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Maggie’s Musings - Tigerific Style
Dear Reader,
Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate style. Style isn't only about the threads you rock or the bling you drip; it shapes every part of our lives. From in the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.
This month, we are featuring Grand Junction High School starting out in style in a brand new building.
As a former GJHS student, way back in the early 90’s, I have been extremely excited to see this happen for our local high school students. But as I walked up to the new building to take a tour, I paused to watch the old building being torn down. I didn’t expect the tinge of both nostalgia and sadness that hit me. I turned to admire the tiger statue outside the building and when I looked down at the plaque, I felt a tear well up in my eye. It was dedicated to Mr. Salas, my old art teacher who had passed away from COVID, so a memorial service was not possible then. Mr. Salas had a style all his own and he was wildly popular at GJHS. I knew kids that hated every single thing about school but showed up every single day to art class, where Mr. Salas lived by the quote attributed to him on the plaque, “Encourage students to dream big, in every student lives great potential and creativity.”
The best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. Thank you, Mr. Salas for letting us dream big and express our creativity.
From the dedication of the statue, to the section of the old GJHS gym floor hanging in the beautiful new gym, the legacy of the old one is honored. Now, that is style.
Here's to our past and present youth of Grand Junction!
MAGGIE MOORLAND, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
SCOTT
FAIRBANKS, PUBLISHER
@GRANDJUNCTIONLIFESTYLE
Publisher's Note -
My four kids are Tiger Alumni and I feel strong ties here too. Thanks to Mr. Justin Whiteford for arranging the tour and behind the scenes conversations. We have truly found it delightful. This special edition is also a thank you for GJHS from a grateful dad.
Issue number one, year five!
Monumental Milestone!
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Scott Fairbanks | scott.fairbanks@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Maggie Moorland maggie.moorland@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sadye Saad, Sean Henry, Brad Hirsh, Justin Whiteford, Nicole Roos, Bryan Carlson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lily Caldwell, John Redding
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain
Learn
city scene
1: Jessica Burford having a laugh with another chamber guest. 2: Three cheerful attendees enjoying a “cold-one” during Grand Valley Biz mix. 3: Frank Lindemann at GV Biz Mix. (Five local Chambers combine three times a year.) 4: Candace Carnahan , Brittany Dixon with a door prize winner. 5: Presenting another winner! 6: Smokin’ Oak Pizza Proprietor/event-host Bob, demonstrates the pour-tracking wrist band at the tap wall. 7: Candace presents Jeremy Sewell with the door prize he won. Photography by John Redding
POLLUX SHINESBright as its Name
NEW OWNER - DREAMS HAPPEN HERE
ARTICLE BY SADYE SAAD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GJ LIFESTYLE
Sadye Saad, a third-generation GJHS grad, once a student of Sal’s (ceramics), knows the power of spirit and determination of a GJHS Tiger. Growing up as the daughter of a small business owner in her local community, Sadye can speak fully to the power of community connection and the value of a local landmark small business. Understanding the impact a local small business has on a community, Sadye recognized from a young age the power a business holds to create unforgettable shopping experiences and inspire confidence, creativity, and a smile; bringing customers joy, leaving them excited to return. This became the foundation of her big dreams: to one day own a local store that would become a favorite among her community.
As a Junction Tiger, Sadye began shopping at Pollux nearly thirty years ago. A store she deemed her “Cheers”, a place where everyone felt welcome and could find something special. Her vision wasn’t just about retail; it was about creating a space that radiated positivity, confidence, and happiness. This dream she carried through her years at GJHS, and afterwards she actively participated in community activities, supported local non-profits, served on various local boards, and in local education, solidifying her love for her hometown and its people.
Sadye’s journey towards her dream was not a straightforward path but rather a tapestry of diverse experiences. Over the past twenty years, she built a robust career in marketing, public relations, and event coordination. These roles allowed her to develop a
As a "Tiger", Sadye began shopping at Pollux nearly thirty years ago. A store she deemed her “Cheers”
comprehensive skill set and an understanding of the intricacies of business operations. Each position she held contributed to her expertise in creating effective marketing strategies, building strong public relations, and organizing events that left lasting impressions.
