May/Senior Issue

the

rock

Volume 13. Issue 6. May 11 2017 5810 McArthur Ranch Road. Highlands Ranch, CO 80124 (303-387-3000) @RCRockMedia @RCRockMedia @therocknews

RockMediaOnline.org

“I have experienced four Wish Weeks and this year’s was by far the greatest.”

-Ellie Buck ’17

“It was a good, memorable year to round everthing off, and ever since Winter Break it went super fast.”

-Emma Herskovits ’17

THIS IS 1

“Senior year has been the time of my life.

I’ve lear ned lifelong skills, and I can’t wait to use them in the real world.”

-Jonathan Meade ’17

“It was definitely the hardest year for sure because of the motivations and grades but it was worth it in the end.”

-Logan Frederickson ’17

Next Stop...

See what students have in store next before Summer begins.

Morocco Pages 8-9

Graduation Pages 16-17

Summer Jobs Pages 10-11

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More Than Myself

BY: MICHAELA HAM

High school is its own paradox to say the least. At times I feel as if it may never end, and at others I can’t believe how fast it actually happened; but trust me when I say that one day you’ll blink and it will all be over.

There are a lot of things that happen in high school, but only a handful of those will stand out in the end. For me, those moments are being a part of something bigger than myself. Whether that be playing a sport or volunteering to tutor other students, it all comes down to how much of myself I give to other things.

I played girls basketball all of my four years- three of those on Varsityand eventually I was made captain. It wasn’t easy and I didn’t always love it, but it taught me one of the hardest lesson I’ve had to learn: once I committed to play with my team it stopped being about me and it was now about all of us. I couldn’t simply tell my teammates that I would give it my all, but when things start to get difficult turn my back and

The Rock News Seniors from Staff reflect upon their years of high school and how their life will proceed into their college years.

quit. That’s exactly what I tried to do, though, when it became too much.

I chose to give up and take the easy way out and my family and friends were okay with it, so why not? It was then that I realized that’s not who I am, as a person or a player. It was about more than just my own feelings, people were counting on me.

So I stayed, and it was the most rewarding decision of my high school career. I did it for my team, but I also did it for the new players coming in the next year. One of the goals I made when I was a freshman was to be a senior who included everyone no matter what.

I never wanted to see a freshman ridiculed or excluded just because they had to “do their time” as a player. So when it was my turn to be a senior, I made sure that all of us were a team. I saw friendships that hadn’t been there before take shape and help transform the team. I also know, personally, that I would be in a much different place than I am today if it wasn’t for my basketball

team and for that I will always be grateful.

If you can say you came to high school and gave your all to something that’s bigger than yourself, then you’ve made a difference.

outcomes, but with that, many chances for success.

I know that this fall, I’ll be in the midst of tremendous change. New routines, new people, new professors, new schedules, a new roommate - and so much more. I’ll take with me all of my experience and the strategies that I have learned along the way. I fully expect that I will make some mistakes but I know that I will continue to learn from them.

I am fortunate to know that I have weathered such change in the past – that it’s a part of my foundation – and that successful outcomes are quite achievable even when there are many unknowns at the start of the journey.

I’ve changed my ways from being stubborn and set in my ways to being able to see how the possibilities are endless.

The thought of change excites and energizes me now, and it’s this energy and openness that I want to take with

me into my unknown future.

College is almost here, everything that I have been working for is now almost happening. I plan to grab this new experience with both hands and enjoy the ride.

Embrace the Change

BY: LEXI BROWN

Change makes many people uncomfortable. I’m not talking about changing your shampoo or where you live...I mean actual life changes. Like when you’re walking along and all of a sudden the rug gets ripped out from under you. Or you’re skiing along and all of a sudden you meet a tree and have to change your course quickly.

I am one of those people that doesn’t enjoy change. I easily fall into the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mindset, but throughout high school I’ve learned to embrace change. During my high school years, I have come to realize that, although change can be scary, it can also bring lots of new into your life. Change can actually keep things fresh - whether that be people, experiences, goals, challenges, or accomplishments.

Entering college is filled with many uncertainties and lots of change...but it also carries the potential for high reward. There are many undetermined

May 11, 2017

Ignoring the Negatives

BY: NICK PURCHASE

I hated World Geography.

In fact, I hated it so much that when I took that class first semester Freshman year, I began to dread having to go through four more entire years of high school. I knew for sure that if all of it was going to be even a bit like that World Geography class, I wouldn’t make it.

But I pulled through. And if you’re a senior reading this, so did you. Most every senior graduating this year, and probably every high school graduate in existence, had a class or two that they couldn’t stand. But, if you’re like me, the small subsection of experiences you hated were balanced out by the one or two that you actually...liked.

Some classes, like Organic Chemistry or Literature, (and their teachers) reminded me that although school --and life-- are plagued by a “World Geography” or two here and there, things always get better.

High school taught me that I should push through the bad experiences and savor the good ones, and that’s exactly what I did.

But for each crummy thing that happened in the past four years, there were more than a few moments I truly treasured. I loved the experiments I did in my science classes. I loved getting the

The Take-Away

BY: CONNOR FUCHS

Senior year. The year every highschooler dreams of. The time has finally come to close one chapter and open another. From my first day of freshman year to my last day as a senior, I have grown so much intellectually but socially and physically.

There are traditions that we leave behind and carry on like the magic of Wish Week and the culture of our football games. It has been an incredible experience not only watching my friends grow and become the people they are today, but seeing myself grow.

This school has been part of my life for four years and has been my home away from home. Yes there were many times that I wanted to scream and

chance to meet new people each year.

I loved the school dances. I loved Wish Week. I loved every single one of the bonfires, pancake breakfasts, football games, Dodgeball tournaments, and drama productions. As I grow up, the many wonderful parts of my experience here are what I’ll remember; the bad memories will fade away.

When I started high school, I expected everything to be perfect, but I soon came to terms with the fact that high school, like everything, is a mixed bag. When things were crappy, I pushed through. When they were great, I remembered to enjoy myself.

Now, on my second-to-last day of high school, I am a much stronger person than I was during that unfortunate first semester. In 10 days, I will (presuming I ever get around to finishing those pesky Naviance assignments) be a high school graduate.

The ups and downs of high school have prepared me for the inevitable highs and lows I’ll go through in life. After all, if high school was perfect, none of us would truly be ready to enter the wonderfully imperfect “real world” at long last.

We learn the most about ourselves when we stray from our comfort zones.

just curl up in a ball and sleep from the tireless nights doing mountains of homework.

But now looking back on it all, I see how worth it it all was. Everything I have accomplished and everything I have persevered through has all led up to this point. Senior year is not all about leaving and starting a new chapter in our lives, but it is also the year we look back on and reflect on all the memories that we made together as a class and as a school.

From the students to the teachers, all have played a huge part in me becoming who I am now and who I am going into college as.

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Not everything I did in high school was easy and comfortable, like I hoped it would be when I was a naive freshman.

But now, as I graduate, I recognize that the hardest times where the times when I learned the most. My time at Rock Canyon - in all its stressful, exciting, painstaking, satisfying glory - bestowed me with the skills to live the best life I possibly can, and there is no gift more valuable than that.

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Colorado Summer Concerts 2017

The Rock News

BY: BENNETT HAYNES AND MARCO GUILLEN

Summer concerts are an exciting way to enjoy music with friends. A variety of hip hop, classic rock, and electronic music concerts are scheduled at venues like Red Rocks, Fiddler’s Green, and the Pepsi Center.

Here’s a roundup of the most promising concerts this summer, ticket availability, and prices.

