Vol 5 the rock jan 28, 2009

the

rock Student Voice of Rock Canyon High School

5810 McArthur Ranch Road • Highlands Ranch, CO 80124 • 303.387.3000 Volume 5, Number 5 • January 28, 2009

Freedom of Choice Act This bill would impact abortion regulations around the U.S. Check out pages 16 and 17 to learn how it would affect women’s ability to choose.

Photo by Connor Dozois, Kate Jones and Kenzie Markey

campus news

1/28/09

Clockwise from above left: The G-Unit All-Stars and the Killa Beez race for the dodgeballs at the starting whistle. Seniors Dan Gilbert and Gary Davis hug tightly after a heated almost-brawl in the quarterfinals. Photos by Shelby Perkins. Team Mustachio Bashio watches their competition anxiously. Photo by Dusty Ellis. Coach Tim Orchard ‘07, gives the Killa Beez a pep talk. Orchard returned for the tournament and even made a surprise appearance in the finals. Remington Caley ‘10, rips off his shirt before a match. Sophomores Alex Temby and Dalton Spanbauer dodge hurled balls. Senior Grant Bradshaw disproves his girly shorts by winging a ball. Photos by Shelby Perkins

Student Council, for the first time, is putting on its second spirit week of the year to gear up for Winter Formal Feb. 7. Winter Week is Feb. 2-7.

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Following in the tradition of years past, students dodged, ducked, dipped, dove and dodged in the third annual dodgeball tournament to benefit victims of domestic abuse. Students and teachers alike enjoyed the chance to peg dodgeballs at each other on Jan. 22. “It is a good tradition, and it has been a success in the past.” said StuCo sponsor Kate Hartline. This year, there were 16 teams signed up for the tournament with seven students on each team. More than 350 students attended. The donations came from the teams’ $35 entrance fee, and the $5 admission to watch boys in short shorts pelt each other for their own personal pleasure. The winners of the tournament were Team Dominate who were awarded t-shirts. The dodgeball fundraising has grown into as a favorite tradition with Rock Canyon. In 2007, StuCo raised $800. In 2008, they raised $1400. This year, they raised over $2000. Said Hartline, “Overall, the tournament was a big success.” Shelby Perkins

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Environmental exodus After maternity leave, AP Environmental Science teacher decides to leave Rock Canyon more than temporarily High rankings and awards do not make a high school experience memorable; it is the teachers who teach for no other reason than to take their love for a subject and transform that into impassioned teaching. Katherine Seastead is one such teacher. Katherine Seastead has been teaching Honors Biology and AP Environmental Science at RC for the past three years, but no longer. A few weeks ago however, Seastead’s husband received the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Syracuse, NY, to apply his trade there. “I thought very hard about staying finishing out the semester,” said Seastead, “but with our new twins I decided that the kids needed to be close to their father and our family needed to stay together.” On top of that, the Seasteads have no family in Colorado and a large portion of their family in New York. “It would be amazing to have our families closer to us for the first time in a while,” said Seastead. Despite having made this very hard decision, Seastead’s first passion will always be teaching. The remorse and regret that leaving her students and classes has brought her is evident every time she talks about leaving. “Teaching is my passion, it is my love, but the logistics were simply too much,” Seastead said. Students and teachers alike feel the loss of this passionate teacher. “It is really rare to find a teacher who is able to use her passion and skills so perfectly to create one of the

best learning environments I have ever been in. She has a unique ability to educate and excite us about the class. It is a real loss to the school,” said Sean Typher ’10. His reverence of Seastead is mirrored all over the school. “I have received dozens of texts, emails, and calls about how much kids are going to miss me,” said Kathy Seastead. “It’s touching the kind of farewell this school has given me.” The one thing Seastead never missed a chance to do was to emphasize the importance and relevance of the class to anyone she could. “This class will truly impact your life more than any other that can be taught. It affects us constantly in our everyday lives,” said Seastead about her Environmental Science class. “This is the course to take if you’re seeking a fun, laid back environment coupled with some of the most important content available.” Although gone and soon to be far away, she will not be beyond reach and can still be called on the phone, emailed, or texted in case a student is seeking help, or for someone simply seeking a nostalgic talk. Gone but never forgotten, RC can only hope that Seastead’s legacy of high academic standards are continued long after she is gone. Logan Thompson

