Elevate Vol. 8 Issue 1 | Fall 2022

ELEVATE MAGAZINE

@rj_media @rj_media @rjmedia

MISSION STATEMENT

The magazine will amplify voices from within our community, our faith, and our mission. Elevate will listen to and share unique perspectives through the prism that contributes to the Jesuit tradition of intellectual and spiritual growth. It will provide a forum to examine important and relevant issues while also encouraging discussion and debate.

JOIN OUR STA FF

RJ Media is an open Forum for student free expression. We meet every Tuesday after school in P102. Feel free to come by!

OUR DOORS ARE OPEN

Comments, Questions, Ideas?

Come and see us in P102 or find us on Social Media.

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF:

GRANT BARNES ‘23, MOLLY NICHOLS ‘23

MANAGING

EDITOR:

MASON HARRIS ‘24

WRITERS:

Grant Barnes ‘23, Molly Nichols ‘23, Devyn Hubbs ‘23, John Burns ‘23, Bridget Fitzpatrick ‘23, Eliza West ‘23, Rachel Hilty ‘23, Gabby Chernoff ‘23, Liam Giardino ‘23, Grant Pierce ‘23, Clara Kulick ‘23, Jack Bentfeild ‘23, Jacob Rainsberger ‘23, Mason Harris ‘24, Lenny Osuna ‘24, Sebastian Mejia ‘24, Sofia Rivera ‘24, Mason Haas ‘24, Maddie Schneiter ‘24, Cameron Morath ‘24, Hayden Oh ‘25, Emma Ryan ‘25 & Parker Hausknecht ‘25, Max Fraser ‘26

MISSION AND PROCEDURES

DEAR REGIS JESUIT COMMUNITY,

Thank you for another wonderful start to the school year and for your continued readership to our magazine. We are excited to present our first official issue of Elevate Magazine for the 2022-23 school year. We are grateful for the gifts of our team and their undeniable talents art, writing, and design. They continue to make Elevate a place for creative self-expression. Our team is also very thankful for the guidance and grace of our two excellent advisors, Mr. Adam Dawkins ‘98 and Mr. Shane Monaghan ‘09, who never fail to foster a safe and fun learning environment surrounding student media at Regis Jesuit High School.

We hope that the community enjoys our coverage showing how Regis Jesuit High School grows its campus with the addition of the new Science and Innovation Center, profiles on some of four fall athletes, and some fun Halloween themed features that we find absolutely “spook-tacular.”

Above all else, we are always appreciative to start off another school year filled with retreats, various events, and connection within our community. Thank you for your commitment to building and furthering the community that means so much to us. We look forward to a successful and enjoyable school year!

-THE ELEVATE MAGAZINE EDITORS

Elevate is the studentrun magazine for Regis Jesuit High School. It is a quarterly, print and online publication. The magazine strives to produce objective, balanced, accurate, and thoughtful journalism that reflects the varied interests, talents, and viewpoints of Regis Jesuit’s students and staff.

Elevate will seek the truth. Its staff will minimize harm. It will always be transparent.

The magazine will amplify voices from within our community, our faith, and our mission. Elevate will listen to and share unique perspectives through the prism that contributes to the Jesuit tradition of intellectual and spiritual growth. It will provide a forum to examine important and relevant issues while also encouraging discussion and debate.

Nothing published either as an op-ed, editorial or as a letter to the editor should be considered the opinion of the school, the administration, or anyone other than its author or authors.

An Elevate editorial is the opinion of the majority of staff editors on a particular topic.

A commentary or column is an opinion of one member of the Elevate staff, not of the publication itself. An op-ed, like a commentary, is the opinion of one person, often an Elevate staff member

Bylined commentaries reflect opinions of the writers. Unattributed editorials represent opinions of the magazine’s editors and its staff.

Letters to the editor are encouraged. A letter will be published only if it includes a name and a signature. Letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine’s staff or of Regis Jesuit High School. Letters sent between Elevate’s quarterly print editions will be published online and then in the next print edition.

Elevate’s editorial board welcomes conversations with students, faculty, and staff. Any student can join the school’s magazine club; any student can submit stories for publication. All submissions will be reviewed by the staff and the process for considering publication will be evaluated using the same standards the staff uses for its own submissions. The magazine’s editors will withhold any submission that is deemed vulgar, tasteless, or is otherwise inappropriate.

Read our full mission and procedures at rjmedianow.com/about Contact the Elevate Staff rjmedia@regisjesuit.com or at the RJ Media Lab (Steele Center-102). Online: rjmedianow.com Address: 6400 S Lewiston Way, Aurora, CO

HALLOWEEN SPOOKS

QUEEN VICTORIA! GOD SAVE HER!

THE REGIS JESUIT THEATRE DEPARTMENT’S PRODUCTION OF PETER AND THE STARCATCHER WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD

Regis Jesuit’s theater department held their first production of the year, entirely student-led. From the production of sets and props, to the crew, lighting staff, makeup department, and more, Peter and the Starcatcher was a smashing success. With three shows in three days, each a work of art, the fall play has the whole Regis community, and others excited for Tarzan: The Stage Musical coming this spring.

Congratulations Raiders...We are proud of you!

photo by Owen Weis ‘24

LUNCHTIME CRUNCH

LOOKING AT WHERE SENIORS GO OFF CAMPUS FOR LUNCH

by Bridget Fitzpatrick ‘23 and Devyn Hubbs ‘23

SENIORS AT REGIS JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL ARE ALLOWED TO GO OFF CAMPUS FOR LUNCH. WITH A WIDE RANGE OF RESTAURANTS AND STORES NEARBY FOR STUDENTS TO CHOOSE FROM, HERE ARE THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS

“IT’S NICE TO GET OFF CAMPUS WHILE STILL BEING ABLE TO SEE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS.”

“THE THING I LIKE THE MOST ABOUT GOING OFF CAMPUS FOR LUNCH IS THE WIDE VARIETY OF RESTAURANTS AND [THE] NICE OUTDOOR AREAS THERE ARE TO EAT AT. WE DON’T HAVE TO SIT AT THE SAME AREAS AT SCHOOL ALL THE TIME.” -LUKE MORRIS ‘23

BUCKLE UPCAMPAIGN

Students received more than their new ID and lanyards during Regis Jesuit High School’s check-in day. Students were given an important reminder to buckle up when they get on the road. They got a keychain that connects to their ID’s to remember to use their seatbelts and stay safe.

At first glance, you might think the charm is a germ or a message about Covid-19, but upon further inspection, it is the sun with a seat belt wrapped around it.

This sunshine serves as a symbol to remind student drivers and their passengers to buckle up when they get in the car. The creator of the charm, Amy Bechtel ‘22,

designed and 3D printed the keychain herself for her Buckle Up campaign.

Amy started the Buckle Up campaign for two reasons:

Amy has been a Girl Scout for a long time and has been working on receiving her gold award (the highest award a Girl Scout can receive). To receive a gold award, a Girl Scout must create an impactful project and Amy’s project was the Buckle-Up Campaign.

REMINDING STUDENTS TO USE THEIR SEATBELT WHEN DRIVING

by Rachel Hilty ‘23

When Amy was in high school three of her peers from Parker, Colorado died from car accidents where they were not wearing seatbelts. This was something that stuck with Amy, and it made her wonder that if three people she knew from the small town of Parker had died from car accidents in the past four years, how many deaths from all over the United States could have been prevented if they were wearing a seatbelt?

Amy wanted to spread awareness about this issue and created the buckle-up campaign. She spreads awareness through social media and partnerships with the Sammie Sunshine Foundation, a nonprofit

organization. She shared her red keychain with Regis Jesuit High School because of their school colors, but she also developed the keychain in the colors of various high schools in the Aurora and Parker area.

Amy created a sun so that when students got into their cars they could feel the pointy edges for a tactile reminder for students to buckle up and drive safely. Amy hopes that after people have received the keychain and learned more about what it signifies that the red sunshine will do its purpose of keeping people safe.

COLLEGE

MRS. KRAPCHA HELPS TO ANSWER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY JUNIORS by Sofia Rivera ‘24 COUNSELING Q&A

WHAT SHOULD WE ASK ADMISSION OFFICERS WHEN THEY COME DURING LUNCH?

KRAPCHA: “Great questions to ask admission reps would be... in general ‘is tell me what is great about your school? What are top programs? What are the reasons student’s choose your school? If students know what they want to study, what programs do you offer in that? What is student life like, activities, professional opportunities?’ Seniors could ask for timelines and deadlines.”

HOW DO MANY PEOPLE APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID OR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?

KRAPCHA: ”The biggest way students apply for scholarships is [by] applying to the school. Many opportunities come from the institutions themselves, the next place is to apply to any programs that a given college directs them to.”

“Financial aid comes from the FAFSA, students fill it out once and send it out to all the colleges that they apply to. Each college will process this form differently to determine if they have additional grants, loans, or work study.”

WHAT SHOULD JUNIORS BE WORKING ON RIGHT NOW, AT THIS TIME IN THE YEAR?

KRAPCHA: “Right now it is exploring. What do I feel that I like? Where do I see myself in the future? Is it a certain career, is it a certain geographical place, is it knowing what schools offer, what is appealing to me? There is nothing juniors should be doing, as in a course of action, beyond doing well in school and getting involved in activities, and rounding themselves out. They can do college visits, talking to the colleges that visit here, and looking online. If there is a school a student likes, they should get on their mailing list and attend college events.”

