The Devils’ Advocate
2
CONTENTS
4-5 NEWS Fall Play Defies Friday the 13th Managing Finals Takes Strategy
6-9 OPINIONS School is the Place for Politics Are These E-Hall Passes Really Necessary? We Need to Revive Print Journalism I Beat Procrastination and So Can You
11-13 FEATURES Senior Dancers Dazzle In Nutcracker Grandma’s House Brings Holiday Spirit Teachers Classrooms Designs Impact Student Learning
14-15 IN DEPTH Restoring Justice
16-18 SPORTS Eagle Valley’s Next Basketball Superstar Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain: United for Hockey Nordic Skiers Glide Into a New Season
19-23 A & E Christmas Cookies Recipe December Playlist Recommendations What to do in Eagle County End of the Decade
LETTER FROM THE
EDITORS
Happy Winter Break, Eagle Valley! Congratulations on making it through another great semester and another year.You did it! As the year comes to an end, it is important to look at all of the incredible things you have done, recognize your peers, and look forward to becoming better in the new year. This issue is filled cover to cover with amazing things you have done to end this year and allows you to hear from your classmates with the incredible things they have been up to. As the new year is right around the corner, The Devils’ Advocate is making some resolutions of our own. We are committed to bringing you more stories you care about and that have more of you, our classmates, in them. In order to help us with that goal, you will notice that we have made another change and moved to 24 pages to fit as much content as possible into your hands. We all truly hope you enjoy this issue and have a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year.
BEST, YOUR EDITORS
CONTRIBUTERS Editors-in-Chief Carter Josef Saroja Manickam Sally McDonnell Reporters William Austin Drake Berg Caila Childers Riley Coe Lily Dewell Riley Dudley Hannah Firkins Iva Halacheva Jack Josef Kimberly Mayorga Reagan McAdams Alejandro Gonzalez Mendez Reygan Perse Bode Kostick Hannah Rippstein Ruth San Diego Photographers Denali Boyd Jayden Mather Taylor Rippstein Ruth San Diego Graphics Caila Childers Ella Srholez Adviser Hannah Shapiro Publisher Colorado Mountain News Media Special Thanks to EJ Dilley Photography for permission to print her professional photos taken at the Mountain West Diversity Conference Students create content for all Eagle Valley Student Media publications acting in accordance with the Colorado Student Free Expression Law (Colo. Rev. Stat. 22-1-120). Any expression or opinion in this publication is not an expression of district policy. The district and its employees are provided immunity from civil or criminal penalties for any expression made or published by students. The Devils’ Advocate is an open forum for student expression. The Devils’ Advocate is willing to accept and print any appropriate letters submitted by students of EVHS and reserves the right to edit these letters. 200 word maximum. We will not print letters sent to us without a name and signature. Submit letters to eaglevalleystudentmedia @gmail.com
4 NEWS
Fall Play
defies
Friday the 13th
Written by Mia Pendergast
This year’s Fall Play was scheduled for Thursday December 12 through Saturday December 14th, but Friday the 13th proved to be bad luck for the Drama Club. The show was cancelled along with all after school activities due to bad weather. Thankfully, the Saturday show was confirmed so audiences could enjoy this year’s entertaining and endearingly strange performance. The Fall Play featured a series of nine ten-minute plays boasted various themes ranging from serious to humorous, and sometimes even both. Lauren Spaeth ‘20 played the washing machine in the last play of the night, Soap Opera. “I think our play is going really well. We had a bunch of kinks that we needed to work out, that we did so it’s going well,” Spaeth said about the play she performed in.
Finnegan Bradbury ‘23, Leah Aoki ‘21, and Anastacia Baker ‘22 perform in Misfortune. Photo from Ms. Amy Large
thing in cartoons, and I thought, what if that was in real life,” Tulk said. Audience members found the plays entertaining and strange and were impressed with all of the hard work students and sponsors put into this performance.
Spaeth worked alongside Wyatt Tulk ‘21, who wrote one of the plays, “Good Side Bad Side.” Tulk’s play featured a guy named Marcus and the trouble he goes through with his devil and angel. I was always intrigued by the devil and angel
“The kids were fabulous, and I couldn’t stop laughing,” Assistant Principal Chris Miller wrote to staff. “Coot and Courtney did a fantastic job supporting the crew and actors, and their passion and expertise showed as the students beamed with confidence in each act.”
