The Herald Vol. 57 May 2021

HERALD

THE

VOL 57 | ARAPAHOE HIGH SCHOOL

HERALD

THE

staff

2020-2021

photo by Robert Dicker

S ook, Elijah Horn R E olbr

Jaden Cottorone

Editor-In-Chief

Constance Rathsack

Associate Editor

Skylynn McDowell Associate Editor

Lily Stinton

Associate Editor

Kate Tucker

Associate Editor

Greg Anderson Adviser

ock r B Sh s s ghes, elby Mc tu u H Ina n a ll rsen, Riley w e d Ro Pe n Shanor, G a r eran m

OR k, M T ad i

Hannah Larsen

rlot a, Cha te Clar

Associate Editor

s

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Ashleigh Huntley

Ju s

Associate Editor

i Navarro m ao N y, yan Rundell R , th i U sec h e b a l li a m Wi

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Ruby Harris

H

Lin c o l

Associate Editor

on

Cla

Kristin Avery

Ca

Managing Editor

letter from the editor

On behalf of The Herald, I would also like to thank Ms. Hall in the Post Grad Center for all that she does for Arapahoe, and for her help with the senior section in this issue. We appreciate you!

Hey there! How are you, dedicated readers? It’s been a while since you’ve heard from us at The Herald, huh? In fact, I have yet to introduce myself. The last Letter from the Editor(s) was written by the talented, inspiring Delia Guilbert and Megan Nguyen, who have since graduated and moved on to bigger and better adventures. Today though, you get me: Jaden Cottorone, in the flesh (or rather, on matte 70 pt. paper).

I joined The Herald as a sophomore, and as cliche as it sounds, the journalism room became an instant home. I looked forward to class everyday and signed up for every project I could. The J-room was always bursting with creative, supportive energy that provided me with motivation I’d never felt before.

This year, the J-room is rather quiet, much like the rest of the world. We spent most of the year with no more than 10 people gathered at a time, keeping our distance and keeping to ourselves. Many times did I mourn the loss of the busy typing, the gathering around a Mac to design a spread, or snacking on glazed donut holes. Being a student journalist this year was weird to say the very least.

Not all was lost, though. I mean, hey, here’s your May issue! I cannot begin to tell you how difficult it was to get here.

This is a big deal! And with such a weird year, we had the opportunity to rethink our content. We’ve unlocked a new level of “ingenious” ideas (most of which fell through with the nature of this school year) and are putting out a solid issue for y’all.

As life catches up to me and I think about moving on like editors before me, I’m feeling a significant amount of appreciation for those who helped me get to where I am today, and of course it would not be a final, farewell Letter from the Editor without a few words of gratitude.

I’d like to thank my wonderful staff for being so resilient and putting up with the many, many periods of adjustment this year. I learn from y’all every single day. As a former journalism student told me: you’re truly going to do incredible things, good luck.

I’d also like to thank Robert Dicker, Editor-In-Chief of The Calumet Yearbook. Being at the top is rather lonely and tedious sometimes, but it’s been wonderful to have someone to complain (and problem solve!) with. We rocked it this year, and I’m proud of us for keeping our publications great in unprecedented times. And of course, thank you for all your help with this issue of the Herald.

Thank you to my family for supporting me and celebrating my work at The Herald. Thank you to my parents for letting me groan about deadlines and dilemmas for the past 3 years, and of course thank you to my grandparents for being avid readers of The Herald; my grandma is and forever will be the #1 Herald fan!

Most of all, I would like to thank Mr. Anderson. I will never understand what drives you to be as dedicated as you are to your young journalists, but I am endlessly grateful that you

are. Mr. Anderson spends every week day (and some weekends!) advising us from as early as 7am to as late as 9pm. He’s endured all of my questions, whether they are about journalism, college, or life in general. Thank you for providing me with a safe space to laugh, cry, and grow. Your support and belief in me is why I am the person I am today— a more ambitious, confident, resilient person and leader.

I’m quite terrified to move on, but I know deep down that I am ready because of the support I’ve received in the J-Room. It’s been a pleasure to call this place home, and I’ll miss it dearly, but such is life. Que Será, Será.

Anyways, enough about me. Enjoy the first and last issue of The Herald of the 2020-2021 school year!

With gratitude, Jaden Cottorone, Editor-In-Chief

photo by Karly Sokolowski

contents 06 08 10 12 14 16 20 24 25 31

learning models summer events remember when? senior memories and bucket list glow ups senior maps senior index letter from Mrs. Pramenko farewells say what?!: best of four years

06

Learning During COVID-19

students and faculty reflect on education during the 2020-2021 school year

%% 45%

by Kristin Avery, Ashleigh Huntley, Skylynn McDowell, Kate Tucker

Littleton Public Schools first introduced fully online learning in March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s arrival in the United States. Amidst the uncertainty and panic, Arapahoe High School found itself closing its doors on school activities; finals, AP Tests, prom, graduation, and standardized testing were all changed or cancelled.

Now, over a year later, Arapahoe has gone through 22 different bell schedules, and three different learning models: Online, Hybrid, and Full In-Person. The Herald staff recived responses from 155 students and 30 faculty to a survey open from 04/14/21 to 04/28/21 to determine which model was most effective and preferred by the Arapahoe community, and what takeaways they had.

4/5

teachers preferred all inperson learning overall

8%

of students preferred all online

% 47%

of students preferred all inperson learning

of students preferred hybrid learning

What Did We Learn?

“Some things that I’ve simplified for this year, I’ve discovered work better for everyone, and those changes I’ll keep” - Steve Miles, Language Arts Department

“The hybrid and online model have, like a flashlight, highlighted the students who are capable of being responsible and “I think I’m going to start focusing more on what conscientious self-starters, and those who’ve I want my school life to be like rather than what is not learned to work without someone telling set up for me because one day you might not get them exactly what to do. We may have found those chances anymore” a weakness in our educational system if so - Anonymous Student, 10 many students cannot learn, even partially, on their own” “I will value hands on activities and work. The - Alejandro Tyler, Math Department students and I enjoyed that more than online simulations and videos” - Nicolas Babcock, Science Department

May 2021 | The Herald | Learning Models

“Once I got into a routine, it was a nice balance of online and in person” - Annie Gleason, 10 “It felt to chaotic and disorganized. Teachers were trying to do the same things they would if we were all in person or all online” - Caden Hanke, 9 “ I flourished during hybrid. I became super confident, super happy, and I got time to spend with all my animals.

It was nice” - Anastasia Thau, 9

07 “Having both online and in person was awful. There was less class time and being separated from the other cohort was tough. I’m a social person” - Anonymous Student, 12

“It was nice to be at home and we actually saw our teachers a lot. I did really well in this model and loved it.”