H

igh schoolers have different ideas about what they like to do for fun in the summer. Concerts are one of the more popular attractions that kids enjoy. Students enjoy all different kinds of music and lucky for them, just about every genre is present in Colorado this Summer.

Concerts aren’t the cheapest thing to do around town. Ticket prices at these venues can get extremely expensive and range from $13 to over $1000.

“Tickets for the concerts I wanted to see were really expensive. I don’t think I will be going to any this summer just because the prices are so high, ” Jake Vareldzis ‘17 said.

Many people, however, show up hours early to tailgate before the show starts.

“I usually show up early because I buy general admission tickets so I go to get good seats and also hang with friends before the concert starts,” Val Villagran ‘17 said.

“Music just makes you feel good and when youy see it live and spend it with your friends it makes it all the more fun,” Grace Beal ‘17 said.

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1. Students attend Foam Wonderland at the 1stBank Center. “I really like seeing my favorite artists in person and I like to immerse myself in the situation,” Ryan Nguyen ‘17 said.

2/3. Kids in the middle of a Chainsmokers concert at the Gilmore. “I really like the feel of indoor concerts because I think the music sounds better and it is air conditioned,” Maya Nguyen ‘20.

Photo Courtesy: RYAN NGUYEN

May 11, 2017

May

June

• • • •

• • •

Red Rocks

Chance the Rapper- May 2/ May 3, 7 p.m.

Global Dub Festival 2017- May 20, 5 p.m.

Odesza- May 27/ May 28, 6:30 p.m.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers- May 29/ May 30, 7:30 p.m.

Pepsi Center •

Chris Brown with Fabolous- May 8, 7 p.m.

• • •

Kehlani- May 17, 8 p.m.

D.R.A.M.- May 26, 8:30 p.m.

The Disco Biscuits- May 31- Jun 2, 9 p.m.

Ogden Theater

Red Rocks:

Marshmello- June11, 5 p.m.

Chicago & the Doobie Brothers- June 13, 7:30 p.m.

Portugal. The Man and Local Natives- June 18, 6 p.m.

Fiddler’s Green: •

John Mellencamp- June 5, 7 p.m.

•

Evening with Boston- June 6 ,7:30 p.m.

• •

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull- June 6, 7:30 p.m.

New Kids On the Block with Paula Abdul and Boyz ll Men- June 10, 7:30 p.m.

Future with Migos, Torey Lanez and Kodak BlackJune 13, 7 p.m.

Styx with REO Speedwagon- June 29, 7 p.m.

Pepsi Center: •

July

•

• •

• • •

Darius Rucker- Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m.

Alt-J- Aug. 7, 7 p.m.

Miranda Lambert- Aug. 8/Aug 9, 7:30 p.m.

•

Green Day- Aug. 9, 7 p.m.

• •

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill- Aug. 1, 7 p.m.

Ed Sheeran- Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Red Rocks: • • • •

Flume- July 5, 7:30 p.m.

The Avett Brothers w/ Dr. John and the Nite Trippers- July 7/Jul 8, 7:30/July 9, 5:30 p.m.

Evening w/ Santana- July 10, 8 p.m.

Ween- July 12, 7:30 p.m.

Dave Chappelle- July 15, 8 p.m.

Glass Animals- July 26, 7 p.m.

Fiddler’s Green:.

• • • •

I Love the 90s – The Party Continues Tour Featuring Blackstreet / Naughty- July 1, 7:30 p.m.

Train w/ o.a.r.- July 4, 6:30 p.m.

Blondie & Garbage- July 16, 7 p.m.

Goo Goo Dolls with Phillip Phillips- July 18, 7:30 p.m.

Pepsi Center: • • • • •

Queen and Adam Lambert- July 6, 7:30 p.m.

Brad Paisley- July 15, 7 p.m.

Shawn Mendes- July 17, 7:30 p.m.

John Mayer- July19, 7 p.m.

Neil Diamond- July 21, 8 p.m.

Addresses:

Red Rocks: 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison, CO 80465 Fiddler’s Green: 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Englewood, CO 80111

August Red Rocks:

Fiddler’s Green Pepsi Center:

Get tickets at: • • • • • • • •

www.stubhub.com www.vividseats.com www.ticketmaster.com www.coloradoconcerts.net www.redrocksonline.com www.fiddlersgreenamp.com www.pepsicenter.com www.ogdentheatre.com

Pepsi Center: 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204 Ogden Theater: 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80218

5 What do Students Think?

Student thoughts on the upcoming concerts.

“I’m really excited for Chance the Rapper... I love his music... seeing him in person is gonna be a lot of fun,” - Josh Terry ‘18 “It would be a lot of fun to go to a concert and see someone perform live...I have never been to a concert but heard they are really cool.”

- Blake Haynes ‘20 “I’m really excited for Kendrick Lamar because he’s my favorite artist and I’ve never been to a concert before.”

- Akshat Tyagi ‘17 “I really hate how expensive ticket prices are... I’m probably not going to any because of the prices being so high. ” - Tristen Sullivan

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The Rock Newspaper

The Final Stress How are You Prepa BY: AMANDA PALYO, KURYN EMMELUTH, PRISCILIA VARGAS, MADDY ALEXANDER

“Im preparing to start studying for finals, Im starting to look over my notes and organize all my materials.”

-Ryan Bailey ‘19

I normally start studying about 2-3 days before finals.

I make notecards and re-read the chapters and refresh myself on all the information that I learned throughout the year. I also find myself more successful and focused on studying if I study by myself rather than studing with friends because I often get distracted with friends.

-Kristin Palyo ‘19

Relieve Study Stress

1. Go for a walk 2. Meditation 3. Aromatheraphy 4. Essential Oils (especially eucalyptus) 5. Sleep for a minimum of 7 hours 6. Listen to music 7. Play with animals, such as puppies 8. Exercise 9. Study a little each day 10. Don’t cram

I start studying about 5 days before finals, I like to go over past work and previous tests.

I don’t like to use notecards but I do like to study with friends for certain classes.

-Austin Kimsey ‘19

How to Study 1. Make note-cards 2. Organize your materials 3. Don’t Procrastinate 4. Form a study group and 5. Take study breaks 6. Quiz yourself 7. Get enough sleep 8. Eat a healthy

I find it very helpful to make notecards and to continue to go through them many times until I know them very well.

I also like to make practice tests and challenge myself with difficult questions. I usually start studying about 2-3 class periods before the final for a specific class. I don’t study with friends I get distracted to easily and don’t get anything done.

- jillian Chandler ‘19

breakfast the morning of the exam 9. Color code your notes 10. Start studying well advanced 11. Go over past units study guides 12. Make a quizlet

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May 11, 2017

Take a look into finals week that is coming around next week for Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors and see everyone’s unique perspective on how to approach it and what they do to prepare for it.

paring For Finals?

I haven’t started studying let alone preparing. I plan on starting the night before because that is how every other test thus far has gone.

-Jack Sloan ‘20

I am stressed for finals though I haven’t started preparing. I haven’t started yet because I don’t care enough about my grades but I will soon and I choose to do so with flash cards.

-Bri Hartman ‘19

No I am not stressed for finals and I definitely have not started preparing . i plan to start studying probably like the week before because it stays in my mind better.

I study by just reading my notes the night before and wing it like the next day.

-Grace Fling ‘19

It’s only march so I’m not stressed just yet, I’m worried about my AP exams more so than my finals. I study by making sure all my stuff is organized and looking through my notes. A tip I have for studying is go over your past study guides and rewrite them, it always works for me.

-Mikayla Devin ‘19

When to Study

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1. “ I am finishing up some math homework during my lunch time.”

