The Skier Scribbler - May 2021

THE

Established 2010 in Aspen,CO MAY,2021 ASPEN HIGH SCHOOL

SKIER SCRIBBLER

The Crystal River, near Redstone, rushes with snow melt on a rainy Spring day

Photo by Oliver Semple

May 2021

SKIER

NEWS

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Aspen students optimistic as vaccinations increase

Harper Axelman, News Edior

As of Monday, May 10, any Coloradan age 12 or older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and with many students at Aspen High School fully vaccinated, the end of the pandemic appears to be in sight.

In Pitkin County, more than 6,832 people have been fully vaccinated, meaning it has been at least two weeks after their second shot of a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer vaccine, or after a single dose series, so they can now safely gather indoors with others who are fully vaccinated and are less likely to experience sickness due to COVID-19, according to the CDC. Vaccination information and scheduling for Pitkin County can be found at Covid19.pitkincounty.com/vaccine/clinic-info.

Bennett Jones, a sophomore at AHS, recently received her second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

“It feels really nice to not be afraid all the time,” Jones said. “Things are starting to look up.”

Jones is excited to see friends and step into public without fear induced by the pandemic, and this feeling can now be

Photo by Elijah Goldman for Skier TV Maya Shindel, a student at Aspen High School, receives her Covid-19 vaccine.

shared with younger students too, as the Pfizer vaccine is now approved for ages 12-15.

Quynh Solberg, an 8th grader at Aspen Middle School, is looking forward to the opportunity of receiving her vaccine.

“It feels like COVID-19 has lasted too long and I’m glad it’s coming to an end,” Solberg said. “I’m really excited about

getting the vaccine and to be protected against the virus.”

Healthcare professionals also feel a sense of relief brought by the vaccine. Dawn Sculco is the Chief Nursing Officer at Valley View Hospital and a volunteer at Valley View’s vaccine clinics in Glenwood, who has been working

in healthcare for 22 years.

Sculco saw many patients die alone during the pandemic and the emotional toll it took on families. This year, Sculco believes that the vaccine will allow people to “get back to taking care of each other”.

Audrey Solberg, another student at AMS, is also looking forward to getting back to a somewhat “normal” life.

“I am glad that I will have the knowledge that I am protected and being courteous to others around me,” Solberg said.

However, there is still a long way to go, and Sculco stressed the importance of ignoring myths.

“I spent the majority of my [time in healthcare] as an ICU nurse, and in doing so we gave a lot of medications,” Sculco said in a video posted for the national campaign #MyWhy. “Nobody ever asked me if there was a microchip in it or if the science was behind it, they asked if I could save their mom, or save their dad.”

“It’s not just about not dying,” Sculco said. “It’s about living, it’s about getting back to living. So do your part, and get vaccinated.”

Long time teachers announce retirement plans warm weather after living in Aspen Recently three notable teachers anfor 45 years. She intends to substitute nounced their plans to retire: Lisa at AES as well. If she could leave one Dimento, Kali Zohar, and Tana Rinaldi. piece of advice for her students, it would All three women have made a significant be, “you already have inside what you impact on their student’s lives through a need,” DiMento said. combined total of 86 years of teaching in Kali Zohar is currently finishing her the Aspen School District.

28th and final year teaching in the Aspen Lisa DiMento has been teaching at AES School District. Zohar has taught health, since 1997, mainly as a Kindergarten sciences, and more at AHS. She plans teacher, and will be retiring next year. on leaving Colorado in June, hopefully She started as a substitute teacher before heading towards the ocean. teaching second and fourth-grade class“Without question, what I will miss es. DiMento has always loved children most about working here are the peoand was inspired by her father, also a ple… students, colleagues, administrateacher, for 42 years. tors, support staff… everyone, really,” When asked what she would miss Zohar said. most about teaching, DiMento said, “I Her most prominent memory at AHS will miss the daily interactions with was setting her hand on fire during my sweet, smiling, darling students.”

Chemistry class, which is an excellent DiMento plans to travel to California summary of the crazy times she had and the east coast to visit family and teaching at AHS. When asked what piece of advice she would give students, Zohar said, “That thing you think you can’t do right now, there is a 95% chance you will be able to do it (and do it well) in 5-10 years. Life is about growth and change.

Don’t ever underestimate the ability to create a meaningful life for yourself.”

Tana Rinaldi is finishPhoto courtesy of Kali Zohar ing up her 35th and final Zohar on her yoga Ex Ed course in 2018 at the Sundeck.

Tessa Guthrie, Editor-in-Chief

Kindergarten sustainable setting field trip in 2017.

Photo courtesy of Lisa DiMento

could sum up her time teaching at AES year teaching at AES, and has lived in in a few words, they would be, “It takes Aspen since 1983. Rinaldi loves to ski, a village.” especially cross country skiing with the kindergartners. When asked what she will miss the most about teaching, Rinaldi said, “The kids, of course.

I love kindergartners.

They make me laugh and smile even if they are a little naughty at times.” After retirement, Rinaldi plans to travel to Sicily to connect with her Sicilian roots. She also plans to buy a beach house on the east coast to spend Winters in Aspen Photo courtesy of Tana Rinaldi Rinaldi poses for a selfie with her kindergarten class during the and Summers by the ocean. Rinaldi said if she 2020/21 school year.

SKIER

NEWS

IB tests: is the 7 worth it?

May 2021

Emily Kinney, Editor-in-Chief

As the month of May comes to an end, students at AHS, as well as around the world, can take a collective sigh of relief knowing that their International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams are completed.

These standardized exams are considered the final step of completing an IB class and cover all material learned throughout the IB course, making them long and challenging exams.

Though IB Exams are taken in May, students do not receive their scores, which are reported in mark bands ranging from 1-7, until late July. This means that the results of an IB exam do not impact one’s final AHS grade. These reported scores can then be sent to a student’s college or university of choice in an attempt to receive college credits.

All schools have varying requirements of what scores count as a credit, so some students have the opportunity to gain credit for all IBs, while other students can only receive credit if they receive high marks in the Higher Level IB courses.

Eileen Knapp is the IB coordinator, as well as an IB Math teacher, at Aspen High School. She notes that some students do receive credit for IB exams at some schools, but the specific number is unknown. Knapp feels, however, that

the true value of IB exams lies in the preparation for the exams.

“The benefits of IB come from the two

iedzic has taught both IB and Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish, both of which end in an exam to determine how much students have learned over the years.

“The AP exam, I believe, does a better job of actually testing [one’s] language skill, and ability to understand Spanish than IB does. What I’ve heard is that the rest of the IB exams, such as English, science, math, are much better than the AP exams, but from my experience, I prefer the AP,” Dziedzic said.