All these experiences collectively enriched Sadye’s professional journey and prepared her for the ultimate goal she had always aspired to achieve.
Combining her experience with her passion for creativity, empowering others, fashion, and community connection, Sadye felt it was time to take the leap towards her “Big Dream.” Her vision for a boutique was clear: it would be a place where women could feel empowered and “creatively confident”, find stylish and unique clothes, and connect with one another in a supportive environment. The boutique would not just be a shopping destination but a hub for cultivating confidence and fostering positive community.
Sadye’s boutique aims to be more than just a store; “I want it to be an epicenter of smiles and empowerment.” Her deeprooted commitment to her community, offering a space that is welcoming, inspiring, and genuinely reflective of the our Western Slope community.
The mirrors in this store have these sayings to inspire:
• “Objects in THIS mirror, ARE as pretty as they appear!”
• “Forget the rules. If it makes you happy, wear it!
• “You look beautiful. You look Gorgeous. You look amazing.”
• “No one else is YOU and that is your SUPERPOWER!”
• “Life is too short to wear boring clothes!”
Big dream? Sadye has come full circle, returning to the community that shaped her with the goal of giving back and making a positive impact. Her boutique is not just the culmination of her professional journey but a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the enduring love of community connection. For Sadye, being a GJHS Tiger means embracing challenges with courage, striving for excellence, and always believing that big dreams can come true.
She shared with GJ Lifestyle that part of her vision with style and fashion is to promote positive body image and help her customers feel confident, inspired, seen and valued. Her smile and the those of her staff are sure to hit that mark for a very long time to come!
Student ServicesWardrobe and Wellness
LOOK GOOD, FEEL BETTER
ARTICLE BY GJ LIFESTYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILY CALDWELL
GLAMOROUS GALS, DAPPER DUDES
When it’s time for Back-to-School, not all students are given equal opportunity for school shopping and frankly even for those whose families could afford the things they want for school clothes, sometimes there are items that just seem hard to find.
No more feeling like the options are exhausted for finding what you want in attire, thanks to the Tiger Boutique and Haberdashery. Students can “shop” from merchandise donated for students to wear at no charge.” The students who run the store are given instruction on managing inventory, guiding shoppers to the things they are in search of and the students taking the retail skills class learn customer service principles which can prepare them to work at and even manage or own stores of their own if that’s how they dream big personally.
There are selections for guys and gals that are great for a wide variety of occasions and at different times of the year, like winter, cold-weather apparel will be more abundant. Formal wear will be made more available around the time of the big dances like Homecoming and Prom.
Feeling good about self-image is important - especially in the teen years. GJHS also has a wellness clinic for when what’s gong on inside the students may not align with looking their best.
TIGER WELLNESS CENTER
Following the pattern set by Marillac Clinics a few years ago with another in-school wellness clinic within SD-51, a new clinic is now in place inside the brand new Grand Junction High School.
The logo for the clinic was designed by the art teachers and represents a partnership between physical and mental wellness and the progress individual students make when their overall health is aligned with educational goals and pursuits.
In recent years the wellness clinic at Central High School has provided on site medical, mental health, and nutritional counseling and many students who wouldn’t have sought counseling or treatment soon enough found the convenience of in-school care less intimidating than an ordinary doctor’s office visit, resulting in better mental health outcomes in particular.
CATALYSTS
In recent years there has been an increase in efforts to talk about how self image and mental health, mental health and physical well ness are intertwined. It’s no mystery that taking about these things has been considered taboo in the past and also, no mystery, topics like self harm, bullying, isolation, and evenamong the hardest to discuss, suicide.
Many studies now indicate that when youth and adults talk frankly with each other and among peers, the hard things become a bit less awkward, the taboo topics become a little less scary and cooperation towards creating community driven outcomes where mutual understanding is pursued, tends to diminish the undesirable outcomes thatleft to their own devices - can be disastrous. Teen years are stressful enough without having to worry about being bullied, belittled for any trait misunderstood by others or put down by teachers when a student faces daunting academic challenges and struggles to excel.
