Union Street Journal - March 2018 by The Union Street Journal

Cherry Creek High School 9300 E. Union Ave. Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Journal The Union St.

A closer look at Cherry Creekâ€™s vaping culture On pages 11-13

March 2018

Vol. 3 Issue 3

IN THIS ISSUE.... NEWS Threat.....................................................3 Door Security........................................3 Graduation Gowns...............................4 Endeavor................................................5 Blood Drive...........................................6

STUDENT LIFE Transfer Students..................................7 International Students......................8-9 Pit Orchestra.......................................10 Bye Bye Birdie......................................10

FEATURES Nicotine and Teens........................11-13

Editor-In-Chief Cameron Barnard

SPORTS Swim and Dive....................................17 Hockey.................................................17 Coach Dertinger.................................18 Sebastian Cole....................................19

OPINIONS Tide Pods............................................20 Unified Basketball..............................21 Misrepresenting Asians.....................22 Staff Editorial......................................23

Photo Editor Ana George

News Editor Gracie Lordi

Graphics Editor Ben Sampson

Student Life Editor Valerie Lombogia

Advisor Yoni Fine

A&E Editor Eliza King Opinions Editor Jacob Ginsberg-Margo Sports Editor Brison Owens Layout Editor Emilee Shoff-Olson

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Doki Doki Club...................................14 Devilman Crybaby..............................15 Culture II.............................................15 Dead Cells...........................................16

USJ STAFF

Staff Writers William Anderson Addy Dodd Daâ€™Nazjah Dorsey Camden Lashlee Skyler Matteson Ashley Miller Oliver Molberg Giovanni Machado Michael Ragnow Nikita Sluchak Christopher Tekavec Susan Zeng

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 and a two-way communication forum for both the school and community. Opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of Cherry Creek High School or the Cherry Creek School District. Letters to the editor Letters to the editor are accepted and can be submitted via email to new.creek.usj@gmail.com Letters cannot be anonymous and they may be edited for clarity.

Find more stories at unionstreetjournal.com

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March 2018

NEWS

Threat made against Creek Interviews conducted by Addy Dodd, Mike Ragnow, and Oliver Molberg

On the evening of Thursday, Feb. 22, Principal Ryan Silva left a voicemail with Creek parents. In it, he told parents there was a threat made against the school. The threat had been written on a wall of one of the boys' bathrooms. Over 1800 students missed at least one class on Friday, according to the Registrar's office. We spoke with some of the those who were present.

"I knew that the school had the situation under control. I wasn’t really scared to come to school." - Sophomore Sean Arfin "Even though you think the school is a safe place, there really is no safe place." - Junior Dany Joung " I didn’t think anything was going to happen. Last year there were a lot of threats that didn’t happen." - Freshman Daniel Gonzalez

Door security now increased BY: OLIVER MOLBERG Staff Writer

As concerns over school safety increase, more doors will be locked and monitored. While many understand the reasons, some students and teachers may have to adjust in order to get around the school in a timely manner. “We just have to be a little bit more careful and monitor those doors,” Security Specialist and football coach Timothy Wright said. “I can see how it could be a security issue, I just don't think it is one,” sophomore Joey Link said, “with the amount of security, plus teachers and the response times that we have," Link said. In the midst of these safety precautions, the hallways and paths have been getting more crowded and more difficult to traverse. “They are usually pretty crowded and you run into people in corners a lot,” sophomore Clarrisse Bosman said. When doors are locked, it can be challenging for students to get into the buildings, especially those with special needs. “Being in a wheelchair, after parking my car in the snow, I’m not about to walk all the way around the block,” senior Paul Stoiber said. Others, like freshman Dylan Michaelson, don't seem to mind.

March 2018

"Every step of the way [the crisis team has] been meeting and coming together to share what we’re finding. We’re all getting together talking about it, trying to make sure we’re covering all our bases. Our school is not the only school that’s had something like this happen this week. [We need to work hard] to make sure that not only people feel like they’re a valued part of the school, but also that they can talk with each other and talk with adults. They can talk to other students." - Krista Keogh, Activities Director

“I haven’t encountered that problem a lot. I can see why they would lock doors in the morning," he said. The decisions are based on safety concerns regarding school shootings. “It is difficult to get kids to cooperate and understand that we are there so they can go about their day and feel safe," Wright said. PHOTO BY ELIZA KING CLOSED DOORS: This sign is posted on various doors Some people have tried to get outside IC, Fine Arts, and West. around it by propinto the school. It’s just kind of our reality ping the door open. now. I think we have to just keep moving “Of course I have [seen doors propped forward with measures like that.” open]. I’ve propped open the door myself,” Security staff is currently working to Link said. keep the doors from being left open. Others find that the new locked doors “We monitor that - that has become are a necessary reaction to recent events. one of our priorities,” Wright said. “We are “A couple of years ago it probably would checking who is doing that and bringing have been a different answer," school them in and letting them know that they psychologist Lisa Geissler said. "But unshouldn’t do that.” fortunately I think we have to look more Da'Nazjah Dorsey and Camden Lashlee and more at making it hard to just walk contributed reporting for this story.

NEWS

2018 senior class traditions change BY: CAMERON BARNARD Editor-In-Chief The 2018 senior class will see two major changes to the standard traditions: “Frat Day” is gone, and at graduation all students will wear the same color gown. In the past, men wore blue robes and women wore white during the graduation ceremony. The new gowns are blue with an embroidered Creek crest on a white collar. Both genders will wear the same robe come graduation. Complaints from both students and parents had been made about the two-color system. “The whole push is to make sure that we respect students’ identities, the space they occupy and things like that,” Spectrum Co-Sponsor Peter Hornbien said. Previously, non-binary students had been forced to choose a gender, and sometimes parents disagreed with what color gown their child wore. With complaints mounting and a changing social landscape, the administration had been looking for alternatives to the old system. “It’s something that’s been on my mind for the past few years, but we finally had something doable, it was great, it was beautiful,” Activities Director Krista Keogh said. The new, custom gowns will come at no extra cost to the families of seniors; the school plans to absorb the increase in price from what parents paid at the beginning of the year. Not all students agreed with the changes, spurring senior Sam Cole to create a petition against the changes. It collected major traction overnight and by the morning had 387 signatures. “This [petition] was more of the catalyst to it than the actual issue,” Cole said. “We just wanted to get more of a voice with Student Senate and the administration. We felt decisions were being made without actually representing the student body.” While the administration kept the changes, meetings were made with Cole in

order to increase communication between the students and administration. “I know that at the end of the day the decision that we are making is what is best for kids, all kids, and I know it will look really cool,” Keogh said. The administration had planned to unveil the gowns around Spring break, but word got out during testing of a prototype robe. The gown has been on display outside activities since early February. The exclusion of fraternity dress up day comes in the wake of increased instances of rape and death in college fraternities around the nation. “The fraternity scene is not in a good place for a number of reasons, whether it be around sexual assault, drug abuse, hazing, around any of it,” Keogh said. “I was in a sorority. I passionately believe that I got most of my leadership skills from that experience. That being said, I don’t like that that’s what the connotation is of Frat Day.” Creek administrators believed the day didn’t represent the school. Many students, though, looked forward to the day, PHOTO BY CAMERON BARNARD generally regarding it as the SNEAK PEAK: The new custom graduation gown most fun day. Kids usually is on display outside of the Activities office. wore the typical khakis and polo while playing root beer bcause you assume bad things about the pong in the quad. fraternities,” Cole said. “A lot of the teachers here were in frats, Currently Student Senate is in talks to a lot of the students want to be in frats, decide what theme will replace “Frat Day” and I think it’s unfair to take it away from during the seniors’ dress-up week. them without giving them a voice just