DO TEST SCORES MATTER?

KRAPCHA: “A lot of schools once COVID hit, limited opportunities for students to test due to many testing sites being closed. When that became prevalent, many colleges waved the requirement to have tests as a part of their application. More students applied that didn’t think their test scores were good enough and those students were great. Colleges have seen the benefit of not requiring test scores, so most colleges are not requiring test scores. Others are still in a trial period of the next two to three years of having tests being optional, but they might go back. They can be valuable, but not required everywhere.”

SEE SOME OF THE STARS IN THIS YEAR’S FALL PLAY

3 BLACK STACHE, Colin Beatty ‘23, explains his cunning and beguiling scheme to steal the Queen’s treasure and take over the Wasp to Smee (Claire Mann ‘23) and Lord Aster (Jacob Olesky ‘24)

4 NO NAME, Before becoming Peter Pan, Skeeter Tiongson ‘24 explains the struggles of his life as an orphan and having no name as he traveled with Ted and Prentiss to Rundoon below the deck of the Neverland.

5 MERMAID OUTTA ME, Chloe Adams ‘25, OraVera KonaduAcheampong ‘25, Charlotte Tolva ‘24, and Gabriella Chernoff ‘23 sing of the starstuff that dissolved in their grotto, turning them from ordinary fish into mermaids.

06 ELEVATE PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

photos by Leonardo Osuna ‘24 captions by Gabby Chernoff ‘23

1 A TRIP TO MOLLUSK ISLAND, Fighting Prawn, portrayed by Vaughn Filby ‘25, holds Peter (Skeeter Tiongson ‘24) , Ted (Max Bauer ‘25), and Prentiss (Ruby Cripe ‘23) captive on Mollusk Island. The trio sought refuge on the island after abandoning their ship that had been overrun by pirates, but little did they know what they were getting into.

2 LIVE MUSIC, Jake Barry ‘24 and Pavio Montoya ‘24 provide perfect accompaniment on stage for the actors of Peter and the Starcatcher.

A BALANCED ACT

A LOOK AT HOW ONE STAR BALANCES HER BUSY SCHEDULE

The bright, radiant stage lights shine in her eyes, the cold air rests on top of her skin, and the rush of endorphins rush through her body. Suddenly, it’s showtime.

Addison Weissert is a star in the Regis Jesuit High School community, dedicating her enormous talents of acting and performing to the Regis Jesuit theatre. She truly feels happiness and support when she’s under the stage lights; the creaks of the floor can’t disrupt her focus. As her junior year ramps up, so does her hectic schedule. Stress and anxiety build up, making her feel like the weight of the world is on her shoulders.

“It’s time-consuming, and the result is a lack of sleep,” Weissert said.

With her junior year being full of challenging classes, being involved in extracurricular activities makes the year more demanding. Students often find themselves asking whether they should prioritize school or follow their passion. For Weissert this decision was easy: “Theatre is the priority.”

Remaining “in the moment” and keeping that mindset is the most effective way for Addison to participate in extracurricular activities and balance her busy schedule.

BRINGING NEW DIRECTION

Though it takes a lot of time to figure out how to balance life and mental health, theatre is her love and passion, and nothing will get in the way of that. Addison Weissert most recently starred in Regis Jesuit High School’s fall play Peter and The Starcatcher as Molly this fall. She looks forward to future opportunities in the theatre department.

MEET THE NEW THEATRE DIRECTOR MR. BURKE WALTON

New theatre director, Burke Walton’s love of theatre began in high school where he participated in several productions. Following his high school experience, he attended college at UCLA where he studied theatre and film.

He explains that through studying at UCLA, he was able to “narrow down [his] focus” and pursue theatre. After graduating, Burke began to participate in regional productions in Denver, Boulder, and Los Angeles, along with performing for the Disney Cruise Lines.

Growing up in Colorado, he attended productions put on by Regis Jesuit High School and always thought the shows turned out to be, “top-quality productions.” He says this is what

drew him to the opportunity to direct at Regis Jesuit.

Burke considers it an “honor and a privilege” to have the opportunity to be the new director. While Burke is not a teacher at Regis Jesuit High School, as theatre director he envisions every actor reaching their full potential and putting on a show to remember. He believes that, “we have the talent to take it to the next level.”

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER ELEVATE

by Maddie Schneiter ‘24

by Gabby Chernoff ‘23

Photo by Leonardo Osuna ‘24

Photo by Leondardo Osuna ‘24

REMEMBER THE GREEN?

TEACHERS REMEMBER WHAT MCNICHOLAS GREEN WAS LIKE WHEN THEY WERE STUDENTS

by

TThroughout the history of Regis Jesuit High School’s campus in Aurora, McNicholas Green and the area on which it sits has been very important to the school and its culture. Several alumni who graduated from the Aurora campus have different experiences, memories, and stories involving McNicholas Green.

In 1989, the current campus’ construction began on what is now the Girl’s Division. The following year, the first class of boys moved into the building, and classes began. The campus was small compared to how it is now; the location where McNicholas Green sits was a bare parking lot used for students and faculty of the school. Mr. Scott Alcorn ’99 shared some of the stories from his time as a student and when there was only a large field surrounding Regis Jesuit High School.

“The Green was still an empty field when I was a student here and pretty much only the McDonald’s and the movie theatre were even built yet, so it was all just open space all the way down to Parker Road.” Alcorn said. “I worked at a golf course senior year and a buddy and I borrowed a whole trash barrel filled with range balls and stashed them in my trunk for like two weeks. Eventually, we figured we had to get rid of the evidence so one day after baseball practice, we drove my

car into the field and took turns just completely smashing them toward Parker Road with our baseball bats. Whenever they built the King Soopers they must have found 500 of our range balls buried in the dirt.”

In 2004 the first class of girls moved into the Aurora campus. Mrs. Crowe shared her experiences with their iteration of the green. Mrs. Crowe said that she “has tons of memories with [her] girls always going out there [for] lunch.” Her favorite memory of McNicholas Green was having the Mass of the Holy Spirit for the first time.

“It was the first one in the school’s history where both divisions gathered and attended Mass together.” Crowe said. “I remember it being a hot day, we had Mass in the morning, but it was a nice change to have Mass outside in the fresh air and sun. We could also see the beautiful mountains.”

There have been so many experiences with the green. In years past, students experienced events like the club fair and graduation on McNicholas Green, events that created lifelong memories. Soon, the green will return for the community to create memories but with a different shape and a new Science and Innovation Center.

Max Fraser ‘26 photos courtesy of Regis Jesuit’s Communications Office

McNicholas Green served as a great place for students to meet new friends and form lifelong relationships. In 2008, the green extended up to Lou Kellog Stadium before the Steele Center was constructed.

Regis Jesuit High School used McNicholas Green for sports and special community events. In 2010, the green was painted and for soccer teams to utilize the field between the two divisions.

A 2020 aerial view of the Regis Jesuit High School campus shows McNicholas Green before construction of the Science and Innovation Center began. The green filled the area from the Steele Center to the where the tennis courts use to be.

Students arrived for the first day of the new school year with a few changes made around campus. The most prominent change being the ongoing construction of a new building at Regis Jesuit High School: The Science and Innovation Center.

Mr. Mitsuoka, director of the Science and Innovation Center, is excited to be a part of the project. The Science and Innovation Center will be 65000 square feet and will include a large meeting area that can transform into three large classrooms.

would like to see built into the new center.

The center will open Spring of 2024 and students and staff are excited about all the changes it will bring to the community. For example, the new building will be a communal space for both the Girls and Boys Divisions to have classes and a place for socializing with friends and meeting new people.

Located between the two divisions where the tennis courts once were, the building will serve as another space for the community to gather as well as the new official main entrance to the Regis Jesuit High School campus.

CThe center will include many opportunities for science and liberal arts education classes in a setting that won’t be as isolated as the other divisions.

and Innovation Center will help students grow passionate about the new subjects and classes coming to Regis Jesuit in the upcoming year such as Rocket Science and glass blowing.

“Regis Jesuit provides a very strong Liberal arts education, and now we have the opportunity to create even more applied learning experiences for our students and to improve the gender gap in STEM,” said President David Card ‘87.*

3D printers, laser cutters, manufacturing equipment, metalworking stations, welding workshops, and woodworking opportunities will all be available for students in the new building. The classroom activities will be extremely hands-on. Mr. Mitsuoka is still open to any new ideas students have and

The Science Department is especially excited about the new space which features 14 brand-new science labs. Mrs. Marianne Buehler, a science teacher at Regis Jesuit High School, looks forward to all science teachers and classes being localized in one building.

“Their ability to collaborate is going to be so much better because we are all going to be housed together,” said Mrs. Buehler.

With cutting-edge technology and flexible classroom space, the Science

*Interviews given to RJTV for SIC Groundbreaking story.

by Liam Giardino ‘23 and Grant Pierce ‘23

“IT

A rendering of the Science and Innovation Center from the Northeast.

