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April 2017 Volume 10 Issue 7

RFHS Model UN Goes to the Big Apple -Rex Hamilton

On Tuesday March 14th, an exhausted group of 24 Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) students returned from the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) conference in New York City.

NHSMUN is an annual conference attracting over 5,000 high school students from around the world. The goal of the conference is to solve a variety of pressing issues facing our world today. Just like the real United Nations would do. In fact, NHSMUN includes a trip to the real UN General Assembly chamber for the opening ceremonies of the conference. RFHS students participated in 19 committees, ranging from the Economic and Financial Committee (ECOFIN) to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC.) The different councils varied in size, ranging from 15 to 250 delegates. Overall, the trip has received rave reviews both from the students who attended and the teachers who facilitate Model UN (MUN).

The idea of MUN is that the students to learn about international diplomacy by participating in it. RFHS was assigned the country of Botswana for the conference.

Students had to learn about Botswana’s international policy and demonstrate it in their committees by working with other countries to create solutions to problems they were assigned. A handful of RFHS’ participants

were assigned to committees on which they represented other countries, such as Kuwait and Egypt.

One of the skills RHFS’ students had the chance to improve on in New York was teamwork. In order to both be cooperative with other countries and stay true to Botswana’s policies, students had to learn about effective compromise. Social Studies teacher Matt Wells, who is the leader of MUN at RFHS says that he really enjoys watching students learn and develop important skills.

He explains, “To be able to help students get exposed to international affairs, diplomacy skills, research skills, and public speaking skills is rewarding of itself. That’s what makes it fun for me.” Throughout the school year, the club meets every Wednesday before school to research issues and craft position papers, which explain their assigned country’s position on the topic.

The NHSMUN conference is a one of a kind opportunity for the RFHS students to meet new people, especially from other countries. This year, there were schools from all over the world, including Brazil, Egypt, South Korea and Italy, and many others.

Junior Bella Ulrych, who was a delegate on ECOFIN says, “It’s so cool to meet new people from other countries and get to work with them on real world problems.”

Another highlight of the trip to NYC for RFHS was the opportunity to meet some of Botswana’s real UN delegates. RFHS students participated in a meeting called a mission briefing, which enabled them to meet the actual Botswana ambassador to the UN. The purpose of this meeting was for students to get a firsthand idea of what Botswana is trying to accomplish in the UN, and a general idea of Botswana’s international policies. The ambassador gave a presentation, and then opened up the meeting to a Q&A session. Senior Tavia Teitler says “It was a great way to connect what we were doing in the confrence to the real world of the UN.” One of the monumental challenges of taking a group of two dozen high school students to New York is funding. Over the course of the year leading up to the trip, the RFHS students fundraise as best they can, but oftentimes, it is not enough. Financial aid from the community is a great help. If you would like to donate to MUN please contact Matt Wells at mattwells@rfschools.com Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you have any experience in international diplomacy, either in an Non-Governmental Organization or even at the UN level, please contact Mr. Wells as well, the club would love to have your help with future conference preparation.

What’s Inside

AP Computer Science at RFHS Page 3

Prom Page 2

New school in Glenwood Page 6 Group of girls pose with the fearless girl statue in NYC.

Girls Soccer Page 7 Matt Wells, Lynn Williams, and Kelsie Goodman pose in the UN building.

The Model UN students hold their placards in their hotel in NYC.

Contact us at rframpage@gmail.com

Feature Senior Spotlight: Julia Lee -Gabby Santana

Photo by Gabby Santana

Julia Lee is another one of Roaring Fork High Schools (RFHS) amazing seniors. Throughout her 4 years of high school, Lee has been involved in the Energy Club, Girls Summit, Rams Writer, and First Word Poetry. Through these clubs, Lee has contributed to bettering the school as well as prepared herself for her future. An example of her amazing contributions to the RFHS community is her leadership in running Rams Writers.

She has not only impacted the schools’ community, but also she has won the district Poetry Slam, showing the community and her fellow peers her amazing talent. Lee was also one of the main coordinators in having the solar panels installed for the school.

Looking back at her last couple years at RFHS, Lee said, “Roaring Fork has taught me to get out of comfort zone. It has taught me what I should do to make myself happier. To expose myself to the frightening prospects of what could happen and how people would judge me if I put myself out there, but Roaring Fork has taught me to put myself out there and that my life would be better.”

