Class of 2018 - TheRock

the

rock Class of 2018

Ma y 18 , 2018

VOL . 14 NO. 6

5 810 McArthur Ra n c h Ro a d , Hi g hla n d s Ra n c h , CO 80124

Staff

Editorial Staff

Makenna Allen Amanda Brauchler Emily Humes Sam Keer Alex Shaffer Alec Sutula

Reporting Stafff Olivia Allen Andrew Arias Amanda Brauchler Bailey Brown Kaiya Espey Daxton Garner Abby Gertzen Maddie Keller Kara Lenecke Chase Martinez Sara Snocker Erica Sosa Hailey Wyneken

Mass Media Staff Shawn Bilyeu Reagan Davis

Adviser

Kristi Rathbun The goals of the rock, the student newspaper of Rock Canyon HS, are to inform, educate, and entertain readers, as well as to provide an educational opportunity for the students who produce it. the rock invites your comments, especially in the form of letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 250 words. Coverage ideas, cartoons, photos, or anything else you want to share are also encouraged.

Opinions of the staff of the rock are presented as editorials. We also feature a number of columnists and commentary writers. Their opinions are their own.

First two copies of the rock are free, and additional copies are available for 50 cents each. Want extra copies? Check the library or the publication Lab, room 4113.

The Rock is a member of :

Table of Contents

02

Table of Contents: The Rock Staff

03

Upcoming Movies Hailey Wynekan, Erica Sosa, Andrew Arias, Amanda Brauchler, Wyatt Mosteller

04-05

Movies in Culture Sam Keer and Alex Shaffer

06-07

Athlete Insider Olivia Allen and Alec Sutula

08-09

Up in Arms Amanda Brauchler

10-11

Class of 2018

12-15

Next Stop...

Makenna Allen and Emily Humes This is a map that includes the RCHS seniors’ future plans.

16-21

Senior Profiles Staff members of The Rock were asssigned a senior to write a profile on.

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Calendar 02 | Table of Contents | the rock | May 18, 2018 | Senior Issue

Editorial: To the Seniors, From a Freshman

I walked into the school in August to be immediately indundated with information about course loads, swarms of students engulfing me, and the worry of feeling misplaced. Throughout the next ten months of walking into school, going to classes, and joining in the Jaguar spirit, this school become a new home for me. I finally realized who had shaped this new reality for me while I was sitting in awe at the RCTV Film Fest May 3. While all of the seniors of RCTV stood in front of the crowd, while their films played behind them, I realized they shaped the path for our future graduating classes. When they leave, all of the artists, athletes, activists, academic leaders, and architects of school spirit will need to be re-found somehow. While the memories and impacts left by the seniors will never be forgotten, it is time for a new class to step up and lead next year’s freshman, sophomores, and juniors through their daunting but exciting high school experiences. And they will have big shoes to fill.

Cover photo: Seniors watch their last Powder Puff game Sept 18. All grade levels surrounded the field, dressed in themes to support their Powder Puff teams at Shea Stadium.

Photo: Amanda Brauchler

2 018 UPCOMING MOVIES Lights, camera, action... movies. Three new action films are scheduled to release in 2018, spanning from family-friendly to thriller.

By Hailey Wyneken, Andrew Arias, Erica Sosa, & Wyatt Mosteller Incredibles 2 comes out June 15 and is the sequel to the popular Incredibles that was released November 5th 2004. Elastigirl springs into action to save the day, while Mr. Incredible faces his biggest challenge yet to come, taking care of the problems his three children have. Incredibles 2 is predicted to be one of Pixar’s biggest opening weekends with current estimates predicting that it will bring in around $395 million in total. That means that within the first weekend it should make around $70 million.

FAMILY FRIENDLY Incredibles 2 Release Date: June 15 Director: Brad Bird

“I think Incredibles 2 is gonna be the most popular because a lot of people remember that from their childhood,” Tristen Schlag ‘20 said.

ACTION PACKED Jurassic World: Fallen Kingom

Release Date: June 22 Director: J. A. Bayona

“I’ve seen the trailer for all of them and I liked how they were all put together,” Sophia Lapree ‘20 said.

THRILLER The First Purge

Release Date: July 4 Director: Gerard McMurray The first time I watched the Purge, I was with my brother, my brother is one of those people that really loves the purge,” Ailya Razvi ‘21 said. “It bonds my brother and I because my whole family are movie-people.”

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom gets released June 22 and picks up about four years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park.

Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island in an attempt save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that is going to erupt. The movie features Chris Pratt as Owen Grady and Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire Dearing.

The First Purge will be released July 4 and is the fourth movie to be released of the Purge series. It features none of the stars from the previous movies given it takes place before any of the other stories. The plot follows a community of people that are in an isolated community testing out the new founding fathers sociological theory for one whole night. This is the start of the entire series and shows where the purge night tradition began. As the night progresses, violence reaches extremes and spreads isolated community and across the country. out of the

Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | the rock | Upcoming Movies | 3

American Culture in the Film Industry and its Effects Opinion By: Alex Shaffer & Sam Keer

Going in depth on our opinions on the most impactful movies in our history. Learn why they changed the film industry and what movie fanatics think about them.

Change and progression is now; many movies are beginning to show the progression of our culture. Many of these movies also created conversations that weren’t previously there. For example, recent movies like Black Panther with a nearly all black cast and Love, Simon about a teenage highschool student struggling with being gay and coming out to his friends and family. These movies not only showed American culture and its progress, but created an outlet for conversations that can change the broad culture and create greater acceptance. The movies put new stories in the limelight of American society where they have never been prevalent before. This allows people to connect with more diverse characters and represents the different pockets of the American population. The conversations are allowing people to feel apart of the American culture instead of outcasts. 10 million American adults identified as LGBT (4.1%) in 2016 (Gallup). An overwhelming share of America’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults (92%) say society has become more accepting of them in the past decade, and an equal number expect it to grow even more accepting in the decade ahead, Pew Research Center states.

13.3% of Americans were Black or African American alone, in 2016.(Us Census Bureau.)

Black Panther allowed for these people to not feel alone. Movies aren’t the only ones showing culture and progression. Actors, like Gal Gadot and Zac Efron, in movies are taking a stand as well and sharing what they think should change. During the 75th Golden Globes Award, many people wore black to make a statement about the people who are being sexually harassed in the entertainment industry and around the world. They also wore “Time’s Up” pins to the award ceremony to show that time is up and change is now.

Love, Simon Billboards were placed in cities to promote the movie.

Sophmore Movie Buff. Amanda Gin Movie Review

Amanda Gin is a sophomore movie buff. She gives her summary on the movies and the ratings that she thinks they should get.

CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (2017)

Call Me By Your Name would’ve sparked outrage a couple decades ago (as evident with the reaction to Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain in 2005), but in today’s society, it’s a much more important film. The love story of two men, one a 17-year-old on the “cusp of manhood”, and the other a bold yet gentle 24-year-old, defies the boundaries of age, and of societal opinion. There are no boundaries at all in Luca Guadagnino’s masterpiece--only love in the purest of forms. Sufjan Steven’s

GET OUT (2017)

Rating: 5/5

powerful and moving soundtrack adds to the raw emotion that fills this film. As 2017’s most beautiful movie, Call Me By Your Name introduces us to an extremely talented Timothée Chalamet and a tale of undeniable, breath-taking love that in the end, only time can overcome. As the LGBT society emerges from the oppression they faced in the past (and still do now), Call Me By Your Name is a representation that love is love, no matter who is on either end.