Photo courtesy of Regis Jesuit’s Communications Office

APPROACH THE MARGINS

“

“Once you have a taste of being cherished, there’s nothing else like it”

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, California, ex-gang members are learning what it feels like to be cherished. Growing up, a lot of them did not know there were options outside of being a gang member. From being in an environment where they were not recognized for their own value, they are now recognizing their potential. Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program, allows for the transformation of lifestyles and mindsets. Its founder, Father Greg Boyle SJ, leads the efforts to make former gang members not only feel like part of a community, but he also guides them to contribute to the community in their own positive way.

by Grant Barnes ‘23

ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2022, the Regis Jesuit High School community gathered to hear from guest speakers Fr. Greg Boyle and his Homeboys Ashley and David. They shared their emotional stories on resilience and overcoming obstacles in their life through kinship. Photos by Andrew Massie ‘23

Father Boyle realized his calling after witnessing the devastating increase in gang violence in his community starting in the late 1980s. By meeting people

where they were without judgment of the mistakes they may have made, he showed them there was a positive direction in which they can live their lives. He also taught them how to pay it forward, teaching others how to recognize their own value which led to the creation of Homeboy Industries. Homeboy Industries provides education, jobs, and resources to individuals who seek guidance.

The “Homeboys” and “Homegirls” (members of the program) were once the unseen, living on the fringe of society. Father Boyle’s mission was to reach out and let them know they actually were seen, showing all people compassion and kinship. He recently shared this message during his visit to the Regis Jesuit High School community.

10 ELEVATE FR. GREG BOYLE VISITS RJ

“NO HOPEFUL KID HAS EVER JOINED A GANG IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD. KIDS JOIN GANGS BECAUSE THEY CAN’T SEE A FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES. THEY WON’T CARE IF THEY INFLICT HARM OR DUCK TO GET OUT OF HARM’S WAY.”

-FATHER GREG BOYLE, SJ

FATHER GREG BOYLE, ASHLEY, AND DAVID SHARE THEIR STORIES WITH REGIS JESUIT

“Stand at the margins with the poor, the powerless, and the voiceless. Stand with those whose dignity has been denied. Stand with those whose burdens are more than they can bear,” said Boyle. “Stand with the disposables so the day will come when we stop throwing people away.”

Ashley and David, both Homeboys who work at Homeboy Industries, accompanied Father Boyle and shared their personal experiences. Ashley spoke of his struggles growing up managing his anger as he found himself lost in gang life. He described how several of the conflicts he faced in his life when he was younger was heightened by his sense of pride and his unwillingness to let go of the past and move on. Ashley was fortunate enough to remove himself from that life and chose to take a chance with Father Boyle and check out what Homeboy Industries was really about.

“A lot of my friends that I grew up with are either dead or doing life in prison right now. I thank God, I made it out and I’m still here.” Ashley said. “You can feel the love when you step in. It’s turned me into a different person.”

David, another Homeboy who spoke to the community, shared details about his childhood in and out of juvenile justice centers and prisons as he got older. He too was heavily involved with gangs. During his incarceration, separated and isolated, David

David unfortunately “fell backward” after his sister was killed; she was someone who always accepted and loved him even knowing the mistakes he made in life. He wanted to get revenge for his sister’s murder, but he did not want anyone else to ever feel the pain that he felt when he lost her.

“She was my everything. She understood me, she knew my secrets.”

With the guidance of mentors at Homeboy Industries, both Ashley and David have taken leadership positions guiding new homeboys and homegirls to make responsible and worthwhile decisions in their lives. “I am thankful for Fr. Greg and homeboy industries for giving me my life back,” David said.

Both men displayed true vulnerability when they described how Homeboy Industries transformed their lives. They spoke from their hearts

Homeboy Industries continues to change the outlook of those wanting to improve their quality of life. It is not just the name of a company, it’s bigger than just a name. The family resulting from Father Boyle’s efforts has created a place where people are forgiven for their wrong doings, and where they can learn to forgive themselves.

“You may not care whether you live or die, but if there is someone who sees you, cherishes you, you have chance,” Father Boyle said.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FR. GREG BOYLE AND HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES?

Visit homeboyindustries.org for more information on Father Greg Boyle and the mission to approach the margins with compassion and kinship.

FR. GREG BOYLE VISITS

THE DIRECOLORADO RIVER MEGADROUGHT

WILL THE MEGADROUGHT OF THE BASIN AFFECT REGIS JESUIT?

by Mason Harris ‘24

Water is the most abundant natural resource on the planet. The Seven Seas account for the overwhelming majority of the Earth’s surface, spanning thousands of miles across the globe. At first glance, it might appear to be a timeless, inexhaustible natural resource, which it is—at least in the form of salt water. Yet freshwater— our vital source of life—is not nearly as plentiful. According to the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), only three percent of the world’s water is freshwater, and over two-thirds of that is permanently tucked away in frozen glaciers or otherwise unavailable for our use.

Water scarcity isn’t an issue to be taken

at face value. The socioeconomic statuses of communities across the globe play a significant role in the crisis, as affluent communities have greater access to fresh water. Though many communities have yet to feel the dire effects, the crisis has struck thousands of less fortunate communities. The effects of these shortages have been devastating as millions of people have been left without an adequate water supply.

“We already see water shortages, and we’re already seeing states such as Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico receiving reduced allotments of water. The city of Las Vegas is in a dire situation where they

may not be able to produce electricity for the city’s population with the hydroelectric Hoover Dam because of the diminution of reservoirs,” said Kevin Russell, a science teacher at Regis Jesuit High School. This fall, he introduced the Sustainability: Environment, Economy, and Equity course to Regis Jesuit students, which analyzes current global predicaments such as water scarcity and investment in clean energies.

The issue isn’t simply plaguing surrounding

states either. The Colorado River Basin and the South Platte River Basin have experienced sizable adversity over the last few decades. Though the crisis has been markedly affected by overconsumption, abnormal weather patterns have also affected the crisis. The periodic cooling of ocean surface temperatures, which occurs during La Niña years, pushes jet streams northward, often leading to drought in the southern United States and heavy rainfall in the northern United States. With the previous three years being La Niña years, Colorado has officially experienced the first triple Niña of the century, ushering in

a new era of drought. Even more harrowing is the fact that La Niña years used to occur every three to five years. Now it’s a yearly occurrence, and Colorado is already feeling the effects.

Aurora Water, one of the state’s leading suppliers, has already begun planning heavier restrictions for next year.

“COLORADO HAS EXPERIENCED LOWER-THAN-NORMAL PRECIPITATION SINCE 2020. AURORA WATER IS CAREFULLY MONITORING BOTH OUR WATER MOUNTAIN WATER SUPPLY AND OUR INTOWN DEMANDS,” AURORA WATER SAID IN A RECENT DROUGHT ALERT.

The effects of the drought have already impacted the crisis, as 80 percent of the state’s water supply originates in Western Slope rivers, which are supplied entirely by snowpack. With the immense reduction in snowfall in Colorado over the last three years, snowpack has become an unreliable water source, lowering surface water levels even more. Regis Jesuit High School’s two primary water sources are groundwater and surface water.

Groundwater is found underground in geologic rock formations, and surface water is found in streams, rivers, and lakes. Though Aurora may start to

feel the effects of water shortage as soon as 2023, the Regis Jesuit High School community can assist in conservation efforts.

“I think that when we’re looking to the future in our region, finding ways that we can reduce water consumption, conserve water, and reuse water—all of those things I think will be a vital aspect of our region as we move forward,” Russell said. “There’s a lot of room for collaboration between students and the administration to find ways to be more efficient with our water usage.”

Dozens of regional companies have already implemented large-scale solutions

such as rainwater harvesting, recycling wastewater, and the desalination of seawater. Smaller communities like Aurora have implemented low-flow toilets and faucets in addition to local rebate programs such as the Grass Replacement Incentive Program., These are solutions that can be applied in the Regis Jesuit community.

“It’s really important to know the different aspects of the state, the process of the distribution of water, and where we get our water from, and most importantly, how we’re using it and the inefficiencies of how we’re using it so that we can start to conserve more water.

Water efficiency is attainable, but it will take effort from all of us,” Russell said.

photo by Mason Harris

SEE HOW THRIFTING CLOTHES MAKES A GLOBAL IMPACT SHIFTING TOTHRIFTING

AAccording to Earth.org, a dedicated group of global activists for sustainable economic policies and governance by humans on Earth, nearly 100 billion garments are produced each year, yet 92 million tons are dumped in landfills? This waste is comparable to an entire rubbish truck of clothes being dumped in a landfill every second. A recent study done by the climate activist brand, Green Avocado Mattress, revealed that 88% of American consumers prefer shopping with fast fashion, yet only 38% of Americans are educated or aware of fast fashion and its effects.

The consequences of the fashion industry actively degrade the possibility of a sustainable future every second, but shopping in a sustainable way isn’t as far stretched as it may seem. Thrifting has held a positive impact on communities. Igniting generational awareness and recognition of fast fashion consequences, thrifting offers accessible ways for community members to make active environmental changes. Thrifting has the power to minimize carbon emissions, waste, and water consumption.

Industries like Zara, H&M, and Fashion Nova

among others got the attention of the country with their cheap prices and representation of micro trends throughout the country. The footprints of fast fashion are increasingly alarming, making the fast fashion industry responsible for nearly 10% of all carbon emissions and 20% of global wastewater. The fashion industry is ranked the second largest worldwide consumer of water, average cotton shirt takes nearly 700 gallons to produce. According to the UN Environmental Assembly, “If nothing changes, by 2050 the fashion industry will use up to a quarter of the world’s carbon budget.”

Advocating and spreading awareness of fast fashion in our communities begins with a single action. So what can you do to make a change in your community? Shopping locally, donating your clothing, buying recycled clothing, and educating those around you have the power to create change. By advocating for the end of fast fashion, the possibility of a sustainable future is possible.

