Established 2010 in Aspen,CO November,2021 ASPEN HIGH SCHOOL
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‘Firestarters for Jesus’ Podcast Sparks LGBTQ+ Controversy grounds. *This story originally pub“We have to protect all students’ lished in the Snowmass Sun right to freedom of speech, the on Oct. 27. constitution is quite clear on this,” A “Firestarters for Jesus” said Aspen High School Principal podcast produced by several Sarah Strassburger. “There are Aspen High School students limitations, however, when it is at has prompted criticism from school: The key words are school the LGBTQ+ community and grounds and school-sponsored. questions about the balance A podcast filmed and posted over between free speech and supthe summer does not qualify under port for those who were hurt this policy.” by the video. As a result, no administrative This podcast, which propunishment was handed down. duces religion-based content Strassburger said she believed that on most social media plata meeting with both the students forms like Youtube, Instawho produced the podcast and the gram, Spotify, and TikTok, students who were hurt by it was came under fire for posting beneficial. Yet, this did not dimina video called “Is being ish the strong feelings amongst GAY ok? Our first Guest!”. other students and sparked a disAlthough this video was ofcussion of whether or not the lanficially published to Youtube guage used in the podcast and the on July 6th, 2021, it began ideas expressed by its hosts were circulating at Aspen High protected by religious freedoms. School a few weeks into the Under the US Supreme Court’s fall semester. ruling, most speech that could Photo by Hannah Smith The teen hosts addressed have the potential to be considered A rainbow captured over ASD campus on a rainy day in October. an anonymous comment harmful is protected under the US asking how to assist their close friend in combating Constitution’s First Amendment. And in this case, the homosexual desires. In response, some of the hosts podcast content can only be considered an example of High School senior who identifies as lesbian. “It was suggested that homosexuality was a sin and that samestudents exercising their right to free speech. disheartening to listen to what the students were saysex desires were an idea idea that Satan places in one’s ing, and to be frank, very frustrating. … I would like In a legal sense, although what the students did head. The hosts decried the desires but still encouraged our school to progress to a place of support towards was perfectly fine, it does not mean their actions did love for people feeling those desires with what one not have consequences for viewers who were hurt by anyone struggling with who they are.” podcast participant described as a “love the person, the content. In the wake of this event, many students Though Debska said she feels comfortable expresshate the sin” approach. In a statement released on at the high school have rallied around the LGBTQ+ ing her sexuality, she recognized that not everyone in October 22nd, the Firestarters for Jesus podcast team community, showing their support by wearing prideful the LGBTQ+ community feels the same way — maksaid that their intentions were not malicious. Rather, clothing, standing up against those who have spread ing a supportive environment all the more valuable for the episode was an expression of their perception of hurtful ideas, and sharing their own opinions on love those students. the Bible’s stance on homosexuality. through social media. Debska believes the school should have a zero-tol“Our vision and goal is to share the truth about Jesus Aspen High School senior Elijah Goldman said he erance policy for harm actions of any kind; she said and his teachings and we use the Bible to accomplish felt the school’s response was “inadequate.” In turn, he she felt that the school’s tolerance of videos like the this. Our intention was not to harm anyone or make was vocal about his support for students who were hurt podcast episode contributed to “an unsafe and unsupanyone upset, rather to continue spreading the love by the podcast; he believes that when there are injusportive environment.” of Christ,” the statement reads. “Although, in that tices within a community that are not being dealt with, So was the podcast a violation of school conduct episode, we were focusing on specific sins this does it is important to take action and uplift others. standards? Technically not. Although it hurt and not mean that any of us feel we are perfect. Everyone “I found it important to speak out in support of the offended some viewers, the podcast was the work of is flawed, including us, we sin every day but we find LGBTQ+ community on social media after the podcast individuals outside of school who wanted to voice their forgiveness through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” opinions. The Aspen School District student handbook because many people are affected and harmed by hoDespite the intent, members of the school’s LQBTQ+ has extensive policies for student conduct on campus mophobia. … The protection of LGBTQ youth needs community and its allies say that the way the podcastto be a priority,” Goldman said. and at school-sanctioned activities, but the video was ers spoke about homosexuality was still hurtful. a non-curricular clip that wasn’t distributed on school “It was very upsetting,” said Nadia Debska, an Aspen Jenny Ellis, Editor-in-Chief
News New rock climbing wall in Skier Dome A new investment is being made for a rock climbing wall that will be in the Skier Dome. “Eldorado Climbing will be installing Aspen High School’s first-ever rock climbing wall during spring break.”(Pg.2)
A&E Actors, visuals, soundtrack dazzle in “Dune” The film’s immersiveness is created by stellar performances from A-List actors, dazzling costume design, and meticulous visuals that transport viewers to vast sand landscapes and intricate architecture, captured by various camera angles, textures, and lighting. (Pg.11)
Sports Table of Contents Recruitment for student athletes News According to the New Hampton School, a private boarding school Opinion in New England, there are 10 essential things to know and consid- Sports er when trying to get recruited in the middle of a pandemic.(Pg. 10) A&E
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Unvaccination at ASD New rock climbing wall to
Stella Iverson, Staff Writer
According to the CDC, By March 2021, 80% of staff at schools nation-
“They are able to sing with Marnie [AES music teacher} this year, which is really cool in the classroom, it’s a huge
Photo by Stella Iverson AES kids playing at their outdoor recess
wide had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, some schools are requiring vaccination for students and employees. At ASD, students and staff who are unvaccinated must get weekly covid tests. However, elementary students are still not eligible for the vaccine. Some parents of children not old enough (under 12) to receive the vaccine are reluctant to send their children back to school, because of rising cases for the unvaccinated with the Delta Variant. According to the CDC, “Unvaccinated people are 2.34 times more likely to be reinfected with COVID-19. With most elementary students currently unvaccinated, schools are taking extra precautions to guard against this danger of reinfection.” While this is an ongoing issue right now, the vaccine may become eligible for children 5-11 years old by next month. This would mean elementary schools would have every child vaccinated if they choose to be. Lisa McGuire, a kindergartern teacher at Aspen Elementary School, talks about the precautions taken by the school to keep kids safe. “When they [AES students] come in, and they get to wash their hands, that’s something, and also when we come in from recess before we go to lunch we’re always way more heavily monitoring the hand washing,” McGuire said. Katie Fox, a fourth-grade teacher at AES, shared how the school is trying to maintain a sense of normalcy while following COVID protocols such as frequent hand washing and keeping masks on.