Rating: 4/5

After its release, Get Out made headlines as an original, unnerving film with twists and turns that nobody expected. This psychological thriller brought to us by Jordan Peele in his directorial debut shocked audiences around the world. The originality of Get Out is a never-seen-before approach at portraying racism, which is still a heavy part of American culture today, unfortunately.

The impact this film has had on American culture is not so much evident in what the

story is, but rather what it represents and what it has achieved. Peele broke records with Get Out, including being the first black director/writer to win Best Original Screenplay at the 2018 Academy Awards, and being the first African American to even be nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Following Barry Jenkins’ impactful Moonlight, Get Out was another huge achievement for the black community.

MOONLIGHT (2016)

Rating: 3.5/5

With the Black Lives Matter movement, and the more light being shed on black injustice, Moonlight is an eye-opening film. Moonlight follows a young black boy and his journey through life, including his coming out, his struggles with his drug-addicted mother, and his experiences living in a gang-infested, poverty-torn neighborhood. Barry Jenkins takes a leap of faith and covers what most people are afraid to publicly speak out about in this coming-of-age film. There has never been a film like this before, which shows the true reality LGBT people and persons of color

REQUIEM FOR A DREAM (2000)

live in and the prejudices they face in all stages of their life. Filmed by James Laxton in multipart, the scenes in Moonlight are gritty and intense, evoking strong audience responses. Moonlight reveals a story of the people who never get a chance to have their story told. Moonlight’s unexpected Oscar win (Best Picture) marked a turning point in Hollywood and a major milestone for both the LGBT society and the Black Lives Matter movement, especially in the media.

Rating: 4.5/5

Requiem for a Dream is one of the first films to show the dark side of the American dream, with Jared Leto’s portrayal of a heroin addict trying to make a life for him and girlfriend Jennifer Connelly, and Ellen Burstyn’s portrayal of Leto’s mom who is obsessed with being on television. Darren Aronofsky’s harrowing adaptation of Hubert Selby Jr.’s novel details the characters’ slow spiral into captivating addiction, whether it be drugs (Leto’s character) or fame (Burstyn’s character), in the dangerous streets of Coney Island. Requiem for a Dream is a haunting tale of what happens when people

fail to reach the American dream, and the disturbing and saddening lengths they will go to try and achieve it. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique parallels each scene in a morbid yet fascinating technique as the film switches between characters’ lives, though they all end up with the same fate--isolation and hopelessness. This truly tragic yet realistic tale of addiction in America has shown light to the public of the “other side” of America, the one where the dream never does come true.

TITANIC (1998)

Rating: 5/5

Perhaps the most famous love story in America of all time, James Cameron’s Titanic was a hit in theaters in 1998, and decades later, still is. Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater have given Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet a run for their money as “the greatest love story ever told” ever since the classic hit the big screen. The fictional love of Jack and Rose paralleled with the true tragedy of the Titanic sinking creates a heartbreaking film that has audiences bawling even

THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985)

A classic teenage movie, The Breakfast Club marked the beginning of the Brat Pack’s impressive streak of films in the mid-80s.

The Breakfast Club tells the tale of five cliché high school kids--the jock, the nerd, the princess, the bad boy, and the weirdo--and their detention together. Taking place in only a single day, John Hughes manages to weave a story full of comedy, emotion, and the angst that can only be found in a teenage film. The film is beloved to not only the children of the

years after its release. The beginning of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s road to international fame, Titanic is a film for all ages and has been a prime example of true never-ending love in all of film. So far, there hasn’t been a more classic love story, and I doubt there will ever be.

Rating: 4.5/5

80s, but also the children today, as it truly is a timeless film. The iconic fist pump ad-libbed

by Judd Nelson at the end cements the film’s place in Hollywood history. There is no better film that explains American high school, and the impact it’s had on American culture will never be forgotten, even when its stars have been.

Senior Issue | May 18 2018 | the rock | American Culture in Film | 5

Athlete Insider By: Olivia Allen and Alec Sutula

GirlsTennis

“Having a crowd at matches can be really fun because tennis doesn’t always get lots of support however at the same time it does add more pressure but it makes winning even more fun,” Hanna Foster 20’ said.

Poms “Having a bigger crowd at

games makes us more excited to dance. It’s really hard to perform for a small group of people because there’s less energy in the gym. We like having a larger crowd while we dance because it’s easier to perform and focus on the dance. If it’s a smaller crowd, then we tend to look around for people we know and can get distracted easier,” Michaela Fullerton 18’ said.

Baseball

“Having a crowd at the game doesn’t have a big effect. The players are there to stay focused and motivated through the entire game even if there isn’t a crowd,” Mitch Mullen 18’ said.

Girls Basketball

“I play better when there’s more on the line so crowds don’t really affect me that much. i try to take nerves and transfer it to energy and play my best.

Crowds really don’t affect me much I’m sure if it was as loud as RC’s student section when the other team is shooting free throws I’d be nervous,” Molly Mceowen 20’ said.

Girls Cross Country Boy’s baseball practice on the grass fields

“Having a crowd is really nice because it really helps to have support when I’m really tired in a race,” Libby Ogden 21’ said.

Boys Soccer

“A crowd of people gives me a really good vibe at games. I love to have support and fans watching me play. If there’s not that many people at a game it’s not as good of an atmosphere. When you have fans cheering you on and watching you play it gives me a great feeling. I love to have people at my games,” Brennan Leck 20’ said.

Girls poms at an assembly

Boy’s Varsity soccer home game on the turf field

Boys Cross Country

Girls Volleyball

“Having a crowd of people at our races gives us such a big adrenaline boost. You enter into a crowd of people screaming and cheering and the pain you are feeling just goes away for a little and you can just soak it all in,” Chris Theodore 18’ said.

Girls Swimming

“I love it when we have a crowd at our games or when people come to watch us play because they always get really involved and cheer for us.

Having them there to encourage us relieves some of our nerves during the game as well. The crowd gives us so much energy and the encouragement to finish the game and win,” Sophia Sobota 20’ said.

06 | Athlete Insider | the rock | May 18, 2018 | Senior Issue

“It’s really supportive to see that everyone’s going to come there to support you or the team. It adds a lot of energy to the environment. It feels good to have other people have your back and support you,” Chiara Robinson 18’ said.

Boys Track

“Having a crowd excites me and helps me before and during my race, hearing people cheer for me gets my excited and pumps me up.

It also helps me during the race because I can hear people telling me if my opponents are getting,” James McHenry 20’ said.

We are known for having one of the best and craziest student sections. Between the Canyon Crazies, the Golden Boys, Man Poms and every student that comes to support athletics, the crowd not only affects the environment of the game, but every individual athlete playing in the game. Photos by Makenna Allen unless otherwise specified.

Girls Lacrosse

“Having a crowd at my lacrosse game doesn’t truly affect me, I am focused on the plays and what is happening in the game that sometimes I forget they are even there!”

Courtney Krause 20’ said.

