The Lake - Oct. 2013

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austin clark

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most schools 9300 West 104th Place // Westminser, CO // 80021 // USA // Planet Earth // Milky Way Volume 25 // Issue 1 October 18 2013

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   

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The

Lake FACEBOOK.COM/STANDLEYLAKENEWSPAPER

@THELAKENEWSMAG @THELAKENEWSMAG

The whiskey tango hotel

the long stuff

4 // the goods

12// defying expectations

From the quarter century mark for Standley Lake to 2013’s most anticipated video game, to Mr. Evans, we’ve got it here

How one freshman inspired an entire team

8 // 30-second sports update

18// preying for safety

Your quick fix on the sports of the Swamp

An exploration into the safety of Westminster and its possibly dangerous inhabitants

10 // Gator hoco

22// get your shine on

The stories you didn’t hear from #GatorHoco 2013

Table of contents

The story of one girl’s not-so-sparkling life leading her to a glittering dream

26// Let Me hear you scream A behind-the-scenes look at Westminster’s most popular haunted house

Hi there.

It’s nice to see you again.

Oc tob er 18 2013 // 3

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The Election

A new school board in the workings The upcoming school board elections for Jefferson County will drastically determine the way our district is run. While each candidate has his or her own goals and opinions, the general effects felt by the election can be separated into two categories.

One of the goals of Ken Witt, Julie Williams, and John Newkirk are to stop direct deposit of union dues, ultimately making it more difficult for teachers to be able to be a part of the union and have their voices heard. Another goal of this group is to have the school budget be com-

pletely transparent to the taxpayer, allowing them to know where their money is going. But where do these candidates plan for their money to go? “It’s important that we focus education dollars to the classroom,” said Ken Witt.

The other three candidates, Tonya Aultman Bettridge, Jeff Lamontagne, and Gordon ‘Spud’ Van de Water are satisfied with how the budget is distributed, but would emphasize teacher salary. They believe that increasing the importance of teacher budgets would in turn increase the efficiency and quality of our education.

“You know most of it goes to a staffing and I think it’s important, again, to make our teachers feel support. Students can’t achieve and grow very well if teachers aren’t well supported. So you know I think investing in teachers is great I think that investing and making sure that we’ve got adequate buildings and technology is important, to create a work force,” said Jeff Lamontagne. For more information about each of the candidates, check out their websites.

The election will take place on the November 5 ballot.

25 Years of SLHS History Looking back at the past of our school

1989: Standley Lake is built and the first students enter the school.

1990: The first sports banner is added to the wall when Boys Soccer become the Jeffco League Champions.

1992: Stan Kahng becomes Standley’s first Boettcher scholar.

1989

4 // Octob er 18 2013

1990

1992

1999

2001

1999: Varsity softball places third in State.

2001: A new wing is added to the school while classes are in session.

2002: Varsity cheers makes it to Nationals.

2013: Varsity football sets a new standard for athleticexcellence on the gridiron.

2002

2013

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Just ca n’t get enou Like us.

Follow us.

Share with us.

gator bucket list Go to the homecoming football game and squeeze your way past the rowdy seniors to the front row.

Sing along at the Spring Musical and surprise your favorite lead with flowers.

How can you go without washing?

Be bold and lead the “I Believe” chant at a volleyball, football, or basketball game.

Jeans What You Think: Two uses What the experts Recommend: Three uses until a wash

Join a cool club you never thought you would join (yoga club, womens rights club, video game club, etc.)

Bed Sheets

Be sly during a conversation with Mrs. B and drop the question: Are you from Australia?

What You Think: When mom decides to clean them What the experts recommend: Clean them at least every two weeks

Buy a “famous” m&m cookie from Gator Alley

Car What you think: Until you can no longer see out the windows What the experts recommend: A weekly wash

Go on a sweet class trip (Moab, Europe, Germany)

Lucky Game Socks

Watch at least one WNL performance. Just remember to sit back, relax, and laugh until you cry.

What you think: After the championship parade What rhe experts recommend: One wear, then hit the washer

Ask a date to a dance in some unique way that they’ll remember forever (and if this idea is at an assembly, get a better idea) If you’re a junior or senior girl, bring out your inner man and play some powder puff football!

If you’re a senior join powder puff cheer for homecoming week

keep it clean

Makeup Brushes

From top to bottom: Students spread the spirit while chanting the “I Believe”chant at a footbal game.

Current and former gators spend a day at the Eiffel Tower in Paris on the 2013 trip to Europe.

Three boys try their hand at cheering, participating in Powderpuff.

What you think: You have to wash those things?

What the experts recommend: Clean once a week

Hoodie What you think: If it smells like the boys’ locker room, it’s time for a cleaning What the experts recommend: Wear it two or three times before washing

Octob er 18 2013 // 5

3

Things You Don’t Know About Mr. Evans

1.Mr. Evans has always been involved in music

“My music turned into a profession when it was supposed to be a hobby, that’s kinda awesome. I have the perfect relationship with teaching and music. My band started 12 years ago, I actually helped form it. The head, I want to call him “the leader” is Steve Franklin. He actually was my high school band director. One night I ran into him during a blues jam at a restaurant called Ziggies. He said “Hey we just got fired from our band. You want to start one?” He works in Jeffco right now. He is actually the Outdoor Lab music man, so if you see “the music man” who stands up there and plays guitar, that’s Steve Franklin. Otherwise the band is full of engineers, and surgical nurses. We gig almost every weekend now. Last summer we played in front of several thousand people on Lake Dillon. That was our biggest show ever. Now it’s mostly private and that’s monetary driven. So that’s pretty cool.”

Mr. Evans is a

2. professonal snowboarder “I helped start the CU snowboarding team. I taught coaches and I taught Richards, he was an Olympic halfpipe snowboarder the first year the US was present in the halfpipe. He was at our house, it was our first meeting, and a bunch of professionals showed up. We got the freestyle ski team to support us.”

3. Mr. Evans motorcyles everywhere “I motorcycle all over the country in the summer with my buddies and my wife. The longest I’ve ever gone was probably to the west coast. That took two weeks. My wife and I have been all over Wyoming, too.”

Q&A With Rob Marko-Franks Q: What is your favorite part about being a part of the fall play?

Rob: I think what’s really cool about it is the fact that you can be another person and put yourself in situations that you yourself would normally never be exposed to, but the fact that you can do that just in any time just by reading a book or a play is really what draws me to it.

Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened in rehearsal so far?

Rob: Probably, oh wait I can’t talk about it. There is a plot twist that was pretty funny

when we found out about it because of the character involved and it was just this nice surprise for everyone, but I can’t talk about it. You’ll have to see it.

Q: If you could take one character trait from your character and make it a part of yourself, what would it be?

Rob: Probably just his sweetness, and how humble he is. I just think that that’s his best trait and if I could embody just a little bit of that sweetness and kindness to those around him then that’s what I would want.

The Fall Play will be on October 17, 18, & 19 at 7p.m.

6 // Octob er 18 2013

Arkham Origins shines light on Dark Knight New edition of game passes The Lake’s test In 2009, GamesRadar, E3, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and Crispy Gamer’s Game of the Year award was given to Batman: Arkham Asylum, Arkham Asylum also won the Games Magazine 2010 Game of the Year award. In 2011, Yahoo! Games, Metacritic, and GameRankings awarded their Game of the Year award to the sequel Batman: Arkham City. So it’s only natural for the third installment of the Arkham videogame series to be the best yet, and believe us, it is that good.