Regis Jesuit has hosted two “RJ Swap” events so far this year, where students and staff can donate, trade, or thrift clothing items.

Mrs. Sherwood, the “RJ Swap” organizer and avid thrifter says, “Whenever you are thrifting, you are doing good.”

by Sebastian Mejia ‘24, Mason Haas ‘24, Cameron Morath ‘24 Illustration by Mason Haas ‘24

ENTERING THE SHARK TANK

MMr. Reif’s entrepreneurship class provides many opportunities for real-world experiences. One opportunity was a presentation to shareholders on businesses that the students selected. The Shark Tank like presentation provided students with an idea of how to propose business ideas to bigger corporations.

“I think it’s important to have this class everywhere.” Mr. Reif said. “Entrepreneurship, understanding what characteristics create the entrepreneurship mindset is a class everyone can use moving forward.”

The class is designed to teach juniors and seniors about the process of creating a business plan to create a successful company. Senior Jackson White thinks entrepreneurship is an important class to have at Regis Jesuit High School because of new possibilities currently being built for students.

“The additions of the new building. Being able to expand the use of the classrooms are very important to help our students be future business leaders on top of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America),” White said.

In the first ten days of the semester, the class took part in a shareholder presentation with businesses that they came up with. Mr. Reif based this assignment on a similar one that he had in high school. Students were split into five groups and had a Shark Tank presentation to a group of top shareholders at Regis Jesuit High School, with four to five processes they weren’t familiar with.

“They dug in, they researched, they practiced their presentations, they presented, and now we’re moving forward with the next steps,” said Mr. Reif.

This presentation helped the class understand what’s

ENTREPRENEURSHIP CLASS MAKES PITCHES TO SHAREHOLDERS

by Eliza West ‘23

happening in the world with businesses being formed and how businesses run. It gave the students insight on what a career in business could look like and what they would learn. Junior Caroline Gambrill liked the shareholder presentation.

“It gave me real-life experience in something that would possibly happen in a business career,” she said.

With the students having experience now, Mr. Reif believes that what they learned during this presentation will go with them into the future.

photos courtesy of Regis Jesuit’s Communications Office

FALL SPORTS

THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR BRINGS A NEW LEVEL OF COMPETITION

CHARLOTTE FORD

‘23

TAYLOR MINGES

‘26

JO COLLINS ‘23

16 ELEVATE SPORTS PHOTO ESSAY

CONGRATULATIONS to the athletes and teams who left it all on the court, pitch, field, trail, and diamond this fall season.

DOWN THE ALLEY, Senior Charlotte Ford ‘23 dodges two defenders for an assist in a game versus Liberty High School.

Photo by Andrew Massie‘ 23

SETS THE PACE Senior runner Jo Collins competes in Regionals, where the girls team placed second. Photo by Zane Willson ‘24

UP NEXT Representing the RJ softball program, the JV softball team stepped up for a successful season. Photo by Jo Chyr ‘26

PEYTON KREUTZER ‘24

BUMP. SET, SPIKE Girls Vollyball competes against Chaparral in front of a rowdy crowd. Photo by Devyn Hubbs ‘23

JOSIAH HARRIS ‘23

ANNA MOSER ‘23

PREPARES

ELI HANDLER ‘23

RANGE VIEW

Senior Golfer Eli Handler ‘23 tees off at hole 8 at the CHSAA State Golf Tournament.

CLAY DICKEY ‘26

MAKES A RACKET

The freshmen sets up a forehand at the state semifinal match against Valor.

JOVANY ESPINOZA ‘23

GOALAZO--

CHEER TEAM FLYERS HYPING UP

THE CROWD during the Homecoming Pep Rally. Both JV and Varsity qualified for nationals in their first competition of the year. Andrew Massie ‘23

KAYLEIGH MUNIZ ‘23

SPORTS PHOTO

Photo by Andrew Massie ‘23

RJ POMS CELEBRATES school spirit at a home football game cheering on the players. Photo by Andrew Massie ‘23

Photo by Maddie Hepworth ‘24

Boys soccer team celebrates after a stunning overtime goal against Grandview. Photo by Manus Largan‘24

DOMINATES against Arapahoe, Senior Josiah Harris ‘23 is unstoppable.

Photo by Andrew Massie ‘23

for the next play on the Rugby pitch, ready for whatever comes next. Photo by Rhegan McCall ‘24

EYES ON SPORTS PROFILE OCTOBER

REGIS JESUIT CROSS COUNTRY TEAM HAS NEW LIFE

HEADED BY JUNIOR DAVID FLAIG by John Burns ‘23

Summer running is the bare minimum for the cross-country team’s success. While Regis Jesuit High School’s boys cross country team has certainly run in the summer years prior, new head coach Chris Boyle has taken a new approach: one promising to pay off soon.

This summer the team ran more miles than they had ever run before, and it wasn’t just individual miles. The team would consistently arrive at Regis Jesuit at 7:30 AM four days a week to run together. Their mornings consisted of mile repeats, tempo runs, and distance runs. The intense summer wouldn’t happen without a dedicated group— one headed by junior sensation David Flaig.

David Flaig is the mile record holder for Regis Jesuit High School. He holds the top-ten records for the 800 and two-mile times. He is the school’s best 5k runner since the Nichol brothers (who claimed the program’s singular state title in 2009) and is one of the major reasons why the team is experiencing new life. Coach Boyle understands the importance of “low sticks” (the team’s highestscoring runner) and commented on the importance of David to the team.

“David is one of the best teammates that I’ve seen. A lot of

the time when guys are capable individual athletes, they don’t do a good job of being present and helping their teammates get better,” Boyle said. “Sometimes he’s not afraid to run with the group and track on miles on his own. I think when you have a guy who’s so individually successful, to be able to translate that to his teammates is one of the biggest gifts that he can give.”

In addition, the other boys have bought into David’s approach to excellence, and his high goals for the season. “I think our focus has to be October. We missed out on state last year by one place, which was crushing. This year, we have a ragtag group of sophomores, juniors, seniors, and transfers who make us unique. I think that our bond, effort, and goals are locked in. We want to qualify for state, and we expect to run hard and well

excited to go out on a high note. Nothing to lose,” said Zion.

While summer running and team bonding are immensely important for the teams’ success, this fall the intensity increased. The boys’ cross-country team qualified for state earning 4th place at regionals.

FROM THE SPORTS PROFILE GOAL POST

FIELD HOCKEY GOALKEEPER SAVORS HER TIME WITH RJ FIELD HOCKEY

When MaryKate “MK” Berg ‘23 picked up a field hockey stick for the first time during her freshman season at Regis Jesuit, she could not have fathomed how the sport would change her life in the upcoming years. Berg quickly gained skill with her natural talent as a goalkeeper and played a vital role in the varsity team’s second state championship title in her next season as a sophomore – and third as a junior.

In her time as part of the field hockey community at Regis Jesuit High School, Berg described having grown as a person and a player. Each player is encouraged by the program to be a “WOFO,” a woman with and for others, a core value of Regis Jesuit High School.

“We went to state, and we are always really win-focused, but growing with the team has made me realize that winning’s not everything,

even if we do get to win,” Berg said. “It’s more important to just be good teammates and be good people.”

This season, Berg believes that the “team is the closest it’s ever been” and she is hopeful to lead the program to a fourth title as a senior captain.

In addition to the success of her team, Berg’s impressive career and relentless hard work has presented her with numerous opportunities. From training in the Netherlands

and Scotland to committing to continue her academic and athletic career at Division 1 program, Davidson College in North Carolina, the future is bright for Berg.

“My biggest hope for the future is to just to have more girls wanting to come out and play field hockey and getting that opportunity,” Berg explained. “Field hockey is such a small sport right now and I just want Regis to be a community that really pushes new people to play and helps make a mark on field hockey in the U.S.”

by Hayden Oh ‘25

photo by Asher Weisberg ‘23

STATE OF MIND

s A HEALTHY

Students can carry a lot of weight on their shoulders with all their responsibilities at school added to what they already have going on at home. One of Regis Jesuit High School’s new counselors, Mr. Jeffrey GonsalvesMcCabe also referred to as Mr. GMC, discussed the importance of managing your mental health and talking to trusted friends and adults face to face.

“Especially for young people, there’s a lot of pressure. I think it’s important for young people to have someone to talk to that’s different from parents or friends because all those other people have expectations,” he said. “So, coming and talking to a counselor in high school allows them to process things and share what’s

DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTAL HEALTH

by Oheneba Osei-Fordwuo ‘25 and Grant Barnes ‘23

going on without being afraid that someone is going to judge them.”

The Covid-19 pandemic had a worldwide impact on people’s mental health. Being isolated and only communicating through technology, the transition back to “normal” life, where we see and communicate with each other face to face, has presented a few problems with how we interact with each other, especially in a school.

“Coming back after, I think a lot of people’s social skills aren’t as strong and interacting with people is more difficult. I think

especially for young people, like elementary or middle school, those are crucial times to help them figure out how to relate. So, I think we are going to see, sadly more mental health struggles as we move away from the [Covid-19] pandemic.”

Talking about mental health and wellbeing is important, yet it can often be an uncomfortable topic. Mr. GMC emphasized how the more we talk about our mental health and the struggles we are going through, the better our mental health will be and the more comfortable we are seeking help and being a source for others to come to.