Lee has made a number of great memories at RFHS. One of her best memories was when she performed a poem in front of all her peers for the first time. According to Lee, “I got up In front of everyone I still am shy and I’ve always been really shy and I went up there and I read my poem that I have been practicing all week. I got up there and I performed my poem I wasn’t shy I was confident, I was in my element. Writing has always been my element.” Moments like these have shown both Lee and her peers who she really is and what she is truly capable of.

As Lee’s last year of high school is coming closer to an end, she prepares for what is to come.

After Lee graduates, she plans to attend Stanford University. She plans on majoring in engineering and minoring in creative writing. Lee also plans on being part of Spoken Word Poetry in the Bay area. Lee was also one of the 4 winners of the very prestigious Daniel’s Scholarship. As we get closer to graduation, Lee and her peers are beginning to become both nervous and excited for what the future holds for them.

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RFHS Participates in Day of Silence -Chelsey Serrano

In the United States, the Day of Silence is a day of action to spread awareness about the effects of bullying and harassment on LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer/Questioning) students. This event is organized by students in thousands of schools across the nation. This year’s Day of Silence falls on April 21st, a day on which students will band together and take a day-long vow of silence in order to symbolically represent the silencing of LGBTQ students. Over the years Roaring Fork High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) has planned and organized the Day of Silence at our school and this year will be no different.

Many students who identify or maybe identified by others as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning are often subjected to bullying, namecalling, and other forms of harassment. The deliberate silence of participants is intended to echo the silence that results from harassment, prejudice, and discrimination for these students.

The Day of Silence was created by Maria Pulzetti, a then student at the University of Virginia, in 1996. Pulzetti explained that she “wanted to do something for BGLAD (Bisexual, Gay, and Lesbian Awareness Days) week that would impact many people at the school and that would be very visible…

I knew that if we held panel discussions and events like that, the only people who would come would be the people who already were fairly aware.” In the following years, Pulzetti’s Day of Silence would gain national popularity and eventually be taken on by the GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network), an organization that seeks to end discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identifying, and gender expression in schools K-12.

When asked what the Day of Silence was many students at Roaring Fork High School were dumbstruck, unable to describe it as much more than a day to “honor something”. Yet upon further clarification nearly all students were in support of its cause and ready to participate in the vow of silence. Senior Julia Lee remarked that, “If no one ever supports you and no one ever gives you the encouragement to speak up or to feel like you could be accepted, then it’s really hard to do that on your own. I do think that there is a lot of support for people in our school, but I don’t think that gets expressed enough and this is a chance to bring that to the forefront of everyone’s attention.” The student support being displayed at RFHS is overtly moving and admirable.

As sophomore Tyler Gruel states, “... the Day of Silence is important to everyone because it works to draw attention to all the LGBTQ people who had to suffer through anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in silence.” It is clear to see that the students at RFHS are ready and prepared to support their fellow LGBTQ classmates. As freshman Ella Munk describes “[This day is] important because these students need to feel safe and respected coming to school.”

In the past RFHS has participated in the day of silence in a variety of ways. Through the use of colored wristbands students have been able to show their support for the event and their peers, and the GSA is planning on a similar event this year. As the date grows closer, announcements will be made informing students on how to obtain wristbands and pledge their vows of silence. The wristbands are required in order to signify to teachers that you are participating.

Other than wristbands, just wear rainbowed clothes and colors to show your support!

Prom King and Queen controversy at RFHS

-Hannah Bingaman

2016 Prom King and Queen: Sergio Vega and Kimberly Guzman.

Courtesy photo

Prom has been a tradition at Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) since the beginning of the school in 1961. It is a celebration of the seniors, as they get ready to graduate, and move on to the next chapters of their lives. For as long as prom has been around, it has been a custom for the teachers to nominate candidates for prom king and queen. However, this year with the class of 2017, a recent debate picked up suggesting to change that norm, and make every senior king and queen.

Many were opposed to the idea, saying it would break tradition. Reece Ettelson, a junior at RFHS, and also one of the heads of the prom planning committee this year, was strongly opposed to this idea.

“I don’t think that every senior should be prom king

and queen because that is what graduation is for. It would be breaking a tradition that has always been one boy and one girl and that is how it should be,” she states. As well as maintaining tradition, making everyone king and queen would cost a lot of money.

