The Skier Scribbler - October 2022

SKIER SCRIBBLER

Ava Cherry and Océane Jones, Editors-in-Chief

The COVID-19 pandemic intro duced an onslaught of risk factors for adolescent drug use. In the absence of an in-person school experience, many students felt isolated and disconnected to school. In an attempt to cope with contemporary stressors, the amount of students self-medicating increased.

As reported in a UC San Diego study, COVID-19 led to increased use of nicotine and unprescribed or misused prescription drugs for Americans aged 10 to 14, especially for those impacted by decreased family income.

Many students in this valley were not disproportionately impacted due to their socioeconomic status; however, they are

Attention Span of the News

Beau Toepher, News Editor

News outlets quickly jump on the opportunity to report on hot topics.

Smaller outlets dominate social media feeds with the latest events, but it’s up to bigger outlets to keep these problems in the public eye for longer.

Many smaller outlets have to rely on catchy headlines to draw people in and garner more clicks for their revenue, especially because these outlets often can’t charge a subscription fee compared to publications like the New York Times or Washington Post.

However, this can often lead less-cur rent events to be forgotten.

no exception to this trend.

A confidential survey unaffiliated with ASD collected data from more than 70 AHS students aligns with national trends. Students from all grade levels disclosed their drug and alcohol usage both in and outside of school grounds. 76.1% of students surveyed have tried alcohol, and 57.7% reported using cannabis at least once. Although the ma jority of these statistics surpass national averages according to the American Ad diction Center, hard drug consumption in this valley is well above the national average.

Approximately 16% of students report ed abusing unprescribed medications, such as adderall, and almost 10% of students reported trying cocaine at least once. Additionally, about 9% reported taking acid, 7% used MDMA, and 13% experimented with psilocybin (magic mushrooms). These numbers are copious in comparison to national averages for youth substance use. The National Cen ter for Drug Abuse Statistics concludes that only 0.42% of those aged 12 to 17 years old used cocaine during 2020, and 5.9% of them used acid that year. It is important to note; however, that Colora dan youth are 37.5% more likely to have used drugs than the average American teen within a given month.

Disturbingly, survey results illumi nated drug use on school grounds. The

For example, before the pandemic, one of the popular drivers in the news was climate change. But as soon as the world was in lockdown, the news switched over, and many of the more catchy head lines revolved around COVID. Climate change became a problem in the back of many peoples’ minds. Despite this, The New York Times was able to keep their long-lasting climate section through COVID and beyond, according to James Estrin, a staff photographer, and writer for the NYT. (Continued on Pg.2)

survey shows that 20% of students admitted to bringing drugs/alcohol to school everyday; approximately 9% more bring drugs at least once a month. Furthermore, 10.3% reported using nic otine multiple times during school hours within the last 30 days. The potential number of students with a drug depen dency is alarming; 32% of participants self-reported an addiction to drugs and/ or alcohol.

Understandably so, many of those who abuse drugs have done so to cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, or to enhance academic performance. Accord ing to a Children’s Action Alliance study conducted in 2019, a third of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness; these findings marked a 40% increase in symptoms within a ten year span. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association declared that the pandem ic-related decline in child and adolescent mental wellbeing has become a national emergency.

If you or any of your loved ones are suffering from drug addiction contact A Way Out at becky@awayout.org for recovery services.

Beau Toepfer

Attention Span of the News

(Continued

So, why are most major headlines lost from the center of the public eye when a newer, more prevalent event takes place?

hhhBreaking news brings in more public attention, no matter who is reporting it. Estrin talks about the impacts social media has on the news and how it can direct what is prevalent in the world.

Social media is very reliant on “hits,” or how much traffic a post or other source of information can get, but this can pres sure journalists into writing about only the most appealing topics. Bigger publi cations like the NYT or the Washington Post don’t pressure their journalists to write about specific things for traffic only, which protects the core missions of

these papers. Smaller publications often do not have this luxury.

hhh“At the core of this, for news out lets, people within the company, and reporters, is are they being judged on the traffic numbers? And if they are, that’s a very bad thing and very destructive,” Estrin said.

hhhSocial media plays a huge role in what the public is reading in the news. Publications, sometimes even the bigger ones, appeal to the social media algorithms and try to make it so their piece is seen more than others. This can drive what dominates the news by favoring topics that appeal to the public, like the most current events, which can overshadow the headlines of yesterday.

The force that social media has on what is prevalent leads smaller publications to write about whatever will get them the most clicks.

hhh“Social media has a huge role now, and in many instances, guides major media in what they cover and how they cover it. This sort of clickbait kind of ap proach to journalism, unfortunately, has become more pervasive,” Ed Kashi, an internationally renowned photojournalist and visual storyteller, said.

hhhSocial media is based on addiction, and platforms like Instagram or TikTok feed off of peoples continued reliance on their platforms. People can easily get bored with something if what they are looking at isn’t being updated often.

Thus, news needs to be constantly updat ed, otherwise people will interact less with an event that they have seen before, causing older events to get lost over time.

However, Estrin notes that it is import ant people stay interested in problems so that they can be solved; they need to look at even events that seem less significant to keep them in the eye of the people.

hhh“People want something new, and they can get bored with something that’s not new. And what everyone needs to do, is to now concentrate on what the news is and what’s important and around the edges,” Estrin said.

AHS’ Noonan and Cheney Compete in Challenge Aspen Race in Italy

Adeline Christensen, Staff Writer

On your mark, get set, GO! Boom, the gun goes off at the starting line. Hun dreds of racers from all over the world have trained tirelessly for this exact moment: running over 20 miles in the Italian Alps, climbing more than 7,000 vertical feet. It’s quite the challenge, but the race will end sweeter than most, for Aspen High School’s own Megan Noonan and Adam Cheney, who will both be running for Challenge Aspen’s Sole Mates team.

Challenge Aspen works to “create pos sibilities for people with disabilities.”

Challenge Aspen centers on making sports and outdoor activities accessible for everyone.

The Challenge Aspen Team for 2022, Aspen teachers Adam Cheney and Megan Noonan are pic tured in the middle.

(Provided by Megan Noonan)

Megan Noonan, AHS math teacher and avid runner, has been involved with many Challenge Aspen pro grams throughout her time living in Aspen. This will be her second time running the Sole Mates race which takes place every year in a new location, this year in Verbena, Italy on October 1st.

Adam Cheney, AHS social studies teacher will be racing for the first time. The 37-Kilometer Sole Mates race is an annual fundraiser to help support the organization’s different year-round pro grams like ski lessons, horseback riding, and rafting.

Noonan has been closely involved with

this organization because of her son who has epilepsy. Challenge Aspen´s programs have helped him to enjoy these types of outdoor activities.