- Jordan Stead, 9 “It was hard to go outside, I usually had a headache by the end of the day, and it was harder to focus on the teacher. I didn’t really want to do homework at the end of the day because my brain was so fried from looking at a computer screen” - Niah Thompson, 11 “I hate my computer and I never want to see it again” - Nicolas Babcock, Science Department “At home I wasn’t distracted with the thought of getting sick. I got to see my teachers a lot and had lots of time to do homework” - Ava Eberly, 12

“Quarantines are the issue that prevents student’s comprehension” - Kyle Low, Math Department

“It was less confusing, more consistent, and provided more stability in my routine” - Sara Turner, 12 “It’s a bit overwhelming to be back with everyone at the school. It’s loud, crowded, and I’m just not used to it after this year. It felt like a very abrupt transition, and now I struggle to get my homework done as well” - Elise Kriss, 10 “I can focus better and feel like I’m learning more; my grades show this” - Anonymous Student, 9

May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Learning Models

08

Safe Summer Suggestions

by Charlotte Clark, Hannah Larsen, Constance Rathsack

Are you excited for summer? Sunny days, fun adventures, and countless memories. Here are a few ideas to get your summer started off right! From concerts, to hikes, and even fun things to do with friends. Check off the events as you go throughout the summer and spend your time not worrying about school. As always, remember to wear your mask properly, wash your hands often, and to follow social distancing guidelines. Have fun this summer, but still do your part to keep yourself and others safe.

STAY

May 2021 | The Herald | Summer Events

SAFE

09

Road Trippin’

Wanna road trip? Add these mountain activities and locations to your itinerary!

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Black Canyon Paint Mines Sand Dunes Stargazing Cliff Jumping Whitewater rafting Zip-lining

Rockin’ Out

Small venues, like Lost Lake, The Black Box, Cervantes, and HQ are starting to open with limited seating. Red Rocks also opened in April with limited capacity.

Just Strollin’

Pikes Peak Rocky Mountain National Park Devil’s Head Garden of the Gods Mesa Verde

AHS!

May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Summer Events

10

Remember When...

by Ruby Harris, Madison Holbrook, Rowan Hughes, Naomi Navarro, Constance Rathsack, Riley Roth, Lily Stinton, Gabi Useche

2017-2018 Freshman Year Yodeling kid from Walmart (Mason Ramsey) Chipotle added queso to the menu Yanny vs Laurel Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Donald Trump inaugurated into office as president Chili’s on University burns down Solar Eclipse of 2017 First period at Arapahoe started at 7:21am IHOB

2018-2019 Sophomore Year

“Gods Plan” by Drake was the #1 song

ABK Boys won state

“Star Wars the Last Jedi” was the #1 movie of 2017

ABK Girls runner up

Arapahoe Rugby team won state championship The “Egg” sets the new record for most likes on Instagram (27 Million) “Toys-R-Us” closed all loctions Stan Lee, George H. W Bush, Aretha Franklin, and Mac Miller passed away “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X came out “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi was the #1 song of 2019 “Toy Story 4” was released in 2019 “Avengers: Infinity War” was the most popular movie of 2018

May 2021 | The Herald | Remember When?

11

2019-2020 Junior Year

Girls Cross Country won state Notre Dame burned Area 51 raid Kobe Bryant passed Australia fires TikTok boomed in popularity Kanye West ran for president COVID-19 outbreak began Last day of full in person school on March 13 2020 First image of a black hole George Floyd’s death which sparked worldwide BLM protests “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion was the #1 song “The Last Dance” Netflix Michael Jordan documentary “Tiger King” released on Netflix

2020-2021 Senior Year “Among Us” boomed in popularity Everyone thought Kim Jong-un died World war three scare Texas power outage 2020 Election Joe Biden takes office as president Capitol riot

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left the royal family Went back full in person during second semester 22 different bell schedules at Arapahoe High School this school year Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Prince Phillip and Chadwick Bozeman passed away “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo breaks records on Spotify and Amazon Music May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Remember When?

12

The best part of high school was...

By Elijah Horn and Ashleigh Huntley

“Eating lunch on the south lawn” Ava Eberly

“Building lifelong relationships with friends and teachers” Emily Cooper

“Science labs, because they were so fun and interactive” Luke Davis

“My friend and I accidentally getting on a bus for a church we didn’t even go to that took us to Southglenn” Jacob Pointer May 2021 | The Herald | Seniors

In the future I want to...

13

“Travel the world” Kaitlyn Grubb

“Get a pet frog” Isabella Pham

“Hike a 14er and go on a road trip before college” Julia Juergens

“Watch my siblings graduate” Erse Reed May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Seniors

14

don’t just grow up....

By Shelby McInally, Clara Shanor, Kate Tucker, Cameran Williams

Aidan Graebar

Albert (AJ) Scheckenbach

Elizabeth (Erse) Reed

Hannah Larsen

Rachel Bourdette

Pria Zaveri

May 2021 | The Herald | Seniors

GLOW GLOW UP! UP!

Lilyann (Lily) Francis

Caleb Flemming

Kennedy Waress

15

Ryan Rundell

Paige (Austin) Hunter Leto Sellers May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Seniors

16

Wher e in t 10

11

1

he World

12

2 0

2

8 0 13 224 6 17 9 30 1 0 May 2021 | The Herald | Seniors

7

4

17

?

1 2 0 is the Class of 2

3

1

4

1

2 2

1

8 5

0

8

7

1 1 3 3 0 3 0 2 4

0

4

4

2 0

2

0 0

2

10

All data collected from the Senior Exit Survey on Naviance that was released on April 7, 2021 and closed on May 3, 2021.

May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Seniors

18

the class of 2021

out of w

by the numbers

85% 512 512 seniors... 75% 5% 10% + 2%

by Jaden Cottorone and Ashleigh Huntley

are attending college in the fall after graduating... will attend a 4-year university

will enter employment after graduation

will attend trade school or engage in an apprenticeship for fields such as...

cosmetology, automotive technologies, plumbing, real estate, equine management, tattoo and piercing artistry . . . .

May 2021 | The Herald | Seniors

1%

will join the military

7%

did not complete the exit survey in naviance

will attend a 2-year university

1

warrior will join the US

2

warriors will join the US

2

ARMY

NAVY

warriors will join the US

MARINE CORPS

staying

in-state

19

Grand Junction

Greater Denver Area

Front Range Community College - 1 Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design - 1 Pickens Technical College - 2 Arapahoe Community College - 37 University of Denver - 9 Metropolitan State University - 21 Aveda Institute of Cosmetology - 1 University of Colorado, Denver - 8 Community College of Denver - 1 Regis University - 2 Colorado Christian University- 4

Pueblo

Western Community College - 1 Colorado Mesa University - 5

Colrado State University Pueblo -1

Western Colorado University - 1

Colorado State University - 36 University of Northern Colorado - 8

Fort Collins & Greeley

Gunnison

Sterling

Boulder & Golden

Northeastern Junior College -1

Colorado Springs

United States Air Force Academy -1 Colorado College - 1 University of Colorado, Colorado Springs - 5

Colorado School of Mines - 9 University of Colorado Boulder - 48

out of those attending college or technical school...