Having resources like this and other student wellness services seems to be wise motion for the betterment of individual students and strengthening the student body climate. Just as prevention is often less costly than correction, this kind of proactive approach to wellness is certain to pay dividends in building adults who can thrive and lead into the future.
Self-image is important - especially in teen years. GJHS also has a wellness clinic for when what's gong on inside the students may not align with looking their best.
Form AND FUNCTION
STONE AGE TO MARVELOUSLY MODERN
ARTICLE BY JUSTIN WHITEFORD, GJ LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILLY CALDWELL
From Justin Whiteford: Our motto at Grand Junction is honoring the past and embracing the future, which so perfectly represents the situation that we are in with our brand new high school. We have such a strong and unique history in this valley and it is important that we understand the shoulders that we rest on. We really look forward to moving into a brilliant future knowing that our tradition and legacy is the very core foundation of everything that we do. I would say that it’s a good day to be a tiger!
Following are remarks from the Grand Opening Ceremony held on Saturday, August third, 2024 at the entrance to the new school building.
From Principal Jory Sorensen: This Grand Junction High School is going to be a game changer for our students and our community. Thank you for your trust. My staff and I do not take it lightly. We are committed to doing our part to provide the best high school experience possible for all of our students. This new school will allow us to do this in ways that we only dreamt of in our former school. Our Academy Model at Grand Junction High School is exceptional. We work
everyday to intrinsically motivate our students to work toward their post-secondary goals … the academy model and this new school will allow us maximize our vision - providing our students with an exceptional learning environment and experience. The traditions and history that exist for Grand Junction High School are rare. I have no doubt, that this new school will continue and amplify the great traditions and Pride that exist at Grand Junction High School.
Speeches were also given by local elected officials, D-51 Superintendent Dr. Briann Hill and Senior Class President for 2024-2025 Dermot
Lynch along with comments from co-student body presidents Addie Boss amd Maycie Sinicki.
ADDIE -
Good morning everyone. My name is Addie Boss and I am one of your student body co-presidents for this coming school year. I am honored and excited to lead the student body this year as we embark on a new journey in a new school. I am so thankful to be a part of this giving community and to be the first graduating class with the new school. Thank you to the Junction staff, faculty, and everyone who had a part in making this happen. When us students get a grant to build a state of the art
school, the only word that comes to my mind is grateful. We are grateful for your trust and we are grateful and honored for your support. However we will continue to earn your trust by treating the building with respect and by reminding students to take care of their surroundings. As we begin this new school year in a new school building we will remember to be kind, to be thoughtful, to be genuine, but most of all to be grateful.
DERMOT -
• Since the school has opened there has been 68 graduating classes, that means roughly 68 homecomings, 68 football seasons, 68
proms, and more memories than we could count.
• It is our promise as a student body to not let these memories die with our building! All of you and many more spent four years of your life to build up the legacy and traditions we uphold to this day. I would like to personally thank you all for keeping alive the Junction spirit we like to call tiger pride. This feeling of tiger pride is something we strive to only multiply with the introduction of the new building and share the love for the school with many generations to come. I thank you all for coming out today. And don’t forget, GJ ALL DAY
MAYCIE -
Good morning I’m Maycie Sinicki. I serve as a student body president, alongside Addie. As we begin this incredible chapter let us keep in mind that education is the foundation of a brighter tomorrow. We aim to build an environment that values creativity, critical thinking and a genuine passion for learning. We are highly confident that this school will evolve into a place where students not only excel academically but develop into empathetic, accountable and innovative individuals. A huge thank you to all who have helped bring this dream to life we are incredibly grateful. We are excited for the journey and the many achievements that will come from
these halls, stadiums, courts, fields, and more . Welcome to our school, where the future starts now! Go Tigers.