Herry Garcia ‘20 and Anastacia Baker ‘22 perform in the
Alaena Knapp ‘21 and Lee Zimpel ‘20 perform Good Side
comedic play, Time Flies. Photo from Ms. Amy Large
Bad Side. Photo from Ms. Amy Large
MANAGING FINALS TAKES STRATEGY
NEWS
5
Written by Hannah Rippstein With the end of the semester right around the corner, students are rushing to study for finals and bring their grades up while trying to manage their stress. School counselor Ms. Nicole Grilli helps students deal with stress throughout the year, but she has specific advice for students during the end of the semester and finals week.
Shane McCann ‘20 studies for his final exams in the counsel-
“A lot of students tend to wait to the last week to study for finals,” Ms. Grilli said. “Which works for some kids, but it’s definitely not, wouldn’t be like the one thing that I recommend.”
ing office. Photo by Taylor Rippstein
Some students work well under the pressure of the time crunch, but that isn’t the most effective way to study.
According to psychology teacher Ms. Danelle Rivera, dispersed studying is a more effective way to prepare than simply cramming the night before.
“I think the best way to do it is to kind of get ahead of your studying, so giving yourself enough time to study for all of these finals.” Ms. Grilli adds.
“You’re studying a couple of sessions before the night before. So if I have a final on Wednesday, I’m putting in maybe half an hour to an hour on Sunday, half an hour to an hour in that class on Monday, half an hour to an hour Tuesday, maybe two hours on Tuesday.” Ms. Rivera explains.
Other strategies for managing stress include working with others, getting help from teachers, and making a plan for studying. When preparing for finals different students have different approaches. “By the lowest grade, so like Biology and English
“
We need at least three to four hours of sleep in order to get what we call deep sleep, stage four sleep, in order to consolidate memory.
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that I’m not doing the best in, top priority,” Olivia Causey ‘23 said.
But why is this the best way to study? “Because that’s how our memories consolidate, that’s how our memory works, so that’s the best way,” Ms. Rivera said. “Also the whole idea of an all nighter, even though that sounds really cool, it’s super bad for you because we need at least three to four hours of sleep in order to get what we call deep sleep, stage four sleep, in order to consolidate memory.” So, as you begin the rush to prepare for finals remember that not everyone studies and prepares the same way. Find what works for you.
6
OPINION
School is the place for
POLITICS
Written by Alejandro Gonzalez Mendez It’s hard to live in 2019 America without continuously hearing about politics. And, considering how hot the political climate has been in the past few years, it seems more people than ever are engaging in political discussions. For a long time schools appeared to be politic-free zones, but recently both students and teachers have begun to get involved in expressing their own political beliefs. As much as the talk of politics arises in the classroom, some believe it’s inappropriate. Some push the stance that the classroom is not where politics belong and that topics like gun rights, abortion, immigration, are too controversial for students. The parents of some of these children want to keep their kids safe from the “harmful” views that exists, views that conflict with their own. They especially don’t want teachers sharing their own political thoughts, beleiving that their assertion of beliefs indoctrinates students. I believe teachers should have the same liberty as their students to discuss politics. Yes, the topics talked about may be uncomfortable, but by taking the time to engage in this dialogue, students begin to recognize issues and develop their own meaningful thoughts. Politics in the classroom inherently fosters environments of creative, independent thinking. It’s important to recognize that young people are already consuming a surprising amount of news. According to the American Press Institute, 83% of young people surveyed consume some sort of news, whether TV, radio, or social media, a couple times per week. Although not experts, they still understand what’s occurring in the world and
how the choices being made affect them. They’re quite eager to discuss politics, but because it’s shied away from in school, often students don’t get that opportunity. If we deprive students of these discussions, how can we expect for them to learn and be able to form their own opinions? The process of argumentation isn’t something we should avoid; it enables students to identify problems, settle those problems, and strive to find solutions. Talking about controversial politics is the best way for students to understand complex problems. Unless society allows schools to have political conversations, students will remain ignorant and thus continue to make uninformed decisions. It’s important for the people who are going to lead the world and vote in the near future to understand and to educate themselves, and where better place to do that than at school? To think that students shouldn’t get involved in political conversations naively assumes they are not mature enough and that the problems don’t impact them too. They have a voice, and it’s only right for those voices to be heard. I would like to see politics become common in classrooms, but only when it’s contextually appropriate. I’m not endorsing a debate about gun rights in Math class, but issue-based discussions are appropriate in humanities classes. The discussion of politics in school isn’t something we should be afraid of. It’s something we should embrace. We are constantly being told that school is meant to prepare us for the real world, and politics is the real world. Disagreeing is the real world. Compromise is the real world. As long as teachers allow for open discussion and don’t teach their opinions as curriculum, we can learn a lot. We can expand our perspective and deepen our understanding. We can become better informed citizens of this country.