March 2018

NEWS

Endeavor: a community, not a punishment BY: VALERIE LOMBOGIA Student Life Editor

Endeavor Academy is not unfamiliar to students at Creek, but few truly know how the school works and how it aids students. Endeavor Academy is an alternative high school that helps students who had difficulty in a traditional high school setting. Most students attending the school meet certain criteria of being “at risk.” These criteria include being a migrant, having a documented history of substance abuse in your family, being a parent, having an individual educational plan, and several others. Many students at Creek are under the impression that Endeavor Academy is simply a school where problematic students are sent. The belief that the school is a place students are sent to as a punishment is inaccurate. According to Endeavor’s Assistant to the Principal Lara Kibbee, it’s a label that continues to burden the school. “That’s a big misunderstanding and something that challenges us pretty regularly,” Kibbee said via phone call. “The reality is that we have a pretty significant wait list of kids trying to get in here.” In order to get into Endeavor Academy, there is an application and interview process that must be completed before students are put into the wait pool. It’s important to the school that their accepted applicants are truly interested in attending, and their interest level can be easily recognized through the interviews. “If a student isn’t very convincing about their desire to be here, we quit that interview pretty quickly,” Kibbee said. “In most instances, we’ll stop right in the middle.” Kibbee also explained that their students always cherish their time at Endeavor, even if they were reluctant to come at first. “Once they get here, they know that it’s such a good place for them, and they do so well,” she said. “They really like the feeling of achieving and being proud of themselves that they don’t want to leave.” The use of non-traditional instruction

March 2018

is central to Endeavor Academy’s system tional high school experience is school of education. Classes are usually made of dances such as prom or homecoming, and twelve to fifteen students with few going for those events, Endeavor students join over twenty. A limited amount of testing their home schools, meaning the traditionis done at the school, instead, students al high school they would have originally participate in more hands-on projects. attended. The same goes for sports outside “We do a lot of projects and a lot of of basketball and volleyball; students can things where kids can demonstrate their join the teams of their home school. learning,” Kibbee said. “It’s very important “We had a student last year that played to us that kids can demonstrate that they baseball with Creek and attended here,” have acquired the content material.” Kibbee said. The students at Endeavor receive earned One of the biggest differences of Enprivileges that make school more convedeavor Academy from other schools in the nient to their conceivably complicated district is its environment. With a student lives. population of only 285 and small classes, These include taking a leave of absence the school was able to develop a closewhen necessary, taking independent PE, knit and accepting community among its and having a schedule built according to students. their work schedule. “They all have their own reasons for A fundamental part of an Endeavor stu- being here. They all come with their own dent’s schedule is Advisory class. It meets baggage and issues, and everybody’s every day and is more of a support class pretty accepting of that,” Kibbee explained than anything else. warmly. “We don’t see a lot of cliques. We “It’s like your support group,” Kibbee don’t see a lot of kids hanging out with just said. “It gives kids an opportunity to a particular group. Everybody’s all in it connect with each other and an adult and together.” just check in and let them know that we appreciate them being here.” Endeavor Academy also retains certain parts of traditional high school within their system such as lectures, note-taking, and tests. The school also has its own volleyball and basketball teams which compete against other alternative schools PHOTO BY VALERIE LOMBOGIA in an alternative ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL: Endeavor Academy helps at-risk athletic league. students by giving a different kind of high school What is missing experience. from the tradi-

NEWS

Not our type? Creek struggles to donate blood BY: MIKE RAGNOW Staff Writer Cherry Creek High School hosts five blood drives a year, but for a school with 3600 students, Creek is underrepresented in Colorado’s high school drives statewide. The eligibility requirements to register to donate are simple. You have to be 16 years old with a parent consent form, and fill out a simple questionnaire about your personal health at the time of your donation. “We try to get 54 slots filled, we get about forty each drive, roughly two hundred a year,” math teacher Karl Mimmack said. Mimmack is the liaison between Cherry Creek High School and Bonfils Blood Center and has been in charge of the blood drives for a few years. According to an anonymous source from Bonfils, Creek ranks fifth in the Cherry Creek School District and seventeenth in the state of Colorado. Despite Creek being the largest High School in the state of Colorado, its blood drive numbers are negligible compared to smaller schools based on units of blood given in the last blood drive. Last January, Bonfils received forty units of blood from Creek, which includes donations not only from students but from family members and faculty as well. Creek is tied with Bishop Machebeuf Catholic High School in Denver, which homes 380 students total. Mimmack believes outreach is the reason so few students donate blood. “The posters look too professional,” he said. Blood donation is hurt by the perception that the drives are “not for students.” Personal discomfort plays into the low drive numbers as well. “The misconception is that [the needle used when giving blood] hurts,” Mimmack said. Several students, however, disagree. Senior Rob Chambers said he “never really got around to it.” Sophomore Cameron Sieglinger wants

INFOGRAPHIC BY BEN SAMPSON

to avoid the hassle of filling out the paperwork. “It’s just a little harder being sixteen, cause if I was eighteen, I would definitely donate blood, but I don’t want to necessarily go through the process of getting things signed and having to do all that just to donate blood,” Sleglinger said. But those who do donate often find it rewarding. “There’s something about it that makes me feel really good,” said Ana Englesman, a senior who donates blood. “There’s just something about donating blood that makes you feel really good about yourself and the fact that you’re helping somebody else who needs it more than you do.” ART BY SUSAN ZENG

March 2018

STUDENT LIFE

What it’s like to transfer to Creek BY: ANA GEORGE Staff Writer

High school is hard enough as it is without moving to a different one after freshman year. And transferring into Cherry Creek High School is a unique challenge. Saeda Marie Bazarian-Chestine, a senior from Springhill, Florida, is shocked at the student population of this school. “My old school was about the size of the entire freshman class here.” The physical size is what surprised Deielle Puzio, a sophomore from Georgia. She came from a school that has a student population that is nearly the same as Creek, but the campus was significantly smaller. “My first few days [I got lost],” Puzio said. Most of the students interviewed for this story said that their first impression of Creek was “big.” The average public high school size is rarely over 1,200 students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, making Creek three times the national average. Add to that four buildings on 80 acres, the enormities add

up very quickly. English teacher and mentor Mhari Doyle is sympathetic because this campus is large and can be difficult to navigate. “This is a giant campus, and it’s really hard to navigate if you don’t know where you’re going,” Doyle said. There is a two week intensive for the purpose of teaching transfer students after which they are assigned a mentor teacher. Creek is not just different is size but also in its high academic standards. “It’s just a very different environment academically,” Doyle said. Students who have attended Creek since their freshman year already know the expectations. “Kids who have gone all the way through the system have kind of been used to how we [teachers] want stuff shown or even just the level that the material is taught at,” science teacher Taylor Dufford said. Junior Erik Coleman-Garrett from Overland High school had a difficult time academically despite coming from a school within the same district. “I struggled a lot with keeping up with the school work, and learning past material that I haven’t learned previously,” Coleman-Garrett said. Another issue is that course sequences and curricula do not match up with what the students were taking before. “I’m taking a math course that I have already taken,” Puzio said. It can also be difficult to make friends when you have to take classes that have students in grade-levels besides your own. “Sometimes when you come in, you can’t be in the same class with your peers, which can be tough to make friends,” Doyle said. “That social piece is also something I think is really difficult for kids because it’s tough to find people

PHOTO BY ANA GEORGE

CULTURE SHOCK: Sophomore Deielle Puzio transferred from Georgia. who are in your own group.” Coleman-Garrett struggles with this because a majority of his classes are filled with seniors. “Having classes with a lot of people not in my grade has been hard,” he said. Junior Marco Abril has had a difficult time adjusting to teaching styles after moving from Prairie View High School in Henderson, Colorado. There is an area in the counseling office called the Peer Pad where Peer Ambassadors hang out and offer help to any of the new students, but it doesn’t help all transfer students. “I know they have the Peer Ambassadors thing but I feel like its a lot harder to go to that stuff because you don’t know those people,” Adril said. “So it’s just as hard as making friends in your everyday class,” Adril said. Dufford understands that making new friends can still be difficult. “Even with everything we have in place, it takes a little bit of courage and a little bit of determination to go and meet new people here,” Dufford said. Both teachers and students recommend that the best help to transitioning to Creek is to get involved and communicate. “My advice for any new student,” Doyle said. “Regardless of their age and where they are coming from, is ask for help.”