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Mathematics Geometric griddles The smell of sweet math on the griddle permeates the air in 9400. Students turn heads on their way to the bathroom as the aroma sneaks under the door and hits their noses. The Calculus BC students gather around the griddle to appreciate how a good math class fills their stomachs. A spatula made from both a snowpants tag and a fork is the weapon of choice for Sara Kleinkopf ’10 as she prepares the treat. Soon, the pancakes and bacon are finished and served. Deliciousness ensues as the students take a break from using the disk method of integrating areas to appreciate a different kind of disk, covered in syrup. “It’s great to take a break from regular class to do something fun,” said Matt Napolitano ’09. “Best math class ever.” Alex Rowe

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Equestrian Club No rodeo clowns While you were painting your nails, watching Gossip Girl, or rushing to finish your history project, the Equestrian club members were off at a stock show. On Jan. 24, the members first watched horses and the mule draft show. Then, they walked around and spent some time with each other. Finally, they watched the rodeo part of the stock show: bull and bronco riding. “It was a lot of fun hanging out with people that have the same interests as you,” Carlie McCalister ’11, and Equestrian rider exclaimed. “My family has a ranch in Wyoming so I’m really into the whole rodeo atmosphere type-thing.” Meeting international rodeo stars, spending quality time with each other, and being surrounded in an atmosphere revolving around their passion; horses, was the ideal Saturday for Equestrian club members. Kasey South

campus news the rock

1/28/09

Clubbing in Costa Rica

Eight Key Club members had been planning on taking a trip to Costa Rica to bring books to fill a library to a local community, Ojochal, since September. Last week, after three months of calls and drives and orders to collect books, they headed off to Costa Rica, lugging 1,100 pounds of books with them.

Curious about Costa Rica The entire process started in late September after Key Club sponsor David Sapienza attended his wife’s book club meeting. “It was my wife’s turn to host and my plan was just to grab some, dinner,” Sapienza said, not wanting to stay too long and interrupt the conversation. But then the conversation turned to Costa Rica. One of the book club members, Rose Writer, had friends that moved to a remote community in Costa Rica where there weren’t many books. Writer had been trying to help get books there, especially books written in Spanish. Sapienza decided it was a perfect project for Key Club to get involved in. “The original plan was, let’s collect books and the two presidents and I would go over there and take the books but two became four and four became six and six became eight,” Sapienza said.

Clockwise: The Key Club poses in front of the library. Talia Pratte ‘10, and others unpack a box of books. The club brought down dozens of these boxes and thousands of pounds of books. Sara Lillard ‘10, reads a book to a child in Costa Rica. Photos courtesy of David Sapienza

Love for literature The small, brightly colored, one-room library was inaugurated the week Key Club arrived in Costa Rica. They brought so many books that the library went from being one-third full to bursting with books. In fact, they had so many that they had to use some cardboard boxes as shelves. The opening was very ceremonious. “They wrapped a bunch of leaves around the doors as a ribbon and a lady got a machete and cut it,” Lauren Jones ’10, said. The kids were so excited to get their very own library cards and check out books. They were also very protective of their books. Any time someone came near the kids and tried to look at their books, they would tuck the books under

Honor, Hispanic-style Spanish Honors Society introduced to advanced students Spanish teacher Margaret Motz went the whole nueve yardas for the first induction ceremony for the Spanish National Honors Society. “I even bought red and gold colored sodas for our ceremony, and a matching cake!” said Motz, sponsor of Rock Canyon’s newest organization. 15 students were inducted into the Spanish National Honors Society (SNHS) the night of January 21st, in a classroom decked out in the club’s colors of red and gold. “I was a part of this club when I was at ThunderRidge, and I’m so excited that I could bring it to this school,” Motz said at the induction ceremony. SNHS is nationally recognized, just like the National Honor Society. The kick is that students have to not only have a high GPA, they also have to be outstanding in their Spanish class, and complete at least two years of Spanish. “You’ll even get a cord at graduation!” Motz said. A large scarlet candle, or the “Mother Candle”, was displayed in the front of the room with fifteen smaller candles beside it. Each new member was called during the ceremony to light their wicks off the Mother Candle to symbolize their flame of passion for the Spanish language.