OPINION
7
Are these E-Hall Passes NECESSARY?
REALLY E-Hall Pass was made to make it easier for administrators and teachers to keep track of students. It was implemented to be beneficial. Even though there is good intent behind why the school is using it, I believe there are issues that make it not a good system for Eagle Valley. I understand the new pass system holds students more accountable, and so do students and teachers.
Written By Reygan Perse “It makes it weird, for me, that teachers are tracking where I’m going,” says Noah Rudin ‘23. “I got my phone stolen by another student when I left it in the classroom, after making a pass.”
“It’s easier for teachers to know where their students are going and what they are doing,” English teacher Mrs. Uhnavy said. “We have more kids doing what their supposed to be doing and using access time more wisely.”
We are already very tech dependant today, do we need to be tech dependant on this too?
In spite of this, the E-Hall Pass system has provoked a lot of irritation in students like me. To actually create the pass takes up too much time. The time that it takes to actually make the pass could be spent going to the bathroom or being back in class learning.
On top of all of these reasons, the E-Hall pass doesn’t necessarily make Access easier for teachers.
“It takes a long time to sign in,” Tatum Coe ‘22 said. “It doesn’t leave as much time for what you actually need to do.” I agree with Coe because I’ve lost class time making passes. Other students find this frustrating as well. E-Hall Pass also feels like a violation of privacy. Some students don’t feel comfortable leaving their phones in the classroom when needed to go to the bathroom.
“I don’t think we need to be even more digitized then we already are today,” Rudin said.
Teachers spend more time making and managing passes than helping kids. “At first I couldn’t help the students that needed my help during access because I needed to approve and stop passes,” Mrs. Uhnavy said. Also this whole system depends on the internet actually working, which isn’t always the case. “The only issue I’ve had is when the server and internet is down,” Mrs. Uhnavy said. Yes, E-Hall Pass is fulfilling the goals the admin had when they implemented it, but is it worth it? Unless these issues are addressed, I don’t think so.
8
OPINION
We need to revive
PRINT JOURNALISM Written By Bode Kostick These days it seems as if everything is transitioning online. There are entirely new forms of communication that have helped expand knowledge beyond new bounds. This is mainly seen through a rise in the use of social media, and a decrease in the usage of print journalism. The Pew Research Center in their survey on U.S adults and the social media landscape in 2018 found that “roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults (68%) now report that they are Facebook users.” So why does this concern the news? Avaaz, an online activist organization trying to fight disinformation, recently found that “politically relevant disinformation was found to have reached over 158 million” people on Facebook. That is an insane number that shows a massive dissemination of fake news. Now what was the average number of times that these news stories were shared? These news stories targeted political figures and parties across the political spectrum. The most ridiculous part of this whole phenomenon is the content of these stories. Here’s an example of a few that were being shared and the amount of interactions each had: “Trump’s grandfather was a pimp and tax evader; his father, a member of the KKK.” (1,638,165 Interactions)
“Nancy Pelosi diverting social security money for the impeachment inquiry.” (1,380,350 Interactions)
“Trump is now trying to get Mike Pence impeached” (610,836 Interactions)
Come on! These headlines are pretty laughable. If a viewer of this doesn’t check the validity of these statements, which I can assure you that the average person on Facebook will not, then this could drastically sway people’s opinions on current events and influence elections. Because most people are on social media, it’s impossible for this fake news not to spread. Another scary statistic is what the Pew Research Center reported about the circulation of print journalism in the U.S. They state that “during weekdays in 2018, print circulation decreased by a whopping 12%.” This just leads to more people using other forms of media, like television news, blogs, or social media. As social media is a major contributor to the fake news phenomenon, this could increase the spread of false news sources. Print journalism must be defended as a news medium. Without newspapers and on the ground reporters and journalists, news would cease to exist. Without that sweet, sweet hard copy tangible in a person’s hands, how would news even be considered news anymore? Who would want the spread of disinformation just because some lazy folks decided to get their news from Facebook? So I encourage you fellow newspaper readers, ask not what print journalism can do for you, but what you can do for print journalism.