INFOGRAPHIC BY BEN SAMPSON

March 2018

STUDENT LIFE

Creek embraces international students BY: GIOVANNI MACHADO Staff Writer

Senior Julio Torres came here from El Salvador one year ago. It was a huge transition for him, full of obstacles and difficulties on the beginning of his new journey. “It was bad because I didn’t understand anything,” he said. “I felt weird, and it is really cold here. I wasn’t used to it.” During his first months, he needed a lot of special attention because of the language issue. “I needed a teacher who spoke both languages,” Said Torres, whose first language is Spanish. “The school definitely did help most of the time.” Creek tries to help students like Torres and other hundreds of students that, for different reasons, decide to move here. Torres is hopeful that Creek will help him secure a good future for himself. “I want to [graduate] and go to a university, and I want to be an Electrical Mechanic,” he said. Torres also has social goals for the rest of his time here. “I’d like to make more friends, because [now] most of my friends are Latinos,” he said. Andrea Aldridge is one of the teachers who helps students like Torres and about 100 other students who just came to our country and are still struggling with English language skills. She helps Creek follow the laws regarding how the school helps new students who come from another country. The first step is testing that student’s English language skills to see if they qualify for extra support. “If their English ability is high enough that they don’t need the specialized English classes, then they get welcomed and enrolled just like any other student,” Aldridge said. “However, if they do test as needing English language service, then they get put in special classes in order to improve their English ability.” “In order to leave the special class, the students have to pass an access test or have grades to show that they mastered the

PHOTO BY GIOVANNI MACHADO

INTERNATIONAL CLASSROOM: Andrea Aldridge teaches a class of freshmen English language learners. language,” Aldridge said. However, even though Aldridge has lived here in the U.S. her whole life, she questions what is to be a fluent English speaker. “Even though I’ve been speaking English my whole life, there are things that I don’t know. When I’m fixing my car, I don’t know any of the words of that, so I always say, ‘Am I fluent in English?’ I don’t know,” she joked. Even though Aldridge has been working with international students for a very long time, sometimes there are still struggles with students who are having a really arduous time learning the language. “We try to help them to learn the language as fast as we can through a lot of pictures, emotions, hand motions, drawings, pictures, and lines to connect things and similarities,” she said. “So we do the non-verbal things to help them to learn the language, a lot of repetition, and clear speaking pronunciation.” But if none of those tactics works, they try to find in the school someone who

speaks their language to help them. “It’s the easiest way on these occasions,” she said. Even with all these problems and struggles about having a class of international students, Aldridge loves the fact of working with students who come from other countries. “I love working with international students, and I love learning about other countries because that is one of the greatest things about working with kids who come from around the world.” Aldridge said, smiling. “They always teach me new things, too.” Seniors Yvonne Liu, Caroline Emeric and Ana Monrou, the presidents of the International Exchange Club, have a place besides the special classes offered by Creek where new students from other countries can feel comfortable and have a place to make some new friends at this difficult moment. “Our club is really relaxed, and last year, we started to do PowerPoint presentations about the countries [students] are from,”

March 2018

STUDENT LIFE Emeric said. “I was born in the US, but know our club, so we want to be exposed the same as Sweden because of what I saw my dad is French, so I lived in France for more. If someone is interested in joining it in my research before I came here. But a couple of years, and I go there every we are totally open to that,” Liu said. when I came it was so different. The school summer,” she said. “We have some kids that are 100% system is different, the way of receiving Liu decided to be one of the presidents American, and it’s really nice because you people in your house is different and a lot after seeing a decline in the participation get to learn a lot about cultures,” Monrou small things are different, too.” of the members of the club. said. Noren was invited to the International “When I joined as a freshman, we had a “And a big misconception about this Exchange Club just after she started comlot of people in this club, and people did a club is that this club just accepts kids from ing to Creek. lot more, but after that, I felt there wasn’t other countries or who have exchanged, “I got an email on my first week at this much enthusiastic leadership, so I decided and that is not true. We accept anyone who school because I was a exchange student, to take this president spot,” Liu said. wants to join it,” Emeric said. so they told me that there was a club esEven though they have already been in Seniors Klara Noren and Sofia Gratton pecially for me,” Noren said. “Then, I met our country for a long time, Liu and Monare members of the International Exchange Sofia, and we became friends because she rou, the vice president, had a really hard Club. They are friends and they both share has also been to Sweden,” she said transition between their home country and cultural experience in Sweden. Gratton went on a foreign exchange to the United States. Noren was born and raised in Sweden Sweden for a year when she was sixteen “I had a really heavy accent when I and has been here in our country for only years old. moved here from Mexico, and most of first six months. She found Sweden to be a great expegraders aren’t used to accents, so they used “I came here because I wanted to have rience and also very different than the to ignore me for a very long time,” she new experiences,” she said United States. said. “It was really hard at first, but then I Even though Klara has only been here “I really wanted a new culture experimet this girl, she was really nice and she for a short time,the language is not a prob- ence, and even though it’s very similar to became my best friend, so after that things lem to her. the US, I found it different in a lot of ways,” just started to get easier,” Monrou said. “I have learned English in Sweden since she said. “I went to a normal Swedish high Liu also remembers with details how it the second grade, so when I came here, it school, and it’s more like a college schedwas like, when she moved from Taiwan to just came out kind of natural.” ule, so sometimes we had one hour classes the United States. Noren had some expectations about US on Monday, and three hours on Tuesday,” “When I first moved from Taiwan to and also had a lot of surprises and things she said. the US in fourth grade, it was pretty hard she discovered when she came here. Gratton really likes the club and the because I had no English experience at all,” “Everything was so weird, it was so activities they usually do there. Liu said. different than I expected. In Sweden, I “I like the club a lot. We do a lot of “All my other classmates were really thought that here would be pretty much activities to get to know each other and picky about my accent, other countries,” she said. but I think my teachers “Sometimes, we do a small helped me a lot because presentation about a certain I took classes for English country. It is really nice to as my second language,” know what other people have she said. to share about other counThe club today has tries and other cultures.” about 15 members, Gratton sees the Creek and Liu invites all kids and the club as a great place who want to learn more to learn new things about about cultures and also other countries, and highly kids who went through recommends that students the same experience to try exchanging to another as them or are going country. through it right now, to “I really recommend the join the International club, and I also recommend Exchange Club. students of Creek to ex“We are open to acchange to another country PHOTO BY GIOVANNI MACHADO at least once in their life, cept kids at every point, and there are a lot of CLUB LEADERS: Seniors Caroline Emeric, Ana Monrou, and Yvonne because it is a really great international students experience that you won’t Liu are the presidents of International Exchange Club. in our school that don’t regret.”