-Izzy Anderson ‘19 2. “I have to read my book for english and decided to get it done with during lunch while I have the time” -Aliyah Hammons ‘20 3. “I am just going over my calendar of assignments and seeing what I still have to finish and what I already have completed” -Catherine Glicksman ‘18

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Memories in Morocco

Social studies teacher, Alexis Savas and social studies teacher, David Sapienza took students from the French National Honors Society on a trip to Morocco over Spring Break to explore new cultures and practice their French. Students were also able to earn over 10 community service hours by helping paint a library for two days for a small village named Siti.

By: LEXI BROWN, MICHAELA HAM, and CONNOR FUCHS Photo Courtesy: DAVID SAPIENZA 2.

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The Rock News

,270 miles, 11 hours, and two days. That’s what it takes to get from Denver to Detroit to Paris, and finally to Casablanca, Morocco.

Thirteen members of Rock Canyon, 11 students and two teachers experienced this journey first hand March 16 as they ventured over Spring Break for a French National Honors Society trip.

The students’ main purpose was to help paint a new community service center in a small mountain village named Siti just outside the city of Marrakesh.

“It was a pretty small village so you would just show up and next thing you know there’s kids lined up trying to sniff out your soccer ball,” social studies teacher David Sapienza said. “Then they would ask to play and soon 30 kids would want to play soccer in a pretty 3.

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French teacher, Alexis Savas and seniors, Caden Bro, Annalise Bell, Mia Buffalino, and Bridget McCann help paint an elementary school in the village of Siti.

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2. Bro gets dressed by a Moroccan teacher during class.

Rustic Pathways took the group out 5. French National 3. Haley Swamburger ‘17, Bro, Dianna 4. to a local restaurant to try Moroccan Paulson ‘17 and Abby Thorson ‘17 meat pies. The meals were preset each soak their feet in herbs in a Morroccan day of the trip. marketplace. “We were having herbal foot baths and relaxing after a long day of travel,” Paulson said.

Honors Society students pose in front of school before leaving for Morocco March 16.

6. Paulson, McCann,

Bell and Ellie Buck ‘17 pose for a picture in a spice shop in Marrakesh.

“There were so many spices I had never heard of before,” Buck said.

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May 11, 2017 tight place and it was super fun.”

Students participated in two full days of community service and earned a total of 10 hours for their graduation requirements. While working outside, the students were required to wear school appropriate clothing that kept them cool during the day and protected them while they worked.

“We had to bring work gloves to wear for community service but other than that it’s school appropriate clothing, not including shorts,” Annalise Bell ‘17 said. “I had lightweight pants that I could wear in the desert and didn’t get uncomfortable in the heat.”

The building itself is split in two, one half is used as a library and the other half is a kindergarten for young children.

“We were there to spackle, sand, and paint the library,” Sapienza said. “All

while hanging out with the kids and bringing supplies for the community center.”

Sapienza and Haley Swamburger ‘17 worked with Coach Carp and Jack Lima, a coach of REAL soccer, to gather supplies from different soccer teams for players and students in Morocco.

“I asked Jack to help, so he reached out to his teams and asked the players to bring in their old gear and the next thing I know I have bags of stuff.”

Sapienza said.

Lima was able to donate pinnies, shoes, and 20 soccer balls for the children to use. Carp also contributed five full gear bags and seven boxes filled with clothing-- shorts, shirts, and sweats that they left with the children in the village.

“Playing soccer with the kids was 5.

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7. Social studies teacher,

David Sapienza smiles on top of a camel in the Sahara Desert during the trip. They rode camels for two hours, then stayed the night in tents to watch the sunrise in the morning.

incredible, I just wish the pitch was bigger so that they had more room to play,” Sapienza said. “But seeing the kids be so excited about getting all their new gear was really cool.”

Community service wasn’t the only reason students went to Morocco.

“I was most looking forward to teaching children English, sleeping in the desert, and going to the Marrakesh Markets to shop,” Diana Paulson ‘17 said.

Rustic Pathways, the tourist company that led the trip, filled 10 full days from sunrise to midnight with activities including camel rides into the desert and spending the night on a sand dune. They also visited Moroccan rug makers and took part in buying traditions in the shops of Marrakesh, where students spent their free time.

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Students visit a village at the base of the Atlas Mountains while on their way to the marketplace. The native Moroccan buildings are home to families living in the village.

9. Buck and other students in Rustic

Pathways, the tourist company that led the trip, play games with the children who lived in the village. “Playing soccer with the kids was incredible, I just wish the pitch was bigger so that they had more room to play,” Sapienza said.

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10. Swamburger, Thorson, Paulson, and Buffalino

learn how to write calligraphy from locals during the trip. “We were learning how to write our names in Arabic, which was really hard but we pushed through,” Paulson said.

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The Great Job Hunt: Steps for Summer Job Success The summer job hunt can be a difficult process, but with these quick tips and advice from fellow students, it should end in success.

BY: BERIT ERICKSON, MAKENNA ALLEN, SOPHIE MARTINEZ, AND AUNI SMITH

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It’s almost summer: the time of rest and relaxation under the hot sun. Long days filled with poolside tanning and cool ice cream are in order for some students.

For others, however, the start of the season means the beginning of work. These students swap fun in the sun for the benefits of employment that, according to Michaela Fullerton ‘18, are numerous.

Fullerton works as a lifeguard at King’s Crossing Pool in Castle Pines.

“My favorite thing about lifeguarding is getting to learn how to work with the families in the community and my other co-workers - the majority of them I go to school with,” Fullerton said. “That makes it fun to build relationships with them while we’re working.”

For students such as Mac Long ‘18, a server at Le Peep restaurant in Lone Tree, work provides an opportunity to develop skills that may contribute to his future success.

“Any job, you’re going to have to work with people. Being a server, you have to deal with people all the time,” Long said.

“You have to deal with those people or even just compromise between yourself and your co-workers.”

Both Fullerton and Long have held their positions for over two years and have progressed through promotions. In fact, Fullerton is preparing to apply for head guard.

“The head guard works regular shifts just like the other lifeguards do. On top of that, they are kind of like the managers of the pool because the owner of the company manages all of the pools and they’re not at our specific pool all the time,” Fullerton said. “The head guard is our pool’s manager and they do all the scheduling for the pool and all of the other tasks that the regular lifeguards don’t do.”

The Rock News

Not all students hold these levels of experience, however. Some, like Marly Holsman ‘19, may still be stuck within the job search process.

“I’ve had lots of difficulties,” Holsman said. “No one really wants to hire high school students at anywhere I’d like to work.”

Indeed, Holsman has applied to franchises such as Francesca’s, American Eagle and Pacsun. The position of barista at coffee shops like Starbucks and Dazbog rose to the top of her list. Upon application to both companies, however, Holsman received rejections.

According to Child Trends, a databank indicator that surveyed youth employment, the high school employment rate of 18% remains stagnant due to the pressure placed upon students to excel academically.

For those students that do seek positions at various companies, however, the actual achievement of a job proves difficult.

In fact, Holsman believes that employers are less likely to hire high school students due to the limited number of hours they are able to work.

“They need more people working during the day, not just after school,” Holsman said.

The rigid schedule of many high school students is not the only issue, however, as Holsman struggles even to secure a basic job interview.

“One time, I went into Starbucks and talked to the manager but it wasn’t a formal interview,” Holsman said.

Thus the question is raised: what exactly is the application process and what qualities to employers appreciate during an interview?

We spoke with Stephanie Murphy, Junior Achievement Guest Speaker for Business Program, to gather some tips for summer-job-seeking students.

Write a Resume

Be Sure It’s Reader Friendly

Categories should be easy to identify.