victory for her. But she has masks that are very well fitted with the nose piece and make sure that when they walk into class, they have their mask well fitted, and then they can sing, so they can kind of feel a little bit more normalcy,” Fox said. At AES, there are more COVID rules and regulations than the middle or high school, as the students are unvaccinated. “They [AES students] are required if they have one symptom, any symptom, a runny nose, cough, or itchy throat-to get a COVID test, have a negative COVID test, and be symptom-free for 24 hours,” Fox said. Teachers at AES enforce proper mask-wearing among students, but some of the younger kids have trouble with it and don’t understand why it needs to be worn. “I had a child,” McGuire continued. “Who’s just kind of like a defiant kid. I got the support from administration.” McGuire added that David Baugh, ASD superintendent, said that students refusal to wear masks meant shifting to virtual learning “[The principal] needs to call the parents and say, ‘Look, if he’s not going to wear his mask at school, then he’s gonna have to be virtual,” Baugh said. According to Fox, students with hearing barriers face more challenges than others in mask-wearing times. “I have a student who is hard of hearing this year. And so that’s been a hard thing for him to be able to [do], and that’s why I’m wearing this mask [mask that is clear where her lips are], so that he can see my lips, and be able to read my lips,” Fox said.
be in Skier Dome Stella Iverson, Staff Writer
A new investment is being made for a rock climbing wall that will be in the Skier Dome. Eldorado Climbing will be installing Aspen High School’s first-ever rock climbing wall during spring break. Eldorado Climbing, will also be working with Basalt High School. The design of the rock climbing wall is unique to fit the round walls of the Skier Dome. It will be on the wall directly opposite to the doors, meaning as soon as you walk in you will see it. Eldorado Climbing has been designing, manufacturing, and installingclimbing walls around Colorado for over 25 years. Their design for the wall in the Skier Dome is not only extremely functional for the space, it also accommodates the most climbers and social engagement possible for the repurposing of this area of your gym. The flooring is the best top rope flooring offered by the company and provides 5.5 inches of dedicated climbing fall attenuation to prevent injuries, Eldorado Climbing explained in their project proposal. Brent Maiolo and Sheri Smith, who created the idea for the wall and organized its installation, received a $205,000 grant from the state. $50,000 will go to Dan Pearl for the bike tech class, while the remaining $155,000 will go towards the installation of the wall. The installation will take about 2 weeks
to complete. The timeline for the climbing wall includes six steps, from the idephase to installation, according to Maiolo and Smith / Eldorado Climbing / etc. 1.Sales and Management work out the logistics of the agreement. 2. Design team creates approved renders and models in coordination with the client. 3. Structure and custom shapes are translated into 2D fabrication and installation documents, Steel is cut and welded, wood panels are CNCed,(machine that uses a drill bit to remove material from a solid block.) texture paint is prepped, holds are ordered. 4. Crew, tools, and materials are transported to the job site. 5. Structure is anchored to building, shapes are installed, surface is painted and inspected, hand holds are route set. 6. Safety, route setting, risk management, maintenance, perations. Porter Holmbeck, a senior and climber at AHS shares the excitement this brings for people. “I think it’ll be interesting to be able to be at school and to climb. I also think that will kind of open the door for more people getting interested in it,” Holmbeck said.
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‘School Kills Artists’ movement comes to AHS Jenny Ellis, Editor-in-Chief
The first years of one’s school career start with finger painting, drawing, and playing games. But as individuals progress through their school career, the emphasis on creativity decreases. Riley Rushing, an AHS Senior, has noticed the loss of creative spaces each school year in Aspen. “The last time I took an art class was my sophomore year, it was ceramics. I remember I used to really like making art but I haven’t even been inside the art room at AHS for two years. I just don’t have the time anymore with my other classes,” Rushing said. Day-long art activities that once existed in elementary school are replaced by an hour-long period in middle school and potentially no classes in high school, once again highlighting how higher-level school environments generally do not cater to artistic minds. A brand created by a 19-year-
old boy called ‘School Kills Artists’ attempts to battle the issue by spreading awareness in a movement that any students can join. The company creates merchandise ranging from shirts to phone cases available for purchase for those who wish to join the ‘movement’. The brand’s goal is to make those who feel that school is the right fit for them feel supported and seen. The creator of the brand states his mission goal on the website’s ‘About Us’ page: “My purpose is that people who feel my message in some way, have to know that they are not alone and that they can be part of our movement. I am ready to create a social impact through images or messages printed on our products, social media.” Not only has this movement impacted artists around the globe, but it has reached the art rooms of AHS.