Members of SNHS are inducted. Photo courtesy of Brittni Haggard As for the future, SNHS members plan on completing ten hours of service per semester to nearby Latin communities, and eating plenty of Mexican food or Taco Bell at their meetings. Motz hopes to pass on the SNHS traditions, principles, and rituals for many years. “We have to use the same Mother Candle each year. It’s an important part of the ritual,” said Motz. “Next year, we also need to get the sacrificial chickens to complete the inductions.” Brittni Haggard

Flaunting for fundraising Rock Canyon’s fourth annual fashion show is expected to be a show like no other. In addition to the actual show, there will be a luncheon, a raffle, and a silent auction, which includes donations from different teams and clubs in the school. “Really it’s kind of like a fashion and variety show,” said Chris Nuss, one of the many moms helping to organize the event. Between the sports teams getting to show off their uniforms and the senior walk with the parents, they’re convinced that the audience will enjoy the grandiose show. The backbones of the program are the parents who’ve been meeting since August to prepare and plan every last detail of the event.

“The moms and dads have easily put in over 40 hours, between the meetings, paperwork, and putting everything together,” said Nuss. “But the day it comes together is really rewarding. We get to see the fruits of our efforts.” Nuss and the several other moms helping out finally added the student models on Jan. 20. “Tonight is just about familiarizing the models with the stage,” Mary Todd, chair of the Fashion Show, said. “We’re just getting them comfortable with the runway.” The models-in-training spent the night learning choreography and practicing poses. Said sophomore Alexis Todd, “It’s really fun getting to know all of the people and getting comfortable on the stage.” Adi Eichie

their shirts because they were afraid their books would be taken away. Key Club members milled around, reading Spanish and English books out loud to the children. “I love to read and not being able to as a child would have been so hard for me,” said Kelsey Babilon ‘11. “So it was nice, sharing this with them.” Generous Hospitality The local people were all very hospitable and very generous. Two hotels, donated rooms for the students to stay in and one family donated a home. Restaurants donated food, as well. “All of the people we met were super welcoming and so kind to us,” Talia Pratte ’10, said. “They were really beautiful people and they were really happy people too. It just shows that you don’t need things to be happy.” Swimming sea turtles One of the owners of the hotels the groups was staying at is on a mission to save the baby sea turtles on the local beaches, so she collects the eggs and keeps them safe until they hatch. Key club was lucky enough to arrive right when the baby sea turtles were hatching. They watched as about 75 baby sea turtles crawled through the sandy beaches and made their way out to sea. “It was beautiful and life changing,” Nick Dechard ‘10, said. “Being able to see this small creature, to see this life being started, thinking about the future they had and the life within this creature.” Keeping with the project Key Club enjoyed their experience in Costa Rica so much that they plan on continuing to work on this project for awhile. “We have committed to three year project in this community in order to expand literacy,” Sapienza said. “The students did a phenomenal job and it was phenomenal as a teacher to watch this unfold.” Kristen Scheirman

RUMOR MILL Rumor: Student Council will not accept all students interested in the class next year. Fact: To be in Student Council for the 2009-2010 school year, you must fill out an application and turn it into Ms. Hartline in room 5400. The applications will all be reviewed and then students will be chosen to be part of Student Council based on their applications.

