The Lake - March 2014

a

t

l

he

ke

picking up the pieces

Stay Strong, Gators.

The whiskey tango hotel

the long stuff

4 // the goods

12 // pot heads

Stuck Downtown and need to grab some grub? Don’t worry, we got you.

Learn the remedies you need for when you’re sick, the best movies to watch on Netflix, and more.

Amendment 64, what it means for us, and the facts and fibs of the biggest amendment in recent history.

8 // 30-second sports update Your quick fix on the sports of the Swamp.

10 // Stress relief Stress is something all teenagers struggle with. Here’s how to cope with it.

Table of contents

16// let’s go on a diet Four of The Lake’s staff members have cut out their consumptions of a common food group to find and explore the difficulties of a strict diet.

20// coming to america

Lukas Gaudermann ‘15 has gone from a foreign exchange student from Germany to playing on the Varsity Basketball team.

28// sing for the moment New choir teacher Ms. Chatfield is using her passion for music to breathe new life into the Standley choir program.

32// Moving forward Cover inspiration courtesy The Penn Stater Standley Lake High School 9300 W 104th Avenue // Westminster, CO // 80021 // USA // Planet Earth // Milky Way Volume 25 // Issue 4

How an entire community is moving forward from one tramautic event

HEY, MAN. WE’RE SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE! Ma rch 7 2014 // 3

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TCAP to Common Core Controversy arises with changes to standardized tests for students

After this year, TCAP will officially be a thing of the past.

Colorado will be changing from TCAP to Common Core this spring to comply with the new standards, which are a set of requirements put in place nationally to measure students’ progress yearly. It measures the progress of students’ in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts.

Common Core is made up of two tests: Pearson and PARCC. PARCC tests Math and English from grades 9-11, while Pearson tests Social Studies and Science.

“The goal is to move all of the tests onto an online testing program so we’re not wasting money on paper testing,” said Assistant Principal Mr. Trip Sargent.

Ultimately, the new testing will assess the new national standards of Common Core, trying to become more direct on what student will be learning. It is more direct in so that parents

and teachers can understand what they need to teach their child/student to succeed the college requirement levels.

The state of Colorado is hoping for Common Core to provide students with the knowledge they need to gain to succeed in college.

The standards make it possible for educators to collaborate on a national level, allowing a standardized expectation of students to be set, in hopes that the U.S. can compete globally.

“The new tests are based on new standards which were set in 2009, but adapted in 2010,” said Marna Messer, Secondary Project Coordinator from Jefferson County.

The new English and Math standards are more rigorous than the old standards, and will cause schools to be more direct their curriculum.

All of these new tests are designed to prepare students for different lines of work and colleges.

Common Core contains different content which is more in tune with these expectations.

Crayon Lipstick What you will need: -Heat-Safe Bowl -One crayon with paper removed -Tablespoon of Coconut Oil -Empty Lipstick Tube or Container

However, while all of this sounds good on paper, a lot of parents are upset by the unrealistic levels set by Common Core, considering less than half of the students actually pass. Only 30-40% of students actually pass these tests, according to CNN. Parents get told their students are failing, when in reality, the state sets the standard of an unrealistic passing mark.

Along with having upset parents, schools may have to obtain massive upgrades in computer equipment, which means taxpayers may have to pay more for school funds.

The state of Colorado had a Senate Bill (136) to delay the start of the PARCC and Common Core Testing. However, the bill lost by a vote of 4 to 3. A majority of the school districts in Colorado are expected to start using Common Core and PARCC testing this spring, but Standley Lake expects to adopt it by the soonest of next year. // chaye gutierrez, sabrina pacha, kelsey paquet, cassidy conlon

The How To: 1- Fill a saucepan halfway with water and place it on high heat until boiling.

2- Once boiling, turn the heat down to low/ medium. Then place a bowl on top of the saucepan making sure that the bowl doesn’t touch the water.

3- Place a peeled crayon in the bowl and stir as it melts. Stir in other colors of crayon to create a unique color.

4- Stir in Coconut Oil. Stir until all ingredients are completely melted and mixed together.

5- Remove Bowl from heat and pour the mixture into a Empty Lipstick Tube or Container.

6- Place container in fridge for 3-8 hours.

7- Remove from fridge and try it on.

4 // March 7 2014

// meg metzger-seymour

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Just ca n’t get enou Like us.

Follow us.

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Downtown Eats and Treats

Here are some popular places to visit in Downtown

Tattered cover:

10 Unwritten Rules of Life

1628 16th Street Mall, Denver, CO 80202 Looking for a cozy place to settle in with a good book and a hot latte? Tattered cover has the coziness of a small little mountain home, equipped with worn in, plaid couches and old bookshelves with paint chipping away, while also offering that hip downtown vibe with their selection of books and the clientele that visits. Located in the heart of LoDo, Denver’s hippest neighbourhood, this bookstore offers much more than a yummy muffin and warm drinks-- it offers a cozy afternoon of relaxing and contemplating all that life has to offer.

Roostercat Coffehouse: 1045 Lincoln St, Denver, CO 80203 With cute, bearded hipsters and good vibes galore, The Roostercat is the place to go when you’re looking for a relaxing evening in the Mile High City. It’s tucked into southwest Denver in a quiet enough area for you to grab your date, a spiced chai latte (which is delicious, by the way),and cozy up by the fireplaces on the patio. The baristas act like they’ve known you for years and are always up for experimenting with drinks for you, but the waffle sandwiches at this place really set it apart. Try the PB&B-and thank us later.

1. If there’s an awkward silence, don’t say, “Awkward silence.” That makes matters worse, not better.

2. Never go #2 in someone else’s house.

Unless it’s your best friend’s house...or family.

Mercury Cafe:

3. If you ask someone for a Starburst, don’t be mad when the person gives you a yellow or orange. Those are designated payout Starburst colors.

2199 California St, Denver, CO 80205

4. The phone charger goes to the person with less battery.

This place has just about everything you could want. On top of the yummy meals they serve, Mercury will entertain you just about anytime of the day or night.

Every night they feature an event, whether it’s their weekly slam poetry on Sunday nights, or if it’s their salsa night, this cafe will always be buzzing with activity.

Visit mercurycafe.com for more information about their events.

5. Never, I repeat NEVER, walk in front of the TV in the middle of a play when a sports game is on. Common sense.

6. Never lick someone else’s ice cream without their permission.

7. Say thank you when someone holds the door open for you. Know that they’re not obligated to do so.

8. If you’re spending the night at a friend’s house and you wake up before them, pretend sleep until they wake up.

9. If you use the last of the toilet paper…..

REPLACE IT. Be generous to the next person that has to go.

10. If your friends already made plans and you weren’t invited, don’t invite yourself. You’ll have desperate written all over you.

// emma marlow, sabrina pacha, chaye gutierrez

// jordan gray

March 7 2014 // 5

What’s Good on Netflix?

It’s the perfect season to cuddle up next to the fire with fluffy blankets, your favorite mug, and watch netflix for longer than you probably should. But do you ever find yourself browsing netflix for ten minutes and not knowing what to watch? We have all the best movies and tv shows you should be watching for each occasion.

Series To Get Hooked On:

Comedy:

Hot Rod Kevin Hart, Let Me Explain The Switch

American Horror Story Weeds Gossip Girl Breaking Bad New Girl

Horror:

The Cabin in the Woods Devil The Possession

Action:

Documentaries:

Hunger Games Avengers Pirates of the Caribbean

Black Fish The Jeffrey Dahmer Files Bridegroom

Classics:

Date Night:

Breakfast club Clueless Ferris Bueller’s day off Ghostbusters

Safe Haven Forest Gump Stuck in Love

// brittany marks

Muggin’

Solve your cravings with quick, easy-to-make mug cakes with ingredients from your pantry

Ingredients: 4 tablespoons 4 tablespoons 1 egg 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons

self rising flour white granulated sugar cocoa powder Nutella milk vegetable oil

Nutella Mug Cake

Ingredients: 4 tablespoons all purpose flour 4 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg – beaten 3 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 salted caramels

Salted Caramel Mug Cake

1. In a large mug, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt).

2. Add the milk, vegetable oil and peanut butter. Whisk until smooth.

3. Cook in the microwave on high for 1 minute and 10 seconds.

1. Into a small bowl add: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, salt, egg, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix to combine.

2. Pour mixture into a coffee mug. Drop caramels into center of mixture one at a time.

3. Microwave on high for one minute and 30 seconds.

6 // March 7 2014

// emma staton, ripley ricketts

Leaving the Swamp

Trey Jarvis ‘‘14 on signing with the Air Force Academy and other athletes who signed for various colleges

The interview with Jarvis

Q: Air Force Academy D1A, how do you feel about it?

A: “I’m really excited.”

Q: When do you start?

A: “I’m going to the prep school which is like normal college at first, they adjust you to the structure of the academy so I’ll be playing at the prep school team which is all freshman.”

Q: Is there a position that you really want to play?

A: “Anything really, defense or offence I’m just really excited to to be there.”

Q: Did other schools want you to sign for them?

A: “Eastern New Mexico which is a D2 which is in Portales offered me and Colorado State Pueblo offered me one too and then Air Force gave me a call and i went for Air Force.”

Other Gator athletes who signed: Marcus Asmus: Augustana College for basketball Matt Fujinami: Augustana College for football Gabriel Garcia: Augustana College for football Emily Ashmore: Regis for soccer

Sammi Brown: University of Colorado- Colorado Springs for soccer Kristine Collins: University of Colorado- Colorado Springs for soccer Taylor Redding: Colorado State University- Pueblo for soccer

Granny’s Cupboard Quick Fixes When You Feel Under The Weather

Andra Thaden: Fort Lewis College for soccer Melissa Heronema: Regis for softball Trent Kindvall: University of Massachusetts

// emma marlow

What Time Is It? Tea Time

Stuffed up?

Clear your sinuses with a Neti Pot. The saline solution clears out all that disgusting built up inside of your head. If you’re stuffed up while you’re sleeping, Breathe Right nasal strips help open your sinuses to help you sleep like a baby.

“The interview for Standley actually happened when I was in Europe. It was kind of crazy, I just kind of locked myself in my room and tried to calm down and was like, ‘Okay, time for an interview.’ I did it and felt pretty good about it. Turns out, I got rejected at first, for whatever reason--I don’t know. Then, I got like a waitress job in Littleton, and like two weeks into that job I got a call from Mr. James McAvoy, saying “You still want that job?” and I was like, “Yeah totally.”

I got hired a week or two before school.”

Got A Frog In Your Throat?

Try apple cider vinegar, which has various home treatments. For hiccups, down 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar; if you suffer from a sore throat make this gargle: mix 1/4 cup warm water with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and gargle every hour or so.