The point of Batman: Arkham Origins is to survive as Batman to defeat crime lord Roman Sionis (aka “Black Mask”) and the 8 assassins he’s hired to take out a bounty on Batman. With the developer of the previous games, Rocksteady, ending their contract last year, they didn’t

return as developers, which made us skeptical on the quality and design of the game. Enter Warner Bros. Montreal, the new developers. We had nothing to worry about. WB Montreal did an amazing job with the graphics. The graphics in Batman: Arkham Origins put Arkham City’s to shame. Batman will never be real, but it feels like he is actually playing this game.

Batman: Arkham Origins takes place in the early years of Batman, somewhere around the Year One story arc, so before the events of Arkham City or Arkham Asylum. It’s Christmas Eve in Gotham City and assassins from around the world have been hired by Gotham’s biggest crime lord, not Sal Maroni or Carmine Falcone, but Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask. Sionis has placed a hefty bounty on Batman’s head

and he’s hired 8 assassins to try to claim the bounty. There have been 6 of the 8 assassins that have been named, they are: The Joker, Bane, Firefly, Deadshot, Deathstroke, and Copperhead.

The game will be rated T for teen. It’s set for release on Oct. 25, 2013 for Xbox 360, Wii U and Playstation 3. It’s already been named Best Video Game by Forbes Magazine, Best Action Game by Game Informer, Best Comic Book Related Game by Newsarama, and Best Xbox 360 Game by IGN upon it’s appearance at E3 2013.

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars

What the heck is in your food?

1. Human hair and bird feathers: In baked goods and bread dough 2. Shellac: The shiny coating on jelly beans 3. Cows stomach: In some cheeses 4. Beaver Anal Gland Juice: Vanilla or raspberry flavoring 5. Titanium dioxide (A paint chemical): In salad dressing and coffee creamer Octob er 18 2013 // 7

Q&A with RiAnna May

30-S Spo Upd

Q: Why are you so passionate about softball?

May: Well, I think the fact that I haven’t been playing that long helps, a lot of people get burned out on sports, like if they’ve been playing their whole life, so since I’ve only been playing for four years, I’m still really learning every day.

Q: What pushes you to win?

May: Well, I mean, that’s what makes the game fun. No one really likes to lose. I just think that working as a team and even coming back is still a lot of fun.

Q: How does your family support your softball career?

May: Oh man. Well, my dad has really helped a lot.

He coached my brother in baseball for 14 years, so he knows a lot about the game, so he definitely helps me. Just hitting balls to me everyday; and my mom is definitely supportive, like when I first started she would drive me to and from, like from soccer practice to softball practice and games.

They’ve all just been really supportive.

Q:What’s one of the funniest moments you can remember happening at a game, on or off the field?

May: Probably my freshmen year, Melissa Hermona and I made varsity as freshmen, and we were the only ones. At practice one day, she was playing some infield position, and she threw the ball and just lost her balance and fell straight on her face right in front of everyone. Just being freshmen made it really embarrassing.

Te n n i s A year after not winning a single match, the boys tennis team finished with a record of 4-8 and made it to Regionals, where they finished in 7th place out of seven schools. “We did so much better because we started working harder and working as a team more,” Sonareth Yann ‘15 said. (Photo courtesy of Jena Patti)

Q: Who did you look up to as a freshmen?

May: Mostly the seniors; Nicole Hudson really stood out to me. She just worked hard every single day. I mean, she is obviously known as a really good hitter, and she’s respectful and dedicated and that just really meant a lot.

Q: How has that affected your playing through the years?

May: My work ethic and dedication; it pushed me to show up to summer workouts and things like that.

Q: How has the team improved this year?

May: In so many ways. I think our defense has become incredibly solid, and we definitely have learned to fight back. There’s been several games in the past couple weeks where we’ve come back from being down, and I think that’s a huge part of it.

Q: What’s your favorite part about playing?

May: I think coming back in a game is really exciting. Just when people doubt you and you prove them wrong. That’s fun.

8 // Octob er 18 2013

C r o s s C o u nt r y

G ol f The Gator golf team finished fourth in the league this season, led to state by Andrew Hewitt ‘15. He finished 72nd at State out of 84 golfers.

The cross-country team has had a very successful year and almost everyone on the team has beaten their PR (personal record). With new coach Craig Wagner and a whole summer of training, the team has come together and placed in multiple meets.

Jake Linford ’14 said, “We have a young and good team. This is just the start of the legacy of Standley Lake Cross Country.”

G ym n a s t ic s Girls gymnastics had a successful season, ranked in the top ten in the state. On Oct. 25, they will compete in state regionals. Most improved gymnast Mikaela Fatzinger ’14 said, “I think all of us have improved a lot this season.”

-Second orts pdate Soccer Takes Over

Boys soccer kicked off the season with a seven game winning streak, dominating schools such as Columbine, Westminster, and Conifer. The storm rolled over with an extremely upsetting loss against the Pomona Panthers, but the team didn’t let that loss phase them. “I think we’ve done so well this season because of how close our whole team is together and how we all get along so well no matter what’s going on,” Tyler Atwood ‘14 said. Their record at press time was 9-2-1 with a definite playoff position.

A few of the star players on the team are Kyler Fowkes ‘16, who leads the team in number of goals with nine. Adam Williams ‘15 has 6 assists so far this season. In the 5A Jeffco League Standings, the Gators put in work to claim the number three spot, below Ralston Valley in second and Arvada West, who is currently in first place. “I think because of how long we’ve all played together and because everyone on our team are some of our closest friends on and off the field, we connect differently than other teams,” Atwood said.

Vol leyb a l l Girls volleyball has played their hearts out this season, unfortunately to no avail. They have a current record of 1 - 14 with no ties. “It’s been a rough season, started off pretty rocky but hopefully the second half of the season will turn out better,” Natalie Ripsam ‘14 said.

Fans in the Stands

Octob er 18 2013 // 9

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Hidden Homecoming: The untold stories of the most anticipated week of the year

the lady gator Tasha Sanger ‘14 struts her confidence down the runway at Taste Of Homecoming, in the Belts and Buckles Contest.

the powderpuff rep The eight boys in matching pink shorts and headbands took center stage as hundreds of screaming bedsheet-clothed seniors in the bleachers went crazy. Among the glitter and confetti stood Jake Linford ‘14, preparing for the cheer performance of the year as he took his place on the mats. The music started, and all attention shifted to the boys as they began their routine.

Linford was initially nervous about the performance, but it didn’t last forever. “When the crowd started to cheer the nerves went away,” Linford said. He enjoyed the performance and continued to recall his feelings about the experience.

“When they threw me, I was focused on not breaking my ankle,” Linford said. The senior cheerleaders were smiling and laughing proudly as they directed the performance.

“Working with the cheerleaders was great, they did a really good job,” Linford said. “After the first two practices I was so sore. I’m in relatively good shape but cheer uses different muscles than running, and my legs hurt so bad.”

In addition to his cheer responsibilities, Linford had another unique job for the week.

“The football boys asked me to be the conditioning coach for the powerpuff girls,” Linford said. “When the girls did something wrong, they would call over ‘Coach Linford’ and I would say, ‘Take a lap!’ None of them would actually take a lap, but it was just fun to be there. Now whenever I see all them in the hall they tell me to ‘take a lap.’ It’s like my catch phrase. “

the powderpuff rep Jake Linford ‘14 shakes his “groove thang” to the boys’ cheerleading dance routine at the homecoming assembly.

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the apple digger The bobbing apples in the bowls were filled with water, and the crowds anxiousness rose dramatically as the contestants took the floor to participate in the game. This game was unlike any other that has been done during a homecoming assembly. It is not everyday that people shove their heads in a bowl of water chasing apples.

“Don’t screw up, do not drown, and do not embarrass yourself,” said Adam Williams ‘15 over and over in his head.