224 207

will stay in-state will move out-of-state

and

4

All data collected from the Senior Exit Survey on Naviance that was released on April 7, 2021 and closed on May 3, 2021.

will move out of the United States May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Seniors

20

A

B

Adas, Madisyn Adkisson, Christopher Albee, Christopher Alderson, Quinten Aleksa, Alina Aljeraiw, Ali Alvarez, Garrison Alvarez, Sophie Amann, Robert Amaral, Kyle Ambrose, Jack Ambrose, Matthew Amsler, Naomi Andersen, Nathan Andrews, Kal Anjaria, Maxwell Applegate, Claire Applegate, Kade Applegate, Parker Arevalo, Joshua Arnold, Ethan Ashton, James Aslin, Emma Attai, Ashley Austin, Grace Avery, Kristin

Backer, Carly Baer, Kelsey Bales, Eliyah Ballard, Riley Banas, Matthew Banks, Katelyn Beasley, Brice Becker, Matthew Bergstrom, Megan Bilbao, Olivia Birkholz, Avery Blok, Julia Boase, Jacob Bol, Mikaila Bolsinger, Grant Booth, Cody Bosworth, Alex Bottone, Baylee Boullard, Cheyenne Bourdette, Rachel Braband, Neva Bradley, Sophie Bratton, Zoe Brehmer, Jameson Bresnahan, Colin Bridges, Reagan Brostrom, Jade Brown, Madison Browne, Shawn Brue, Kyle Brue, Mia Bruno, Jessica Bui, Kyle Bull, Thomas Burcham, Logan Burge, Noah Burgess, Gabrielle Burns, Emily Burr, Brayden Burton, Lauren Bushel, Carter

Class of 2021 Senior Index United States Navy Transitions Green River College Arapahoe Community College Colorado State University Metropolitan State University of Denver employment survey results needed Duke University employment University of North Dakota Colorado State University, Fort Collins Metropolitan State University of Denver apprenticeship Champlain College Colorado State University, Fort Collins University of Colorado, Boulder University of Arizona Colorado State University, Fort Collins Colorado State University, Fort Collins Arapahoe Community College Metropolitan State University of Denver employment Colorado State University, Fort Collins Savannah College of Art and Design Arizona State University

Colorado State University, Fort Collins Western Washington University University of Colorado, Denver Texas A&M University Arapahoe Community College Oregon State University United States Marine Corps Santa Clara University Brigham Young University, Provo survey results needed survey results needed University of Twente, Netherlands Ohio University Montana State University University of Colorado, Boulder Montana State University survey results needed survey results needed Arapahoe Community College Point Loma Nazarene University University of Oklahoma University of Arizona Colorado School of Mines University of Arizona University of California, Los Angeles Florida International University Community College of Denver University of Oregon Colorado State University, Fort Collins Colorado State University, Fort Collins University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Creighton University survey results needed Metropolitan State University of Denver Metropolitan State University of Denver Colorado State University, Fort Collins University of California, Los Angeles survey results needed United States Army Aveda Institute of Cosmetology California Polytechnic State University

May 2021 | The Herald | Seniors

C

D

Cackowski, Leah Call, Camryn Calla, Sydney Camp, Jordan Campbell, Kathleen Campisi, Isabella Canetto, Paige Carothers, Kyle Carranco, Alexxis Carstensen Obando, Pablo Case, Tara Casson, Sarah Chestnut, Tyler Chione, Jack Church, Ross Cinalli, Gabriella Clark, Abigail Clarkson, Caiden Clifford, Ryan Coffey, Sophia Cohrs, Abigail Conn, Atticus Conway, Breighan Cooley, Cerai Cooper, Emily Corless, River Cornelius, Jo Ann Cornelius, Jude Costigan, Max Cote, Ryan Cottorone, Jaden Coughlin, Shia Cox, Eva Cox, Robert Crory, Lily Cruz Blas, Jesus

Dallapiazza, Anthony Damon, Cole Daugherty, Makayla David, Karina Davis, Amelia Davis, Luke Davis, Nicholas DeClue, Grant deRidder, Naomi DeVoe, Catherine Dicker, Robert Dieffenbach, Rebecca Dodd, Thomas Doehler, Grace Dominguez, Cayden Doucet, Isabella Douchane, Ella Dougan, Brandon Dougherty, Izzabella Downs, Cennady Duchovnay, Olivia Dunn, Aaron Dunn, Brooklyn Dunn, Chloe Dunn, Jenna Dunnington, Jack Duthie, Kady Dykstra, Garrett Dzengelewski, Graham

Colorado State University, Fort Collins University of Colorado, Boulder Oregon State University University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado State University, Fort Colllins Grand Canyon University Colorado School of Mines University of Northern Colorado Arapahoe Community College Metropolitan State University of Denver Colorado State University, Fort Collins University of Kansas survey results needed University of Wisconsin Auburn University University of Oregon Arapahoe Community College Grand Canyon University Colorado State University, Fort Collins survey results needed Sarah Lawrence College University of Hawaii, Manoa Colorado Mesa University University of Nebraska-Lincoln Arapahoe Community College Arapahoe Community College survey results needed Western Washington University Reed College Yale University University of Colorado - Denver Florida State University University of Utah University Of San Diego University of Mississippi employment

University of Arizona Eckerd College Montcalm Community College Virginia Polytechnic Institute East Carolina University survey results needed Western Community College of Colorado Western Nebraska Community College Montana State University American Musical and Dramatic Academy University of Colorado, Boulder Texas Christian University University of Colorado, Colorado Springs University of Colorado, Colorado Springs University of Colorado, Boulder University of Colorado, Denver University of Colorado, Boulder Pensacola State College Arapahoe Community College University of Colorado, Boulder Metropolitan State University of Denver employment Grand Canyon University University of California, Irvine Baylor University employment University of Kansas Garden City Community College California Polytechnic State University

21

E

F

G

Eakin, Troon East, Owen Eberly, Ava Eckrich, Claire Eckrich, Rien Edwards, Kathryn Egan, Anne Egelman, Jordan Egoroff, Cecilia Elison, Kaelin Enserro, Victoria Ertle, Abbye

Orange Coast College Brigham Young University Villanova University University of Denver University of Denver California Institute of Technology Washington State University University of Colorado, Boulder survey results needed Colorado Christian University Colorado School of Mines University of Hawaii, Manoa

Farr, Cainan Feeley, Kendall Fehr, Kyle Festoso, Mia Fisher, Jessica Fisher, Kala Fleming, Caleb Fleming, Lucy Floyd, Hanna Foa, Paige Ford-Frier, Calista Formanek, Colin Formenti, Devan Fowler, Nolan Francis, Lilyann Franks, Ivy Franzen, Grace Fraser, Henry Fredericks, Aspen Frederickson, Bo Friberg, Michelle

employment Savannah College of Art and Design survey results needed survey results needed United States Air Force Academy University of Hawaii, Manoa Brigham Young University, Provo University of Oklahoma, Norman survey results needed Colgate University Colorado State University, Fort Collins Colorado Mesa University University of Arizona survey results needed Colorado State University, Fort Collins Grand Canyon University Auburn University Arapahoe Community College Brigham Young University, Provo Colorado State University, Fort Collins Valencia College

Gabel, Eva Gail, Morganne Gallardo, Carlos Gallardo, Justine Gamble, Audrey Gammill, Kaitlyn Garcia, Blake Gardner, Corrine Gardner, Emma Garlenski, Nicole Garside, Max Gates, Cooper Gerrells, Michael Giacalone, Adam Gilida, William Gilmour, Declan Ginsberg, Talia Glasgow, Benjamin Glassman, Keaton Gleason, Meghan Goodhart, Ethan Goodiel, Lyssa Goodman, Gabriel Goodrich, Isabelle Grace, Braden Graeber, Aiden Grant, Emma Greene, Michael Griffin, Mirielle Grubb, Kaitlyn Guard, Paige Guerrero, Riley Guerrero, Samantha