“I originally heard about Challenge Aspen because my son has epilepsy. He was supposed to go on an all-class ski

fundraising pages in an effort to provide more people with similar opportunities. Noonan has the goal of raising $4000, and the people who have donated have brought the Aspen teachers closer to reaching their goals, writing messages encouraging Noonan and Cheney as they

and set a target of somewhere between 22-28 miles (there is a summit at mile 28) and stop when my body tells me to,” Cheney said.

Regardless of this challenge, Noonan and Cheney are both excited to see and experience a new country, especially through this experi ence. They are both doing something that makes them happy, and for a cause they care about. The fundraising pages they are using to raise money for Challenge Aspen are below, and through this Noonan and Cheney hope to do well and make not only Chal lenge Aspen, but our whole community, proud.

Adam Cheney’s Do nation Page: https:// challengeaspen.app. neoncrm.com/np/cli ents/challengeaspen/ campaign.jsp?cam paign=250&fundrais er=26329&

Megan Noonan’s Do nation Page: https:// challengeaspen.app. neoncrm.com/np/cli ents/challengeaspen/ campaign.jsp?cam paign=250&fundrais er=20601&

day, and he had just had a breakthrough seizure two days before and they didn’t feel really comfortable with getting them on the chairlift because if he had a seizure. But then Challenge Aspen stepped up and got a special harness for the chairlift so that if he were to have a seizure, he’d be safe on the chairlift and so he didn’t miss out on the ski day,” Noonan said.

Noonan and Cheney are both choosing to raise additional donations on their

train and run for this cause. The course is going to be especially challenging for Noonan and Cheney, who have each ex perienced COVID within the last month, Cheney more recently.

“Initially, I signed up for the 81 Ki lometer (50 Mile) Race and had been training for this distance since April 1. However, I tested positive for Covid on Sept. 8, and so my plans have had to change. If they are not able to change my distance, I will start the 81 KM race

The Race

Verbena, Italy

Provided by Megan Noonan

The Challenge Aspen Team for 2022, Aspen teachers Adam Cheney and Megan Noonan are pictured in the middle.

Patagonia Sold To Fight Environmental Climate Crisis

Elsa Tullar, Staff Writer

After founding the outdoor ap parel brand almost a half-century ago, the owner of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, sells his company to take a stance on the climate crisis and express his lifelong love for the environment.

On Wednesday, September 14th, 2022, Chouinard released to the public that he had officially trans ferred his 49-year-old company worth $3 billion to a nonprofit organization, Holdfast Collective. This organization advocates for environmental causes and makes grants and investments that benefit the planet. Although Patagonia donates 1% of its proceeds yearly to support the climate crisis at hand, Chouinard realized he had to make a bigger action.

According to the letter Ch ouinard published, he had two options: sell the company and donate all money to organizations fighting for our planet, or take the company public so they could sell shares and raise additional capital. Neither of those options seemed like the best decision for what Chouinard and his team were trying to accomplish. The decision that the business decided on was to donate Patagonia to an organi zation that Chouinard trusts to help the

environmental crisis at hand.

“Truth be told, there were no good op tions available. So, we created our own,” Chouinard states in a letter recently pub lished explaining Patagonia’s decision.

To ensure that this important deci

defend nature.

“The Earth is now our only shareholder,” Chouinard said.

Patagonia will continue to operate as a private, profit-making business selling all of its fan-fa vorite apparel, including jackets, ski wear, hats, and shoes. How ever, Chouinard and his family will no longer have ownership. Instead, Holdfast Collective will receive the profits and invest them into climate change solutions rather than using the money to manufacture more products.

Billionaire or not, Chouinard acknowledges that the Earth’s resources are limited, and we as a community have to make big decisions and act fast before they are all gone. Aspen, Colorado’s seasons and lifestyle are depen dent on a healthy planet so this decision directly impacts this town and teaches us that we need to make substantial changes to save our environment.

By Elsa Tullar

sion will be successful for Chouinard’s business, 100% of the company’s voting stock will be transferred to Patagonia’s Purpose Trust, and 100% of the nonvot ing stock will be transferred to Holdfast Collective, the nonprofit whose goal is to

“If we have any hope of a thriv ing planet—much less a business—it is going to take all of us doing what we can with the resources we have,” Chouinard said, “This is another way we’ve found to do our part.”

Gray Wolves are Coming Home to Colorado

Elsa Tullar, Staff Writer

By December 2023, gray wolves are coming home to the Western Slope after 82 years.

The gray wolf is one of nature’s most powerful predators. With strong jaws and sharp canine teethreaching up to two and a half inches long, they have the ability to kill big game and livestock. Their re markable intelligence and sense of smell allow them to track and hunt their prey for miles at a time. Gray wolves play a key role in keeping ecosystems healthy. They are known to hunt large game such as deer and elk, which plays an essential part in keeping these populations at healthy numbers.

Up until the point of eradication, gray wolves roamed across North America. In the 1970s, the U.S. declared these spe cies endangered and placed them under the Endangered Species Act. Since the 1990s, they have slowly been reintro duced to their original habitats, and are now steadily increasing their numbers

across the Rocky Mountains.

Gray wolves are a native species in Colorado but were eradicated from the state in the mid-1940s due to their impact on the numbers of livestock and game. This process was done by shoot ing, trapping, and poisoning this species.

In the past decade, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has initiated the process for the state-led reintro duction of Gray Wolves in Colorado to restore this native canine.

Proposition 114, the Gray Wolf Re introduction Initiative, was created and placed on the November 2020 ballot to ensure that the majority of Colora do was in favor of reviving the gray wolf species. Voting “yes” supported the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Com mission (CWP) in developing a plan to reintroduce and manage gray wolf populations west of the Continental Divide. Although the vote was close, Colorado Proposition 114 ended up

winning with 1,590,299 votes to 1,533,313. This victory allowed the CWP to take action in the production of this drastic change to our ecosystem.

Although Proposi tion 114 was approved and taken into action, certain communities are concerned about bringing wolves back to the western slope. Farmers are uncertain about the potential threat that wolves pose to livestock. How ever, Proposition 114 promises to replace and compensate for any lost livestock due to wolves. Additionally, hunters are skeptical of this idea because of the potential change in game patterns.

The controversy surrounding wolves has been present in Colorado for many years now. However, many people believe that wolves deserve to live in the habitat where they once thrived. Wel coming gray wolves back into Colorado will allow our ecosystem’s biodiversity to increase which has the potential to create a long-lasting effect on our eco system, leading to a healthier and more sustainable environment in the future.

AHS student wearing a Patagonia fleece vest.

