Volume 104 | Issue 2 | March 2021 38.9937° N, 108.7407° W
Table of Contents COVID can’t stop these athletes p. 5
An inside scoop of how winter sports have been thriving
Senior signing Q&A p. 5 Seniors answer questions about their future regarding athletics and education
HS explanation: taxes p. 7
News Editor, Ashley Guddat provides an explanation of taxes for high school
Here we go again
Best places to stargaze near Colorado p. 11
Finding a good stargazing spot in this modern world of light pollution can be difficult, so we found some optimal stargazing locations to explore
Colorado road trip p. 12 The Orange & Black creates a Colorado roadtrip with designated activities and sights to see
What’s in my bag? p. 13 Find out what Mr. Hurni, a Ski and Board club adviser, brings along on a club trip to the mountains
p. 8 Junior Riley Pope describes her experience in quarantine
What mask are you? p. 9
Find out which mask style fits you the best
GJHS spring fashion p. 14-15 The most iconic fashion around GJHS this spring, modeled by Hannah Guevera, 12th, and Damien Wingerter, 11th
A letter from your editors
Editorial
In March of 2020, we were excited to have a week added to our spring break. This excitement quickly turned into stress, anxiety, and loneliness as COVID-19 spread throughout the world. Now, March 2021, we can ease our shoulders, lift our heads, and stretch. The world is resolving to a new normal and with this comes a light at the end of the tunnel. This year, we encourage you to safely see the bigger picture. You are not alone. As we adjust to our newfound normal, try to leave your comfort zone and get outside. Stretch your mind and your body as you explore the world as it is. Observe your surroundings, take walks in nature, say hi to your neighbor, and remember to be kind. We’ve all had a rough go of things these past few years so try to be understanding towards others as you embrace your new normal. As your Editors in Chief, we encourage you to explore safely if you’re feeling trapped and reach out for help if you’re feeling disconnected. Be safe and have fun out there, tigers!
oandbnews.com IG: gjhsoandb About the cover. Senior Hannah Guevara, a fashion enthusiast, is posed in front of a photograph taken at Glade Park in Mesa County, Colorado. More on Guevara’s Fashion on Page 14. Photography by Sophie Middlemas and graphics designed by Izzy Cornelison.
by sophie middlemas and mckenna bryant
Meet the team. McKenna Bryant Editor in Chief
Riley Pope Students & Culture
Alyssa Williams Sports
Abby Price Reporter
Emeri Nelson Reporter
Sophie Middlemas Editor in Chief
Ashley Guddat News
Izzy Cornelison Reporter
Alondra Sanchez Reporter
Claudia Eggers Reporter
The Orange & Black is Advised by Dr. Megan Fromm. Policy The Orange & Black, a legally recognized public forum for student expression, is published four to six times a year by the digital publishing and news magazine class for students of Grand Junction High School. Expression made by students in the exercise of the freedom of speech or freedom of press is not an expression of District 51 school board policy. The views expressed in The Orange & Black do not necessarily represent the views of the entire staff, adviser, GJHS administration or the School District 51 administration. Board policy regarding student publications (JICE, JICE-R) is available in the journalism room (Rooms 140-141) or in the principal’s office.
Letters to the Editor The Orange & Black welcomes and encourages letters to the editors. This is a chance to express your viewpoint on important issues. Letters should be limited to 250 words. They will be edited for space and legal considerations, but not for inaccuracies, grammar or spelling. Letters must contain information pertinent to the students of GJHS. The staff retains the right to not publish any letter not meeting these requirements. Unsigned letters will not be published. Please submit typed letters in person to Room 140-141 or via mail or to megan.fromm@d51schools.org
Cost Single copies free. Where available, additional copies of this paper are available for purchase for 50 cents each. Contact The Orange & Black for more information. Taking more than one copy of this paper with the intent to prevent other individuals from reading this edition of the paper is prohibited (C.R.S. 18-4-419). Violators, subject to prosecution and penalty under C.R.S. 13-21-123, will be prosecuted. Contact The Orange & Black, Grand Junction High School, 1400 N. Fifth St., Grand Junction, CO 81501. Phone: 970-254-6929. FAX: 970-254-6973. Adviser e-mail: megan.fromm@d51schools.org Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service. © 2020 The Orange and Black Grand Junction High School. All rights reserved.