Regis University University of Colorado, Boulder Montana State University employment survey results needed employment employment apprenticeship University of Oregon survey results needed University of Arizona Metropolitan State University of Denver employment University of Colorado, Denver Montana State University employment Montana State University University of Denver University of Colorado, Boulder University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado State University, Fort Collins Colorado State University, Fort Collins Grand Canyon University University of Alabama Front Range Community College Colorado School of Mines University of Oklahoma University of South Carolina Massachusetts Institute of Technology Washington State University Real Estate School apprenticeship University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

H

I J

K

Haletskiy, Nikolay Colorado State University, Fort Collins Hamilton, Morgan Colorado State University, Fort Collins Hammond, BenjaminUniversity of Kansas Hanchey, Lauren Arapahoe Community College Hanke, Madison Montana State University Hanna, Danielle Ursinus College Hannock, Abigail University of Montana Hansen, Alexander Colorado State University, Fort Collins Hansen, Blake Brigham Young University, Provo Hayes, Fletcher Auburn University He, Shixuan University of Wisconsin, Madison He, Yuxuan University of Wisconsin, Madison Heaton, Cade University of Colorado, Boulder Henderson, Leah Creighton University Henson, Ashlyn University of Arizona Henson, Hailee employment Herrera, Nayar University of Colorado, Boulder Highsmith, Grayson University of Puget Sound Highsmith, Nicola Nebraska Wesleyan University Hinckley, Chandler American Musical Dramatic Academy Hofer, Margaret Metropolitan State University of Denver Holbrook, Abigail Ohio University Horn, Elijah employment Houtsma, Olga Metropolitan State University of Denver Huaman, Yankeila Metropolitan State University of Denver Huntley, Ashleigh Colorado State University, Fort Collins Hurt, Cadance University of Colorado, Boulder Huskey, Connor survey results needed Hynum, Kendyl Colorado Christian University Hyre, Elena Butler University Idnani, Vincent Iliev, Sofia Iliff, Emily Iyer, Arvind

University of Colorado, Boulder University of Arizona University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado State University, Fort Collins

Jasper, Francis Jenkins, Ethan Jessiman, Cooper Johnson, Abigail Johnston, Adrianna Jones, Ava Jones, Hope Jones, Jack Juergens, Julia

survey results needed employment, then community college University of Colorado, Boulder University of Colorado, Colorado Springs University of Colorado, Boulder Metropolitan State University of Denver Colorado State University, Fort Collins Colorado State University, Fort Collins University of Denver

Kane, Ryan Tufts University Keith, Emerson University of Colorado, Boulder Kelley, Cassandra Colorado State University, Fort Collins Kelly, Corinne Utah Valley University Kennedy, Leah University of Colorado, Boulder Khilnani, Yashika University of Colorado, Boulder King, Kylee survey results needed Kinnes, Braden Colorado Mesa University Kirk, Christopher University of Colorado, Boulder Kloppenberg, Lodin employment Knauber, Daniel Arapahoe Community College Knox, Samantha Tulane University Koch, Kelly Arapahoe Community College Kochenberger, Morgan Colorado State University, Fort Collins Kollars, Alexander Arapahoe Community College Kou, Amber University of Colorado, Boulder Kovar, Caleb University of Colorado, Boulder Kramer, Jeremy survey results needed Kroha, Amberly Carleton College Kuder, Elizabeth Colorado State University, Fort Collins Kwiatkowski, Maya University of Colorado, Boulder

May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Seniors

22

L

M

Class of 2021 Senior Index (cont.)

Labuszewski, Mathias Larsen, Hannah Law, Marcus Lawrence, Emma Leiby, Matthew Lenzen, Parker Leto, Hunter Lindell, Rachel Lindstrom, Tobin Liptak Winans, Ethan Liravongsa, Niran Litwinski, Matthew Lobb, Kelsey Lockard, Mitchell Lopez, Matthew Loucks, Vernon Lublin, Amanda Lynch, Wyatt Lyons, Jacqueline MacFarland, Noelle Mack, Lydia MacKendrick, Samuel Maguire, Greer Mai, Skyler Malom, August Maloney, Matthew Maney, Kathryn Manto, Cassidy Marranzino, Sophia Marshall, Jaden Martin, Autumn Mason, Sophia Masters, Sophia May, Zachary McAdams, Sean McClarie, Elani McClendon, Nathaniel McCoumb, Cody McCoumb, Dakota McDowell, Jackson McHale, John McIntosh, Alina McKee, Michael McKinnon, Kendall McNutt, Mykaela Meadors, Preston Mederos, Kaelen Melvin, Ona Mendelson, Aiden Meske, Bianca Meske, Daria Miletich, Rhiannon Miller, Elijah Miller, Morgan Minner, Abigail Miserlian, Maya Mohren, Isabella Mondragon, Samantha Monds, William Monroe, Payton Montague, Harley Montelli, Delaney Montoya, Alyson Montoya, John Moreci, Jackson Morita, Andrew Morita, Sean

University of Colorado, Boulder Penn State University of Colorado, Boulder Pepperdine University University of Colorado, Boulder survey results needed University of Colorado, Boulder Auburn University Gonzaga University survey results needed Arapahoe Community College Arapahoe Community College Arapahoe Community College Colorado Mesa University University of Arizona Montana State University Metropolitan State University Arapahoe Community College Auburn University Grand Canyon University Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design Western Washington University University of Arkansas University of Colorado, Boulder Benedictine University, Mesa Colorado State University, Fort Collins Metropolitan State University of Denver Metropolitan State University of Denver University of Denver CCD or FRCC employment Pace University Metropolitan State University of Denver Arizona State University employment Stephens College Oregon State University University of Northern Colorado University of Northern Colorado University of Nebraska University of Colorado, Boulder University of Northern Colorado Metropolitan State University of Denver Brigham Young University, Provo University of Alabama University of Northern Colorado University of Arkansas University of Hawaii, Manoa Metropolitan State University of Denver University of Southern California Loyola Marymount University Southern Methodist University University of Iowa Vassar College survey results needed Lehigh University University of Richmond Metropolitan State University of Denver University of Colorado, Boulder Arapahoe Community College Colorado State University, Fort Collins Arapahoe Community College University of Denver United States Navy University of Colorado, Boulder University of Colorado, Denver University of Colorado, Denver

May 2021 | The Herald | Seniors

N P

R

Moritz, Mackenzie Mouhieddine, Salma Mowle, Ashley Moynihan, Clair Murray, Neave Mutton, Julia Myers, Samuel

Colorado State University, Fort Collins Baylor University Purdue University University of Oklahoma Lehigh University University of Colorado, Boulder University of Missouri, Columbia

Nagel, Matthew Navarro, Evan Nguyen, Ashlyn Nguyen, Timmy Nickless, Grace Nikolishin, Maria Noe, Emelia Nueske, Davis

Whitman College University of Colorado, Denver Colorado State University, Fort Collins Arapahoe Community College Colorado State University, Fort Collins Emerson College Pickens Technical College Cuesta Community College