OPINION
I BEAT PROCRASTINATION
9
AND SO CAN YOU Written by Kimberly Mayorga Escalante Are you a part of the group of students holds of doing all of their homework until the night it is due before? Then, when you do head over to start doing it, after awhile you get burnt out or bored and just decide to take that L. The procrastination nation. That was me too not too long ago, but not any more. One night while procrastinating my Reader’s Notebook, I was watching TikTok. Sorry Janssen. When all of a sudden, I stumbled upon gold. A solution to all of my procrastination and studying problems. Before I tell you more about it, I just want you to know that I what I am talking about- I made sure to check it out for proof it is actually a real technique that people use to study and not just made up by some random TikTok star. It’s called the Pomodoro technique. Basically you study in intervals of 25 minutes and in between you take five minute breaks. To help stay on track with it, I use an App called Focus Keeper that tracks my time and tells me when it is time to take a break. And I’m not kidding, it works. Yeah, you might be thinking, “oh, there is no way I could do that,” and that your five minute break will turn into a two hour break. Wrong.
Focus Keeper is the name of the App that Kim recommends for studying.
It is proven that the timer in the App instills a sense of urgency and makes you feel like you don’t have time to get distracted during the 25 study interval because then you’ll run out of time. And having forced breaks of 5 minutes helps cure that feel of being “burnt out.” It’s a trick! And it works.
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It is proven that the timer in the App instills a sense of urgency and makes you feel like you don’t have time to get distracted
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Yes, for some people working and working until all they need to get done is done without taking any breaks works. That is great. I am not one of you. , Everyone has their own way of studying and their own methods. And this is just a method that I have tried that works for me, and it just might work for you too.
10 FEATURES
SENIOR DANCERS DAZZLE
IN NUTCRACKER Written by Riley Coe On Sunday, Eva Labine ‘20 and Margaux Stavney ‘20 danced in their final Nutcracker performance with the Vail Youth Ballet Company (VYBC). Over the years, they have performed this production multiple times and they have learned and grown so much because of their experiences. “I think the biggest thing I’ve learned from being in the Nutcracker is really just the importance of discipline, and having discipline be your freedom,” Margaux Stavney reflected. “I think a lot of things go on when you’re in a show especially on show week. Sometimes your shoes aren’t ready, sometimes you feel really stressed and I think at the end of the day I’ve really learned how to really be able to look inside of myself and just focus on the work.” Stavney has played many roles in her time at Vail Valley Academy of Dance like flowers, polichinelles, snowflakes, Arabian lead, and The Margaux Stavney ‘20 performs as Lead Sugar Plum Arabian in her final VYBC Nutcracker Fairy. Performance. Photos from Mr. Brian Maloney
Eva Labine has played many roles too, including a party girl, snowflakes, flowers, and Marzipan. “[The roles] taught me how to work as a team together and to just have fun and be invested in whatever role you get,” Labine said.
Labine’s commitment to the studio and company has been influential to not only the younger company members but also the kids that are in the production but not a part of the Eva Labine ‘20 performs as Marzipan company. in her final VYBC Nutcracker Performance. Photos from Mr. Brian Maloney
“I like being a role model,” Labine said, “it’s good to teach them and help them learn how to work hard and stay focused. And to just have fun, so it’s good to make it a light-hearted atmosphere.” Labine and Stavney’s actions as role models have been very impactful for all of the dancers at the studio. “They both have a huge impact on my life! Both of them I’ve practically grown up with,” Sydney Adair ‘21, a fellow dancer and friend of Margaux and Eva, said. “I danced with Margaux when I was super little, and she was older and very mature, so she was a huge example to follow and still is today with her maturity but she is still having fun. And Eva is so fun and so optimistic. She is always willing to help and also is willing to reach out to anyone like she did to me when I got moved up a level [in dance]. Eva is just so fun to be around and so kind which is super infectious.” she says. After the Nutcracker closed, the entire cast was ecstatic because of the show’s success. However, it was also bittersweet because it was the seniors’ last. For everyone that was lucky enough to see it, it was definitely a show to remember.
11
FEATURES
Grandma’s House
brings holiday spirit to Eagle
Written by Caila Childers and Ruth San Diego The holidays are a great time to have some fun and celebrate the oncoming of a new year with friends and family. Every year, people gather to participate in annual traditions whether it be making home-cooked meals, putting up the tree, or making a gingerbread house. One house in Eagle Valley is wellknown for putting up amazing decorations for the season each year. Located in Eagle, the person responsible for these lavish decorations is named Diane Beasley, although many in the community know her as Granny.