March 2018

STUDENT LIFE

What it’s like to be in Pit Orchestra BY: CHRIS TEKAVEC Staff Writer

Few people even realize the orchestra is there. They just assume that it’s music is playing over the speakers. For conductor and teacher Tim Libby, if people don’t notice the pit, that’s one sign of success. “The better the pit orchestra sounds, the more people think its a recording,” he said. The pit orchestra is a very exclusive and selective group, as they only perform once a year. Their goal is to perfectly perform the music each night for this year’s musical, Bye Bye Birdie. “Who gets into pit orchestra depends on what instruments that particular musical needs. Everyone is different,” Libby said.“It is hard to get in. It’s very selective.” “I wasn’t actually planning on doing it, and then Mr. Libby said they needed a bass player,” Senior Paul Nicknish said. Filling the few slots available, 28 for this year, is often made difficult by the large number of applicants. “There’s a lot of people that want to do it because it’s a unique experience,” Nicknish said. While some Broadway musicals have their orchestras playing in separate off site

locations, Libby is committed to keeping the orchestra in the room. “There’s something about having the interaction and the energy with the musicians there in the room than off site,” he said. To perfect the music, students must practice on their own time and with the orchestra as a PHOTO BY VALERIE LOMBOGIA group before eventually adding the cast. JOINT REHEARSAL: The cast of Bye Bye Birdie practiced with the pit orchestra for the first time on Feb. 14. “The big thing is getting the big play anything. Since they are at the front picture down so when we get together with of the theater, they must be quiet, so they the cast it runs smoothly,” Nicknish said. don’t disrupt the performance. During Many of the members of the pit orchesthese scenes, they are usually engaged and tra also play in other bands and orchestras, quiet, according to Libby. but they say there is extra stress for playing “There are some shenanigans that might in the pit. happen down there, but for the most part “For the pit, it’s just more pressure bethat’s when we get to watch the shows,” he cause everyone can hear,” Junior Anthony said. Singer said. The spring musical, Bye Bye Birdie, The pit has a few scenes where they don’t opens Feb. 28 and shows through March 3.

In the words of an actor...

Sydney Eck plays Mae Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie Interview by Camden Lashlee “Bye Bye Birdie is a classic show. It was inspired by Elvis and his draft into the army. Also, it has a lot of fast-paced, witty humor that is really engaging. In addition to all that, the cast and crew are phenomenal. Our set blows my mind, the costumes are stunning, and the choreography is challenging but amazing.” “It’s a ton of work and totally kicks my butt, but it’s worth it to see the final product. During show week you don’t have any time for homework, and you miss school.”

Bye Bye Birdie opens on Feb. 28 and shows through March 3 Nightly at 7 pm and a 2 pm matinee on March 3 $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $20 for VIP PHOTO BY ADDY DODD

March 2018

nicoteens.

A closer look into Creek’s vaping culture

BY: GRACIE LORDI News Editor

“Are you afraid of the health ramifications?” “It’s healthier than cigarettes.” “I mean, do you believe it’s good for you?” “No, it’s like, I know nothing is supposed to go into your lungs besides oxygen, but nothing is proven yet, so it’s like,

ART BY SUSAN ZENG

March 2018

might as well live it up.” 11

NEWS

*Names changed to protect anonymity

Sophomore Andrew Jones* is like a lot of the other JUUL smokers at Creek. Taking risks without worrying about the consequences. In 2017, over 1 million JUUL units were sold, generating over $224 million in sales. Last year Creek only had 11 tobacco suspensions but as of Feb. 20, the rate has more than tripled to 37 tobacco suspensions, according to Kevin Uhlig’s Administrative office. Students continue to take advantage of the simplicity of purchasing “pick-me-up” drugs such as nicotine at the risk of their health and at the risk of suspension. The legal age of purchasing cigarettes and e-cig products is 18 years old. Although not many students at Creek are 18, having an older sibling or friends makes buying nicotine products simple. Even a parent could supply a student’s nicotine needs. “My mom bought me my JUUL and buys my carts,” Sophomore Mia Brown* said. “It’s not that crazy, she is just glad that I found a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes.” Many students who are suspended for juuling or vaping are suspended on the grounds of tobacco prohibition. This can be confusing because many electronic cigarettes and JUULs do not contain tobacco. The Colorado Revised Statute makes this clear stating, “A prohibition of the use of all tobacco products, the definition of which includes electronic cigarettes and similar devices, on the grounds of secondary education facilities.” In other words, there’s an umbrella above prohibited products when they say tobacco, and not all the products have to contain tobacco. The phrase “on the grounds” in that law means something different than what many students may think. The zoning extends 1,000 feet around school property, which for Creek reaches to about the Tokyo Joe’s on Yosemite and Belleview.

“

This is a problem for students who think smoking at King Soopers or Subway keeps them safe from violating the law when it’s just as illegal as if they were doing it at school. “The state of Colorado says that, not only do you have to be 18 to use tobacco, but more importantly, you cannot be within 1,000 feet of a school when you use tobacco,” Uhlig said. Compared to the other disciplinary issues Creek struggles with, tobacco cases are consistent and frequent. “Nicotine, is pretty cut and dry. There’s a policy around it that if you’re in possession, we notify the police,” Uhlig said.

“I don’t do it cause it’s dumb. Like, you need that to feel or think you’re cool? That’s sad,” Jaime said. Brown believes the buzz or psychological effects of juuling are the fuel of why people do it. “People want to escape,” Brown said. “Just like alcohol and other drugs the high is what they want.” Jones agrees. He doesn’t do it for any trends or to be liked, but for the feeling. “I don’t do it for anyone else but me,” Jones said. “I just feel like happy and hyper and dazed all at once. Sometimes I do it when I’m doing work and it sharpens everything.” According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), nicotine is a unique drug as it is both a sedative and a stimulant. When someone uses nicotine, dopamine is released causing both pleasure and motivation. True to Jones’ comment about an increase in focus. As well as dopamine, nicotine use causes a rush of adrenaline. This factor is important to understand when analyzing the psychological effects of nicotine, because students not only experience the adrenaline from the drug, but the adrenaline of doing something illegal. While rumors circulated among students regarding tobacco detectors such as FreshAir and TobacAlert, administration debunks the gossip. “We have nothing like that,” Uhlig said. Administration is looking towards less punitive measures and a more preventative stance on the tobacco issue. “We’ve talked with Greenwood Village police officers about other kinds of diversion programs,” he said. “Currently we don’t have anything like that in place.” As suspensions and nicotine sales continue to increase at an exponential rate, administration and law enforcement are looking at how to reduce these numbers. “The bottom line is that kids need to know that it’s not appropriate. Whether it’s in a vape or a JUUL or cigarette, on school

People want to escape. Just like alcohol and other drugs, the high is what they want.

-Sophomore Mia Brown*

”

Hence the 37 suspensions this year. Non-smokers in the Creek community believe that the main reason juuling and vaping are so popular is because it’s trendy and has somewhat of a bandwagon effect. “Kids that juul, most of them, right now are caught up in a fad and it’s the cool thing to do at this time in their life,” Assistant Athletic Director Mark Goldsberry said. The “trend”, however, apparently isn’t appealing to everyone. To students who don’t juul, there is no incentive to try it, even if their friends are. “It’s a trend and it’s the cool thing to do,” Senior Jacob Bolin said. “I don’t think less of them, I just wouldn’t do it myself, but I would be friends with them.” Junior Dani Jaime agrees.

March 2018

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grounds,” he said. “There’s consequences.” Aside from the psychological and legal consequences of teen vaping, there are the physical repercussions as well. Because vape and JUUL products are relatively fresh on the market, not much information has surfaced on the long-term effects of using the products. However, new studies have been rolling in regarding everything from the dangerous chemicals in vape flavorings and arsenic and lead being found in the vapor released. In many vape flavors, a chemical known as diacetyl is present and causes a incurable disease known as popcorn lung. Found first in butter-flavored popcorn, it’s absolutely safe to eat and drink, but when inhaled can cause irreversible scarring of lung tissue and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. According to a study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, signifi-

March 2018

cant levels of chromium, manganese, nickel “Later down the line they will start to see and lead were found in samples of vape the health ramifications,” Goldsberry said. products. The study explains that this is caused not by the vape juice, but the device itself. Many devices contain a coil used to heat up the juice and turn it into vapor. The study shows that some coils are now releasing toxic metals that are being inhaled into the lungs of a user. As these new studies begin to surface, people are become INCOGNITO: Students are attracted to the JUUL because of more aware of the its sleek and small design, resembling a flash drive. long-term effects.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE GAME THAT SNATCHED THE HEARTS OF ALL ITS PLAYERS: Despite the cute exterior, this new game takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions.