Palmer, Chloe Palmer, Tiernan Pangborn, Jacob Park, Audrey Park, John Parker, Emma Patrick, Madeline Patz, Landon Pedersen, Lincoln Peirce, Carson Peirce, Ian Perdew, Cameron Peretti, Luke Perez, Iris Perez, Isabella Pescevic, Saelah Peterson, Chloe Peterson, Reagan Petrides, Petros Pham, Isabella Pickel, Taelor Pierpont, Spencer Pinner, Blaize Plisko, Katherine Pointer, Jacob Poole, Hannah Post, Sloane Pramenko, Mollie Price, Joshua Puryk, Denys

employment American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York University of Miami Providence College Providence College Grand Canyon University Appalachian State University Arapahoe Community College LDS mission, then college Montana State University Colorado State University, Pueblo Grand Canyon University Full Sail University Colorado State University, Fort Collins Penn State University Warner Pacific University Bentley University Capernwray Hall, London Montana State University Arapahoe Community College Transitions University of Arizona community college Baylor University Montana State University Wheaton College University of Northern Colorado University of Oklahoma Colorado State University, Fort Collins employment

Rael, Ethan Ramirez, Lesliann Rathsack, AnnaMarie Rathsack, Constance Raymond, Rachael Read, Nathanael Rector, Keaton Reed, Elizabeth Reed, Lindsey Reinders, Trevin Renner, Elizabeth Renshaw, Sydney Resley, Hunter Rezek, Elias Rhoads, Darien Rice, Ashley Richards, Ethan Richards, Lillian

University of Colorado, Boulder Arapahoe Community College University of Denver University of Denver Metropolitan State University of Denver survey results needed University of Arizona University of Colorado, Boulder University of Georgia Serbia - Red Star Belgrade soccer Ballet Idaho University of Oklahoma Kansas State University Colorado School of Mines University of Nicosia, Greece University of Arizona Colorado School of Mines Oregon State University

S

Riickman, Grace Riley, Logan Robbins, Lillian Robledo, Zachary Rogers, Kailey Romero, Toby Roswech, Brady Roth, Liam Rottschafer, Jackson Round, Caroline Rowlison, Quinn Rudnick, Emily Ruehmkorff, Breanna Rundell, Connor Rundell, Ryan Russell, Kelsey Rydel, Julia

survey results needed Colorado State University, Fort Collins Northern Arizona University Arapahoe Community College Oregon State University Transitions University of Oklahoma Colorado State University, Fort Collins Northeastern Junior College Miami University University of Northern Colorado University of Colorado, Boulder Northern Arizona University University of Miami Louisiana State University Fashion Institute of Technology Dominican University of California

Sabato, Taylor Safieddine, Hussein Sakoulas, Jake Salyers, Drew Samora, Roman Sarmiento, Abigail Scadden, Katherine Schafer, Dylan Scheckenbach, Albert Schelhaas, Bella Schlichting, John Schmidt, Lauren Schoffman, Cameron Schulze, Lauren Schwartz, Aiden Schwartz, Ashlee Scott, Liam Sellers, Paige Sevier, Aisling Sevier, William Shaw, Samantha Sheehan, Ryan Shelton, Matthew Sherrod, Darby Shiller, Melanie Simmons, Deandre Simpson, Ethan Sitarz, Amanda Skansberg, Brian Smith, Lucy Smith , Nathan Smyrnios, Eoin Sokol, Ashley Sokolowski, Karly Solares Romero, Heidi Souther, Katherine Stark, Noah Steele, Caitlin Stepaniak, Hannah Stephens, Lauren Stewart, Benjamin Stoltz, Cody Stratton, Samantha Stutz, Robert Sumner, Evelyn Sweezey, Micah

University of Georgia Arapahoe Community College Arapahoe Community College, then CSU University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire Pickens Technical College Transitions Reed College University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado State University, Fort Collins Hampton University University of Colorado, Boulder University of Arizona Colorado State University, Fort Collins University of Wisconsin, Madison Arapahoe Community College survey results needed University of New Mexico University of Tampa Colorado State University, Fort Collins Scottsdale Community College University of Colorado, Boulder survey results needed University of Arizona American University University of Tennessee, Knoxville employment employment University of Colorado, Boulder Arapahoe Community College Colorado State University, Fort Collins survey results needed Metropolitan State University of Denver Western Colorado University Colorado State University, Fort Collins survey results needed Wake Forest University Mt. San Antonio College Colorado Christian University Regis University Taylor University Arapahoe Community College Arapahoe Community College, then MSU, MT Belmont University employment Washington State University Colorado School of Mines

T

U V

W

Y Z

Taoka, Tyler Tatum, Kyndall Tejero, Evan Tellinger, Ashley Terwilliger, Jack Tharp, Jacob Thomas, Aidan Thompson, Milo Thompson, Mya Tilghman, Brooke Todd, Christian Tomas, Mateusz Topping, Iris Torres, Marco Trehan, Amrita Trembly, Hailee Tuccy, Isabella Tucker, Samuel Turner, Sara

University of Colorado, Denver Carnegie Mellon University Arapahoe Community College University of South Carolina, Columbia University of Colorado, Boulder Arapahoe Community College Colorado Christian University employment University of Oklahoma Auburn University Creighton University Arapahoe Community College University of Colorado, Boulder Arapahoe Community College University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado State University, Fort Collins Creighton University Wyo Tech San Diego State University

Ulrich, David Ulrich, Ethan Urba, Nicholas

Colorado School of Mines apprenticeship University of Denver

Valdez, Gabriela Van Denend, Morgan Van Wetter, Jacob VanHook, Justin Vigoren, Isaac Villagran Pacheco, Sophia Vincelette, Elise von Hortenau, Grant

Colorado State University, Fort Collins Edgewater College University of Colorado, Denver United States Marine Corps Rhodes College University of Tampa Arapahoe Community College University of Northern Colorado

Wagers, Makenna Waldvogel, Hannah Walker, Dalton Wall, Andrew Wallace, John Walsh, Delaney Walters-Hooey, Quincy Ward, Connor Waress, Kennedy Wedding, Carson Wehr, Lyndsey Weiss, Caroline Weston, Hannah White, Deven White, Gavin Whitehouse, Madeline Williams, Marisa Wolf, Blase Wolf, Jaden Wolk, Audrey Woo, Liana Wood, Jenna Woodworth, William Wooldridge, Justine

survey results needed Colorado College University of North Dakota employment survey results needed apprenticeship Colorado State University, Fort Collins University of Wyoming Belmont University Colorado School of Mines University Of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of Georgia University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado Mesa University survey results needed Oklahoma Baptist University Baylor University University of Colorado, Boulder survey results needed employment Hamline University Grand Canyon University Arapahoe Community College Colorado State University, Fort Collins

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Yagey, Benjamin Yenne, Eric

United States Coast Guard Academy Kansas State University

Zahn, Kane Zaveri, Pria Zeleny, Grant Zusi, Sawyer

employment University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado State University, Fort Collins Colorado State University, Fort Collins

May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Seniors

24

A Letter from Mrs. Pramenko

Dear Class of 2021,

You have been one of Arapahoe’s strongest, most resilient, and very best graduating classes.

Your senior year was nothing like what you had anticipated as wide-eyed freshmen just four short years ago. Though as I look back over this year, I am grateful for the many opportunities you were given to participate in many of the wonderful Arapahoe traditions. So many of these events and activities were possible due to the creative thinking and leadership of your Arapahoe Student Council. These senior leaders encouraged our Warriors to participate and make new memories. Our high school is better because of the leadership provided by Executive Officers: president Matthew Becker, vice president Kyndall Tatum, secretary Ella Cinalli, treasurer Daria Meske, publicity officer Austin Sellers, and Senior Class Officers: president Chandler Hinckley, vice president Amrita Trehan, and treasurer Katy Edwards.

