miami LMU Arrupe Scholarship Loyola Marymount University CU Esteemed Scholars - Hale University of Colorado Boulder ADAM M. PARISH Presidential Scholarship University of Southern California Arizona National Merit University of Arizona Presidential Scholarship University of Oregon Dean’s Exemplary Award University of Colorado Boulder University Scholarship University of Southern California Merit Scholarship University of Arizona RACHEL M. PENZENSTADLER Grace Burke Scholarship Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Women’s Golf Scholarship University of Colorado Colorado Springs MAX PINGREE Chick-fil-A Scholarship Chick-fil-A CHARLIE POGGIOLI Light! More Light! Scholarship Lawrence University Legacy Scholarship Lawrence University JORDYN R. PRATT Creek to College Scholarship Post Graduate Center CCHS KNOX D. QUARLES Second Century Scholar Southern Methodist University Merit Scholarship Furman University Merit Scholarship University of Colorado Boulder Merit Scholarship Elon University ANTHONY S. RABINKOV National Merit S&P Global Scholarship S&P Global
May 2021
ADAM M. PARISH Presidential Scholarship University of Southern California Arizona National Merit University of Arizona Presidential Scholarship University of Oregon Dean’s Exemplary Award University of Colorado Boulder University Scholarship University of Southern California Merit Scholarship University of Arizona RACHEL M. PENZENSTADLER Grace Burke Scholarship Junior Golf Alliance of Colorado Women’s Golf Scholarship University of Colorado Colorado Springs MAX PINGREE Chick-fil-A Scholarship Chick-fil-A CHARLIE POGGIOLI Light! More Light! Scholarship Lawrence University Legacy Scholarship Lawrence University JORDYN R. PRATT Creek to College Scholarship Post Graduate Center CCHS KNOX D. QUARLES Second Century Scholar Southern Methodist University Merit Scholarship Furman University Merit Scholarship University of Colorado Boulder Merit Scholarship Elon University ANTHONY S. RABINKOV National Merit S&P Global Scholarship S&P Global TESS A. RITTENBERG Saltzman Family Scholarship BBYO Youth Group HUNTER ROBAR Trustee Scholarship University of Northern Colorado Music Scholarship University of Northern Colorado School of Music Green and Gold Scholarship Colorado State University Music Scholarship Colorado State University School of Music Eagle Excellence Scholarship University of North Texas Future Teacher Scholarship Cherry
Creek High School ELLEN A. ROBERTS Nicholas Charles Dugal LeClaire Scholarship Nicholas Charles Dugal LeClaire Memorial Foundation Green & Gold Scholarship Colorado State University 6,000 Ad Astra Award Kansas State University MAIA R. ROSS Meliora Alumni Scholarship University of Rochester Dean’s Scholar University of Denver President Joseph A. Sewall Award University of Colorado Boulder Merit Award Colorado State University KATRINA A. RUSSELL President’s Scholarship University of Portland Trustees’ Scholarship Willamette University Esteemed Scholars Scholarship University of Colorado Boulder KAIA M. SCHIFF President James H. Baker Award University of Colorado Boulder EMMA D. SEABERG Kimberly-Clark Foundation Bright Futures Scholarship WILLIAM T. SEIFERT SMU Distinguished Scholar Southern Methodist University National Merit Scholarship Southern Methodist University President James H. Baker Award University of Colorado Boulder AKBER T. SHAIKH National Merit Scholarship National Merit Scholarship Corporation THOMAS P. SHOEMAKER Trustee’s Scholarship Merrimack College ERIK S. SIEGFRIED Apex Scholarship University of Oregon HAYLEY I. STERN Green & Gold Scholarship Colorado State University Honors Scholarship Colorado State University KU Excellence Scholarship University of Kansas CU Outstanding High School Stu-
dent Award University of Colorado Boulder Miami Merit Scholarship University of Miami President James H. Baker Award University of Colorado Boulder ANNA M. STRATING Chancellor’s Award University of Colorado Colorado Springs Walnut Hills Scholarship SHANNON K. STRAUB Excellence Award University of Arizona Apex Scholarship University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship University of Puget Sound Centennial Scholar Award University of Denver CAROLINE M. TEW President James H. Baker Award University of Colorado Boulder LOZ A S. TEZERA Creek to College Scholarship Post Graduate Center CCHS ASHWIN K. THAMPI Presidential Scholarship Union College New York Rocky Mountain Scholarship University of Denver RAHUL K. THOMAS National Merit Scholarship National Merit Scholarship Corporation ELLA R. THOMPSON Dean’s Scholarship Indiana University Dean’s Scholarship Miami University FAITH E. WATKINS National Merit Scholarship Miami University Oxford Trustee Scholarship Gonzaga University RedHawk Excellence Scholarship Miami University Presidential Scholarship Drake University Alumni Scholarship Drake University Purple & Gold Scholarship University of Washington HALLE G. WIST Faculty Scholar Texas Christian University