There was also an overwhelming feeling of nervousness and anxiety that took over. “I was nervous, just because I have never bobbed for apples in my life. It was a hard thing, and I didn’t know what to do,” Williams said.

At first, the game seemed somewhat simple until Williams got a little bit ahead of himself

10 // Octob er 18 2013

when he only dug for one apple and then moved on to the next task, leaving the rest of the apples behind. He soon noticed that he was supposed to go for all of them when he looked over at his opponents and they were taking out every single one. ”I was very embarrassed when I only caught one apple when I was supposed to get all of them. The freshmen and the sophomores knew better than I did,” Williams said.

His unawareness did not stop him from adding to the efforts that awarded the junior class second place in the relay.

The crowd did not stop cheering him on, screaming his name, and patting on his back as he ran for the bleachers with his soaking wet face.

the apple digger

Adam Williams ‘15 dives for an apple in ice cold water during a relay race at the homecoming assembly.

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the lady gator Homecoming Queen and fashion show star, Tasha Sanger ’14 had an unforgettable homecoming experience. “The homecoming royalty was a surprise, but it made everything about homecoming a lot more fun.,” Sanger said.

During the day of the assembly and fashion show, Sanger was busy with fun activities but was never nervous. “I was only nervous about not stepping on my toga and having it all fall off,” Sanger said. As she strutted down the black wooden runway, Sanger radiated confidence and poise, her fears not apparent.

As the sun went down and air got cooler the moment of homecoming royalty was drawing near. The royalty kings and queens walked on the crisp green field, sparkling with the freshly fallen snow, waiting for the winners to be announced. Sanger wasn’t expecting her name to be called. “I made a really weird face when I found out I won. It was really awesome,” Sanger said. “I remember freshman year looking at the tiaras and I was thinking, ‘Wow that would be awesome to get that,’ but I knew I never actually would. But this year I did.”

the band champ The homecoming football game is the most attended game of the season. Everyone in the stands chants, “I believe that we will win!”

But among the cheers and scores, the Standley Lake pep-band prepared their instruments for a shining moment of their own.

That’s the only way we will be good,” Rosendahl said. “Halftime is my favorite part. Most people don’t talk to us during the game because we’re so focused on Mr.Reed and playing the songs, so halftime is the only time I can break away and be with my friends.”

Austin Rosendahl ‘16 readied his bass clarinet and played his heart out. “The game is fun because that’s what we love to do,” said Rosendahl.

This year, marching band was demoted to a pep-band. “Last year we didn’t get a lot of support, and we didn’t work hard enough to make it good,” said Rosendahl. It was an odd experience at halftime when there wasn’t a performance following the Poms dance. “It was weird not playing at half time, but it is what it is,” Rosendahl said.

As the night went on, the sound of the band continued to fill the stadium and lift the spirits of everyone around. “Playing with the band is so fun, but we have to work at our songs.

the band futurechamp gator the Austin Rosendahl ‘16 shows his passion as a bass clarinet player while the band performs at the homecoming football game.

the soak master This year wasn’t a normal Taste Of Homecoming for science teacher Mr. John Moriarty.

He anxiously waited for 12:15 p.m. all day, knowing he would have to sit down under a hose where he voluntarily became completely soaked in freezing cold water.

But soon enough, 12:15 p.m. arrived and he had to face the dunk tank. “The first dunk was fun and after that, I couldn't wait to be gone,” Moriarty said.

The first student excitedly walked up to the line and threw the ball at the button, water instantly pouring out right on the head of Moriarty.

He sat in soaking wet clothes for 30 minutes,

the soak master

Mr. John Moriarty tries to stay warm while voluntarily participating in a dunk tank at the Taste Of Homecoming.

repeatedly getting freezing water dropped over his head. “I was expecting it to be cold, but I wasn't smart enough to bring a swimsuit like everyone else,” Moriarty said.

Despite the temperature and uncountable wetness, Moriarty said, “I'm glad they made money.” Student after student laughed at him as they watched him sit like a drenched, cold puppy, but the worst part was when “Ms. Esposito and Ms. Sabadosh came and pressed the button on me without giving a ticket... they were mean.”

Mr. Moriarty was quite the trooper. “It was fun and I would do it again.”

// sarah bennett, chaye gutierrez, sabrina pacha, alie settje

Octob er 18 2013 // 11

For the love of the game Varsity football welcomes Austin Clark ‘17 to the brotherhood

12 // October 18 2013

October 18 2013 // 13

What is spina bifida?

Spina Bifida is a birth defect, which occurs when the vertebrae doesn’t form around the spinal cord correctly.

8

the number of babies born with spina bifida everyday

40

the percent of people who also have a form of epilepsy with their spina bifida

0

the number of cures for spina bifida

14 // October 18 2013

He’s joked on the bus on the way to every football game this season. He’s celebrated every victory. He wears his jersey with pride around these halls on the days of each big game.

But his jersey has never been stained from being thrown to the ground from a tackle.

The varsity football team-- the best the team has been in school history-has welcomed Austin Clark ‘17 as one of their brothers.

Clark was born with a condition called Spina Bifida. In short, the condition limits him physically, but does not dampen his love of sports. Although he shows his love for football through spectating rather than playing, he loves the sport just as a typical athlete would.

Unfortunately, although his love of sports is the same as anybody else, people view him differently since he is in a wheelchair. This has led to a lifelong struggle that has influenced him heavily: bullying. “[In the past,] I wouldn’t be able to learn with people picking on me, and I would be distracted from school,” Clark said, “I would just be worried about them and wouldn’t be able to get the information that the teachers were trying to teach me because I would be so worried about other people bullying me.”

“Sometimes I didn’t want to go to school because I knew I was going to get bullied,” he said.

This all changed on Back to School Night.

And the people who changed it? The last group you would expect, stereotypically speaking.

The varsity football team.

That night, Jacob Naranjo ‘15, Trey Jarvis ‘14, and Matt Fujinami ‘14 approached Austin. “We saw him, and I was like, ‘That kid’s in my LINK class.

He’s one of my kids,’” Naranjo said. “So I went and talked to him and figured out that he really likes football. He told me that he was really excited to go watch the Littleton football game.”

“So, after we were done talking to him, we went and found Coach Morse and we told him we should really give Austin a chance to go onto the field or be on the bus with us and give him a jersey. And Morse did the rest,” Naranjo said.

“The rest” included an invite onto the field for the first varsity game, and grew into accepting Clark as part of the team, as one of the brothers.

“It’s unfortunate that people like Austin don’t get to play,” Fujinami said, “With myself, being such an athlete, I definitely feel for that. I want people to be able to experience what it’s like. And that’s pretty cool that we can do that for him and bring him along. It allows him to feel like a football player one time.”

Even beyond giving Clark the opportunity to know what it is like to be a member of the team, the boys have accepted him more than many others in Clark’s past.

“I know I’m handicapped, but if you could view me like a normal person, life would be a lot easier. I do the same things, just in a different way,” Clark said.

This belief, and longing for his peers to see him like this, drives him to advocate for himself against people who treat him differently.

“I just tell them that it’s bothering me, and respect that and stop it...Sometimes, I’m afraid that if I bring it up, it will make it worse, but usually I’m pretty confident. I’m like, ‘This is going to stop today,’” Clark said.

The football players are stereotypically known to be intimidating. However, the members of the varsity football team at Standley Lake are remarkable people. Also, they have welcomed Clark to be one of their brothers despite the fact that he cannot play.

Their incredible success including Clark as one of their own is reflected in their athletic success this season.