Together they have shown our underclass students what it is like to lead selflessly and with integrity regardless of the circumstances or obstacles in their path. In addition to these great leaders, and in the spirit of taking care of others, our senior Link Crew Commissioners: Matthew Becker, Michael Greene, Abby Holbrook, Emma Lawrence, Petros Petrides, Brady Roswech, Kyndall Tatum, and Mya Thompson did an excellent job of welcoming and mentoring our freshmen.

Numerous seniors have received academic honors this year. Paige Canetto, Amber Kou, and Micah Sweezey were named National Merit Finalists. Katy Edwards, Kendall McKinnon, Bianca Meske, Daria Meske, Kate Souther, and Hannah Waldvogel received recognition as National Merit Commended Scholars, and Amberly Kroha was named College Board National Hispanic Scholar. While scholarships and awards are still coming through for the Class of 2021, I am proud to share some standout awards at this time. Micah Sweezey was nominated as a US Presidential Scholar, Matthew Becker was awarded TWO full tuition scholarships; the prestigious Daniels Fund Scholarship as well as the Johnson Scholarship.

Jessica Fisher was appointed to the United States Air Force Academy and Ben Yagey was appointed to the United States Coast Guard. The officers for National Honor Society: president Pria Zaveri, vice president Matthew Becker, secretary Sophie Mason, treasurer Neave Murray, parliamentarian Lauren Schmidt, and historian Michelle Friberg led the charge to create a virtual induction ceremony where they welcomed our newest members.

In addition to their athletic accomplishments, these Warriors have been great ambassadors of their school, community, and sports. For some, this was their first year on varsity and to have them qualify for state was a great accomplishment! Under the senior leadership of Max Garside, Francis Jasper, Matthew Maloney, Spencer Pierpont, Connor Rundell, and Jack Terwilliger, nine boys tennis players headed to the state tournament after finishing second in regionals. Senior Graham Dzengelewski finished fourth in the state helping lead the AHS boys golf team to a second place finish at the 2020 5A Colorado

State Boys Golf Championship. Graham also received All-State First-Team honors. As we headed into Season B athletics, twenty girls qualified for the state swim and dive championships under the leadership of team captains Kyndall Tatum and Lyndsey Wehr.

Lyndsey captured the title of State Champion in the 50 Freestyle and Runner-up State Champion in the 100 Freestyle. Kyndall was awarded Second Team All State in Diving. In boys wrestling, senior Carsen Trujillo finished in sixth place, and Saelah Pescevic was a state qualifier in the girls wrestling tournament. Seniors Katy Edwards and Sam Shaw led the girls basketball team to the “Great 8” round of the State Tournament. Our Warriors earned top honors in Season C as well. Carly Backer finished in the top ten at the regional gymnastics meet and Cameron Schoffman received Honorable Mention All-State in ice hockey. Emma Keith, Bella Mohren, and Ashley Rice led the Toms to a 5th place finish in the Pom division at the 2021 State Spirit Championships, and the AHS Cheers led by seniors Jessie Bruno, Hannah Larsen, Mollie Pramenko, Melanie Shiller, and Jenna Wood made it to the state finals for the second year in a row finishing seventh in the 4A/5A Game Day Division. Mollie Pramenko was also named to the All Colorado Spirit, and CHSAA All-Elite teams. We are especially proud of our Arapahoe Unified Basketball seniors: Abby Sarmiento, Toby Romero, and Zach Robledo who worked hard against the faculty in this year’s Wish Week basketball game. We look forward to all the successes our Warriors will achieve in our Season D athletics throughout the month of June.

In a year where reaching out to and supporting others was more important than ever, our seniors have shown generosity through community service and fundraising for others less fortunate. They have demonstrated commitment, organization, and hard work. A few of these charitable activities include Student Council raising over $24,000.00 for Make-AWish and helping facilitate the gathering of almost 1000 toys and raising over $3,800 for our Arapahoe Toy Drive. Under the leadership of Key Club officers: president Ella Cinalli, vice president Emma Lawrence, vice president Eva Gabel, and public relations officer, Sofia Iliev, our students have organized many events and donation opportunities this year including Trunk-or-Treat goodie bags, cards for people living at assisted living centers, Special Olympics Journal decorating, Sweet Dreams in a Bag, Project Cure, and a drive-by Easter Egg Hunt.

Congratulations to the following seniors who were all finalists in the 2021 Big Idea Project this year: Taylor Sabato, Caroline Weiss, Darby Sherrod, Audrey Park; Ivy Franks, Hanna Floyd, Grace Ann Doehler; Cody Stoltz, Jack Ambrose, Harley Montague; Chloe Peterson, Isa Perez, Kade Applegate, Clair Moynihan; and Jade Brostrom, Jessica Fisher, Lyssa Goodiel, Maggie Hofer. We are also proud of our 2021 Mr. Arapahoe, Caleb Fleming, who earned his title against an impressive field of 9 other classmates: Michael Greene (Mr. Congeniality), Cade Heaton (Best Lip Sync), Chandler Hinckley, Lincoln Pedersen (Best Formal Wear & Interview), Petros Petrides, Jake Pointer, Hussein Safieddine (Most Warrior Spirit), and Christian Todd (Best Talent).

May 2021 | The Herald | Mrs. Pramenko’s Letter

Arapahoe had sixty students compete in the virtual FBLA State Conference this year.

Arapahoe tied with two other schools to have the most first place finishers in Colorado.

Noah Burge, Jake Boase, and Pria Zaveri are State Champions, and will join Sofia Iliev and six other AHS students to compete in the FBLA Virtual National Conference this summer.

Arapahoe excelled this year in every competitive challenge because our seniors performed as a team of Warriors. Arapahoe DECA had seventytwo students qualify for the state conference.

The following seniors were State Finalists: Cami Call, Graham Dzengelewski, Caleb Fleming*, Paige Foa*, Morganne Gail*, Rachel Lindell*, Neave Murray*, Lindsey Reed*, Brooke Tilghman*, and Sara Turner* (*denotes 2021 Virtual Nationals qualifiers).

Our Sources of Strength Senior Leaders Michael Greene and Hannah Waldvogel brought some great activities to AHS this year. They kept reminding us to lean on our strengths when times get tough through activities such as Positive Pals Messages, a fun photo booth, and the Drive for Life Challenge in which the Denver Broncos, Vitalant, and the AHS Warriors teamed up for a virtual blood drive in December.

Arapahoe High School won the $2000!

Several seniors have shone brightly in the performing arts arena this year. Thank you to our 20-21 Drum Major Preston Meadors for making the most out of a challenging season by leading our pep band at football games.

Congratulations to Sydney Calla for being selected for Colorado All State Symphonic Band and to Carson Wedding for her selection to the University of Colorado High School Honor Band for Intermediate Ensemble. It took special commitment and leadership from our senior thespians this year to put on fantastic productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Addams Family: the Musical. Special thanks to our thespian officers: president Bianca Meske, vice president Amber Kou, publicity officer Maya Kwiatkowski, secretary Cathy DeVoe, and historian Ashley Mowle.

Additionally the following seniors were award winners at this year’s Thescon competition: Cathy DeVoe, Chandler Hinckley, Abigail Cohrs, Cade Heaton, Autumn Martin, Bianca Meske, and Chloe Dunn.