Senior Carley Moravek, who is one of the nominees for royalty agreed with Ettelson, saying “the title of royalty recognizes students that show a lot of dedication to the school and are very passionate about making the school a better place and are very connected with all of the students. Not everyone in our class is like that, and I think we should only recognize the people who really do make a difference in our class.”

Not only is maintaining tradition important, but recognizing everybody as royalty would be like “getting a ‘you tried to play soccer award,’” as senior Sean Smollen, who is also nominated for royalty states.

Senior Isak Resnek was among those who wanted to change the norm, stating “our whole motto was “leaving our mark” and not only would everyone being royalty enforce that motto but it would show that we recognized everyone to be of equal value.”

Resnek wants the class of 2017 to show that “Each of us represents our class, not just two individuals.”

Although the points made about why everyone should be recognized as royalty are valid, the class of 2017, and the heads of prom, have decided to keep the tradition alive, leaving it at one king and one queen, and adding a prince and princess.

Feature

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AP Computer Science coming to Roaring Fork in fall of 2017 -Trinity Potter

Katie McCullugh. Photo by Trinity Potter

This upcoming school year Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) has been fortunate enough to offer their students new advanced placement (AP) class.

In this new class students will have the opportunity to explore what AP Computer Science is and better understand how it can help them with computer

science and programming while helping them figure out what they want to do in the future. These courses were offered to teachers through an email sent out to the staff to determine who will teach each new course. After they decide they start planning and learning more about the subject they will teach. “I wanted to teach this class because it was my favorite class my Sophomore year of college and if I would’ve taken it sooner I would’ve changed my major,” Says RFHS math teacher Katie McCullugh.

“I think that a lot of students are just oblivious to what the class is and what it teaches you.” In this class students combine math, art and science to make computer programs and learn how to more effectively use computer technology and get an intro into the career paths of computer programming or computer science.

“This class will bring together a new diversity of students because of all the different ways it can be taken and put together,” says McCullugh. Because it appeals to so many different interests and subjects many more kids are taking it creating a class that mixes all the great intelligence we have at RFHS. Students able to take this class range from 10-12th grade and is advised you have a minimum of RFHS’s

Integrated Math 3 program.

“I am excited to teach this class! I wanted to teach an AP Class before but when they sent out the email for a computer science class and Ms. Reynolds already had an AP class so I had to jump at the opportunity,” Explains McCullugh. But she’s not the only one excited for this class so are the students that are going to be engaging in the learning. Lisa Kelley a student at roaring fork high school says she is excited to take the class because “the whole new concept of AP Computer Science is a good addition to our electives and I have always been interested in computer science.”

Overall both the staff and the students are very excited for this new course to enter our roster. “I think it’ll be one of my favorite classes this year,” Says Kelley. Not only is this class academic but it’s also some fun. You get to mess around with computers while trying to decode and program them to learn more about them. Many people have already signed up for this class and the process to select which students will be in it next year has begun. As this class grows so do the ideas of how this class will be shaped grows as well so if you’re looking for a spot in this class you should get on it before it’s too late.

the conference in the past. The teachers feel so passionately about the conference because, as Ms. Deacy describes, “La Raza is an important event because it is designed to empower latino youth to prepare for their future by looking into educational opportunities and career opportunities.” Latino students are, through the conference, encouraged to realize that their futures are bright and filled with possibilities.

These students are also shown that their communities are something for them to have pride in, and they are urged to discover that pride. “Our curriculum is often not culturally responsive, and it doesn’t always build the cultural capital that is so important to help kids develop a really strong sense of pride and confidence in their own identity. This conference provides a chance for our students to get more of that.” says Ms.

Vosler on the other important aspects of the conference. The conference assists students in the advancement of social, educational, and personal growth, as well as encouraging latino students across Colorado to unite in pride and tradition. La Raza also works to teach students about different perspectives and to cater the experience to benefit each individual as much as possible.

Currently, a lot of interest about the conference is being gained. Because of this, the teachers believe that they will continue attending it for the uniqueness of the conference and the positive impacts it has on the attendees. Through hard work, dedication and inspiration, many students can realize that limitations aren’t real, and strive for promising futures because of it.