The offense has steered the team in a winning direction with Naranjo as the driver. As of Oct. 8, Naranjo is currently ranked 7th in 4A with 920 passing yards. Connor Durant ‘15 is ranked 4th in 4A for receiving with 416 yards. Durant is also ranked 6th in 4A by scoring 8 touchdowns and has helped lead the team to an undefeated record alongside Naranjo.

“I know I’m handicapped, but if you could view me like a normal person, life would be a lot easier. I do the same things, just in a different way.”

-Austin Clark ‘17

Above: Grant Gladstone ‘15 blocks the opponent, Greeley Central, during the game on Sept. 16.

October 18 2013 // 15

Making a Statement ­W-L: 6-0 Ranking: 2nd in 4a colorado offense: Jacob Naranjo ‘15 - 6th in 4a colorado in passing (920) Connor Durant ‘15 - 3rd in receiving (416) Matt fujinami’14 - 6th in Receiving (360) connor durant ‘15 - 6th in scoring (8 TD)

Defense: Tyler Davis ‘15 - 4th in tackles (64) trey jarvis ‘14 - 1st in sacks (11) Connor durant ‘15 -11th in interceptions (3) Top: Matt Fujinami ‘14, Anthony Moore ‘15, and Tyler Davis ‘15 celebrate the interception Connor Durant ‘15 made at the end of the 4th quarter in the game against Montbello. (photo courtesy The Denver Post) Bottom: (From left to right) Ben Quinones ‘16, Kyle Bender ‘15, and Austin Clark ‘17 watch the game against Green Mountain on Sept. 27 from the sidelines.

16 // October 18 2013

*due to press time the stats are updated as of Oct. 8.

Keeping the scoreboards tipped in favor of the Gators, the defense has also performed phenomenally this fall. Tyler Davis ‘15 who is ranked 4th in 4A with 64 tackles is averaging 10.7 tackles per game. Jarvis has also triumphed defensively this season as he is ranked 1st in 4A with 11 sacks.

Ranked 2nd in 4A, the team, as individuals, continues to improve to ensure that they make a statement.

“It’s cool, just to be a part of the team, because they haven’t had this good of a football team in a while, so I’m glad to be a part of it.” Clark said.

In fact, this is the best the football team has ever been. The team has only made playoffs twice in Standley Lake history.

The band of brothers may be seen as the jocks, and stereotypically on the bullying end of the stick around school, but this team has reversed that pattern, playing the role of “brothers” just as much as “athletes.”

Surprised? You shouldn’t be.

“Trey and I just agreed that it would be cool to bring him along as part of the team, I guess to be like a beacon or new light, kind of a symbol for us,” Fuijnami said.

Beyond supporting this team on the field, Austin excels as an athlete on the court-- specifically the basketball court. Clark has played wheelchair basketball for five years for the Denver Junior Rolling Nuggets, the only youth wheelchair basketball team in Colorado.

“I go to a camp called Wheelchair Sports Camp, and the coach came up to me [five years ago] and asked me, ‘Would you like to come out and try wheelchair basketball?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, sure.’ He invited me to come play because he thought I was good, I guess, and I’ve loved it ever since,” Clark said.

From that first point, others have seen Clark’s potential as an athlete, as well. “A couple of years ago, we had the national tournament here and the Oklahoma State coach came up to me and was like, ‘If you’re interested, come play for us, we’d like it’... I was like eleven,” Clark said.

routine also brought Clark closer to his dad-- homework. “He made it fun, enjoyable. I didn’t want to do it the first couple of weeks after he passed away,” Clark said.

Getting through homework was a small scale example of the many reasons Clark looked up to his dad, in addition his dad’s strength and optimism.

Clark’s dad had Multiple Sclerosis, more commonly known as MS, which weakened him over time. “It made me sad because I didn’t want to see him struggle like that... He did the best he could to try to hide it, but as it got worse, he just couldn’t,” Clark said.

Even before his dad’s passing, Clark knew that the disease was degenerative and would eventually kill him. Clark had gradually prepared himself to take responsibility in his family.

“I had to keep everybody going, I knew I had to help my mom take over in a couple years. I knew he was going to pass away in five to ten years probably. I didn’t know it was going to happen that soon, and I knew I had to help take care of my mom and my little brother,” Clark said.

Usually, the one, if only, gift from death is a new perspective on life, which Clark can see in his own experience. “It really helped me with how I look at life because it’s very short. Try to fit in as much as you can before you pass away,” Clark said.

Clark certainly has taken this to heart not only with his appreciation of the acceptance of the football team, but also his hopes for the future. “I want to be a sports announcer for hockey or basketball. I’ve just been around them for so long that I’ve gotten to know all the teams and all the sports,” Clark said.

“We treat him like a team player because he is one.”

-Jacob Naranjo ‘15

Just as Austin has supported the varsity football team this fall, his own wheelchair basketball team supported him through his own life battles outside of sports.

When Austin was in seventh grade, his dad unexpectedly passed away of unknown causes. “He was really healthy and everything, and he just went to the doctors that Friday. I wondered where he was, and he texted back and was like, ‘I have to spend the night, may come home tomorrow, we’ll see,’ and he stayed Saturday night, and Sunday morning, (snap) gone. Gone,” Clark said.

His team helped him use basketball as an attempt to release his grief in the weeks following the death of his father.

“They were trying to talk me through it because I’ve done it before, and they were just being really supportive,” Clark said, speaking of being there for his teammates in return. “I really needed the support instead of just grieving on my own, because the more support I had, the better the grief, and the less time it took to heal.”

Clark misses everything he and his father connected through, which was everything competitive. “There was one time, during the winter, my dad and I were having a snowball fight. He built his fort and I built my fort, and I grabbed a huge chunk of snow and chucked it. It hit him all over his face... he did it back,” Clark said with a smile at the memory.

While this was just one of many father-son bonding moments, a nightly

The football team, whether they know it or not, has given Clark, not only a chance to feel included in such a popular sport and large community, but also a chance to live out a dream and practice the lessons his dad taught him of working to be involved with different activities.

Now, the band of brothers’ bond has taken on an extraordinary, casual routine as it becomes a constant for both Clark and the team. These “jocks” have included Clark as a part of their football brotherhood. “We treat him like a team player, because he is one,” Naranjo said.

As teammates, the guys brought Clark a “get well” card after a minor surgery he had this past week. “I was not expecting that, I was surprised... It was nice. They were showing their support for me,” Clark said.

The school has followed the football team’s lead recently as well towards accepting Clark by electing him as freshman homecoming royalty. “After half-time, when it was announced that I won, the team said, ‘Congratulations, I’m glad you won,’ and stuff like that. They were supporting me on how I won and everything,” Clark said.

And so we come to an end. Or a beginning. We’re near the end of an amazing season for this year’s varsity football team, but the beginning of Clark finding his place in his high school career and a surely lifelong continuation of Clark’s love of sports.

The floodlights brighten up the field, the entire stands cheer from the edge of their seats, and a teammate sits, close enough for his brothers to hear his encouraging words. As the scoreboard lights up, the success celebrated is more than just a game won.

Success in this story comes, not from tackles, but compassion.

And that success has changed the team and Clark. // olivia koontz, tina muscarelli, laurel nordquist-zukin

October 18 2013 // 17

(Not so)

Safe and Sound

How close Is too close?

18 // October 18 2013

too

Walk quickly. Don’t talk to strangers.

Use the buddy system. Be home before dark.

close

Lock up the house. Don’t answer the phone.

These are the phrases Mom and Dad have drilled in your head for years and years. These phrases are what should prevent you from falling prey to predators.

for comfort

There are 10,096 registered sexual offenders in the state of Colorado. And one relentless convict in our neighborhood has resurfaced on the police’s radar after multiple convictions both here in the Mile High City and in California.