// laurel nordquist-zukin, ripley ricketts

Journey to SLHS

Ms. Kate Watson

Buddha eucalyptus tea cures every cold symptom. It soothes the throat with its anti-inflammatory chill. It also flushes all the nasty toxins of every cold symptom out of your body.

Three of the youngest teachers here at Standley--Ms. Kate Watson, Ms. Christy Hayashi, and Ms. Danielle McCracken--shared their stories with us and revealed how they quickly became teachers here and actions that influenced their fast track to success.

Ms. Christy Hayashi “I went to CU-Boulder. I majored in History and Political Science, and I minored in peace and conflict studies. When I was at Standley, I ran PeaceJam, so it’s always been a passion of mine like humanitarian work and that’s why I got the peace and conflict studies minor. I didn’t know I wanted to teach here I just knew I wanted to teach, I ended up student teaching here with Mr. Jeremiah Coraggio and Mr. Brian Zehnder. It was pretty spectacular.”

// emma marlow, natasha mccone

Ms. Danielle McCracken “I went to Standley Lake, I graduated a year early. I was at Johnson and Wales [dual enrolled] and Standley Lake. I got my Associates in Baking and Pastry Arts first, then I saw the light at an FCCLA conference right before I graduated in May and April. I was sitting at Starbucks and then it dawned on me that this is what I want to do. I wanted to teach with Ms. Valerie Baylie and I wanted to teach here. “

March 7 2014 // 7

Pick a Brother Up Never let anyone stand alone

// Jeremy Minnick The shot goes up and his head goes down. All the eyes in the room directed towards him. He missed, and he missed badly. Struggling to contain all of his thoughts to himself, he slowly trots back onto defense letting all of the bad energy flow through him.

And then he hears it.

“Don’t worry about it. You’ll get the next one.”

The voice of what appears to be an angel but in reality it’s his teammate.

Cheering him on from the bench and the one slapping his butt on the court telling him he’ll get the next one.

An ounce of positive energy flows through him and his heart beat slows down one pound a second.

Motivation is the key, and this is the purpose behind being a team. You are more than just an individual, you are more than just yourself, you’re a team and a family.

Without having someone there to always pick their teammate up, all anybody can do is fall and crash and burn. Then they fall into a slump. And when they’re in a slump there is nothing they can do to pull themselves out other than wait for father time to bring their game back to them.

30-Second Sports Update Wrestling Placing second in tournaments against Weld Central, Overland, and at Gator Duels, the wrestling team finished 15-10 in duels this season.The team went off to Regionals on Feb. 14 and there were four regions with sixteen teams in each, and Gators placed 16th, which meant unfortunately, none of the wrestlers qualified for State.

It doesn’t matter if you’re the guy in the stands, on the floor, or on the bench, you look at the guy with his head down and pick him right up.

This is real life. It’s happened before and probably to me more than anybody. I’ve never had such support from somebody more than I got from Marcus Asmus ‘14 on Jan. 16 vs Ralston Valley. I was having my worst game ever struggling to hit anything with a dreadful field goal ratio of 1/9.

Then, he talked to me. He reminded me of how good of a shooter I was and no matter what happened, he would stand by my side no matter the outcome. Then it hit me. He helped me realize that stats were but a number and his motivational talk brought me to making my next 3 three-pointers.

All it takes is a voice. A voice that hits you quicker than a wall hits a track star. Knowing that someone will always be there for you, takes the weight right off your shoulders, and into the air.

It’s not just you on floor, field, ice, or whatever it is, It’s you and your band of brothers against whatever force tries to get between you. Whether it’s in reality or a mental game. Keep fighting because your back is well protected.

Hear me out, even the slightest word of encouragement will do wonders for that player on your team that is struggling.. A team is only as strong as their weakest link so stand hand in hand, and stand strong together.

8 // March 7 2014

H o c key The varsity hockey team ended their season 9th in the league with a record of 7-10-1. They didn’t make it to playoffs this year, but that didn’t stop them from having a good time.

“This year is different because we lost a lot of seniors and most of the team is new. But we quickly got to know each other and we all get along and have fun when we’re on the ice,” Kota Young ‘14 said.

S wi m m i n g & D ivi n g Girls Swimming and Diving ended the season with a strong finish at leagues. The fastest relays made up of Anna DeRocchi ‘16, Stephanie Stuart ‘15, Alicia Meyer ‘15 Jenna Alves ‘15, Emma Staton ‘15, and Allison Parker ‘16 made to finals. Parker and Meyers also placed in the 100 backstroke.

Diver Caitlin Torgerson ‘15, placed 5th overall at Leagues.

Double Trouble Freshman twins, Hanna and Hayley Davis, share their story about playing on varsity basketball together. Girls basketball qualifed for playoffs.

The Lake: What is it like for you both to be playing on varsity as a freshman?

Hayley: It is a lot of work to keep up with school having three games a week and practice every day.

Hanna: It’s intimidating.

The Lake: Who is more competitive?

Hayley: Me. Hanna: No, me.

Hayley: It depends on the situation.

Hanna: No, I am.

The Lake: What has been the best moment while playing varsity?

Hayley: When I scored double digets in rebounds and points in one game. Which is called a double double.

Hanna: In our first game, when the coach told me I was starting.

The Lake: What is the funniest thing that has happened so far in the season?

Hayley: When Jacqui Dunnigan ‘15 just trips randomly on the court.

Hanna: Like at Arvada West when she fell, everyone was making fun of her and the crowd was laughing.

B oys B a s ke t b a l l

Spring into the upcoming sring sports season and keep your eye out for these star athletes.

Spring Into Spring

Boys basketball qualified for playoffs against Smoky Hill.

Marcus Asmus ‘14 led the scoring with a total of 414 points this season, averaging 23 points per game. He has also signed to play basketball at Augustana College in South Dakota next year. The record is 10 wins and 13 losses. Due to press time,w stats are updated as of Feb. 25.

Girls Soccer: Baseball: Andra Thaden ‘14 Taylor McRae ‘15.

Jacob Giron ‘14 Matt Fujinami ‘14

Diving:

Boys Swimming:

Girls Track:

Girls Tennis:

Boys Track:

Girls Golf:

Trent Kindvall ‘14 James Crowe ‘14 Casey Torbet ‘15 Ayla Schuetz ‘15 Mike Mayer ‘14 Dom Hill ‘14

Jesse Sanchez ‘14 Nic Urban ‘14

Elizabeth Hanson ‘14 Bibha Adhikari ‘14 Laci Williams ‘16 Courtney Kauffman ‘16

Dom Hill ‘14 sprints on the runway and jumps into the long jump pit. He ran the 200, 400, 800, and long jump last spring.

March 7 2014 // 9

Letting

it go...

How you can stay stress free all year long

10 // March 7 2014

Nayantara Nelson ‘14 poses at heart center to find her inner balance

yoga Stressed beyond belief? Drop what you’re doing, roll out a yoga mat, and start doing some yoga poses. Yoga is an easy way to fit in your exercise, connect your mind and body, and most importantly, relieve that stress. “Yoga is one of the few things that we do that helps us bridge the gap between our mind and our body,” Julia McGarey, the yoga teacher for Yoga Club at Standley Lake, said. This exercise is one of the few that doesn’t just focus on the body, but it focuses on the mind being in tune with body, so we can notice the signals our body gives us. “We tend to be up in our heads, and we don’t notice our body because we’re so stuck above the neck. Yoga helps us use our breath to connect our mind and our body, so you can notice stress signals,” said McGarey. Try these poses, and if they help, you can always check out Yoga Club on Wednesdays at 3:00 in room B229 for more yoga!

cat pose

child’s pose

How to: While kneeling, place two hands on the floor so they directly line up with your shoulders. As you inhale, arch and round your back, bringing the chin to the neck. As you exhale, straighten the back, bringing the crown of the forehead to the corner of the ceiling. Repeat this for about ten breaths.

How to: Kneel on the floor, separating your knees about hip width apart. Exhale and lean your body towards the floor.

Lengthen the back as you lean down, and touch your forehead to the floor. Take a few deep breaths into your belly as you lay in this position.

savasana

This pose is what most yoga practices will end with. Simply lay down for five minutes, keeping your mind focused on the breath. If thoughts enter the mind, simply acknowledge them for what they are, and then let them go. This will allow the body to come a more restful state.

food

avocado

peppermint

chocolate

Avocados are full of glutathione, which prevents the absorption of stress-causing fats.

In addition to reducing anxiety, this candy can help with stomach aches, headaches, and soreness commonly felt when under stress.

In moderation, chocolate will lower blood pressure, creating a calming effect.

pretzels

Whole-wheat pretzels cause the brain to release serotonin, a chemical that boosts happiness.

asparagus The folate found in asparagus aids your body to keep it calm.

oatmeal

Oatmeal’s carbohydrates fight stress, and its beta-glucon sharpens your focus

& everything else songs to

calm

your mind

1. Marconi Union-Weightless 2. Airstream-Electra 3. Dj Shah- Mellomaniac 4. Enya-Watermark 5. Coldplay-Strawberry Swing 6. Barcelona-Please Don’t Go 7. All Saints-Pure Shores 8 8. Adele-Someone Like You 9. Mozart-Canzonetta Sull’aria 10. Cafe Del Mar-We Can Fly

ways to

relax

your mind

1. Take a Bubble Bath 2. Eat Healthy 3. Get a massage 4. Sleep 5. Smell flowers 6. Go outside 7. Meditate 8. Hug someone 9. Snuggle with a puppy 10. Laugh a little

// emma staton, nicole heetland, ty milliken, sabrina pacha

March 7 2014 // 11

Mile high 12 // Ma rch 7 2014

pot’S LEGAL. NOW WHAT? Being sixteen isn’t easy, he thinks as he takes the quick five minute walk to the park near his house.

With the stress of school, his pile of homework that only seems to get larger day after day, his relationship drama, his responsibilities, his obligations—why can’t he just smoke a bowl to let it all go?

He takes a seat on the rusty bench in an empty park, and waits.

His mind reels with thoughts about the huge project worth 30% of his grade in Biology, the girl that never texts him back but always teases him with her innocent smile, and the cluttered mess in his room that’s waiting for him at home.

Once those thoughts have passed, a whole new list of worries creep into his head and the anxiety builds.

Finally, his mind pauses, as he sees his guy dressed in a black hoodie and loose ripped jeans walking towards him.

They shake hands. He slyly pulls out a wad of cash and hands it to the mysterious stranger in exchange for a gram of greens.

He takes the lonely walk back to his house and sits on the pile of dirty clothes on his bed.

He grinds up the quarter-sized buds, packs his bowl, and takes a hit.

And as he inhales the thick smoke into his lungs, he witnesses his study guide for biology begin to fade, the memory of her smile disappear, and the mess of his room become a blur.

And for the first time all day, he finally feels at ease.