WRAPPING UP
Honoring the past has included rescuing and even repurposing some remarkable artwork, signage, and even the center-court section of the original gymnasium. The future includes innovations unlike any school in the country has ever seen. Engineers indicate that this building is so efficient is can be heated and cooled, lighted and powered for about ten percent of what a structure this size would normally require in cost and energy expenditure.
Another remarkable addition is the bronze mascot on the cover of this issue. This sculpture was funded by generous local donations outside the construction budget and is the largest high school mascot in Colorado. Its unique structure allows the sculpture to be in contact with the ground in only one spot and still be immensely strong. The iron reinforcing its form runs throughout the body and is anchored to an I-beam that is driven between 12 and 15 feet into the earth. Students who got to travel to the foundry for the casting of the sculpture were invited to sign the inside of the body before it was covered in bronze. It’s sure to endure much like the legacy of this school has for nearly seven decades.
ARTICLE BY SEAN HENRY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILY CALDWELL
Visual Arts A Fresh Look at
“DIGGIN” THE NEW “DIGS”
GJHS Art: A Culture of Excellence in the Grand Valley, GJHS Art is the premier art school in the Grand Valley, offering an unparalleled range of classes designed to inspire and cultivate the next generation of artists. Our diverse curriculum includes foundational courses like Art 1, specialized tracks such as Ceramics 1 and 2, Photography 1 and 2, Graphic Design 1, Printmaking, 3-D Design, Mixed Media, and advanced courses like Drawing and Painting 1 and 2. This comprehensive program ensures that every student, regardless of their interest or skill level, can find their artistic voice and hone their craft.
With the move to our new GJHS building, our art department has received significant upgrades in equipment and facilities, further cementing our commitment to excellence. The addition of two new kilns and two new ceramics wheels (bringing our total to 12) enhances our ceramics program. The inclusion of a pug mill and a new paper storage unit ensures that our students have access to the best resources available. We are also excited about the potential establishment of an all-Mac computer graphics lab, which will provide our students with the cutting-edge tools needed for digital art and design.
Our art program is led by two veteran high school art teachers, Sean Henry and Joe Graham, whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental in shaping our curriculum and inspiring our students. This year, we are thrilled to welcome a third member to our team, Mr. Tholl. Bringing with him years of experience as both an art teacher and a professional artist, Mr. Tholl infuses our program with new energy and fresh perspectives.
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One of the most exciting features of our new facility is the outdoor courtyard. This serene and inspiring space allows students to work on their drawings, paintings, ceramics, and other art projects in a natural setting. Surrounded by plants and trees, the courtyard provides a tranquil environment that fosters creativity and well-being for both students and staff. We keep art at GJHS inclusive and fun! Art is for everybody whether you are the best student in the room or someone who is just trying to get better. A general education student, or a student with a disability… We want everybody!
Over the past 30 years we have been building Art library which is an ongoing project that we hope to continue to add to in the coming years. At GJHS Art, we are dedicated to cultivating a culture of excellence. We continuously push ourselves to be the best educators and artists we can be, always striving to provide the highest quality of education to our students. We advocate tirelessly for our students to have access to all the supplies and materials they could ever want, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed and express their creativity fully. Our program is more than just a series of classes; it is a thriving community of artists and educators committed to excellence, innovation, and the belief that every student has the potential to create extraordinary art. Join us at GJHS Art, where the future of visual arts in the Grand Valley is being shaped every day.
THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
BAND, ORCHESTRA, VOCAL
ARTICLE BY BRAD HIRSH, NICOLE ROOS, GJ LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILY CALDWELL
From Chorus Director - Brad Hirsh
Grand Junction High School is proud of its performing arts department, and the GJHS choirs are one of its four members.
The GJHS choirs have been directed by Brad Hirsh since 2015, and their goal is to serve students of all levels who are interested in pursuing vocal music. We offer six choirs of various voicings and ability levels, including two mixed choirs, two treble choirs, a men’s choir, and our award-winning jazz choir, Westwinds. In addition to standard choral literature and vocal jazz, our choirs have also worked with the barbershop and modern a cappella genres in years past.