“I think we want to get as far away from it being stigmatized as possible. If we talk about it and normalize it, people don’t feel that if they are going to see a therapist or a counselor that there is something wrong with them,” he said. “They’re just talking to someone to figure out how to live life better, be happy, not have so much pressure and anxiety, and to live in a life where they are the best versions of themselves.”

Having another school year without mandatory masks and virtual classes, it is important for students to talk to each other and form good relationships with friends. At a time where anything could change, it is crucial that students find a group of individuals who can help them when they are struggling. “Get off your phones, talk to people face to face.” Mr. GMC said.

photo by Grant Barnes ‘23

MR. JEFFREY GONSALVES-MCCABE

GOT BIBLE?

FFully absorbing the Colorado wilderness, members were reminded of God’s beauty around them. Just 45 minutes outside of Denver, they traveled to the end of the trail. There, Regis Jesuit High School’s Bible Study Club gathered with just enough time to admire the sunset. The members took time to reflect and share with the group.

“Personally, it helps me see the connection of God within our community when we talk about our lives in a religious perspective,” Braden Edward ’23 said.

Regis Jesuit High School’s five pillars of the Graduate at Graduation (open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice) not only serve as pillars students strive to embody but also the basis on which Bible Study Club stands

on. All pillars play a vital role in the formation of students and the structure of the club, but the Bible itself is the key to unlocking what members can discover.

The Bible itself plays a major role in Regis Jesuit High School and around the world. Members of the club take time to understand the lessons and stories shared in the sacred text together. The Bible is used to help the

members understand the world around them and their journeys with their faith.

“I think no other club hangs out with each other outside of the club more than Bible study,” senior Sami Mourani said. “It feels like one big community like a family”.

The club forms a community of friends who are passionate to expand their

OPPORTUNITIES

understanding of the Bible and their faith. Official meetings take place twice a month during lunch, and members tell stories and have conversations with their brothers and sisters. The moderator of the Bible Study Club, Mr. Evan Neibur, believes in the importance of the time the students spend together to understand themselves, each other, and their faith. The club invites all Regis Jesuit

FIRST FRIDAY MASS

“It’s the mission of the school, to form men and women who are dedicated to their faith and exploring what it means to be Christian or Catholic,” Neibur says. “Religion can be looked at as the way you interact with the world.”

ROSARY GATHERINGS, ADORATION, RECONCILIATION OFFERED BY THE JESUIT COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

High School students to join the community they formed.

Members of the Bible Study Club meet up during Academic Support catching up with each other.

Photo by Liam Giardino ‘23

FROM ENGINEERING TO TEACHING

WHO MRS. ROOSA WAS BEFORE REGIS JESUIT

by Clara Kulick ’23

facility that was working on the next generation of computer chips,” Roosa said. “As you get more senior in a company you just attend more meetings, and I knew that wasn’t for me.”

Her time at Intel was an incredible experience, but the idea of being a teacher was always in the back of her mind.

Once her job became less about research and more about endless meetings, she knew that it was time to transition to a new career. Teaching was her first option, and she went for it.

we have more free time at the end of the day.”

Even though there have been some challenges, Mrs. Roosa still has found joy in the Regis Jesuit community. Her favorite memory so far at Regis Jesuit High School was the Mass of the Holy Spirit. This was when Mrs. Roosa was finally able to step out of her classroom and look at the rest of the Regis student body gathered as a community. She was impressed with the way the whole student body was sitting nicely and reflecting all together.

It wasn’t always students falling out of their chairs, reminders to raise their hands, and brawling in the center of the classroom. It wasn’t always the hectic life of a seventh-grade teacher managing her students. It wasn’t always the life of a teacher for Mrs. Leslie Roosa.

After graduating from Cherry Creek High School, Mrs. Roosa went on to attend

college at Notre Dame University. During college, she earned money by tutoring kids and grading papers for the math department. Here, she got her first taste of the life of a teacher. From that point on, she knew if she were ever looking for a new job, teaching would be a great fit.

Roosa went on to get her master’s degree at Stanford University and became an engineer.

She worked in Silicon Valley manufacturing computer chips for Intel, the world’s largest semiconductor chip manufacturer and top innovator of new computers. While working there she realized that everything that she had been learning in school was right in front of her eyes and in her hands.

“It was really neat to be in the intel research

Before teaching at any high school, Roosa was a seventh-grade teacher at Campus Middle School. She says that “teaching seventh graders is hectic.” The confidence of seventh graders wasn’t what Roosa expected, so she transitioned to a more mature and advanced surrounding: teaching at Regis Jesuit High School.

“The maturity level from seventh graders to seniors was a nice change,” Mrs. Roosa said. “[They] take advantage of the time they are given in class to work.”

One of Mrs. Roosa’s pre-calculus students, Fatima Ettaghi ‘23 talks about how she likes that Mrs. Roosa allows for “time during class to finish our homework so

She says, “It’s a big project for everyone to be working on, creating a high school experience for all of these kids.”

Not only is Mrs. Roosa a teacher, but she is also a mother of three kids. From engineering to middle school and now a new pre-calculus and stats teacher. She continues to bring her skills and energy to the classroom.

“Mrs. Roosa never rushes through lessons, she makes it a point to make sure that everyone understands the material, she has been a great addition to the staff at Regis,” said Fatima.

Mrs. Roosa in the classtoom helping her pre-calculus class through tough problems.

TOP 5 CHAIRS FOUND AROUND CAMPUS

by

ACCORDING TO A 2018 STUDY CONDUCTED BY UCLA,

High schoolers spend on average eight to ten hours of the school day sitting down. Movement is very important for students, but so are the seats we are sitting in. Here are our top five picks for the best seats around campus. Find some of these seats, test them out for yourself, and let us know if you agree with our picks.

THE ART ROOM STOOLS

Unconventional for sure. Back-support = non-existent. However, the effort is absolutely admirable. Art rooms call for creativity, and the chair reflects that desire. The chairs are mobile, stackable, and do the job of keeping students comfortable and engaged.

THE ROLLY TRIANGLE SETUP

We don’t have enough amazing words to write about these heroic inventions. The wheely nature of the chairs keeps kids and teachers uniquely focused, and the triangle desk shape is perfect for group projects. The chairs are cushioned creating the perfect blend of comfort and mobility. They even spin and have a magical lever that can bring them to the perfect height for any student. Legroom is built in, and these are the chairs of the future. Perfection.

THE CLASSIC DESK

Humble, reliable, and functional. The occasional storage bin under the chair legs is a perfect footrest, and there is plenty of desk space for all your books. The bar is low for comfortable

THE QUAD QUAD-BENCHES

Hot take, but these are the most overrated chairs on campus. The faux rubber seats are bad in itself, but the combined pattern of holes mean comfort is nearly impossible. They heat up fast, and if it wasn’t for the unconventional classroom bonus, these would be our worst ranked chair.

THE BENDY BIO LAB

Sanitary study stations are a must, but they compromise the comfort of our future scientists. The plastic backrests bend far more than expected, but it’s the squeaky nature of the chairs that give this seat our lowest ranking. The chairs can get smushed together in the small classrooms, and the tight quarters regularly result in clammy hands.

John Burns ‘23, Axel Powell ‘23, and John Paul Robertson ‘23

WHICH HALLOWEEN CANDY ARE YOU?

MOSTLY A’S:

YOU ARE THE CALM BUT CREATIVE TWIX BAR!

Congratulations on your relaxed and nonchalant night with your family. I hope you enjoy Halloween candy straight from the bag and possibly a hot cup of tea, maybe even something pumpkin spice themed if you’re feeling ready for Thanksgiving already!

MOSTLY B’S:

YOU ARE FUN AND FABULOUS SKITTLES!

Congratulations on always being the life of the party. Cheers to spending the whole night hanging out with friends, dancing, laughing, and assuring that there’s never a dull moment in the group. Hopefully, all you Skittles people out there can take November 1st off!

MOSTLY C’S:

YOU ARE A CLASSIC AND ICONIC M&M’S!

Whether they’re caramel, peanut butter, or just classic chocolate flavor, these are one of the most coveted treats found in trick-or-treaters pillowcases. You tend to float towards the finer things in life, and that includes recognizing that some movies, candies, and costumes never go out of style!

MOSTLY D’S:

YOU ARE BRIGHT AND SWEET STARBURSTS!

Hopefully, the pink ones (wink wink). Nevertheless, you always seem to have an optimistic point of view and are always looking for a way to dress more brightly, and certainly look for out-of-the-box ways to express yourself. Congratulations on your Halloween costume and for what I am sure is the best-looking outfit at the haunted house!

SPOOKY ENCOUNTERS

MS. MAE BURKETT

BOYS DIVISION SCIENCE TEACHER

“At 7th-grade science camp, while in compass class, I got lost in the forest with my partner, Elizabeth. We went off path and stepped on an underground bees’ nest. We each got stung around 15 times. I was terrified when they swarmed and have been pretty scared of bees ever since.”

MR. SEAN O’DEA SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

When I was a kid, my dad made extra money maintaining a radio tower just beyond our backyard. He said the official term for a “tower” was a mast antenna. Before the age of the internet, he would ensure the lights were properly lit and flashing, as well as clear out any bird’s nests that might interfere with signal strength or clear out any critters who could chew through key wires or components.