They started the tradition of lavishly decorating their house for the holidays in 1961, when they moved to the valley after building their house. Why they started is simple, they “enjoyed putting up lights and how it became a family tradition.” Diane Beasley is a local to Colorado and has been decorating her Eagle home for the holidays for 58 years. Photo by Ruth San Diego
The tradition was actually introduced by her husband John Beasley, but it has continued to evolve over the years. Beasley explains that “we usually try to add one new piece each year. And I say the new piece is probably going to have to go next
door! ‘Cause there’s no more room out there!” Despite the sheer number of decorations on her property, each one has a special meaning to her. She states that her favorite decoration is “a ceramic piece made by my sister. A lot of my decorations are made by her.” Putting up the decorations is a huge undertaking for her. Beasley lives alone but gets a lot of help from her family, friends, and community. She says, “Oh the family puts it up, I stay inside and holler!”
Beasley has been determined to add new pieces to the collection every year. Photo by Ruth San Diego
Even though her husband has passed away,
Granny is continuing the tradition by overseeing the project as her family helps set up both inside and out. The setup and take down take about an entire day to do even with so many helping hands, “We start at 10:00 AM and end at just about 7:00 PM.” The kids and grandkids help set up outside while the younger grandkids help set up the tree. The Christmas spirit fostered by Diane Beasley and her family is a holiday staple of the Eagle County that will continue to build community for years to come.
12ADVERTISEMENTS
13
FEATURES
The Classroom Conundrum:
Teachers classroom designs impact student learning Written by Sally McDonnell Here at Eagle Valley, the classrooms take on a myriad different styles. From the traditional desks-inrows to clusters to classrooms without any desks at all, it can seem as if each room has a personality all its own. The variation in classroom styles may seem relatively normal to the EVHS student body, but can these seemingly insignificant differences actually impact the success of students in those classrooms? According English teacher Dwenna Nelson, it undoubtedly can. Nelson’s classroom is one of the most unique with all the
desks substituted with a variety of large, comfortable chairs instead. “Having a comfortable seat is one step closer to having a comfortable environment,” Nelson said. She wants all of her students to feel as though her classroom is an open, welcoming space to them, and having chairs instead of desks, “gives them one less thing to worry about” when starting a new semester, she says. Not only does classroom design have the potential to influence students’ sense of belonging, it also can
Mr. Pyle’s classroom features a hybrid of desks-in-rows and table groupings. Photo by Denali Boyd
Ms. Nelson’s classroom features alternative seating and is a comfortable learning space for students. Photo by Denali Boyd
affect their academic success in a class. Math teacher Mr. Jeff Pyle has his classroom set up in a series of table groups, with each one located right next to a whiteboard. Pyle states that setting up his classroom this way has, “definitely helped students because they are able to collaborate with each other and ask questions,” which is especially valuable in math classes, where students often tend to struggle academically. Classroom design is a major part of the learning environment, and
students themselves notice a difference in their overall comfort and academic motivation based on their location.
“I learn a lot better when the classroom environment is more interactive and unique, it makes me more interested in what we are doing,” Maddie Capan ‘20 said. Though it may seem like just a small detail in the greater scheme of learning, classroom design clearly makes a difference in students’ academic success and comfort in school.
14IN DEPTH
Restoring Justice
EVHS uses restorative justice to build a supportive community Written by William Austin and Drake Berg When we attended the Mountain West Diversity Conference at Eagle Valley in October, we were first exposed to the concept of restorative justice and fascinated by our experiences with it. Recently EVHS teachers have also undergone restorative justice trainings as a staff. As the term “restorative justice” has been a major talking point at Eagle Valley High School, this begs the question of what exactly is restorative justice? Why have some teachers made
a push for it as of late? Karen Barbee, an expert in restorative justice who works with Youth Zone in Glenwood Springs, defines restorative justice as “an opportunity for people to repair harm, and an opportunity for those who were harmed to be healed and also a chance for the offender to understand the damage which they have done.”
is used in cases of extreme conflicts and infractions and focus of reentry of students in the classroom. Tier two is when someone is harmed in the circle, and people in the circle discuss how they can remedy their accuser. Tier one is community building, allowing people in the circle to grow closer. The circle can literally be a circle of a group of people, or it can be a larger community.