The message, in particular, has resonated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) art students of AHS, arguably the most dedicated artists in the school. “Ever since I was little art has been the way I express my individuality, and the school system has definitely taken the motiva-
tion I had for it. I really like the ‘School Kills Artists’ movement and clothing because it represents the young kids that slowly lose their artistic depth every year they attend school,” Nadia Debska, a year 2 IB art student said.
Photo by Jenny Ellis Art supporting the ‘School Kills Artists’ movement created by year 2 IB art student, Lily Louise Sanders.
Teachers encourage support and inclusion at AHS Bo Melton, Staff Writer
The Association of American Universities found in a 2018 survey that out of a sample of more than 180,000 undergraduate and graduate students, nearly 17% identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, queer, or questioning. 1.7% of undergraduate and grad-
uate students identified as trans, nonbinary, or questioning. The Association of America believes youth diversity has spread even more, with 17% of the student body idenifying as LQBTQ in 2021. Given these statistics, what are AHS teachers doing to help stu-
dents feel included and safe in the school environment? AHS counselor Lauren Reiss gave a perspective on this issue. “One thing we have is safe space stickers and in poster form as well, so you might see those scattered around the school because visibility and representation are important. This lets students know they are welcome and included in a safe space.” These safe space stickers are on multiple teachers’ classes, offices, and computers. Lauren Reiss believes that these stickers show that the teachers are there for students in need or students who feel left out of the community. The emotional impact of iso-
lation and bullying is dramatic, especially during the vulnerable highschool years. “The experience of being excluded sadly isn’t uncommon, and I want to remind those folks who feel this way that you are seen, you are worthy, and you are valuable, and you are welcome here. And I want to remind our student body at large and us as a school community that we have an impact when it comes to inclusive spaces. So just that reminder to spread kindness and compassion and openness to one another,” Reiss said. Reiss wants all students to know that people are there for you if you are in need, and you are included in the AHS community by all students and staff. The teachers of AHS are showing inclusiveness by spreading awareness with Safe Space stickers all around the high school, as well as letting students know they are here for anyone that is feeling excluded, especially those who are in the LGBTQ+ community.
PAGE 4 SKIER NEWS Mixed Opinions About the Pandora Expansion
November 2021
Shelby Grueter City council member and opposer John Doyle pointing out the Northstar Nature Preserve in his studio in Aspen.
District Election results Harper Axelman, News Editor Christa Giezl, Stacy Weiss, and Susan Zimet are the newly elected members of the Aspen School District Board of Education as of November 2nd. Weiss headed the field with 21.9% of the vote, while Zimet earned 21.3% and Giezl 19.96%, the Pitkin County Clerk and Recorder reported. Three seats were vacant because Susan Marolt was term-limited after eight years on the board, Dwayne Romero, a former board member since 2016, chose not to seek re-election, and Zimet had to run for re-election to remain on the board. The community was involved in the election, with six candidates and 39.19% voter turnout, 2% more than in 2019. Stacey Weiss, a former teacher with 32 years of experience who will be the first educator on the board after 28 years, felt “optimistic” about the future of ASD schools. “I believe I’m uniquely qualified to contribute a perspective that has been missing on the board up until now,” Weiss said at a board forum hosted by local media organizations on October 14th. “The fact that we have six candidates running for three seats speaks well about the vitality of democracy in Aspen, and it points to the high regard that our community has for its schools,” In addition to an educator’s voice, the board will have other unique perspectives from Giezl, who brings her experience as a physician, and Zimet, who helped to hire a new administrative
team on the board in previous years. The elected members will form a new majority of the BOE, along with current members Katy Frisch and Jonathan Nickell, and will be influential in a time where many issues are at stake, including pandemic learning, mental health, equity, climate and culture, and teacher retention. Giezl, the co-chair of the District Accountability Committee who helped in securing free COVID testing in the district, felt that reopening schools was an important priority, especially for the wellbeing of students and teachers. “...Our system remains at a crossroads. COVID continues to challenge us as a community, our children are at varying levels of education, and the mental health of both our staff and students has been challenged,” Giezl said. Zimet and Weiss also stressed mental health as a priority at the board forum. “I think, sadly, for some time, this valley has been afflicted with higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicide than other communities, and these mental health conditions, as we all know, have been only been exacerbated by the COVID pandemic. This is a critical situation,” Zimet said. A climate and culture survey for staff is currently planned for the district, and Weiss believes that good mental health is vital for learning. “We need to consider the climate and culture for our students, and how we built a community in the school,” Weiss said.