Photo by Emily Kinney Senior Hannah Yeary is IB student Stef Wojcik looks at the “Notice to Candidates” posted on the door of an IB Diploma Candithe IB Exams. date, meaning that she years of participation in the classes and has taken six IB courses during her time things like the learning experience and at AHS. She feels there are better ways participation in things like Internal Asto test one’s IB knowledge, such as apsessments,” Knapp said “We really want plications of one’s knowledge in future to be able to take learning and apply it. classes, and that the quick succession of Those are the true outcomes of IB. And IB exams can make studying stressful. then these possible added college credits “I personally don’t think that IB would be like the cherry on top.” exam scores are reflective of someone’s Although the goal of IB courses is the knowledge in their courses. There is a acquisition of knowledge, IB scores do lot of learning and growth that occurs not always accurately reflect a student’s during an IB course, and it can’t all be knowledge of the topic/course. Joey Dz- captured in one exam. Test-taking is a

IB exams: the before and the after

students.

“IB exams are a student’s opportunity to showcase their hard work and dedication to learning over the past two years in an IB subject. It’s the culmination of a commitment and closes out student learning in each IB class one at a time,” Knapp said. “Some students may earn college credit for their IB scores, but ultimately concluding IB courses by the completion of all IB requirements is the goal and a great achievement.”

An AHS senior, Edie Sherlock, will be taking multiple Photo by Skjier Scribbler archive exams this May. Students studying for their IB exams.

“I’m obviously a bit Unlike typical semester finals, IB nervous as it’s an exam, but it’s also the exams are an opportunity for students to last thing that we really have to do for earn college credit. Seniors can complete high school, which is so crazy,” Sherlock their commitment to the IB diploma said. program and close their time at Aspen To help students get through these High School. challenging weeks, 2019 AHS graduate, Because IB diploma candidates need a Rose Becker, has some insight from her certain score - an average of a 4 (out of exam-taking experience.

7) or above - on their exam to graduate, “I wish I had known that many of the the stakes are higher. Although these exams looked exactly like the practice students have requirements to meet, all exams that teachers gave you to prepare. students need to take into consideration Because of this, it’s important to considtheir desired scores and the amount of er the value of the practice exams. Also, time they are willing to put in in order to looking back with more perspective now, achieve that grade. take a deep breath! It really won’t matter Eileen Knapp, the Aspen High School as much as you think in the long run,” IB coordinator, has helped the school Becker said. prepare for the upcoming exams and is available to support all test-taking Stef Wojcik, News Editor

The four weeks of IB exams held in May are some of the busiest times for seniors, and some juniors, during the second semester.

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stressful process, so it is easy to forget certain things and do poorly under pressure,” Yeary said.

Some students might find it a bit strange to take an exam that they do not feel showcases their abilities, especially when said exam costs about $119.

However, it is the norm at AHS for all students to take an IB exam at the end of their course. Because of this, AHS strives to offer scholarships to anyone who may need one to pay for their examinations.

“We have been able to say “yes” to every person that has asked for their IB exams [to be covered by scholarship].

We’re very lucky that [we have these resources]. AHS expects the test of everyone, but we can also support students that need [financial aid],” Knapp said.

More information regarding IB scholarships can be found here.

As students await the return of their IB scores, junior Gemma Hill wraps up her experience of taking a few IB courses early by sharing her thoughts.

“I feel as though [IB exams] are a helpful experience to have, meaning long difficult tests in general, but I am not sure they are helpful for a student’s future unless you acquire an outstanding score.”

May 2021

SKIER

Vulnerability: the key to our inner tranquility

Aja Schiller, News Editor, and Katelyn O’Callaghan, Editor-in-chief

As Mental Health Awareness month begins, it’s important to introspectively reflect on mental health culture, and where there may be a need for more support. Specifically in Aspen, the Paradise Paradox affects almost everyone, including the local students. The Paradise Paradox is a cultural effect seen in wealthier areas that increases depression, anxiety, and suicide rates. The Aspen High School counseling department recognizes this, and has made plans to improve how they will continue to support students in the future.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the counseling department offered online workshops as well as the opportunity to schedule one-on-one meetings with the counselors. AHS counselors also have a Google Voice phone number that is available to students to discuss questions or concerns about themselves or their peers.

Currently, the counseling department is working to implement a psychological first aid training for students to be able to recognize when someone needs help and when they should ask for help.

The AHS counselors, Lauren Reiss and Josh Berro, have a caseload load of approximately 280 kids.

“Rather than tackling each student individually when they come to us, because that takes up a lot of time,” Berro said, “We’re really trying to get out there and try to give kids tools to deal with mental health before a crisis strikes.”

The resources provided to students can be found on the AHS website, some of which include: Aspen Family Connections, Mind Springs, mental health tool kits, and a list of mental health services from Aspen to Glenwood.

Asking for help is often a difficult challenge, especially for young people, but Reiss outlined the initial procedure for a student in crisis.

“The first step would be coming in and talking to the counselor. We have some questions that we run through, an assessment, that helps us determine the severity of the risk and then we make some action plans,” Reiss said. ‘If it’s a higher level of risk, that is when we call in Mind Springs or another professional to also do an assessment. Then we work with the student and the family to create a plan that is appropriate.”

Two years ago, AHS introduced a professional clinician program from Mind Springs, which provides students with an opportunity to speak with a mental health clinician. Coulter Burch, the school based mental health clinician, began working with AHS at the start of the 2020-21 school year. His approach to handling mental health issues is prevention and awareness. He hopes to help destigmatize mental health problems at AHS by helping students form friendships together and connect.

“People tend to connect more thoroughly through our weaknesses and vulnerability, so in reality, the people you feel closest to are the people that you feel like you can share anything with in an unconditional way,” Burch said. “We tend to want to minimize it [mental health] as a weakness

NEWS

and isolate that part of ourselves and only show you [everyone else] the strengths.”

Kelsey McHugh, AHS senior, transferred from The Aspen Community School, and looked to Reiss for help with the transition. She has maintained a healthy communication with Reiss throughout her high school experience.

“Lauren has been really supportive with me, whether I was struggling with school or just needed extra support, she has been there for me,” McHugh said. “She pushed me to become more of an advocate for myself.”

While some students feel comfortable seeking help through the counselors, many do not. This has no definitive reason, but the causes may be due to mental health culture at AHS and general stigmatization.

Jocelyn Carreno, AHS senior, has a personal relationship between her family and Berro, and therefore was more comfortable asking for help from him. However, she believes that the majority of students do not have the same experience with the counselors.

“Our school values mental health, but sometimes does not provide the support that certain students need. It’s more like ‘we’re here and available’ but it’s not as effective as they think it is, and I feel like there’s a lot more students suffering from mental health issues in our school that don’t know how to seek help.”

Carreno believes that the school can improve by opening the conversation and having active communication between students as well as teachers.

“I think that the conversation needs to start by acknowledging that it [mental health] needs to be discussed in classrooms more and give students a voice.

Often, I feel like our teachers are telling us the signs, but there’s never been much of an open conversation with the community itself and there needs to be more of a space where students can speak up and not be afraid to be judged.” Carreno said.