Photo by Lucy McBride

Gray wolf roaming in the early morning in Yellowstone National Park.

The Importance of a Distant War

Beau Toepfer, News Editor

Rocket bombs sail over the heads of Ukrainian civilians all over Kiev and other major Ukranian cities. Farmers and people living in the Donbas region of Ukraine continue to toil in the fields while the distant sounds of the scattered fighting on the front lines float through the air. While hundreds of Ukrainians are killed every day, life goes on in the rest of the world. Meanwhile, the west continues to sympathize, never understanding the true consequenc es of what is happening across the world.

Russia began its offensive on Ukraine only 20 years after the fall of the Soviet Bloc and the indepen dence of Ukraine. Russia annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea in 2014 following a revolution that ousted the current president, Viktor Yanukovych, in favor of a candidate who was pro-Ukrainian indepen dence. Yanukovych’s election incited riots and massive protests later deemed the Orange Revolu tion. The riots that deposed Yanu kovych, the Maidan riots, left more than 100 dead and eventually led to the Russian annexation of Crimea. Not long after Crimea was annexed, Russian separatists began a revo lution in the Donbas region, taking over government buildings and declaring independence although it is not recog nized. Multiple treaties and cease-fires are signed over the next few years to end violence in the Donbas, but none work. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was elected on the 21st of April, 2019, amidst Russian cyber attacks. Soon after conversations with the then US president Donald Trump about a “favor” for an investigation around the Bidens and an energy company called Burisma are re ported. America was continuing to send forces into the surrounding countries as diplomatic efforts from the west ramped up exponentially in an attempt to avoid crisis. On February 21, 2022, Russian forces officially entered Ukraine under the guise of a peacekeeping mission in the Donbas, the easternmost region of Ukraine and also a major agricultural region. The invasion begins as Russian rockets and bombs rain down on Ukraine in the largest military operation of the type in Europe since WWII; and was the only time since where one Euro pean country has seized territory from another.

Hundreds of journalists and news organizations were in Ukraine during the beginning of the war, including world renowned photojournalist and Wash ington Post staff photographer, Salwan Georges. A military crisis was already widely expected as Russian forces built up along the border, yet nobody knew when it would come. The day before the war started, life was almost normal in

Ukraine; people were still living their lives normally as if their was no threat of war.

“Even the day before the war I was in Kharkiv, and everybody was at shops, restaurants, cafes, living their lives. And then the next day the war started and the country was never the same,” Georges said.

It took very little time for Ukrainian citizens to begin to lose everything to the war. Refugees left their lives behind and traveled west by any means neces sary; however, not everyone could leave. Many Ukrainian men joined the army and were headed to the front while their families traveled west, creating powerful scenes at train and bus stations across the country where fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers saw their families off. Ukrainians lost their homes and futures from Russian attacks. In many smaller towns and cities, summary executions, raping, and pillaging are being report ed across Russian occupied territory. Russian soldiers went door to door in the village of Staryi Bykiv, rounding up six men who were soon executed on the outskirts of the town.

“She [a mother of one of the victims] told me that the soldiers told her to wait near her house while they took her son to question him. They said the same thing to other families. Instead, they led these six men away, took them to the far end of the village, and shot them,” Human Rights Watch reported on February 27, 2022.

However, the losses and prob lems caused by the war are not only Ukrainian. Ukraine supplies 42% of the worlds sunflower and 16% of the world’s corn, among other major con tributions of grains. The UN’s World Food Programme, which feeds refugees and hungry people all over the world, sources 40% of its wheat from Ukraine. Lebanon sources 81% of its wheat imports from Ukraine. The country’s production and exportation of food has slowed dramatically since the start of the war, further amplifying the already devastating food crisis.

Many countries in Europe and around the world have imposed heavy sanctions on Russia and stopped the flow of Rus sian gas and oil into their country. The EU plans to stop all Russian seaward oil imports by the end of 2022. Additionally, the US is stopping oil and gas imports entirely, and Germany has stopped con struction of a major gas pipeline through their territory. All Russian flights have been banned in many countries’ airspac es, including Canada and the US. Not only are these sanctions affecting gas prices and the Russian economy, but major figures and oligarchs in Russia are being sanctioned. Russian assets in foreign banks have been frozen includ ing that of President Putin and Foriegn Minister Sergei Lavrov. The UK froze the assets of all Russian banks.

Financial troubles are not the only problem facing foreign powers, but the possibility of both a nuclear war and

disaster looms. Early in August, the Ukrainian Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant lost all external power, threatening a nuclear meltdown as a result of a loss for power to cool the fuel in the reac tors. Power has since then been restored allowing for a safer possible shutdown. Putin has also threatened nuclear attacks which could lead to an unprecedented disaster. Russia has been using old arma ments during their invasion, despite this, when the Russians want to cause serious damage, they do by launching precision strikes on key military and civilian tar gets. The sporadic actions of the Russian military make it difficult to tell what their next move might be, but the use of the first nuclear weapons in war since Nagasaki could very likely draw other major powers into the war.

Even if some of the war seems out of the control of the average citizen, people around the world can still help Ukra nians. Amidst financial donations from the public, weapons and food drives take place around the USA. People can donate through the Ukraine Aid Fund. Even though these donations have helped, with the way the news can be driven by hot topics makes the public lose interest in Ukraine. It is still import ant to remember Ukraine is a devastating warzone with civilians trapped inside.

“Spreading the news of what’s happen ing, that’s a way to spread some of the truth. And also looking online, there’s always ways to help,” Georges said.

Photo by Beau Toepfer

A Ukrainian Flag with the words “We Stand With Ukraine” written on it in Carbondale, Colorado on October 1st, 2022.

SKIER

A not so Equitable Approach for Religious Holidays at AHS

Quintessa Frisch, Opinion Editor

Spending time with family, attending a religious service, or hitting the slopes; all things you may partake in during holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and New Year. Of course, not being required to attend school allows time to spend as you please. But why is it that this opportunity is not given when it comes to students, teachers, and staff that celebrate holidays outside of Christianity?

For example, the holidays claimed to be the most important in Judaism take place in the fall. Yom Kip pur, a Jewish holiday, begins on October 4th, at sundown, and ends the following evening, October 5th. The dates of Yom Kippur switch most years, as it does not follow the Gregorian calen dar. This year, Yom Kippur falls in the middle of the school/work week. Yom Kippur is considered the most important holiday in Judaism, contrary to most people’s beliefs about Hanukkah. But as always, people only care about Ha nukkah because it typically takes place around Christmas, right?

When it comes to honoring your religion or maintaining your grade, the choice is not so easy. This decision should never be forced upon any one. However, with the disregard for religious holidays in the Aspen School District, this is pushed onto students, teachers, and staff.