Roaring Fork Students head to Denver’s La Raza Conference -Lilly Peery

With a goal of inspiring latino students to believe in their futures, and a theme of limitations not being real, the La Raza Conference, held annually in Denver, Colorado, is an important event for the attendees and those around them. La Raza hopes to empower Latino students and prove that their futures can be very promising. This goal is worked towards by attending a series of conferences, activities, motivational speakers, and inspirational speeches.

Roaring Fork High School ELD teachers Mary Kate Deacy and Jackie Vosler have been working diligently to organize a trip to Denver to attend the La Raza Conference this spring. While this year will be Ms. Deacy’s first year attending the conference, both Ms. Vosler and students from RFHS have taken advantage of the amazing opportunity and attended

School Health Centers through out the Roaring Fork Valley -Daniela Rivera

Roaring Fork Schools Health Centers (RFSHC) provide a variety of services including accessible and affordable physical health care, collaborating behavioral health services, dental health and education for the students of the Roaring Fork Valley Schools. In addition, RFSHC actively collaborates with community organizations to bring essential services into the schools. School-based health clinics offer on-site health care with a multidisciplinary team of health professionals including primary care providers, mental health clinicians, and social workers who provide case management support. School-based health clinics are also open to children who do not attend the host school, but are enrolled in the school district and are in need of health care services and attention.

Lisa Robbiano, a nurse practitioner in the Roaring Fork Valley and the RFSHC, started the program in 2007 in Basalt with the intention of “taking care of the uninsured and underinsured” students who won’t receive health care in any other places, and students who do have insurance but can’t get to their provider.

Robbiano said that she can write prescriptions from

strep throat to depression and anxiety. Signing up for the health center is a very simple process, a packet is enclosed with school registration forms when students enroll for parents and students to fill out.

The application to the RFSHC is important because it allows the health center to provide confidential services to students, including reproductive health services. The confidentiality agreement allows the RFSHC to provide a variety of services including birth control, STD testing, and pregnancy testing.

Most of the confidential services are free, except the birth control pills, which cost at most $9. The health center always encourages the students to talk to their parents about the services they’re receiving, but they do not talk to the student’s parents for them.

Visiting the offices at RFHS and BHS is just like going to the doctor’s office; Robbiano works alongside a dental hygienist to take care of physical health issues. They also work with Andrea Pazdera, a School Based Clinician with the Aspen Hope Center, for mental health issues. The services provided are either free or on a sliding scale depending on how

much the family makes, the cost capping out at $25.

The health center also can bill insurance and if they do, they take whatever the insurance gives them, and don’t collect the deductibles or copays. No one will ever be turned down because the inability to pay.

The office is open during school hours, and the nurse practitioner is at Roaring Fork High School about 20 hours per week. Erika the receptionist is there four days and the dental hygienist is there one day a week.

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FOC

The Road to College: 17 In-State Schools were applied to by RFHS Students

54 Out-of-State Schools were applied to by RFHS Students

120 Total applications were submitted by RFHS students to In-State Schools

71 Total institutions were applied to by RFHS Students

This map shows the location and name of all of the colleges and universities the RFHS Class of 2017

For some students, the road to college includes a meaningful detour: a gap year

Bella Bailey Courtesy Photo

Bella Bailey graduated from RFHS last May and has since embarked on a worldwide adventure. So far, Bailey has spent time in Australia and Spain among other places. For Bailey, taking a gap year was the decision that made the most sense. “I saw how much my brother loved school, and I didn’t want to put time, money and energy into something that I wasn’t going to love. I also had no clue where I wanted to go to school so I personally didn’t see a point. I decided to set time aside to travel, just like my mom,” Bailey said.

Bailey’s gap year has been a huge learning experience for her so far. “I could probably write a book about what I’ve learned and continue to learn,” Bailey says.

“I am traveling alone, so I’ve learned to be alone. I’ve never spent this much time alone and it’s been somewhat difficult for me, coming from a town where you can’t even go to the grocery store without running into someone that you know. I spend countless hours on planes, buses, trains, and in hostels by myself. It’s difficult, but beautiful. I think I’ve learned a lot about myself without other people’s opinions and personalities getting in the way,” Bailey said.