Maile LaPenna, English teacher at AHS, hopes for students to open up about their mental health. As an English teacher, she experiences a more holistic view of students through their writing.

“I think that people have built up so many walls and labels around mental health and I wish more people were willing to take those walls down. I feel like the kids that are in a place that can say, ‘I have issues and I’m willing to ask for help,’ they get the help,” LaPenna said.

With the help of student, parent, and teacher input, the counseling department could create a healthy environment in which students can learn and be open with each other about their struggles. The counseling department is making efforts to destigmatize mental health and generally improve mental health culture at AHS. “You’re [the students] not alone. I would be surprised to learn about a student that didn’t have some kind of mental health issue or problem. It’s totally normal,” Berro said. ”Everybody faces social, emotional and mental challenges in their lives. The more we normalize these problems, the easier it will be for students to face them.”

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Bringing Awareness to Sexual Assault Andie Sherman, Staff Writer

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education in the 2017 to 2018 school year, there were 14,983 incidents of sexual violence across the U.S. public school system.

Such an alarming number reveals the secret sexual violence occurring in the lives of young Americans each day. Educating young students and teenagers and having open conversations about sex is one necessary step in helping prevent this ongoing issue.

Setting and understanding boundaries is a crucial part of establishing healthy relationships. Boundaries create a sense of agency to one’s emotions, physical space, and body. Setting boundaries when it comes to sexual activities is essential. Saying no to anything that makes you feel unsafe, used, and uncomfortable is necessary when it comes to sexual intimacy.

Unfortunately, most do not make their boundaries clear until after they’ve been crossed. Expressing consent before engaging in sexual activity can help partners ensure that boundaries aren’t crossed.

Haylie Hopson, a sophomore at AHS, said, “When it comes to consent most people are making assumptions that it’s okay to move forward sexually instead of actually asking if it is okay first. Even if you’ve already been with someone, I think just being more clear about the next step is important.” Asking and having conversations before changing the degree of sexual intimacy is important because consent can be taken away at any time.

“I think that it’s always good to check, and talk to the person before, after, and

during anything [sexual] and just make sure you’re both on the same page,” Carson Miller, a sophomore at AHS, reiterated.

Another step in safe sexual encounters is no longer normalizing sexual harassment.

“I guess I’ve been sexually harassed, but like it’s more of like jokes, and, I can take them, it’s not that big of a deal for me.” Aidan Flynn, a sophomore AHS said.

Sexual violence has become so normalized that most victims let alone perpatrators do not realize the actual volume of sexual incidients. Women and men will suppress their experience because it’s considered the norm.

Sexual violence occures in every community, and speaking up against sexual violence can help give surviors their voices back as well as preventing future sexual attacks. Speaking up against sexual violence exposes predators and no longer gives them the benefit of hiding in the shadows, gives the public a deeper understanding of sexual violence, and is the first part of the recovery process for most survivors.

Sexual violence is an epidemic in all communities and affects people of all genders, ages, and sexual orietnations.

According to RAINN Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience sexual violence in their life time. Continuing education about sexual health and sexual misconduct is a necessary measure to prevent this horrifying problem.

Sexual Assault Resources in Aspen: Response: www.responsehelps.org Aspen: Abuse Support & Prevention Education Network: www.aspenmt.org

Photo of Schultz Health and Human Services where Response Aspen is located.

Stella Iverson

May 2021

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Child abuse prevention month

Stella Iverson, Staff Writer

April is a month to bring awareness to child abuse. Child Abuse Awareness month was first created in 1979

by President Jimmy Carter. In April, many are looking to use their voices and show people how important awareness is to some children and adolescents around the U.S.. It provides families and children with education and support for child abuse. There are opportunities year round to help children of abuse, but this month gives people a chance to learn about it and help kids who can’t help themselves.

According to the National Child Alliance, 700,000 children in the U.S. are abused each year. Sexual abuse is the most commmon, making up about 65% of abuse cases. While boys and girls experience many forms of child abuse, gender plays a big role in the treatment of children. Statistics show that boys had a higher fatality rate from physical abuse than girls, while the majority of sex trafficing victims were girls. Statistics also show that children who experience some type of abuse in the home are nine times more likely to be involved in criminal activity as adults.

Child abuse awareness month is a time for communities to come together and build safe places for children to go to. All throughout the month, there are awareness days such as Wear Blue Day on April 1st.” National Child Abuse Prevention digital advocacy day on April 21st. Many hashtags such as #The BeAConnection campaign bring awareness for child abuse. Here in Aspen there is also places that provide support against child abuse. The Response: Help For Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault located right next to Aspen Valley Hospital provides a safe place

for victems of child abuse or domestic violence to go.

There are endless possibilities to raise awareness for child abuse, for example, posting on social media with facts and stats about child abuse. Adding hashtags to your posts like #ChildAbusePreventionMonth and #ThrivingFamilies are resourceful ways to raise awareness.

Fundraisers can also be a good way to bring attention to an issue. Donating to organizations such as Child Welfare can make a huge difference. Illuminate Colorado is a great place to find out what you can do to help.

The effects of technology: a good thing or bad thing?

Kaelyn Kroger, Writing Editor

Due to the CDC’s push for “social distancing” during COVID-19, interacting with people in-person pre-vaccine was disapproved by many. Paired with the months of encouragement from local, state, and federal governments for lockdown mandates, kids resorted to using their phones to contact each other more frequently than ever before, amplifying a pre-existing issue. The increased screen time spent on online school, Snapchat, Instagram, and other platforms that are commonly used has had an adverse effect on kids, which raises concerns of parents and teachers alike.

SCIENCE Looking at human nature itself, humans have long been social creatures.

Making eye contact is one of the most valuable ways people connect when having a conversation, and this is impossible to do over a phone when connecting with someone over social media. Messaging someone rather than speaking to them over the phone has also impaired peoples’ conversational skills.

A publication by Liberty Classical Academy stated that “the tendency to text rather than call people has left the younger generation hopelessly awkward and nervous over the phone”. Not only is this palpable in phone conversations, but in-person conversations as well.

IB Psychology teacher Sarah Ward is a mother of two and is educated on the science behind technology’s effects on human cognitive development, as well as the struggles of being a parent in the age of digital media. She talks about how technology and “happy chemicals” in the brain like serotonin and dopamine are connected.

“As humans we can become addicted to anything. And basically what that means is a neurotransmitter called dopamine is being released into our brain and it’s causing us to need more and more and more of what we’re addicted to,” Ward said. “People are therefore unable to live without it because that reward pathway is being activated every time we look at our phone.”

Phone usage has also reportedly shortened humans’ attention spans substan-

tially. Posted in the same Liberty Classical Academy report, “a recent study

by Microsoft Corporation has found the digital lifestyle has made it difficult to stay focused, with the human attention span shortening from twelve seconds to eight seconds in more than a decade.”