Rumor: There will be entrance exams to take AP classes next year. Fiction: Students who are signing up for AP classes do not have to take exams to be enrolled in the class. To sign up for one of these classes, a teacher’s signature is needed to approve the enrollment, but there are no other prerequisites to signing up for the class. Rumor: You will not be able to switch out of any classes you sign up for on the registration sheet once it is turned in. Fact: Due to the chaos caused by students switching out of classes in previous semesters, the counseling office recommends that students be cautious in choosing their classes for next year, because they will not be able to switch out of them as they have been able to in the past. This means that when registering for classes, students need to make sure that they actually want to be in the class and will not want to switch out at the start of the next school year. compiled by Paige Newman

campus news the rock

1/28/09

Clockwise from left: Ellen Hefner ‘12, in Baby in the Bathwater. Career counselor Ross Costanzo in The Painter. AJ Opp ‘09 tussles over video games in Ring Me Up which Opp wrote about two friends in a slightly bizarre apartment building. Jordan Fickling ‘11, Cristina Vazquez de Mercado ‘11, and Sydney King ‘12, in Mixed Emotions. Photos by Sierra Owens

One act, many lessons Neophytes and veterans alike encounter learning opportunities afforded by drama festival Once a year, a time comes when the theater-savvy students at Rock Canyon can grow creatively in a less-stressful, more fun environment. It’s called the One-Act Festival. “One-Acts are really great because they’re student-directed,” said Stephanie Higgins ’12. To direct a One-Act play, the student needs lots of previous experience in drama and a great deal of skill. “I love how we can have a little more fun with them,” said Ellen Hefner ’12. “They’re so short, so it’s not too hard to learn your lines, which is good because you’re responsible for that, not the directors!” Students are completely involved in the production of the plays from start to finish. Directors plan what they want their sets to look like and choose when they rehearse. One-Acts give students complete control, free of teachers and staff “It’s like putting on a play by yourself,” said Higgins ‘12. “You do so much, but the hard work is all worth it in the end.”

This year, One-Acts have an unusual feature: a play written by a student director. AJ Opp ’09, wrote Ring it Up, about an apartment building. The building is slightly bizarre, and havoc ensues. Other One-Acts performed include DMV Tyrant, directed by Daniel Wheeler ‘11, Canker Sores and Other Distractions, directed by seniors Alyssa Montoya and Libby Bridges, Baby With the Bathwater, directed by juniors Kayla Bush and Allison Wesson, and Mixed Emotions, directed by senior Abby Roberts. The Painter has no real director, but is simply a two-man show starring Guillermo Arribas ’09, and career counselor Ross Constanzo. The Theatre III class is also presenting a pre-show Reader’s Theatre performance about the nightmare of school tests, entitled This is a Test. Laura Romer

Miss the One-Acts last night? Never fear! They’re being performed again tonight at 7 p.m.

How did One-Acts help you as an actor? It contributed to my acting skills – taught me to memorize lines, open up more, use eye contact to communicate. Those are the fundamentals. -Sam Carrell ‘12

I’m better at staying in character, focusing, and concentrating. It’ll help if I’m doing a comedic role, so I’m better at not breaking character. - Yalita Namecek ‘12

brites Foreign Language Dance: the universal language Period 3 French classes got competitive when Erin Toews’ French 3 class and Dayna Moore’s French 2 class competed in a dance-off. Each class had time to pick a song and prepare before both classes met by the 8000 wing stairs to strut their stuff. Moore’s class pulled off some cheertype stunts by throwing Jeremy Cahill ’11, around and Tesla Nicholson ’11, contributed to Toews’ class by adding moves like the robot, lawn mower, and shopping cart. “It was really fun taking on Ms. Toews’ class and a great way to spend the block period,” Evan Kellogg ’12, said. Although no winner was declared, both classes had fun participating in what may be the first foreign language dance-off in Canyon history. Nicole Givin

LINK Crew Freshman look forward The freshmen had a lesson in setting goals last week and the Link Crew was pleased and surprised to hear that the class of 2012 has strong ambitions for the future. “The freshmen filled out goal sheets and shared with the class,” explained Hailey Middleton ’09. Straight A’s, building strong relationships with friends and family and being valedictorian were among the goals discussed. “One of my goals was to graduate with a 4.0 and to continue swimming on