Restorative justice is Here at EVHS, the a process split up into teaching staff has three tiers. Tier three begun to implement each of these tiers in different scenarios.
Karen Barbee teaches the tiers of the Restorative Justice pyramind to teachers and students at the Mountain West Diversity Conference. Photo from EJ Dilley Photography
“Restorative justice can amend problems between classmates and create a better classroom environment,” Ms. Dwenna Nelson, English teacher and member
of the school’s Equity Team, said. Most tier one and two restorative justice programs consist of students sitting down in a circle together with an anchor. Barbee explains that an anchor is something a person can fidget with during these discussions and that people put their energy into. Anchors can be just about anything that holds value to the person, or they can be given to the person at the start of a circle. Unknowingly, the person will probably grow attached to this item and begin to rely on it. Circles pose a good alternative to the traditional system of classroom justice. Only in extreme circumstances is tier
Restorative Justice Workshop participants at the Mountain West Diverisity Conference learn about the tiers of the Restorative Justice Pyramid. Photo from EJ Dilley Photography
three used. “Tier three restorative justice should be used only in a true act of criminal nature,” Barbee said. “Youth and educators can use tier two and tier one to grow bonds and have conversations with all students in the circle.” Restorative Justice has the opportunity to also provide the opportunity for offenders to re enter into classrooms easier. “Conventional justice studies show the odds of getting out diminish significantly once a crime has
been committed,” Barbee explains. “It’s a system that’s hard to get out of. Restorative justice is focused on healing, and giving everyone a voice.” Restorative justice doesn’t just help improve relationships and help prevent future criminal activity, it may also help increase learning. “The more positive relationships people build up, the more resilient the brain becomes,” Barbee said. “People who are going through conflict in there life can dedicate more of their brain towards learning as there
brain grows more resilient.”
ment restorative justice in her classroom.
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The more positive relationships people build up, the more resilient the brain becomes
“Wronging someone can have the potential to change student’s and teachers perspectives,” Dewell said.
The goal of restorative justice is to put Restorative jusourselves in a situatice can have a tion to communicate positive impact on with someone who classrooms, helping has wronged us or students gain a great- someone we have er understanding of wronged. It is about their peers, and when building an incluthey do inevitably sive and supportive make mistakes, they community. Eagle have a higher probValley, and all of Eaability of learning gle County, can use from their mistakes. restorative justice to t improve the environSocial Studies teach- ment and relationer Ms. Nicole Dewell ships for the people has begun to implewithin it.
”
16SPORTS
Nikko Von Stralendorff ‘23
Eagle Valley’s Next Basketball Superstar
Written by Reagan McAdams The only freshman to make the Boys Varsity Basketball this year, Nikko Von Stralendorff, is ready to make his mark on the team . Getting on the basketball team took a lot of work and time outside of practice, and Von Stralendorff put a lot of work prior to the season to prepare. “I had to shoot about 12,000 swooshes to even try out for varsity, so that was definitely a lot of work over the summer,” Von Stralendorff said. “Just really getting my endurance up and just working on my overall game and just learning how to be a better teammate.” His hard work and dedication is what makes him stand out to his coaches. “Players that become great are the ones that are hungry to improve, they are looking to get better and not just show everyone how good they are,” said Coach Justin Brandt, “so if more people adopted his mentality, then they would grow and become much better athletes, people, and students.” Not only is Von Stranlendorff an amazing player, he is also a great teammate. “He is a good teammate, he is encouraging, and he is really good at what he does,” teammate Cade Johnson ‘23 said. “He is hardworking and dedicated. He has really put a lot of work into basketball.” Basketball has been part of Von Stralendorff ’s life since the fourth grade, and it has had a strong impact on him. “It has given me a lot of my friends, and it has let
me know more people around the valley,” Von Stralendorff reflected. “It has given me something to focus on outside of school.” Even so, he was not expecting to make the Varsity team as a freshman. “I was really kinda surprised because I didn’t think I was going to make it, and I just wanted to tryout to see what the team would be like,” Von Stralendorff said. “And when I made it, I was super surprised, so that was great. It is a little intimidating sometimes, but at the end of the day I know that I am there because I earned it.” Even if Von Stralendorff has his doubts, Coach Brandt is already seeing him have a positive influence on the team’s performance. “Nikko’s greatest strength is that he has a very mature growth mindset, so he’s the guy on the team who asks all of the questions,” Brandt said. “He’s the guy on the team that wants to know exactly why we make certain decisions, so when he asks these questions and everyone around hears me answer them, everyone else gets better.” The basketball team is on the way to a winning season, and both Brandt and Von Stralendorff are hopeful and ready to work for it.