Although sometimes it feels like it, I know I do not stand alone in this issue.

An article in the Washington Post called “Not Every Student is Christain. So why Don’t All School Districts recog

carries the message that other religions’ are less significant and hold less impor tance. This message impacts students directly.

Ela Stevenson, a sophomore at AHS,

on religious holidays is new for Henry Hurd, a sophomore at AHS, as his pre vious school gave the day off.

Photo by Quintessa Frisch

nize that?” talks about the importance of acknowledging diverse beliefs. One quote sums up the argument perfectly.

“A calendar should serve the popula tion, rather than the population bowing to the calendar,” Petula Dvorak wrote.

Aspen High School loves to back up their changes and decisions of the 202223 school year with the word “equity.” This new focus on equity has brought controversial opinions. While the grad ing system is a new controversy, the denial of getting religious holidays off has been around for years.

There are many different religions and ethnicities recognized in the United States. When a calendar only accommo dates Christian and American holidays, such as Veterans Day, Memorial Day, it

made the choice to attend school on Rosh Hashanah, a day she would nor mally attend services. If it weren’t for the feeling of missing content before an important test, she would have chosen to celebrate her religion instead.

“I feel like they care, but they don’t recognize the meaning of it. They don’t realize that the importance is equiv alent to other holidays because it is a minority group, no a majority,” Steven son said. “Jewish holidays often aren’t recognized, and people aren’t aware that they are happening. They might care, they just don’t value it the same way.”

However, some schools actually understand the true meaning of equity, meaning they don’t have school on major religious holidays. Having school

uncomfortable because I had important classes—and I always hate missing class.”

Realistically, missing school leaves you with an overwhelming amount of work to make up; tests, reports, and essays. Even if you make up the missed work, being absent from a class often limits your understanding of certain material.

“I often debate if I should go to class so that I understand what we are doing and not make up the work, or if I should take the day off to celebrate an import ant holiday in my religion,” Stevenson said.

If Aspen High School actually cared about equity as much as they preach it, then they would make the change.

Lack of Gender Neutral Bathrooms in ASD

Ava Cherry, Editor in Chief

As of March 15, nearly 240 an ti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been proposed by state legislatures this year alone.

Over 150 of these bills specifically target transgender individuals. However, this legislature does not reflect the majority public opinion of the nation, with 79% of Americans supporting laws that pro tect queer people from discrimination, according to the Public Religion Re search Institute. Rather than representing majority opinion, these bills are utilized by conservative politicians to motivate republican voters to defend traditional institutions in society, such as family.

Colorado public school students’ right to the “use of gender-segregated facili ties that are consistent with their gender identity ‘’ is protected under the Colora do Department of Regulatory Agencies Civil Rights Commission (3 CCR 7081). Although transgender students are

granted access to restrooms that affirm their identity, bathroms remain an area of contention. According to the results of the most recent biennial Healthy Kids Colorado survey, less than half of queer Coloradan youth reported feeling a sense of belonging at school.

Although students’ right to use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity, gender non-conforming people are presented with inadequate options. Gender markers on bathrooms reinforce the gender binary and support a hostile culture against non-cisgen dered individuals, making gender-non conforming students feel isolated and discriminated against.

Gender Spectrum is an organization that seeks to improve the well-being of gender-diverse adolescents by edu cating and training medical providers, educators, families, and mental health

professionals. In schools that lack safe and affirming bathrooms. trans students are subject to emotional and physical harassment from peers, pressing 63.4% of transgender students to avoid bath rooms altogether. Additionally, 75.1% of transgender students reported feeling unsafe as a result of their gender expres sion. The impacts of unsafe restrooms extend far beyond the classroom. The lack of peer support and acceptance for transgender students gravely impacts their mental health and well-being.

More than 41% of transgender youth have attempted or completed suicide.

According to the CDC, this is far higher than the average for American teens, of whom 8.9% have attempted suicide. The removal of gender markers from restrooms assists in the elimination of social constrictions and can potentially alleviate some of the dysphoria felt by

many trans students. Yet, there is no simple solution. Although a private, sin gle-stalled restroom is typically the easy change for institutions to implement to affirm people’s gender identity, they still have the ability to alienate queer people, by ‘othering’ them.

Given the current political climate, transgender students can no longer be an afterthought for school administra tions. Unfortunately, our valley is all too familiar with the devastating impact of transphobia and a minimal support network for gender-diverse students. Although the Aspen School District is rather progressive and openly supportive of queer students, the administration has not taken sufficient action.

In order to ensure the safety and wel fare of trans individuals, schools need to teach pupils about trans issues and pro vide them with educational resources.

“At my previous school we didn’t have school on the High Holidays [Rosh Ha shanah and Yom Kip pur] so this is new to me,” Hurd said. “I chose to go to school, al though it made me

Screenshot of Powerschool notification regarding attendance verification, marking a student absent for “Religious Holiday (R)”

Waking up on the Wrong Side of Change

Haley Schmela, Staff Writer

This school year, AHS has taken the idea of change a little too seriously. They say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, students of AHS, you better start adding apples into your daily diet because we all know how hard it is to get a doctor’s note. The new attendance policy states that seven absences equal an automatic fail. Yes, don’t worry, you are allowed to

Personally, I believe that failing a class should reflect your academic capability, not your attendance rate.

At least one positive change is that everyone’s immune systems will now

sudden? Is there a chance any of us will pass? In elementary school, they gave out attendance awards. If there were big wrap gift cards to those who only missed seven days, the lack of atten

which honestly would make this whole situation better. However, this was sadly not bullying from upperclassmen. Even if you are able to drive, or have an upperclassmen friend or sibling, do not even think about going off campus for lunch because Paul Blart, our favorite new security guard, may only doze off by the door for so long.

Now onto “The Four B’s.” There is no need to elaborate here except that I am not referring to a report card. The new dress code at AHS keeps kids on their toes, with the idea that they could be the next suspect in a dress code investigation. Or worse, the mannequin to Becky’s 2021 DIY t-shirts. Lots of students have complaints and want it to be three b’s instead of four. Personally, I would love to add an H to the list, to make sure everyone is wearing a hard hat so that we can protect ourselves from the mass amounts of construction on campus.

go to the doctor or orthodontist, just don’t forget your note because a parent excused absence, now counts as an absence. Doctors’ notes these days are like four leaf clovers, so once you get one don’t forget to make many copies and sell them to friends - just kidding.

be so strong due to the number of sick kids unable to take days off. Being at school with a head cold can be almost as draining as scrambling for some sort of note to get you excused. We missed hundreds of school days in 2020, so why is seven our magic number all of a

dance would surely decrease. It should also be noted that AHS is now closed! Just for the underclassmen though. Freshmen and sophomores at AHS are no longer allowed to leave campus for lunch. At first, I thought this could have been a form of hazing,

Now, I might come off as aggressive and overly critical but mostly I am just confused. What was wrong with last year’s dress code, attendance policy and campus rules? I welcome change with open arms, as long as it is not modified and nothing is adjusted.