Varsity throughout high school.” freshman Taylor Phelps said. Link Crew has always been an opportunity for the upperclassmen to connect with the freshmen and this activity is proving to have a lasting effect on RC’s youngest students as well as the Link Crew members. “I am truly impressed with and proud of the freshmen for creating solid goals and actually caring about their future,” said Middleton. “I think it’s really important to set goals for your life and this activity was a great way to get started thinking about the future,” said Phelps. “Because ready or not, here it comes.” Paige Hesen

RCTV Broadcasting as civic duty With the Winter Formal approaching us fast, RCTV is producing a couple Public Service Announcements. RCTV groups are supposed to complete two PSA’s per semester. They can be about any number of things that take place at the school ranging from club beginnings to sporting events. “They are actual news stories about school events,” said Dan Poindexter ’09. “They are supposed to be informative rather than funny.” Each team sends two or three of their members to create a Public Service Announcement. However, the teams don’t have a handle on their PSA’s. “We have no idea what we’re going to do,” said Levi Orlady ‘11. Zach Tornabene and Brett Stokes

I’ve gained more characterization and learned how to use my voice at different levels. This isn’t a major play, so you can experiment. -Stephanie Higgin ‘12

I’ve learned simple things that I wouldn’t learn in a big play. You learn what acting should be, what you can do. -Jordan Fickling ‘11

Get-out-of-school-free pass A long-awaited responsibility for seniors in the works Students allowed off campus, this year? Possibly. It’s common knowledge that within the sheltered confines of Douglas County, open campus is not a privilege we enjoy. But thanks to the efforts of senior Quinn Hart, the idea of the Principal’s Pass has been brought to Rock Canyon’s administration. Through word of mouth, it’s come to the attention of Hart that Mountain Vista and Highlands Ranch high school seniors get special off-campus privileges, able to leave at certain times of the day. “I proposed this to the administration because seniors have worked hard – they deserve some responsibility in return,” said Hart. However, you will have to earn the Principal’s Pass. To gain this sacred golden ticket, you must have a certain GPA, all of your community service hours needed to graduate, a minimum attendance percentage and you must be involved in at least one after-school activity. The Principal’s Pass will be valid during access

only. Seniors will be aloud to leave after advisement on Thursdays but must be back for their 4th hour class. The other additional idea being thrown around the office is that, the Principal’s Pass will cut out the need for parent excusal for appointments. “Students won’t be able to just leave,” said Assistant Principal Greg Doan. “They have to have a reason, like a doctor, or dentist appointment.” Ways to avoid that privilege being abused are still getting the kinks worked out. When will this Principal’s Pass go into effect? After months of consideration and working with administration, the Principal Pass may be available to seniors by the 4th quarter of this year, just for a trial run. If the privilege is abused, it may not be in effect for next year’s seniors. It is a very good step in the right direction for the eventual freedom of Rock Canyon students. Alex Tuccy

NOT harmful

Quitting: ultimate goal of anti-smoking program Councilor Melanie Perea has personal reasons to resent smoking. “I had a boyfriend in high school that was a smoker, but didn’t have the resources he needed to quit,” Peria. “So now I do what I can to provide students with the resources they need to quit smoking.” The N-O-T program, or ‘Not On Tobacco’ was introduced to the Douglas county school district three years ago. The 10-day program will start up again on Feb. 3 for students interested in quitting tobacco. “The program will take place during the school days, students will be excused from classes,” said Perea. “We will explore the life long effects of tobacco, and talk about how students can remain healthy through out their lives.” N-O-T is research based and educates students

about the harms that tobacco has on their social and physical lives. The American Lung Association provides the materials for the program, where all N-O-T facilitators are trained. “I received my training to be a N-O-T facilitator from the ALA. I attended an all day session,” said Perea, “and now have the ability to help teenagers battle their tobacco addictions.” Connor Dozois

the rock

fine arts

1/28/09

Texan tunes Marching band performs at biggest venue ever in San Antonio The Adventure Begins The marching band took a trip to San Antonio, Texas over winter break to perform the halftime show at the Alamo bowl that pitted the Missouri Tigers against the Northwestern Wildcats. The band spent a total of five days in Texas. The trip got off to a great start with a laughter-filled plane ride down to San Antonio. “It was the best plane ride ever,” Kat Tanke ’11, said. “We drew the places we were going on a napkin.” Tanke sat next to Tanner Scurto ’11, and Veronica Moore ’11. “We told jokes and laughed all the way to San Antonio,” she said. Preparation In the days leading up to the performance, the band practiced many times. They played the song they were going