Mac Klindworth, a seventh-grader at Aspen Middle School, says she uses her phone two to three hours (and about an hour on social media) daily.

“I feel like [technology usage] is really really bad for your brain, it makes you unfocused and then when you’re at school you’re tempted to check it even when you aren’t allowed to,” Klindworth said.

BENEFITS There are benefits to technology, however. Technology was created solely to aid people in day-to-day operations, making life easier in nearly all aspects of life.

An article posted by BBC entitled Technological Influence on Business Activity, discusses upsides and downsides to new technology in the context of business. It lists how technology is more sustainable as it eliminates a great deal of waste, creates more effective communication, allows for the development of innovative approaches, and simplifies manufacturing. Though this is relative to business, it can apply to other areas of life.

“I don’t think we should shut ourselves off from technology because we have to recognize the benefits it provides. It allows us to do things that we weren’t able to do,’’ Ward said. “I think that’s part of the evolutionary process of humans.

We have evolved into a world where technology is important but we also have to be clear with setting boundaries.”

From using a phone to call someone to pick you up, networking, apps that help with self management (ie sleep, anxiety, scheduling, etc), music, entertainment, the list goes on, technology does have a notable beneficial element to it. But at what cost?

ADDICTION AND DETRIMENTS A publication released in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience states that “Potential harmful effects of extensive

screen time and technology use include heightened attention-deficit symptoms, impaired emotional and social intelligence, technology addiction, social isolation, impaired brain development, and disrupted sleep.”

“People can even undergo the feelings of withdrawal like they would with any other drug addiction or food addiction or cigarette addiction, so the addictive properties are present with the addiction to the phone that I think a lot of teens are experiencing,” Ward said.

Pearl Soderberg, an AHS senior, deleted the Tik Tok application off her phone after only a few weeks of having it.

“I noticed all of my friends’ time being consumed by Tik Tok even when we were hanging out. No one put down their phones, we were just making and watching Tik Toks and not spending authentic time with each other,” Soderberg said.

“I didn’t want to be addicted to that and I wanted to spend time doing something more useful, like going out or going on a run.”

SOCIAL MEDIA The technological predicament is a known issue. Many have voiced alarm as to how to navigate this new age of digital media.

Countless documentaries and docu-series have been released on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, including “The Social Dilemma” and “The Great Hack” which talk in-depth about the malicious intentions behind big social media companies and the integrity of how they utilize peoples’ personal information.

“Today, when I was walking out of school, I saw this girl that ran into another person because she was staring at her phone,” Klindworth said. “I’d say 50% of the kids in my grade are addicted to their phones. I notice a difference in how they behave.”

As the younger generations download social media apps like Instagram and Tik Tok, they are seeing posts from users within older generations, pushing kids to mimic their behavior in order to fit in.

This shortens typical childhood experiences and behavior, causing them to grow up quicker.

“We feel bad for the girls our age that dress and look like sixteen-year-olds.

They are missing out on their childhood,” Klindworth said. “They expect everyone to just be the people they see online, when no one is actually like that.”

KIDS AND PARENTS As technology advances, it is taking up a larger portion of daily life. Kids and teens are exposed to phone and computer usage at a much larger scale, forcing parents to navigate how to regulate and mitigate phone usage for their kids.

“It’s a complex issue as a parent. It’s something that my husband and I talk about all the time. We struggle with what’s the right thing to do,” Ward said.

Since there is no long term research on the effects of social media and technology on humans, it is becoming routine to regulate how much time kids spend on their phones.

“It’s scary when you see [addiction] in a small child, it’s scary when you see it in someone who’s brain isn’t even developed enough to know what addiction is, let alone to manage and regulate themselves,” Ward said.

Ward believes that the most effective way to regulate phone usage is to have important conversations with young ages and lay down rules to put them in the habit of understanding what it means to be responsible with technology. Learning how to utilize technology and social media in a way that would benefit society while mitigating addiction and regulating usage is the first step to succeed in the age of digitalization.

Without technology, where would we be? Yes, we spend too much time on social media, we’re behind screens too much, but the growth society has experienced is incredible,” Soderberg said.

“We’ve learned so much from [technology], there’s a lot of research being done on diseases, for educational purposes, space, it’s helping our world in so many different ways.”

PAGE 6 SKIER NEWS Faculty voices add perspective to ASD sex ed conversations May 2021

Outdated online policies don’t align with more up-to-date curriculum, teachers say Océane Jones, Opinion Editor

Originally published in the Snowmass Sun on May 12, 2021 After my April 21 Teen Spotlight was published in the Snowmass Sun, (Aspen High School’s sex education must be modernized), I heard from district administrators and staff who said there was more to the story of Aspen High’s sex-ed curriculum than I had initially observed.

My reporting was based on policies published on the Aspen School District website, extensive research from public health organizations, and interviews with a school counselor and our assistant principal. The information gained from these sources implied a limited sex-ed curriculum at AHS that didn’t appear to give students the resources they need.

However, some voices were missing from the initial article: Health teachers Kali Zohar and Shannon Worth didn’t respond to emails seeking comment before the publication deadline; the story I published was based on the information I had at the time. After the story was published and I started receiving feedback, a follow-up story was in order — this time, after interviews with Zohar and Worth.

According to Zohar and Worth, Aspen High School does teach students about sexually transmitted infections and dis-

eases (STDs and STIs), use of contraception, in addition to abstinence in the ninth-grade health class.

It turns out the 2013 policy posted on the district website — IHAMB on family life and sex education, which says school sex ed “shall give primary emphasis to abstinence by school-aged children” — is outdated and does not align with the current curriculum.

Aspen High School’s ninth-grade health curriculum is “quite comprehensive with regard to male and female anatomy and the circumstances under which people can contract sexually transmitted diseases and or get pregnant,” said Zohar, who teaches several courses at Aspen High School, including ninth-grade health. She also said she will accommodate students or parents that are uncomfortable with the curriculum.

But it still left me wondering if one semester of sex education is enough for modern high school students.

Shannon Worth, Aspen’s wellness teacher, holds a master’s in health education, believes it’s beneficial for Aspen High School to offer more than the one required freshman-year semester of sex education. She teaches comprehensive health education, which incorporates an inclusive Human Sexuality curriculum; her class teaches a modern curriculum,

and contested that the policies listed online “are absolutely out of date”.

In Worth’s view, even though the sex education at Aspen High School is “excellent,” she believes it would be beneficial to expand the sex education for upperclassman.

She suggests a more in-depth, follow-up sex education class taught by a certified health professional is implemented for upperclassmen, which could be part of that expansion.

Worth also proposed the creation of a district “Wellness Committee” in 2019 and plans to revive the committee with a primary focus on updating policies and aligning K-12 health and wellness programming.

She believes sex education should start in middle school and be updated every two years according to Colorado Healthy Kids Survey, which all kids are required to take. The current health class is taught based on the issues addressed in this survey. Starting sex education in middle school is proven to be more effective, as it is vital that children learn sex education as they begin puberty around the ages of eight to 14.