He doesn’t think about the side effects: the memory loss, loss in concentration, or possible increase in anxiety. All that’s on his mind is the one moment he gets to escape away from the world of teenagehood and slide into oblivion.

It’s been an easy escape for him, and

recently, an even easier find.

Amendment 64 legalized recreational marijuana use in Colorado, making it legal for residents to possess one ounce of marijuana between each purchase. The amendment went into effect on Jan. 1.

This is the year that marijuana is now legal—if you are 21, that is.

So where does that leave teens?

With legalization, some fear that marijuana will become more prominent in high schools, while others believe it won’t have much of an impact at all.

Social Studies teacher Ms. Christy Hayashi believes that the new amendment shouldn’t have an impact on teens. “Theoretically, students shouldn’t be accessing pot,” Hayashi said. “They can’t legally buy it, so it shouldn’t alter [teenage life].”

Although teens shouldn’t be smoking marijuana, it is still a popular activity among teenagers and a prevalent aspect of our everyday culture. We hear about marijuana in songs. It’s on T.V., in the movies, and in our books. It’s become an accepted concept.

Marijuana user and student, Kyle Smith, whose name has been changed for personal privacy, strongly believes in the use of recreational marijuana. “I support it. I think it’s good, and I am in full swing of it. I don’t see any negative effects to it. It’s not hurting anybody,” Smith said.

According to The US Department of Health & Human Services’ Substance Abuse & Mental Health Administration, 10% of the population above the age of 12 has used marijuana in the past year, and 6% have used it in any given month. Of all the monthly users, 15% use marijuana on a daily basis.

So how did the legalization of marijuana affect us teens? Did it really make it more prevalent among us?

Marijuana user, student Sara Jones, whose name has also been changed to protect

Ma rch 7 2014 // 13

her identity, hasn’t noticed a difference in the amount of people who smoke.

21.4%

19.2%

“I wouldn’t say that I have seen more people smoke it or less people smoke it since it became legal,” Jones said. “More people are just cautious about having it in their car and driving while under the influence. I know a kid who has already gotten a DUI from it.”

Hannah Belich ‘15 recognizes the dangers of marijuana since it has been legalized. “I don’t think it’s any safer. I think now it’s even more dangerous because it’s more accessible and people could abuse that power,” Belich said.

However, Smith disagrees. “Prove what is bad about it. It doesn’t cause death,” he said.

More high school seniors smoke marijuana than cigarettes

After the passing of Amendment 64, a debate emerged over the effects legalized marijuana will have. Through the debate, it’s important that teens are aware of the side effects of the drug they choose to smoke.

According to the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, the short-term effects are decreased mobility, loss of concentration, and loss of memory. However, long-term effects can be detrimental to the health of users. The regular use of marijuana can lead to mental health issues, such as increased risk for psychosis, depression, or anxiety.

Even after the facts, a survey given to Standley Lake students proves 44% of respondees are now more willing to try marijuana.

Recently, the number of teen patients entering rehabilitation centers has increased. A Colorado rehabilitation program, Adolescent STEP (Substance Abuse

25% of teens say they can get pot within an Hour

1 4 Out of

High School seniors have smoked in the last month Courtesy of: National Institute on Drug Abuse, national Center On Addiction and substance abuse

At Standley Lake

44% of Surveyed SLHS students are more willing to try marijuana now that pot is legal

14 // Ma rch 7 2014

“It’s even more dangerous because it’s more accessible and people could abuse that power.”

Treatment Education & Prevention Program), is bracing for a rise in teen patients.

Dr. Christian Thurstone reported to ABC News that 95% of new patients of the STEP program are in treatment for marijuana usage.

Although Amendment 64 hasn’t affected teens directly, it has made the task of pursuing the drug much easier, and clearly has made a large portion of students at Standley more willing to indulge.

It has always been an easy escape for him, that feeling of ease, and sense of relaxation. Obtaining the green isn’t the issue for him now, but maybe he’s missing the bigger picture.

Those two tests that he has this week are weighing on his mind. Prom is three weeks away and he still doesn’t have a date. His iPhone cracked today in the parking lot. And his room is still a mess.

He sits there waiting for his mom to leave so he can finally escape to paradise through just one hit. He hears the garage door close below him and the soft hum of the car rolling down the street.

As he goes through the process his hands know all too well, his mind won’t stop.

He takes a moment, he pauses, and begins to think of the consequences. He signed the contract for football—is it really worth getting kicked off the team? All the homework can be overwhelming but is it worth it to fail a semester because he can’t find the motivation to just do the homework?

And the biggest thought on his mind—I’m only sixteen. // esteban arellano, marcus asmus, megan metzger-seymour, ty milliken, laurel norquist-zukin, alie settje, morgan whitley

Marijuana Myths

asdfasdf

I can smoke anywhere

FALSE You can only smoke at home or if you live in an apartment, you have to ask the landlord for permission. There has been no regulation for designated places to smoke in public.

“Weed” affects your brain

TRUE After the first hit, a person feels “high” because of THC, which triggers brain cells to release dopamine, the “feel good” chemical, which affects with a person’s memory and perception. As a teenager your brain goes through significant development, which creates even bigger risks.

I can now grow Marijuana in After I’m No Longer High, The my house drug leaves my system TRUE Amendment 64 makes it legal to grow up to six plants in your home, but the plants must be enclosed and locked.

FALSE If you smoke occasionally, the THC will stay in your system for up to ten days. If you smoke regularly, THC will be in your system for up to 45 days. If you smoke constantly, the THC will never leave your system.

Now that it’s legal, even a high schooler can’t get in trouble

I can’t drive “under the influence” of marijuana

FALSE It’s illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess or consume marijuana.

TRUE Amendment 64 doesn’t affect the fact it’s illegal to be under the influence of marijuana and drive. It’s not against the law to be transporting the drug as long as it’s not being consumed.

Ma rch 7 2014 // 15

4

Deadly food sins There’s a fine line between what’s considered healthy and unhealthy. Think about it: Mac and Cheese has gluten and dairy, but it’s not good for you to eat all the time. Pizza has tomatoes and wheat, but you don’t want too much of that, either. And think about how much gluten, dairy, meat and processed food we eat in a day. Those food elements are in everything. So imagine cutting one of those things out of your diet for a week—seemingly impossible. That’s what four of The Lake’s staff members have done to explore the difficulties of a strict diet. Here’s what they found.

Four staff members look over their food that they have to give up for a week for the last time.

16 // March 7 2014

good food = good mood Foods with omega 3 fatty acids, folic acid, and magnesium can combat depression and make you happier.

the perfect diet?

Fruits & vegetables

Grains 40%

30%

protein

Like spinach, seafood, and nuts

10%

Foods with theanine, selenium, and serotonin can calm the body and battle anxiety.

Dairy

Sugars 5%

15%

Like green tea, seafood, and oatmeal Foods with natural sugars, potassium, and lots of protein will fuel your body and give you strength. Natural sugars will sustain you, rather than making you crash.

Like bananas, pears, and yogurt

baking Substitutes Sugar

Sugar can create a false sense of fullness, which over time, can create an addictive response in the brain. Not to mention the bad cholesterol.

= =

Studies have shown that regularly consuming caffeine can negatively impact memory, cognitive function, and your ability to cope with stress.

Courtesy of: Houston Press, Health Land, Food Miles and Wellness Mama

In place of sugar, use 3/4 cup of honey for every cup of sugar

Instead of ground beef, eat ground turkey or chicken.

It may sound gross, but put mashed avocado in the place of butter works.

Oil

Substitue 3/4 cup of applesause for every cup of oil.

Courtesy of: American Kids Bedding and Momables

March 7 2014 // 17

The dairy days are over bottom line:

1 2 3 4 5

feeling: energy: convenience: fullness: would i do it again?

y n

In the week of this difficult “no milk” diet, I learned that if you can go more than five days without chocolate milk, you’re a hero. Not Super-Man, Batman or Aquaman, but a hero of the foods.

Monday was fairly easy. I realized that any simple joys in life, such as ice cream and cookies, contains milk, and I missed it immediately.

The only thing I could think of to eat was chicken nuggets and those cute little smiley face fries.

bed still a little grumpy.

Day five seemed like I had found the holy grail.

I was optimistic and I felt healthier, and fuller and happier than I had the rest of the week. I had regained lost energy and avoiding dairy was a breeze. By, Friday I was beginning to become appreciative of the people who have to do this every day. You go, lactose intolerants.

Tuesday was when I discovered a trick to reading ridiculously long food labels: If you’re allergic to a common allergy such as dairy or gluten, they will put that allergen in bold at the bottom of the list of ingredients.

Wednesday was when it hit me hard. Day three was the day that my friends and I walked to Starbucks, and, of course, I couldn’t get anything. I craved chocolate milk all day, to the point where I almost gave in. I bought soy chocolate milk, which was a total bust- It tasted like someone put chocolate syrup in water and tried to pass it off as the real deal.

Thursday was almost as bad, but I had a better attitude because I knew that I only had one more day. I tried a new baked potato recipe my mom made and ended up liking it, but I went to

bottom line:

5 1 2 3 4

feeling: energy: convenience: fullness: would i do it again?

Maddy Newlon ‘17 is in despair because she has to be lactose intolerant for a week.

Man, you don’t realize how much you love something until you let it go. I broke up with gluten for a week. I missed my dear pasta. And pizza. And bread.

This separation made me realize how much of what I eat depends on what I can make with minimal effort.

It’s hard to zone out and make salad. When I get home, I don’t want to have to use my brain to get food in my face. Boiling water and cooking pasta is so simple.

y n

In this one week, I learned that gluten free and this school’s cafeteria are not best friends. My routine muffin and blueberry bagel was taunting me all week.

If you’re planning on going gluten free, you should buddy up with specialty stores (like Whole Foods or Vitamin Cottage). The more animal rights activists fliers on the store bulletin and vegan approved dishes, the better.

These places will have gluten free goodies to tame your bread-hungry belly.

But the hardest part of this diet, was going out to eat.

My favorite places-Noodles, Swing Thai, pizza -had turned into my enemy. By Thursday, I wanted to cry into my bowl of side salad and take a nap.

But after the whining, and a little forced self inflection, I realized that my food cravings were much healthier.

Glorious GLUTEN Natasha McCone ‘15 pouts because she can’t eat gluten for the week.

18 // March 7 2014

Instead of cake, I was eating apples, instead of bread, tortilla chips.

So next time you see a gluten free being, look at them with admiration. Their life is not as convenient as yours, and they don’t just eat to get full. They eat to fuel their body.

[Don’t] pour some sugar on me For a week I survived by eating just fruits, vegetables, and meat. That’s right, no crackers, candy, cookies, chips, or bread (unless homemade of course).