Professional fonts & sizes should be used consistently.

White space should be utilized.

Break It Up

Employment & References: Past jobs should be listed in reversechronological order and should include ways to contact past employers.

Education: Even if you haven’t graduated yet, mention your school and any noteworthy programs you’re involved in Experience: Reference any volunteer work or alternate activities that set you apart from other applicants.

Skills & Qualifications: Differentiation from other candidates can be effective through the inclusion of any special talents.

“If you’re true to the interview and you’re confident and you show that you can get the job done, you might even win someone who is more qualified.”

- Stephanie Murphy, Junior Achievement Guest Speaker for the Business Program For more information on writing a resume and cover letter, visit thebalance.com.

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May 11, 10, 2017 February 2017

Perform Professionally

Wear clothing representative of you as a person that is also appropriate for the job to which you are applying.

Though the requirements will vary depending on the position, it will pay off to be more formal than less so.

This will allow you to be more prepared should other opportunities arise down the road.

4 Be Specific

Create a Cover Letter

State the job for which you are applying.

Clarify that your resume is attached and that you’d like an interview.

Promote Yourself Consistent with your resume, name the reasons why you’re a good candidate

Indicate Interest

Show your understanding and knowledge of the employing business through your responses.

Relate your skills and experience to the position.

Use appropriate grammar and vocabulary, while also being timely.

Answer the questions as necessary and don’t over explain or vary too far from the topic at hand.

Be confident, take initiative and be enthusiastic.

Ask questions. They should represent the knowledge, interest, and understanding you have about the business and the position you are applying for.

“Be prepared for how you want to answer things but also be confident in how you respond to them.”

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- Stephanie Murphy, Junior Achievement Guest Speaker for the Business Program

Opportunities Available Our community is looking for employees of all trades. Chances are, if you have a passion for them, they have a place for you.

The Denver area is introducing positions at chain restaurants as well as restaurants unique to Colorado.

Many restaurant jobs cater to teen employees, and these businesses are just a few of the locations with openings available to high school students.

During the school year and the summer, teens often look for part time jobs to contribute to personal finances.

Many of the community’s fast food as well as several dine in restaurants offer work to these high school students.

Chick-Fil-A, for example, hires at age fifteen and is flexible with the schedules of the staff.

While Chick-Fil-A is generally open to new employees at their various locations, there are smaller restaurants that are locally owned and are in need of staff. Some examples include Little Italy in Castle Pines. This business is looking for delivery drivers while Yolanda’s in Castle Rock is in need of cashiers.

Volunteer opportunities are also available for teens looking to complete their 20 hours of community service.

Some community service options include work at libraries across Douglas County that provide volunteer opportunities to high school students as well as adults. Fresh Harvest Food Bank in Lone Tree allows teens and their families to become involved in the community as well.

Convey Corporeal Communication Make eye contact, smile, and have a firm handshake. These behaviors prove to employers your maturity and sense of professionalism.

Now is the time for students to begin the job hunt. Visit colorado.gov for more information.

Photo by: MAKENNA ALLEN

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The Rock News

Next Stop....

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

By: CHRISTIAN LILEY, HALEY LENA AND BERIT ERICKSON

West

Kerry Adams University of Wyoming, Business Nicholas Allen Cal Poly SLO, Biochemistry Ryan Anderson Western Washington University Augustus Ballantine University of Montana, Wildlife Biology Peyton Bobbitt Grand Canyon University, Biology Tyler Bordeaux University of Utah, Environmental Engineering Erin Bransom University of Washington at Seattle, Pre-Sciences Cayden Bro Brigham Young University, Astrophysics Sophia Brunetti San Diego State University, Nursing Andrew Castro University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Business Noah Charvat Seattle University, International Business Reed Courtney San Diego State University, Finance Ethan Crock San Diego State University, Business Management Shyanne Curtis Marymont California University, Pre-Med Erin Daniel University of San Diego, Biology Michael DeCristino University of Wyoming, Petroleum Engineering Rachel DeSimone Gonzaga University, Environmental Studies and Pre-Med Emma Downs University of Utah, Undecided Madison Drew University of Arizona, Anthropology Spencer Fairchild Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering Taylor Fisher University of Wyoming, Animal Science/Microbiology Kyle Franklin Arizona State University, Electrical Engineering Ian Griffin University of Utah, Biology Kristen Hall Brigham Young University Idaho, Business Michaela Ham Grand Canyon University, Psychology Jacob Hammons Gateway Community College, Athletic Training Payton Hansen San Diego State University, Business Marketing Emma Herskovits Western Washington University, Psychology Phelan Holsapple University of Wyoming, Mechanical Engineering

Zachary Hughes Brigham Young University, Biochem/Premed Spencer Jezek Brigham Young University, Pre-Med Zebulun Klement Gonzaga University, Biology Carson Kliner University of Arizona, Business Finance Remington Kohl San Diego State University Gavriel LeBauer University of Arizona, Nutritional Science/Kinesiology Haley Lena Arizona State University, Criminology Deanna Lind University of Wyoming, Animal Science Rylie Manross Northern Arizona University, Online Business Anne Martinez Cal Poly, Architecture Madeline Maynor Western Washington University Lindsey McNaul University of Oregon, Undeclared Hannah Miller University of Oregon, Creative Writing Kayte Mundwiller University of Oregon, Business and Law Sean Nasseth Brigham Young University, Industrial Design Danielle Neuberger University of Arizona, Art and Business Joshua Nilsson Brigham Young University, Mechanical Engineering Jason Olcott Brigham Young University, Biology Alexa Parker University of Montana, Anthropology Maya Patel UC Berkeley, Biochem/ Premed Diana Paulson Brigham Young University Provo, Exercise/wellness/ Premed Matthew Pearson Cal Berkley, Computer Science Alexa Portman Northern Arizona University, Elementary Education Alexandra Quam San Diego State University, Biology Alana Rainosek Santa Clara University, Accounting Katrina Ridgley Arizona State University, Nursing Elise Rush Utah Valley University, Dental Hygiene Amanda Scholz Azusa Pacific University, Music and Vocal Performance

Jeremy Snowden Cal Lutheran, Business Claire Steffe University of Montana, Environmental Science Trevan Swierczewski San Diego State University, Real Estate Abigail Thorson Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising LA, Trend Forecasting with an Emphasis in Fashion Styling Jake Vareldzis Boise State University, Undeclared Samuel Walker Utah State, Broadcasting Journalism Alyssa Wendel Brigham Young University, Provo Pre-med Tess Werhane UC Berkeley, Physics Anna Wilson San Diego State University, Business Molly Wilson Loyola Marymount, Dance Isabel Yarwood Perez University of Southern California, Mechanical Engineering Hallee Zirker Brigham Young University, Nursing

Colorado

Brendan Allen Colorado State University, Computer Science Camryn Amick University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Finance Kaden Anderson University of Colorado Denver, Business Aubrey Arellano Colorado State University, Animal Science Elizabeth Armstrong University of Colorado Boulder, Integrative Physiology Brandon Avers University of Colorado Boulder, Mechanical Engineering

Kelly Babcock Colorado State University, Undecided Jacob Barnard Colorado State University, Business Marketing Julia Bartmann Colorado State University, Journalism and Mass Communications Matthew Behnke Colorado Mesa University, Computer Science Morgan Bell University of Colorado Boulder, Undecided Bryanna Benassi University of Colorado Boulder Blake Benson University of Denver, Business Mary Benson University of Colorado Boulder, Undecided Blake Bergeron University of Colorado Boulder, Video and Lighting Engineering Madison Blakesley University of Northern Colorado, Biology Jason Brazelton Front Range Community College, Psychology Allie Brieske Colorado State University, Undecided Alexi Brown Colorado School of Mines, Bio and Chemical Engineering Eleanor Buck University of Colorado Boulder, Undecided Mia Bufalino University of Colorado Boulder, Business with concentration in Real Estate