Furthermore, Worth considers consent an essential aspect of sex education and wishes to supplement what’s currently covered in 9th grade by ensuring

certified teachers and community programming like Response work closely to communicate this information to students in grades 9-12 in a meaningful, aligned manner. The correlation between consent education and sexual abuse was revealed in a recent study by Columbia University, which concluded that sex education covering consent decreased rates of sexual assault in young adults.

Consent education is particularly imperative at Aspen High School. I spoke to a group of five sophomores who shared first-hand accounts of observing or experiencing sexual activity among Aspen High School students who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The students did not want their names shared because of the sensitive nature of the conversation.

Yet, one cannot give consent when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to Colorado Law. According to Planned Parenthood, sexual activity of any kind without consent is considered sexual assault or rape. Those seeking help can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

By listening to student and faculty voices alike, we must work together to continue to modernize the Aspen School District sex education curriculum.

PAGE 7 SKIER OPINION How social media affected teenage lives during COVID-19 May 2021

Sophia Greiper, News Editor Originally published in the Snowmass Sun on February 24, 2021

With the COVID-19 pandemic came a lot more free time in the life of the American teenager.

Before, we may have spent most of our free time hanging out with friends, going to social gatherings, and participating in clubs and extracurriculars. Now, many of us are limited in our choices when it comes to how we can spend our free time.

Social media fills the void — and we’re turning to it more than ever.

The use of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has skyrocketed over the past year: a survey published by the research company Digital Commerce 360 in September of last year found that 73% of respondents had increased the time they spend on social media during the pandemic.

Without opportunities for in-person interactions, Aspen High School junior Ellie Dangler, said she uses social media primarily to pass time during and after class and when she has some downtime to talk to her friends.

“I use Snapchat the most,” Dangler said. “I think this year it has definitely helped me stay more connected with friends who I am not able to see every day because of online school and COVID-19.”

As a teen living in Aspen, where there are tight restrictions on how many people I can see and where I can see those people, I have found myself spending more and more time on my phone to compensate for how little time I am spending with other people and how much more free time I have.

Social media is not only a way to pass time but also a way for me to socialize

Does your Earth Day count?

Maya Leshem, Opinion Editor

What happened to Earth Day? As chaos continues in the world, many “less pressing” issues have been pushed to the side, but how much longer can we push aside climate change? Politicians and capitalist governments continue to downplay the severity of climate change, which has made our society blind to the many small, large, and damaging effects that continue to arise.

On April 22nd, 2021 Earth day was celebrated around the world, but appreciating and nourishing the earth we live on is extremely challenging when being faced with many other global issues. On April 22, India set a new record for their most COVID-19 cases, there was yet another tragic death of Ma’ Khia Bryant, caused by systemic racism, Biden proposed new policies for vaccines in the rise of his new presidency, fake vaccines were distributed in Poland, there were huge protests in Russia, and much more.

Originally, Earth Day was created to construct programs like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and acts like the Clean Air Act and the No Clean Water Act by Senator Gaylord Nelson to incite action for climate change. 51 years later and Earth Day seems more like a childish holiday where kids make art collages, rather than an opportunity to act.

America’s Charities is a program that works towards providing resources for citizens to donate money, or to give outlets for others to spread the word. They give us ways to celebrate Earth Day, but have we focused on the wrong aspect of the holiday?

“Engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn and let us know you are celebrating Earth Day. Be sure to include the hashtag #EarthDay in your posts to join the global conversation online,” America’s Charities said.

As climate change becomes even more noticeable in local communities, hashtags seem like a facade of action.

As we creep closer to an even bigger

increase in devastating storms and more extinction in plants and animals, we need to strive to include Earth- consciousness in all days of the year.

Visit the University of Boulder’s environmental site to see the before and after effects of climate change on Colorado’s environment.

“The Western United States has seen a larger increase in average temperature in the past decade than any other part of the country. This exacerbates already existing problems such as snowpack, water scarcity, drought, pine beetle infestation, etc.,” according to the University of Boulder’s environment site.

One popular misconception of business owners and venture capitalists is that by ignoring climate change, the economy will continue to profit endlessly. However, economics rely heavily on the prosperity of agriculture and other climates.

In Aspen especially, without strong and stable snowpack and the maintenance of rivers and trees, the town’s overall success would crumble. Aspen depends on the income that it receives from tourists, without the outdoor attractions like skiing, biking, hiking, and sightseeing, the flood of new cultures and events that we all look forward to would disappear.

Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t necessarily mean going off the grid. Taking small steps in all aspects of your life to create change is always better than committing to one task and failing.

Livia Albeck-Ripka, a writer for the New York Times, lists ways that anyone can work towards a more sustainable lifestyle in How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint.

“The science is complex, and when it comes to future impacts, there are still a lot of unknowns. While real solutions will require action on a global scale, there are choices you can make in your day-to-day life to lessen your personal impact on the environment,” wrote Albeck-Ripka.

and glimpse into the lives of those aside from my closest friends and family.

During this time, I have been able to stay connected with people that I am not able to see in person, like my friend Kira Gardner, a junior at Winters High School in California.

While Gardner said she does not spend a lot of time on social media every day, she still reaps the benefits “Social media has helped me stay connected,” Gardner remarked.

With the time that COVID-19 has freed up in my life, I have also been able to reconnect with people and friends that I may not have reached out to without social media.

And because there isn’t much traveling going on right now, social media is also a way for many people to escape the confines of their home or their town and see other parts of the world — a way to

escape mentally and emotionally.

Grace Peterson, a junior at Aspen High School, was supposed to go on college tours this year but wasn’t able to due to the impacts of the pandemic.

Even though she couldn’t travel, online connections allowed her to get a sense of the experience.

“Social media has allowed me to connect with college reps or students who I know go to the universities I’m interested in, which has allowed me to continue the college search process,” Peterson said.

The pandemic has caused a lot of stress from all the unknowns and impacts of the virus, including often-changing school schedules on the hybrid model. Social media is a way for some people to relax and partake in a pretty mindless activity, which is something I’m grateful for.

Inclusivity at Aspen High School Kayla Tehrani, Editor-in-Chief Originally published in The Asoen TImes on May 5, 2021

Recently, Aspen High School principal Sarah Strassburger has been getting negative comments and backlash from AHS parents that are upset about the Equity Survey students were asked to take in early April.

Parents are upset because some CREW teachers told students it was mandatory, Strassburger was allegedly breaking the law because she gave a survey that included information about race, sex, age, etc. The optional Equity Survey was given to students as a way to obtain information about the student population and how safe they feel in the school from many different perspectives.

This issue was not brought to the attention of the AHS administration, but instead to State Representative Joyce Rankin, at which point Rankin wrote a letter to the editor in the Pagosa Springs newspaper, the Pagosa Daily Post, discussing Strassburger and the issues that arose. Strassburger then responded to the letter in the Pagosa Daily Post, explaining her perspective.