On Sept. 1, Steven Burmood, a registered sex offender, asked two kids outside of a Bradburn Village home if they wanted to be in a video he would conduct about God because they were beautiful. The mother, who was not visible to Burmood, immediately told him to leave, and then called the cops.

Do you really know your neighbors?

Take a look at this map and find out

Burmood was taken into custody but later released because of a lack of evidence.

Here’s the scary thing: Burmood lives two blocks away from Ryan Elementary— right where countless kids walk in pockets of twos and threes to and from their homes.

= SLHS

“There are no laws against sex offenders living close to a school,” Westminster Detective Sean Tyus said. “They can live right next door to one and nothing would happen to them.”

= This person has committed multiple sexual offenses

Burmood’s proximity to an elementary school encased in a family community begs the question: Are we safe?

= This person has been convicted of a felony

“We didn’t register sex offenders in the state of Colorado until 1994, and so now that we have lists of specific names,” Tyus said. “I couldn’t say that it’s safer. I just think the public is more aware.”

= This person has failed to register as a sex offender

Because of news broadcasts, we have received more and more coverage to help protect us from violence. The news of tragedy will never cease to bring us together.

= There are several sex offenders in this area

“I was glad that there was some sort of closure for the community, and you have

Washington St.

Lowell Blvd.

Last year’s deep wound from the murder of Jessica Ridgeway is still not healed.

When Austin Sigg confessed Oct. 1, we were reminded of the horrors the community faced last year.

Dillon Rd.

36

287

25

Midway Blvd.

W 100th Ave.

Sheridan

Simms St.

Wad swor th Pk

w y.

W 120th Ave.

Standley Lake For more information and an interactive map, go to http://www.colorado.gov/apps/cdps/soma/

October 18 2013 // 19

to think that it’s better than a 5-10 year trial,” Alex Moore ‘15 said.

So we begin to stow ourselves away from the danger, in our little cocoons, as our own form of protection. And as the one year anniversary is left behind, her mark on the community continues to shine like a beacon to keep the predators away.

This doesn’t mean we need to throw our kids in shining armor and give them a sword to fight a dragon. But maybe we do need to give them the guidelines.

“It is safer for kids to be in groups and watch out for each other,” a mother of three from Bradburn Village said. “A visible phone lets a potential perpetrator know that the child is aware and prepared to contact someone for help.”

Even though there is no law regarding how close a sexual predator can live to children, the constant tracking of these sexual predators by police is a reassurance.

We have the fortunate knowledge to know that the police stalk predators like hawks. They give off an aura of safety, and this knowledge pushes us to observe our surroundings constantly.

“It was upsetting and scary to hear about the Mr. Burmood incident,” an anonymous Bradburn Village parent said. “It was a good

reminder to talk to kids about strangers. I didn’t want to scare my kids, but they need to be aware of the situation. We don’t always know the intentions of people, so it is best to be cautious.”

Be cautious: that’s the trick.

“You just don’t know who is around. It’s a lot scarier to just let [the kids] go out and play.

There’s too much paranoia,” Tracy Morehouse, mother of one, said.

There shouldn’t be fear. We should be fearless, even with impending threats.

“I mean, we just never know,” Ryan Elementary principal Kristi Shaner said. “It should be a reassurance that he followed the law and that he registered.”

Registering a sex offender checks off just one person out of the many that are biding their time, lurking in the shadows like the monster under a small child’s bed.

“Just because we give you a list and someone is not on that list that doesn’t mean that they’re not sex offenders, because they can be sex offenders that we just haven’t caught yet,” Tyus said. “We want [the community] to know who they are but we also want people to be aware of everyone that’s a stranger.”

The chance of being the victim of sexual con-

tent or a violent crime is 1 in 441. Put yourself in a county that harbors 539,884 people that you may or may not know, and the risk rises.

Does this ugly truth prevent adults from seeing the big picture?

“People nowadays are not how they were when I grew up because there are more predators out there. You just don’t know who is around,” Morehouse said.

But according to the numbers, sexual assault has actually fallen more than 60% since the 1990’s. So why don’t we feel safe yet?

Why do we feel as if it’s gotten worse over the years?

“I think what definitely has changed now [is] when someone says this happened, it’s automatically believed and there’s an acceptance of that,” Social Studies teacher Mr. James McAvoy said. “What changed that though, I don’t know.”

Sexual predators may seem like they’re on the rise, but so is our coverage of the threat that they pose. We’re more aware than ever.

Parents strive to protect their young. That’s where we have the advantage against predators.

“I don’t go out very often because we are always with our kids but that is a sacrifice I am

On October 5, 2012 a 10-year-old girl was taken from our community. She was stripped of her childhood, affecting morepeople than we could ever know. A year ago, Jessica Ridgeway was taken by Austin Sigg, a former Standley Lake student.

The PUrple Will Never Fade

So many people who didn’t even know her personally went out and helped search for the little girl as much as they could to find her on that brisk Saturday morning after she was taken.

On October 5, 2013, the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park was officially dedicated in memory of Jessica and her love for purple and ribbons.

Austin Sigg plead guilty on October 1 to killing Jessica. Austin has 22 charges against him including kidnapping, first-degree murder, sexual-assault, and sexual exploitation of a child.

We talked to Michael Pesevento, Jessica’s cousin, who graduated from Standley Lake High School last year.

The Lake: How has your life changed since last October?

Michael:”It has truly shown me that life doesn’t stop for anything. After last October I continued to have to work and go to school. It’s impacted my life majorly because everything seems to remind me of either Jessica or the month of October.”

The Lake: Has this whole situation put more of a positive spin on life than negative?

Michael:“It made the elephant in the room in the room a lot more noticeable and bothersome. Everywhere I went with my family or friends I always felt as if there was something missing or different.”

On Oct. 5, 2012 a 10-year-old girl was taken felt as if there was something missing or first-degree murder, sexual-assault, and sexual The from Lake:our What are yourOn thoughts on the park? of a child. community.

Oct. 5, she wasnew memorial different. exploitation Michael: “Theofcommunity wasaffecting amazing and a blessing throughout all of last October and up to now with all the donations and prayers. Knowing that stripped her childhood, more We talked to Michael Pesavento, Jessica’s cousin, The Lake: What are your thoughts on the new people than could we could ever the know.

Onand Oct.come 5, this community spread word together so quickly in a time of need is truly a blessing for my family and me.” memorial park? who graduated from Standley Lake High School Ridgeway was taken Austin The Jessica Lake: What donations havebyyou and Sigg, your afamily received? last year. was amazing and week former Standley Michael:”My family Lake and Istudent. have received countless letters, stuffed animals, and donations. The amountPesavento: of letters The andcommunity cards we received the first a blessing throughout all of last October and The Lake: How has your life changed since last Hundreds of volunteers, many of whom of October after Jessica went missing was didn’t absolutely October? incredible.” up to now with all the donations and prayers. even know her personally, went out and helped search for the little girl that became the community angel on that brisk Saturday morning after she was taken.

Exactly one year later, the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park was officially dedicated in memory of Jessica and the things she loved most: purple, knock-knock jokes, and ribbons.

Austin Sigg plead guilty on Oct. 1 to the kidnapping, murder, and dismemberment of Ridgeway. He plead guilty to 22 counts against him, 15 of which deal with the kidnapping,

20 // October 18 2013

Pesavento: It has truly shown me that life doesn’t stop for anything. After last October, I continued to have to work and go to school. It’s impacted my life majorly because everything seems to remind me of either Jessica or the month of October.

The Lake: Has this whole situation put more of a positive spin on life than negative?