SENIORS

May 11, 2017

Julian Burd Colorado State University, Criminal Justice Christian Butler Colorado State University, Business marketing Isabel Cairo Colorado Mesa University, Undecided David Cantral Colorado State University, Business Finance Alicia Casias Colorado State Univeristy, Undecided Abigayle Castillo Metropolitan State University of Denver, Chemistry Delaney Castronovo Colorado Mesa University, Psychology Vaibhav Chourasia University of Colorado Boulder, Physics Fionn Cool Colorado State University, Music Performance Carter Coonts Colorado State University, Business Marketing Madison Coonts University of Northern Colorado, Elementary Education Presley Coonts University of Colorado Boulder, Business Cassandra Cunningham University of Colorado Boulder, Integrative Physiology Sarah Davis Univeristy of Colorado Boulder, Business Lucas Dickinson University of Colorado Boulder, Aerospace Engineering Julia Doherty University of Colorado Boulder, Business

Anika Dolan Community College of Denver, English Lauren Douglas Community College of Denver, Elementary Education Sydney Dozois University of Colorado Denver, Graphic Design Megan Durbin University of Colorado Boulder, Broadcasting and TV Journalism Alexa Elliott Colorado State Unversity, Criminology Noah Ellis Metropolitan State University of Denver, Anthropology Omamewanl Esekhaigbe University of Northern Colorado, Petroleum Engineering Sarah Falkenstine University of Northern Colorado, Music Education Sarah Feeney Colorado Mesa University, Nursing Hayley Fetter University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Nursing David Florez University of Denver, Undecided Kyle Frasier University of Colorado Boulder, Integrative Physiology James Freeman University of Colorado Boulder, Marketing Robert Fuchs Colorado State University, Psychology Schyler Geck University of Colorado Boulder, Integrative Physiology

Sydeny Gerlach Colorado State University, Bio and Chemical Engineering Nicole Giampietro University of Colorado Boulder, Business Martina Gilbert Colorado School of Mines, Mining Engineering Taylor Glenn Metropolitan State University, Psychology Estella Gomes University of Northern Colorado, Undecided Dhruv Gopal Colorado State University, Business Adam Gratrix University of Denver, Construction managment Claire Green Colorado State University, Journalism and Communications Marco Guillen Colorado State University, Journalism/Sports Broadcasting Alexander Gusdorf Colorado State University, Undecided Elise Hadjis Colorado State University, Apparel Design Sasha Hall University of Colorado Boulder, Computer Science Allyson Harris Colorado State University, Criminology Paul Harrison Colorado State University, Undecided Cole Hassett Colorado State University, Construction Bailey Heller University of Denver, Marketing Connor Hendrick Colorado State University, Psycology Jackson Hendrickson Colorado State University, Architecture Kyle Henningsen Araphaoe Community College, Engineering Noah Hermann Colorado Mesa University, Exercise Science/ Kinesiology Olivia Huff University of Denver, English Marguerite Hughbanks Colorado State University, Science Kayla Inman Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, Game Art Brian Jackman University of Colorado Boulder, Mechanical Engineering Ryan Jackson University of Colorado Boulder, Business Finance Brandon Jewell University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Finance Zachary Johnson Colorado State University, Business Andrew Jussila Colorado State University, Business/Marketing/ Psycology Taylor Just Colorado Mesa University, Sports Management Kristen Kassner Colorado State University, Undecided Cali Kavanaugh Colorado State University, Natural Sciences Charles Keely University of Colorado Boulder, Computer Science Zunera Khan University of Denver, Molecular Biology Garrett Kreamer Western State Colorado University, Wildlife Biology

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Connor Kramer University of Colorado, Boulder Architecture Tristan Krause University of Colorado Boulder, Business Malika Kumar University of Colorado Boulder, Biology Molly Lane University of Northern Colorado, Undecided Dylan Langley University of Colorado Boulder Jason LaRoe University of Colorado Denver, Biophysics and Medical Physics Alexander Larpentar University of Colorado Denver, Computer Science Seth Lawson Colorado State University, Business Marketing Korra Leck University of Northern Colorado, Nursing Caitlyn Lee University of Colorado Boulder, Biochemistry Ariel Lepard Colorado State University, Biomedical Sciences and Regulatory Affairs Christian Liley Colorado Mesa University, Hospitality Management Ryan Loberger Colorado State University Sofiya Lushchyk Metropolitan State University, International Business Cailyn MacRossie University of Colorado Boulder, Arts and Sciences Alexander Madigan Arapahoe Community College, Automotive Tech Sydney Marchando Colorado School of Mines, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Megan Marsilio University of Colorado Boulder, Molecular and Cellular Development Biology (MCDB) Samantha Martin University of Colorado Boulder, Business Samuel Martin Colorado School of Mines, Environmental Engineering Brandon Martinez Colorado State University, Biology Brenna McCaslin University of Northern Colorado, Early Childhood Education Cameron McCulley University of Colorado Boulder, Computer Science Carter McFarland Colorado State University, Business Management/ Finance James McGavin Colorado School of Mines, Mechanical Engineering William McGavin University of Nornthern Colorado, Undecided William McKinnon University of Colorado Boulder, Engineering Kyla McLean University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Roger McLennan University of Colorado Boulder, Undecided Cassidy McMullen University of Colorado Boulder, MCDB Jonathan Meade University of Colorado Boulder, Computer Science Emily Mendus Colorado Mesa University, Fine Arts Michael Mercer University of Colorado Boulder, Engineering

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The Rock News

Colorado (cont.)