Award of Excellence University of Oklahoma Presidential Scholarship University of Alabama RedHawk Excellence Scholarship Miami University Prodesse Scholars Program Scholarship Miami University Maroon Merit Scholarship Texas A&M SAMANTHA E. WITT University Hills Rotary Scholarship University Hills Rotary Club President’s Scholarship Colorado School of Mines Green & Gold Scholarship Colorado State University Distinguished Scholarship Colorado Mesa University ALEXANDER S. YANG Joseph A. Sewall Award University of Colorado Boulder Provost Scholarship University of Denver Mason Excellence Award George Mason University Dean’s Scholarship Northeastern University Presidential Scholarship American University GUS D. ZILINSKAS Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football Rutgers University Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football Colorado State University Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football Eastern Michigan University Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football University of Idaho Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football Montana State University Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football University of Nevada Las Vegas Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football University of Wyoming Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football Ohio University Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football Army Athletic Scholarship Men’s Football University of Montana
Class of 2021 Grand Total:
Over $18 Million 10 | Grad Scholarships
The return of hit show Supernatural BY LYDIA FOSTER Staff Writer
When the final episode of Supernatural aired on Nov. 19 of last year, it had officially concluded a total of 15 years of runtime on channel CW. It had originally aired two years after Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a cult film adaptation that is still widely beloved by many critics and academics, ended. And, while the two are very similar plot-wise, there is a reason Supernatural lasted significantly longer than Buffy ever did. At first glance, it sounds like a very basic show. And in a way, it is. The larger plot arcs can range from the brothers trying to find their father to stopping the apocalypse, but many of the episodes are focused around the two brothers working on a case together. And while every episode has different characters, different creatures, and different locations, there is a pattern that every episode follows, which is a huge part of the show’s charm. The deeper appeal is the focus on the brothers’ relationship. The show follows
Sam and Dean Winchester, whose jobs are to hunt and kill everything from demons to fallen gods, following their motto of “saving people, hunting things ... the family business.” A lot of people can relate to Sam and Dean, and the family dynamic presented is one that a lot of people can relate to. Sam and Dean have a classic sibling relationship; they argue all the time over small things, but either would do just about anything to protect the other. And while the rest of their family was rarely ever there, they made up for it with their
friendship with other characters. Of course, Supernatural would not have been able to make the impact it has without the help of all of the other characters in the show. Although the brothers have a decent support system for themselves, they wouldn’t have survived without the other people included. Although none of them were related by blood, these people were always there for the boys and to help them keep fighting. That is one of the main messages that the show spends a lot of time trying to get across: to always keep fighting. And in showing how Sam and Dean never give up, despite literally going through hell multiple times, the show is able to inspire confidence in its fans. THE CW
Two Distant Strangers: a complex look at real issues BY NATALIE SWYERS Staff Writer
Carter James is a young black man living in New York and is just trying to get home to his dog. Police officer Merk has prevented him from doing so a hundred times over. The Oscar-winning 2021 short film Two Distant Strangers, which was the first short film made by a black filmmaker to win an Oscar, was incredibly powerful and heartbreaking, and way more impactful than I expected. The uniqueness of perspective on recurring issues that accurately portrays the brutality of the police against minorities makes this 32-minute film a must-watch. Carter wakes up next to a woman named Perri, after meeting her the night before, and shares a nice morning with her before going on his way. Outside the building, he encounters a white officer who accuses him of smoking marijuana disguised as a cigarette. When Carter refuses to let the officer search his bag, he is suffocated to death, a gruesome reenactment of the brutal death of George Floyd. Carter continues to wake up on that same morning, and quickly realizes he is stuck in a time loop. This endless cycle of death- rep-
resentative of what real black people face in American society- continues day after day, and Carter can’t seem to escape, no matter what he does. Even when he stays in Perri’s apartment for breakfast, cops break in and kill him unprovoked- another reference to a real death, this scene resembles Breonna Taylor’s murder. Throughout this endless loop of deaths,