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COVID can’t stop these athletes An inside scoop of how winter sports have been thriving by alyssa williams
Girls Basketball
Photo by alyssa williams
During an interview with senior Tava Johnson, she explains how Covid has affected games and practices. “Games have been getting canceled because other teams are getting quarantined, and masks on the court,” Johnson says. “ We can’t have as many guests now, which is hard. You have to decide who you want to come to your games.” Even though their season has been turned upside down, these athletes continue to play their hardest.
Boys Basketball Senior John Paradiso, gives us a look at how boys basketball has been running this season. Paradiso said, “playing with a mask is different and new.” Players also keep masks on during practice as well as games. “I’m looking forward to just playing with the team for my last year. Just to have the season is pretty special,” Paradiso said. These athletes keep on going through all the trials and adversity thrown their way. Photo by alyssa williams
Photo by alondra sanchez
Wrestling Wrestling coach Sean Henry explains how this year’s season has been considering COVID restrictions. “It’s been great that we’ve gotten to have a season,” Henry said. Regarding spectators, Henry says “given the size of our gyms, I think that the whole not having spectators thing probably could have been done differently if we could have taken the time to spread people out more. I’m glad we’re still having competitions. I’d rather have five weeks than no weeks,” Henry says. “Going from a 12 week season to a 5 week season definitely hurts. One big thing for us, for wrestling, is usually the top four of the region get to go compete at the state tournament, and this year so far they’re saying it’s only going to be the top two.”
Photo by alondra sanchez
Ski and Board
Page Editor Alyssa Williams
Photos courtesy of Ski and Board Club and Yearbook Staff
Photo By alyssa williams
After interviewing junior, Jason Miller, we get a behind the scenes look of how the ski and board club has been going. “ We’ve been able to do two trips, so it’s exciting that we’re able to do that. I’m really thankful for Mr. Brown and Mr. Whiteford for making that happen,” says Miller. Regarding the actual trips up to the mountain, Miller said “It’s been the same, other than the fact that we have to wear masks.” With the inside scoop, junior Dannon Yake gives us a picture of ski and board this season. Dannon explains that Covid has affected the ski and board trips by “reducing the number that we’ve been able to go on,” says Yake. It has also “made planning [trips] them a lot more difficult,” Yake said. “ We’ve gotten a lot of good snow recently, so I’m just glad that we’re able to go and spend time up in some good snow,” Yake said.
This season has been quite a roller coaster for GJHS Ski and Board Club, but through it all they still figured out a way to have fun. This photo features the members of the Ski and Board Club strutting their stuff on the lift, and in the snow.
Sw im by claudia eggers Let’s take a look at how swimming has been going. An interview with junior Nina English gives us a view on girls swimming. English says, “we all have to keep our masks on when we’re out of the water, right before we go in the water we take them off.” Regarding the practice situation with the CMU pool, English said “I was very grateful because I did not want to practice at a new pool. I’ve always practiced in that pool.” English explains that competing at state could be a possibility, for now this swim team is “treading” their best.
GJHS swim team members chill on the side of the pool, while still abiding by Covid regulations.
These photos highlight the elegant skill of diving. These tigers show off their knowledge and look good doing it. Look at that form!
photos by kaytie ellis
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SENIOR SIGNING
Q&A
Dolce Hanlon
by alyssa williams
Q: What college did you sign for? A: The University of Nebraska Kearney Q: What sport did you sign for? A: Soccer Q: How has this sport impacted you throughout high school? A: It has definitely taught me a lot of great skills, just working with a team and creating leadership
roles. Also meeting new people.”
Israel Lane
Q: What college did you sign for? A: Presentation College Q: What sport did you sign for? A: Football Q: How has this sport impacted you throughout high school? A: It has shown me a lot of things like leadership and teamwork. It has motivated me to get good grades so I can keep playing.
Carson Kerr
Q: What college did you sign for? A: Fort Lewis College in Durango Q: What sport did you sign for? A: Men’s Golf Q: How has this sport impacted you throughout high school? A: It gives me something else to do. I’ve met a lot of people playing golf.
Kieran Thompson
Q: What college did you sign for? A: Adams State University Q: What sport did you sign for? A: Wrestling Q: How has this sport impacted you throughout high school? A: Wrestling has impacted me by helping me stay busy with my time. It’s helped keep me out of trouble, and helped keep me in shape, and overall just helped me keep my grades up and do good in school.
l p
a n a
Page Editor Ashley Guddat
x e a t s : n t io
by ashley guddat
What do taxes How are taxes look like for me? calculated?