Tessa Rowe University of Colorado Boulder, Biochem Engineering Madison Metcalf Colorado State Brina Sandoval Arapahoe Community University, Business College, Undecided Amanda Micek Colorado State Broderick Schmidt University of University, Biology Colorado Boulder, Entrepreneuership Morgan Michotte Colorado State Eesha Shah Colorado State University, University, Communication and Bio-Chem Marketing Keara Shymanski University of Northern Kyle Mock University of Colorado Colorado, Elementary Education Boulder Miranda Sieli Metropolitan State Cassie Moore Colorado State University, University, Undeclared Undeclared Exploring Rachel Slavik University of Colorado Madeline Moore University of Colorado Boulder, Undeclared Boulder, Integrative Physiology Jacob Snocker Colorado State Skylar Motlong Colorado State University, Undecided University, Business Jenna Snyder University of Colorado Declan Mulcahy University of Colorado Boulder, Undecided Boulder, Chemical Engineering Aspen Sprague Colorado State Brooklyn Murphy Colorado State University, Undelcared University, Communications Amey Srivastava University of Colorado Kayla Murphy University of Colorado Boulder, Integrative Physiology Boulder, Business Panteleimon Stathopulos Ethan Myers Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, Economics and Mathematics Undecided Hailey Natvig University of Denver, Brendan Stouffer University of Colorado Biology and Pre-Law Boulder, Business Chloe Nguyen University of Denver, Haley Stutler Colorado State University, Computer Science Psych Nursing Ryan Nguyen Colorado State Elizaveta Sukhovitsky Metropolitan University State University, of Denver Undecided Jake Norris University of Colorado Tristen Sullivan Colorado Mesa Boulder, Undecided University, Aviation Matthew Noufer University of Colorado Claire Sweeney University of Colorado Boulder, Aerospace Engineering Boulder, Integrative Physiology Avery Nowak Colorado State University, Alyssa Tafoya University of Northern Business Administration Colorado, Elementary Education Casey Oberholtzer Colorado State Ajij Thapa University of Colorado University, Undecided Boulder Biochemistry Trevor O’Connell Colorado State Christian Thomas Colorado State University, Business finance University, Chemical Engineering Shuee Ong Colorado School of Mines, Cierra Townsley Community College of Engineering Denver, Medical Assistance Jordan Ontiveros University of Northern Ryan Vandersmith Colorado School of Colorado Undecided Mines, Computer Science Dhruti Patel Colorado State University Natalie Vaughan University of Denver, Biology/Pre Med Business Wyatt Peters Arapahoe Community Ben Veltri Colorado State University, College Vet Tech Undecided Hannah Philip University of Colorado at Wesley Wainright Colorado Mesa Boulder Business University, Construction Management Connor Posey Arapahoe Community Keara Werth University of Colorado at College Teaching/History Colorado Springs, CJ/Psych Benjamin Price University of Colorado Bryce Westrick University of Colorado Boulder Chemical Engineering at Colorado Springs, Philosophy Hilliard Probasco University of Northern Kellie Wilmer Metropolitan State Colorado History (Education) University of Denver, Undecided Megan Pryor University of Colorado Garin Wilson Colorado State University, Boulder Vocal Performance Microbiology Alexis Quirk Colorado State University Anthony Winstead Colorado State Criminology University, Undecided Sharada Ramesh University of Denver Patrick Yehle University of Colorado Business Boulder Matthew Rawlyk University of Colorado Leah Kilponen University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Business Boulder, Undecided Energy Maxx Rickert Colorado Mountain Managment/Business Finance College Culinary Regan Roach Colorado State University Biomed Connor Black Michigan State, Business Hannah Rodriguez University of Analytics Northern Colorado, Vocal Performance Kyle Black University of Oklahoma, Jackson Roth University of Colorado Energy Managment/Business Finance Boulder, Business

Midwest/Plains

Reven Bradbury McPherson College, Elementary Education Riley Bradbury McPherson College, Psychology Nicholas Caldwell Rockhurst University, Finance and Business Analytics Alexis Chan Carleton College, Biology Maleeha Chowdhury Augustana, Neuroscience Taylor Desmond University of Oklahoma, Business Saylor Drawe Culver Stockton College, Psychology Jack Dreyfuss Oklahoma State University, Undecided Amy England Marguette University, Biomedical Science Emily Ferguson University of Kansas, Sports Management Paige Fletcher Mizzou, Health Sciences Matthew Givin Xavier University, Business Ashley Halpin Mizzou, Nursing Colten Hill Benedictine College, Undecided Eric Hommel Kansas State University, Sports Medicine Blake Kortum University of Iowa, Human Physiology Madisen Kuska University of Oklahoma, Nursing Amelia Lee Creighton, Business Mackenzie Lynch Mizzou, Nursing Benett Miller University of Kansas, Civil Engineering Steven Minturn Presentation College, Undecided Sriram Nalla Indiana University, Finance & Law, Ethics, & Decision Making Emma Pfortmiller William Woods, Biology Luke Pousma Dordt College, Engineering Joshua Pusar University of Oklahoma, Business Finance Sydney Rawlings Lake Land College, Pre-physical therapy Andrew Rocke Oklahoma Wesleyan, Undecided Lily Rohrbach University of Oklahoma, Environmental Engineering Rachael Stanek University of Nebraska Lincoln, Biological Systems Engineering Haley Swamberger University of Oklahoma, Business Finance Bailey Timmons University of Nebraska Lincoln, Microbiology Wyatt Tornabene University of North Dakota, Commercial Aviation Ty Veres Maryville University, Business Management Jack Wahlenmaier Indiana University at Bloomington Finance Gregory Woodrow University of Michigan Economics Camryn Yacks Xavier University Exercise Science Claire Zahorik University of Oklahoma, Marketing

South

Lauren Abbott Baylor University Business Adminitration, Pre-Dental Riya Desai UNC Charlotte Business Administration Molly Dunn Savannah College of Art and Design Undecided Jada Fields Savanah College of Art and Design Animaion / Equestrian Studies Harley Freeseman Mars Hill University Macy Hairgrove Texas Tech University Sports Broadcasting/Marketing Alexander Keer Florida Insititute of Technology Ocean Engineering Katherine Kenny Texas Christian University Business Leighton Koldyke Southern Methodist University Finance Brayden Lambrecht Texas Christian University Finance/Accounting Skylar Lane Cumberland University Sports Management Jacob Messenger Baylor University Biology, Pre-Med Megan Pitman Southern Methodist University Engineering Katherine Schaffer Georgia Institute of Technology Environmental Engineering McKinzie Schmeits Texas Christian University Business Sloane Stewartson Louisiana Tech University Biomed Engineering Kelly Storick University of Alabama Nursing Nathan Watervoot Purdue University West Lafayelte Biochemistry Keenan Winkler Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Aeronautical Science Heidi Zeh University of Alabama Interior Design Brandon Zhang Emory Univeristy Cell and Molecular Biology

Northeast

Annalise Bell McDaniel College Exercise Science Gavin Burkholder College of William & Mary Undecided Neha Chauhan Princeton University Neuriscience Sarah Cree Villanova Physics Logan Groves Boston University Kendall Hanak McDaniel College Bio/Pre-Med Daniel Kim US Naval Academy Computer Science Aaron Makikalli Massachusetts Institute of Technology Aeronautical/ Astronautical Engineering John Murphy Penn State Broadcast Journalism Erik Peters Princeton University Undeclared Nicholas Purchase Bowdoin College, Chemistry Sara Stewart Iona College Business

May 11, 2017

Northeast (cont.)

Sean Thompson Middlebury College Economics Blake Titensor Holy Cross College Accounting Bryce Vrabel U.S. Naval Academy Computer Science Lacey Zadra University of Hartford Pre-Med Eric Zhang University of Massachusetts Boston Data Analysis in Marketing

Senior Profile By: HALEY LENA

Other

Ryan Conley Marine Corps April Cooper-Holda Gap Year Evangelia Eaves Mission Trip in South Africa Lena Georke Traveling back home to Germany Benjamin Hughes Traveling abroad Calvin Konchar Religious Mission Emma Malensek Dalhousie University, Cormmerce Rebecca McAdams Gap Year Logan O’Neill Undeclared Business/Sports Marketing Nicholas Rivera Work for Mechanic’s/ Garages *Any student not listed could not be reached for comment*

Evan Eaves Departing: Denver, Colorado Arriving: South Africa To find more senior profiles, visit our website www.rockmediaonline.org

SENIORS

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Take a closer look at one senior and what she is planning on doing after graduation.

In December of 2017, after a 9,464 mile flight across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in 77 degree weather, and an 8 hour time difference, Evan Eaves will be in South Africa ready to fulfill her dreams of helping disadvantaged children in Africa.

Evan Eaves will be taking a gap year to go to South Africa and help at Pfunanane Academy. Due to fetal alcohol syndrome, malnutrition, and lack of financial means - kids don’t get a proper education. The school provides children with a home, an education, and the most popular program, warm meals.

“The school has a lot of kids who have a lot of issues. Some kids don’t have parents, have single parents, live in the streets, and things like that.” Evan Eaves said. “ I will help teaching there and helping take care of the kids. I will also be working at a church down there as well.”

From a young age, Evan has known that she would want to go help children in other countries. While growing up, there were people in her life that explored different countries, which inspired her even more.

“I always saw people in my life going on mission trips and going to live somewhere else and being completely changed and be a different person when they came back,” Evan Eaves said.

