February 18, 2016 VO LUM E 29 | IS S U E 1 3 | FREE
BETWEEN THE LINES Coloring books aren’t just for children anymore. Find out more on PAGE 12.
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A publication of
STATE SENATE RACE
SWIM IT TO WIN IT
School board’s chief eyes Capitol Silverthorn among four candidates vying to replace term-limited Scheffel By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Athletes from Class 4A state swimming and diving champion Valor Christian take the traditional group plunge to celebrate their title on Feb. 13 at the Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center in Thornton. Find more coverage on Page 18. Photo by Paul DiSalvo
Event puts focus on mental illness in teens About 40 parents and staff listen to ‘Healing Our Youth’ presentation By Alex DeWind adewind@colorado communitymedia.com
Mental health service providers host booths in the lobby of Mountain Vista High School for a “Healing Our Youth” event on Feb. 11. “There’s so much pressure,” said Dana Chorpenning, back left, a licensed therapist at Eating Disorder Center of Denver. “Genetics load the gun and society pulls the trigger.” Photos by Alex DeWind
Edward Mastronardi, 18, had difficulty processing and managing his emotions at a young age. He’d act out rather than communicate. “By the end of eighth grade,” he said, “I was depressed and angry.” He had two failed suicide attempts and started doing drugs to ease his social anxiety, he said. At 17, he moved out of his mother’s house. He “couldn’t participate in society.” Mastronardi, who conquered his addiction and is now the office manager of At Peace Therapy in Centennial, shared his journey with mental illness at a “Healing Our Youth” presentation at
SIGNS THAT HELP IS NEEDED
Douglas County School Board President Meghann Silverthorn is one of four Republican candidates for the state Senate seat in District 4. She will be vying with Benjamin Lyng, Jim Smallwood and Jess Loban for the Senate seat that has been occupied by Mark Scheffel, R-Parker, for the past eight years. Scheffel is leaving because of term limits. The district includes Castle Rock, Parker, Franktown, Larkspur and Castle Pines. No Democrats or third-party candidates have filed paperwork to run for the seat. Here is a brief look at the four candidates: • Loban, of Castle Rock, is a veteran of the Air Force and a small-business owner. He has patents in the logistics and engineering fields. “The reason that I’m running for (state Senate) is for my children and for the fact that I have watched Colorado slip so far to the left over my lifetime here,” Loban said. “I want to ensure that my children have the security and the values that I was afforded growing up here. Douglas County must produce a Race continues on Page 7
• Self-harm • Anger in young children • Harmful behaviors to others or animals • Social isolation • Drug or alcohol use • Preoccupation with death or suicide Source: Jocelyn Hilling, counselor of At Peace Therapy Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch on Feb. 10. About 40 parents and staff members gathered in the auditorium to learn about mental illness in young people. He was accompanied by four other speakers with backgrounds as mental health advocates and counselors. The event was planned Seminar continues on Page 8
FUTURE INVESTORS Virtual stock market puts high-schoolers in the trading game. PAGE 4
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