Our Arapahoe Warrior Media team has worked hard all year to capture and record the distinct memories of this historic time. Thank you to our senior editors, Robert Dicker for the Calumet Yearbook, Jaden Cottorone for the Arapahoe Herald News Magazine and Ashley Mowle for The Spear and ArapahoeXtra.

Collectively, the Class of 2021 is composed of many ambitious, passionate, intelligent, hard-working, and caring individuals. I have absolutely no doubt that the members of this class are ready for anything the world throws at them! Our faculty will never forget the students in the Class of 2021. Thank you for four incredible years!

With Love, Mrs. Pramenko

Fake it Till You Make it you’ll be okay

25

by Jaden Cottorone

Eesh. What am I supposed to say here?

What can I write that will sum up 12 years of public school? Four years at Arapahoe High School? What would I tell my freshman self? Or any incoming freshman?

I suppose, in a phrase: high school sucks. It’s a nightmare compilation of the most awkward, most painful, hormonally saturated moments you’ve ever experienced.

You’ll study hard all night for a test, only to see an “F” in the gradebook a week later. You’ll say something embarrassing in front of your crush and cringe for months after. You’ll get your heart broken by someone who you swore you were going to marry, or vice versa.

You’ll argue with a friend and cry angry tears in a bathroom stall. Your childhood pet may pass away, or maybe a beloved family member, or friend, or classmate.

You’ll probably fall into some truly dark moments. You may look in the mirror and hate yourself. You may feel lost, lonely, betrayed, or just overall “yucky.” You’ll lose motivation. You’ll fake sick to get out of a class, simply because you “cannot do today.” You’ll be exhausted, stretched thin. You’ll break down in the middle of the cafeteria like a toddler because you just need a freaking nap.

You’ll find a smiley face at the top of an essay accompanied by the words “beautiful work!” You’ll meet new people, go on dates, hang out with friends and find kindred spirits. You may fall in love, whether it’s with a person or a passion. You may gain a new family member or pet. You’ll find new ways to love and celebrate yourself.

You’ll become an outgoing soul.

You’ll find circles of belonging in clubs, sports, jobs…You’ll be ambitious and crave the taste of accomplishment. You’ll work hard and take the biggest sigh of relief when you walk across the stage at graduation.

Every second I’ve spent at Arapahoe has molded me into the person I am today, and I am grateful for that.

With that being said, though...Goodbye AHS. I’m so ready to move on.

Most importantly...You will make it through.

I’ve gone through all the things I listed above and more, and I am still here, writing this farewell. Because in addition to all the crappy moments, you’ll also relish in the highlights.

“ In addition to all the crappy moments, you’ll also relish in the highlights. ”

May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Farewells

26

Could’ve Been Worse peace out, girl scouts

by Constance Rathsack

This year has been full of ups and downs...

Mostly downs...

Ok, all downs...

However getting out of high school is the only thing keeping me going. The one thing to look forward to is not being in high school anymore. Leaving behind the last four years, countless tears, stressful nights, and failed assignments. All things to be avoided in the upcoming years of my higher education goals.

A piece of advice: don’t listen to your parents.

I’m not saying this as the start of some bad Indie teen coming of age film, but prioritize your wants, not your parents’. (Not to a selfish extent, but you get it). Over the years, I have learned that what I want to do and what society, especially my parents want me to do are very different things.

In the coming years, I want to do what makes me the most happy. Spending more time outside, hanging out with friends more often, staying out late and going on long car rides. I know that college will not be this perfect picture I crafted in my head, but I am excited for the new memories and connections that I will make.

I can imagine a sense of freedom, and independence washing over me as soon as I’m settled into my new dorm on move in day. I recently committed and deposited fully to University of Denver. This was definitely NOT my original plan. But with a global pandemic, disrupting everything, the only thing I can plan on is to throw out all previous plans.

Today (4/15/21) I went and toured DU’s campus, it was gorgeous, and at first I hated it, or at least I wanted to hate it. I’m still not exuberant about it, but that’s normal for me. As the tour went on, I could really picture myself dodging traffic, to get across the street, or joining some of the outdoor clubs that DU has to offer. The best part by far, was the bookstore. Who doesn’t like getting school swag?

Now as I write this, a million things are flying through my mind, is the girl I’m talking to going to be my roommate?

Will I like my roommate, or will they try and kill me in

May 2021 | The Herald | Farewells

my sleep? (I’m slightly paranoid about that- too much Criminal Minds). Will I do well in classes? What will be the worst part of college? What will be the best?

Whatever college has in store for me, I’m ready. Ready to leave high school, ready to take the next steps in my life.

Do I know what’s going to happen? Absolutely not. Am I going to cry? There is a good chance. Will it still be better than the past two years? I really hope so!!

Thanks Arapahoe, for putting me through some of my toughest times, but also some of my best memories.

Peace out Girl Scouts!

“ A piece of advice: don’t listen to your parents. ”

A For Effort if i could talk to freshman me

by Ashleigh Huntley

The end of senior year is a weird cocktail of emotions, on one hand I’m literally counting down the minutes until I walk at graduation and can officially call high school a thing of the past, but I also feel weirdly nostalgic for the years behind me.

I think some of this is due to the pandemic, even though it has been our living situation for over a year now I still have parts of my brain longing for the once-was and has-been.

Looking at the freshmen this year, I also notice how small they look, and how I could have never been so young.

But now I’m an old and wise 18 year old preparing for a new chapter- and I’m acutely aware of as a 22 year old even wiser college graduate, I’m going to look back at my barely legal self and feel the same way I do now. A mix of embarrassment but also a strange protectiveness, but most importantly a gratitude of how much I’ve grown.

27

“ Dance alone in your room every night. Live life as if you are the main character. ” Along with reminiscing , I also want to be helpful. So here’s my advice to all the wide-eyed underclassmen reading: Don’t date boys that have their own metal band. Social media isn’t fulfilling and delete it sometimes for your sanity. The Goodwill on County Line and Broadway is the best one around. Go to as many $15 concerts as you can and bring your friends. Talk to your teachers after class. A letter grade doesn’t define you as a person. Always stop at stop signs. Tell your grandparents that you love them.

Dance alone in your room every night. Live life as though you’re the main character. Find something in school you love and stick with it. Ask your parents about their life, they have so many stories. Don’t park in the West Lot unless you have really good anger management techniques. You are so loved, and never alone. Everybody in your life will teach you something whether you know it now or not. Treat everybody with kindness.

Thank you to all my amazing friends in The Herald and Calumet for getting me through the moments of joy and frustration. Thank you to Mr. Anderson for being not only my teacher and advisor, but a role model.

Thank you to Dylan, Mom, and Dad for showing me so much love.

And thank you to all the amazing teachers that have taught me not only about the periodic table and prose, but how to be a good person and what life is all about.

I can’t say that I’ll miss you, Arapahoe, but I appreciate all the lessons learned and experiences had within these walls.

May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Farewells

28

Caring is Cool it’s okay, we’re on a rock in space

“ I’m not scared of admitting that.

Because I know that you don’t care! ”

by Kristin Avery

Ya know that super cliche poster in every teacher’s classroom? With wacky, colorful lettering that reads, “30 years from now, it won’t matter what shoes you wore, how your hair looked, or the jeans you bought. What will matter is what you learned and how you used it.”