Evan will be working alongside some of the teachers at the school and will be living with close family friends that live in South Africa. Even though the people she has looked up to are a little older, she decided that college could wait. “ I wanted to do something different and I really felt like I was called to go there and help. And I have always wanted to see different places,” Evan Eaves.

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Graduation ‘17

The Rock Newspaper

BY: ALEX SHAFFER, KAITLYN HARVIE, JORDAN RICKERD, AND JOEL ARGIRO

Seniors are to be the focus this time of year;

however, all students have a fresh start ahead.

Here are thoughts from a few students in each grade.

Seniors Say Students talked about what they are doing after school gets out; “After graduation I’m going into basic training for the Marines,” Ryan Goliling ‘17 said.

Some students have a relaxed summer ahead of them while others have an intense college career awaiting them. For seniors graduation is the beginning of what they will do for the rest of their lives. They must decide whether or not to go to college or to go into a trade.

Juniors Say Juniors had two very different ideas of what summer will be about. Students were either determined to have a calm summer or were worried about the upcoming year and getting ready for it.

“I’m pumped; I can’t believe 12 years of school just flew by like this,” Tyler Waugh ‘18 said. “It’s been crazy. I’ve grown a lot and I haven’t really thought about what i’m going to do after high school, but I know I’m going to do great things,” Sophomores Say For Sophomores it’s not as intense because they are ready for the next level of high school to begin, but are not worried because they have two more years ahead of them to discover what they want to do with their life in a professional manner.

“I’m not really worried about my junior year, I’m super excited to take Lit of Film II and I love science,” Will Winning ‘19 said. “This summer I plan to go hunting and have a good overall summer.”

Looking Back...

What’s the best experience you’ve had with a student or group this year?

Freshmen Say Freshman year is all about finding your group of friends, becoming close with certain teachers, focusing on sports and the required classes.

“Next year I’m just really excited for a fresh start,” Andrew Arias ‘20 said.

They are currently finishing required classes and have not yet been able to choose classes to help them decide what they want to focus on for the next three years. Freshmen have only just discovered what high school is all about and the next three years will prepare them for the real world.

“I’m facing real struggles like drugs, being asked to dances, learning how to drive, tests coming up, and auditions for select choirs and plays/musicals,” Ruthie Evlisizer ‘20 said. “There is also pressures outside of school like parents and family problems.”

“The best experiences I’ve had are when the “My best light goes off in experience with a kids’ head and a group this year they feel proud has being able of their work; to be the teacher especially when involved in the they have spent Bauli dance group so much time here at Rock on what they Canyon, especially created and other because I’ve been people appreciate learning about it,” Yearbook the culture for the and Newspaper past few months,” Adviser, Spanish teacher English, and Margaret Motz Photojournalism said. teacher Kristi Rathbun said.

“I value every experience with students. When they come into my class during Access to discuss the book we’re reading at the time and they geek out or nerd out about it, I love those conversations.I also value that in the classroom setting like when the class is interested in the topic,” English teacher Leah Fairchild said.

“I have a great one every day! One was having 64 great kids qualify for state, it was extremely overwhelming but that was pretty cool.

I think having my senior business students create products to sell with the purpose of giving back to other people was amazing. Seeing kids in class when they understand something and have that lightbulb moment. Those are the top three,” FBLA and Economics teacher Janna Robinett said.

“I really enjoy doing labs with my students and letting them find their way through things - it’s the beauty of science.

We’re doing this goat project that involves a lot of volunteering and it can be a lot of fun, but just coming up with ideas and developing labs I think that’s my favorite, ” Biology teacher Jenny Sickle said.

May 11, 2017 “I’m going “After to work at graduation a movie “After I I’m going theater this “This graduate to work to summer, summer I’ll I plan to save up next year probably take a for college, I’m going vacation couple and my to take in Europe. trips family and an easy This year around the I are taking course world and a small trip. was rough; load I’d like to I’m not sure next year because go to New where I’m I’ll probably this year going, but procrastinate Zealand. was rough less and I plan on I’ll probably with taking end up at take easier starting four AP Northern classes,” at Metro classes Ayush then go to Colorado or - don’t C.U.,” Max Berkeley,” Londhe ‘18 do that,” Hannah said.

Levin ‘17 Aidan King Rodriguez said.

‘18 said.

‘17 said.

The Path To Law...

Senior Brooke Jacobsen, shared her plans for after graduation, consisting of going to CSU to study political science. After receiving her bachelors degree, she plans to attend law school to become a criminal defense lawyer.

“I’m not really following in my family’s footsteps, actually I’m kind of doing the opposite by being a criminal defense lawyer,” Jacobsen said.

As a kid she wanted to be an FBI agent, but that slowly turned into the broad topic of criminal justice. Brooke’s grandfather was in the CIA and she has three aunts in the FBI. She found their jobs intriguing and wanted to do something similar. So she decided on the path of a criminal defense lawyer.

“In the line of work I’m pursuing I wouldn’t want to lose a case and then have the fear of a criminal coming after me,” Jacobsen said.

“I plan on going to Hawaii this summer.

I’m not really worried about next year, but I’m excited to take Anatomy and AP Lang,” Rachel Junge ‘19 said.

“This summer I’m going to travel a lot; I might go to Colombia for my birthday.

I’m not that worried for next year.

I’ll just wing it like usual so I’m feeling good about this coming year,” Gabby Botero ‘19 said.

17

“I’m “This planning on summer getting a job I plan on and hanging not getting out with yelled friends this at about summer and grades. I’m there will not sure be a whole what to do lot of fun to plan for times. Next next year. year I plan I’ll probably on getting just have better a boring grades summer because because my goal is I live in to be in Fire Science,” Parker,” Jacob Robert Cussler ‘20 Vahalack said.

‘20 said.

Definition Of A Criminal Justice Lawyer: According to The Legal Dictionary from freedictionary.com

A criminal defense lawyer is someone who defends their client after being charged with a crime.

They help their clients before they have been charged by a prosecuting attorney.

The Rock Newspaper The Rock News

Do you affect your fashion, or does it affect you?

Clothing Confessions

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Clothing as a Form of Self Expression

Students share how their clothing expresses them.

BY: SIERRA EDSTORM, NICKOLE VERBECK, MORGAN WILLIAMS, AND ZOE ZIZZO

Do you feel your clothes express who you are?

“Definitely, I definitely do think that. I think that a lot

Photo by: Zoë Zizzo

of people dress a certain way so that they can become a certain person, and that people don’t dress the way they want to because it’s not the trends. But I think it definitely expresses who you want to be, and some people want to be themselves but some people want to be someone else so they use clothes to be that person.” Wade Rigot ‘19

I

“ think they show my mood from day to day.

If I am wearing brighter colors, I am in a better mood. If I am in leggings or sweats then I’m feeling lazy.” Maddy Zilligen ‘20

I

“ don’t know, it depends on the trend, if I like it then I follow it, but if I don’t like it then I won’t do it.” Alyssa Marino ‘20

Photo by: Zoë Zizzo

Y

“ es, they represent who I am because I like to be comfortable so that’s why I wear sweats a lot and a jacket over my shirt. I wear jeans sometimes but sweats are my go to clothes when I like to be comfy.”

Mason Greenwood ‘18 Photo by: Nickole Verbeck

Do you prefer to “fit in” with the trends?

Do you feel RCHS enforces the dress code?

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May 11, 2017

DIVORCED PARENTS A student of divorced parents shares how she manages her wardrobe

I

“ mostly keep my clothes pretty half and

Does your parents’ opinion influence what you wear?

half. Sometimes it will be a little more uneven just from wearing them or sometimes I will get all my favorite clothes at one house, but for the most part it’s fairly even. My clothes tend to divide themselves.