Pesavento: It made the elephant in the room a lot more noticeable and bothersome. Everywhere I went with my family or friends I always

Knowing that this community could spread the word and come together so quickly in a time of need is truly a blessing for my family and me.

The Lake: What donations have you and your family received?

Pesavento: My family and I have received countless letters, stuffed animals, and donations. The amount of letters and cards we received the first week of October after Jessica went missing was absolutely incredible.

// morgan rubendall

more than happy to make if it keeps them safe,” Andrea Oakley, mother of two elementary students, said. “From a very young age we have talked to our boys about the fact that their bodies belong to them and that they can and should set boundaries.”

There are 747,408 total sex offenders in the United States...

We are surrounded by predators. And whether we like it or not, we are prey.

“A ‘sexually violent predator’ [is] basically when a licensed psychiatrist states that if the person is released from prison he will re-offend, no question about it,” Tyus said.

They are out there.

...10,096 sex offenders in the state of Colorado...

Unity and communication between everyone is what the appropriate response is to any violent situation. Whether it be the community that came together last year in honor of Jessica Ridgeway or the communication between the schools, parents, business, and every other way you can spread the word; it all stemmed from our community.

“We tell kids you don’t talk to strangers, you don’t go towards their car, if somebody you don’t know is asking you for help, an adult would not ask a child for help,” Shaner said. “You need to ignore them, it’s okay to be rude to a stranger.”

Rather than our fists or pitchforks or guns, our unification is our weapon.

And rather than the predator’s vans or their candy or their puppies; their ignorance to our ability to come together in dire situations will always be their greatest weakness.

“I think people are very diligent so maybe that’s why there has been a decline because people are aware of it. And maybe we had one shocking incident, and as shocking as that incident was, it was one incident. So, if overall they have gone down then maybe people are more aware and they are paying attention,” McAvoy said.

Even though it’s a proven fact that sexual assault has fallen over the years and that we have the police by our side, let Burmood be a reminder.

Let him remind us that we have the capability to stand up against predators.

...and 132 in the city of Westminster...

CAution CAution CAution CAution CAution ..making Westminster safer than

34.4% of the cities in the nation.

CAution CAution CAution CAution CAution

know the facts

// sarah bennett, katelyn mertz, morgan rubendall, shylah ogle illustrations by aina azlan

54%

of sexual assaults are not reported to the police.

97%

of rapists never spend a day in jail.

57%

of rapes happen on dates.

75% of the men And 55% of the women involved in acquaintance rapes were drinking or taking drugs just before the attack.

Statistics Courtesy of: the colorado Bureau of Investigation the Rape, abuse & incest national network and one in four Inc.

October 18 2013 // 21

22 // October 18 2013

the girl behind the glitter More than a pretty face, Lexi Pickett ‘15 proves she’s a diamond in the rough

October 18 2013 // 23

24 // October 18 2013

L

exi Pickett ‘15 doesn’t walk, she struts—purse draped over her shoulder, 7-mile-long hair freshly teased and hair-sprayed into place with precision. She doesn’t smile, she gives you a half smirk and an eyebrow-raise that screams flirtation. And when passing her by in the hallway, you can’t help but notice the confidence, grace, and poise that radiate from her 5’9”, Coloradoborn body—three very important traits for a hopeful pageant queen to possess.

“You choose to be confident; either you are or you’re not,” Pickett said.

It’s a conscious choice to be confident—to have faith in yourself, to believe in your own beauty, and to portray that to the world. It’s a choice she made when she decided to take part in the Miss Teen Colorado Pageant.

“I got a letter in the mail that said I should apply. I submitted a picture of myself and a paragraph, and a month later I was officially invited,” Pickett said. “The more I looked into it, the more I saw the big picture because it’s really like starting your own career. It’s a career.”

The decision to be a contestant in the pageant was met by enthusiasm from her family, especially from her grandmother, who was a contestant in the Miss Denver pageant in 1961.

“My grandma tries to teach me how to walk, and she tries to be my coach, and that’s cute,” Pickett said.

“If you have a bathing suit on, you walk kind of sporty. If you have a gown on, you walk elegant. And all the time, you smile like you know everybody in the audience; like you’re familiar with them, like they’re your friends.

That’s what I learned,” Pickett’s grandmother, Judy Anderson said.

She hopes for Lexi to gain the same benefits she did from her pageant nearly 50 years ago: meeting prominent figures, learning how to present yourself, but most of all, enjoying her moment.

“You have to get out there and enjoy yourself and have the moment. Enjoy the moment,” Anderson said. “I told her when she walks down the aisle to smile at everybody like she’s really enjoying herself and (she turns to Lexi) you will. You really will.”

the break down

Think pageants are all about beauty? Think again. Judges look for a well-rounded young woman who carries herself with confidence and poise. For Miss Teen CO, scores are based on the following three categories:

Pickett’s mom, or “momager” as Lexi likes to call her, also plays a major role in the pageant process - she helps with everything from pre-meeting pep talks to zipping up skin-tight corsets in countless skin-tight fitting rooms.

While Pickett’s family is supportive of her pageant endeavors, it wasn’t always a bright and glittery affair.

“My dad has never really been a good person to me and he always brought me down...He was mean and really negative. I was always in a bad mood, and that affected other people around me...” Pickett said. “That was a big failure to me - my relationship with him.”

It’s this “failure,”, as Pickett calls it, this lackluster, in the midst of all the shine and sparkle that is her life, that she draws her strength and positivity from.

“I’m never going to have a good relationship with him, and that just the way it is, but at the same time, walking away from that made me a better person,” Pickett said.

This realization that has allowed for so much positivity in Pickett’s life—not the most amazing memories, but the real ones. The ones that allow for growth.

Pickett’s dad tarnished her life with his words that brought her down and his actions that always kept her on edge. She couldn’t be the positive and grateful young woman she is today due to the negativity she was receiving from her dad. One particular fight in July of 2012 was the last straw for Pickett.

“My mom was like, ‘Okay, well this is it. You can’t keep doing this anymore. When he went out of town, I went over to his house and packed up all my stuff, and literally my room was empty,” Pickett said.

Her relationship with her father was over, just like that. But Pickett soon discovered that eliminating that relationship from her life allowed her to rid the negativity, only making her stronger. She’s a strong girl because she realized she could get through life without one of the most prominent figures a girl could have—her dad. She’s a strong girl because she realized that she would not only get by without her dad, but she would thrive without him.

“I don’t think I’d be as positive as I am [without that experience],” Pickett said.

the interview

“Truly, it’s not just about being a pretty girl in a dress.”

This optimism that emanates from every seed of Lexi’s soul will have to shine through at the Miss Teen Denver Pageant on Oct. 26 and 27 in order for her to stand out among the other contestants. The winner is judged on a formal outfit, a swimsuit, and a two-and-a-half minute interview.

Two-and-a-half-minutes. One hundred and fifty seconds. Pickett has only a few moments to shine in front of the pageant judges and to show them who she is—who the girl behind all the glitter is.

“Truly, it’s not about just being a pretty girl in a dress,” Pickett said. “That’s why there’s that negative view of pageants because people think it’s all about being a pretty girl in a dress but it really is mainly about who you are as a person. The dress and looking good in a swimsuit is really 5% of what it is.”

The girl who struts her stuff down the halls of Standley Lake will flaunt that same walk in front of judges in hopes of becoming Miss Teen Colorado in October, opening herself up to a world of modeling opportunities.

“It’s all about how you carry yourself; they want you to have confidence and that’s all mental,” Pickett said.