SPORTS
Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain
17
United for Hockey Written by Carter Josef Sports are part of the identity of Eagle Valley High School. Many students are on at least one sports team. However, some of these students aren’t wearing the traditional EV on their chests. Rather, they play for Battle Mountain High School. This is the case for students at Eagle Valley that wish to play hockey. The team has been one for Battle Mountain for a long time. When the team originally got together, there were more from Battle Mountain. The decision to have one team was likely made because of the limited players and ice rinks in the valley. “I’m not sure we’d have enough participation or ice time to support two teams,” Athletic Director Mr. Tom LaFramboise explained. The school rivalry seems to be no issue for the athletes. “We’re all best friends,” Dilllon Flaagan ‘‘21 explains. “Sometimes we forget we’re from different schools.” The teams performance reflects that. The team won 18 games and only lost three. Flaagan and Rawlings both attributed a majority of that success to team chemistry, cited it as one of the biggest strengths of this year’s team. It is easy for the players to have that outlook, as there was only one club team that they all played together before high school. Jensen Rawlings ‘21 never thought about playing high school hockey as an Eagle Valley vs. Battle Mountain thing because “I’ve been playing with these guys my whole life.” Rather than creating a rivalry, playing with Battle
The Battle Mountain hockey team poses after a preseason win. Photo from Ms. Kim Scavone
Mountain creates an opportunity for more unity. It is typically a struggle to get spectators into the stands. However, as Rawlings explains, “there’s no competing for fans. It’s cool to have the support from multiple schools instead of one.” At the end of the winter, the hockey season will end, and many of the players will go on to play for other teams at their respective schools. This often pits the winter teammates against each other. These games are looked forward to by the players. Flaagan says that the relationships “make you want to beat them even more.” It’s a positive change for the athletes playing against guys that they know and respect. “It’s fun to play against them,” Rawlings said. Winning is even more important for these players as they look ahead to the next hockey season knowing there’s “a little bit of competition for bragging rights.”
18 SPORTS
Nordic skiers glide into a new season
Written by Jack Josef
As winter is coming around, the Nordic Team just began their season. With all of the different techniques and aspects of nordic, it is one of the most unique sports offered at Eagle Valley High School. Participating in Nordic isn’t just mastering one skill. Skiers have to master two different disciplines. “There are two disciplines of nordic skiing, there is skate skiing and classic skiing,” Nordic Coach Paul Steiner, describes. “Classic skiing is the skiing that everyone imagines when they think of Nordic Skiing. Skate skiing is a lot similar to ice skating, roller blading, and things of that nature were your skis are not parallel.” Nordic is also physically demanding and requires athletes to build up their strength. You have to have strength everywhere in your body.
or Vail, and then nordic ski, and have our training at technique days, or we will go to the gym if we can,” Aidan Duffy ‘21 explains. “Nordic is really hard it’s an all body workout, its cardio, and everything else. Your muscles always ache.” The school’s team is predominantly male, with only four girls on the team. This provides a challenge for the girls, because there is only one girl who is returning to lead them. “It’s kinda a bummer actually,” Weathers ‘21 said. “I think if more people gave it a try, there would be more.” The Nordic team continues to train everyday leading up to the races, starting in January. The team is coming off of recent success last season looking forward to what is to come.
“You use your poles to pump and go forward,and then depending on the type of skiing your doing, you use your lower body too,” Caitlyn Weathers ‘21 said. “Including your abs and everything.” The team practices everyday on skis, except for Thursdays. On Thursdays the team does dryland training, which includes weight lifting. “To train, we drive to Frost Creek, Minturn,
Gaby Fuentes ‘21 works out indoors in order to strenghen for the season. Photo by Saroja Manickam
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Christmas Cookies Recipe Written By Iva Halacheva It’s that time of the year again! Sparkling lights, snowy mornings, presents, hot chocolate, and food, lots of it! With Christmas just around the corner, it’s nice to have a go to recipe for a delicious treat. Too broke to buy ten different presents for each friend? No problem, the almond cookie recipe below can be the perfect gift for anyone! There’s nothing like a soft, buttery and delicious cookies anytime, especially on Christmas morning. Ingredients: 1 cup butter 3/4 cup sugar 1 pinch salt 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh almonds, walnuts or pecans 2 -2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl beat butter until fluffy, add in the sugar and beat again until fluffy. Scrape down sides of bowl and add the nuts, salt and flour (when adding the flour add in about ¼ cup at a time). Once everything is nicely mixed, bring the dough together with your fingers until the dough sticks together (not crumbly) and it forms a “ball”. Break off small pieces and form them into crescent shapes. Place the crescents on a cookie pan covered with parchment paper and bake for approximately 15 minutes (until the cookies have slight golden color). While cookies are still warm roll or dust with powdered sugar. *Let the cookies cool down a bit and enjoy as many as desired because it’s Christmas and it’s worth it!