During my week without processed food, I considered anything packaged with more than two ingredients to be processed. In all honesty, it sucked. At first, it was really hard. I wasn’t able to eat my favorite snack of trail mix or one of my favorite meals; spaghetti. However, through perseverance and dedication I found it a little bit easier each day. As the week went on, I began to feel like I had more energy.

In fact, during my two hour swim practices, I wasn’t getting tired as quickly as I usually did,

bottom line:

1 2 3 4 5

feeling: energy: convenience: fullness: would i do it again? y n Emma Staton ‘15 clutches on to processed food before she has to give it up for a week.

and I had more speed to finish the hard sets strong.

On the first day of the diet, I was driving home after practice, starving—and as usual, I found myself wondering what was for dinner.

I pulled up to my house and, a few moments later swung open the garage door. The smell of melted cheese on toasted bread filled the air.. and then, I remembered I couldn’t have it.

had to come up with something to eat without processed ingredients. This routine continued throughout the week.

So, was it worth it in the end? Absolutely! I now know what makes my body happy and energetic. I think the most important thing is knowing what foods are good for your body.

Yes, occasionally I still eat processed food, but not in excessive amounts.

I was immediately frustrated and annoyed; I

Omnivore goes Herbivore Veggie Tales isn’t just a religious show to me, it’s the name of a diet - the vegetarian diet. As you can imagine, it was an adjustment at first because I’m a protein princess.

I went from eating a lot of meat to not eating meat at all.. At first I was over dramatic since I love to eat meat.

I could just picture the week already, all salad and tears.

I got moody with my family because they made country fried steak with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. I didn’t feel full by the end of the meal like my sister did. She plopped down and watched Netflix willing for sleep to take her over while I was looking in my fridge for something to fill me up.

This mood swing grumpy-all-the-time feeling was a reoccurring thing for two days but it felt like two weeks.

When Wednesday dawned, avoiding meat wasn’t that big of a deal anymore. I knew how to control that craving for steak and chicken alfredo. I learned to shut out cravings and how to moderate my intake of every other food group

Emma Marlow ‘15 is unhappy that she has to leave meat in the fridge for a week.

// emma marlow, natasha mccone, maddy newlon, emma statonw

that I was allowed to eat.

Instead of dreading dinner every night I looked forward to making something extraordinary and out of the box. I learned how to make margherita pizza thats darn close to the coveted California Pizza Kitchen pizza, I made vegetarian soba noodles that I would’ve never in a million years have tried without doing this challenge.

This diet to me was less about losing weight and more of regaining lost energy. Before this week even came into my mind I tried so hard not to do so. When we were brainstorming ideas I was skeptical about doing the vegetarian diet.

This was my Veggie Tale. This was a religious experience for my me in the sense of food.

Religion is putting all of your energy into one thing. I put all my energy into not eating meat.

All I have to say is “good job Emma.”

bottom line:

1 2 3 4 5

feeling: energy: convenience: fullness: would i do it again?

y n

March 7 2014 // 19

From sea to sh

20 // March 7 2014

shining sea

from 4,900 miles across the ocean, foreign exchange student lukas gaudermann ‘15 blends right in at the swamp March 7 2014 // 21

Top: The crowd goes wild after Marcus Asmus ‘14 dunks at the Senior Game. Left to right: Lukas Gaudermann ‘15 prepares for the next play in the game against Pomona. Gators prepare to take down the Panthers. Gaudermann dribbles past Pomona’s defense.

“That’s our German.”

This is the latest edition to the chants that echo endlessly out of the student section, from beginning to end, during Standley Lake basketball games. These words are chanted in support of the team and Lukas Gaudermann ‘15-- one of the three foreign exchange students currently attending Standley Lake.

The idea of students and peers attending his basketball games, along with their chant dedicated solely to Gaudermann, is almost as foreign to him as he is to us. Not only was the culture different for him, but the language spoken here was even more unfamiliar to him compared to his native tongue.

The only thing that remained unchanging was Gaudermann’s love for basketball, even when his home was a whole ten hour flight and an ocean away..

The thoughts that swam through his head were questions that anyone in his position would be asking: “What will my host family be like?”

22 // March 7 2014

Little did Gaudermann know, his nerves could be laid to rest since he would be staying at the home of Standley Lake’s very own star basketball player, Marcus Asmus ‘14.

“I was kind of nervous, sure,” Gaudermann said. “I’d already talked to Marcus’ parents over Skype, but I was still worried about it.”

The arrival The nerves that tagged along for the long journey to America soon dissipated after the first couple of nights at the place he would call home for the next eight months.

From his arrival on August 14 to the six months that he has spent in Colorado, he has already made every day worthwhile, beginning with his jumpstart on basketball practice to prepare for the tryouts with his adopted brother, Asmus.

“We have a half court in my backyard, so we shot around and we’d hang out and

just try to get to know each other,” Asmus said. “We played video games a lot. We watched a lot of TV. But it was really difficult to figure out who he was at first.”

Now fast forward past those first few days of getting to know each other and awkward encounters, and you’ll find a friendship turned brotherhood between these two basketball players.

A brotherhood that has assisted them both with basketball tryouts and helped Gaudermann with the foreign idea of playing basketball for something other than recreational fun.

In Germany, Gaudermann describes the sport of basketball as a hobby for himself.

Here, he faces the prospect that basketball has a more serious tone to it, and he accepted the challenge of tryouts with determination and support.

“Lukas went through the same process as the rest of the team,” head basketball coach Mike Puccio said. “He was clearly one of the best 35 in the gym, so he made

as the rest of the team,” head basketball coach Mike Puccio said. “He was clearly one of the best 35 in the gym, so he made the team. His work ethic and passion stood out above everything.”

The season Not only has Gaudermann’s first season of high school basketball helped him grow as a player, but he’s also played a vital role in assisting the team as a whole, including his brother and the star basketball player, Asmus.

“He’s been helping me see the court differently,” Asmus said. “He’s more of a passing person, and I just never really saw it as I can make this pass so the team scores easier. So he’s helped me out more than anything.”

“it was really difficult to figure out who he was at first.” - marcus asmus ‘14

Boys basketball ended this season, qualifying for state with 10 wins and 13 losses. Asmus led the team in scoring and was ranked 2nd in 5A boys basketball*, averaging 22.0 points per game Asmus also averages 12.2 rebounds per game, ranking him 2nd in 5A.

with his basketball technique, and in turn have helped the team as a whole.

Dylan Critchfield ‘14 ranks 5th in 5A with 6.4 rebounds per game.

“I think the team has improved a lot because Lukas brings a lot of energy and he communicates a lot on the floor with us and it makes the players around him better,” Durant said.

Despite the statistics of the team, one struggle remains. “As we close out the season, we need to find a way to score the basketball,” Puccio said. “At times, our defense has been excellent but at the end of the day, we need to put the ball in the basket.”

The domino effect that followed due to Gaudermann’s efforts have helped Asmus

It’s affected the entire team with nothing but good results for this season. Among the results are improvements in wins, bumping up from a total of 5 wins last season to 10 wins this season.

The culture The introduction into a school sport has led Gaudermann into a life unlike most exchange students. A life that has had its ups and downs of normalcy and foreign

feelings.

Gaudermann has assumed the title of “our German” and quickly picked up speed within the student body.

“At first I took him around places, and he didn’t want to hang out really because he didn’t know the people,” Asmus said.

“And the first week he ran to all his classes it felt like, so I was like ‘Hey, we’re going to hang out upstairs for a while’ and he was like ‘No, I have to get to class.’”

The transformation into the American world wasn’t even the best part of Lukas’ story.

The fact that his newfound friends within the school have helped push him to new heights is a revelation for any foreign exchange student to experience.

Gaudermann sparked a new idea within the student body that anyone can be accepted-- no matter who they are, no matter what they do, no matter what they like.

Acceptance is even more so amplified by broadening where you go and who you know, much like Gaudermann did when he hit the ground running in a place that was completely foreign to him.

And even though Gaudermann’s departure will be coming up in a mere three months and the goodbyes will have to start, he will still be known as “our German.” *Due to press time the stats are updated as of Feb. 25.

-kylynn delohery, brittany marks, tina muscarelli, shylah ogle, brendan roby

Meet the other foreign exchange students

Name: Veronica Mariotti From: sassoferrato, italy GRADE: junior

Name: Masa velimirovic From: podgorica, Montenegro GRADE: junior

FaVORITE tHING aBOUT SLHS: SPORTS WITH THE SCHOOL Getting involved: Swimming and French Club

FaVORITE tHING aBOUT SLHS: THE CARING TEACHERS Getting involved: swimming and fccla

March 7 2014 // 23

Gators unite with panthers boys and girls basketball teams defeat pomona on feb. 21 . both teams clinched playoff berths with victories against their rival.

24 // March 7 2014

photos by chaye gutierrez and brittany marks

March 7 2014 // 25

and the crowd goes

s wild

standley lake fans erupt in excitement after marcus asmus ‘14 dunks on an alley-oop pass from connor durant ‘15 during the pomona basketball game on february 21. The gators won 68-42. asmus led the team with 19 points.

28 // March 7 2014

Hitting the high note

Ms. Chatfield brings new life, passion to the choir program Set off from the rest of the school, a new song begins. A new chord is struck. A new face smiles in approval. A new community is created.

Ms. Cass Chatfield developed a motto with her students during her first year at Standley Lake: “Life’s too short to sing stupid music.” With this motto driving her, Ms. Chatfield has transformed the vocal music department into a powerhouse that requires the talent from previous years, and continues to run on the talent she’s cultivated from her classes this year .

Prior to Ms. Chatfield coming to Standley Lake, the choir program was dying, with low enrollment and fewer class options. Switching from the “same old” to “brand new” was an adjustment to say the least.

“It’s definitely become more rigorous, more difficult songs... she’s challenging us more than I think Mr. Hise was,” Emery Hines ‘16 said.

“I think the kids were ready for some new energy, and I was ready for some new energy, and that’s not to ding my predecessor in any way, shape, or form,” Ms. Chatfield said. “I think this position came to me when I really needed it, and I came to Standley when the kids really needed it. I think it’s just one of those things that’s a job of a lifetime.

The way all of the pieces fit together, it’s just been a really good thing.”

Key Change Before Ms. Chatfield came to Standley Lake, she racked up experience teaching kids from Michigan to Colorado, ranging from kindergartners to seniors in high school.

In addition to the classroom, Ms. Chatfield has been a part of the Colorado Symphony Chorus for six seasons, training under Grammy-award winning directors and soaking in their expertise to help her own students improve.

“Singing affects me, I would say, on almost a cellular or molecular level, where I’ll hear a piece or a chord in a piece of music, and it’s almost like my cells vibrate sometimes. It’s just how it is,” Ms. Chatfield said.