Football

Wrestling

“A crowd creates good energy for the game, in football that tension and vibe gets you going. The crowd makes me feel good; if they’re into it we get into it and that helps us out, that’s when big plays happen,” Mitch Mullen 18’ said.

“Wrestling is one of those sports that not a lot of people go to, so when there’s more people watching, like obviously your nerves are up, but it [the crowd] makes it so much more fun,” Carson Carnes 19’ said.

Softball

“Well personally I don’t like crowds at my game because I feel more pressured and get super nervous. I try to zone them out as much as possible,” Erin Keen said.

Beginning of a Boy’s Varsity Football Game

Cheer

“Having a crowd at a game just shows how much our student body will participate and it really brings up our energy as a team.

As a cheerleader it warms my heart to have a big crowd standing behind me and my team” Julia Nelson 18’said.

Boys Swimming

“You want to do better. You want to do your best in front of as many people as you can. You work harder and you feel pressured to do better,” Seth Bowen 19’ said.

Girls Soccer

“Having a crowd usually makes me more nervous because I’m always nervous I’m going to mess up.

Most times the crowd makes me feel a lot more proud when I don’t screw up,” Anna Meunier 21’ said.

Boys Basketball

“It affects me because it just gets me more pumped up about the game because they’re always bringing energy, so you want to bring that energy, so they bring more energy. Usually the Canyon Crazies are at every game and they bring a lot of energy and they get everybody hyped up,” Tyson Gilbert 18’ said.

Girls Track

“When people come to my meets I get really nervous, but I also think that people help me do better” Riley Masten 20’ said.

Boys Lacrosse

“Having a crowd watch makes me less likely to mess up or play harder.

The crowd really just helps me and the team know that someone’s cheering you on and cares and keeps the team or me going when we need to pick ourself up,” Jack Nelson 20’ said.

PC: Paige Pecoraro

Girl’s Cheer at an assembly

Boys Tennis:

“Having a crowd has a good effect because it makes me want to try harder and they encourage me to do better,” Tyler Quirk 19’ said.

May 18, 2018 | Senior Issue | the rock | Athlete Insider | 07

UP IN ARMS Amid the gun debate surrounding the nation, schools across the nation stand as a microcosm for each of the most polarizing sides: to strengthen gun reform or support the Second Amendment.

by Amanda Brauchler

Hailey Mosteller ‘18 holds up a sign reading ‘Protect Kids, Not Guns,’ during the walkout for Parkland March 14.

The walkout lasted 17 minutes, for the 17 lives taken at the Parkland school shooting in FL Feb 14.

During the national walkout for the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting, Jace Connor ‘19 and Austin Glenn ‘19 hold up a flag projecting the phrase ‘Don’t tread on me.’ While the juniors wanted increased school safety, their solutions differed from others.

T

here is one goal: school safety. The ideologies and practices of different schools and legislators across the country differ on how to accomplish this goal. This divide is not only occurring between adults, but also students in the community.

In the months of March and April, three nationwide walkouts for student safety and gun control occured. These marches were in reaction to the school shooting in Parkland, FL, Feb. 14.

Some students participated in a walkout March 14, which was organized by students Lily Jackman ‘18, Maddie Provost ‘20, Maria Pangalos ‘18 and Molly Steavpack ‘19.

“Just because remembrance has passed doesn’t mean that the threat has passed,” Pangalos said. “I think that’s something people have to be vigilant of and I would hope people get involved with this not because it’s media attention, not because it’s trending, not because it’s popular but because it’s something that they genuinely care about and want to see changed within America and within Rock Canyon.”

At the 17-minute long walkout, the national disparity between solutions to gun violence prevailed. Behind the orange signs and students watching the protest, two red, white and blue flags appeared. The flags, one a blend of the American flag and Confederate flag and the other bearing the saying “Don’t Tread on Me,” were held by four students. Juniors Jace Connor, Austin Glenn,

Mike Pinkerton, and Dani Connelly brought two flags to the protest.

The boys stood at the back of the walkout, staying silent until they were approached by their peers. An argument started between the multiple groups, with the four boys arguing for the Second Amendment and others wanting gun control.

“I think that we should arm teachers and give them the training they need, whether it is going to a gun range or a personal trainer. We should have more police officers and security, and we can arm the security more,” Glenn said. “The more guns here to protect us, the better.”

RED FLAG FOR COLORADO

In Colorado, a red flag bill (House Bill 1436) was killed on the senate floor. The bill, named “Zackari Parrish Violence Prevention Act” named after Deputy Zackari Parrish, who died Dec. 31, 2017, at the hands of a person with a weapon and mental illness. The bill would allow a judge to rule to remove firearms from people deemed a risk to themselves or others.

The bill is viewed as a precaution and extra action that can be taken so that law enforcement does not feel helpless in situations of mental health or harm to others. Representative Cole Wist (R-Centennial) and Assistant House Majority Leader Alec Garnett (D- Denver) are sponsoring the bill that passed through the house, but not the senate. The bill had support from the majority of the House Democrats, along with many Republican representatives and figures in law enforcement. The NRA has yet to comment on the bill or support one side.

Currently, eight states have red flag laws: California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. 28 states are considering red flag legislation in 2018. The group, Everytown, which supports gun safety and orchestrated the March for Our Lives, supports red flag legislation.

“Red Flag Laws can save lives by creating a way for family members and law enforcement to act before warning signs escalate into tragedies,” Everytown says on its website at https://everytown.org/.

The bill is facing opposition from Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, who call the bill a “Gun Confiscation Act.” Many people in opposition of the bill are worried that it will stigmatize mental illness and negatively affect veterans. They were also concerned about the lack of a ‘sunset clause’ in the bill, forcing it to be revoted on a year after its approval.

The Second Amendment states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Some of the debates surrounding gun control spiral into the argument that infringes upon the rights of the Constitution.

EVOLVING SCHOOL SAFETY POLICIES

At our school, the focus on safety is evolving to include students. The shift is due to the new Student Safety Alliance (SSA), a non-partisan group that works with the administration to improve school safety. The group is trying to inform students of safety policies and problems that could develop into safety issues. School Resource Officer [SRO] Erik Brown works with the group.

“I go as far to say, know what to do. If you are walking down the hallway, run it through your mind, what would I do right now? Because that is what you will do in your crisis,” SRO Brown said. “You don’t really have time to think; you react based on what’s in your mind and what you’ve practiced. So the kids that don’t take it seriously won’t know what to do.”

SRO Brown cites occasions where he has seen students opening up the doors of pods and propping them open- a safety issue that leaves the school vulnerable to intruders. He urges students to participate and be respectful during drills.

“During the drill, take it serious. For 15 seconds, after that you might have to sit there, goof around, talk because you know it’s a drill, for that first 15 seconds, develop that muscle memory and know what you would do,” SRO Brown said.

The focus of school safety and the debates over gun reform policies has shifted to involve students, an opportunity that students are taking on.

Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | the rock | Up in Arms | 09

THE CLASS OF

2018 The 2017-2018 school year is drawing to a close. For this year’s seniors. a new stage of life begins as they walk out the school’s doors for the final time. With graduation day approaching, it’s time to explore the future plans of the Class of 2018 and to celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals.