There was also a letter to the editor in the Aspen Times about the AHS principal, and a response. As a student at AHS, I want to provide my perspective.. The letter states: All of the adults have been talking, it’s time a student shares their voice.

Dear Readers, My name is Kayla Tehrani, I am a junior at Aspen High School, and I’ve been following the recent exchange in the papers about the optional Equity Survey that AHS students were asked to take in early April.

The definition of equity is very different from the definition of equality.

Equity isn’t giving everyone the same resources to achieve success, it is giving everyone the resources they need to succeed. The survey was to give every student what they need, no matter what it is. It is important that this survey happens so that the school is able to get a

gauge on how students are feeling in the school, and if they think they’re in a safe environment when at school.

I am a student from a Muslim country.

I am a student that is part of the small minority group in the school. I am a student that isn’t like many of the AHS students. This survey was not just about race. This survey was not a target at students like me, or a way to make white students feel bad about being white. It was a purely data based survey to get information, not to attack anyone.

The survey showed that height and weight had the greatest impact on students feeling isolated. That has nothing to do with race, age, sex, etc. This is something anyone, no matter how they look or how they identify, can relate to.

Because I come from Iran people assume that I’m a terrorist. Although I do come from a Muslim country, the stereotype that all Iranians must be terrorists means that just being myself and people knowing where I come from becomes an issue.

I have been called a terrorist in school multiple times, I have been told to go back to Iran. Each and every time, the administration has my back and supports me with this ongoing issue. AHS is working towards being the most inclusive and welcoming school, and that is all the Equity Survey is about.

As a person of color, as someone who is a minority, I find surveys like this helpful in making the place that I am required to be - five days a week - a place that people would like to be, and somewhere students feel safe and comfortable going to. Some individuals are scared of the words “equity” and “equality”, and that is what is making the community a more exclusive place. All of the hate and negativity towards AHS and the administration is uncalled for and unnecessary.

Please stop attacking the school for trying to do something good.

PAGE 8 SKIER OPINION A savored breath of justice Conspiracy theorist?

MAY 2021

Hannah Smith, Editor-In-Chief

“No Justice, No Peace”- Nearly a year ago, the cry of these four words echoed across protests when George Perry Floyd Jr. took his last, unjust breath.

Just recently, justice for Floyd has been served with a heaping side of relief, but where is the main course: peace?

On April 20th, that relief flooded over America when, at last, accountability has finally triumphed against racism and hate. A former Minneapolis police officer was found guilty of George Floyd’s death on all three counts— second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. On the day of the verdict, George Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, stated, “Today we are able to breathe again.”

Despite Chauvin’s verdict, it seems that the breath of justice Philonise Floyd referenced was not a deep inhale; rather, it was conserved. Despite the evidence presented, months of protests, and national grief, many still feared that the jury would not give George Floyd the justice and grace he was so deserving of. People were afraid to hope.

This lack of trust in America’s judicial and legal systems is rational and expected. Studies have repeatedly shown that Black and Latinx are more likely to experience violence and death in police encounters than Whites. These studies expose only a small portion of the racist, inequitable, and unjust American legal system.

Thousands are brutalized by racial inequality, and police have yet to receive the justice they deserve. Emmit Till, Oscar Grant, Breonna Taylor, Daunte Wright, and recently, Makiyah Bryant have all lost their lives to police and racial brutality that has been reprieved until this day. This is why Chauvin’s verdict was such an immense victory; it was a single, small step towards equality. Chauvin’s verdict had been one of the first of its kind.

Justice for Floyd is not only a small step towards racial equality but also towards accountability. One guilty verdict does not undo the wrongs of the countless other unjust cases, however, it drives future hope. There is hope that people can mobilize to create change and that systematic racism and racial injustice can be combated.

The journey to racial equality and just legal systems in America has just begun. Although accountability for Floyd’s death has instilled hope for a future of activism and real change, America is far from peace. Peace will exist when those deserving of justice not only receive it but are living to tell the tale of racial equity existing across America.

As American poet and activist Amanda Gorman said, “A reminder that victory would be George Floyd being alive. Every day Black Americans worry if they will be next is another day without justice.”

Andie Sherman, Staff Writer Many followers of extreme conspiracy theories had their hopes dashed after former President Donald Trump left office in late January. However, new politicians have taken the role of fueling these dangerous conspiracy theories. Congresswoman Majorie Taylor Greene, has recently become the poster child for conspiracy theories in American politics.

Majorie Taylor Greene is a member of the United States House of Representatives and represents Georgia’s 14th congressional district. As a freshman to Congress, who only assumed her role at the beginning of January, she has already made a name for herself with her outlandish conspiracy theories.

“Somebody who’s suggested that perhaps no airplane hit the Pentagon on 9/11, that horrifying school shootings were pre-staged, and that the Clintons crashed JFK Jr.’s airplane is not living in reality,” Mitch McConnell, minority leader of the senate said in a statement shared with The Hill regarding Greene’s outrageous comments. “This has nothing to do with the challenges facing American families or the robust

debates on substance that can strengthen our party.”

However, Democrats set a precedent for outlandish behavior illustrated by Greene. On Thursday, February 4th, the House voted to strip Greene from her committee assignments, a resolution put forth by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Democrat from Florida. Greene’s removal from committee assignments helped to eliminate the representatives’ influence in Congress.

After Greene’s removal from her assignments, she expressed regret for her previous comments and remarks endorsing conspiracy theories. However, she did not apologize for any past comments in her nearly eighty-minute speech. Instead, she portrayed her past comments as “words of the past.”

Greenes “words of the past” spoke of promoting QAnon conspiracies and supported the execution of democrats in 2018 and 2019.

Although some republicans allied with Greene, Mitch McConnell continued in condemning Greene by saying her “loony lies and conspiracy theories” are a “cancer for the Republican Party.”

Hannah Smith, Editor-In-Chief Despite being known as one of the greatest philosophers and scientists in history, Aristotle’s views towards women’s equality were misogynistic. Aristotle’s long-lasting influences did not just affect contemporary philosophies but promoted sexism in modern-day societies.

SEXISM IN ARISTOTLE’S WORKS It is historically expected that many men in the B.C.E era opposed women’s equality. However, when B.C.E men, like Aristotle, were foundational philosophers that opposed women’s equality, they influenced the course of women’s equality for thousands of years following.

Aristotle expressed misogynistic views in political and philosophical works dating back to 350 B.C.E. In Aristotle’s work of political philosophy, Politics, he claims that there should be “political rule” of a husband over a wife. The greek philosopher states, “As regards the sexes, the male is by nature superior and the female inferior, the male ruler and the female subject.”

He compares the role of women in society to that of a slave, saying, “The slave is wholly lacking the deliberative element; the female has it, but it lacks authority; the child has it, but it is incomplete.”

Not only does Aristotle undermine women on a political basis, but also on a biological and scientific basis.