“I remember one time, my daughter was like two years old. We were road tripping somewhere, and I was just humming along to the radio and it’s second nature at this point, but there’s always songs going through my head, and she’s asked, ‘Mama, can you stop singing for a moment? I need to ask Daddy a question.’ My husband turned around to her and said, ‘It would be easier for you to ask her to quit breathing,’” Ms. Chatfield said.

“It’s just what I do, it’s who I am.”

After growing up with a family of musicians, Ms. Chatfield was introduced to her middle school choir teacher, who inspired her “from the moment she met her” to become a choir director. Now, arguably in her own teacher’s shoes, she’s contributed to the future careers of her students: according to a survey of both Concert Choir and Illusions, 65% of the students have considered singing as a career in their near future.

outside ensemble But even Ms. Chatfield’s encouraging and bubbly style towards teaching isn’t magic. Her students don’t turn into Broadway stars overnight, but what she has instilled in them is a passion and dedication for what they do.

The thing about passion is, well, it can’t be contained. And in the case of Tyler Wiseman ‘15, Rob Marko-Franks ‘14, and others who started the Men’s Choir, it couldn’t be contained to class time either, so they meet during resource on block days.

March 7 2014 // 29

“[Ms. Chatfield] was ecstatic that we wanted to do something when it came to extracurricular singing and being a separate group that is going to put in extra time,” Wiseman said.

“I’m pretty sure there’s a little bit of everything,” Wiseman said. “We have the band members, we have the choir students, we have IB kids, we have AP kids, we have students who aren’t in a choir class...It’s just a room full of testosterone--that’s the first difference [from the choir classes]. This is something we come in at 7:00 in the morning [for] because we love to sing.”

natural harmony Under Ms. Chatfield, the bonds between the choir members have become tight-knit. “It’s a very accepting environment I think,” Hines, a member of the Illusions choir, said. “I feel like I’ve gotten a lot closer with all these people.

No one’s afraid to be themselves. You can just

30 // March 7 2014

express yourself completely, without fear of judgement.”

A lot of this bonding has risen from the various outreach programs the choir has been involved in this year: singing for retirement homes, performing for the middle schools, and entering a few contests.

When singing at the retirement home over Thanksgiving Break, Illusions grew closer while bringing some joy to the residents. “In between songs, we would talk to people, introduce ourselves... We sang songs that they would know so they could sing with us, and we all sang together, which was cool,” Hines said. “They were really appreciative, probably the most appreciative audience that we’ve ever performed in front of.”

After that performance, Illusions went to Marko-Franks’ house for a Thanksgiving dinner.

When Hines sat down at the piano and began to play “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, the choir members were pulled to the music as if by a magnet. “Everybody around was just singing, and it was so cool,” Hines said. “Then other people started playing the piano, and we all were just improvising and singing together, just out of pure love for singing, which is really cool to have someone share that same interest.”

all-inclusive dynamic This bond extends far from just Illusions--in the Concert Choir, students from all walks of life, raise their voices in song, including several students with special needs, and Ms. Chatfield with the rest of the choir, finds no issue with helping them enjoy their morning through song just like any others.

“The beauty about music is there are kids who are not successful anywhere else in their academic day. Some kids are really great at

“Singing affects me, I would say, on almost a cellular or molecular level, where I’ll hear a piece or a chord in a piece of music, and it’s almost like my cells vibrate sometimes.”

-MS. Chatfield math, some kids are really great writers, even though they have oral or auditory or visual processing issues, they can still carry a tune,” Ms. Chatfield said.

Sarah Whelton ‘14 has started every day of her high school career since her freshman year singing. She has Downs Syndrome, but her love of singing is beyond apparent as she stands in the front at concerts, singing her heart out and smiling in between pieces.

How does it make her feel to sing? “Happy,” she said. This joy is evident in her and the other special needs students from each morning’s practice to the final result: performing at the concerts. This is Whelton’s favorite part of the entire choir experience and doesn’t make her nervous.

Feeling accepted and bonded with the rest of the class isn’t just a one-way beneficial street for the special needs students in concert choir: their presence adds to the entire class. “We usually do warm ups holding hands, and we get them involved so they can have fun. We can see how happy they are joining us,” Courtney Rouse ‘14 said.

a healing song After the recent tragedy, the Choir Room has been a place of healing and renewal for choir students. The Wednesday Standley Lake returned to school, “Concert Choir really wanted to sing, and in Illusions, we tried to sing, and we just couldn’t,” Ms. Chatfield said. “So I was like, okay, do we need to just sit here and hug each other and have a boo-hoo? So we did.” “[That night] I came across a song that we actually sang at my wedding, and I was reading through it and I realized that all the markings-

-the rubato markings, and where-tobreathe markings--were the markings of the accompanist that played at my wedding. Just seeing that friendly handwriting was like, ‘Okay, it’s going to be okay. It may take a couple days, or weeks, or months, but it’s going to be okay,’” Ms. Chatfield said.

These rejuvenating powers of singing are felt every day. “Coming to choir is like time to relax, let your emotions go out through your voice,” Hines said. “It sounds cliche and cheesy, but it’s true.

There’s no judgement, and it’s a nice break from the crazy, busy school life.

Everyone’s really supportive, so it helps brighten your day.”

“They’ve found the common ground, and they are accepting and inviting and welcoming of anybody who walks into the room. And usually that’s something I have to spend a lot of time on at the beginning of the year, but not here. It just is. It’s the culture and the climate that’s been established building wide,” Chatfield said.

crescendo Over just this year, the enrollment numbers have increased in choir from first semester to second semester. The causes? Ms. Chatfield, with her army of students, have been advocating choir as an elective all year, from simple word-of-mouth to Ms. Chatfield’s “Burrito Friday” where she gave a free burrito to anyone willing to come sing for her.

“The administration said, ‘If you build it, they will come,’” Ms. Chatfield said.

Building not only numbers, but also an eternal love for music, Ms. Chatfield has sown the seeds of success and continues to pushing her students past any and all limits. And her newest goal? “I think there’s no reason that a high school this size shouldn’t have a full-time choir director, there’s no reason we can’t have a full-time band, choir, and orchestra,” Chatfield said.

“There are enough kids to go around.”

Ms. Chatfield has opened the door to the choir room and is keeping it open... open for anyone who wants to sing, or even just listen. Once in, escaping the strong bond of musical love and unique companionship that lives there won’t be easy. But even if it were closed, the energy emitted from that room is enough to force anyone to burst into song. // nicole heetland, olivia koontz, bethany keupp

Gateway to glory

Celebrities that were in their high school choir

barbra streisand How you know her:

Actress on and off stage, singer with 30-plus albums

What you don’t know:

Was in the same high school choir as Neil Diamond with whom she recorded the chart-topping duet “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers”

terry bradshaw

How you know him:

Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame Quarterback

What you don’t know:

Recorded a some country songs, including his remake of the Hank Williams song “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry,” that placed seventh on Billboard magazine’s Top 20 Country Singles chart

P!nk

How you know her: Chart-topping pop singer

What you don’t know:

She was told by her choir teacher that she would never amount to much. “I’ve always loved to prove people wrong. I want to be able to cross color lines, because in music, there really is no barrier,” she said.

Jason Segel

How you know him:

Marshall Eriksen on “How I Met Your Mother”

What you don’t know: Has written numerous songs that have appeared on the show as well as for the soundtracks of “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “I Love You Man,” and “Get Him to the Greek” information from www.IMDb.com

Their on-stage Debut

Come see the choir members in this year’s musical at 7:00 p.m. on these nights for $10.

Little Shop of Horrors MARCH

6

MARCH

7

MARCH

8

March 7 2014 // 31

p u g n i k c i p the s c e i pe , students, ff a t s , y a d o T . t r S fell apa On Jan. 27, SLH together and k c a b g in m o c how and family tell next step e h t is d r a w r moving fo

32 // March 7 2014

Think of Standley Lake as a giant puzzle--freshman friends hanging out in the commons, teachers chatting over their fresh brew of coffee at the start of the morning, administrators watching over their precious students from upstairs offices, seniors scrambling to make it to class before the bell rings.

Each is an essential piece to the puzzle.

On Jan. 27, the pieces fell apart. They were scattered across the campus like shards of broken glass. Tragedy set in as the unthinkable news of a student lighting himself on fire in the cafeteria spread across the football field, the softball field, and the parking lot. The Standley Lake community lost one of its pieces in early February when Vincent Nett ‘16 succummed to his injuries.

Each piece felt something different that snowy morning. Each piece relies on Gator Strength to help put the puzzle back together again. Each piece is slowly healing from the damage endured.

Each piece has its story to tell.

March 7 2014 // 33

the leader

Running faster than he thought was imaginable, Mr. Pierson’s breath created a vaporus fog, forming a trailing cloud behind his face. He saw the red and blue lights flashing, his school in the background. His thoughts raced with worry for his 1,300 kids.

Mr. Jeff Pierson, who handles all matters of emergency, wasn’t at school when the fire broke out on Jan. 27. When he was notified of the event, he was trapped in the ungodly, neverending early morning school traffic. Assistant Principal Mr. Trip Sargent was first to notify Mr. Pierson. When he received the phone call, his heart dropped. He immediately parked his car in the surrounding neighborhood and ran to the school, hoping what he was told wasn’t true.

“Once it happened, I went into immediate reactive mode, and it was the management piece of it that was important at the time,” Mr. Pierson said. “I don’t think I processed it until way later in the day, and after we knew everything was taken care of. I don’t even know if I have even processed it all today.”

He knew his school, our school, would never be the same. Something unimaginable and unreal happened and affected every student. Many know, becoming “Gator Strong” is high in the school’s hopes. Mr. Pierson believes encouraging and believing in “Gator Strong” gives students and teachers a sense of comfort, support, but most of all, a breath of fresh air.

s e s t n w i e th

Because he was in the Cafeteria.

“This isn’t about one person, it isn’t about tragedy. It’s about moving forward, and it’s about a group of people doing life together in a school.

That means something, and that’s what being Gator Strong means.”

Because he didn’t do his Chemistry homework the night before.

Because he decided to wear a sweater that day.

“Moving forward is all about improving on whatever issues are going on now and making this a better place each and everyday,” Pierson said.

Because he cared.

Because Romario Leal ‘15 went to school that day not expecting to face something he would never forget, he doesn’t want any credit for what happened. He feels as if he did anything any other person would do. The thing is, nobody else did.

“Well, I was sitting in the Cafeteria before school started, and I was just finishing up some Chemistry homework,” Leal said. “I heard a lot of commotion going on behind me and people talking, so I turned around and saw a kid dripping of some type of liquid. Then he pulled out this lighter and it started flickering. He was having trouble getting it lit, and then when he finally did he was lit instantly.