10 | Class of 2018 | the rock | May 18, 2018 | Senior Issue

Below: Members of the senior class toss flour into the air during the Back to School Assembly, Aug. 18.

The students covered the gym floor in the white powder to celebrate the beginning of their senior year.

PC: Emily Humes

Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | the rock | Class of 2018 | 11

Next Stop....

After years of hard work and preparation, the senior class is making the next step in their life journey.

By: Emily Humes and Makenna Allen

West

Abigail Antinoro: University of Wyoming, Biology Paige Arbuckle: Brigham Young University Idaho, Special Education Madison Barr: Northern Arizona University, Business Ryan Besocke: Northern Arizona University, Business/Economics Nathan Brinkerhoff: Utah State University, Electrical Engineering Devin Cadena: Arizona State University, Business Haley Caldwell: Montana State University, Biochemistry Alyssa Clark: Boise State University, Engineering Jaren Clark: Dixie State University, Endocrinology Abigail Conley: Montana State University, Chemical Engineering Danielle Dahl: Grand Canyon University, Education Bridget Dell: Barrett’s Honors College at Arizona State University, Biological Sciences Brandon Downs: Arizona State University, Computer Science Grant Fink: University of Montana, Forestry/Fire Science Blake Frederickson: Pepperdine University, Biology Emily Gortner: San Diego State University, Psychology Hanna Hawkins: Washington State University, Criminology Hayden Hofmeister: Arizona State University, Accounting Alexander Howard: Arizona State University, Marketing Emily Humes: Utah State University, Calculus/Statistics Education Lily Jackman: University of Oregon, History/Secondary Education Mark Jackman: Utah Valley University, EMT Micah Jerrell: Eastern New Mexico University, Biology Cami Johnson: Montana State University, Undeclared Elodie Johnson: Cal Poly SLO, Graphic Communication/ Experiential Marketing Brianna Josewski: Northern Arizona University, Dental Hygiene Andrew Junge: Chapman University, Film Production Shelby Kane: Northern Arizona University, Animal Biology

Kyle Keim: Whitman College, History Lauren Likes: Brigham Young University, Psychology/ Elementary Education Kait MacLeod: Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Los Angeles, Fashion Design Makenna Mathieson: San Jose State University, Nursing Nicholas Merone: University of Portland, Undeclared Rachael Merrill: Brigham Young University Provo, Undeclared Alessia Merrill: Brigham Young University Provo, Undeclared Mariah Moore: University of Wyoming, Computer Science Olivia Moss: University of New Mexico, Pre-Med Kenna Mullen: Arizona State University, Criminal Justice Mikayla Murphy: Grand Canyon University, Business Sanjana Nandy: University of Washington, Bioengineering Sahana Narayan: University of California San Diego, Public Health Lyla Padden: University of California Berkeley, Business Harry Pearson: University of Washington, Sciences/ Engineering Austin Pratte: Utah Valley University, Dental Hygiene Kathy Renteria: University of Nebraska, Undeclared Arianna Rex: University of California Los Angeles, Film Jamie Romano: University of Wyoming, Childhood Learning Kaylee Sandoval: Washington State University, ROTC Nursing Alexandra Seaquist: Point Loma Nazarene University, Production Danielle Shafer: Boise State University, Business Emily Sloan: Oregon University, Undeclared Brycen Stibly: Arizona State University, Aerospace Engineering Katelyn Stolley: University of Washington, Nursing Bailee Stones: Brigham Young University Provo, Undeclared Jamie Tatum: University of Wyoming, Nursing Emily Taylor: Montana State University, Sociology

12 | Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | Next Stop

Jordan Tolbert: University of Utah, 3D Animation Audrey Vida: University of Washington, Environmental Science/Dance Savanna Wachtel: University of Northern Arizona, Nursing Christian Wearsch: University of Utah, Business Haylee Weise: University of Arizona, Nursing Olivia Wheeler: University of Washington, Business Marketing/ Communications Karen Yi: University of California Los Angeles, English Education

Colorado

Ayla Adams: University of Denver, Undeclared Tanisha Anand: University of Colorado Boulder, Aerospace Engineering Ashton Arnold: University of Colorado, Business Avnish Asthana: University of Colorado Boulder, Computer Science Duke Avery: University of Colorado, Undeclared Jack Bates: The Art Institute of Colorado, Media Art/Animation Rachel Battock: University of Colorado, Undeclared Kyle Beckman: Colorado State University, Computer Engineering Mark Berry: University of Northern Colorado, History Andrew Bishop: Colorado School of Mines, Engineering Gabrielle Blackburn: University of Colorado Boulder, Pre-Med Saylah Block: Colorado Mesa University, Nursing

Hailey Brenneman: Metro State University, Criminology Joe Bryson: Colorado Mesa University, Undeclared Abigail Buell: Arapahoe Community College, English William Buffington: Colorado State University, Engineering Xavier Burk: Colorado State University, Biomedical Engineering Thomas Campbell: Colorado School of Mines, Chemical Engineering Abigail Castro: University of Colorado Boulder, Integrative Physiology Brynn Clark: University of Northern Colorado, Journalism Maren Clark: Fort Lewis College, Business Sarah Clark: Fort Lewis College, Business Julie Clarke: University of Colorado, Undeclared Chloe Clay: University of Northern Colorado, Nursing Brandon Claycomb: Colorado State University, Mechanical Engineering Dana Coe: University of Colorado Boulder, Bioengineering Sadie Collingsworth: Colorado State University, Health Thomas Connelly: University of Colorado, Business

Jack Connolly: University of Colorado Denver, Nursing Sean Cooke: Colorado State University, Computer Engineering Tameryn Coryell: Colorado State University, Marketing Kyle Cummings: Colorado State University, Engineering Vincent Curci: Colorado Mesa University, Nursing Jenna Daugette: Xenon Academy, Cosmotology Nicholas Dean: Colorado State University, Zoology Chloe Deck: University of Colorado Denver, Biology Benjamin Depsky: University of Colorado, Undeclared Rian Donahue: Colorado State University, Undeclared Leah Doogan: University of Colorado Boulder, Music Cameron Dreher: Front Range Community College, Social Work Henry Dunkleburger: Colorado State University, Microbiology/ Biomed Ethan Dunn: University of Colorado Boulder, Undeclared McGregor Durie: Colorado State University, Business Management Eve Eastwood: Colorado State University, Undeclared Sabrina Elsell: University of Colorado, Undeclared Caitlyn Essmeier: Colorado Mesa University, Nursing

Kendall Estep: Colorado State University, Undeclared Grace Evans: Colorado State University, Human Development/ Family Services Travis Fabry: University of Colorado Denver, Biology Isaac Falkenstine: Turing School of Software and Design in Denver, Back End Software Development Nicole Falzarano: University of Northern Colorado, Theater Education Michael Ferree: University of Northern Colorado, Business Alyanna Ferrer: University of Denver, Biology Jonathan Ferry: Colorado State University, Biomedical Sciences Jacqueline Fisch: University of Colorado, Business Nakai Freeland: Metro State University, Accounting Bryan Gardner: University of Colorado, Finance Chelsea Gause: University of Colorado, Biological Sciences and Integrative Physiology Tyson Gilbert: Colorado State University Pueblo, Mass Communications Hayley Gingles: Colorado State University, Business Megan Goldin: University of Colorado, Communication