According to Women’s History.org, medical authorities dating back to B.C.E, such as Aristotle, claimed that too much study and sport activity would cause infertility in women.

Aristotle believed that women had a limited amount of energy flowing through the body and that monthly hormonal expenditure was naturally used up in dangerous quantities. Therefore, he promoted that women should not “exert” themselves through studying, or any sports activity, including leisurely bike riding.

Viewpoints like Aristotle’s lead to misconceptions that women were less qualified than men to receive an education and participate in sports. Despite this, claims that academics and sports cause infertility are almost entirely unfounded. One of the only proven links between sports activity and effects on women’s health is amenorrhea, which is not the same as infertility. Vigorous and extreme exercise can lead to amenorrhea, which, again, is not equivalent to infertility.

Women are fully capable of receiving an education and participating in sports, not only on a biological basis but on any basis. No study or biological proof exists that proves study and education leads to infertility.

MODERN-DAY EFFECTS Although Aristotle did not single-handedly create sexism in modern-day societies, he was an admired philosopher and scientist who had a substantial influence on western logic and reason, including women’s roles in society.

Women’s sports, as well as higher education levels, were frowned upon through the nineteenth century. Even former President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901 believed that America’s oldest white families were conspiring to commit “race suicide” by sending their next generation of daughters to college.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that the blossoming of higher education for women started to accelerate worldwide, and women began to participate in sports.

Theories created 4,000 years ago by philosophers like Aristotle influenced long-lasting division between men and women and sexism that is still prominent today. Aristotle may be taught in schools as a great thinker in politics, psychology, and ethics, but he should not be known as a great thinker in the realm of women’s equality.

Sexism started with Aristotle

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AHS football’s unconventional season leads them to playoffs

Kayla Tehrani, Staff Writer

Aspen High School’s football team offs,” Haisfield said. “And going into next had a successful 2021 season, despite the year, I think it’s important that we just fact that their season was condensed. continue to work all summer and get in they were able to play a good amount of the weight room.” games, and win some of them.

Haisfield is excited for the coming Playing seven games, and winning football season. He thinks they can have three of them, the AHS football team was able to make their way to the playoffs. The four seniors on the team played their last season, even if it was unusually short as a result of COVID-19. AHS football was also able to win our homecoming game against Steamboat Springs.

AHS junior and football team receiver and outside linebacker, Brady Haisfield, reflected on their season. The team didn’t start the way they wanted to, going 0-2. He believed those losses at the beginning of the season made AHS football team poses for team photo on ASD turf stands every game that much more important to their team, a good team and can put up a good fight and caused the senior leaders to step in the playoffs. up, making sure the team was all giving AHS football head coach, Coach 100% effort to every practice and game.

Travis Benson, discusses the differences “Facing that adversity helped us come between their normal season and this together and play for each other, which year’s unusual spring season, and how ultimately helped us get into the playthe four seniors (Cole Kennedy, Storm

Silich, Noah Akin, Connor Allen) took the challenge of leading the team to playoffs.

Benson is proud of the team as a whole for their resiliency, and especially of how the seniors finished their high school

but over the past four years.

“They each had their struggles in their senior year but still battled through adversity to lead their fellow teammates through a strange spring season. My hat is off to them and excited to see them take the next steps in college,” Benson said.

AHS senior and football team wide receiver and cornerback, Noah Akin, enjoyed being a leader on the team. He believes it was an amazing opportunity for him.

Although the season didn’t exactly go how he had hoped, Akin felt it was fun to compete with his friends one last time.

The team had a rough start to the season due to a difficult schedule but were able to bounce back.

“We rebounded greatly and I’m happy with how the team responded to adversity this year. We had lots of injuries, and in Photo by Audrey Corcoran a weird year we still careers,making playoffs three out of the made a lot of stuff work,” Akin said. four years they played for the team.

Akin is proud of his younger teamDespite the struggles that the team mates who took steps forward and were faced, with the postponed seasons and able to play more than usual, and is snow every week of the season, the seexcited to see what the team does in the niors gave a considerable amount of time future. and effort to the team, not only this year

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Three great art galleries to visit in the city of Aspen Harper Axelman, News Editor

Aspen’s 20+ art galleries feature everything from fine to modern art, making the city a vibrant community, despite its small population of 7,000.

The acclaimed galleries of Aspen offer art for your home, as well as a space to escape and connect. They are currently showcasing a dazzling array of works, with artists from around the world and a wide range of mediums. All galleries require masks and are open to the public during visiting hours or by appointment.

ELLIOT YEARY GALLERY Open Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm, 419 E Hyman Ave. # 7 970-429-1111 elliottyeary.com Striking landscapes of Aspen trees, bears in intriguing geometric shapes, and stunning jewelry are featured in this gallery located near New York Pizza. Their current collection includes surreal paintings

by Kim Wyly, who contributes 20% of her art sales to charity and uses symbolism to transfer dreams onto the canvas. One can also find jewelry by John Iverson, Herbert Hoffman Award recipient, whose earrings have been worn by Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

RAVEN GALLERY Open 7 days a week 11am-5pm, 433 East Cooper Ave.

970-429-4297 ravengalleryaspen.com Bright hues shine in the sun and delicate strands form a magnificent swirl in this 3,500 square foot space, evoking awe and curiosity with a wide variety of impressive glass techniques and other multimedia art. Located near Paradise Bakery, their newest collection features artists from around the world, including Harue Shimomoto of Japan, who aims to “transform any space into a meditative journey”, and Wesley Rasko of the Czech Republic, with a passion for creating glass art after his death-defying accident.

ROYAL STREET FINE ART Open 7 days a week 10am-10pm, 205 S Mill St. #211 970-920-3371 rsfaa.com The Royal Street Fine Art Gallery gallery located near the Wheeler Opera House features contemporary pop to traditional art. With fashion, neon lights, and more, this mystical gallery evokes a feeling of joy and magic. Their current collection showcases unique portraits with neon lights by American artist Shyglo, as well as Ali Mignonne’s settings in bold colors and dramatic textures.

“One Moment That Changed Everything”: Songs For A New World

Oceane Jones, Opinion Editor

“Songs For A New World’’ is Aspen High School’s upcoming musical. Composed

by Jason Robert Crown, this beautifully written production fosters hope with a message of a better tomorrow.

The first musical in Aspen High School history to be choreographed, designed and lit by students, “Songs for a New World” perfectly encapsulates the uncertain journey of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the utmost importance of hope.

As Logan Carter, the AHS drama teacher, puts it, “It was like this show was written for a world in crisis and a world going through a pandemic,” Carter reminisced, “It is Songs for a New World.”

The world has certainly been born anew as the aftermath of COVID-19 becomes daily life, and “Songs for a New World” wonderfully depicts this. This 14-person cast production is composed of a series of testimonials about that one moment that changes it all. With student choreographers Emma Boucher, Adriana Cipponeri, Katie Dangler, and Garrett Greene, SFANW is completely student driven-both for students and by students.