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Carter feels more and more helpless. It is quite frustrating to watch, despite previously knowing what the movie would be about. Seeing somebody unable to break free from a cycle of pain makes the real events it refers to even more painful, and the analogy does a great job of helping people to realize the actual weight of the situation and how the many deaths of not only black people, but all people of color, can impact American communities. The symbolism of racial injustice throughout the film is striking. The time-loop concept alone is heartbreaking, representative of how impossible it seems to end the cycle of violence for those involved in the Black Lives Matter movement. The symbolism and connections to current events cause the film to be more relatable and recognizable to watchers, and therefore more heart-wrenching. The contrast of the beauty of the film itself and the morbid events it is spreading awareness about creates a melancholy masterpiece. ART BY MADISON SECKMAN
May 2021
College commitments Meet some of Creek’s signed athletes BY RAEGAN KNOBBE Sports Editor
Abby Wrede Basketball
Hawai’i Pacific University
Wrede is getting ready for the beautiful Honolulu climate. “HPU was ranked #3 in the country in division 2 last year, and I really wanted to play for a winning team,” she said. “I also loved the coach, the players, and of course the location. The whole program made me feel at home.” PHOTO COURTESY OF ABBY WREDE
Bryce Ortanes Swimming
University of Notre Dame
Ortanes swam on the varsity team at Creek for four years, and is a three time All-American. “I am most excited to meet all my new teammates and compete at the college level,” he said. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRYCE ORTANES
Myles Purchase Football
Iowa State University
Purchase has over 20 interceptions in his career at Creek. His official position is cornerback, but he played on offense, defense, and special teams during the 2020 season. “I signed with Iowa State because it’s a great school, and I feel like I will fit well in their system as a player,” Purchase said. PHOTO COURTESY OF MYLES PURCHASE
Parker Wolfe Cross Country Track & Field
Carter Dorighi Baseball Lafayette College
A fun fact about this Creek shortstop is that he likes to cook. “I’m most excited to meet new people and get better at my sport,” Dorighi said on why he is anxious for college. PHOTO COURTESY OF CARTER DORIGHI
12 | Sports
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Wolfe is the 2021 Gatorade National Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year. He holds the Colorado Soil 5K record, Colorado State Course record, and the Colorado mile run record. He was also the 5A cross country Individual State Champion in 2020.
PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKER WOLFE
Julian Hammond III Basketball
University of Colorado Boulder
Hammond is the all time leader in points and three pointers made at Creek. His favorite sports memory at Creek is “winning back to back football State Championships.” PHOTO BY RAEGAN KNOBBE
All of Creek’s 2021 signed athletes Sofie Albada Chapman University - Swimming Jack Alley St. Olaf College - Baseball Al Ashford University of Wisconsin - Football Abby Babson Chapman University - Soccer Emily Blair University of New Mexico - Swimming George Cavo Loyola University Maryland - Tennis Abbi Copp United States Air Force Academy - Soccer Carter Dorighi Lafayette College - Baseball Tyler Dvorak Colorado State University Pueblo - Football Addie Follett Santa Clara University - Soccer Kelley Francis Bucknell University - Soccer Tallulah Fuhs Bucknell University - Field Hockey Merielle Gojo Colorado State University Pueblo - Field Hockey Alex Gruitch University of Maine - Softball Zach Haines Ottawa University - Baseball Avery Hall Chapman University - Swimming Julian Hammond III University of Colorado, Boulder - Basketball Gunnar Helm University of Texas - Football Zachary Herrick Webster University - Baseball Thomas Hicks Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Golf Cristina Inboden Chapman University - Soccer Dakota Johnson University of Denver - Lacrosse Miranda Kawula Lafayette College - Tennis
ART BY MADISON SECKMAN
Kayce Kline University of Tampa - Lacrosse KaCee Kyle University Texas Rio Grande Valley - Basketball Bradley Lang Chapman University - Baseball Camille Marsh Babson College - Field Hockey Trevor Mason Cuesta College - Baseball Vincent Merlo Wake Technical Community College - Baseball Bryce Ortanes University of Notre Dame - Swimming Petra Peitz-Diaz Amherst College - Swimming Ella Pratt University of New Hampshire - Field Hockey Chase Penry University of Colorado, Boulder - Basketball Domingo Prince Colorado State University Pueblo - Football Myles Purchase Iowa State University - Football Sam Schouten Newman University - Golf Nikolas Silolahti University of Utah - Swimming Jenna Smith Auburn University - Swimming Emery Stamper University of Massachusetts Amherst - Track & Field Sophie Varela Western Colorado University - Track & Field Michael Vena Solano Community College - Baseball James Walker Colorado State University Pueblo - Football Courtney Wisneski Montana State University - Football Parker Wolfe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Cross Country, Track & Field Abby Wrede Hawaii Pacific University - Basketball Cameron Yuran Metropolitan State University of Denver - Baseball