The sight of this poster makes my blood boil; mainly because it’s been in every. Single. Classroom. In my 13 year school career. If you know anything about me, know that there’s nothing I hate more than condescending people with wonderfully positive attitudes about life and all that.

Although this sign makes me want to drop out of school and leave the country, I must admit: it’s true.

Have you ever come to school on laundry day, wearing that t-shirt you got from camp and those jeggings (leggings that “look” like jeans) your mom got you from JCPenny?

Glancing around at everyone, thinking, “Oh god everyone thinks I’m the lamest person alive.”

Guess what, NOBODY CARES. Everyone has their own crap going on; that cute guy who you’re convinced thinks you’re lame? Just failed his chem test and is planning out how to delete it from Infinite Campus before his mom sees.

I’ll say it once more: NOBODY CARES. I know, I know, practice what you preach. I don’t do this, like, at all. I constantly worry about what people think of me.

But guess what? I’m not scared of admitting that. Because I know that you don’t care!

If I’m sitting in a quiet classroom, and need to throw something away, I’ll wait until the end of class to toss it out.

If I’m walking past people in the hallway, I’ll take out my phone and stare at a blank screen to pretend like I don’t see them.

So, yes, I have a problem with caring too much about what the chumps at this school think about me. But, as with my addiction to the cafeteria banana bread, the first step to recovery is acknowledging you have a problem.

So, Arapahoe chumps, I leave you with this: you have much, much better things to do with your life than to worry about what Kyle or Katie thinks of you. He’s probably worried about which crevice of the guy’s bathroom he’s going to vape in next anyways.

May 2021 | The Herald | Farewells

Farewell, chumps, and thanks for all the fish.

Lincoln Pedersen

29

i’m no good at goodbyes, my bad Well Arapahoe, it’s over, we’re done.

It was fun while it lasted, but now it’s time for me to go and grow up. I need my space and time away from you to grow and develop as a real man.

Alright, jokes aside Arapahoe has been a great three years of my high school career. I moved here my sophomore year not ready or knowing what to expect.

Now that I’m graduating there is a sting of sadness and uncertainty: “Am I ever going to see my friends? Will I ever see my classmates again?”

I guess we’ll see what happens. High school has been a part of all of our lives and for seniors it comes to an end.

For some of us it is a time of joy and relief to be done but for others it is a time of “what now?”

My advice (take it or leave it) would be to make sure you do what YOU want and be kind to others. Make sure your last years of high school were worth it and do what makes you happy, but also make sure that others feel appreciated and seen. High school is a good time but also it can suck buns, but at least you’re all in it together.

So take it easy Arapahoe, you’ll be missed by your 2021 seniors.

Your buddy, Lincoln

Ryan Rundell

time to say farewell

Hello Warriors, I am reaching you from a Journalism assignment.

High school is coming to an end for the class of 2021, and I can say I’m ready to leave.

If you’re a senior, try to remember the feeling you had the first time you walked into AHS. It’s Freshman Orientation Night and you’re walking in through the massive East Entrance. Upon entering the building, the hallways seem absolutely huge compared to middle school. You turn to the left and enter an elegant brick auditorium with fine cloth seats. Now though, the building no longer seems intimidating, the classes no longer seem interesting and the school feels smaller as you've been in every room... I don’t know where I’m going with this.

My brain is almost entirely switched to summer mode and I’m struggling to meet the 200 word minimum. This is only 139 words and I’m writing this with 15 days left of school.

Not my proudest work.

Looks like 168 words will have to do.

Goodbye, Arapahoe.

May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Farewells

30

Elijah Horn

keeping an open mind Have you ever wondered what you’ll do after high school?

Well I have, and I am personally terrified of the amount of opportunities and choices that I have to make not only this year, but in the last few months that could potentially be life changing.

As we get closer to graduation, time is starting to run out for all of us- but don’t stress too much about it. This is such a good time for all of us to make those huge career decisions because we have more time to change them.

It’s ok to stray from your intended path at any time, and it’s better to do so sooner than later so you can really enjoy your career.

Hannah Larsen time to peace out!

Even after my two car crashes, getting pulled over for a “dirty license plate”, and being called into the counselors’ office told I don’t have enough credits to graduate; I still feel invisible.

As high school pushes me out of its doors and into the big, scary world, the invisibility has begun to fade and the effects of the real world are starting to take its toll.

As much as I complain about the missing work I have and all the F’s I’ve achieved senior year, I think I actually will miss high school. Okay, maybe not the actual attending high school or most of the people in it, but definitely the thousands of memories I have gained.

I definitely will miss the spontaneity of joining the cheer team, and surprising my mom when I actually made it. I’ll miss the car lunches with my mini friend group laughing about the most stupid things. I’m going to miss asking to go to the bathroom and meeting up with my friends while walking the entire class period in the halls. I will miss it all.

Yet, I must remind myself that those moments have passed, and I have many more excellent moments to come.

These moments include making friends that are actually my age, and not just juniors; creating milestones, career-wise; attending white out games at Penn state; and all the other moments to come when I reach 20, 30, 40, and so on.

So as I approach that May 21st date, I’ll focus on the good to come and appreciate the happiness of the past.

May 2021 | The Herald | Farewells

Personally, I try not to stress too much about it. I understand the options that I have in front of me whether it’s public college, community college, trade school, work force, the military... Even if all of those options go down the drain, I can always find other careers paths that interest me.

I think it’s always best that you step out of your comfort zone and try new positions. It’s also important that you meet new people that are also in different career fields so you can get a grasp on what different careers have to offer.

I don’t have my mind stuck on one career. I always keep an open mind to other options that could be available to me.

Keeping an open mind makes life so much easier and relaxing knowing that I am not tied to one path.

SAY WHAT?!

Best of

31

from the last four years

RIDICULOUS, OUT-OF-CONTEXT COMMENTS OVERHEARD THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL

“Pretty sure my dad dated Bill Nye” - Cafeteria, 2019 “It’s shorter than an exam but longer than a quiz… Oh my god!

It’s a quizzam!”

- Science staircase, 2020 “I read a book yesterday.” “On purpose?”

- C1455, 2019 “I’ll give up Tetris if you give up Coke and gambling.”

- Band hallway, 2019 “Dude, flight school is just school if you’re a bird.”

- South lawn, 2018 “Something smells like a toe injury.”

- Science hallway, 2018 “Ok it’s 10:40 now, this class ends at 11:35… how can I rupture my own appendix?”

- C1441, 2017 “Who is Dono Treply and why does he keep contacting me?!”

- E1288, 2017 May 2021 | ArapahoeXtra.com | Say What?!

SAY WHAT?!

RIDICULOUS, OUT-OF-CONTEXT COMMENTS OVERHEARD THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL

“I’m 90% sure I peaked in elementary school.”

-South Lawn “Jesus gives free direction.”

“Yeah, so does Google Maps.” - South Lawn “If I electrocute myself do I still need to take my AP Psych quiz? Or can you just write me a pass?”

- Science Department “I want a child.” “Eww, gross.”

- Bubble “You’re such a mom friend.”

“Thanks. It’s the daddy issues.” - Front Lawn “Therapists love me; fish fear me.”

- E1288 “A couch cushion has more money than you.”

- Starbucks “I put more care into my hair than my mental state.” - Bubble ts ha W ia ay ed S r m ou rrior y us swa M D @ah