Shelby Grueter and Gabriel Ponthieu, Staff Writers The Pandora Expansion Project will be adding approximately 153 acres of new ski terrain to Aspen mountain, along with new lift to services to the expanded terrain. The potential effects of Pandora on local wildlife dig deeper than they appear. On a global scale, terrain expansion projects such as Pandora have caused adverse effects. According to the world economic forum, If you were to weigh all the land mammals globally today, only 4% are wild; the rest are livestock and humans. In the last century humans have also depleted life in the oceans – 90% of the large fish including sharks, tuna, and cod are gone. Local communities thrive having an abundant wildlife population such as deer, elk, bears, coyotes and more. Many locals believe that for the sake of the wildlife, Pandora may not be such a good idea. John Doyle, a local artist and Aspen city council member, owns a cabin on the back of Aspen Mountain and has felt connected to the construction process. “The natural habitat will be affected during the construction period of putting the lift in” Doyle began, “wildlife will definitely be affected, both during the
construction of the lift and after the construction is complete because there will be more explosives used to control avalanches than currently used in the area by Walsh’s and Christies,” Doyle said. Rana Dershowitz, Chief Operating Officer of Aspen Skiing Company, has taken an active role in the construction of Pandora’s and has worked hard to make it happen. “I am a firm believer that [Pandora’s] is a valuable addition to our community” Dershowitz elaborated, “we have gone through a very detailed review with the US Forest Service, it will help the forest health for us to thin out the trees because it will help clear deadfall and reduce fire risk,” Dershowitz finished. As one of Pandora’s many opposers, Doyle believes the environment is at stake. “The environmental consequences are more of what is affecting our entire planet.” Doyle said. “Deforestation will occur and development means pouring more concrete. Building more concrete means more tourists in town, which will mean more traffic and strain on all of our natural resources. How many more people will fit in our small valley?,” Doyle said
NEWS A New International Crime: Ecocide November 2021
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corporations and governments accountable After the destrucfor the destruction tion caused by Nazi of the environment. Germany during Ecocide would be the World War II, Raphael Fifth Crime before Lemkin coined the the International term “Genocide”: Crime Court. Current “The deliberate killing examples of Ecocide of a large number of include deforestation people from a particin the Amazon, oil ular nation or ethnic extraction in the Niger group with the aim of Delta, and deep-sea destroying that nation trawling. or group.” Genocide Corporate obstacles is a word used to pose a severe threat describe the most to the creation of atrocious and heinous this law, as lawmakacts against society. ers will most likely In 1948, the United face opposition from Nations established governments and the Genocide Convencorporations for the tion, which brought fear that criminalizing nations together to Ecocide will be “bad combat and prevent for business.” acts as brutal as the Nonetheless, the holocaust. push for criminalizing Now there is a new Ecocide is incredibly issue plaguing the Image courtesy of StopEcocide Protesters in London hold signs supporting the criminalization of “Ecocide” in September 2019. relevant and importplanet: Climate Change. ant. Those who are Damage to the enviof years are deteriorating due to human new international crime called “Econegligent towards the environment and ronment has become so extensive that negligence. cide,” “The destruction of the natural violate the principles of environmental ecosystems and consistent seasons have Now, many Environmental Advocates environment due to human negligence.” justice should be held accountable. been disrupted. Climate rhythms that and Political leaders are pushing for a This international law would hold large have sustained life on earth for billions Andie Sherman, Staff Writer
Maria Ressa battles for truth amid legal allegations Hannah Smith, Editor-in-Chief
2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa continuously braves the wrath of powerful figures in the Philippines in an effort to protect free speech. Maria Ressa and her investigative journalism platform, Rappler, are currently battling criminal charges from Filipino President, Rodrigo Duterte. As one of the Philippines’ most prominent journalists and a vocal advocate for press freedom, Ressa is the 18th woman to have won a Nobel Peace Prize. Ressa currently serves as CNN’s bureau chief in Manila, placing her at the forefront of political advocacy. She is also the lead founder of her digital media company, Rappler. Rappler has exposed government corruption through researching the top political figures’ potential conflicts of interest. Ressa documented how social media is being used to spread fake news, harass opponents, and manipulate public discourse. Presently, Ressa is closely monitoring and covering President Duterte’s violent anti-drug campaign through Rappler. Ressa was found guilty of cyber-libel in June of 2020 as a result of her political efforts. According to the New York Times, President Duterte “has a complicated relationship with the news media. Like populist authoritarian leaders elsewhere, he alternately basks in the spotlight and dismisses reporters as peddlers of ‘fake news’.” According to Washington Post writers Emily Rauhala and Sammy Westfall,
the 2020 cyber-libel in damages. conviction targeted a Following her official hearing 2012 article that cited Ressa stated, “To the Filipinos an intelligence report watching this, this is not just linking Philippine busiabout Rappler. This is not about ness executive Wilfredo us. This is about you. Because Keng to trafficking and freedom of the press is the foundrug smuggling written dation of every single right you by Rappler researcher have as a Filipino citizen”. Reynaldo Santos Jr. Ressa sees these legal alleThis case has many pegations as a pursuit to suppress culiarities, with the 2012 free press and the publication article under conviction of the truth. However Ressa’s published four months allegations have not tainted her before a cyber-libel image, and she still received the measure was signed into 2021 Nobel Peace Prize alonglaw in the Philippines. side Dmitri A. Muratov. The Justice Department When receiving her Nobel stated that “the article prize , Ressa described the was republished” and award as “a recognition of the thus had reentered difficulties, but also hopefully of jurisdiction. However, how we’re going to win the batSanto’s article only had tle for truth, the battle for facts: a typographical error We [journalists] hold the line”. fixed by a Rappler staff According to the Nobel commember — correcting mittee chair, Berit Reiss-Anthe spelling of “evasion” dersen, Ressa received the — in 2014. Nobel Prize for her courageous Since the 2020 convicfight for freedom of exprestion, Ressa and Rappler sion. “Free, independent and face multiple criminal fact-based journalism serves to charges due to their protect against abuse of power, challenging statements lies, and war propaganda. Withtowards President RodriImage courtesy of Bloomberg.com out freedom of expression and go Duterte. The Philippine Pictured is Maria Ressa, Filipino journalist and co-founder of the investigafreedom of the press, it will be tive journalism platform Rappler government has filed 10 difficult to successfully promote arrest warrants against fraternity between nations,” six months to six years in prison and her, with seven legal cases still pending. Reiss-Andersen said. have been ordered to pay almost $8,000 Ressa and Reynaldo Santos face between
PAGE 6 SKIER A&E Quotes of support from AHS students and staff
November 2021
“I support the LGBTQIA+ community because they are people and they have their own choices. They should remain unjudged”
“I support the LGBTQIA+ community because no one should be discriminated against based on who they love or identify as”
“I support the LGBTQIA+ community because it shouldn’t matter how someone identifies or who they are attracted to. Everyone has a right to feel supported and comfortable in their own skin”
Photos by Hannah Popish, Design Editor
“I support the LGBTQIA+ community, and I believe everyone deserves to feel safe”
“I support the LGBTQIA+ community because they are a concrete normalcy in my life, and I want them to be treated that way in school settings”
“I support the LGBTQIA+ community because discrimmination and haters have no right. Like who ya want!”