Additionally, Bailey’s travels have given her more confidence in herself and her abilities. “I’m also learning that I never gave myself credit for how strong I am. I remember getting off the plane in Madrid, Spain, very jet lagged,and I had to get to my hostel by myself through the subway. It was confusing, and under construction, and I didn’t speak enough Spanish to get enough help as I needed. It took me about two hours when it should have taken 30 minutes,” Bailey recalled.

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As the school year draws to a close, Seniors are finalizing thier plans for next year and are beginning to map out their futures. Here is a glimpse at the road to college for Roaring Fork High School students.

Colorado

Colleges and universitites applied to by the RFHS Class of 2017

Most Applied to Colleges 1 (tie). Colorado State University:

19 Applied

1 (tie). University of Colorado Boulder: 19 Applied 3. Mesa State University: 16 Applied 4. Metro State University of Denver: 11 Applied

7 applied to. Data courtesy of RFHS counselor Andrea Caruso.

5.

Fort Lewis College: 9 Applied

r. Two past RFHS students shared thier gap year experiences with the Rampage.

Naomi Pulver Courtesy Photo

Naomi Pulver, a graduate of the RFHS class of 2017 deferred her enrollment to Westmont College in California in order to spend a year participating in a program called Youth With A Mission. Youth With a Mission is a faith-based program through which Pulver has had the opportunity to spend three months studying in Australia, participate in a mission building trip in Mexico, and gain a better understanding of herself and the world around her.

“High school was stressful and I needed a break before jumping back [into school] again,” Pulver said. Even though Pulver has not been taking traditional classes, through her experiences, she has gained a world of knowledge. According to Pulver, her participation in this program has given her a better appreciation of the world and allowed her to, “realize what it means to have good character.” For Pulver, taking time off and focusing on giving back, serving others and building relationships has put everything into perspective and helped her realize what is important.

Pulver encourages other students considering a gap year to, “not be afraid,” but also to “have a plan.” “Do research, talk to people, ask questions,” Pulver advised. Pulver said that often times when you travel without a plan you “miss out on getting to know another culture by doing touristy stuff.” Pulver also emphasised the importance of planning a gap year in a way that gives back to others.

As for next year, Pulver plans on attending Westmont College but doesn’t have her plans set in stone. “I’m going to college but I’m leaving it open,” she says. Overall, Pulver’s gap year has been a great experience for her..

News

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Damn Daniels! RFHS’s Four Daniels Recipients - Iliana Castillon

The scholarship will help the students immensely, as it covers their college This year, Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) seniors Lorenzo Andrade, expenses for four years. “I am very thankful for the opportunity to go to college Enrique Gonzalez, Julia Lee, and Fabian Rico have won the the Daniels Fund without burdening my family with massive debt or having to worry about paying Scholarship. the debt off myself after I graduate,” says Rico. Besides covering funds, the DanThe Daniels Fund Scholarship is a prestigious college scholarship that proiels Fund Scholarship affects students in vides four-year annually-renewable other ways. Andrade states, “[the scholfunds for graduating high school seniors arship serves as] another recognition or who demonstrate exceptional character, award of all the hard work I’ve put in as leadership, and a commitment to servwell as my family and it’s a great opportuing their communities. For the past two nity that helps first generation students to years, students at RFHS have won the attend college.” scholarship. Ruby Lang, a RFHS alumni, All of the winners encourage upcom won the scholarship in 2015, followed by ing seniors to apply for the scholarship Joselinne Medrano who won the scholarwhen the time comes and encourage them ship in 2016. to reach out to past winners. Gonzalez In order to receive this scholarship, states, “I would tell those who are thinkstudents must meet several eligibility reing about applying to definitely go for quirements. Students must be high school it, it’s a pretty great opportunity. [The seniors graduating from an accredited scholarship] is not and opportunity that school in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, you should pass up, it’s an opportunity or Wyoming. Students’ families must be that you should definitely take advantage within a specific income bracket which of.” Although the application process can demonstrates a need for financial aid. In be stressful, the payoff is greater. Rico addition, students are required to achieve states, “I talked to Joselinne who got it ACT scores of at least 17 in each category last year and she inspired and told me to (Math, English, Reading, Science); or an go for it plus Lorenzo and [Enrique] apSAT Math score of at least 400 and Critiplied as well and they really motivated me cal Reading score of at least 440. to keep going. It helps to have people who The process to apply for the scholarship are familiar with you when you are going is not easy. Students completed multiple The Daniels Fund Scholarship finalists. Photo by Kelsie Goodman through the process” essays and underwent interviews on their The Daniels Fund Scholarship provides a great opportunity to hard-working path to the finish line. When asked about his experience Andrade states, “It’s a and high-performing students who otherwise might not be able to afford a college long process and patience is definitely required, but the payoff is definitely worth education. Students at RFHS continue to apply to this scholarship annually. all the effort.”