Cute girls and a horror story

VIDEO GAME REVIEW: DOKI DOKI LITERATURE CLUB

BY: ELIZA KING A&E Editor

It’s easy to judge something by its appearance, but to truly understand what makes something unique, one needs to really delve into what’s being presented. At first glance the Team Salvato game, Doki Doki Literature Club, starts off exactly as you expect. Something cute and sweet, as something with Doki, a Japanese word referring to a heart beat, should be. In the game your character is a male student, you’ve got your childhood friend Sayori who convinces you to join the school’s literature club. Here you meet the other characters in the game: Natsuki, the pink haired manga fan, Yuri, the quiet book enthusiast, and Monika, the club president. DDLC has the willingness to challenge conventional ways of telling a story. Unlike the appearances suggest, this Visual Novel is not your typical romance where you screw around in the Literature club. It instead a work that plays with the medium

itself. DDLC is a prime example of a story that gets you to actively think about the structure of games, and what exactly characters are and the purposes they hold. The game provides a roller coaster of emotions with the fascinating development of the characters, leaving a strong impression on the player. While the cute girls and pastel colors present a joyful exterior, the game contains a touching story about depression and mental illness. This becomes very apparent in the character Sayori. Realizing the severity of Sayori’s mental health problems leaves an unsettling feeling. Especially when she writes the poem “Bottles”. Her poem depicts disturbing feelings she has. She describes taking her happy thoughts out of her head, storing them in bottles, and then sharing them with her friends. Over time her friends stop wanting her bottles, and they end up smashed. The game starts outright messing with

you. By the time Sayori tells you that she’s severely depressed, it becomes very clear that she’s teetering on the edge of a breakdown. This ultimately leads to the inevitable tragedy of Sayori taking her life. On top of all of this, the game also implements an array of visual effects to get its more horrific elements across in the form of simulated glitches, text made using nonsense characters, static, and many other elements. This imagery really pushes the dim atmosphere and it is rather effective. Doki Doki Literature Club is a well written dating sim that gradually morphs into an unsettling and interesting horror game. The game has a captivating story with enjoyable characters and a well executed storyline that leads to an impactful finale. This game is one that truly shows appearances can be deceiving. Behind its sweet and innocent façade is a dark story that will shock and surprise anybody who decides to play it.

March 2018

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Old anime, new season BY: SUSAN ZENG Staff Writer Never in an Otaku’s life would they think of watching an anime series on Netflix, not after the live action Death Note. However, the new year brought the community a whole new experience on this popular platform. Upon reading the title, Devilman Crybaby, it sparks the question, what is a devilman and why its crying? Devilman Crybaby is an original series based on the popular manga Devilman and is a reboot from the anime series from 1972. Written by Ichirō Ōkouchi and directed by Masaaki Yuasa, the reboot quickly became the new topic the fandom talks about. The series is set in the modern time, with the main protagonist, Akira Fudo, and his childhood best friend, Ryo Asuka. Akira,

TV REVIEW: DEVILMAN CRYBABY

your typical teenage boy, was in an incident that included Ryo being in danger in the hands of demons. Soon after, Akira’s appearance and attitude changed drastically. Throughout the show, Akira fights the demons that are trying to take over the world while Ryo is later revealed to be not who he really seems. The art style is very unique and different from other animes. The way the animation portrays demons and humans is one of its kind, but it’s something not everyone may enjoy. While different than most animes, Devilman Crybaby captures the attention and hearts of it’s viewers in just ten episodes.

REBOOT: The classic manga looks a bit different now.

Migos continues hot streak

MUSIC REVIEW: Migos: CULTURE II

BY: CAMERON BARNARD Editor-in-Chief Culture II is an album with everything. Few album drops are followed by the amount of buzz Culture II got. Kids in class asked, “have you heard the new Migos album,” and cars blasted “Narcos” out their windows while parking.

AN ALBUM THAT’LL LAST: The new Culture II album is so different, it’ll be an album that really lasts. March 2018

Peppered with star features, the dense 24-track album is the 12th studio album from the rap group Migos. Many of the top hip-hop artists of today are featured on tracks throughout, including 21 Savage, Drake, Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and 2 Chainz. Many of the most recent hit Migos tracks are on the album, namely “Motorsport” which featured verses from Cardi B and Nicki Minaj that stirred controversy when it came out as a single. There’s also “Stir Fry” which most recently was featured throughout NBA promos. “Narcos” is one of the best tracks on the record with its Pablo Escobar referencing bars and Latin American sounding beat. According to an interview with Rolling Stones, they mentioned making the song in the South American jungle while on tour.

“BBO” is notable due to being produced by Kanye West. West’s trademark high-pitched vocal samples are present throughout the tracks beat and makes for a ethereal and otherworldly vibe. Migos decided for a more pop-leaning song with “Gang Gang” which uses a beat akin to Justin Bieber. The song sounds perfect among other current top 40 hits. Both “Made Men” and “Culture National Anthem” have soft and chill leaning beats. “Culture National Anthem” specifically incorporates a jazz piano into the beat, which sounds perfect behind Quavo and Takeoff ’s relaxed bars. Though this record has many great songs and simple but solid songs, there are also a few that remain forgettable. Culture II will most likely stand as one of Migos’ best albums to date with a large cast of hit songs. Most likely come spring, kids will still be listening to songs like “Motorsport” and “Superstars”.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Fast and fluid new game BY: SKYLER MATTESON Staff Writer

VIDEO GAME REVIEW: DEAD CELLS (EARLY ACCESS GAME)