Confidence—the choice that Pickett makes every day. Whether she’s sporting number 30 for some Friday night lights or a multi-hundred dollar beaded gown with an omnipresent twinkle underneath stage lights, Pickett believes in the power of her own sparkle—a sparkle that comes from within, and cannot be dulled by anyone. A sparkle that she hopes will blow judges away and allow her to shine as Miss Teen Colorado.

the swimsuit

// chaye gutierrez, sabrina pacha

the gown

33% 33% 33% This score is based on how well the contestant can communicate her opinions with confidence and charm.

This score is based on how confident the girls are when walking across the stage, stripped down to just a swimsuit.

This score is based on the overall appearance, style, beauty, and confidence exhibited while in the evening gown.

October 18 2013 // 25

su 26 // October 18 2013

Secrets

of the

upernatural

a guide to making halloween 2013 the most frightening one yet

October 18 2013 // 27

Anyone that’s cruised down Old Wadsworth before will agree that it’s impossible to ignore the eerie feeling that seeps out of the Frightmare Compound. According to America’s Best Haunted House Directory, the compund has received eight out of ten ghosts. So, three of our lucky reporters set out on an adventure to see just how scary Frightmare really is.

And let’s just say, we didn’t even make it through the first four scenes before bursting through an emergency exit with shrill screams, clenched fists, and tears. Lots of tears.

Adrenaline pulsed through our veins as we pulled into the parking lot, dark and empty.

Well, adrenaline and Starbucks. As the ignition turned off, we braced ourselves for the frights that were looming just inside the entrance to the compound. Together, we walked up to the ticket stand, picked up our tickets, and we were ready for the first round of Westminster’s most famous haunted house, Frightmare. Or we thought we were ready, anyway.

Just as we walked up, the group in front of us entered, holding hands to protect one another from the bloody actors surrounding them. They disappeared into the abyss never to be seen again. I mean, we’re assuming they made it through the house and back to their cars that night, but you never know. This place is just that frightening.

We were Frightmare’s next victims. We stood in front of the rickety brown door waiting to enter, anticipating the unknown, terror-stricken events that we would be experiencing for

the next 30 minutes. Through the cracks in the door, we could see a harrowing joker peering at us. And this alone was enough to make us second-guess our decision for coming to Frightmare.

Before we had time to rationalize a way to get out of writing this story, the door flew open, and we were face-to-face with a joker wearing a striped suit. His skin was painted black and white and he looked like he walked right out of

“We found the closest escape route, and ran for our lives.” a nightmare. He cackled at our girly screams and urged us to move through the first scene, cane in hand and ready to strike.

So here we were. Three of this school’s biggest cry babies alone in the dark. But we weren’t really alone—we were secretly surrounded by a seemingly endless number of zombies, chainsaw killers, and their ghostly counterparts that seemed to jump out at the most inopportune times (like when we were closest to peeing our

pants).

Ghouls, goblins, and the like chased us through the haunted house, only keeping inches between our faces and theirs. We became trapped in a courtyard trying to dodge zombies without getting too close to them.

Exchanges of, “You can do this,” and “It will be over soon,” between us became unrealistic.

We had no idea how far we had gone nor how far we had left to go. All we knew was that we had to get out of there. Fast. So, we did. We found the closest escape route, and ran for our lives.

As it turns out, we had barely scratched the surface of what Frightmare had to offer. After regaining our composure, we returned to the haunted house, completing it this time with a very patient employee, who was gracious enough to warn us of upcoming spooks. Even though we were being accompanied by an expert of the ins and outs of Frightmare, the actors’ presence alone was enough to scare us. With their oozing makeup and their violent growls, they were perfectly in character even when they were told not to scare us.

The unexpected is what makes Frightmare so scary. With every turn, their spooky Pandora playlist attempted to drown out the shrill screams of visitors. Whether we were walking through a room full of skinned, bloody pigs or trying to find our way to the next ghastly room, every crevice of the compound was enough to cause cry-babies such as ourselves to shake violently every step of the way. // jamey burkey, cassidy conlon, emma medley,jeremy minnick, emma staton

After emerging from his hiding place behind barrels, this masked beast attempts to scare off visiors with his menacing growl.

28 // October 18 2013

Make it a date Runway Grill:

5 Stars. This is the place to get the girl. It has a variety of food ranging from Italian to Mexican to American, and a perfect view just over-looking the runway of the Rocky Mountain airport. What girl wouldn’t say yes to a second date?

This place will keep her in her seat before she tries running away at the haunted house.

Santeramos: 4 stars: A cozy environment, delicious pizza, what more could you want? This elegant yet occasionally quiet pizzeria is a hot date site.

Old Chicago: 3 stars: Good food, loud place. You don’t want every word you say to be over-powered by cheers from the game that is on tv.

Qdoba: 1.5 stars: The first thing that will happen is your burrito will fall apart… and so will the relationship. This is a place for a casual meal, not a first date.

Coming out of the shadows, a zombie bride appears and attempts to scare your socks off.

The scream sites

There are a lot of amateur haunted houses that barely even scare you, but these four will make you pee yourself

13th Floor:

Frightmare:

4120 Brighton Blvd Denver, CO 80216 Rated average 3 stars.

Rated best in Colorado, 21st in America.

Hours: Mon-Thu 7 pm - 10 pm Fri-Sat 7 pm - 12 am General Admission: 13th Floor/Undead $25 VIP Fast Pass: 13th Floor/ Undead $35 Immediate Access: 13th Floor/Undead $45

10798 Yukon St Westminster, CO 80021 Rated average 4 stars Hours: Sunday - Thursday 7:00pm - 10:00pm Friday and Saturday 7:00pm 12:00am General Admission: $22.00 VIP: $32.00 VIP Fast Pass: $45.00 Open Sept. 27Nov. 2

Haunted Field of Screams:

Asylum:

E 104th Ave & Riverdale Rd. Thornton, CO 80233 Rated 7th haunted attraction in Colorado.

Hours: Thursday and Sunday until 10 pm, Friday and Saturday until Midnight.

General Admission: $20.00$30.00 Haunted corn maze style.

Colorado’s largest haunted attraction.

6100 E 39th Ave, Denver, CO 80207 Rated 26th in America.

Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 7 pm 10 pm Fri-Sat 7 pm - 12 am General Admission: Asylum/Primitive Fear $25.00 VIP Fast Pass: Asylum/ Primitive Fear $35.00 Immediate Access: Asylum/ Primitive Fear $45.00

Mcdonalds: 0 stars: Do you want to get dumped?

The food will scare her more than what she sees at Frightmare.

Guys...

10 things to remember: 1. Bring a jacket. Plan on giving up your body heat for her.

2. Open the door for her. Girls love gentlemen.

3. When you get to her house, dont text her to tell her you’ve arrived. Go to her door, shake her parents’ hands, and show her that she is worth those extra steps.

4. Girls like clichÉs, so don’t be afraid to say something cheesy like, “If you were a burger from Mcdonalds, you would be a Mcgorgeous.”

5. Pay! Is it even a question? When the check gets there, you grab your wallet right away.

6. Flowers are never a bad idea. Not only will you surprise your girl that night, but she’ll have a reminder of you for days after the date.

7. Dress to the occasion. You don’t want to be wearing a suit to the movies or shorts to the ice skating rink.

8. Show interest in her and keep your own opinions on the DL. Girls really want to know that you care. but remember, nobody cares about you.

Sorry.

9. Don’t put yourself down. Make her think she’s dating a winner, not a loser.

10.

Don’t look at other girls. Trust us, it’s a bad idea. Show your girl it’s your ambition to be with her or she will show you the door.

October 18 2013 // 29

my two favorite cowboys // Emma medley I was always a huge daddy’s girl. I would always follow in his footsteps to try and be like him. I loved spending time with my cowboy. But all good things must come to an end... right? My daddy was diagnosed with stomach cancer when I was nine years old.

me knowing that his pain had concluded. I still remember the last day I saw him alive. Walking into the cold hospital room, being greeted by the yellowing whites of his eyes and lifeless smile. Him whispering faintly through dying breath that I would always be his little princess.