One Big Skier Family at AHS

Adeline Chrisensen and Rylee Smith, Staff Writers

Look out, Skiers! A spirit overflow is coming down on Aspen High School this 2022-2023 school year. There are higher student turnouts to pep rallies, football games, and other school supported events. Skier spirit is up at AHS, and co-head leaders Alex Schloss er and Peter de Wetter are making it a priority to ensure it’s here to stay.

Many students have noticed this positive change at AHS and the example Schlosser and de Wetter are setting. These two student leaders have stepped it up by encouraging the student section to get hyped up while cheering on the athletes during games, making these experiences more engaging for everyone.

Areysi Galvan, a sophomore at AHS, is on the volleyball team and has observed a shift in liveli ness this year.

“There has been an increase in school spirit and I think it is be cause of Alex and Peter. They are always leading the student section and they are one of the main reasons that students show up to sporting events, with the energy they have. I think that school spirit provides a sense of unity and inclusivity to our school,” explained Galvan.

Many Aspen students have noticed the contagious energy that both Schloss er and de Wetter bring to our school environment. They encourage others to be excited about supporting friends and other students participating in activities

they will be able to communicate to students that encouraging and supporting their peers is the new norm here at AHS through the changes they are making.

“Peter and I, got down the one assem bly per month during set time and I think

that are all happening. Some other things that I think have been helping, have been the communication lunches when members from student senate gather information from students on what they think is and is not working,” Schlosser said. “I feel like the connection and the opinions of the student body are being represented better than years before, which is important.”

Schlosser and de Wetter feel strongly about advocating for the importance of supporting fellow students and our com munity through every opportu nity possible.

“We really want to get a good turnout to all events whether it be choir, band, or football. No matter what it is, we want to show up for each other and this is one of the big components that is creating this positive school spirit,” de Wetter said. School spirit creates a sense of unity within our school and upholds positive, personal connections between students and our facility.

such as choir, dance, sports, theater, and more. Both co-head leaders are hoping

this helps increase the school spirit as pect and create excitement for the events

Schlosser concluded, “The school feels more inclusive and everyone understands that we’re all one big skier family.” Let’s keep it up Skiers!

would love to add an H to the list, to make sure everyone is wearing a hard hat so that we can protect ourselves from the mass amounts of construc tion on campus.

Photo Courtesy of AHS Yearbook Students play musical chairs at the first pep rally of the 2022 school year

Photo by Haley Schmela

Two AHS students who wish they were home in bed sleeping.

Renaming reality TV History of Halloween

Lauren Kinney, Social Media Editor

When you turn on your TV there are more than 1,000 channels to choose from. What types of shows do you put on, when you want to put your feet up after a long day? This answer will come easy for some of you, but for others, it may take some more time. I am a sucker for reality TV, which is a huge controversy. Take a moment to think is reality TV actually as real as promised? I hope your answer is no, but if yes, can we swap lives for a few days?

After watching multiple hours of reality TV, I think the genre needs a name change. Not only is it a bland and basic word, but it is also purely incorrect. Generation X and the baby boomers are typically against reality TV. Whenever my parents come down the stairs and give a slight glance at the TV, they roll their eyes and begin a rant. The rant typically con sists of points arguing that it is pointless, and that unrealistic standard rots your brain. Everything goes in one ear and out the other, but one thing sticks; “unrealistic standards.” I believe that if reality TV

had a new name, the controversy would come to a close between the active viewers of the reality shows and the anti- reality tv viewers.

While creating a new name seems simple it would create a new reali ty television era. I was lying in bed thinking about a new and approved name(ironically watching season 2 of the Kardashians). At first, I was thinking about being straightforward with the viewers with the name. Something along the lines of “Absurd day-to-day lives that only the top 0.001 percent can live,” or, “Staged drama that gives influenc ers even more money than they need.”

However, too much honesty is not what the viewers really want? Maybe some thing along the lines of, “drama that will forever keep you entertained.”

I find importance in renaming bor ing things, allowing them to be more realistic. I realized how hard it was, so I challenge you to come up with a new, creative name. But hey, don’t forget to thank me later when you become a multimillionaire!

Morality of Zoos: right or wrong for animals?

Quintessa Frish, Opipion editor

Who wouldn’t want to take a photo in front of a lion, pet a stingray, and buy an overpriced bottle of water? At first glance, going to a zoo seems like a fun, educational experience, something that over 181 million people visit in Amer ica each year, according to American Humane.

While seeing elephants in the middle of Colorado never disappoints, when I look past the metal bars into the small, confined space, a question emerges: is the experience of being up close to your favorite animal worth the price of their captivity?

Controversy arises when looking at different organization’s views on the morality of zoos. Depending on the organization, some websites tell stories of animal conservation, while other organizations focus on animal cruelty.

These two contradicting answers bring confusion. Which answer do you want to believe? Which answer should you believe? No matter which side has the strongest argument, the zoos financially profit from their customers either way.

Zoos’ conservation is rarely over looked. For example, the Denver Zoo succeeded in preserving four different species worldwide, including the criti cally endangered Lake Titicaca frog and Tonkin snub-nosed monkey. Without their efforts and resources, these species would not have had the same level of protection. Not only are zoos recognized for their preservation efforts, but their creation of homes for animals unable to live in the wild as well as rehabilitation hardly ever go unnoticed. However, this recognition doesn’t just benefit the animals, but it also adds to the zoo’s

credibility.

This ‘success’ does not always mean that the animals’ best interests is in mind.

In 1984, Bill Travers, a director, actor, screenwriter, and animal activist, co-founded Born Free, a wildlife conser vation charity. According to Born Free, Travers formulated the word “zoocho sis” in 1992, best defined as abnormal animal behavior including obsessive and repetitive behavior.

Travers visited over 100 zoos on mul tiple continents observing the captivated animals. For over three years, Travers filmed and presented his research, “The Zoochotic Report,” a roughly ten-min ute video published in 1993. This video showcases animals acting in a zoo chotic way, or expressing synonyms of zoochosis. In particular, there are videos of animals repeatedly walking in circles and swaying back and forth.

Additionally, Animal Equality did a nine-month undercover investigation on zoos in Spain titled “Zoos: The Life of Animals in Captivity.” This study touched on the educational aspect of zoos. Many people take their children to zoos for educational reasons, yet Animal Equality questioned this reasoning.