Top: The entire marching band poses for a group shot. Above: The football field where the band played.

to perform at the bowl, “Go Daddy Go,” over and over and over again. “We practiced so much,” Tanke said. “We became so much closer as a band that they had to establish the ‘the three bible rule.’” The three bible rule was that each member of the band had to remain three Mormon bible widths apart from each other. Growing Closer Together During the trip, through all the practicing and spending time with each other were ever they went, the band became more unified. “I’m sure some of the kids became closer together,” band teacher Joel Naegele said. “It’s a tight group as it is.” Some of the Band member’s experienced stage fright on a larger scale than they ever had before when they stepped

The Rock Canyon Orchestra performs at the Continental League. Every year, auditions are held for this select ensemble. This year, director Andrea Meyers was proud of sending more kids than ever to this festival.

on to the field. “I’ve never been one for stage fright,” Tanke said. “But it was a little frightening being on National TV. However, it made me think of our band as great instead of average.” With TV cameras on them and thousands of people watching nationwide, the group performed a great show. “The best part of the trip was that it went so well,” Naegele said. “There were no disasters.” Future Acts The band is planning to take a similar trip every two years. Naegele already has his sights set on the Veterans Day Parade in Washington D.C. in 2010. “We’ll walk in the parade right down Pennsylvania Avenue,” Naegele said. Zach Tornabene

Several of the cast members of the Spring musical “Aida” rehearse a dance with their cheoreographer. The musical is about forbidden love. Photo by Kristen Scheirman

save the date feb

Rock Canyon’s talent show. Come see the best of the best, of all artistic facets, perform their talents.

feb

Jazz concert. Enjoy the lovely tunes as the jazz band and jazz choir rock your world with sweet notes.

mar

6-14

survey says...

brites

the rock asked 250 students to predict the winners of the Oscars. This is who Rock Canyon picked as the 2009 Academy Award recipients

Best Actor

Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino

Best Actress

Angelina Jolie, Changeling

Visual Arts Making masterpieces It’s quiet in Art teacher Daniel Gonzalez’s art room, as the students in Drawing and painting are hard at work creating masterpieces hoping to be the next Picasso or Monet. The drawing and painting class has just finished up learning the basic principles and elements of drawing and painting and are now heading into a major project. “It is what you make it,” said Gonzalez, the ceramics and drawing and painting teacher, when asked about the students projects so far. “My students are very promising this semester.” As for the photo classes they are learning about light styles and different styles of shooting. All of the art classes are hard at work creating new artwork to display. Look for their artwork in the hallways soon. Alyssa Jones

Choir Sappy love songs

Best Picture The Dark Knight

The spring musical, Aida, is performed. Walk like an Egyptian to this Elton-John written

compiled by Libby Bridges and Kenzie Markey

The embarrassing mushy love songs are back again and the Women’s select choir members are practicing their tele-

grams that you will send your special someone. The posters they have been decorating with hearts are ready to be hung in the halls so students can begin to think about what song fits their partner best. The choir has a new menu of songs to choose from including the favorites from last year with a few new tunes from Greece and Cascada. “The telegrams are really fun, especially because it’s kind of fun to embarrass people,” said Kelli Bohren ’10. Meghan Long