Some evenings our phone would ring, my dad would stomp from his bed to the kitchen and answer. From my bedroom, I only heard him respond with simple and short hmm’s before finally saying, “I’ll take care of it.” Then he would grab his clanging harness and stomp through the backyard, out the squeaky back gate, and up the field towards the tower. I often looked at that tower through the permanent gap in my curtains that were too small for my bedroom window. I would hypnotically watch the crowning red light atop slowly pulse to warn oncoming aircraft that occasionally approached the small airport down the road. “Before you were born,” my dad said, “A Cessna clipped the tower and

RJ TEACHERS DESCRIBE SCARY ENCOUNTERS THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED

MRS. KAREN WUERTZ

BOYS DIVISION HEAD/PERFORMING ARTS TEACHER

“My sisters and I saw the same ghosts or maybe guardian angels when we were little kids sharing a bedroom together. We didn’t realize this until we were adults”

spiraled down just beyond our house in a fiery blaze. That’s why I make sure the lights are always on and the tower freshly painted.”

Sometimes, when I played in the field behind my house, I would look for fragments of that Cessna crash. I never found any, though. In the middle of the night I would wake up to the sound of my dog, Rufus, growling. I would peer out my window and see more than just the pulsing red light that crowned the tower. I would also see two red lights almost halfway up the tower, but somehow, not attached to the tower. Two red lights close together that did not pulse slowly. They had a fixed glow. And they seemed to glare right into my window. And right at me. Moments later, those two piercing lights would disappear. I wondered what those lights were, why they turned on so late, and why they always seemed to appear in different locations around the tower?.

“There’s only one red light on the tower, son, and it’s at the top. Everything else is low-wattage and just helps illuminate the ladder I sometimes climb.”

“Maybe it’s an owl?” I replied.

“Did you hear any hooting?” he asked. “Anyway, if there were an owl up there or any bird, I probably wouldn’t have all those rodents chewing through the wires. It’s my job to scare them away.”

Nearly every night, I would watch for those lights. But one summer evening, I heard my dad creeping through the kitchen and unlatching the sliding glass door to the backyard. His boots didn’t stomp, his harness didn’t clang, and the back gate didn’t even squeak. Moments later, I peered through my curtain. I saw the two red lights blink on at the tower’s base - like eyes. They looked directly at me. Then, those eyes dimmed and brightened as they seemingly spiraled and ascended the tower. The two red eyes made it to the top of the tower. Quickly. And as the crown light pulsed, it revealed the shadowy shape of something big, like grown man big. The crown light slowly pulsed off. And as is it pulsed back on again, I saw great wings erupt into the night as the shadowy figure took flight. Shooting upwards. Towards the small plane flying above.

UNDERGROUND PASSAGES?

Our writers went into the media lab one Tuesday searching for the answer to a rather bland question: “Halloween is coming up, could there be something spooky within Regis Jesuit’s long history?” Expecting a story about a rambunctious kid playing a spooky prank or perhaps an unwanted animal in the classroom, interviewers got goosebumps after talking to one of RJ’s most beloved faculty members. Between talk of ghosts and closed off tunnels, it’s clear to see that now is the time to shine a spotlight on some creepy Regis history.

In the early 1980s, Regis Jesuit High School was a minuscule sub-division within Sacred Heart (now known as Regis University) in Morrison, Colorado. High schoolers were initially taught in a basement, eye level with the ground. The building was aptly called the “Pink Palace” for its pink sandstone foundation. Our anonymous source explained that he, “worked with a guy who [was] the principal” and occasionally had to “go down to the basement.”

While that all seems acceptable, it becomes concerning when our source’s colleague discovers that this basement’s walls were scattered with openings to tunnels that spiked out under the school grounds. Striking out in all different directions, anyone could travel just about anywhere else on campus (including dorms and campus housing) without another soul seeing them. How would you feel knowing that anyone could be walking beneath you or following you without you knowing?

Thinking that the tunnels weren’t such a problem, the staff continued to leave these

secret tunnels open and functional. That is, until they were forced to close them. According to our source, “they had to close them because of problems that were happening with people getting attacked.” It’s unclear how these people were attacked, who they were, or what happened to them.

“But those tunnels all still exist and on snowy days, when the snow is barely hitting the ground, you can see the zig zags across the quad.” To add to the hair-raising experience, the only illumination in the dim, dirt pit was a single lightbulb. Another, more senior faculty member, who was also present at this time, wasn’t even aware of the tunnels because of how secluded they were. This was fascinating to hear, especially from someone so educated. But writers weren’t going to stop there, was this story just a fabrication of an old spooky rumor, or was it a real-life horror story?

We dug a little deeper. In an October 2004 edition of Regis University Highlander (a weekly student publication), we found what we were looking for. In an article titled, “Tunnels at Regis: take a trip below,” a staff reporter answers the questions of Regis University’s faculty and student body alike: Yes! The tunnels are real! The author details where some of the buildings the tunnels run through are and even included a picture of one said passageway. One tunnel was even said to be hand dug, about ten feet deep, waning off in height as the passageway persisted. And, surprisingly, the author reveals that there are some tunnels that are still left unblocked! In a 2012 edition of the same paper, we found that there was more to

the unsettling tale of our parent school. After again confirming the existence of the tunnels, the author of the article “Regis Spooky Spirits: Fact or Myth” talks about the reports of ghost sightings. Students within certain residence halls consistently report doors being opened and closed on their own accord. There are also discussions of unusual figures appearing in tall windows or unfamiliar faces in pictures. In fact, one of the Jesuits on campus claimed that he was faced with a “poltergeist encounter.”

While working late after security came by, a door slams down the hall. He brushed it off after checking that nobody else was in the hall, but was slightly jarred. Then another door slammed. Security was called. They came and checked, but declared that nothing was wrong. Then…“SLAM! He was out of there.”

Our source, mentioned earlier, also talked to us about strange doors at our own campus. At 4:45 a.m the morning, he arrived to disarm the boys division building, and start his morning. Dark buildings so early in the morning are scary enough, not to mention the creepy wall climbers in the Boys Division, but when he got to the elevator to go upstairs, it opened. And yes, that is what elevators are supposed to do, but not all on their own! According to him, it opened directly in front of him the second he stepped in front of it without him so much as touching the button. Coincidence? Perhaps. Or maybe this haunting of the Jesuits has hitchhiked its way to our very own buildings.

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT THE OLD REGIS CAMPUS? by Emma Ryan ‘25 & Parker Hausknecht ‘25

LETS GET SPOOKY

JUMP SCARES

TOP 5 WAYS TO SCARE YOUR TEACHER. DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK

IF YOU EVER WANT TO FRIGHTEN SOMEONE, A GOOD JUMP SCARE IS A WAY TO GO. WHAT IS SCARIER THAN AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE? IT’S SIMPLE, PICK YOUR CORNER, CHOOSE YOUR DARK ROOM THEN WAIT FOR THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY. EVEN BETTER, GET THE WHOLE CLASS IN ON IT. JUMP OUT FROM UNDER YOUR DESKS OR HIDE OUT IN THE HALLWAY BEFORE SPOOKING THEM. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEMERITS YOU RECEIVE.

CLASS COLLAB

WITH A BIT OF PLANNING, STUDENTS COULD REALLY FREAK A TEACHER OUT. WHAT IF YOUR ENTIRE CLASS COORDINATED OUTFITS (SAME SHIRT/PANTS/JACKET) AND WALKED INTO THE ROOM IN A SINGLE FILE LINE. THEN THE ENTIRE CLASS STARES AT THE TEACHER WITHOUT SPEAKING UNLESS CALLED UPON. EVEN IF YOU’RE FORCED TO TALK, SPEAK IN A MONOTONE VOICE THAT’S SURE TO FREAK YOUR TEACHER OUT.

CREEPY CRAWLING ANIMALS

A TERRIFIC WAY TO PRANK YOUR TEACHER IS PRETEND THERE IS A RUNAWAY ANIMAL IN THE CLASSROOM. START BY POINTING AND STANDING ON THE CHAIRS RUNNING AWAY FROM THIS PRETEND RAT, SNAKE, SPIDER, OR ANOTHER CREEPY ANIMAL. MRS. BUEHLER, A BELOVED RJ SCIENCE TEACHER EVEN SAID “BRINGING IN SOME KIND OF WEIRD REPTILE” WOULD ABSOLUTELY FREAK HER OUT. THAT UNDOUBTEDLY APPLIES TO MORE THAN HER. A PRETEND CREATURE IS THE WAY TO GO.

FAKE ILLNESS

3

TAKE FAKING YOUR ILLNESS TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL (NOT THAT YOU ALREADY DO THAT). HERE’S AN IDEA: START CONVULSING ON THE FLOOR. WHEN THE TEACHER COMES TO HELP, JUST BURP AND YELL,” WOW, THAT WAS SOME SERIOUS HEARTBURN.”

PLEASE CLARIFY THAT THIS WAS A JOKE FOR LEGAL PURPOSES.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

USE MAKEUP, PENS, CONTACTS, OR FAKE BODY PARTS TO CONFUSE OR SCARE THE TEACHER. SAY “GOOD MORNING” WITH A HANDSHAKE AND WATCH THE HORROR GROW WHEN YOUR HAND FALLS RIGHT OFF! CREATE A SPOOKY ROBOT THAT MAKES A NOISE AND CAN CHASE YOUR TEACHER. THE ONLY LIMIT IS YOUR IMAGINATION.

by Emma Ryan ‘25 & Parker Hausknecht ‘25

OPINION

by Jacob Rainsberger ‘23

HIGHPOINTE CENTER: A HIGHPOINT OF MY IMMERSION

LESSONS LEARNED FROM IMMERSION AND SOLIDARITY CLASS

With a mind full of doubt and close-mindedness, I was looking forward to everything but immersion site decisions. Shielded from trauma by my family, there was something about new experiences that made me apprehensive. HighPointe Services, located in Centennial, helps adults who live with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) gain greater independence and self-sufficiency, according to the Highpointe website.