Which is honestly a pain in the butt. I never know where any clothes are, I never have what I want where I want it. It’s kind of a mess and I should probably consider dividing it up evenly. I honestly don’t know how I manage on deciding what to wear. You do definitely have to be creative sometimes.

Although, it’s not all that bad.”

Emily Wilding ‘20

Photo by: Morgan Williams

Within the Code

People speak out about the dress code By definition, dress code is a set of rules, usually written and posted specifying the required manner of dress at school, offices, etc. The dress code can be a controversial topic especially in schools, but it has its pros and cons.

According to news site Reading Eagle, “The major reason why dressing in proper business attire is important for every business professional is because it presents a visual image and sends a message…” Dressing appropriately can send a message about a school, it’s students, and its faculty.

From a Student...

Students and teachers can have differing opinions on a lot of things, one of them being dress codes. Student Wade Rigot ‘19 states his opinion on the RCHS dress code, “I came from California so the dress code was super lenient and I honestly think that they were too lenient, but the dress codes here make sense. Too a certain extent, you [should] kinda know when you’re going over the boundaries and goes along with common sense.”

Administration’s Approach...

Assistant Principal Megan Brown discusses the consequences and her opinion as an administrator on dress code. According to Brown, “We try to enforce dress code, but it is a group effort between administrators, security and all the teachers and staff to bring something to our attention. It’s hard when there are so many adults with differing interpretations of what is appropriate and what is not. ...There are gender differences - girls tend to dress more inappropriately (short shorts, spaghetti straps, too revealing, etc) and boys tend to wear things that are offensive (guns, liquor, etc. on shirts and hats). I think the girls are sometimes more obvious so they probably get dress coded more whereas a boy can take the hat off and put it in their backpack. So, overall girls might end up in the office changing more in warm weather but I don’t think there’s a big [gender] imbalance with dress code. I think [dress code is necessary] , just to maintain an educational, learning, environment. But I think we’re pretty lenient about it at RC. Certainly we want to support teachers when something is distracting from the learning in their classroom!”

BY: SIERRA EDSTORM, NICKOLE VERBECK, MORGAN WILLIAMS, ZOE ZIZZO

what everyone is Rocking

“You can’t go wrong with heeled booties,” exclaimed Kelsey Kramer ‘18.

At Rock Canyon, many students are interested in fashion, whether it be “trendy” or more expressive toward their own style. When it comes to girls’ spring fashion, clothing from the 80’s is making a comeback, including chokers, off the shoulder tops, boyfriend/ripped jeans, Birkenstock, etc.

“My favorite style of tops is off the shoulder or tank tops,” Dhruti Patel ‘17 said. However, some girl students prefer to not follow the trends and dress towards their own specific style. Anika Wald ‘20, likes to dress more “athletic” and prefers the brands “Adidas, Pink, Under Armour, and

The Rock News How do Rock Canyon students express themselves through Spring fashion?

By: AVERY LILEY, MADDIE PROVOST, KAYLEE MEJIA AND MIA DECK

anything really sporty”. For boys’ fashion, a good pair of khakis, t-shirt, and Nike tennis shoes are the perfect outfit for any occasion at school.

“I like to wear khaki shorts and khaki pants. Hoodies are pretty comfortable and nice, or even just a t-shirt,” Spencer Johnson ‘19 said. For many of the students spring fashion isn’t just about who they are and what they wear, it’s about the styles, the trends, how nice they look, and how they feel in their clothing.

“When it’s warm outside, I usually wear shorts and a t-shirt,” said Zach Zogran ‘20.

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May 11, 2017

Help the Clothes Find Home

These articles of clothing are from some of the most popular teen stores. Match the clothes to their store!

1.) Abercrombie & Fitch

2.) American Eagle

3.) Urban Outfitters

trending clothing stores What are some of the most popular places to shop, according to Rock Canyon students?

“I like to shop at American Eagle because it has a large selection of clothing. Jeans are normally $40 and shirts are a little less.”

-Carson Timmons ‘20

“I like Bp, Topshop, and Nordstrom because they are really popular and stylush. Each time I shop there, I normally spend $100.”

-Sophia Sobota ‘20

“My favorite place to shop is Nike because it is nice cothing even though it is expensive.”

-Kaegan Giltinan ‘19

Sexist Dress COde? Should leggings be banned? Are bare shoulders a distraction? These are just some of the questions many students at Rock Canyon ask when it comes to dress code.

Here at RCHS, sometimes students feel that some of the dress code rules are ridiculous and, sexist towards girls. We got the chance to interview both boys and girls as well as teachers at our school to see their opinions on the dress code.

Dress code is one of most preached about and controversial topics in the school system. Many girls at school have been angry and irritated because some dress code restrictions have been towards leggings and off the shoulder tops- which they believe is completely fine attire that shouldn’t be a violation of any dress code. Allison Fultz 19’ explains that leggings shouldn’t be a dress code violation “because they are comfortable and a lot of girls like to wear them and style them with their outfit.” Later, we addressed Allison about the whole “bare shoulders” epidemic. She believed that, “Bare shoulders should not be a distraction because nothing is showing, so it shouldn’t be a problem.” It is not just girls who feel this way, it’s boys as well. Several of the boys showed sympathy towards girls because of the unwritten and written rules of dress code girls have to follow. Patrick Yehle 17’ feels that “Girls have to follow a lot of crappy dress code rules and guys just can’t wear a hat and I think that is kind of stupid.”

Sometimes the actual violations in dress code don’t make the student body feel disturbed. It is the way they are sort of “shamed” upon for wearing clothes they feel comfortable and confident in.

Teachers and staff have a different opinion on the sexist dress code. Some of the teachers and staff at Rock Canyon feel uncomfortable with yoga pants and leggings as they show too much. Melinda Schulz states, “if you can’t see through leggings then that’s fine.” While there are two sides of the legging controversy, much of the staff believe the same thing when it comes to shoulders being apart of the dress code. Bare shoulders aren’t a distraction, “shoulders, knees, it doesn’t make any difference to me,” Margaret Motz says.

Sexism regarding the dress code doesn’t seem like a problem to teachers and staff.

“

Shoulders aren’t very distracting because they are shoulders. How could a person’s shoulders be distracting?

- Sage Wheeler ‘20

”

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The Rock News

May 11, 2017

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Calendar: May

May 11, 2017 The Rock News

Everything that’s going on from finals to graduation during the last month of the 2016-2017 school year.

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Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

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12 11 Senior Finals

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15

Yearbook Distribution 7-7:30 a.m. and Access @Commons

16 Senior Reception 7 p.m. @CU South Denver Campus

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22

Access and Locker Clean out 8 a.m.

Per. 5 Final 9:40 p.m.

Half Day for Students

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Finals: Per. 6: 8:00 a.m.

Per. 7: 9:40 a.m.

Last Day of School (Half Day for Students)

Senior Finals Periods 1,3,5,7

17 Finals: Per. 1: 8 a.m.

Per. 2: 9:40 a.m.

Half Day for Students

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Summer Break Begins

Periods 2,4,6

Senior Sunset Celebration 6 p.m. @RCHS parking lot

18

Finals: Per. 3: 8 a.m.

Per. 4: 9:40 a.m.

Half Day for Students Graduation Rehearsal 11 a.m. @Echo Stadium Senior Honors Night 7 p.m. @RCHS

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Senior Checkout Day Senior Handprints 1:15 p.m.

Moving Up Assembly 2:10 p.m. @Main Gym

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20

Graduation 9 a.m. @Echo Stadium No School

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