For those of you with 0 time on your time to find one again and survive until hands or have no cares to give about a the next stage. video game review, here’s the short verA golden accomplishment in this sion. Do you like any three of the folgame is the combat. As I’ve said before lowing: rogue-like games, Indie games, its fast and fluid, requiring a mixture of single-player games, the Castlevania precise dodging and striking to successfranchise, or platformers? Then here’s fully weave between enemy attacks and your next buy, and it’s an early access deal any damage at all. It takes a while game with more content than No Man’s to get used to, but before long you’ll Sky for 40 dollars less. be jumping off walls, crashing through In depth, this game is a pixel-graphfloors, and rolling past numerous eneic, rogue-like, hack and slash game mies. with heavy elements taken from other The weapons and abilities are also all popular video games of its genre, such interesting and fun to use. They classify as Dark Souls, Nuclear Throne, and The into 3 different colors, green, red, and Binding of Isaac. purple. As you play you will find scrolls The premise of the game is that of power that can be used to upgrade you’re a knight, fighting through mulone of the 3 different colors for the rest tiple thoroughly developed stages with of your run, across all equipment of that your randomly generated equipment color. Nearly all weapons are viable if in an effort to find and defeat the final used correctly and can be used reliably boss. Sounds bland right? Well to be throughout all stages of the game, but an honest the story is not the game’s strong NEW EARLY ACCESS GAME: While still in issue the game faces currently is that, in suit, but the rest of this game more than its early stages, Dead Cells is proving to be my 35 hrs of playing, large weapons are makes up for the current missing story. nearly always weaker compared to the There are currently around 15 stages great. faster weapons and a shield is practically with 3 bosses, but there are plenty of genrequired to beat the final boss. calm ticking motion, that gets more and erated places to explore within the stages It’s almost as if the developer is forcing more intricate and harmonic as you play and loads of interesting enemies that will the players to play a specific way, but with the stage. The final boss music is perfect keep you coming back. the backlash from the community, I’m sure for the enemy, and the harmonic progresDue to the difficulty of the game, every it’ll be fixed in the future. sion are simple yet intriguing. time you discover a new stage it will Like I said before, the game is anyBut the trademark element of this Indie give you a sense of accomplishment only thing but easy. I’ve only beaten the final game occurs in the area between the stagknown to be in these kinds of difficult boss once and I’ve only ever been to the es. After you find your way to a new stage, games, and it’ll keep you playing just room twice. Even with all this, I’ve always you meet the Collector who will take your to find the next stage and the next new Cells, which you periodically get from kill- managed to eventually beat a stage and enemies. continue on if I have a good build and play ing monsters, in exchange for unlocking For pixelated graphics the biomes look it smart. After you defeat the boss you gain new weapons and abilities. beautiful and interesting. As far as 2-D a Boss Cell, which can be used to further True to this game genre’s fashion, if you video games go and are only improved increase the difficulty of the game. die before you reach a new stage, which upon by the music. Overall, this early access title has a will happen a lot, all your collected Cells Specifically, the musical scores in some plethora of content explore and as its and weapon diagrams will be lost and of the final stages and in the boss fights are you’ll start again at the first stage. release date quickly approaches this game excellently composed for a small developThis seems harsh, but it only adds to the is shocking from such a small developer. er. When you start the stage, The SlumAlthough the game’s story and minor frantic near death gameplay and bursts of bering Sanctuary, the music is modest and adrenaline every time you barely scrape by annoying gameplay mechanics are issues, unassuming, but as soon as you activate both never pull away from the feel of the a stage. a switch special to that stage, the music game, and are being worked on consistentIf you do die, it never seems like a detramps up instantaneously, and you know riment; it’s easy to start again and make up ly by the creators. you’re in for a world of hurt. So if you’re looking for a 20 dollar buy, your lost Cells. The last two stages both have excellent be sure to pick this up before its price goes One con in this area is that weapon diasoundtracks as well. The first starts with a up upon its release. grams drop so infrequently it takes a long

March 2018

SPORTS

Swim and Dive

Creek finished in 8th place in the 5A State Championship with 126 total points. They scored the most points in the 200 Meter Relay. Sophomore Addie Perlmutter competed for Creek in the Dive portion. “Making state was very exciting because I was hurt for half of the season and to come back and make state was a great feeling. I have made state both my freshman and sophomore years. This year was different because I have grown as a diver and was able to be more competitive this year.”

INTERVIEW VIA EMAIL BY ANA GEORGE

PHOTO BY ANA GEORGE

DIVING IN: Sophomore Addie Perlmutter competes at State.

Creek Hockey: more than just one school BY: BRISON OWENS Sports Editor Usually Bruins don’t play well with Wolves, Cougars, Raptors, and Raiders. When it comes to ice hockey they make an exception so they can win. Ice Hockey is the only sport supported by CHSAA (Colorado High School Activities Association) where a team is made up of the entire Cherry Creek School district instead of just teams from the individual schools. So unlike football or baseball, the hockey team has to come together and build team chemistry with teammates that they aren’t necessarily friends with or see very often which can lead to friction or conflicts. When it comes to team chemistry, some players have different views of how high it is or how to build it up. “I wouldn’t say we do a lot of team bonding but guys on the team will hang out for sure,” Senior Henry Raabe said. Ryan Bevan, Senior from Grandview High School, believes that the team bonding happens another way. He doesn’t believe that they gain team chemistry by hanging out together everyday off the ice,

March 2018

but more just gaining it on the ice. “We are together every single day so the bonding happens at the rink,” he said. The team chemistry might come along slowly but they will figure it out as the season goes along for the team. Bevan believes that their team chemistry is further along than some people think. “Our chemistry is for sure there, sometimes we get in arguments that tear us apart but the chemistry is quickly built back up,” Bevan said. While their chemistry might not change much down the stretch, Benjamin Altshuler, Senior from Grandview High School, thinks that momentum could work just as well as chemistry. “We have some big games coming up so I think that some good results could give us momentum in the playoffs,” Altshuler said. Being a Bruin is a sacred thing for Cherry Creek students. It might be hard for students of rival students to call themselves Bruins or for Creek students to call them a Bruin. Altshuler calls himself another animal.

“I think I would still call myself a wolf. Creek represents the district more than the school for me so I play as a part of Cherry Creek not as a Bruin.”

PHOTO BY BRISON OWENS

ICE COLD: Sophomore Lucas Banks goes to CO Prep Academy. 17

SPORTS

Dertinger bringing power back to men’s basketball BY: WILL ANDERSON Staff Writer When Kent Dertinger was named the Head Coach of the Varsity Boys Basketball team last year, it was a huge step for him, as he had never before led a varsity team before. In his first season, Dertinger went 16-9 with the Bruins and earned respect from his players who had played under Mike Brookhart, the previous head coach. Now in his second season, Dertinger has plans for making a deeper run into the playoffs. “This team works so hard for everything, and I feel it is my duty as their coach to give them the opportunity to win this whole thing,” he said. “We have an opportunity with this team to make a run, and I know this team can make it happen.” “Coach D,” as his players call him, has been given a team of stars and playmakers, which made it possible for him to bring playoff success to the Bruins. It has been almost 23 years since Cherry Creek has won State; all the way back in 1995. The Bruins finished rheir season 15-10 overall and 7-7 in their league making the payoffs. “This team is very special,” he said. “The combination of defense and offense gives us such an advantage. We have stellar athletes and they would do anything for the team.” Neighboring teams continue to emerge as perennial powerhouses, making a playoff spot extremely tough to achieve. Rival school Denver East doesn’t believe Creek has what it takes to even go to the playoffs. “I don’t think Cherry Creek has a chance at anything this year,” said Isobella Boyd, a Junior and cheerleader at East. “They simply don’t have the playmakers and ability to win the tough games against real contenders.” But what separates the good coaches from the great coaches is their ability to change as the season progresses. Great coaches can connect with their players on another level and can be a reason of failure or success for a team.

“I want to be able to bring more of an energy to this team. I want to give off the attitude of winning, and I want it to rub off on my players as well.”

PHOTO BY ANA GEORGE

COACH ‘EM UP: Coach Dertinger, in his second season as head coach, led varsity basketball to the playoffs.

Girls Basketball Season Recap: Finishing what they started in State

PHOTO BY ANA GEORGE

DRIBBLE TIME: Senior Jaela Richardson passes the ball to a player in the paint during practice on Feb. 22. 18

Record: 18-2 overall 12-2 League Standings: The Bruins rank 13th in the 5A CHSAA rankings. Points Leader: Jana Van Gytenbeek 16.6 Points Per Game Rebounds Leader: Jaela Richardson 8.5 Rebounds per Game Assists Leader: Jana Van Gytenbeek 7.8 Assist Per Game Also first in the state in this stat. Steals Leader: Jana Van Gytenbeek 3.0 Steals Per Game Blocks Leader: Sydney Mech 2.0 Blocks Per Game Double Doubles Leader: Jaela Richardson 6 Double Doubles

March 2018

SPORTS

Sebastian Cole: Creek’s young stud starter BY: GRACIE LORDI Staff Writer “It was back and forth game the whole game. I was playing really well, my teammates were playing really well. It was tied at 30 seconds left. I scored, time out. There was 5 seconds left and they were on the inbound on their side and a wide open layup which could’ve won them the game. They missed. That advanced us to the championships.” Sebastian Cole’s eyes light up as he describes one of the biggest highlights of his basketball career. Ever since he was five, basketball has been his life. His dedication to basketball is simple and pure, fueled by his resolute love for the sport. “The culture, the shoes, I love all the athletes that play,” he said. Creek’s Varsity team lost eight seniors last year and with three new freshman on the team, Cole had no problem stepping into a leadership role. “I’ve been told that I’ll be a leader going forward. I try to do that now,” he said. “Just because I’m sophomore doesn’t mean I can’t be a leader.” Junior Brock Bryant appreciates the leadership Cole exemplifies. “He works hard and motivates our team to play to the best of our ability from practice to our most competitive games,” Bryant said. His years of experience assist in the instilling of lessons on younger players. “Definitely, what I would say to my younger self is, ‘Never be afraid to fail,’” he said. Starting as a freshman, he swung between JV and varsity, but this was no big deal for Cole. “I would always play up,” he said. “I’ve never really played my grade, until high school. So I’m used to playing against older people.” His teammates agree that he his transition from club to high school was easy.