The amount you owe in taxes can be calculated by your total gross income minus the deductions you After you qualify for. establish the amount of money you owe, subtract any He opted for tax credits you a standard earned. Once you have deduction (ie calculated your $500) taxable income, use tax brackets (as shown below) to see Harold qualifys for the the percentage of Lifetime Learning Credit your income you owe ($500) since he is paying in taxes. interest on student loans
HS
Ex
If you have a job, you are paying Social Security and Medicare– your employer just automatically deducts it from your paycheck. Most teenagers do not have to file taxes Harold is a because they do not meet the minimum mechanic yearly income He earns required $30,000 per year *The yearly income minimum as of 2020 is $12,400.00
Where is our money going? Taxes are used to make our government run in... National defense, social programs (ie food stamps), law enforcement, interest on the national debt, physical, human, and community development, veterans, and foreign affairs
Deductions:
Lower your taxable income Itemized: you manually fill out a list of eligiable expenses that can lower your taxable income OR Standard: lower your taxable income by a fixed amount
$30,000 – $500 = $29,500 (Total Gross Income) $995
(Deductions)
+ $2,346 = $3,341 – $500
(tax credits)
$2,841
(Taxable Income)
Harold needs to pay this amount in taxes
$
$
Tax Credits:
2021
Tax Brackets Source: the IRS
Tax credits can further lower the amount you have to pay in taxes after your amount you pay in taxes has been calculated Refundable: if tax credits Non- refundable: if tax reduce your tax bill below credits reduce your tax bill below zero, you get refunded the zero it cancels out your tax bill but extra money you are not refunded the extra money
* These tax brackets are very simple, in reality it depends on if you are filing alone or as a couple *You only pay the percentage of taxes on the portion of your income that falls within that tax bracket
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Here we go again... again.. by riley pope hate COVID-19. My junior year, a year for fun at dances, pep assemblies, and going to sporting events, was swept from beneath my feet. All the events canceled or modified, leaving only school to look forward to. High school should be made of new experiences and fun times not the risk of getting COVID or being quarantined. I have gotten the dreaded phone call from the school saying I was quarantined at least eight times from a mix of friends, family and school exposure. I would always email my teacher letting them know I am quarantined and each time I got the same response: “Again?! Keep up with the Google Classroom and email me if you have questions!” Ugh. It is the worst to be at home, zooming into your classes while your classmates and teachers are in person. Each morning I would wake up at 7:55 am,
Ι
Junior Riley Pope describes her experience in quarantine
sit up in my bed, open my laptop and join the google meet at 8:00 am for my classes. I would maximize the amount of sleep I could get and I always kept my camera turned off! It was always so awkward when your teachers
“I never thought I would say this but I missed going to school...”
your house and it’s so much worse when you don’t test positive for COVID. That sounds horrible but if I’m being quarantined, I would much rather test positive and be immune for the 90 days after. I never thought I would say this but I missed going to school. I missed walking down the halls and saying “hi” to people. I missed talking to my teachers and classmates. I missed making eye contact with my friends in class and just laughing for no reason. I am truly happy that GJHS even got to do learning in person for the most part because in some other states, they are fully online this year. I hope the class of 2022, my senior class, can find a new normal amidst COVID and have a fun senior year!
forget to join the google meets or turn the camera so you can see the board. It always felt so lonely when you are stuck at home and your friends are out hanging out and having fun. I had too much free time. I would get tired and bored of being on my phone or watching Netflix. I re-watched Grey’s Anatomy, Criminal Minds and so much more. I took my puppy Iris on daily walks and did at home workouts Books: -Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin: all trying to cure my boredom. It’s a Anxiety total mind game, being trapped in -The Memory of Light by Francisco X. Stork: Depression -Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram: Depression -History is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera: OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
Read All About It!