Mr. Pierson is exhibiting his Gator Strong spirit by standing out in the insufferable cold in the morning to begin his students’ days with a welcoming smile and a feeling of comfort. He independently met with and soothed those who were especially struggling with the situation. Two weeks passed with his office overflowing with students and staff members seeking his guidance. He’s helping to rejoin the shattered pieces of the school. // sarah bennet, kelsey paquet

“There were two girls sitting next to him that just got up and started screaming and running,” Leal said. “So, I took my sweater off and ran over to him and tried putting him out with it. Then Dane [Cole ‘15] came over with the fire extinguisher, but he couldn’t figure out how to work it. Sam, the custodian, came over and put him out. Me and all the rest of the people in the cafeteria were all evacuated from the cafeteria.”

Because something like this happened, all it can do is leave you speechless. What do you say to someone who has been through such an act of pain, other than, “Hang in there buddy. It’ll get better”? This is difficult to heal any soul from because he won’t forget. Standley Lake won’t forget.

He’s already heard from his basketball coach, his pastor, his teachers and counselors, and his family that this is going to be one of the things that he’s never going to forget about for the rest of his life.

“Well, right now, it’s hard, but I’m getting better. It’s really hard to sleep at night. I barely ever sleep, and I think about it a lot when I’m just sitting in class or on the basketball court. I get a lot of flashes of what happened. No matter what I do, they won’t go away,” Leal said. “I feel that the only thing that can heal this is time.”

Because he has to move on.

Because he’s a Gator.

Because he cared. // jeremy minnick

34 // March 7 2014

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mmu The co ators in need G to help that s e s s e Busin od or o f d e t dona they t a h t d showe rong: t S r o t are Ga

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He walks into the cafeteria everyday, takes a seat next to some unfamiliar freshman, maybe a sophomore or two, and talks to them, just letting them know that someone is there for them.

But one day, something happened. Something he never thought would happen. Something that he’s going to remember his entire life.

Custodian Sam Hernandez and his boss, Facilities Manager Shawn Swainson, were in the boiler room refilling the salt for the mix they use on the snowy sidewalks when they got a call on their walkie talkies.

“Fire! There’s a fire in the cafeteria!”

From this moment on, reality was gone. Everything Sam thought was a reality suddenly went into “dream mode” the minute he stepped foot into the cafeteria.

He saw two sets of flames. One was a cafeteria table--the other, a student.

“Dane Cole already had the extinguisher in his hands but he was just standing there in shock, not really knowing what to do. So I took it from him and I evacuated the rest of the students out from the cafeteria,” Hernandez said.

He extinguished the table, then moved back to the other flame. It wasn’t until after the fire was out that he noticed exactly what was underneath the fire.

Underneath the fire was a boy--just sitting there. Indian style. Not moving, no cry for help, nothing. Just at peace with what he was doing.

“I thought I was in tually happening.

a dream. But This was

I

wasn’t. reality,”

This was ache said.

Sam shows up to work every day now, trying to get back into his normal routines. He says seeing the students come to school and get through the day shows how strong Standley Lake really is.

He finds peace in “just knowing that we have such great support and knowing that when we need to come together, we really do a great job at it.”

Slowly, Hernandez is finding his way back to reality. The nightmare that he found himself in that Monday is something that will stay with him forever, but the strength that he finds in his school’s ability to move forward is something that will never leave him, either. That’s his new reality. // morgan rubendall

March 7 2014 // 35

the s ign s

s nd show any sign If you or your frie help from an of depression, seek r numbers listed fo adult and call the assistance Sad/depressed a large portion of the time Talking/writing about death or suicide Isolating themselves from family/friends Feeling helpless/ hopeless/angry Dramatic mood swings Excessive use of drugs/alcohol Change in personality Acting without thinking; impulsively

tlines:ntal o H e id ic u S r Me n Center fo Jefferso -425-0030 Health: 303 233 877-5424-7 Safe2Tell: 1274-637 Safe2Text:

Loss of interest Change in eating/sleeping habits Doing poorly in school/workplace Giving away prized possessions Writing a will

the fr ie nd One summer, not too long ago, Molly Syzmanski ‘15 and her friend Vincent Nett went rollerblading at the playground by Sheridan Green Elementary. There they found an old, abandoned couch, so they plopped down on that forgotten couch. They spent 2 hours on that couch, Vincent acting like your typical teenage boy, trying to impress the girl with his rollerblading skills. Needless to say, his tricks didn’t work out they way he hoped they would.

“I was like, ‘Really?’ It was funny,” Syzmanski said.

They were like two peas in a pod, friends that would never separate, friends that would be there for each other.

Then came Jan. 27.

On that Monday morning, amidst hundreds of students, confused and cold, Syzmanski had just witnessed her friend set himself ablaze in the cafeteria.

“I just don’t know why he’d do something like that!” she said, tears welling up in her eyes. “I literally talked to him like 10 minutes before it happened, like right when I walked into the cafeteria and told him to have a good day.”

It seems impossible for someone so close to Vincent Nett to be able to move forward from that chilling event on Jan. 27.

Who could expect this young girl to anyway?

This isn’t a story to dwell and mourn about that event, though. This is a story about how Molly Syzmanski is doing something many couldn’t do, and that’s moving forward after watching her close friend die.

She still sits in the commons, laughing with her friend Claye Eliason ‘15, and with an infectious smile that lights up any room. She still sits outside of the Band Hall during lunch, singing and dancing to Mambo No. 5. She still remembers that summer day on that old, abandoned couch wearing the same smile she wore then. She still remembers her friend Vincent.

Out of the corner of her eye, Molly Syzmanski sees the past and remembers her friend, but she focuses on the present. // jamey burky

36 // March 7 2014

the gr an t As a part of Standley Lake’s efforts to move forward, a $125,000 grant has been awarded to the area by the Colorado Legacy Foundation in collaboration with the Jefferson Center for Mental Health to establish a 3-year mental health program in the community.

Through the grant, Standley Lake has devised a plan that is divided into three main parts:

(1) A therapist is coming from the Jefferson Center for Mental Health from 7-5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help 20 students who have no outside support.

(2) JCMH has created a 15-week BrainWise curriculum for 9th graders during their study halls where a specialist will discuss “10 wise ways” in brain development and decision making skills.

(3) LINK will go through training this spring and summer, targeting goal setting, making good choices, resource support and how to give all students resources to be successful as a school.

feel nobody cares, When you think or there who do care. there are people out urces out there to There are many reso out. Go to a friend, em th ek Se s. en te lp he ll r, your parents, or ca a teacher, a counselo ds Don’t leave your frien the Suicide Hotline. biggest question of, and family with the

‘‘ w hy ? ‘‘

Nett’s mother -Malia Nett, Vincent

the br other

The scar above his left eyebrow says he’s been hurt before.

The scars on his heart say so much more.

But the daily blessings and constant reminders of love that escape his mouth say the most about Alex Hay ‘15, stepbrother to Vincent Nett ‘16.

This should have been the darkest time of his life after being struck down by tragedy over and over again, the universe seemingly relentless and uncaring in everything it throws at him.

Then again, anyone who really knows Hay will say that he isn’t the kind to stay down for long.

Hay has made his mark at Standley Lake as the feel-good guy, beaming through the hallway with textbooks clutched to his chest, delivering speeches in class about the power of love, and never missing a single PeaceJam meeting.

“Peace.

You

always

need

peace,”

Hay

said.

It’s Hay’s wise-beyond-his-years attitude that has guided him through these trying weeks, and it’s his unending love for his fellow Gators that has helped them carry on, too.

“I’m trying to make people smile because you’ve got to move on. If you hang on too long in the past, it’s going to hurt you. Just move on,” he said, cracking a smile. “It will make everything better.”

But beneath his glowing positivity and that signature smile is a kid who grew up too soon, a kid drawn down by depression before he even knew that feeling had a word, and a kid whose scars are deep and numerous. Underneath all of that is a big brother, just trying to be strong for his younger siblings - students at Mandalay and Ryan Elementary.

“I didn’t have a childhood because I had to take care of my brothers and sister,” Hay said.

“The only friend I hadback then was depression, and depression got to me, but I had to live for my siblings, because they had to grow up, too. I had to keep on living.”

His will to live on--not only for himself, but for those around him--has allowed his scars to heal and has been the driving force behind his passion to help others. Through triumph and tragedy, catastrophe and calamity, Hay emerges with an omnipresent spirit of positivity and strength.

You can see it between warm embraces to his classmates and ‘sup nods to strangers in the hall. In the way he so sincerely listens to those in need of a venting session. In the glimmer in his eyes as he tells you, “Keep moving forward.”

In the healed skin of his scars--those on his forehead and those on his heart.

the s teps to move fo rward

4

Hay’s scars are the tallies of the tragedies he’s been through in his 17 short years of life. They’re also living proof that, with time, all wounds heal. // chaye gutierrez

1.

Standley Lake takes steps to help students recover

Within the first couple days after the incident, 15 counselors from other schools and Jefferson Center for Medical Health came to SLHS.

2.

Students are being monitored to see if they need help (staff have been looking at grade fluctuations as signs)

3.

Teachers have also sought counseling, and have been able to visit the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

4.

Families have been connected with resources so they’re in touch with what’s going on and so they know they’re supported.

March 7 2014 // 37

Hey. hi. how are ya? no, really. let it out. doodle a drawing, write a poem, or bust out some lyrics—Just let it out.

38 // March 7 2014

Once your creation is finished, snap a photo and use #GatorsHeal on instagram & twitter March 7 2014 // 39

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from “nobody’s perfect” to “4x4”// kylee gerleve America’s “Best of Both Worlds” singer was the idol of my generation. She went from average girl by day, to pop-sensation, superstar by night.

Through her songs, she discussed love, talked about dreams, and inspired thousands.

Many of you probably know that Miley was previously engaged to 23-year-old Liam Hemsworth.

The engagement was broken off for undisclosed reasoning ending their almost 4 year “relationship.”

It may be hard to believe considering her actions today, but she was the perfect idol, and actually I believe she still is. Some say Miley Cyrus is a train wreck; I say Miley Cyrus is just a regular superstar who is trying to change her image.

Now while Miley has no record of describing the pain and sadness she felt after the broken off engagement, I can only imagine it was horrific.

Probably one of the worst pains Miley has ever felt, and for that I’m truly sorry; no one deserves such an undesirable pain. Things change people, and I believe that Miley’s break up with her soon to be fiancé changed part of who she was as a person.

Before reading this, most of you have already formed your opinion on Miley Cyrus. And I’m sure most of your opinions are negative, however give me a chance to explain why I believe her decisions aren’t detrimental to who she is as a person.

When Miley Cyrus started her life role as Hannah Montana, she was a 13-year-old little girl; now Miley Cyrus only plays one role, Miley. She is now 21 years old, and as much as it pains me to say it, Miley Cyrus has grown up.

