6 Parker Chronicle
November 3, 2017N
Bolstered by community, Legend marching band third at state Titans had equipment stolen less than a week before competition BY TABATHA DEANS STEWART TSTEWART@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Despite a tough week leading up to the state marching band competition, the Legend High School Titans rose to the occasion and placed third in the 5A state competition at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs. Less than a week before the competition, thieves broke into sheds behind the Parker school and stole generators, orbs and extension cords necessary for competition. Then cold temperatures forced the cancellation of practices days before the band was set to compete. “The band finished third in the 5A
Legend High marching band members perform for family and friends during a practice. The band placed third in the 5A state competition at Falcon Stadium. PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLIE KEELING state finals,” said band mom Kellie Keeling. “The band has definitely pushed through and done a great job with all the support from the town!” Band members boarded a bus at 5 a.m. Oct. 28 to attend the competition
and were sent off by dozens of community members who rose early to show their support. Competing bands and members of the community reached out to the band after their equipment was stolen, and made sure
they had everything they needed to compete. “We were extremely grateful for how the Legend band parents, Parker community and surrounding area came together to ensure that the students had everything they needed to successfully compete in the state championships,” said Orlando Otis, band director at Legend. Janel Neuenschwander, band parent, said the students gave a stellar performance despite the tough week, cold weather and long hours on the road. “These kids really did their best,” Neuenschwander said. “Their score improved from the semifinals to the finals. It’s been at least five years since the band scored in the top three, but this year they brought home the bronze.” Legend placed third out of eight bands that advanced to the final round of competition. The band’s next stop is the Grand Nationals competition Nov. 10 in Indianapolis.
A new opportunity for students at Lone Tree site Building will be home to three programs, including Eagle Academy
ABOUT EAGLE ACADEMY Eagle Academy is a high school for students seeking an alternative path to earning a high school diploma, according to the Douglas County School District’s website. Classes are from 3:10 p.m. to 9:01 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The school promotes small classes, personalized instruction and a family atmosphere, according to the district’s website. Eagle Academy students must be employed and involved in either a vocational-training program or volunteer regularly.
BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Quinn Hunchar doesn’t like being confined to a classroom. She prefers reading books and watching documentaries. “School is not my thing,” the 18-yearold said. “I felt like I was being shoved in a box.” When she told her parents she wanted to drop out of high school, they weren’t on board. Then she found Eagle Academy, an alternative afternoon and evening school that used to be housed at Highlands Ranch High School. As of late October, the school has its own space at the new Douglas County School District Opportunities Center, 9350 Teddy Lane, Lone Tree. “This place is an opportunity for people who didn’t fit that mold to grow and learn and better themselves,” Hunchar said at an Oct. 24 ribboncutting ceremony. “I think it’s going to open a lot of doors for Eagle Academy.” The 27,5000-square-foot building, south of C-470 and west of I-25, will also house the school district’s Bridge Program, helping developmentally disabled students transition from high school to adult life, and Early Childhood Center, offering developmental assessments for children from birth to 5 years old. First built in 2008, the facility served as a medical office. The school board voted 6-1 to purchase the building earlier this year. Board member Wendy Vogel voted against the move, citing concerns about funding, other capital needs in the district and the impact on nearby residents. More than 200 residents of Heritage Hills, which
To be considered for Eagle Academy, students must be between the ages of 16 and 20 and have attempted at least one year of high school. For more information, visit www.dcsdk12.org/school/eagle-academy/about-us.
Quinn Hunchar, an 18-year-old student of Eagle Academy, speaks at the grand opening of Douglas County Opportunities Center Oct. 24. “This place is an opportunity for people who didn’t fit that mold to grow and learn and better themselves,” Hunchar said. PHOTOS BY ALEX DEWIND backs up to the building, were against the purchase due to traffic and noise concerns. The district and a team of architects, engineers and a contractor began a $2.3 renovation to the building in January 2017. Staff of the building’s three groups, as well as district leaders and city officials spoke at the ribbon cutting, calling it a success for the school district and the community. “It’s a wonderful achievement,” said state Rep. Kim Ransom, whose District 44 includes Lone Tree. “I’m very proud of what they have all accomplished.” The building combines the needs of three different user groups, according to the school district. Early Childhood Center will have a four-person Child Find team — it will be the fourth location in the county, with others in existing schools in Lone
Leaders of Douglas County School District and the city of Lone Tree celebrate the grand opening of Douglas County Opportunities Center, 9350 Teddy Lane, in Lone Tree. Tree, Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch — that provides free screenings and evaluations to Douglas County families to determine eligibility for services. Interim Superintendent Erin Kane
said she utilized Child Find when her children were young. “It made all the difference in the world,” Kane said at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The Bridge Program offers living skills and pre-employment training to about 95 developmentally disabled adults. Baylee Ginther is in her second year in the program. The 19-year-old from Highlands Ranch went through Child Find and then attended Eldorado Elementary School, Ranch View Middle School and ThunderRidge High School. Ginther’s mom, Julie, was nervous about the opportunities offered to Ginther after high school, she said. Thanks to Bridge, Ginther will spend the next three years learning, cooking — one of her favorite activities — and helping out at businesses in the community. “It does my heart good to see the district values our students and the program,” Julie Ginther said. Eagle Academy, which currently has 125 students, will be able to accommodate 150 students at the new building. “Now,” said school board director Anne-Marie Lemieux, “you guys have a space to continue to flourish.”