I was—and always will be—his little girl. He spoiled the heck out of me, and I loved every minute of it. Sports were a strong connection between him and I. Anything from soccer, baseball, flag football, cheer, gymnastics, dance, and more, he’d be there. If I told him I wanted to try a new sport, he’d write out the check and I’d be on my way to practice.

I miss the prankster in him. I miss the Sunday night bowling trips. I miss his country music playing constantly. I miss fetching him another beer during the big football game, when it was vital for him to not miss a play. I miss hugging his leg and being greeted by his faded blue jeans. I miss trying to wear his cowboy boots but having them go up past my knees and stumbling when I would try to walk.

I can still picture him in his cowboy boots standing on the soccer field side lines, watching me closely with his baby blue eyes.

My role model.

My super hero.

My best friend.

My father.

He died when I was 10 years old. Those eerie words said by my mother, “Daddy’s not going to make it,” still get to me. It was definitely bittersweet. I miss him terribly, but it was a relief to

But I’ve realized that he’s not going to be there for me anymore. He won’t be there to chase away my boyfriends. He won’t be there to walk me down the aisle and approve of my husband. He won’t be there to cry of happiness when I get my college acceptance letter.

He just won’t be there.

I have a 19-year-old brother named Spencer. He is so much more to me than just a sibling. When my dad died, Spencer realized that I needed him.

has been the one watching the every move of the boys that come within a mile near me. He has been the one watching me at dance competitions and recitals cheering me on and saying, “Good job, kiddo,” when I come out from backstage. He is the one that takes me to get ice cream when school stresses me out. He has been the one teaching me things about big diesel trucks, and encouraging me to come outside with him to learn how to change the oil on my truck because it would be, “fun”.

I don’t think he realizes how much I need him.

He is the only man in my life that I can look up to now. He is now not only my brother, but my best friend. Spencer has the same glowing smile as my dad. He has the same sense of humor. He has that same sparkle in his eyes when he uses the grill outback with Toby Keith and Blake Shelton playing in the background.

When I see him, I see Daddy.

Even though my dad is gone, I know that he is looking down at my brother and I, tipping his cowboy hat at us, smiling from ear to ear. He will never see me graduate. He will never see me win first overall at a dance competition. But knowing my brother is there instead, is all I could ever ask for.

Ever since that awful period in our lives, Spencer

WANNA DANCE? LET’S DANCE // Jeremy Minnick They think we’re weak. They think we’re not good enough. And they think we aren’t worth anything.

But they wanted a dance and they got a dance.

41-7. That is what happens when you mess with the Gators. Niwot made the mistake of inviting us to their homecoming game, and we crashed their party.

They’re not the only team to make this mistake.

Green Mountain also tested their luck by running into the mouth of the Gator. Generally, the team that you choose to play in your homecoming game is a team that you plan on slaughtering. Could it be anymore of a slap in the face that we got invited to two of them?

“It’s kind of disrespectful honestly, because you know when you’re scheduling your homecoming, it’s supposed to be a game that you think you can win - an easy game,” football captain Michael Shahamat ‘14 said. “So when another team schedules you for their homecoming, you take it to heart.”

30 // Octob er 18 2013

As a team, there is only one way to react to this.

One way to show that they are the best team in the state. Win. Win and keep winning. And don’t stop until our school has a banner on the wall.

They need to leave everything on the field and work until they force every last drop of sweat out of their bodies. Thus far, they’ve soaked the towel with hard work and dedication which has lead to a win over Green Mountain at 28-0 at their own homecoming game.

So, as a school, as fans, how do we respond to this? How do we show that we are a force to be reckoned with? We unite. We come together as a school--not just at our homecoming game--but all the other games, as well. We need to show the team that we have their back, and in return, they will give us a win.

On Twitter, Shahamat said, “All I’m saying is I’m going to show Niwot who’s daddy on the field and you better show them in the stands.”

We as fans are as much of an important piece to

the games as they are. Without all of the hype and energy that we give off, the team wouldn’t be the same. We are just like another player on the field and another coach on the sideline. We are a part of every win with all of the motivation we give off to our players.

Those other teams want to win their homecoming game as much as we do, but they have a bigger force to fight.

“I think it’s nice to ruin it for them. My freshman and sophomore year we got beat, so it’s nice to win. And not just our Homecoming, but the other teams, as well,” football captain Jordan Downing ‘14 said.

Support: That is what it takes to bring the brotherhood together and as they say, “Put a ring on it.”

We come together as one and become the state champions that we are truly destined to be. We are not weak. We are in fact good enough, and we are worth everything.

a year to heal

It’s been a year.

It’s been a year since our community was shaken to its core, questioning the sanity and safety of our own town.

It’s been a year since the murder of Jessica Ridgeway.

As the months passed and conversation and news surrounding the tragic loss began to dwindle, the feelings and emotions that came along with them made us uncomfortable, reminding us of events that would much rather be forgotten.

But it’s a year later, and it’s time for us to heal.

The fifth step of grievance is acceptance. We’ve felt steps one and two--denial and anger--as a community, we’ve gone through that countless “what ifs” of step three as we attempted to make sense of the situation, and there’s no doubt that step four hit us hard: depression.

But now, it’s time for acceptance. And for acceptance to happen, we must be able to talk about it. There is no crime in talking about Jessica, or Austin Sigg. If we can talk about it, we can arrive at acceptance; we can heal.

Seventy-two hours before his trial was scheduled to begin, Sigg pleaded guilty to 22 counts, 15 of which included the kidnapping, murder, and dismemberment of ten-year-old Jessica Ridgeway.

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This meant that we, as a community, would not have to dig up the agonizing details of the Ridgeway case. This meant that Jessica’s family would not have to relive those haunting weeks of last October. This meant that we could heal.

But it still hurts. It hurts to remember the events, to hear the appalling charges and read the unwanted details. However, ignorance will never make the pain fade away, it will only mask it. The elimination of Sigg’s trial was a blessing to our community by giving us the chance to stick on a big Band-Aid rather than further ripping open the wound.

This allows us to come to a conclusion, to finally be able to put the tragedy to rest.

same town. We were victims of a tragedy felt by all--from frightened elementary schoolers with enough understanding to know that we were unsafe, to protective parents afraid to let their children play outside anymore. So we did the only things we could think of in order to survive: looked out for one another while looking for Jessica.

For days, we scoured the streets and fields of Westminster, searching relentlessly for Jessica.

We shed tears when the news was released that her body was found days later. We hit a new low when Austin Sigg, a former Standley Lake student, was taken into custody as his confession to the police.

This doeS not mean we can forget, rather we can come to terms with it, we can heal from it.

The Ridgeway case changed our community forever, and there is no way to erase the pain completely, nor should there be. But we must remember what her precious little life taught us: to cherish our own.

In the months that followed, our community became home to purple ribbons on every street corner and a new park, the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park.

We should be able to talk about Jessica and not use hushed tones. We need to speak of her disappearance and the events that followed October 5 with strong voices and conviction, proving that it is our time to heal.

We must hold on to that sense of community that Jessica gave us. And now, as a community, the time has come for us to let go.

Last October, we learned what it means to be a community in its truest sense. We were not people who happened to be living in the

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Love and remembrance is still present everywhere for Jessica, but the pain hasn’t disappeared.

Let go of the pain, the hurt, the fear.

Let in the love, faith, and togetherness that we know we’re capable of. Jessica proved that we can.

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Octob er 18 2013 // 31

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