She has been a legal adult for 3 years now and she should be able to make her own decisions, this includes making her own mistakes and learning from them. I’m not saying, that she shouldn’t use guidance; because the truth is sometimes we can all use a nudge in the right direction. However, if Miley Cyrus is legally allowed to decide how much alcohol she consumes, then she is old enough to decide how she wants to portray herself to the public. It’s not society’s job to decide the type of person Miley wants to be.

She began to release her pain and anger in different ways, some throughout her music. And while many people, mostly parents, were upset at this I actually enjoyed it. It showed how real she was.

Also it showed that she had grown as an individual throughout this traumatic experience.

Miley grew up, her music taste changed, her life experiences have changed, and who she is as a person has changed. However, what hasn’t changed is the fact that Miley Cyrus is a real person, and no one should expect her to be perfect, because lets face it, as a great pop-star once said… Nobody’s Perfect.

Miley Cyrus grew up in the spotlight, so while most 15 year-olds went through high school trying to figure out who they were by making mistakes, trying new things, and learning from trial and error she couldn’t. People expected her to know who she was and what she wanted at the age of 15.

This is unrealistic and is what I believe to be the cause of all celebrity train wrecks.

The public puts so much pressure on these stars to be the perfect idols, while in reality they may not have even wanted to be an idol, just a singer.

So now, Miley got a new hair cut, changed her style of music, and wants to party just a little bit more. Miley is trying to find who she is and what she wants in her life and for some reason people can’t seem to understand that.

I’m not saying swinging on a wrecking ball without any clothes on is a good thing, but if she’s trying to find who she is and what she wants for herself it should be her decision. Miley Cyrus needs to be the type of person that she wants to be, not the type of person that everyone else wants her to be.

You don’t have to like Miley Cyrus, no one can force you to like who she is, the clothes she wears, or what kind of music she decides to sing. However, I wish our society would realize that Miley Cyrus is just a normal human being and we shouldn’t expect anything else from her.

She never even got a normal chance to find out who she was, and I think everyone, including her, deserves a chance to discover the type of person they are and what they want to do with their life, because lets face it if you don’t know who you are, what’s the point of life? Miley Cyrus wants to change, why is it our job to stop her?

Silent Halls Empty Hearts //Nadia seymour Silent, bleak, empty school hallways. This should never be the welcome into an elementary school.

There should be music.

Music helps children learn responsibility. You have to maintain and care for your instrument, memorize music, and work in a group.

Music has also been proven to improve learning ability. Students who are musicians tend to excel at testing.

Many people would argue that the music department costs too much or isn’t supported enough, either.

Most bands are barely funded by the school and have to be supported entirely by external fund-

raising. Sometimes that is just enough for a band to scrape by.

joy it brings us. We deal with junky equipment because music is something we enjoy.

Unfortunately, the worst possible outcome of there being no elementary band is there being no music. Students won’t have songs playing through their heads all day. No children’s fingers will mimic notes on their pencils. No 5th graders who drag cases bigger than they are onto the bus. Nothing but silence.

Band gives young students something to strive for.

The smiles that erupt on their faces as they master that hard rhythm or play that first note. I was so proud of seeing my name in the program at my first concert. I loved the thrill of succeeding.

I have been in band for about five years now and I couldn’t imagine school without it. Knowing that I have band as my last class always helps me get through the tough days.

Sure some of our music stands are broken and gnarled, but we don’t care. We love music and the

While mastering music takes time, endless hours of squeaking instruments, and ugly noises; my fondest memories of elementary school are of the time I spent in band; meeting new friends, and turning air into something creative and beautiful.

Every little penny, every minute of support counts.

Keep music alive.

March 7 2014 // 41

the truth behind school foods // aidan Johnson “Wait, didn’t you have pizza for lunch yesterday?

And you’re having it again today?”

So here’s the problem, schools have been feeding kids the same things every day, and the food doesn’t taste good, or even look appetizing for that matter.

It’s been a problem for me for the past few years now, and I’m sure that it’s a problem for many other students.

Here’s a quick story that might change your standing on school foods. Once, back in elementary school, I was buying some mashed potatoes from the school cafeteria. On my way back to my table I noticed…

Not one, Not two, But three, long golden hairs sticking out of my mashed potatoes at random. That moment horrified me and changed my view on the “effort” that is put into creating these meals, and the “quality”

of our school foods.

Michelle Obama has made it her personal mission to change what schools feed their students.

Rachael Ray (celebrity chef) is taking action against schools feeding their kids processed foods.

And as kids, we just eat what’s put in front of us.

But we aren’t kids anymore... and we sure as hell aren’t going to look at a half melted cheese pizza thats a little burnt and say, “Wow, that looks delicious.” We have standards. We want something new.

You might also have heard this at one point or another, “School food is getting healthier.” Well is that really true? Or are we being lied to?

According to a California Food Policy Advocates study, “Nationally, over 50% of commodity foods are sent to processors before they are delivered to school districts. Processing may add fat, sugar, and sodium to foods is unregulated for nutritional quality.”

So the food that some of you eat every day has been sent through a processor, frozen and left in a freezer until the day comes to whip out some frozen chicken chunks. And God knows what happens to the leftovers… do they get thrown back in the freezer for next Tuesday?

And maybe the food you eat collects a little hair on its way from the lunch lady to you, you never know.

An easy way to solve this problem is to bring your own lunch. Lots of kids do it. It’s easier to sort what foods you want your child to eat, or what you personally want to eat.

Another way to solve the problem is to let the School Board know that it’s a serious problem, and we’re sick of being fed processed crap and overpacked TV dinners.

And don’t get me wrong, pizza, french fries, and hot dogs are great, but should we be eating them every day?

the world on our shoulders // kayla pray It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.

“I’m just stressed.” A most commonly used phrase in the teenage language. A phrase thrown around as an excuse when lashing out on someone. You have too much homework, too many big tests coming up, friends are being annoying, or relationships are on the edge.

As teenagers, we deal with all of those. We have so much on our shoulders, and we think if anything else builds up on top of it, we might just collapse.

So we tell people not to worry, we’re just stressed.

But little do we know the actual definition of stress. Stress (as defined by Merriam Webster Online Dictionary) is “a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life, work, etc.”

It’s not just an excuse, it’s a very serious issue, which can lead to all sorts of problems, such as major anger problems, anxiety, constant worry and negative thoughts, aches and pains, and, yes, even physical sickness.

42 // March 7 2014

So what do we do when someone points it out? We over analyze the situation, and we may think there is no way to get rid of the cause unless we tackle all our problems at once.

We think that the only way to relieve our stress is to do all the homework, study for all the tests, confront all the friends, and talk through all the relationships. But little do we know, performing all of the tasks can make all our problems bigger.

Which causes more stress.

Sure, confronting our problems can help to an extent, but sometimes it can make it worse. It will just cause more worry about the situation. Instead, you could find some things to take your mind off of it, such as taking a run or a walk, hanging out with someone you care about who makes you feel better when you’re down, talk to someone you trust, such as a parent/guardian/parental figure or a teacher. As cliché as it sounds, take deep breaths. It calms the mind and helps you focus on what’s going on around you.

When asked what she does to help relieve her stress, Emily Chhay ‘16 said, “When I feel stressed, I either cry, lay in bed and stare at the ceiling, or eat. And sometimes I tweet about it.” Even as sophomore Homecoming Queen she sometimes feels stressed too. But she finds ways to overcome it, and it’s not all about taking her anger out.

Think to yourself. Have you been having restless, sleepless nights this week? Have you lost your appetite (even when your mom makes your favorite meal for dinner?) Have you found yourself being mean to other people for no apparent reason?

Have you been antsy and fidgety in class? Have you been thinking nothing but negative thoughts?

If you answered yes to more than two of these, I would look into talking to someone because you my friend, might be stressed.

So how we choose to deal with our stress is all in our hands. Whether it’s bottling it up, or opening the bottle and letting it out.

Protect Our pets // emma duran Not a day goes by without a shocking media report concerning animal cruelty. Everyday pets suffer abuse because they bark one too many times or chew on television cords.

According to the United States Humane Society, more than a million household pets are abused or intentionally killed each year--this needs to change.

If there were registries for abusive pet owners, then animal abuse would be significantly reduced..Although such registries wouldn’t be the perfect solution, animal abuse registries are long overdue and need to be created to help protect these vulnerable creatures.

as a society, cannot continue to allow people to mistreat their animals without consequences.

If animal registries for abusive owners were created, it would give animals some level of protection.

When suspected animal abuse is reported by a neighbor or another concerned citizen, it should be immediately investigated by local animal control.

If the report is found to be true, the pet should be surrendered and the owner should be listed on the animal abuse registry.

Some people will argue that animals have no feelings. They don’t realize that animals feel both physical and emotional pain when they are subjected to abuse at the hands of their owners.

People need to understand that when an animal is abused in any way or form, it’s cruel and absolutely despicable. Harming an animal is just like harming a child. So, I don’t know why our society allows the abuse to continue. Research has shown that if a person abuses an animal, then they are likely to abuse a child or spouse.

According to Psychology Today, animals have cognitive abilities and are able to feel such emotions as joy, love, depression, loneliness, and sadness.

Abusive owners do not think twice about screaming, hitting, kicking, or starving a pet and we,

A Colorado Springs man was recently sentenced to three years in prison for aggravated animal cruelty. Stephen Alexander was sentenced for shattering a cat’s skull. According to an article in the July 25, 2013 issue of the Colorado Springs Gazette,

this was not the first time Alexander was accused of mistreating an animal. If this depraved man had been initially reported and listed in an animal abuse registry then he would have never been able to interact, torture and kill this innocent cat.

An animal abuse registry, though not a perfect solution, would be helpful when someone is trying to find a new home for their pet. A person may unknowingly turn an animal over to an abuser.

With the help of an animal abuse registry, people involved in the sale or adoption of a pet would be able to check the potential new owner’s history.

That will help ensure that pets are not being given or sold to convicted animal abusers.

Animals are at the mercy of humans and sometimes they are treated in unspeakable ways. No animal deserves to endure such cruel treatment, especially while most owners walk away without a consequence. Our society needs to enact stronger laws to protect those most vulnerable. Let’s end animal abuse and save innocent animals from inhumane owners.

day of the doctor // lily sinks There has been a lot of arguing between two fandoms- Whovians (fans of Doctor Who) and The Directioners (fans of the band One Direction).

The fighting has been taking place over Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook, and the argument going on is who gets November 23rd as their day.

As a Whovian, I find that we have had this day for 50 years. It’s the exact day that our favorite Sci-Fi show has been airing; it’s our 50th anniversary.

Our show has such deep and heartfelt moments all throughout the series--One Direction, in my opinion, is full of hollow and shallow lyrics.