“I support the LGBTQIA+ community because everyone deserves human rights and to be treated respectfully” “Who you love and who you define as does not define you as less than, nor does it define you as a minority in the community”
“I proudly support the LGBTQIA+ community because there should be no discrimination against how someone identifies themselves or who they love” “I support the LGBTQIA+ community because everyone is equal regardless of who they love”
“ I support the LGBTQIA+ community because no one should be discriminate against or hated on for who they are, and everyone deserves to feel accepted”
“I support the LGBTQIA+ community because the world is better with you in it!”
November 2021
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Paint the Rainbow: how to support the LGBTQIA+ Community
Photo curtousy of Creative Commons License LGBTQIA+ Pride March taken on June 7th, 2017 Océane Jones, Opionin Edior
In consideration of the recent controversy around an anti-gay centered Christian podcast created by AHS students, the responsibility of Aspen High School, the Roaring Fork Valley community, and individuals to support the LGBTQIA+ community must be addressed. According to a recent survey, 1 in 6 Generation Z individuals identify as LGBTQIA+, and the numbers continue to grow. The study also showed that the majority of LGBTQIA+ indivuals identify as bisexual, and that ideology affiliation affects LGBTQIA+ identification, with 13.0% of political liberals, 4.4% of moderates and 2.3% of conservatives identifiying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Yet, these differences are somewhat less pronounced by party identification than by ideology, with 8.8% of Democrats, 6.5% of independents and 1.7% of Republicans identifying as LGBTQIA+. To straight, unlabeled, or cisgender students who are far removed from these issues concerning the LGBTQIA+ community, they may seem insignificant. An as defined by Wikepedia, an ally, straight ally, or heterosexual ally is a “ heterosexual and cisgender person who supports equal civil rights, gender equality, and LGBT social movements, challenging homophobia, biphobia, and
transphobia”. Being an ally to these individuals is one way to show support. It is everyone’s responsibility, including that of the individual, Aspen High School, and the Valley Community, to create an accepting environment for all students, especially in light of recent events. How to support the LGBTQIA+ Community individually Pronouns In order to best support the LGBTQIA+ community individually, one should remember to always ask someone’s pronouns when first introduced to them, and sequentially introduce their own pronouns. Though traditionally identified by one’s assumed gender, pronouns have become an important aspect of one’s identity. In order to show proper respect for an individual, one should ask for their identity and refer to them correctly. Coming Out Coming out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community is a big step for most people. In the situation that someone comes out, express appreciation and admiration for their courage, and remember that their gender or sexuality is their secret to share, making sure never to ‘out’ anyone that is not yet out of the closet to others. Some things to avoid when someone
comes out are reacting with “I knew it!”, making them feel guilty for not telling you sooner, or trying to force one’s own cultural or religious beliefs on them. Danations Furthermore, individuals can donate to nonprofits that support the LGBTQIA+ community, such as The Trevor Project, Human Rights Campaign, and Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Aspen High School Bullying GLSEN reports that LGBTQIA+ youth who face bullying are at a significantly higher rate of becoming suicidal. By incorporating lessons on bullying, bias and diversity into their lessons, teachers can help prevent the bullying of LGBTQIA+ students. Hate Speech Teachers must also learn how to react to hate speech, including homophobic or transphobic statements, making sure to show students that hateful behaviour toward LGBTQIA+ individuals is unacceptable. Resources to teach tolerance and handling homophonic remarks in the classroom can be found here. The Valley Community Support
The Valley community can support LGBTQIA+ businesses, protect the LGBTQIA+ community through electing LGBTQIA+ officials to represent in government, and pass protective laws against LGBTQIA+ discrimination in the workforce and beyond. We must come together to support everyone, in order to make the Valley a safe place for all. Whether it’s organizing a Pride March, or just congratulating someone on coming out, we can all do our part to help the LGBTQIA+ community. In the end, love is love and no one should be afraid to be their true selves. No one should ever feel targted or discriminated aginst on a basis of their race, ethnicty, gender, sex, sexuality, or sexual orintaion. We are all human. We all love love. No hate should come of love, no matter what color of the rainbow one is. All the colors are equally beautiful, but only together can they make a rainbow.
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In the end, love is love and no one should be afraid to be their true selves.