Paul Goluskin: University of Colorado Boulder, Applied Mathematics Aditya Gopalan: University of Colorado Boulder, Aerospace Engineering Madelyn Graser: University of Colorado Boulder, Biology Emma Griebe: University of Denver, Management Andrew Grippe: University of Colorado, Marketing Kaden Groves: Colorado State University, Construction Management Samuel Gruenhaupt: Colorado State University, Business Administration Audrey Gruszczynski: Colorado State University, Biomedical Sciences Karley Guest: Colorado State University, Socialwork Dylan Gungel: Colorado State University, Undeclared Pratyusha Gunturu: University of Colorado Boulder, Engineering Collette Haberland: Colorado School of Mines, Computer Science Sami Haddad: Colorado State University, Pre-Law Katherine Hainer: Metro State University, Mathematics/ Education Ryan Halpin: Colorado State University, Business Zachary Hanna: Colorado Mesa University, Undeclared Samantha Hanson: University of Colorado Boulder, Business Jessica Hastert: University of Northern Colorado, Nursing Sarah Heathershaw: Fort Lewis College, Undeclared Nathan Heflebower: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Andrew Hellander: Colorado State University, Undeclared Bryce Henningson: University of Colorado, Business Synnove Herrin: Colorado School of Mines, Engineering Annalise Hildebrand: University of Colorado Boulder, Bioengineering Dante SummerBreez Hockley: University of Colorado Denver, Musical Theater, Television, and Film Joshua Huene: Colorado State University, Robotics Hannah Huppert: Colorado Mesa University, Nursing Zachary Ingram: University of Colorado, Business/Finance Jacob Janney: Colorado State University, Physics Colin Jones: Colorado State University, Engineering Frank Jose: University of Colorado Boulder, Computer Science Parker Keber: Colorado State University, Veterinary

Noah Kelley: Johnson and Wales University, Culinary Arts Claire Kelly: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Elementary Education Melissa Kerman: University of Colorado Boulder, Biology Aidan King: University of Colorado Boulder, Computer Engineering Julia King: Colorado State University, Biology Jared Klemm: University of Northern Colorado, Undeclared Adam Kohl: Colorado Mesa University, Graphic Design Anna Kostromina: Colorado State University, Business/Finance Sophia Kozmata: Colorado State University, Biology Adriana Lam: University of Colorado Denver, Undeclared Katelyn Lamb: Colorado Mesa University, Undeclared AJ LaMotte: Colorado Mesa University, Languages Jonathan Landis: University of Colorado, Business Carter Landon: Fort Lewis University, Biology/Chemistry Emma LaPree: University of Colorado, Undeclared Gregory Laughlin: Colorado State University, Business Abbey Lehigh: Colorado State University, Conservation Biology Ryan Lencke: Colorado State University, Undeclared Nicholas Lombardi: Colorado State University, English Ayush Londhe: University of Colorado, Business Finance Macrae Long: Colorado School of Mines, Aerospace Engineering Krystal Malmgren: University of Colorado, Integrated Physiology Ngwena Mancho: Western State University, Pre-Med Caleb Mansfield: Metro State University, Business Management Lucas Mare: University of Colorado, Poli Sci/Business Mattie Martin: University of Colorado Boulder, Business Taylor Martin: University of Northern Colorado, Forensic Science/Crime Scene Investigation Carmen Martinez: Colorado State University, Business Administration/Violin Performance Jared Martinez: Colorado State University, Computer Engineering Samuel Masten: University of Northern Colorado, Sports Management Erin May: University of Colorado, Political Science Haley Mayr: Colorado State University, Business Carlie McCrillis: University of Colorado, Environmental Design Dalton McKeel: Colorado State University, Engineering

Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | the rock | Next Stop | 13

Colorado Cont.

Amanda Rowe: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Psychology Samantha Meek: Colorado State Amar Sahbaz: University of University, Undeclared Colorado at Colorado Springs, Katherine Migaki: University of Biology Denver, Computer Engineering Natalie Seaton: University of Ava Miller: University of Colorado Northern Colorado, Elementary Boulder, Biology Education Gisselle Moreno: University of Ashlee Seltzer: Webster Colorado Denver, Economics University, Psychology Gabrielle Murdock: Colorado Pourna Sengupta: University of State University, Biomedical Colorado, Computer Science Engineering Jade Shepherd: University of Tanner Murphy: Colorado State Colorado, Undeclared University, Biology Alison Sheu: Community College Hannah Myers: University of of Denver, Undeclared Denver, International Studies Maya Short: University of Shreya Nallapati: University of Colorado, Undeclared Denver, Undeclared Amanda Shuster: University of Sydney Nation: University of Colorado, Undeclared Colorado, Marketing Casey Shuster: Colorado State Julia Nelson: University of University, Business Colorado, Undeclared Artsiom Skarakhod: University Rebecca Nordquist: Arapahoe of Colorado Denver, Computer Community College, Undeclared Science Ashley Owens: Colorado State Julia Skibness: University of University, Business Colorado Boulder, Business Rita Padilla: Arapahoe Connor Smith: Colorado State Community College, Law University, Health/Exercise Carter Pasqualini: Colorado Sciences School of Mines, Psychology Seth Spindler: University of Paige Pecoraro: University of Colorado Denver, Music Northern Colorado, Nursing Shelby Spindler: University of Brynn Peters: Colorado State Colorado Boulder, Neuroscience University, Business Tanner Stopkoski: Colorado Mesa Victoria Peters: Colorado School University, Business/Wild Land of Mines, Applied Mathematics/ Firefighting Statistics Carley Stordahl: University of Michael Peyton: Colorado Colorado Boulder, Undeclared State University, Computer Kelsey Strawn: University of Engineering Colorado, Engineering Carissa Pham: Regis University, Subhiksha Subrahmanyan: Nursing University of Denver, Finance/ London Powell: Colorado State Pre-Law University, History Sydney Sullivan: Colorado State Zachary Purfurst: Colorado University, Undeclared School of Mines, Engineering Tanya Suseja: University of Kiran Rajapakse: Colorado State Colorado Denver, Biology/PreUniversity, Undeclared med Sadie Rawson: University of Cara Sweeney: University of Northern Colorado, Psychology Northern Colorado, American Kaitlyn Rimer: Colorado State Sign Language University, Business Ashley Swett: University of Devin Reichert: University of Colorado Boulder, Business Colorado Denver, Business/ Aubin Tankersley: Colorado State Technology University, Undeclared Keaton Reidy: University of Rebecca Teeter: University Colorado, Business of Colorado Boulder, Biology/ Hannah Repka: Colorado State Integrated Physiology University, Zoology Ava Tehrani: University of Kailey Rex: University of Colorado, Animal Sciences Colorado Boulder, Engineering Marshall Thomas: Colorado State Madeline Roberts: University of University, Chemistry Colorado Denver, Biology/PreJakob Thompson: Colorado State Med University, Architecture Connor Rodolph: Colorado State Jeffrey Thompson: Colorado University, Electrical Engineering State University, Undeclared Cooper Rosati: University of Joshua Thompson: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Electrical Engineering Computer Engineering Annie Thulin: University of Jackson Ross: Colorado State Colorado Boulder, Chemistry University, Engineering Curran Tinley: University of Colorado Denver, Computer