In this senior theology elective Immersion and Solidarity, we spend the first six weeks participating in Socratic seminars on a range of topics such as compassion, encountering the other, and ways to have a positive impact—in preparation for our trip. In place of

by Lenny Osuna ‘24

STRIKE

DEAR ROBERT MANFRED,

attending class at Regis for a week, we went to HighPointe Center from 8:30a.m to 3:00p.m everyday. After, we stayed at Mother Cabrini Shrine Retreat Center for two nights where we spend time reflecting, walking on Emmaus walks, and playing exciting games like Mafia: Harry Potter edition. During this trip, I took the lessons we talked about in our seminars and experienced them in real-life situations.

On my first immersion day, with a body full of emotions, I went to my first morning reflection meeting where I met Ken, the CEO and founder of HighPointe. Ken’s son Austin also had developmental delays and physical disabilities which motivated him to find better ways of serving individuals

with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through this site.

Ken introduced the three types of rooms they had at the center: room one had extreme physical and verbal disabilities, room two had mild disabilities, and room three was the highest functioning room—which is where I started my first day.

Petrified, I walked to room three, it was my first experience with adults that deal with mild to severe disabilities.

A wave of clients approached us as we entered, all polite and filled with curiosity. They weren’t afraid of what we thought of them. They were their authentic selves. I slowly began to engage to the new experience by participating in group activities such as Zumba with Bridget—who loved

making turkey sandwiches—or arts and crafts with Cathy—who loved secretly complimenting her classmates.

The clients accepted our help with compassion and kindness.

At HighPointe I had the opportunity to challenge and grow in my perspectives on the marginalized by gaining a deeper understanding of the juxtaposition between our two worlds.

I highly recommend students at Regis who are looking to encounter others in unique and surprising ways.

Baseball’s rules are now more focused on making money for the MLB, rather than keeping the spirit of America’s favorite pastime. The new rules that you are implementing into the game, even in the past few years, are completely changing the game that once was America’s favorite form of entertainment. Although it makes sense from a business perspective that you would try to increase viewership and revenue, you are ultimately destroying the game in the process.

These changes are supposedly going to increase viewership in the MLB. However, over the past years, you have tried the same thing over and over again, and nothing has happened. According to Maury Brown of Forbes Magazine, “Viewership for the regional sports networks is flat at the All-Star break.” A few months ago, in August when the All-Star break happened, viewership had not increased. Brown goes on to say, “Overall, the league is down -0.38% or flat when rounded” in terms of viewership. In other words, your changes over the past few years are not working. I don’t

NOW I’M OUT

know why anyone should believe you when you say that the changes you are implementing this coming year are finally going to be the catalyst to increase viewership.

The problem here is that “Baseball continues to be highly sought after by advertisers given its large inventory of games” Brown said. You are making money without having to make the actual fans happy. And although revenue is always good for the MLB because it will help it stay afloat, you have been blinded by ad revenue and are ignoring the wants of the fans—the true purpose of the MLB. Baseball was created as America’s favorite pastime— a great way to entertain people. But now, you are too focused on the money to really care about entertainment.

Due to your extreme focus on revenue, you have made some terrible decisions in years prior. There is the theory that the baseballs were altered during the 2020 season in order to increase home runs. According to Stephanie Apstein of Sports Illustrated, a study by Meredith Wills revealed that “After deconstructing and measuring their components, she found that a significant

percentage of the 2020 balls were constructed in a way that would likely make them fly farther—and that the changes could have only been deliberate.” This would obviously increase home runs, and in turn viewership and enjoyment, right? Wrong. Home runs might be interesting, but if you take a game with only home runs, it becomes boring, and it gets rid of the art of small ball.

In the coming year, you are implementing a pitch clock and banning the shift. Pitchers will be rushed and will not throw with the same caliber that they throw right now. The biggest problem is the banning of the shift. The dreaded shift that both destroys and elevates the hopes of the fans watching the game. I myself get very annoyed when a player hits a ground ball, directly into the shift for an out. However, the shift is a key, strategic aspect of the game. It sometimes works, it sometimes doesn’t, that’s why it works so well as a unique characteristic of baseball. Without the shift, games will lose their complexity and their uniqueness.

Please, stop changing the game, it’ll only make it worse.

photo courtesy of Jacob Rainsberger ‘23

OPINION

by Devyn Hubbs ‘23

IIt didn’t take long after entering the Newman Center at the University of Denver for me and my friends to realize we looked a little out of place. As we slipped into the back row of the dimly lit theater, I realized I was overlooking a sea of grey hair and reading glasses.

As we stood for a moment of silence, a heavy and mournful atmosphere encircling us, I looked at the faces of those around me and saw that my friends and I were most likely the only ones attending this event who weren’t alive during the devastating day of September 11th, 2001. As bells chimed in honor of the first responders, the victims, and their families, I saw the pain from that day surface in the eyes of the people around me.

Governor Jared Polis opened with remarks about the impact of 9/11 on Colorado and our country. He said, “For every American 9/11 evokes a powerful and somber image: a memory of a moment in history where our country and the world as we knew it changed forever.”

An airline pilot spoke about the effects of 9/11 on the world and in his own life. “Our world was such that it was not considered a safe place

overall,”he said. “It turned me into realizing that we were part of a world where we had to be on guard and couldn’t just be living our own life.”

The pilot explained the heightened security required not only before boarding the plane, but also during the flight. “Work was never the same. The joy of flying was forever changed.”

Senior Sully McNeill spoke about her experiences learning about 9/11 throughout her life.

“We watched a lot of documentaries regarding the attacks. I always felt a strong feeling of fear because I was worried we would witness

something like it again.”

In his speech during the remembrance, Governor Polis explained how 9/11 “reminded us of how people live, living ordinary lives, can rise and respond in the most remarkable and selfless manner when confronted with extraordinary circumstances.”

“I am much more cautious about international travel,” the pilot said, “making sure everyone has their eyes open and knows the escape routes.”

Those of us who were not yet born on that fateful day may not understand the shock and pallet of emotions that struck

everyone as the twin towers collapsed. The memories of the victims and the heroic actions of first responders and ordinary people is what unites Americans of all ages as we remember and honor the victims of September 11, 2001.

As Mr. John Bolton and Mr. John Brennan discussed their views on the state of American national security as it is today, making sure to pull in all examples from current events and those in the past, it was clear that the impact 9/11 had lives on. September 11th, 2001 was a day when the world as we knew it, or had yet to know, changed forever.

Nothing published either as an op-ed, editorial, or as a letter to the editor should be considered the opinion of the school, the administration, or anyone other than its author or authors. Bylined commentaries reflect opinions of the writers. Unattributed editorials represent opinion of the magazine’s editors and its staff. A staff editorial is the opinion of the majority of staff editors. A commentary or column is the opinion of one member of the staff, not the publication itself. An op-ed, like a commentary, is the opinion of one person, often an Elevate staff member. Read our full Mission and Procedures at rjmedianow.com/about

WE GET LETTERS. Letters to the editor are encouraged. A letter will be published only if it includes a name and a signature. Letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine’s staff or of Regis Jesuit High School. Letters sent between Elevate’s quarterly print editions will be published online and then in the next print edition.

Editor at The Wall Street Journal Gerard Baker, Former National Security Advisor John Bolton, and Former CIA Director John Brennan discuss the tactics of modern-day national security in the U.S in lieu of remembering 9/11. Photo by Devyn Hubbs ‘23

OPINION

by Eliza West ‘23

MARVEL’S MULTIVERSE IS GENIUS

REVIEW OF THE MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE AND ITS NEW DIRECTION

Explored slightly during the events of “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” the multiverse is looking to be one of the best things to come out of the MCU. Expanded on in Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the multiverse is an exciting project that I and millions of other fans are excited to see the future of.

In “Spider-Man: No Way Home, “Peter looks for Dr. Strange to help him fix the issue that Mysterio caused in Far From Home. Too many changes are made to Strange’s original spell, and that causes it to bring other

by Manus Largan ‘24

Spider-Man villains and the other spider men (Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield) to come to universe 616. No Way Home was a great introduction to the multiverse, but I feel Dr. Strange was a great deep dive into explaining the multiverse and how people can travel it. “Multiverse of Madness” dives into what other universes look like and how people like America Chavez can travel it. It also follows what can happen when traveling the multiverse falls into the wrong hands. At the end of “WandaVision,” Wanda Maximoff is

shown starting her search for her twin sons, Billy and Tommy. This movie is brilliant because it goes into a side of the MCU that the audience hasn’t seen before.

The Multiverse is genius because it opens new opportunities and directions to go in the future. Dr. Strange and Spider-Man were two glimpses of what going into the Multiverse can lead to. The multiverse shows what the lives of our favorite characters are like in different universes and how they live in this universe. Seeing what

TUNE IN OR MISS OUT

TOP FIVE REASONS WHY YOU NEED TO WATCH THE 2022 WORLD CUP

Football! Soccer! Whichever you call it, it’s hard to argue against the fact that it is the most popular sport in the world. While the circumstances are unusual, the 2022 world cup has many exciting aspects. Here are five reasons why you need to tune in.