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Opinion Editorial:Kindness California Oil Spill
November 2021
In the midst of everything going on in society at the moment, between a global pandemic, the Black Lives Matter movement, Asian hate, homophobia, and the War on Reproductive Rights, the one thing that could bring us all together is kindness. Every person, no matter their identity, has a capability for kindness; however, not everyone understands its importance in creating a more accepting and less hateful society. The lack of kindness in society is causing many people, especially youth, to feel like an outcast in their daily lives. Whether it’s at home, with their families, at school, with their peers, or any other situation, feeling like you don’t belong can lead to mental health issues a more divided society and nation. Recently, more and more people feel like they can’t escape judgment don’t fit in because of social standards. Whether you are a different race or religion, your sexual identity isn’t “normal”, or your gender identity differs from what you were born as, someone always has something to say about who they are and the decisions one makes. Many different factors lead to minority groups being unsupported, under-represented, and discriminated against in society, which is bringing depression rates up, especially in teens exploring their identities. According to Mental Health America, the percentage of youth with major depression is growing. In the past year, 15.08% of youth experienced a major depressive
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episode, a 1.24% increase from last year’s data. In some states, 19% of youth ages 12-17 are experiencing major depression. Sadly, over 60% of the youth population with depression nationwide do not receive any mental health treatment, even in the states with the most access to resources. This trend is also leading to an increase in national suicide rates. According to a 2020 CDC report, the US average percent increase in suicide death rates among people ages 10-24 years old is 47.1%. That means suicide rates have almost doubled from 2007-2009 to 2016-2018. Of course, this isn’t solely affecting minority groups, it happens to everyone. There is no way to make everyone happy. Someone will always be upset with something you do. So what can be done about these statistics and these feelings? What can happen to stop this from happening? The answer is simple- kindness. Being kind to the people around you is vital to creating a better society. Everyone needs a safe space to let out their feelings and emotions, even when it feels like the whole world is falling apart. Kindness is the key to mending the separation between groups in the world. Loving everyone no matter who they are or what they identify as, and understanding that everyone is a living, breathing, person with feelings and emotions trumps all the hate in society. Hate must end and kindness must be spread. Everywhere. After all, we’re all human.
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Lauren Kinney, Staff Writer
In early October, 12,000 gallons of oil spilled across California’s Southern Coast, primarily in Huntington Beach. This environmental tragedy has greatly affected wildlife, as Huntington Beach is home to 90 different species of birds, and major migration routes. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, “The spill likely harmed or killed about 82,000 birds of 102 species; about 6,165 sea turtles; as many as 25,900 marine mammals,”. As a result of Global Warming, the frequency of environmentally catastrophic events is becoming more common. The most recent California oil spill does not have a known cause yet, but pipeline failures and anchor dragging are the main suspects. The possible sources of the spill could have been prevented with government regulation, as could have most substantial issues with the environment faced today, such as biodiversity loss and marine pollution. Government regulation of large corporations is necessary to protect this planet from further and permanent harm; these regulations can include stricter offshore drilling regulations and carbon offsetting initiatives for ships. Offshore drilling is pulling both oil and natural gas out of deep ocean waters. It also extracts fossil fuels, which is one of the major causes of global warming. As much as this process occurs, it is not always successful.
When this system fails, it causes major damage to both the ocean and marine wildlife. Coral reefs, aquatic mammals, and other marine life are affected by the oil and the disposal of the riggers. Both chemical runoff and large cement fall into the ocean and create an unstable living environment. According to Beachapedia, “The drilling muds (fluids), formation water, and cuttings used by oil rigs are legally allowed to be released back into the water, even if some of those fluids contain toxic compounds such as arsenic, benzene, zinc, and radioactive materials.” The oil that is spilled into the ocean also affects land mammals, such as birds’ wings. When the oil touches the wings, the bird loses its ability to be water resistant, causing them to lose adaptations. When birds try to lick off the oil, it is poisonous and harms them. In addition to birds, the oil affects mammals with fur, as it breaks down the fur’s insolation causing the mammals to die due to hyperthermia. Additionally, the sound waves used to identify potential underwater drilling sites bounce off the ground and garble the sonar and echolocation that whales and dolphins use to hunt, communicate, and travel. The numerous oil spills have caused many species to die. Humans must clean up our act if we want to see a future full of these species.