We are incredibly excited and grateful to be moving into our new facility. Our choir room is beautiful, and overlooks the balcony into the new GJHS commons. The room itself was designed with acoustics in
mind, as evidenced by the sound panels, sound diffusers, and offset walls. Our new choir room includes two practice rooms, music library storage, uniform storage, and - perhaps best of all - our own water fountain. One can confidently say that in this facility, the GJHS choirs will continue to prepare quality vocal music for generations to come.
Unsurprisingly, the source of our greatest excitement in the performing arts department surrounds our incredible, new auditorium. The new auditorium boasts nearly 1600 seats, including balcony seating for audiences. Why are the seats purple? Ask any staff member, and you’ll learn that the four academies at Grand Junction High School each have their own color, and purple represents the Arts & Humanities academy.
The GJHS choirs’ December - Holiday Extravaganza performance and fundraiser is our biggest event of the year and most loved by the community. Expect a broad variety of styles with the continuation of the Grand Junction High School vocal music legacy.
BAND
Isaac Lavadie is the band director and has taken the marching band to state competitions many times in his nearly two decades teaching at GJHS. As the old auditorium is dismantled and new parking gets installed the practice field previously located behind the “little gym” will be set up on a different part of campus. Practice for the marching band unfortunately will not be well accommodated on campus this fall season as demolition and reformatting of the old campus space continues.
The new music rooms including the band area, are equipped with specialized acoustic ceilings and other features not previously available in the old building. Be sure to go see and hear performances any time you can!
The Orchestras at GJHS have been directed by Nicole Roos since 2019. There are 2 Orchestras at GJHS. The Concert Orchestra is primarily freshmen, and the Symphony Orchestra is upper classmen. We hope to reinstate a Chamber Orchestra as well.
With the construction of the new school, this is the first time in a long time, if ever, that the Orchestras will have their very own classroom to rehearse in. Similarly to the Choir room, the Orchestra room was designed specifically for music making, with sound panels and noise diffusers, etc. The room also has 2 internal practice rooms, as well as large instrument storage and a shared storage room with the band room.
The Orchestras are excited to make use of their new space, and plan to continue the legacy of producing high quality orchestral music for years to come.
“PLAY”ING TO THEIR STRENGTHS
Performing Arts - Theater
ARTICLE BY BRYAN CARLSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LILY CALDWELL
Within technical
Theatre students focus on what makes a show tick; lights, sound, costumes, props.
Theatre is a multifaceted experience allowing us to express ourselves through collective storytelling, education, and entertainment. It allows our students a platform for expression and creativity through acting, song, dance, lights, sound, painting, and much more.
Our Theatre at GJHS has a long standing history of bringing arts into the valley and I am incredibly proud to be a very small part of that legacy with these students. Theatre helps to foster a sense of community, and brings us all together to share in a collective experience; audience and performer alike.
Our Theatre Toupe is incredibly excited to be starting 2024/2025 school year in a brand new space, with new technologies and spaces for students to learn and to grow, much of this excitement stems from our brand new theatre and scene shop, where students will have the opportunity to practice their chosen craft in the Theatre Arts in Technical Theatre or Acting (sometimes both!). This will be the first time that the theatre, the scene shop, dressing rooms, green rooms, costumes, make up, and classroom will all be in one space, meaning students will have immediate access to all things that they will need in the Theatre.
The new auditorium features over 1400 seats for audience members to fill, with 1178 being at ground level, and the rest
filling our new balcony. The purple of the Theatre represents the Academy that Theatre Arts is a part of, as well as brings a calm atmosphere just before a show is about to begin. It also serves to help absorb light better, allowing the actors and audience to immerse themselves in to the story that is unfolding on the stage. Our stunning new lobby allows for a beautiful view while audience members purchase tickets or snacks from our ticket booth.