1. LOCATION

Although controversial, Qatar will be an exciting house for the 2022 World Cup. New stadiums built just for the event look way ahead of their time. The prospect of the world’s best teams competing in venues so hot that air conditioners are required is one to watch.

2. TIMING

As the heat would’ve been overwhelming for the players during summer, the 2022 World Cup is scheduled to be in late November through early December. This will be interesting as it forces a break from the domestic leagues. For us here at home, many of the games will be going on while we are working or in classes. This is an unprecedented event for the FIFA World Cup and one that we are unlikely to see again for many years.

3. THE USA

After many unsuccessful years, the United States of America is back in the World Cup. They faced quite a competitive group with opponents like Iran, Wales, and England. Talents such as Christian Pulisic, Brennan Aaronson, Tyler Adams, and many more make this young team exciting, but can they live up to the hype? Tune in to cheer on the American team.

4. NO CLEAR FAVORITES

In past years, there’s been a clear favorite for the World Cup. That is absolutely not the case this year. Talent is incredible, with all leagues in Europe being very competitive. Brazil looks entertaining as per usual, France is hoping to defend their title, Germany looks like a strong contender, Argentina with Lionel Messi hopes to finish his legacy off strong, and England, with a young exciting team, look to finally bring it home. If you ask me, Football is coming home, but we will have to watch and see.

different versions of characters’ lives are like can affect the characters in universe 616, like Strange having a new outlook, and how Peter Parker sacrifices everything to protect his identity. Going into the multiverse can lead to other versions of characters we know and love like green goblin and characters like Wanda going into the multiverse to get whatever she wants. I’m very excited to see what the MCU does with the multiverse next.

5. HISTORY IN FRONT OF YOUR EYES

November and December. Qatar. No Italy. The USA. Games during school. All of these aspects and many more are unprecedented in international football. This event will surely be one of the most beautiful times in our lifetime. And will definitely be one to remember for years to come. Everyone remembers where they were when events like these happen. What will happen? Nobody knows. That’s the beauty of this sport, anything can and will happen.

graphic by Manus Largan

OPINION

by Maddie Schneiter ‘24

WHOSE STANDARDS ARE THEY ANYWAY? ARE STANDARDIZED TESTS A FAIR MEASUREMENT OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE

“ You still remember your SAT scores. And everybody else does too. Everybody’s forgotten everything about themselves, everything else about high school. They remember their SAT scores” said John Katzman, founder of Princeton Review, a test preparation company.

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a universal and dreaded word to many. The SAT is used as a standardized test “measuring” a student’s aptitude in areas such as critical reading, writing/ language, and math. But how useful are this measurement, this justification for college acceptance, and a major determinant of the next chapter of a young adult’s life?

One con with standardized testing is the lack of equality and all the areas affected by that. Schools claim that their goals are striving to create more inclusive environments, without even considering how many various disadvantages students experience. Striving for equality is overlooked when observing all the factors with SAT testing. As said in the article, “Effects on Standardized testing on Students’ WellBeing”, written by Harvard Graduate Christina Simpson, “students in urban districts are spending more time on testing than students in suburban districts.” Arguing the slighted opportunities

many students are put at. Often students who get into top universities have the option to take and pay for the test as many times as they please while having the luxury of choosing their top score, whereas many students only have one shot.

“Effects on Standardized testing on Students’ Well Being” argues as well that the amount one can contribute and the time “[spent] on testing” will also likely affect the score as most students do not have the option to hire a tutor. High School by itself already causes exponential amounts of stress stemming from numerous sources.

According to The American Psychological Association, “Eighty-three percent of teens surveyed cited school as a source of stress.” Though this is caused by many different factors, one major cause of stress is test Anxiety and Standardized Testing. The SAT, following under the Standardized Testing category, is another factor that causes students great deals of unnecessary stress and some severe depression. Simpson also added that “thirty-six percent of teens represent feeling nervous... thirty-one percent reported feeling overwhelmed. thirty percent reported feeling sad and depressed as a result of stress.”

Fortunately, many colleges have moved in the direction of making submitting SAT

photo by Maddie Schneiter ‘24

scores optional. Admissions offices in schools such as Denver University understand that “there is sufficient evidence that standardized testing [does] not reflect true academic capacities of individuals,” as stated on their school website. Though there are some benefits to taking standardized tests,

there are too many factors that prevent them from being fair and practical assessments for determining a student’s future.

Nothing published either as an op-ed, editorial, or as a letter to the editor should be considered the opinion of the school, the administration, or anyone other than its author or authors. Bylined commentaries reflect opinions of the writers. Unattributed editorials represent opinion of the magazine’s editors and its staff. A staff editorial is the opinion of the majority of staff editors. A commentary or column is the opinion of one member of the staff, not the publication itself. An op-ed, like a commentary, is the opinion of one person, often an Elevate staff member. Read our full Mission and Procedures at rjmedianow.com/about

WE GET LETTERS. Letters to the editor are encouraged. A letter will be published only if it includes a name and a signature. Letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine’s staff or of Regis Jesuit High School. Letters sent between Elevate’s quarterly print editions will be published online and then in the next print edition.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WITH SOPA

NEW SCHOOL YEAR, NEW DRESS CODE, NEW ELEVATE COLUMN. TODAY ON KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WITH SOPA, I WILL BE INFORMING YOU ON DRESS CODES. ARE THEY CONSTITUTIONAL? IS OUR FREEDOM TO EXPRESS OURSELVES PROTECTED?

On this column I will take popular topics and explain if they’re constitutional as well as inform you on your American rights. Each issue I will look at something that is being talked about around the hallways. There has been talk on how the school legally can’t demand for students to wear skirts near the knee, or give demerits for wearing slides, but actually, they can.

Institutions, both public and private, enact dress codes to create a certain image, to have fewer distractions, or to comply with public safety and health standards. And that is well within any school’s rights to do so. The Regis Jesuit High School website states that their dress code “seeks to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to the highest quality of learning and animates the mission of our school.” Why can they do this?

WHAT DOES THE FIRST AMENDMENT SAY?

Under The First Amendment, five of your freedoms are protected: speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. Although the Supreme Court has never directly addressed school dress codes, a student’s right to express themselves by what they wear has been protected under their First Amendment right to free speech before, and maintains under it today.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SCHOOLS?

A public school can require that skirts must be a certain length, but cannot push a certain gender towards a specific choice of clothing, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Private schools are not under the direct control of the government. This means the First Amendment does not provide protection for students at private schools. So Regis Jesuit High School holds the right to implement any dress code based on its values, and those who choose to attend must abide by it.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS?

Outside of a school setting, any establishment public or private has the right to enact dress codes

if they are written clearly and do not discriminate against sex, religion, or goes against Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, which makes it unlawful to discriminate against someone based on race, color, national origin, sex, or religion.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR RIGHTS ARE BEING VIOLATED?

If anyone is under an institution that fails to address their rights to freedom, they have the right to a fair trial against such an organization. They could also petition against the federal court under 42 U.S. Code 1983 (Civil action for deprivation of rights). Remember, under The First Amendment, the government can supervise your conduct, but not your content.

Do you think our dress code is fair?

Should the courts focus on this topic more seriously?

Have a topic you want to look into? Reach out.

Make sure to look at the next print of Elevate so you KNOW YOUR RIGHTS WITH SOPA!

ELEVATE STAFF

STAFF EDITORIAL

In this time of major global conflict, we find the need for introducing student media and journalism is now at its most crucial point. Students in middle school, high school, and college will be the leaders and journalists of tomorrow, reporting on stories that really matter in our lives. They will report stories of our greatest moments, and our lowest points. The skills they practice today only help their storytelling and ability to capture a moment that will change the way we live. Journalism is a necessity for moving forward. We encourage all students to at some point in their lives join a journalism class or club. You will learn skills about asking the important questions, ones that give a glimpse of what you can not see on the surface.

With the ongoing war in Ukraine and threats to those who expose the truth of what is really going on, journalists continue to show the reality. They bravely travel to the scene, interview those who are impacted the most, and share what they found with the world. They put their lives on the line to seek the truth and to illuminate the unknowns in our lives.

It takes an enormous amount of practice and skill to master the art of the interview and translate that into content seen by an outsider. To be able to capture the emotions happening in the moment through photography, video, audio, and written words, is a process we sometimes take for granted.

We are fortunate to live in a country where the truth is delivered to us. We aren’t censored or lied to by our government. Under the first amendment, we have a free press that gives us the truth. We no longer have to wait for the news, stories are now at our fingertips. People can speak the truth against those in power. We can speak the truth without repercussions. The truth matters, the truth has power.

Our staff stands in complete and united solidarity with the communities struggling to live in the conditions this war has created. We pray that the violence ends, and everyone around the world will see the reality of the destruction taking place. We pray for the journalists of today and tomorrow who dedicate themselves to sharing the truth. Thank you for what you do.

“CONGRESS SHALL MAKE NO LAW RESPECTING AN ESTABLISHMENT OF RELIGION, OR PROHIBITING THE FREE EXERCISE THEREOF; OR ABRIDGING THE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, OR OF THE PRESS, OR THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE PEACEABLY TO ASSEMBLE, AND TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR A REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.”

ELEVATE MAGAZINE

Mission Week is coming!

December 12-16 get involved in lunchtime activities, the teacher activity raffle, and other exciting events planned by Servant Leadership.

Illustration by Manus Largan ‘24