Women’s march two different perspectives
conceived or how far along it is in the growing process is irrelevant. We all deserve life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Tornare said. Gabby Yturri went to the march to protest the Senate Bill 8 Texas abortion laws that bans abortion after six weeks with no exception for rape or incest, defending her pro-choice opinion. Her stance on the subject was distinctly different from Tornare’s. “I strongly believe that women should have power over their reproductive rights,” Yturri said. “Every woman deserves to have a choice in motherhood and it should never be taken lightly. Anti-abortion laws are unjust. Nobody should be telling women what to do with their bodies. My body, my choice.” Even in a town of only 7,247 people, the support and protest of the movement shown by both sides was astounding. People will Photo by Sophia Greiper show up for what they believe On Oct. 2, 2021, prostestors marched through the town of Aspen in the Rally for Abortion Justice. in, no matter the time, place, or situation. Kayla Tehrani, Editor-In-Cheif were in support of abortion rights, there lieves through his religion to be human The march was in support of women’s On Saturday, October 2, Aspen High were a few anti-protesters in attenrights. reproductive rights, stating that mothSchool students held a women’s march dance, including members of of the “I came to the march because I erhood should be a choice, especially in support of abortion rights. Over 300 Firestarters for Jesus podcast. believe in life, and giving the most under the circumstances of rape and people attended the march, but with Luke Tornare, one of the faces innocent form of that life a chance to incest. varying opinions. of the podcast, attended the march as grow, love and be a living breathing While the majority of the protesters an anti-protester to defend what he beperson. How the baby ended up being
NEWS Instagram’s affect on teens’ physical and
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mental health in the 21st century
Maddie McAllister, Staff Writer
Social media is one of the leading causes of depression and anxiety. According to the Mclean Hospital, 81% of teens and 69% of adults in the U.S use social media. Most of the population is vulnerable and exposed to platforms that can hurt their self esteem and mental health. Mclean Hospital also states “another transatlantic study found more than 40% of Instagram users who reported feeling ‘unattractive’ said the feeling began on the app; about a quarter of the teenagers who reported feeling ‘not good enough’ said it started on Instagram.” Not only is social media for adults and teens, according to the New York Times, Facebook recently have been designing a new part of Instagram for kids age 13 and under. Facebook has paused the release date for this new launch because of how it may affect young minds’ mental health. “Facebook stated that it had paused development of an Instagram Kids service that would be tailored for children 13 years old or younger, as the social network increasingly faces questions about the app’s effect on young people’s mental health,” According to the NYT article. Teens that use social media say they aren’t addicted, but instead use it to connect and to see other people around the world. “I believe we need to start treating social
media like we do cigarettes and alcohol.” That means implementing warning labels and age restrictions and conducting research into the health effects of long-term usage,” U.S news states. On September 14, The Wall Street Journal spoke about the comparisons between the most popular social media platforms. “Social comparison is worse on Instagram,” states Facebook’s deep dive into teen girl body-image issues in 2020, noting that TikTok, a short-video app, is grounded in performance, while users on Snapchat, a rival photo and video-sharing app, are sheltered by jockey filters that “keep the focus on the face,” In contrast, Instagram focuses heavily on the body and lifestyle. In the Wall Street Journal article, Facebook speaks about the physical and mental aspect of social media, which the company researched internally during March 2020. “The tendency to share only the best moments, a pressure to look perfect and an addictive product can send teens spiraling toward eating disorders, an unhealthy sense of their own bodies and depression,” the research states. “It [the study] warns that the Explore page, which serves users photos and videos curated by an algorithm, can send users deep into content that can be harmful.
Comic by Hannah Popish Instagram and technology fry our brains
PAGE 10 SKIER SPORTS X Games returns with in All of the necessary tips for person spectators allowed student athlete recruitment
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ESPNs X Games 2022 press release Andie Sherman, Staff Writer
On Tuesday, ESPN announced the return of X Games at Buttermilk Ski Area, and the return of in person spectators. This was an exciting announcement, as there were no spectators at the 2021 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. X Games Aspen 2022 will feature skiing and snowboarding, with the Women and Men’s Superpipe, Big Air, Slopestyle, and Knuckle Huck. ESPN’s press release said, “X Games Aspen 2022 will welcome spectators back to competition viewing and X Fest areas with proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, and masks must be worn in all indoor X Games event areas except when eating or drinking. The ESPN press release continued with discussing youth vaccination requirements, and additional face mask
provisions. “Fans 11 years old and under may attend without vaccination if accompanied by a vaccinated adult and must wear a form-fitting face mask at all times except when eating and drinking,”said ESPN The event will take place over the weekend of January 21 to 23, and there will be no motorsports. As for online coverage of X Games, ESPN and ABC will be streaming more than 13.5 hours of live coverage across the globe, where viewers can safely watch some of the largest names in winter sports perform. Jamie Anderson, Scotty James, Gus Kenworthy, Henrik Harlaut, Chloe Kim and Mark McMorris will all be returning this year, and will likely be their last competition before the 2022 winter olympics. According to the ESPN press release, “X Games Aspen is the world’s best action sports event showcasing the biggest names in snowboarding and skiing.”
Kayla Tehrani, Editor-in-Chief
The Coronavirus pandemic changed the way colleges are recruiting for sports. Coaches are unable to see prospective students face to face, and students are not always able to visit campuses because of COVID restrictions. Not only that, but coaches also aren’t able to travel to watch athletes compete or visit their high schools to understand more about them. College recruiting has turned into a virtual process, further complicating the process. According to the New Hampton School, a private boarding school in New England, there are 10 essential things to know and consider when trying to get recruited in the middle of a pandemic. Stay positive and be patient: It’s a hard time for everyone trying to get recruited right nowBeing patient and having a positive attitude will help lower stress levels and make the recruiting process easier. Be proactive It is important to stay in contact with coaches. Showing them that you are reaching out and taking action shows commitment to their program. Continue to email them and stay in touch, even when it seems like they’re not paying attention, because getting on their radar and staying there is very important so they don’t forget about you. Book a virtual video call This is just about as close as you can get to seeing a coach in person. Being able to see someone face to face (even if it’s through a screen) and having a conversation is vital to them understanding who you are and who they’re accepting
into their program. Take a virtual campus tour Understanding and seeing where you’re trying to go is important. You must make sure you like where you plan to live for the next few years. Have your coach make a call for you Having that unofficial recommendation and having someone talk you up to a coach will take you a long way. Focus on your education Keeping up with assignments in school and making sure to maintain good grades will show that you are dedicated. If you fall behind, it might make you look irresponsible. Keep track of your eligibility Continue to update any profile you have for your sport that coaches will check, it is the main resource to them deciding if they want you. Create an athlete resume It’s okay to show off sometimes. Showing coaches your accomplishments and what you are able to do will definitely be a boost to your process. Use social media Using social media is important as you can put tapes of you playing your sport on your social media, as well as the things you post on social media helping a coach see more about you. Be open to options you may not have previously considered It is always good to keep your options open. A place you’ve never heard of could be where you fall in love and want to spend your next four years. Don’t discount anything because of something that won’t necessarily matter in the grand scheme of things.