Within the realm of technical Theatre you have students that focus on what makes a show tick; lights, sound, costumes, make-up, scene and set pieces, etc. Students will have access to a brand new lighting and sound board in which to flex their creative muscles and make shows as beautiful as possible. The Theatre comes with a motorized rigging allowing for students to seamlessly move curtains, sets, and backgrounds during the production without the dangers of a rope and pull fly system. Costumers and Make-Up artists will also have new spaces in the basement of the theatre as with our new costume shop and make-up room.
Actors will have a brand new stage in which to ply their trade, with a wider stage as well as new microphones and monitors to allow them to always have their head in the play. Our audiences will feel closer than ever with the theatre being two stories and the height of the stage being shortened.
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This will be immensely beneficial to our Improv Troupe, The Jolly Junctioneers, as we aim to begin live audience performances. Students will have access to dressing rooms in the basement of the theatre, allowing for comfortable quick changes and storage.
Actors and technicians will have two opportunities during our theatre season to experience a live show, as well as various smaller productions throughout the year. We will be opening this year’s Theatre season in the Fall with the comedy play “She Kills Monsters”; which tells the story of Agnes, a “normal” woman who loses her parents and little sister, Tilly, in a car accident. Agnes embarks on an adventure to get to know her sister better by playing a Dungeons & Dragons game that Tilly had written, and discovers things about her sister, and herself, she'd never imagined. While a sad premise, the story is packed with action, adventure, disgusting ogres and an inspiration to the warrior in all of us. Show runs November 8th-9th.
We will follow up with our Spring show; Jekyll & Hyde, a musical based on the
novella of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson. “Jekyll & Hyde” is a moving and emotional musical that captivates audiences with its powerful storytelling, complex and flawed characters, and hauntingly beautiful music. The music itself is a combination of classical, rock, and pop to blend together a unique and morose score that is as evocative as it is powerful. The show is known for it’s gothic atmosphere, allowing for dark lighting and classical costumes. The show will open in March.
I have been in theatre in the Grand Valley for as long as I can remember, and it has given so much to me. For a long time, it gave me a job and means to take care of myself. But, truly, Theatre and the Performing Arts gave me empathy, love for my fellow man, and a confidence that I lacked before I stepped onto a stage. Performing Arts is not just a hobby, but an something that can truly change lives, allowing you to step into a new world, and a new way of thinking. An art that truly explores what makes us human, that dares us to look into the void of an audience and do the scariest thing on the planet; to be vulnerable and honest.
SEPTEMBER 5TH
Unity in Community Festival
Main Street, Grand Junction | 4:00 PM
Join United Way of Mesa County for the 4th Annual "Unity in Community Festival". Celebrate with live music, delicious food trucks, and a variety of free activities. Discover how United Way of Mesa County supports local nonprofits while enjoying free face painting, balloon twisting, a climbing wall, and more. This event is free. For more information visit: unitedwaymesacounty.org/events
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Wine & Dessert Pairings
Western Slope Memory Care, 2594 Patterson Road, Grand Junction, CO 81505 | 5:00 PM
Enjoy dessert and wine pairings with your loved one living with dementia. Prospective residents and their families are invited to join us. For more information visit: 2ly.link/1zDIS
SEPTEMBER 20TH
Mesa County Libraries 10th Annual Comic Con
Grand Junction Convention Center
Events will include a cosplay contest, Smashbros tournament, exhibitors, art contest, panels and much, much, more! Entrance is FREE with a Mesa County Library Card and $5 at the door with no card. For more information visit: mesacountylibraries.org/comiccon
SEPTEMBER 21ST
Colorado Mountain Winefest
Riverbend Park, Palisade | 10:00 AM
Join us for Colorado's Largest Wine Festival! Enjoy samples from dozens of Colorado wineries, live music, artisan vendors, chef demonstrations, educational seminars, a grape stomp, and more! To learn more about the festival, please visit our website - ColoradoWinefest.com
We take food donations for pets in need. Donations can be dropped off at our location. Cash donations are also welcome. Our Annual Food drive is coming up in October.
Tiara Rado is Here for All Your Pet Needs!
From pocket pets and reptiles to dogs and cats! From annual exams to state of the art diagnostics, we’ve got your best friend covered!
GIVE US A CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!