They are successful with these songs because their fanbase is made up of teenage girls. The Doctor Who fan base is made up of the young and the old, the people who have watched the show since the first episode ever aired, and the people who have only been able to watch since the beginning of the Ninth Doctor.

We are a true family, all because of a British Television show. We deserve the day to ourselves-- it is the Day of the Doctor.

Doctor Who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-running science fiction television show in the world. It is the most successful Science fiction series of all time; based on ratings, DVD and book sales, and iTunes traffic.

Every episode has such a meaningful story behind it, especially ones written by Steven Moffat. Every Whovian ever has wanted to murder Moffat; he introduces main characters by killing them, he’s made us want to lie down on the floor and cry but still gives us such hope that it will all get better, that the Doctor will fix it. This is our day where we can recognize all these facts, that we can watch Doctor Who all day and enjoy it.

One Direction can’t make you feel this way, you can only experience this with something that you have a true connection to.

I recognize that most Directioners do care about their “role-models”, and enjoy the music they produce but I find it shallow. For example, lyrics from the song “Little White Lies” “Back Seat of the cab, we’re in the cab now. Lips getting so

attached, they’re so attached now.”

I figure most Directioners are only interested in them because they are attractive. Our main characters are attractive as well, but they have taught us how to love, how to fight through battles that seem impossible.

Watching the show, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve fallen in love, we’ve had our hearts broken, most of the time in the same episode.

We are not just a fanbase but a family. We can share inside jokes with each other about the last episode, we can confide in each other about the “feels” we felt (tumblr talk) this week, we have each other to lean on. One Direction produces music about girls and love, but they are a boy band, so what would you expect? Doctor Who takes the feelings to a much deeper level. If you could just give One Direction a different day, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Let us enjoy our Day of the Doctor.

March 7 2014 // 43

The ‘P’ and ‘F’ Words // ripley hanson We’ve all heard it in the halls. Maybe even said it ourselves: the ‘P’ word.

Girls are constantly portrayed as the sensitive, weak underdogs in society, but strip us down to the core and we’re stronger than every man put together.

Women aren’t weak; we don’t kneel over in agony when we are nudged wrong--and we are more than a voluptuous body with a pair of lips.

We look up to celebrities; it’s a fact. Many girls follow celebrities who aren’t the greatest role models and, rather than aiming to have guys like us for what really counts, we strive to have them notice us through sex as if that’s our main purpose.

Let’s talk about respect: we tolerate more than we need to when it comes to invasions of personal space and we don’t always act on it because the reaction may look uncool.

But sometimes an overreaction is what saves our bodies and our dignity. It’s pretty pathetic that self respect looks bad in teens eyes. And why should it?

Our views on our body image have evolved with peer opinion, so we tend to be more involved with our outer selves rather than our inner selves.

Nevertheless we’re still strong.

The White House Project is a nonprofit organization that partnered with Barbie to create a female barbie president in 2000 and has continued to contribute to many more inspiring projects.

So why is it that people demean us by using our characteristics as insults? Like when guys call each other girly and whimpy for only being able to lift a certain amount of weight, what’s that supposed to mean?

Dufu herself has been leading the organization for the past 3 years, and just left in 2013 to be the Chief Leadership Officer at Levo League where she inspires women in the workforce to be empowered, offering advice to those in need.

It’s insulting to women when we’re portrayed as inferior.

How is it acceptable for a guy to say “Just grow a pair” when a guy is being lame and “Don’t be a pussy” for the same reason? Correct me if I’m wrong, but the last time I checked, a guy’s “pair” is definitely not that strong, it’s pretty sensitive.

Whereas a “pussy” pops out entire babies.

Contrarily, Sports Illustrated magazine has made a barbie in a swimsuit the new cover of their upcoming swimsuit issue, continuing to make women all over feel insecure.

Feminism often gets the cold shoulder by people uncomfortable with acknowledging the issue when it deserves a sharp ray of recognition and action.

For many, being a feminist is simply having self respect and wanting to achieve the same upward mobility as men. It isn’t outrageous to have an opinion on how women should be treated.

Let’s backtrack a bit. What is a feminist? A feminist is a person who believes that women should be equal to men in the issues of the gender gap (for every man’s dollar, a woman gets paid 77 cents) politics and society in general.

Women all over the United States are fighting for gender equality, including Tiffany Dufu, previous president of The White House Project and current Chief Leadership Officer at Levo League. Dufu is one of many women who are making a difference in how women are perceived.

Next time you say the ‘P’ word, just know that pussy isn’t the insult you think it is, because we aren’t quite so delicate.

imagination gone astray // tina muscarelli “You’re a ghost!” my three year old sister, Julianna, screams as she runs to hide. Her imagination has infinite boundaries, it seems.

I wish mine still did.

Through preschool and elementary we are taught to have this huge, elaborate imagination. Then we eventually move on to being handed a scantron with a choice of five little bubbles to fill in with only a No. 2 wooden pencil.

Rarely something with personal creativity is required. Knowing facts from textbooks, worksheets, etc. That’s what it’s all come down to.

As soon as my sister walks in the door every Tuesday and Thursday, coming home from Tiny Tots preschool with her newest creation of a craft, my dad comments on how great it is and hangs it up with the rest of her “beyooful pitchers,” as she would say.

How often do we get to use our imagination and creativity in such a way? How often do you find your mind wandering to a wonderful place? My answer would be not as often as I’d like. I rarely have time. When I’m not spending hours on homework, I’m spending it with family, or friends, or at work or practice. Oh, and I’d like to get a decent

44 // March 7 2014

amount of sleep. There just aren’t enough hours in the day it seems.

smile and giggle when I reply, “I don’t know, Randall,” in a frightened manner.

I’m not very creative in the first place. I’m a left-brained person. I’d honestly rather deal with math problems than write a creative story. I’m just better at it.

She finds utter enjoyment in playing the newest game that just popped into her head. Isn’t running around on the playground pretending the ground was lava one of your best memories? It’s definitely one of mine. Swinging like a monkey, using all of my strength to reach out and grab the next bar.

Jumping from platform to platform carefully.

The list of excuses could go on for miles. But we all start out with an imagination, right?

Playing made up games on the playground at recess, thinking up stories to act out. We all start with it. Where the heck does it go?

Albert Einstein said, “Logic will get you from A to Z. Imagination will get you everywhere.” If you think about it, imagination allows for the creation of practically everything. Where would authors get inspiration if it weren’t for their mind wandering?

How would new inventions come to be? New fashion? Recipes? If you think about it, so many things stem from pure creativity.

My sister never fails to bring out the imagination in me. Her favorite game lately is to play Monsters Inc. This consists of her grabbing my cheeks with her small, chubby hands and looking me dead in the eyes saying with a not so angry voice, “Where’s da kid?!” She can’t help but crack a

But then we lose it. Somewhere along the way-when we become “too cool” for that.

Although students are required to take one semester of an art class in order to graduate, the arts classes are suffering. No one is enrolling in them.

We are single-handedly giving up on creativity.

“And the idea of just wandering off to a cafe with a notebook and writing and seeing where that takes me for awhile is just bliss,” J.K. Rowling said.

So on the weekend, instead of kicking up your feet to watch yet another movie, sit down and think.

About anything. Everything. Grab some paper and draw it all out, words, doodles, whatever it may be.

Just bring back what you did and how your mind was when you were, say six. The creativity of it.

moving forward

One Monday morning, everything changed for Standley Lake.

Teachers, students, families, the entire Gator community experienced a tragedy. We felt the pain, we grieved, but we held on to each other.

Time and time again, Standley Lake has been struck with painful hardships. And time and time again, we come together.

Gator Strong isn’t just something that is being said, it’s something that we truly are. We are in pain, but we are in pain together. We are taking baby steps towards healing as a community who knows that it can be done--because we’re a community that has done it before.

Students fill the hallways, unafraid to offer a smile, a hello, or even a hug to a stranger. Because we are not strangers to each other, we are all Gators.

We’re a group of hurting people trying to survive these trying times, knowing that only those who walk these halls could understand the pain.

We start up conversations with new people, making connections and friendships, sharing our presence and love with those who need it. Our conversations are no longer passive, but instead we take the time to truly listen to what the other

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is saying.

We have watched classmates gather around a student ready to give up. We have watched friends and strangers alike do all that they could to ensure his well being and his happiness. Through their love and strength, we have watched that student find peace within himself for the first time.

Our administration and teachers take time to ensure the well-being of their students. They don’t move on in a desperate attempt to bury the obvious into the forgotten. Our teachers stand strong, offering us a place to talk about our thoughts and our struggles.

We have seen teachers open their doors during lunches, offering a space of encouragement and comfort in a time when it was desperately needed.

We have heard a teacher dismiss an entire day’s lesson. Instead, the students stood on desks, belting out happy songs, forgetting the stress and troubles, even if only for one period.

Take a walk through the halls of Standley Lake and you can’t miss the many posters from surrounding schools offering their support. They’re Gator Strong with us.

heal from, but it becomes easier when we realize we are not alone.

We are all hurting and trying to cope, but when we remember the love our community has within it, the hurt goes away a little, and the coping gets a little bit easier.

Everyday, as we move forward, our strength and unification brings us one step closer to peace.

This is not an easy road to walk, and there will be days where it seems like the hardest thing there is. On those days, remember what it means to be Gator Strong.

It means that you are relentless. It means that you hold on to those around you with all that you have. It means you tell the people you love that you love them, and you do it often. It means that you’re surrounded by strength. It means that you aren’t afraid to ask for help. It means it’s okay that you aren’t okay right now. It means that you have a fierce determination to better yourself and the people around you. It means that no matter what, you’re a Gator through and through.

What happened to Standley Lake is not easy to

tHE PEOPLE Chaye Gutierrez // Editor-in-Chief Sabrina Pacha // Editor-in-Chief Ben Reed // Advisor Aina Azlan // Cartoonist

Jamey Burky // Team Editor Cassidy Conlon // Team Editor Kylynn Delohery // Team Editor

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Opinions or expressions made by students in this publication are not expressions of board policy. The district and its employees are immune from any civil action based on any expression made for or published by students.

The Lake is an open forum for and by the students, faculty, and community of Standley Lake High School. The Lake is willing to accept and print any appropriate articles submitted by the students of SLHS and reserves the right to edit any of these articles. We will not print letters sent to us without a name and signature. Submit letters to standleylakenewspaper@gmail.com

Staff Writers // Esteban Arellano Marcus Asmus Sarah Bennett Jorday Gray Ripley Hanson Nicole Heetland Bethany Keupp Brittany Marks Emma Marlow Natasha McCone

Megan Metzger-Seymour Ty Milliken Jeremy Minnick Tina Muscarelli Madison Newlon Laurel Nordquist-Zukin Shylah Ogle Kelsey Paquet Brendan Roby Morgan Rubendall Morgan Whitley

March 7 2014 // 45

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