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The return of festivals
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“Dune”: Immersive, Dazzling Harper Axelman, News Editor
You can feel sand and see the light of pounding explosions right in front of you as you hear the buzz of dragonfly choppers mixed with chanting voices. This is the experience of watching “Dune,” directed by Denis Villanueve (Arrival and Blade Runner 2049), the first in a trilogy of movie adaptations of Frank Herbert’s 1960s novels. The film is set thousands of years in the future as Paul Atreides, played by
and Indian bamboo flutes as the volume rises and falls for a usual yet unforgettable journey. This music perfectly accompanies the on-screen action, such as combat. Choreographer Roger Yuan used the Filipino martial art technique, Balintawak Eskrima, to make combat scenes feel “like a dance performance,” according to Villanueve. Along with closer combat, larger fight scenes also stand out. Colonizers fight
Credit Greg Noire. Courtesy of ACL Music Festival. Screenshot by Skier Scribbler Overhead view of Austin City Limits Festival at Zilker park
Andie Sherman, Staff Writer
Austin City Limits Music Festival resumed this year after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The festival, which happens during two consecutive weekends in October, showcases the most prominent names in music, with over 100 performances, on eight stages. The festival, commonly referred to as ACL, is inspired by the Austin City Limits TV series. Along with incredible musical performances, the festival provides the best eats in Austin, with the venue at Zilker Park. With COVID precautions in place, I was able to enjoy the festival this year. Upon my arrival at the festival venue, I immediately showed my vaccination card along with my state-issued ID. An expectation of the 75,000 musical festival attendees followed. Entrée was prohibited without a negative covid test or proof of vaccination. However, besides that precaution, the scene was reminiscent of a pre-COVID-19 world, with no masks in sight.
Although the festival mirrored a pre covid world, festival participants were reminded of its presence. Many performers, such as Miley Cyrus and Jon Pardi, spoke of the pandemic’s past year and a half. They expressed gratitude to their fans and modern medicine for making live performances a reality again. Another difference was the vaccination tents around the venue where unvaccinated festival attendees could receive a vaccination—a newly available opportunity, at festivals. These precautions showed at ACL and other event venues across the country may be put in place for the foreseeable future. However, they allow ‘normalcy’ to resume without risking public safety. As for the performances, thousands gathered around the stages excitedly. With myself and the tens of thousands of festival-goers feeling joy, relief, and experiencing a truly missed element of life, crowds.
Comic by Hannah Popish Rabbits get ready for the change of seasons.
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) stands alongside Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) in “Dune”, which premiered in theaters on October 22nd.
Timothée Chalamet, and his family arrive on the planet Arrakis. His father, the Duke (Oscar Issac), will soon become the leader of Arrakis at the wishes of a mysterious emperor. Arrakis is also the home of the valued resource and hallucinogen Spice and is inhabited by the Fremen people but has been colonized by the evil House Harkonnen. The film’s immersiveness is created by stellar performances from A-List actors, dazzling costume design, and meticulous visuals that transport viewers to vast sand landscapes and intricate architecture, captured by various camera angles, textures, and lighting. The effect is otherworldly and strange, but the settings also feel familiar because most of “Dune” was filmed in the desert of Wadi Rum, located in Jordan–only two scenes in the film were shot using green screen, according to Chalamet. “They didn’t shoot ‘Jaws’ in a swimming pool,” Villanueve said in a conversation with Stephen Colbert. “We needed to be in the real environment, so we will be inspired by the infinity,” The soundtrack is composed by Hans Zimmer, who “had been thinking about ‘Dune’ for nearly 50 years” and spent a week in the Utah desert listening to sounds such as “the wind howling,” according to the New York Times. Synthesizers and thumping drums are coupled with odd sounds from scraping metal, distorted guitar, Irish whistles,
for control of the planet to violently extract its resources, mainly Spice, while the native population of the planet, the Fremen, are ignored or massacred. Paul Atreides is hailed as a white “messiah,” and invaders from House Harkonnen and House Atreides are dressed in European-style costumes, while Natives wear hijab and djellaba and are played by Indigenous and Black actors. This paints an allegory for colonialism and imperialism and depicts the harm they cause to Arrakis’ environment and people. Villanueve, in an interview with Variety, stated, “The impact of colonialism, the exploitation of natural resources, the danger of mixing politics and religion together, the danger of messianic figures are more vibrant and present in our societies. So, I think sadly, the book is more relevant today than it used to be when it was written”. Overall, “Dune”’s relevance and immersive experience make it worth the watch, and audiences have rated it at 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers are left anticipating the future of “Dune,” with both the trailer and the movie leaving some questions unanswered, such as the fate of the mysterious Chani, played by Zendaya and seen in fleeting glances. The second installment of the series has already been announced, so viewers can look forward to returning to Arrakis.
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