Administration Curriculum craze Now that first semester is up and the seniors are on their way out of the school, the administration is focusing on next year. Registration, schedules, and the class of 2013, especially. They hosted an eighth-grade night on Jan. 14 to give the current eighth-graders and their parents information about life at Rock Canyon. “There was a great turnout,” Principal Kim Rauh said. “You could just tell how excited the incoming eighth-graders were.” Kate Jones and Kristen Scheirman

the rock

world news Understanding Israel and its war Israel became an independent state in 1948. In the 1967 war it occupied Gaza and the West Bank. After the complete withdrawal of Israeli settlers and military from the Gaza Strip on Sept. 12, 2005, the Palestinian Authority had complete administrative authority in the Gaza Strip. On Jan. 25, 2006, Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group, won the Palestinian Parliamentary elections, giving them control

1/28/09

of the Gaza Strip. Hamas continued to fire rockets from the Strip across the border into Israel. According to Israel, between the Hamas takeover of the Gaza Strip and the end of January 2008, 697 rockets and 822 mortar bombs were fired at Israeli towns. In response, Israel targeted home made Qassam launchers and military targets. On November 25, 2008, Israel closed its cargo crossing with Gaza due to two rockets

being shot at Israel. After 22 days of fighting, Israel agreed to a cease-fire while insisting on holding its positions, while Hamas has vowed to fight on if Israeli forces do not leave the Strip. Permanent peace agreements between Israel and Hamas have not been arranged, and the citizens of the state of Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip will be in grave danger until a solution is found.

Q&A

Joshua Gerson Local Rabbi

rock: Why did you visit Israel this past summer? Gerson: I went with a group of high school students who have never been to Israel before. rock: What did you tell the students about the ongoing war in Israel? Gerson: Most of the students were aware of the current situation in Israel, so I tried to tell them about the history behind the war. rock: Due to the history of Israel, do you think that this war is just an ancient war? Gerson: This war is surely a war of our ancestors, but it’s still our responsibility to end it. Right now, the history is only a small part of why the war is being fought. rock: What are some of the other reasons why the war is being fought? Gerson: Part history, part territorial, and mostly the idea that peace can’t be achieved among Israel and Middle East terrorist groups, like Hamas. rock: Do you think peace can every be achieved in Israel and the rest of the Middle East? Gerson: Unfortunately, as long as the terrorist groups exist, I don’t think there can be peace in Israel. Hamas is one terrorist group that will not rest until Israel is no longer recognized as a Jewish state, but the Jewish people will never stop fighting for their homeland.

By the Numbers

3,014

24 1948

Number of rockets from the Gaza Strip that hit Israel in 2008. Number of terrorist groups that are located in the Middle East. The year that the state of Israel was created. This asserted British support of a Jewish homeland.

86.7

Percent population increase in Israel since it became a state in 1948.

7,850

Size of Israel in square miles. This is about the size of New Jersey.

maps provided by www.zionism-israel.com

Gaza Strip Territory

Gaza lies along the Mediterranean Sea. It borders Egypt on the south-west and Israel on the north and east. The area is claimed by the Palestinian Authority as part of the Palestinian territories.

Current Situation

The Gaza Strip is the main area of violence right now in the Middle East. Hamas has authority in Gaza, and, until recently, has been firing rockets into Israel from the Gaza boarders. In addition, Israel has been firing rockets into Gaza in attempts to stop attacks from Hamas. Currently, there is a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.

West Bank Territory

The West Bank is on the West Bank of the Jordan River in the Middle East. To the west, north, and south the West Bank shares borders with Israel. To the east is the country of Jordan. The West Bank also has a coast line along the western bank of the Dead Sea. Most of the West Bank is under Israeli military occupation.

Religious Population

West Bank Barrier

The Position of the United States

The Muslim community makes up 75 percent of the population, and 17 percent of the population practice Judaism. The other eight percent of the population practice Christianity. Although the West Bank is mainly Muslim, it is one of the more religiously tolerant areas in the Middle East.

The West Bank barrier is an area that is patrolled by Israeli soldiers. The patrolled barrier is 420 miles long. The Israeli government says is essential to prevent Palestinian would-be suicide bombers from entering Israel and attacking Israeli civilians.