SHINING STAR: Sophomore Sebastian Cole has started all year at guard. “Sebastian has always shown leadership qualities on and off the court ever since he joined the team,” Bryant said. “There’s different versions of being a leader, one way for me is talking. I think communicating is important, like when something is going wrong. Always let people know when they can improve, especially during practice,” Cole said. Cole has managed to make a significant impact on the Cherry Creek Varsity team as a combo guard averaging seven points per game and two assists per game. Cole hopes to continue playing basketball at schools such as UCLA, Kansas State, and Pepperdine. “My main goal is just to go D1,” Cole said. “Basically any Division One college that’d I’d be able to get a scholarship from would be good.” As Cole proceeds into his last two years of high school, he’s reflective and takes his years of experience and applies what he learned into his style of playing today. “I’ll be hesitant to take certain shots and

do things that I know I should’ve done. I look back and I’m like, ‘Oh, even if you miss that shot, just keep taking’ it.’”

PHOTOS BY GRACIE LORDI

March 2018

OPINIONS

Going against the Tide

PHOTO BY ADDY DODD

BY: ADDY DODD Staff Writer

Standing in front of my LG washer, I put my dirty whites into the darkness of the machine. I am about to close the large door to submerge the fabrics in a roller coaster of bubbles and water, but I have forgotten something... a Tide Pod. My hand grabs the magical packet of detergent. Its teal, indigo, and white juices entrance my eyes. Taste buds on my mouth start to moisten as I smell the fresh, clean scent emanating off of the succulent snack. Slowly but all at once, the Tide Pod creeps up to my salivating mouth. My teeth are ready to clench down onto its soft plastic shell and the tongue fighting in my mouth breaks out of the cave of my lips. But something changes. My hand pauses in front of my sweating face. Voices crowd my mind saying, “Don’t

do it!” I quickly release the Tide Pod into the awaiting clothes and turn on the washer. Though I was strong enough to let go of the appetizing pod, some are suffering the consequences from their willpower being weaker than their enchanted hands. “The Tide Pod Challenge” has become a new internet trend: teenagers filming themselves biting into the detergent packets and posting reactions on social media. A report by a European Commission told The Independent, “Manifestations may include vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea.” Tide Pods also contain bleach, which can cause burns in the digestive system. While the dangers of eating Tide Pods should be obvious with the large “CAUTION” label stating “harmful if swallowed” on the Tide container, individuals are carelessly ingesting the soapy liquid. Some Internet challenges are innocent such as the “Ice Bucket Challenge” which invited people of all ages to dump a bucket of water and ice on themselves to raise money for ALS. But not this one.

“If inflammation of the esophagus is bad enough, it will narrow the opening, and digestion will be restricted,” reported IFLScience. There is no point in the challenge. No money is raised, there are no laughs. It is purely idiotic. The Washington Post stated “nearly 220 teens were reportedly exposed [to Tide Pods], and about 25 percent of those cases were intentional,” according to data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers in 2017. Yes, internet challenges are tempting. Gaining attention and laughs from doing dumb things in a video is something that intrigues us teens. But let’s be real, most of them are stupid. No reaction should be worth ingesting chemicals that can cause such serious issues. As teens representing the type of people that we will grow up to be, we cannot not fall into these ridiculous games anymore. Let’s learn from this challenge. Don’t participate in ludicrous trends and most importantly, don’t eat Tide Pods.

March 2018

OPINIONS

The Unified experience: bringing people together BY: ASHLEY MILLER Staff Writer

I’ll never for- these programs grow. There are roughly When I think of “special needs,” I think get the expres100 people who participate here in Uniof someone who needs a little extra help; sion on his face fied. yet, we all need help in one way or another. when he saw While some kids may do this because it Kids with special needs are so effortlessme. His bright, looks good on a college application, I do it ly themselves. They never pretend to be inviting smile because it means something to me. something they are not. let me know he It means spending time with someone From what I have experienced in workwas genuinely who won’t judge you. Someone who won’t ing with youth who have special needs, happy to see ask you to be anyone but yourself. they see life for what it is and have a treme. He did not care what I was wearing. It means authenticity. It means laughter. mendous capacity to appreciate the simple He did not care if I was good at basketIt means love. things in life. ball, nor did I care that he had Once at a game, the ILC stuDown Syndrome. All I saw was dent ran down the court after a boy who showed me what my he made a basket. his index life was missing. finger high in the air telling It all started my sophoeveryone he was number one. more year. I had just switched To everyone else it just schools, that is when I met meant three more points, but to him. him it meant the world. I had never heard of it It is in those moments where before, but I was eager to be a I understand how much it part of it. means to these kids. It was Unified, seven letters It means overcoming obstathat would mean more to me cles and it means proving evthan I had ever expected. eryone who said they couldn’t The games were exciting. do it wrong. Each kid, no matter their Spending time with him as disability, got a chance to play. well as other students in the It wasn’t about winning; it was ILC program has helped me deabout celebrating. velop more empathy for other Celebrating that we got to people. take part of this. Celebrating It has helped me look at life our differences. Supporting from different perspectives. each other. I will never forget the day Unified was founded by the when that boy spotted me Department of Special Eduamongst his teammates. He cation in 2008. Sponsored by ran to me with open arms Special Olympics, their vision and exclaimed that he missed is to use sports to promote me. However, truth be told, I inclusion by joining togethmissed him more. I could have er people with and without never had this relationship. disabilities. I am humbled that I could Their mission has spread. have missed this life lesson: Today there are more than working with kids with special 4,500 schools nationwide that needs has taught me to be more offer these sports. patient, more compassionate, PHOTO COURTESY OF SUZIE GOODSPEED CCHS Unified which started and more understanding. They in 2011, currently offers two: THE UNION: Andrew Goodspeed plays basketball with the have already taught me more Unified Flag Football and than I could ever teach them. writer at the Unified Valentine’s Day game. Unified Basketball. Each year

March 2018

OPINIONS

Going against the Tide

PHOTO BY ADDY DODD

BY: ADDY DODD Staff Writer

Standing in front of my LG washer, I put my dirty whites into the darkness of the machine. I am about to close the large door to submerge the fabrics in a roller coaster of bubbles and water, but I have forgotten something...A Tide Pod. My hand grabs the magical packet of detergent. Its teal, indigo, and white juices entrance my eyes. Taste buds on my mouth start to moisten as I smell the fresh, clean scent emanating off of the succulent snack. Slowly but all at once, the Tide Pod creeps up to my salivating mouth. My teeth are ready to clench down onto its soft plastic shell and the tongue fighting in my mouth breaks out of the cave of my lips. But something changes. My hand pauses in front of my sweating face. Voices crowd my mind saying,” Don’t