“If zoos teach anything, they teach us dangerous lessons. They teach us that humans have the right to enslave animals and reinforce the notion that animals have no other purpose other than for our gain. Zoos do not teach us to respect individuals,” the Animal Equality website reads.

Focusing on a more positive note, the zoos that have put in the effort into con servation have been proven to be suc cessful. For example, the Denver Zoo

Stella Iverson, A&E Editor

The month of October. What actual ly happens during this 31 day month? Well, of course, the best holiday of the year happens: Halloween; October 31st. What does one do during Halloween night? What is Halloween? Are ghosts real? Does the candy I got from the man sitting in the street have fentanyl in it? Keep reading, this article will answer all of your questions.

Halloween evolved from an ancient Celtic tradition called Samhain. Celtic traditions believed that October 31 was the day that the veil between the living and the dead was at its weakest and that the dead could visit the living. To fur ther commemorate that night, the Celts lit a bonfire where they burned corpses and dead animals. The idea of carving pumpkins came from an Irish tradition originally performed on turnips instead of pumpkins. Carving pumpkins is allegedly based on a legend about a man named Stingy Jack ,who repeated ly trapped the Devil and only let him go on the condition that Jack would never go to Hell. When Jack died, heaven didn’t want his soul either, so he was forced to walk the Earth as a ghost.

The tradition of dressing up in a costume originated through the Celts

has supported more than 600 conserva tion projects since 1996. These projects took place on 6 different continents and 62 countries.

Zoos are over 200 years old. In recent

as a way to disguise themselves from evil spirits and therefore be left alone.

After decades, Halloween formed into the holiday we more commonly know today. Halloween came to the United States when European immigrants brought their varied costumes with them to the US. The “trick-or-treat” tra dition originated with Americans. In the late 1800s, the holiday started becom ing centered on community, and in the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween officially became a community-centered holiday.

In the 1950s, leaders changed Hallow een as a holiday aimed at the young to limit vandalism. This all led to the modern interpretation of Halloween..

That is the small, but long history of Halloween. Once again, America never fails to turn something “tru ly American”. So while you are out doing what one does on a Halloween night, remember, you may or may not be walking around with a ghost, and don’t eat anything without a wrapper because there is a real possibility that that man drugged your candy. Happy Halloween…? Stay safe out there AHS and don’t forget give your parents their share of candy.

years it is fair to say that they have had their ups and downs. The debate over their morality in our modern world con tinues, causing people to reflect more than ever; are zoos here to stay?

Social Media’s Self-proclaimed Mysogynist

With his presence on social me dia, Andrew Tate had over four million followers on Instagram before his account was banned. Tate also has a podcast where he regularly speaks on misogynistic topics. While social media has infiltrated our world and given us many advantages, we have people in this world that choose to use it carelessly. That’s why it is important for the teens con stantly exposed to harmful posts to help platforms in stopping inappropriate, and dangerous creators from causing harm to young audiences.

Stella Iverson, A&E Editor

In today’s society, we see a rise in the use of social media primarily by the teen popu lation.: surveys by The American Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (ASCAP) that ninety percent of people aged 13-17 use social media. While there are some pros to social media, the widespread impact it has on teenagers today can be a challenging perspective for parents.

Andrew Tate, a widely known Brit ish-American kickboxer and influencer, is just one example of a negative influence. Tate was recently banned from social media sites, such as Instagram and Facebook, after his rise to fame spewing offensive views toward women. Tate’s misogynistic beliefs include referring to women as “his prop erty,” and even stating that women should “bear some responsibility” for getting raped. Tate blew up on Tik Tok after his podcast “Tate Speech”, where he shared his personal

“Tate blew up on Tik Tok af ter his podcast “Tate Speech”

views, caught the attention of many teens. His views center on the idea of “bringing back” traditional masculinity, and influenc ing young men to commit harm to women outside social media. While Tate has been banned from many platforms for sharing his sexist views, Tik Tok was slow to put a stop to his content and did little to nothing to stop him from radicalizing young men. Tate has been known to say blatantly misogynist things, such as, “When I speak to some of these feminists who’re like ‘I don’t want kids,’ I think you are the most miser able stupid b*tch in the world.” His beliefs leave women feeling objectified as though they are a man’s property, by saying things like “I think the women belong to the man.” Tate has also spoken up on his opinions of male masculinity. “Nobody would choose to be a small weak guy who has to cry when he gets upset,” Tate said on his podcast.

Courtesy of Stella Iverson Sophomore Hayley Schmela posing for a photo of Andrew Tate.

SOURCE: RESEARCH BY MICHELLE ARROW, SHAUN WILSON, KATE GLEESON, ROBERT ROSS AND SHAUN RATCLIFF, AS PART OF THE AUSTRALIAN COOPERA TIVE ELECTION STUDY.

Find More Ebullient Words to Use

Lauren Kinney, Social Media Editor

Swearing is really f**ked up. It seems that these days we hear more profanity than not. I am guilty of this lack of language, do not get me wrong, but profanity is becoming a filler word. If you lose your train of thought, people fill the space with pro fanity instead of phrases such as the more tame “umm.” As we get older, our creativity with vocabulary seems to shrink. The teen year’s vocabulary becomes more about shock value. I remember growing up, whenever my parents would forget my lunch and curse, my stomach would drop to the floor, and I would get butterflies. When those words came out of their mouths, they sounded foreign. I miss those days. I miss them because soci ety has become desensitized to words that should still cause our stomachs to twist.

When I moved here in 3rd grade, my parents were amazed by the school start ing a foreign language at such a young age. They repeatedly told me how great it is for my vocabulary and brain.

However, my third-grade self blew them off and solely enjoyed the Billy la Bufanda videos. According to the Uni versity of Maine, “Students enrolled in the study of language including Spanish have higher SAT scores for each year of the language studied than students who do not study a foreign language.

Learning a new language increases prob lem-solving skills, improves memory, self-discipline, and self-esteem.”

However, after taking Spanish for eight years, I realized myself, alongside other students, actually speak three languages. I personally split the three languages into; your first language, cursing, and the one you are actively learning. You may be thinking, “I strongly disagree,” but let me explain myself. Your first language and the one you are learning are pretty self-explanatory. The “third” language is

where you might be confused. Teens or adults commonly do not use profanity in front of their parents. Whereas when you are around your friends or close col leagues, people tend to slip a curse word in approximately every four sentences. Therefore that is one way/ language you consecutively speak.