May 2021
Pressure from both sides
PHOTO BY MADISON SECKMAN
The reality of being biracial during the rise of social movements in America BY AILA MONLOUIS Staff Writer
Growing up in a predominantly white school, I easily realized what it meant to be biracial in America. I was different, and there weren’t many who understood the challenges I faced on both sides. Black lives, taken weekly. A new name in the headlines of papers, dead. Stories shared between Asian relatives and friends that they have been harassed because of their descent. Comments made about me because of my background. No rules, no warnings, I was told to deal with it. It’s overwhelming being one of the only people talking about the rise in hate towards both the Black and Asian community. I know I should be talking about these issues because I’m deeply affected by them, but it feels as though I’m the only one that is confronting the matter, and it’s a lot to take on. Summer of 2020, Black Lives Matter protests got a lot of attention due to the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old man who died at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin who exerted an excessive amount of force on Floyd. Floyd was not the first black person killed by law enforcement. Nov. 22, 2014: Tamir Rice; Jul. 6, 2016: Philando Castile; Mar. 13, 2020: Breonna Taylor; May 25, 2020: George Floyd; Apr. 11, 2021: Daunte Wright. Those only a few names of Black Americans who died because of law enforcement “accidents,” and the reality is, they won’t be the last. Many would like to say that these incidents allowed people to realize the harsh reality of being Black in America but they’re wrong. Those people decided that they’d ignore it and allowed for it to grow into more
14 | Opinion
Black people losing their lives. The amount of privilege they had in order to ignore the truth of the life of a black person in America, they chose to turn a blind eye to these issues and moderate, which I feel is dangerous. I would rather know who is not for change rather than someone who sits back and does nothing. I don’t get that ability to do so because I could be next. The fact is that I have to fear every move I make and wonder if it will result in me getting hurt or, even worse, dead.
Though I’m glad light is finally being shed on these social issues, they’ve been happening. It’s nothing new. It’s exhausting waking up to my phone to hear that another Black person has died because of a “mistake” a police officer made, in the force where mistakes are unacceptable. I do not get a break there. I am deeply affected by Anti-Asian assaults that have grown largely in the United States following the rise in COVID-19 cases because of my Japanese descent. It’s great that they’re getting the attention they should because it’s nothing new, but it’s upsetting to know people who play a big role in my life could be another target. In Atlanta, Georgia, 21-year-old Robert Long, who had a “really bad day” on the Mar. 16 2021, shot and killed 8 people, including 6 Asian-American women. I wasn’t expecting a mass shooting to
be one of the first things on my feed. The Asian-American women who lost their lives that day, who I could see as figures in my own life, could have been my mom. It could have been my grandmother, possibly grandfather. It could have been my aunt or uncle. Not to mention, due to the rise in Asian-American hate crimes, there has been a divide in the communities because many are arguing for those to “fight for Asian lives the way you fought for Black lives.” The idea in itself is hypocritical. The two issues should not be compared; instead, we should be standing beside one another. From someone who shares both a black and Asian background, I hear both sides. I live both experiences, and though I’m glad light is finally being shed on these issues, they’ve been happening. It’s nothing new. According to 2021 Pew Research Center surveys, almost half of the survey participants believe that Black Americans face a lot of discrimination, but only 27% believe that Asian-Americans also face a lot of discrimination. 22% believe that asian people face only a little of discrimination while 14% believe black people face some. Reading that less than a third of the respondents believe that Asian Americans face discrimination was insane to me. Microaggressions made in their everyday lives come unnoticed and discrimination against Asian-Americans is normalized. The idea of people realizing the hate they receive is long overdue. Many incidents just come up unreported but they still occurred. No one decides to speak on the issues. I hope people come to realize that it isn’t easy to face the truth but it’s necessary for change. Whether you’re the one being discriminated against or not, this is an issue that everyone should come to terms with.