Learn all about mental health through these underrated TV shows and books by: emeri nelson
Most people who struggle with their mental health are aware of the stigma around it, and while this stigma can be seen everywhere, it’s especially prevalent in the media we consume. Between popular movies and shows like Split, To The Bone, and 13 Reasons Why, we’re not exactly given the best options. But instead of giving more attention to the disappointing and harmful media out there, let’s take a look at some of the underrated shows and books that better exemplify mental illness (along with the disorders and illnesses they show). TV Shows: -This is Us: Anxiety -Bojack Horseman: Anxiety, depression, substance abuse -United States of Tara: DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) -Jessica Jones: PTSD (PostTraumatic Stress Disorder) -Lady Dynamite: BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) -Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: BPD
graphic by izzy cornelison
WHAT
MASK
Page Editor Ashley Guddat
ARE YOU?
by izzy cornelison
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Stargazing Tips for getting started Capturing the Getting started is easy, all you have to do is look up! by sophie middlemas 1. Find your location Try to find a dark-sky spot where light pollution is limited in order to see the most stars. 2. Get your night v ision After you’ve found your location, turn off as many sources of light around you as possible to let your eyes adjust. This process can take up to 30 minutes so try not to look at your phone while you wait, it can ruin your night vision. Once your eyes have adapted you’ll be able to see many more stars than when you first arrived. 3. Come prepared Wear the proper clothes for the season. If you’re stargazing in the winter, bundle up! Wear warm clothes and don’t be afraid to layer. If you’re stargazing in the summer bring a jacket anyway just in case. 4. Telescope? Before you decide to take the plunge and buy a telescope, try a pair of binoculars. Most people have a pair laying around, but if you don’t binoculars are often cheaper than a telescope and can achieve most of the same results for beginner stargazers. 5. Dow nload a stargazing app There are several free and payed apps to help you spot constellations, galaxies, planets, and act as a basic night sky guide. Some apps will even alert you to upcoming astronomical events like meteor showers or eclipses’. 6. Have fun! The most important thing to remember about stargazing is to have fun! Stargazing is a great way to get outside and discover a new point of view of the universe. Looking at all of those stars can be dizzying and really put life in perspective so remember to enjoy the privilege of getting to see all of those stars.
The Hydra constellation is most visible in April.
night sky
When trying to photograph the night sky there are some things to remember by sophie middlemas
1. Use a tripod When photographing the night sky a tripod is helpful to keep photos visible and not blurred. Orient the tripod so the front leg is pointing at your subject and you can stand in the middle of the other two legs for easy shooting. 2. Take photos using a high ISO The higher the ISO is on your camera the more likely your camera will pick up on low-light details so your photos will show more detail. Aim for an ISO of 1600 or higher. 3. Open the aperture w ide Open your camera’s aperture wide to capture more light. This means that the f-numbers should be as low as possible. 4. Use a slow shutter speed The slower your shutter speed, the more light your camera will capture. Try a shutter speed of 30-seconds or slower, this is where a tripod will come in handy to keep your camera steady while the camera is capturing the scene. Photographing the night sky is all about capturing as much light as possible.
The constellation Cassiopeia is visible yearround, but is clearest in the fall.
Best places to stargaze near Colorado
Page Editor Sophie Middlemas
Finding a good stargazing spot in this modern world of light pollution can be difficult, so we found some optimal stargazing locations to explore by sophie middlemas 1. Goblin Valley State Park, Utah Goblin Valley State Park is about 150 miles away from Grand Junction, but it is a great place to stargaze due to it’s removal from nearby cities and therefore light pollution. 2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona To travel to the Grand Canyon from Grand Junction would take a bit of effort, but it would be worth it due to the scenery and lack of light pollution. 3. Cosmic Campground, New Mex ico Cosmic Campground was created to give stargazers an optimal place to stargaze with as little light pollution as possible. The park is a certified dark-sky spot. 4. Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada Death Valley National Park is on the border of California and Nevada and given the high populace cities in both states this National Park is one of the only areas near California and Nevada where stargazers can gaze at the sky with as little light pollution as possible. 5. Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah Natural Bridges National Monument is a breathtaking place to go when the sun is up and the Monument only gets better when the sun sets and the moon rises. 6. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a phenomonal place during the day with it’s giant dunes and endless possiblites of fun. When the stars come out at night the park only gets better with the sky seemingly stretching on forever. 7. Glade Park , Colorado Glade Park is about half an hour away from Grand Junction and is located on the top of the Colorado National Monument. There are few trees up on Glade Park which makes it a great spot to stargaze close to home. 8. Colorado National Monument, Colorado The Colorado National Monument has limited trees and is located in Grand Junction’s backyard. With limited trees and large open spaces the monument is a great place to stargaze. However, given how close to Grand Junction the Monument is, the higher up on the monument you go the less light pollution from the city there will be and the more stars you will see.
The Ursa Major constellation is most clear during the month of April.