I am always so surprised when someone stubs their toe and says shoot, instead of cursing. I am guilty of cursing 24/7. I am jealous of my friends and teachers that speak with such fluidity and

expansive vocabulary. I’ve become so jealous that I have created a list of the words on my phone that I would like to start using. Unfortunately, my passwords page gets visited more frequently than my vocabulary page. As a society, we accept cursing as a norm, but I genu inely believe that if everyone tried to improve their vocabulary, conversations and communication would become more engaging.

Imagine what the world would sound like if profanity were taken out. People create profound sentences to express themselves. We would hear more insight ful phrases like, “Oh no, I just stubbed my left toe. My pain is unendurable!”

Using more powerful and complex words would make each person more intellectual and alluring to conversate with. It would allow people to become unique and more boisterous with their language. It could be like learning a new language… except you are upgrading your English.

I believe that we can do this, although it might be easier for some and more challenging for others. I promise it will be hard for me as well. From now on, whenever you feel the need to curse, find a better, more ebullient word to use.

As I wrote this article, I looked up more unique words to replace profanity; there are so many. I promise… Google it; your eyes and vocabulary will open.

Gen Z: Power at the Polls

Océane Jones, Editor-In Chief

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, around 70% of Generation Z believe that climate should be a top priority and are more politically engaged than prior generations. Addi tionally, a larger percentage of young adults identify more with the Democratic Party than the GOP. These statistics were most recently seen in action through the result of a local school board election in Idaho, in which a Republican city-backed board member lost reelection to an 18-year-old climate activist.

The election occurred in Idaho’s capital, Boise, which is the center for the Republican controlled state’s GOP party.

The right-leaning government officials in Boise hold offices including the governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and both chambers of the state legis lature. So how did a libral senior in high school win power over a city-backed board member?

The answer is the passion and tenacity of this young generation of Americans.

The newly elected board member, Shiva Rajbhandari, turned 18 only days before the election. Rajbhandari was notorious throughout the school district

for his political advocacy concerning gun violence, voting rights, and especial ly the climate disaster. After his for

With a tight election in store, Schmidt was backed by the GOP Idaho Library Dogs. As a result of that enforcement,

rather advocating for his own issues, the incumbent Republican did not take the same approach. The Idaho Liberty Dogs attacked Rajbhandari on Facebook, saying that the liberal party was “‘project ing’ their very sins” onto Schmidt, and targeting a series of Rajbhandari’s campaigns.

mer-opponent, Steve Schmidt, accepted an endorsement from a local extremist group that harassed students, Rajbhan dari knew it was time to act.

Boise’s leading newspaper, the Ida ho Statesman, endorsed Rajbhandari. Rajbhandari made it clear that his campaign was not against Schmidt, but

Despite Schmidt’s mudslinging campaign, Rajbhandari was able to secure his win by a 56% majority. This victory not only marks a turning point and an era of protection of LGBTQIA+ youth and the environment in the Boise school district, but also a recurring pattern of youth standing up for their beliefs across the globe. From Malala Yousafzai standing up for her education to Gre ta Thunberg meeting with international leaders to fight for the climate, Generation Z is sending a strong mes sage. Rajbhandari’s election shows how Gen Z can hold positions of authority; empowering youth in Aspen, and around the nation, to stand up for what they believe in.

Susannah Goldsmith

Aspen High School Students signing up for Earth Group, which focuses on climate advocacy.

Photo by Lauren Kinney

Profanity is becoming a filler word for too many teens.

Don’t Worry Darling Review

Harper Axelman, Editor-in-Chief

With its tidy mid-century homes, manicured lawns, and shining cars, the 1950s set of Don’t Worry Darling, Olivia Wilde’s long-awaited horror film which hit theaters last week, paints an idyllic, glossy oasis, complete with its meticulous costume design. But the total lack of any chaos is eerie–is it all too perfect?

In this gleaming society, located in the Californian desert, the wives spend the day cleaning at home, ready to greet their husbands with a smile and cocktail when he returns home from working on the top-secret “Victory Project”. The film centers on Alice (Florence Pugh) and her husband, Jack (Harry Styles), as tension builds between the impossibly flawless paradise and flashes of a sinis ter reality below the surface.

Apart from its dazzling style, whose sheer beauty is enough to make the film worth seeing, Olivia Wilde’s second movie as director packs an astounding plot that shocks viewers with its twists and turns. The all-star cast delivers

captivating performances, although Pugh stands out and carries some of the more complex and demanding scenes, especially with Styles sometimes falling short due to his lack of prior acting experience.

Throughout the film, Alice is expected to remain calm, happy, and obedient in the prison-like role of a tradition al housewife, as her suspicions are pacified by both official men and Jack. Their dismissive attitudes contrast with repeated, distorted visual motifs and Pugh’s phenomenal performance, em phasizing the validation of mental health concerns, the issue of the treatment of feminine “hysteria” in the 1950s, and the courage it takes to question op pression. The film effectively conveys the danger of viewing domesticity as a fantasy, and includes aspects like the harm that expectations can also have on men, but leaves some room for nuance such as intersectionality, especially with its relevance to the current attacks on abortion rights across America aiming for similarly devastating control.

Say Yes to Well-Dressed

Haley Schmela, Staff Writer

As we reach the countdown for home coming, people are scrambling to find the perfect way to get someone to say “yes.”If you were looking for ideas and tips on how to ask a particular person to the dance, sit back, relax, and take notes.

Like independent and dependent variables, people can vary. For example, the person you’re asking may cheer for the Colorado Avalanche or Tampa Bay Lightning. If it is the second team, I advise you to find a new date. While there are endless unique ideas, it is always crucial that you don’t pick the first link that shows up when you type in “Hoco proposals” . I can assure you that half the students in your school will be looking on the same website.

First, we will start with the basic pro posals. This one is for people who want to go with someone. They don’t care much about who they are or whether or not they are going as friends. For this proposal, you will need to choose an object or food to base your proposal off of. Once you have selected the item, gather your materials, a poster board and sharpened pencils will do the trick, and get to crafting. Here is an example if you don’t already have a perfect visual of what this looks like. “Homecoming? Please, Donut, say no.” Picture someone holding a sign and a box of donuts in their hands. If said with confidence and a smile, you will have a date in no time.

The next step up is a more elaborate ask. If you want to stand out more than the rest, this is for you. For this proposal make sure you are willing to take risks. Do a little research and get to know the person better. It could be through stalking their social media or asking about the person’s interests through their friends. This will make the ask feel more sentimental, and the effort will show. Remember to be prepared, but be sure not to read off a script.

The final type of ask does not cross most minds. This is more for the people who like to go above and beyond. These tasks are time-consuming and take a massive amount of strategy. You will most likely need three or more people to help you pull it off and a couple of weeks marked on your calendar for planning. Two years ago, students at AHS got the cops to pull over his date and give her a fake ticket. At the bottom of the ticket, he wrote “Prom? Yes or No?”. Although he almost gave her a heart attack, she couldn’t help but laugh. Of course she had to say yes!