Out with the Old, in with the Riverview!

- Ruby Fuller

The community in the Roaring Fork Valley is growing, and in order to meet the needs of this growth, a new school accommodating pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students is being built in Glenwood Springs. This new school will be called Riverview School. Many people are wondering, what this new school is and why is it being built.

Riverview is being built because of a serious overcrowding situation. Sopris Elementary suffers from the overcrowding situation. There are currently about two to three hundred extra students enrolled there.

Glenwood Springs Elementary School is beginning to show signs over overcrowding as well. Riverview School’s goal is to create a solution to this problem.

Overcrowding creates the problem of less resources as well as lower test scores because the teachers spend more time managing the overcrowded classroom instead of providing quality teaching for each student. In New York, a 1993-1994 study done by the Seattle Pi revealed that students in a very overpopulated school had significantly lower test scores than the students in non-overpopulated schools. Not only that, but overcrowding makes each teacher more stressed.

Riverview School is being built near the intersection of Hwy 82 and County Rd 154 (Westbank turn off). Many of the students going to schools like Sopris

Elementary and Glenwood Springs Elementary are very pleased with the location of the school. A large amount of students live in the Ironbridge area, and those who ride the bus to get to school are picked up at 6:40am and sit through a 30-45 minute drive to school.

Another benefit of the school is dual language.

As of now, Basalt Elementary School is the only school that is a dual language school in the Roaring Fork District. Riverview School plans on being a dual language school as well which will support the growing population of bilingual students throughout the Valley. Drew Adams, the principal at Roaring Fork High School, made the comment “Dual langauge is a great opportunity to help students have a deeper understanding of cultural differences and also language differences.” Research shows this will also bridges the gap between two races and better facilitates diversity in schools. In addition, students who are new English speakers also have a better transition to education with dual language schools. In 2016, California voters passed a proposition repealing the English Only act, prohibiting language other than

Coutesy photo

English to be used in public schoolsAdditionally, teacher displacement due to the new Riverview School has impacted the entire school district. Adams comments, “With the teacher displacements, there’s a whole set of teachers, like two dozen of them, who are being displaced. I think there’s 21 that are still looking for new positions for next year and I think that’s a pretty big impact.” The Post Independent Newspaper is in agreement with Adams on this. An article on the teacher displacement states “Roaring Fork School District teachers who are displaced from where they currently teach due to enrollment shifts to the new Riverview School south of Glenwood Springs next school year may or may not be picked to teach at the new school.” The principal of the new school, Adam Volek, is currently interviewing all applicants who want to be a teacher at the school, but it is still a gamble whether or not they will be hired.

Overall, many people are very excited for what the school has to bring. Riverview will hopefully bring more intimate student-teacher relationships making learning a lot more effective. As well as, Riverview could potentially create more jobs for teachers in the valley or coming to the valley. Riverview is now in the process of being built and is open for enrollment.

Sports

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Roaring Fork’s Track Team is Off To The Races -Mariana Cortes

The 2017 track season has arrived. Practices are Monday through Friday from 4-5pm. Adjusting in the first few weeks of track practice is tough work as members work hard to get into shape and prepare for their events. After conditioning, students focus on specific events such as sprint medley, relay, meter hurdles, meter dash, and more. The team currently competes against other teams within and outside of the Roaring Fork District. As of now 28 Roaring Fork High School (RFHS) students participate in track.

Senior Jazmin Contreras, has been participating in track ever since she won her first race back in eighth grade. In no time, Contreras was hooked and wanted to keep going. She currently participates in the 100m dash, 200m dash and, the 4x 100m relay. Contreras continues to achieve her goals and is making sure she is improving every practice. Her first time to ever qualify for state was when she was a sophomore.