The Draco constellation is most visible in the month of July.
graphics by izzy cornelison
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Disclaimer: Make sure you follow COVID-19 guidelines when traveling.
o
C
or a d l o
Road Trip
Browns Canyon National Monument
by mckenna bryant
Hot Springs Pool
Ouray, CO Looking for a nice place to relax after skiing or snowshoeing? Ouray Hot Springs Pool has geothermally heated mineral pools, and seven different springs to supply water. Enjoyed since the 14th century, you can enjoy the clear healing waters just like the Ute Indians. This destination has shower facilities available, and is fun for all ages. $18 per adult
Dinosaur Ridge
Morrison, CO Dinosaur Ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback in the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark located in Jefferson County, Colorado, near the town of Morrison and just west of Denver. The Dinosaur Ridge area is one of the world’s most famous dinosaur fossil localities. $15 per adult
Salida, CO The area is unique, towering over the Arkansas River, itself a beacon to white water rafters and anglers. The granite walls of the canyon stand like a series of natural cathedral spires that change hues as the light of day wanes. Wildlife that resides in the area includes the American black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, red fox and American pine marten. This destination is perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, camping and even rafting. $9 daily vehicle pass
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Colorado Springs, CO The zoo is open with limited capacity per Advanced timed e-ticket entry. With many precautions in place, you have the chance to enter the elephant/rhino barn, hippo and penguin buildings, and even the giraffe barn. Don’t miss your chance to experience these amazing wild animals, their engaging exhibits and other irresistible attractions! $14 per adult
Colorado Adventure Center
Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Grand Junction, CO Only a 45 minute drive from Grand Junction, Powderhorn is officially open for the 2020/21 Winter Season. Be sure to remember to wear a face covering at all times. Equipment rental will be available exclusively online with advance reservations. In the case of needing to control the number of skiers, Powderhorn will implement an online advanced reservation system. $79 per adult
Glenwood, CO Glenwood Canyon Zipline is home to an amazing zip line across the Colorado River in beautiful Glenwood Canyon. They also have a 40′ climbing wall, a high adventure ropes course where guides will help you navigate through the elements. Lodging and rafting trips are also available on site. $29 per adult photo by ashley guddat graphics by alondra sanchez
What’s in my bag?
Mr. Hurni Snowboard Trip Edition by mckenna bryant
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High school vol. 21 by abby price
Q: Favorite snack or drink for the trip? A: “Really I bring a pound of cheese and that’s what I eat all day so I don’t have to go in for lunch, I nibble on it on the chair lift. I will also usually get a bunch of gatorade or like apple cranberry, a gallon of that and I’ll drink it, so I’ll drink half of that before[snowboarding] and then half of that after. Gotta stay hydrated you know? But water is gross.”
Water makes you weak
Page Editor Riley Pope
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Q: What are 5 essential items for Snowboarding? A: “Snowboard, my jacket, snow pants, helmet and a pound of cheese.” Q: If you could bring one item besides your ski gear w hat w ould it be? A: “I don’t know I’m kind of a bare minimum kind of guy. I don’t want to have all that extra garbage to worry about.”
Steal my Girl One Direction King of my Heart Taylor Swift Magic in the Hamptons Social House Canyon Moon Harry Styles Q: Favorite ski trip memory? A: “I would say my favorite memories are from kind of the overnight trips that we used to do Crested Butte. Those were always fun. We get a full day of snowboarding in and then we go back to the fieldhouse and it’s fun hanging out with all the kids, kind of playing games with them and shootin’ hoops. And then get to go snowboarding the next day.”
Look up at the Stars Shawn Mendez Fallin’ (Adrenaline) Why Don’t We Saturday Nights Khalid West Coast Love Emotional Oranges Both Eyes Loykoy, Safario Good Day Surfaces
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GJ HS
spring fashion modeled by Hannah Guevera, 12th, and Damien Wingerter, 11th
photos by sophie middlemas
Page Editor Sophie Middlemas
15
Photography by sophie middlemas
DOWNT WN www.downtowngj.org/aotc
ART ON THE CORNER
GJ
“Operation Foresight”
Chapel Legends of the Grand Valley, 5 in 5, was sculpted to show the faces who drove the project of Operation Foresight.
“Jaws” Scott Shaffer
“Been Through the Desert on a Horse” Randall May
“The Silly Fool (Aphrodite Rising)” Reven Marie Swanson