I’m sure you’ve heard your parents say times were simpler back when they were in high school. With the expectations now being set so high, I can’t help but wonder what ever happened to a simple phone call or going to someone’s house and knocking on their door?

Best Albums of the New Year

Madyson Ryan, Staff Writer

Music holds the power to bring people together, and deepen relation ships further. I use music in my daily routine. From simple things like driving to school, performing a world tour in the shower, and being around friends. There is so much to love and share about music, such as the way it can make you feel, the lessons you can learn, and the creativity that can come with it. So here is a list of some of my favorite albums that have been released so far this year.

Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar released his new album on May 3, 2022 titled Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. The track is double-sided, running a total of 73 minutes long with nineteen songs. Nine songs on the first disc, nine on the second disc, and one on the third. The album is a follow-up from the previous album released in 2017 “DAMN.” Lamars 2017 album took top place on charts states Chart Masters, cre ating a challenge for the new release. La mar’s fans were stunned the moment the news dropped on Social Media. Samuel Mayo states in The Daily Cardinal “Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers is a beauti ful, double-sided mess of an album.” Mr. Morale & the Big Stppers is not the

best work I have seen from him. This album is more personal than previous albums and follows his own struggles and how he deals with the stress of being one of the greatest rappers, but also the internal stress of his growth as a person.

Steve Lacy

Steve Lacy’s new album Gemini was released on July 15th, 2022. This is his second studio album following Apollo XXI. The album portrays the emotions and struggles of Steve breaking up with his boyfriend and other lovers from the past, and the aftermath of emotions he dealt with after the fact. Fans of Lacy’s had been waiting two years for new music to be released . This album did not disappoint. I added nearly every song to my playlist. Each song has its own funky little beat with each song feeling different from the previous one. Nora Holland states in Hot Press “An intense, passionate love affair ending in bitter regret, sadness, anger and finally, peace: this is the journey Steve Lacy takes lis teners through in his sophomore album, Gemini Rights. Across ten tracks, Lacy slowly but surely picks up the pieces of himself after coming out of a breakup, ruminating on the beautiful but agoniz ing process of time while exploring his

relationship with change.”

Brent Faiyaz

Brent Fayaiz released his new album WASTE LAND July 8th, 2022. “WASTE LAND” is an album that displays where his toxicity will lead him. Fans say that this album features some of Fayaiz’s best written and produced music to date. “The strug gles of staying on the same page, the recognition of another beauty, cheating, the playoff of unmatched love, and the absolute remorse that comes with depression and loss.” fan explains in AOTY. This album was amaz ing and definitely unmatched from his previous works.

Image courtesy of Creative Commons Florence Pugh and Harry Styles star in Don’t Worry Darling.

Madyson Ryan

Haver listening to the new Steve Lacy Album.

...students at AHS got the cops to pull over his date and give her a fake ticket.

Ex Ed Reviews

Rylee Smith, Staff Writer

Experimental Education has held a special place in the Aspen High School community for several years. This is due to the overall impact that it has had on positively influencing students through challenges, triumphs, and connections. This year our school had the privilege of welcoming new trips as well as bring ing back some oldies, but goodies. So, without further ado, here are some of the honest recommendations from a variety of courses.

The Ghostbusting History Tour, led by Sheri Smith and Taylor Pass, is one of the newest additions to the Ex-Ed lottery this year. This is an urban course that visits historically haunted sites around Colorado as well as a few additional en tertaining activities. Grace O’Callaghan, a junior at Aspen High School, was one of the 27 students who experienced this spooky thrill.

“My trip was really insightful, and it got me thinking,” O’Callaghan mentioned about the tours. “We went to Denver and did a lot of really fun activities, includ ing visits to Eliches, Meow Wolf, Urban Air, and an escape room which was so fun, and it was such a different experi ence than an outdoor trip.” O’Callaghan rated this course a 9/10.

Lake Powell is full of lively nature, an endless array of beauty, and insightful history regarding both the Glen Canyon Dam and water supply. Aspen High School was fortunate enough to include all of these things in a new trip experi ence called Rock the Boat Utah, led by Kim Zimmer and Diane Godfrey. Ella Pendarvis, a junior at A.H.S. was on this course.

“My trip was special because it was new, and we got to be on a houseboat, which is something I’ve never been able to experience.”

Pendarvis was pleased with the ac tivities and relationships she created on Ex-Ed. Nevertheless, she suggested, “If I were to do it differently, I would say we need two houseboats instead of one.” She believes it would make this trip’s

experience even more memorable than it already was. Ella would rate this trip a perfect 10/10.

Now come on and Let’s Go Diving into the renewed scuba course, open to all students. This course explores the fundamentals of SCUBA diving at the Aspen Recreation Center and includes earning an N.A.U.I. scuba certification.

After a visit to Homestead Crater in Utah, students are able to claim their official certification. This trip is led by Karen Hawkes. Eric Pearce, a sopho more at A.H.S., earned his certification through this program while building connections with new individuals along the way.

“Everybody was just closer, and you meet people you wouldn’t interact with inside of school, including upperclass men and freshmen.” From the relations to the adventure, Pearce rated this course a solid 7/10.

Elsa Tullar, a junior at A.H.S., was fortunate enough to explore the great towers of Wyoming on a 30-mile back packing course which included chal lenging terrain, new relationships, and a renewed love for the outdoors.

“It was one of the most beautiful plac es I’ve ever seen,” Tullar explained.

Kayla Kawalick led this five-day Cirque of the Towers course, which was full of opportunities to work hard and step out of your comfort zone.

“I feel like when you’re out in the backcountry, without your phone or technology, there are much more sincere connections…I was just surprised at how well our group got along. Our group dynamic was really good, which made the trip special.” Tullar rated this course at a 9/10.

Overall, Experimental Education has proven again year after year to be beneficial to students’ lives and individ ual growth. Ex-Ed has exposed students to new friendships and memories that we may carry with us for the rest of our lives, as well as positively impacting stu dents’ perceptions of the natural beauty surrounding us.

Maddie Mcallister Marley Rich (Right) and Siena Garaffa (Left) peddling along the George S. Mickelson Trail on a perfect sunny day during the South Dakota bike tour.

Maddie McCallister

A photo of the walk up to Mount Rushmore.

Maddie McCallister

High School

South Dakota preparing for

challenging

Maddie McCallister

After a long day of biking, the students take a sigh of relief when they are able to see the sign of where they will be staying for the next couple of days.

SKIER A&E