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Written by Hannah Firkins
December Playlist Recommendations
Coldest Winter- Pentatonix Christmas Every Day- David Archuleta Make You Mine Holiday MixPublic Winter Things- Arianna Grande
This catchy pop song is super. Light and feel good.
All I Want for Christmas is You - Mariah Carey
A holiday classic that will have everyone at your Christmas party singing along.
Under the TreeKelly Clarkson
This nostalgic tune will put you in the Christmas spirit!
Christmas WrappingJohnny Utah Make it to ChristmasAlessia Cara
Super fun and bouncy song will get you into the holiday mood. It’s also super inspiring to give you a boost to get through your finals.
December (Based on September)- Earth Wind & Fire This puts a Christmas twist on a beloved classic.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
What to do in Eagle County
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Written by Hannah Firkins What is there to do in the Eagle Valley? People assume there are lots of local activities in Eagle County because of Beaver Creek and Vail, but for high school students down valley and on a budget, it can be hard to find fun stuff to do. But there is much to do in the area to keep yourself entertained over Winter Break. To start, The Eagle Pool and Ice Rink is open almost every day this winter for ice skating. It costs $5 dollars per person (plus $3 to rent skates). Times vary, but it is a fun thing to do with your friends! They are also doing disco-themed skate nights on December 21st and 28th from 6:00-8:00 PM.
The Back Bowl is a great place to spend time with friends and go bowling. Photo by Ruth San Diego
“I go because I really like being on the ice and being able to have that freedom,” Sierra Hill ‘23 said. “I used to go a lot.” Catching a movie at Capitol Theatre in Eagle is another activity. It costs $10 dollars to see a movie. Visit their website vailmovies.com for times. “I had a lot of fun,” Alison Dodd ‘23 said of her recent experience seeing a movie with friends. Another great local activity is bowling at The Back Bowl. Prices for lanes and rentals vary, but Bernie McManus ‘20 prefers going when there are discounts. “I recommend going on Tuesday nights when it costs $15 unlimited,” McManus said. “But I also bowl on Tuesday nights because you can
The Eagle Ice Rink offer public skate and Disco skate. Check their schedule to find out when you can go. Photo by Jayden Mather
sleep in on Wednesdays because of late start.” Another idea is going on the mountain. Eagle County area is known for skiing, so that’s never a bad idea. Though it is expensive, you could also walk the boulevard for free. There also are many cafes like Color Coffee Roasters and Yeti’s Grind to eat at and just hang out with your friends. . Next time you find you and your friends are looking for something fun to do, try out some of these activities.
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END OF THE
ALBUMS
Content by Lily Dewell and Riley Dudley
1. Teenage Dream- Katy Perry 2. Blonde- Frank Ocean 3. Lemonade- Beyoncé 4. Pure Heroine- Lorde 5. A Breif Inquiry Into Online Relationships- The 1975
TV SHOWS
1. The Good Place 2. The Haunting of Hill House 3. Stranger Things 4. American Horror Story 5. The 100
HORROR FILMS 1. The Babadook 2. The Witch 3. Hereditary 4. The Conjuring 5. Midsommar
DECADE
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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Graphics by Caila Childers and Ella Srholez
CELEBRITIES 1. Beyoncé 2. Taylor Swift 3. Kendrick Lamar 4. Lizzo 5. Harry Styles
SONGS
1. “Party Rock Anthem”LMFAO 2. “Rolling In The Deep”- Adele 3. “Call Me Maybe”- Carly Rae Jepsen 4. “Royals”- Lorde 5. “Truth Hurts”- Lizzo
COMEDY FILMS 1. Booksmart 2. Moonrise Kingdom 3. The Cabin in the Woods 4. Girls Trip 5. Spy
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