“In a world of uncertainty, the world needs theatre to give people hope,” Carter said.

SFANW does just that: gives people hope.

As for theatre itself, the journey for a musical this Spring has been everything but hopeful. The nature of musicals is rooted in singing, bursting into song to express emotion-but this is almost impossible with COVID-19. The Pitkin County Health Board made a series of

laws prohibiting singing in public, and even when singing was permitted, performers had to be 25 feet apart, making a musical almost impossible.

With a very uncertain future for the musical, actors rehearsed for a live show with the hope to perform even with the laws deeming a live performance illegal.

Students had to be committed, resilient, and flexible, as it was possible that even after their 13 weeks of rehearsal they would still be unable to perform in front of a live audience.

Luckily, in the end it all worked out.

Songs for a New World focuses on a series of songs and stories with a central theme: the moment that changes everything in one’s life. After months of toil and anguish, SFANW has grown into a fabulous production-Carter’s favorite production in her almost decade of working at AHS. There will be both live and recorded performances, with live performances running from May 14-16. Opening night, April 14th, will open at 6pm. The 15th will have both a 2pm Matinee and a 6pm night performance. Lastly, the closing will be another 2pm matinee.

Each show will run for roughly 90 minutes with a brief intermission. For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of your own home, a live stream of the performance will stream Thursday May 20th, Friday May 21, and Saturday May 22 at 6pm.

Buy your tickets now at Aspen High School Theatre, before they sell out with a full house!

Image courtesy of Elliot Yeary Gallery “The Sanctuary”, a painting by Kim Wyly featured at Elliot Yeary

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Sustainable fashion and helpful hints for your closet Ava Thornely, Social Media Editor

Stop! You’re really doing more online shopping? Let’s think about a few things first. Do you need, not want, but physically need it? Or do you already own something similar? These are essential questions to ask yourself while sustainably shopping, but I hate to break it to you; there is no such thing as being 100% sustainable with fashion.

Memories and emotions are tied to articles of clothing, so it can be hard to get rid of them. You may think to yourself: “I wore that dress to my 8th grade dance,” “I might need a hawaiian shirt one day,” and “I used to wear that shirt all the time.” Maybe you’ll give it to your kids, but in order to be environmentally friendly and even organized, you must get rid of clothing.

Figure out the clothes you no longer wear. Create a system where you flip your hangers. I recommend turning all your hangers around, and once you wear something, you flip the hanger. After six months, if there are hangers that are still flipped around, those are the pieces you should get rid of. I have compiled a list of the best ways to recycle and organize your closet this Earth Day. Clothing Swap Pros: You are able to give your clothing to someone who might wear it more and give it a new life. Plus, if you have a friend who loved that dress you no longer wear, you will be making their day.

Cons: This takes time to organize and get participation.

Consignment Pros: You can make money by selling your clothes. Maybe you spent $200 on that prom dress that you can’t get yourself to give away for free. You could sell them on consignment pages such as an Instagram page, Ebay, Poshmark, or

Depop. This is a great way to get some of your money back on an item so you could sell the prom dress for $175 and only lose $25 instead of the full $200.

Cons: You need lots of time to set up an account, get a decent following, take pictures of the pieces and post the clothing.

Thrift Shop Pros: Thrift stores is a great way to give back to your community and recycle.

Some clothes will even still have tags on them.

Cons: “The downside: buying second hand can give unconscious consumers who sell their clothes less incentive to think about their purchases, which fuels more fast fashion consumption.” Says Sustainable Fashion Matterz.

Throwing away clothes Pros: Out of sight out of mind.

Cons: There are definitely more consequences to this because it is terrible for the planet. According to the 2017 State of Reuse Report,” North Americans throw away roughly 81 pounds of textiles (clothing, towels, bedding, etc.) a year per person. Think of it this way: That’s more than 26 billion pounds heading into landfills each year across the U.S. and Canada alone.” It is costing you community a ton, literally. According to the EPA, “it costs an average of $45 per ton to dispose of waste in a landfill.

A fashion-focused city like New York City pays $20.6 million per year just to dispose of textile waste.” Get ready for this next fact according to Savers It takes so much water to make a pair of jeans.

Up to 1,800 gallons, to be exact. That’s more water than you can or will drink in five years. Just some food (or water) for thought. Lastly, People tend to think no one can use clothes with holes, or used undergarments, but just because it may

Spaceship gets stollen by aliens while astronauts are exploring mars

Comic by Hannah Popish

not be wearable doesn’t mean it won’t serve a purpose. These items can have a second life as dishrags or even insulation.

According to epa.gov “clothing in the landfills breaks down and releases toxic greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the environment.”All in all just DON’T throw away your clothes Minimize Pros: Having as little as possible = less consumption. Think twice when buying another shirt that is identical to one you have at home. Wear everything in your closet allowing you to save money because you are no longer buying clothes.

Cons: If you are someone who likes to change styles and experiment around with new outfits you might get bored of this.

So maybe you are looking for new clothes but not sure how to make sure you are buying ethically and environmentally friendly. I have conducted a list of brands that make you feel amazing, last long, and are trending.

Allbirds For: Men, Women Categories: Shoes, Socks, Apparel, Undergarments Price: $10- $250 Description: According to SustainableChic “Allbirds marketing campaigns over the past few years have taken everyone by storm and helped to bring sustainability more mainstream. What started as one pair of unisex sneakers has since expanded into a full line of shoes, socks, & underwear. Allbirds use eco-friendly materials like sustainably-sourced wool, tencel, sugarcane, & natural castor bean.”

Veja For: Men, Women, Kids Price: $50- $200 Description: Veja is known for their

simplistic sneakers. Not only are these shoes found in celebrities closets but this French fashion brand’s shoes are also great for the environment. Each of the materials, like the organic cotton and wild rubber it uses, can be traced right back to its source. And although they are leather there are vegan options available.

Everlane For: Kids, Women Price: $10- $100 Description: According to Everlane “We spend months finding the best factories around the world—the same ones that produce your favorite designer labels. We visit them often and build strong personal relationships with the owners. Each factory is given a compliance audit to evaluate factors like fair wages, reasonable hours, and environment. Our goal is to score a 90 or above for every factory.”

Re/Done For: Men, Women Price: $15- $1,000 Description: All of their jeans are repurposed from deconstructed denim, pre-loved Levi’s, and premium raw materials. Their Los Angeles factory’s team practices a far more sustainable method of processing their jeans than big-time blue jean factories. Many larger brands use a method called sand washing, which uses tons of water and harsh chemicals that eventually wash off into the environment. In an interview with Vogue, the duo called their processing method “an exact duplicate of a home wash…just with more jeans.” Plus, their items are custom-tailored to fit you the way you want. Though $250 for jeans may seem steep, the investment pays off.

NASA’s drone takes pictures of the Mars rover while on a mission

Comic by Hannah Popish