14 | Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | Next Stop

Science Alexia Torres: Colorado State University, Natural Science Kennedy Travis: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Business Zachary Triplett: University of Colorado Denver, Engineering Natalie Valdez: Colorado State University, Fashion Design Ivanna Valverde: University of Colorado Denver, Pre-Med Nickole Verbeck: Johnson and Wales University, Food Payton Warder: Arapahoe Community College, Cosmetology and Barbering Samuel Ware: Colorado School of Mines, Material Science Benjamin Watson: University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Criminal Justice Tyler Waugh: University of Colorado Denver, Business Savannah Wellman: University of Colorado, Psychology Sara Whitmore: University of Colorado, Undeclared Dominic Wilderman: University of Northern Colorado, Graphic Design Barrett Wilson: Colorado State University, Business Administration Parker Winkler: Colorado State University, Film Joshua Wright: Colorado State University, Undeclared Kristen Wylie: Colorado State University, Accounting Chase Wyneken: University of Colorado Boulder, Business Kevin Xu: University of Colorado, Computer Science Kelsey Young: University of Colorado, Undeclared Sierra Zizzo: University of Colorado Boulder, Microbiology

Mila Smith: New York University, Neuroscience Christopher Theodore: Duke University, Economics Elysa Veta: New York University, Film Production Olivia Voss: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Global Studies Patrick Woodrow: University of Richmond, International Business Luke Zhang: Carnegie Mellon, Computer Science

Midwest/Plains

Blakey Aho: University of Kansas, Business Makenna Allen: Fort Hays State University, Journalism Molly Beck: Creighton University, English Kieran Bendle: Indiana University, Finance Alexandra Brewer: Michigan State University, Marketing Megan Criley: Iowa State University, Genetics Madison Cuda: Kansas University, Elementary Education Rachel Day: Creighton University, Undeclared Kira Deal: University of Kansas, Middle School Educatioin Ryan Fichtner: University of Kansas, Nursing Michaela Fullerton: Kansas State University, Business Alyx Garner: University of Montana, Psychology Taylor Hein: University of Missouri, Journalism Ryan Hicks: University of Michigan, Economics/Business Hailey Hill: University of Kansas, Nursing Keeley Kenton Davis: Creighton University, Business Thomas Kerker: Purdue University, Engineering Justin Bian: Northeastern Lea McCaffrey: University of University, Engineering Mitchell Colander: Lee University, Missouri, Journalism Mitchell Mullen: Western Business/Film Nebraska Community College, Peter Deckerman: Cornell Criminal Justice/Sports University, Global and Public Management Health Sciences Caroline Myers: Notre Dame, Leah Gibson: University of Pre-Med Tennessee Parsons, Musical Claire Noyes: Notre Dame, PreTheater Med Sophie Klokinis: Emerson Nisha Omprakash: Wartburg College, Stage Management College, Computer Science William Kong: High Point Madison Orgill: Carthage College, University, Business/Computer Nursing Science Jessica Palyo: University of Nasser Marrakchi: Harvard Kansas, Molecular Biology University, Cellular and Emerson Purdy: Creighton Molecular Biology University, Biology Kieran McMullen: Concordia Katherine Rausch: Kansas College New York, Business University, Business Administration Andrew Riner: Cornell University, Cambri Reisig: Marquette University, Nursing Biology

Northeast

Taylor Reising Ramos: University of Kansas, Kinesiology Matthew Rich: Aurora University, Undeclared Chiara Robinson: Valparaiso University, Engineering Rylie Sant: University of Kansas, Pharmacology Emma Smith: University of Illinois, History Samantha Spindler: University of Kansas, Nursing Sarah Stansberry: University of Iowa, Physical Therapy Emily Swiatek: Indiana University, Sports Marketing Kaila Tangney: University of Kansas, Business Management Colin White: University of Kansas, Business Reese Wilking: Ohio State University, Linguistics Amanda Wilkins: University of Montana, Biological and Chemical Engineering Zachary Wilson: University of Kansas, Sports Management Lauren Yaple: University of Nebraska, Pre-Law

South

Megan Baer: Florida State University, Film Elle Bailey: University of Oklahoma, Public Relations Maggie Catalano: Auburn University, Criminology Lauren Cole: University of Tampa, Biology Alexander Coudeyras: University of Alabama, Computer Science Reggie Gaglione: Florida Institute of Technology, Forensics/ Psychology John Gebhardt: Southern Methodist University (Cox School of Business), Finance Ann Gibson: Southern Methodist University, Marketing Catherine Glicksman: Louisiana State University, Education Brian Hayashi: Texas Christian University, Biology/Pre-Med Rachael Heaton: University of South Carolina Beaufort, Undeclared Landon Hogue: Florida State University, Film Production Grace Holmes: Savannah College of Art and Design, Production Nicholas Janedis: Trinity University, Undeclared Kelsey Kramer: University of Florida, Criminology/Pre-Law Clara Krause: Texas Christian University, Undeclared Jayden Marsik: University of Texas at Arlington, Aerospace Engineering Madison McMahon: University of Oklahoma, Education Allison Novotny: University of Oklahoma, Nursing

Alexandra Quarles: Oklahoma State University, Sports Marketing Reagan Rexroat: Georgia State University, Nursing Kian Rodwin: Southern Methodist University, Business Hannah Spedding: University of Oklahoma, Market/Business Megan Thompson: University of Oklahoma, Undeclared Zoe Wilson: Southwestern University, Education Katelyn Zakrzewski: Flagler College, Journalism

Hawaii/Alaska

Andrew Carley: Brigham Young University Hawaii, Business Economics/Finance Trevor Houser: Brigham Young University Hawaii, Marketing

Colorado Kids Out of the 368 students that responded to the survey, 208 are staying in Colorado. We broke them up into the schools they are going to and provided that information below. Statistics are out of 368 seniors that responded. This does not include the students are entering into military service at Air Force Academy.

57% of students that responded are staying in Colorado

International

Ollie Landauer: University of Edinburgh (Scotland), Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

Military Service

Logan Bakken: United States Military Academy (West Point), Undeclared Daniel Deschane: United States Air Force Academy, Political Science/International Relations Parker Garrison: United States Naval Academy, Business Management Preston Lehman: United States Marine Corps Keelyn Osoba: United States Air Force Academy, Military and Strategic Studies Cayden Zimmerman: United States Air Force Academy, Military and Strategic Studies

38%

of students staying in Colorado are going to the University of Colorado.

Gap Years/ Mission Trips

Ryan Hays: Gap Year Adison Hirsch: Gap Year Parker Hornick: Gap Year Alison Hulst: Gap Year Ashley Jakubowski: Youth With A Mission Ruth Anne Jeppson: Gap Year Sarah Kaukol: International Volunteer HQ, Thailand and Cambodia, Teaching Children Maria Pangalos: Working at Key Media publishing company

30%

32%

of students staying in Colorado are going to Colorado State University.

of students staying in Colorado are going to other local schools like Arapahoe Community College, Metropolitan State University, University of Northern Colorado, Colorado School of Mines and Denver University.

Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | the rock | Next Stop | 15

By: Olivia Allen

Emily Gortner

C

ompleting the right splits, being a certain height, and perfecting certain figures may seem daunting to any synchronized swimmer, but not to senior Emily Gortner. At the age of seven Gortner watched her sister synchronize swim and took after her by beginning at a summer club in Iowa. From there her passion grew.

“I just always really enjoyed, it’s kind weird, but water and I’m not very coordinated with ball sports or anything, so in swimming I could always control what I was doing in it,” Gortner 18’ said. “I got to work with a lot of cool people and I just thought it was a really cool sport that covered a lot of different bases such as flexibility and endurance and all that kind of stuff. So it really makes me happy too that I am also getting fit, as well as doing something fun.”

Gortner continued to pursue her passion in Iowa, even after moving to Colorado, realizing there were differences in the programs that could pose a challenge, but she was not concerned.

“I came from Iowa which was a much less pronounced team and it was much less structured. So, coming to Colorado, I think a lot of people had their preconceptions in that I was not as good because I didn’t have that good training,” Gortner said. “So I made sure to work. I almost had to go back and reteach myself the skills because I had learned some of them wrong and then build upon that.”

Gortner’s self-motivating character and perserverance prepared her for the hours of practice and training with Rocky Mountain Splash Synchronized Swimming team.

“We practice at Hinkley High School. They have a pool and the practices can range depending on if it is a break practice, then it can be up to five hours, but if it’s just like a regular practice it can be up to like three hours,” Gortner said. “I start out with stretching beforehand and then I get in and do half and hour to an hour water workout and then transfer over to doing synchronized swimming skills. I have a routine that I have to do as well as figures and skills that I have to pass in order to be able to qualify for different competitions.”

With all this practice, Gortner successfully prepares herself mentally and physically for the four to seven competitions a year around the country, from New York to Arizona.

“At the competition you either do figures or a technical routine, which is just figures within a routine and that’s a lot of the skill and bases and then you can do another free routine or different routines that just show the cool unique things you can do,” Gortner said.

“But a lot of it is still based on your height, when you’re doing a figure, you’re all judged on that and then your scores are compared.”

Even with all the practice and preparation, Gortner still has many emotions prior to her competitions.

“I stress myself out a lot. I’ve always had high expectations for myself and everything and so I get pretty anxious if I am ever performing in front of anyone...but at the same time, when I am performing sometimes my mind just goes blank and I’m just having so much fun that I’m not forgetting what I’m doing, I’m just enjoying myself so much that it all goes by really fast. So I really enjoy doing it,” Gortner said.

After beginning in the sport nine years ago, Gortner has learned how to overcome the sterotype of a synchronzied swimmer and enjoys every second of the sport.

“It seems like they [sports] have the stereotypes of what is the best person or body shape or anything that goes with it and synchronized swimming looks for longer legs and nice extension, where as I am kind of shorter than the average swimmer, so it’s very frustrating when you have to try to make sure you break those barriers and prove people wrong, that you actually can do just as well as anyone else,” Gortner said.

Attempting to break barriers, Gornter has set many goals to push herelf.

“There are different goals I’ve set. Getting my right splits was a huge thing,” Gortner said. “I worked so hard to do that and it doesn’t seem like a big thing, but it was for me because I worked so hard and long it, it seemed like I could never get there.”

And achieving these goals is what makes synchronized swimming a journey of a lifetime.

“The point is up to ten and ten is perfect, but olympians get like sevens or eights, so I was really excited to get a six because I always average like four or fives,” Gortner said. “It was just a really great growing experience.”

All these accomplishments have pushed Gortner to look to the future and what it might hold for her in synchronized swimming.

“I am going to San Diego State University. So as far as I’ve researched, they had a team last year and in past years, but I haven’t found anything this year on it,” Gortner said. “So, I’m still looking to see if they have a team, but I don’t think, as far as I learned, they have one this year. But if the don’t, I looking to maybe next year, almost revive the team if there was one or create one. I am coaching over this summer, so then I’ll have some experience.”

Gortner is excited for her future and hopes to take one lesson she learned from her years of experience and share it with students.

“I think that a lot of high school students tend to take things personally and that’s easy to do within a sport, within academic situations,” Gortner said. “You can see limits and it feels like things maybe are out of control, but honestly we can all just be the best we can be and I’ve learned not to take everything as a personal thing, but just as a growing experience.”

Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | the rock | Emily Gortner | 17

ISAAC FALKENSTINE

ne alkensti Isaac F te leaders s r io n Se the er deba and oth peech during ate s b e a give eech and D April 16. last Sp g of the year partner, meetin stine and his did Falken hompson ‘18, for three Josh T Forum debate t feel Public gether. “I jus ming up years toomfortable co p of my more c ff off of the toave to be with stuecause you h o well in head, b your feet to d said. fast on ,” Falkenstine debate

By: Amanda Brauchler

I

saac Falkenstine is leaving with the skills he has picked up over the years. He is pursuing a career in backend software development.

“[My dream is] to live in San Francisco, because that’s where all of the biggest software companies are, like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and companies like that.”

He has worked throughout high school, both in and out of the classroom. Falkenstine works at Best Buy, because he is oriented towards technology.

“Working at Best Buy, actually has helped me a lot,” Falkenstine said. “By learning about different components of computers, how different systems interact with each other.”

At school, Falkenstine’s interest in technology and software originated in his Intro to Computer Science class. From there, Falkenstine took AP Computer Science, Video Game Development, and Multimedia. In Multimedia, Falkenstine and his group created comedy videos to present to the class. “[We made] funny videos, just trying to throw in as much comedy as we could,” he said. “Everyone in class is laughing, it’s really a great feeling.”

Falkenstine also participated in Speech and Debate club, as the Public Forum captain with his debate partner, Josh Thompson.

“I wanted to do it to be there in a way that the seniors were there for me, because my sophomore year, I was really bad at debating, that’s to be expected when you’re first starting,” Falkenstine said. “They were very helpful in getting me used to learning the skills.”

Through his three years of speech and debate, Falkenstine learned how to think on his feet and adapt

quickly to new topics.

“I just feel more comfortable coming up with stuff off of the top of my head, because you have to be fast on your feet to do well in debate,” Falkenstine said.

His background in technology and software helped him apply to Turing School of Software and Design in Denver, where he will be attending college next year.

After going through a rigorous application process, including an online questionnaire, logic test, and resume, Falkenstine learned he was accepted for an interview.

“I went downtown, buttoned up and in a tie and was interviewed. A few days later I heard that I had got accepted,” Falkenstine said.

Turing was his top choice out of Colorado State University, University of Colorado, and University of Northern Colorado. After college, Falkenstine aspires to move out to San Francisco and work for Google.

“Google is number one, it’s the best company in the world right now,” Falkenstine said about his preference.

Even while looking at and preparing for the future, Falkenstine is still connected to Rock Canyon.

“I’m nervous [about making] new friends, I think I can, but it’s going to be sad leaving all of the friends that I’ve been making over the past five to seven years,” he said.

However, he is ready to start, on his own, in the software and tech industry, “I’m really excited to be on my own eventually,” Falkenstine said.