STAFF EDITORIAL
Coloradans deserve real gun law reform. Columbine High School. Aurora movie theater. Highlands Ranch STEM school. Arapahoe High School. Boulder King Soopers. These are just some of the names that have repeatedly elicited tragedy and heartbreak for people all throughout Colorado and the country. And most recently, Colorado Springs Canterbury Mobile Home Park is another that can be added to that list. With each name, there comes another stab that desensitizes us, and we dismiss our regular fears of mass shootings with a kind of armor to protect ourselves from the horrors we so frequently experience. But it’s time to change that. We can’t let ourselves become overwhelmed and desensitized to these tragic events. Then, we’ll find ourselves lost and confused, and worst of all, unable to change what needs to be changed. And that can only be done with the overdue help from our government. Just ten days before the Kings Soopers shooting, a previous Boulder weapon ban was lifted. A judge ruled that only Colorado state law can prohibit and regulate buying and possessing assault weapons and large-capacity magazines within any county in Colorado. So, the law forced the ban to be lifted and
was followed shortly after by the shooting. Although the lifting of the ban was not a direct cause of the events that unfolded in Boulder, it was certainly a major factor that influenced the availability and access to the AR-15 style weapon that was used at the grocery store to kill ten people. This event was an important reminder of the constant fight for gun control within our communities and against Colorado legislature to ensure counties can make their own laws about gun regulation. This would ensure counties such as Boulder can reinstate bans on semi-automatic weapons that prevent other mass shootings from happening. There is a key difference between semi-automatic weapons and guns with high-capacity magazines. A high-capacity magazine is capable of holding up to 10 to 15 rounds while a semi-automatic weapon fires each time the trigger is pulled. The Colorado ban that was lifted before the Boulder shooting only banned assault and high-capacity magazine weapons. This raises another issue that should be redefined within Colorado. More than a majority of our staff emphasized that AR15 semi-automatic style weapons should be banned throughout all of Colorado. If we can restrict people’s access to semi-automat-
ic guns, we can establish clear guidelines and regulate one of the leading causes to most mass shootings in Colorado, and even the country. The most recent shooting in Colorado Springs reiterates to many of us just how close, how real, and how possible mass shootings could be. And it emphasized how easy it is to forget that shootings are still capable of impacting us and our communities, even when we only see them existing on headlines that seem as if they’re from other worlds. But in an unsettling reminder, there wasn’t a lot of coverage of the recent shooting. It’s almost as though the killing of six Coloradans in the state’s second mass shooting in two months wasn’t enough to make the headlines. It’s our desensitization to mass shootings and the possibility of normalization they bring that have become our biggest threat, and it’s time we redefine our position of power within our communities by taking action and pushing our legislators to keep us safe and informed. It’s better than waiting for the shooting that only grabs our attention because we were directly impacted by the fallout instead of reading about it from another headline. ART BY MADISON SECKMAN
May 2021
Several teachers say farewell after an unconventional final year Paul Cronin
Years teaching at Creek: 24 years Department: World languages
What was your favorite part about working at Creek? Getting to work with so many great students at a fairly high level academically and wonderful colleagues was really great. I’ll miss my students and my colleagues and their happy faces.
Mike Goodman
Years teaching at Creek: 20 years Department: Business
What was your favorite part about working at Creek? I was the lead sponsor of FBLA for about 7 years. This club helps create interest in business, and it was really nice to see that grow, to see my passion spread to others. It’s always been about the students. Everything else is noise.
David Stallings
Years teaching at Creek: 21 years Department: Fine arts
What was your favorite part about working at Creek? Always the students, always just watching them develop as artists and become expressive human beings. It’s also been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the faculty because I think we have a high caliber faculty.
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Mark Goldsberry
Years teaching at Creek: 30 years Department: Physical education
What was your favorite part about working at Creek? The relationship you develop with kids, whether it’s in the classroom or on the courts or field. Those were great times for getting to know kids on a different level besides just lecturing to them in class.
Lara Long
Years teaching at Creek: 6 years Department: World languages
What was your favorite part about working at Creek? I want to say that working with my colleagues has been incredible. I have never worked with a more professional group of people, and not just professional but nice and supportive and smart, and it’s just been wonderful. They are like my closest friends.
Sara Wynes
Years teaching at Creek: 13 years Department: Fine arts
What was your favorite part about working at Creek? Definitely the community, the families, and their children that come to school here. [Even] the parents and their extended families that I’ve met. It’s a really special place where it’s truly a family that just happens to be extended in a school setting.
PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS BY LILY DEITCH, HANNAH EDELHEIT, RAEGAN KNOBBE, GIOVANNI MACHADO, CARLY PHILPOTT, AND MADISON SECKMAN