“It was something that I hadn’t really thought about during track season, until one day my coach said that I had made it. It took me a second to realize that he was talking about state,” she laughed. Last year, Contreras had set a goal, to earn a place on the podium at state which was the top 9. With her perseverance she was able to make it.

Like any person, Contreras feels nervous before any track meet. “They say being a little nervous is a good, but my nerves go beyond that,” says Contreras.

A strategy that helped Contreras was to really focus on what needed to be completed throughout that day. “Although it never saves me from shaking in the blocks before a race, it helps.” Contreras’ goal for this

Senior Soccer Reflections -Kloe Lee

Lisenia Sandoval: What’s a goal for your last soccer season as a Ram? “To increase my self esteem and as a whole to learn teamwork and fair play.”

Eryn Doherty: What’s a goal for your last soccer season as a Ram? “I want to enjoy the time I have with all my teammates, Nick, and the other seniors.”

What team do you really want to beat? Why? “I really think we can beat Aspen!”

Tavia Teitler: What’s a word you hope to describe your last season?

“Enjoyable” What’s a goal for your last soccer season as a Ram? “To have lots of fun and work really hard” Corey Johnson: What team do you really want to beat? Why? “I think Basalt is our biggest rival, and it would be awesome to beat them on their field this season!

Every year we play a very close game or tie.”

Elle Derby: What’s a goal for your last soccer season as a Ram? “To better my skills and make the team the best they can be.”

year is to break the school’s 100m dash time record.

Her fastest time is 12.58 seconds, and the school’s current time is 12.57 seconds. This goal helps her maintain motivation during practices and work harder to make sure she beats it. “Eyes on the prize,” is a phrase Contreras keeps in mind.

Equally as impressive is Junior Jasper Germain,

Justin Thompson participating in the long jump Courtesy Photo

who is another a member of the track team with serious goals he would like to achieve. Just like Contreras, Germain was also another student who made it to state. He has participated in track since

middle school and continues to do it throughout high school. “It has always been a passion of mine,” he says. Germain currently participates in the 110m hurdles and high jumps. Germain, a student who made it and won state, still works on improving his skills knowing he can do a lot more than he expects.

“My mind was blown just because it was an insane jump for me and I had some intense competition,” he added. Before any pre-track meet Germain feels nervous and excited, “I like to see how everyone’s improved in every track meet.” When it comes to running Germain makes sure he always crosses the finish line.

This season many new freshmen have joined the track experience. Freshman, Charlie Candela decided to join track because he wanted to take on a challenge. He is now participating in 100m dash and 200 m dash. Candela’s first race was very nerve wracking, “you never know what can happen,” he laughed. Although practices can be challenging Candela is working hard. “I’m starting from the bottom, first time, and I’m fighting to improve,” he says. This far in his track experience, Candela is eagerly looking forward to joining next year and improving his skills.

As the season continues, these students are putting forth the effort to show what they can do. Coach Ken Woodard’s projection for this season is to be successful and get 5-8 people to state. In order for this to happen, students will have to get into the top 18 from the time distances. If they make it onto the top 18 they will have the opportunity to go and compete against other students. All in all, its gonna be an exciting track season.

Captain’s Corner: RFHS Baseball -Aiden Foote

The 2017 boys baseball team has kicked off its season and with the leadership of Hayden Bernot, Axel Palomera, Johan Anchondo Duran, Aldo Pinela, Taylor Carney, Eduardo Yanez, Jake Kelley, the players are hopeful for a great season.

The baseball team is not choosing captains this year and is instead opting to have the seniors lead the team. All the seniors are excited going into this next season with their new team and have high hopes for all the players. Senior Palomera said that one of the main reasons this baseball season is going to be successful is that “the baseball team is experienced and works very hard.” Since Palomero is one of the leaders, he said, “My role as being a senior is to set an example by working hard and putting in 100%.”

Senior Bernot, who has been a crucial player to the team for the last four years, said, “We need to make sure that everyone on the team stays focused during practice and games, and make sure everyone is just jelling together.” This season Bernot is trying to really unite the players and, as a leader, he hopes to “keep the team upbeat and make sure [everyone] is focused.” Bernot said that he has extremely high hopes for the team and, if they can “throw strikes and play [together],” they will be able to win games and work towards the playoffs.