18 | Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | the rock | Isaac Falkenstine

An art piece

by Dana Coe captioned ‘Back in the Grove’ created with watercolors.

D

By: Abigail Gertzen

Dana Coe

ana Coe, expresses her affinity for art and bioengineering. “With color, you’re able to create whatever you may desire,” Coe said. She is passionate about using her finesse to radiate a message and eventually help others around the globe.

“I remember as a little girl just having all these stamps up on my wall that my mom bought me and even though it was just a piece of messy art I remember looking at it and going ‘I did that, that was me,” Dana Coe ‘18 said in one of the music rooms, using a quarter to open a tightly sealed can of tan paint, the bright painting of Jimi Hendrix and Bach drawing attention towards the formally bland walls.

Coe has been dabbling in art her whole life, but after Drew Walters drawing and painting I class she found an interest in the hobby.

“Something just clicked in my head. In art, you look at every simple and little part of a picturend you’re able to interperient it piece by piece,” Coe said. “That’s when everything just came into focus and I started seeing it in detail moving on.”

With her passion in art, she finds herself drawn to oils and pastels due to how easy one is able to manipulate the product.

“You’re smearing color on. And I remember how much I enjoyed the freedom when I first started working with the palette. With that color, you’re able to create whatever you may desire,” Coe said.

Besides playing with creativity in art, she also has peaked interests in science and math.

“I’m going to CU Boulder for bioengineering.

Although my free time is very minimal I will for sure be doing art on the side,” Coe said.

Much like art she had enthusiasm towards bioengineering once she decided to pursue Intro in Biotechnology junior year.

“When I was in that class I always knew that I wanted to do something really good for a mass amount of people. I saw a possibility about how reasonable that was with a bioengineering field. I want to do something really good with my knowledge,” Coe said.

Thanks to her brother, who is an engineer, she hopes to be able to grow her knowledge so she can positively impact the world in the near future.

“When saying that I want to help people by the mass amounts I mean that so a whole village can have clean water. So people don’t have to contract diseases from just drinking and using contaminated water in day to day life,” Coe said.

While her plan is to stay in college for around four to five years, Coe has a dream that one day she will possibly have the chance to study abroad.

“If I could choose anywhere to study abroad with no language barrier:Switzerland. It’s so underlooked,” Coe said, As she continues to express her passion for the beauty in the environment, “They have these beautiful landscapes, rivers… I would really love to see it,” Coe said. “I hope to acquire more knowledge throughout the years. Whether it’s in bioengineering or art,” Coe said.

Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | the rock | Dana Coe | 19

Pratyusha Gunturu

sha One of Pratyu obbies Gunturu ‘18 h her is dancing in does free time, she bollytraditinal and ncing. wood style da

By: Reagan Davis

I

nteract Club allowed me to be a better person as well as allowed me to give back to others, Pratyusha Gunturu ‘18.”

Embracing her love of helping others, Pratyusha Gunturu has found peace in helping others whether it was helping at the local library or starting her own club to help others nationwide. Gunturu is a Senior at Rock Canyon who grew a love for helping others freshman year when she began selling tickets at the Brain Tumor Foundation.

“Being a part of something big really changed my perspective on life,” Gunturu ‘18 said.

When Gunturu grew a bigger love towards helping others she began her own club here at Rock Canyon, Interact Club.

“Interact Club is all about volunteering and leadership, Interact Club is different than Key Club in the fact that it is more about leadership,”Gunturu said.

While going into high school, Pratyusha was a pretty shy person and had a hard time talking to others.

“I was pretty shy before High School, so that was definitely something I had to overcome and I think I did that just through making friends and being more social,” Gunturu said.

What also helped her overcome being shy were her friends. For the past four years, Pratyusha has become

close with others here. One thing that she will miss most are all of the friends she has made.

“Some of them will be attending college with me but not all of them,” Gunturu said.

“Volunteering and Interact Club helped me become more social and not as shy,” Gunturu said.

During weekdays Gunturu always has a busy schedule, she balances AP and Honors courses while also being President of the Interact Club.

“I manage this by doing my work whenever I can and making sure all my homework is done before focusing on something else,” Gunturu says.

When Gunturu is not volunteering and studying for tests coming up, she dances. She does Classical and Bollywood Indian style dancing. She has been dancing since she was seven years old.

“I do Bollywood and Classical Indian dancing and I have been doing this since I was seven years old,” Gunturu said.

Gunturu will be graduating this upcoming May and will be going to University of Colorado in Boulder.

She thought that University of Colorado was the right school for her because it is close to home, she has some friends attenting and has one of the best engineering programs that will be helpful because she will be majoring in engineering.

20 | Pratyusha Gunturu | the rock | May 18, 2018 | Senior Issue |

By: Kaiya Espey

Summer Hockley

Dante Hockley, who goes by Summer, has a lot ahead of her. She was born in Naperville, Illinois, and is the youngest of six. Her childhood was full of traveling, family bonding, and attending summer camps. Currently she is a part of the theater department and is planning to go to CU Denver this fall to major in musical theater and film.

Hockley took the path of a thespian instead of participating in sports.

“I don’t play a sport currently but I used to play softball,” Hockley said. She participates in the drama club as well.

“I’ve participated in plays, concerts, and musicals both at Highlands Ranch High School (which she transferred from,) and Rock Canyon High School. I have participated in Continental Honor Choir for three consecutive years and attended a performing arts conservatory throughout my 8th grade and freshman year.”

During the little free time she has, there are several activities she likes to do.

“In my free time I enjoy eating food, reading fantasy books, writing songs, and hanging out with friends. I hope to be able to share some of my self written songs with bigger crowds of people one day,” Hockley said.

As for her future in college, she wants to go to an acting conservatory overseas after two years of attending CU Denver.

“I hope to continue working with acting in television, film, directing and singing. In the near future I hope to be acting in short films, television shows, and movies.”

As for what she would like to do going into college, she is planning on majoring in Musical Theater, and film and minoring in Business Administration.

“While pursuing my future career with the performing arts, I picked business as a minor to build a good foundation with knowledge of the business world.”

Hockley hopes to have an amazing future ahead of her and she hopes to go far in life.

Senior Issue | May 18, 2018 | the rock | Summer Hockley | 21

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516 Seniors Class Song: “Good Riddance (Time of

May

Your Life)” by Green Day

Class Quote:

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seen, smarter than you think, and more loved than you know.”

-Christopher Robin

Senior Events/Finals Week • •

21

7 Period Day • Senior Reception: 7:00 p.m. @ • University of Colorado Denver

22

Period 1 Final: 8:00 a.m.

Period 2 Final: 9:40 a.m.

(303) 387-3000

• •

23

Period 3 Final: 8:00 a.m.

Period 4 Final: 9:40 a.m.

• • •

@RCRockMedia

24

Period 5 Final: 8:00 a.m.

Period 6 Final: 9:40 a.m.

Graduation RehearsalSeniors: 1:30 p.m @ RCHS Gym.

• • •

25

Period 7 Final: • 8:00 a.m.

Access 9:40 a.m.

Senior Honors Night: 6:30 p.m. @ Cherry Hills Community Church

@RCRockMedia

26

Graduation Day: 9:00 a.m. @ Denver University Livestreamed goo.gl/KTP48w

@therocknews

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