March 2018

OPINIONS

The Unified experience: bringing people together BY: ASHLEY MILLER Staff Writer

I’ll never for- these programs grow. There are roughly When I think of “special needs,” I think get the expres100 people who participate here in Uniof someone who needs a little extra help; sion on his face fied. yet, we all need help in one way or another. when he saw While some kids may do this because it Kids with special needs are so effortlessme. His bright, looks good on a college application, I do it ly themselves. They never pretend to be inviting smile because it means something to me. something they are not. let me know he It means spending time with someone From what I have experienced in workwas genuinely who won’t judge you. Someone who won’t ing with youth who have special needs, happy to see ask you to be anyone but yourself. they see life for what it is and have a treme. He did not care what I was wearing. It means authenticity. It means laughter. mendous capacity to appreciate the simple He did not care if I was good at basketIt means love. things in life. ball, nor did I care that he had Once at a game, the ILC stuDown Syndrome. All I saw was dent ran down the court after a boy who showed me what my he made a basket. His index life was missing. finger high in the air telling It all started my sophoeveryone he was number one. more year. I had just switched To everyone else it just schools, that is when I met meant three more points, but to him. him it meant the world. I had never heard of it It is in those moments where before, but I was eager to be a I understand how much it part of it. means to these kids. It was Unified, seven letters It means overcoming obstathat would mean more to me cles and it means proving evthan I had ever expected. eryone who said they couldn’t The games were exciting. do it wrong. Each kid, no matter their Spending time with him as disability, got a chance to play. well as other students in the It wasn’t about winning; it was ILC program has helped me deabout celebrating. velop more empathy for other Celebrating that we got to people. take part of this. Celebrating It has helped me look at life our differences. Supporting from different perspectives. each other. I will never forget the day Unified was founded by the when that boy spotted me Department of Special Eduamongst his teammates. He cation in 2008. Sponsored by ran to me with open arms Special Olympics, their vision and exclaimed that he missed is to use sports to promote me. However, truth be told, I inclusion by joining togethmissed him more. I could have er people with and without never had this relationship. disabilities. I am humbled that I could Their mission has spread. have missed this life lesson: Today there are more than working with kids with special 4,500 schools nationwide that needs has taught me to be more offer these sports. patient, more compassionate, COURTESY OF SUZIE GOODSPEED and more understanding. They CCHS Unified which started in 2011, currently offers two: THE UNION: Andrew Goodspeed plays basketball with the have already taught me more Unified Flag Football and than I could ever teach them. writer at the Unified Valentine’s Day game. Unified Basketball. Each year

March 2018

OPINIONS

The other Asians Not all of us are Chinese BY: VALERIE LOMBOGIA Student Life Editor Throughout A large number of Asians do not know and countless others. my life, there is how to use chopsticks, and eye sizes vary Mecca and Tokyo are about 5883 miles a game I have all across Asia, smaller eyes are just more apart, but the entire length of this distance played whenever common in the East. is part of Asia. I meet new peoCharacteristics like these are very region It’s as if only certain parts of Asia can ple, and it ends specific, but people don’t realize this bebe referred to as Asian, but it is still an exthe same way cause of the eastern-influenced depiction tremely biased and warped definition of it. every time. of Asians in the Western world. This is because Westerners tie the label “Hey, what’s your nationality? Wait, I bet The other major regions of Asia include of “Asian” with a certain image and traits I can guess,” someone would say. “Are you countries where their inhabitants are not that these countries do not identify with, Chinese? Japanese? Korean?” commonly referred to as Asian such as so their labels become much more specific I would answer no to all of these, and Russia, Iraq, India, Syria, Saudi Arabia, to their own countries or regions such this point, they would give up as Indian, Russian, or and ask, “Well then, what counArabian. try?” Even though they are “Indonesia.” I’d reply. The regeographically located in sponse is almost always, “Where’s Asia, they would not call that?” themselves Asian. Much to my annoyance, since It’s similar to the way the first grade and even until high Americans differentiate school, most people’s knowledge between regions of the of Asian countries are limited to US. Americans can all East Asia. agree that the cultures of The western viewpoint of the south and southwestAsians is simple; they can all be ern parts of the US differ easily categorized into a single greatly from that of the group of people. Growing up as Northeastern US. an Asian-American, I noticed With East Asian culture the definition of “Asian” implied becoming increasingly many things that did not apply more popular in the West to me. in terms of music and The way Asians are defined by media, it is important Western society is not at all repto recognize that being resentative of the diversity there Asian means that you are a really is within Asia. native of Asia. In Western culture, there is a It does not imply cerstrong tendency to describe the tain cultural traits because entirety of Asia with East Asian Asia is overflowing with characteristics. different cultures. Some of the untrue assumpThe borders of Asia are tions about Asians is that they simply a social construct, have small eyes and use chopso the people residing sticks, but this is only applicable ART BY SUSAN ZENG within it cannot be called to the eastern region of Asia. FALSE IMAGE: For many Asians, society’s stereotypes do not the same.

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March 2018

STAFF EDITORIAL

The rebirth of student activism For many students at Creek, a day off means going home to sleep, do homework, and hang out with friends. But for the high school students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the days off after the shooting meant activism. The tragedy continues the ongoing trend of school shootings, from Columbine to Sandy hook and now Stoneman Douglas. Student activism has been a part of the American way for all of our history. College students made history during the Vietnam protests by burning draft cards, marching, and putting flowers in the barrels of police. Four black college students spearheaded the civil-rights movement by refusing to leave a diner counter. With the most recent school shooting in Florida, high school students have taken it upon themselves to change the hands-off nature of American gun laws. After all, students are the direct victims of school shootings. These high school students are now

March 2018

making headlines and facing down politicians directly responsible for passing the legislation putting us where we are today. Though, Creek students have not been idle in this year’s political turmoil. Students walked out to the reservoir back in September in support of DACA. Now, students here plan again to walkout on March 14th in support of passing gun legislation. This kind of ground roots activism is nothing more than amazing and historical. Meanwhile, critics say these kids are not old or wise enough to fully understand the laws in which they argue; they say kids don’t understand the ideas in which they speak. But they do. Maybe the majority of high school kids are not old enough to purchase and own a gun. Maybe high school kids haven’t had all the experience that an old gun owning advocate would have. But who is on the other

end of the barrel? At what point does someone truly understand a law? What is the right age at which someone can become politically active? Now in an age of social media, a tweeting president, and a digital future, maybe the kids know more than society thinks. Like any other American citizen, these students are exercising their right to petition grievances and protest. If nothing is changed in the word of law, at least we have a more politically aware and informed youth ready to speak out for what is right. The students of Creek shouldn’t sit idly waiting for adults to speak in their name. The students themselves need to call their representatives and spread the word for issues that affect them. Adults should no longer be the only voices in conversations about issues affecting young adults.

National Signing Day

A BUFF AND A WOLF: Dimitri Stanley (left) and Rashon Johnson sign to play collegiate football. Stanley will play for CU Boulder and Johnson will play for CSU Pueblo.

PHOTOS BY BRISON OWENS

LEFT: Hayden Warner will play volleyball at Principia College. RIGHT: Back Row (from left): Ian Bosman (Hope College), Scott Ransum (Benedictive), Colin Greene (Ohio Wesleyan University), Payton Fehringer (Bellevue University), Jaela Richardson (Metropolitan State University), Maya Borenstein (Washington University in St. Louis), Chris Ditzenberger (University of Northern Colorado), Rashon Johnson (Colorado State Pueblo). Middle Row (from right): Jack Leach (Chadron State), Dustin Johnson (University of Colorado, Boulder), Nick Wright (Washburn University), Gunnar Garcia (University of Northern Colorado), Jannae Mehaffey (Augustana College), Delaney Smith (Montana State University), Anna Weinstein (MIT). Bottom Row (from left): Payton Canon (Oregon Institute of Technology), Emma Wrede (Colorado College), Hayden Warner (Principia College), Mia Raben (Wake Forest University), BreZhane Walker (Alabama A&M University), Dimitri Stanley (University of Colorado, Boulder).

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