Like his fellow players, Senior Anchondo has high hopes for the upcoming season and explains that being one of the leaders on the baseball team

means that he needs to push every single one of this teammates to do their best and lead them in the right direction. Anchondo said, “If the team is losing, I try to keep their heads up and push them to play the best they can because they haven’t lost until the end of the final inning.” He feels the team works well together because “they respect me like I respect them.”

This team is expecting a great season and have some great captains that will lead the team in the directing they need. They hope to have more wins by the end of this season than last season and, with the great leaders of this team, it is looking optimistic.

Junior Ralph Goode, a starting player on varsity, up to bat against Grand Valley. -Photo by Taylor Carney

Entertainment Gems of the Valley: Red hill and Mushroom Rock -Solana Teitler

Many people travel to Utah to see red rocks and hike to beautiful places, but you don’t need to drive far for beauty with Red Hill right in Carbondale’s front yard! A hike up Red Hill will transport you from Colorado’s pine trees and steep mountains to red sand and sage bushes. A family friendly and dog-welcoming hike, Red Hill is the place to go, winter, spring, summer, or fall.

How to get there: Red Hill is at the intersection of Highway 133 and Highway 82, right outside Carbondale. The convenient access and easy parking makes this hike even more enjoyable.

-Tyler Gruel

April Horoscopes

Aquarius - January 20 - February 18 Make like a baby and experience the world as a series of great terrors interspersed with brilliant comedies and lots of food and sleep.

Pisces - February 19 - March 20 Confused? At a loss for what to do? Wow, sounds like you’re human. Good luck.

Aries - March 21 - April 19 If you love something, set it free. If it starts running around lighting buildings on fire, you may have been in love with an arsonist. Don’t forget to shop for groceries this week, Aries.

Taurus - April 20 - May 20 Before you can love other people, you must learn to love the authoritarian reptile overlords who mandate your worship.

Gemini - May 21 - June 21 Some people believe in aliens, but then other people ARE aliens using mind control. Don’t forget who you are, Gemini Cancer - June 22 - July 22 “Human being”, like “Men working” and “Children playing”, is a sentence with a noun, a verb, and the possibility of an imminent disaster.

Courtesey Photo

What to do: To reach the trailhead from the parking lot, one needs to walk uphill on a short and gravel road for about .2 miles. From the trailhead, there are several different paths, all of which lead up to the top of the hill eventually. Take some time to figure out how long you want your hike to be, and plan accordingly; the regular trail is about 3 miles round trip, but there’s lots of options! When you reach the top, there is an outlook called Mushroom Rock. If you walk out onto the rock (be careful!) you will be rewarded with one of the best views of Carbondale and the surrounding valley.

Word to the wise: If you are planning this hike after heavy spring rain, make sure you have good tread on your shoes and don’t mind getting a little muddy!

Guess the RFHS Staff

Leo - July 23 - August 22 Possible rain today. Also, possible sun. For a complete list of all that’s possible, consult the great works of fact and fiction. Work on forgetting your past lives and everything that happened last week.

Virgo - August 23 - September 22 You will feel a haunting sadness about times gone by. Today’s smell is wheatgrass and toast.

Libra - September 23 - October 22 Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads. We’re going to die and decompose someday, so roads will be unnecessary at that point.

Scorpio - October 23 - November 21 All you need is love. And a military-grade gas mask. And bottled water. And several months of rations. That and love is all you need Sagittarius - November 22 - December 21 If you believe in infinite possible universes, then there’s a world where you don’t have a spider on your shirt right now Capricorn - December 22 - January 19 Those were not contact lenses you put in this morning. Best not think about this again, Capricorn.

8 Rampage April 2017

Rampage Staff Editors in Chief Elle Derby Tavia Teitler

Editorial Staff Feature Editor Eryn Doherty News Editor Kloe Lee Focus Editor Elle Derby Tavia Teitler Sports Editor Liam Laird Solana Teitler Entertainment Editor Iliana Castillon Trinity Potter Copy Editors Hannah Bingaman Iliana Castillon Solana Teitler Chelsey Serrano

Journalists Mariana Cortes Aiden Foote Ruby Fuller Tyler Gruel Rex Hamilton Lilly Peery Daniela Rivera Gaby Santana Policy Statement: Published 8 times a year, the student newspaper of Roaring Fork High School is a public forum, with its students editorial board making all decisions concerning its content. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Answer from the previous issue: Kayla Henley