In in April 2004, President George W Bush outlined America’s policy on the barrier: “As the government of Israel has stated, the barrier being erected by Israel should be a security rather than political barrier, should be temporary rather than permanent and therefore not prejudice any final status issues including final borders, and its route should take into account, consistent with security needs, its impact on Palestinians not engaged in terrorist activities.”

the rock

world news

1/28/09

Israel and Hamas The night is always darkest right before the break of dawn A view from the Ranch Mandy Shapiro World News

Left: Juniors Kayla and Ben Bush stand in front of the capitol on the night before inauguration day. “It was very cold,” said Kayla, “coldest I’ve ever been.” Above: Mass amounts of people start to fill the National Mall of Washington D.C. on the morning of Obama’s inauguration.

Long journey for a piece of history Fun Facts Thomas Jefferson was the first president to be inaugurated in Washington D.C. James Buchanan was the first president to have the inauguration photographed. In 1865, when Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated, African Americans participated in the inaugural parade for the first time. Calvin Coolidge was the first president to have his inaugural ceremony broadcast nationally by radio. Franklin D Roosevelt was the first President to be sworn into office on January 20, as opposed to March 4. The first televised inaugural ceremony was when Harry S Truman was sworn into office. William J Clinton was the first president to have his inaugural ceremony broadcast live on the Internet.

RC students travel across the country to experience Obama’s Inauguration If Obama’s speech wasn’t enough to captivate the television viewers nationwide, then the sheer size of the audience would have been enough to draw anyone in. Crowded in the National Mall of Washington D.C. a mass of two million people huddled together to hear one man speak. A man whose name will be permanently etched into history textbooks. Who speaks of goals and a promise for change. Every president tries to establish their legacy within their first engaging moments as commander-in-chief. Surrounded by millions of people, in a small part of America, that suddenly felt like the center of the universe. Kayla Bush ’10, could feel the historical significance, but what she really felt was something permeating through her skin. The 20 degree weather felt a little more like -20 that day, and no woolen sweater or heavy ski jacket was going to let her ignore that. “Cold. It was very cold. The coldest I’ve ever been. Disturbingly cold. As in, I regret not wearing 4 pairs of pants cold,” Kayla said. Despite two pairs of pants, thick socks, three shirts, her letter jacket, and eight hand-warmers, nothing was stopping the perpetual chill. Despite this setback, making their way to the inauguration wasn’t too difficult. Kayla, her mother, her brother Ben ’11, and her friend Mandy Lisano ’08, were a mere ½ mile away from the site of the inauguration itself. They were fairly close for people who didn’t have tickets, yet they were not able to see the actual inauguration itself without the aid of the jumbotron, a large screen that broadcast the event to the entire crowd. D.C. wasn’t taking any other stance but pro-Obama at this point. Partisan

lines seemed to disappear. “It was cool that no matter how much people hated Bush, nobody disrespected him. They still showed respect for what he did, said Ben Bush ’10. Ben has been involved in Obama’s campaign since the beginning by constantly staying politically aware, and he could definitely sense the importance. “You could tell it was something huge. When Obama came on they cheered for five minutes, and then fell silent when he began to speak,” he said. Kayla and Ben have taken a lot of road trips, but it wasn’t until a few days before the actual inauguration that they realized they were going on this one. Their Mother, Leigh Sumnerkirk, had talked about going for some time, before making the definite decision. It was a long drive, 30 hours in a rental car, to get to Virginia, where they would be staying with their grandmother. From there it was 15 minutes to the subway that would head to D.C. What took the longest was trying to get away from the crowd after the inauguration. They planned on leaving as soon as Obama finished his speech, but something stood in the way. People. Millions of people. Kayla and Ben remained trapped in the swarm of people for nearly an hour, and from that point on, it was nearly another five hours before they could get back, to their grandmother’s house. Once they were back at their grandmother’s house, they did something they hadn’t done for the past couple days. Nothing. Just bask in the wonder of what they saw, and desperately try to remove the cold that stuck to them hours afterwards. On Countdown with Keith Olber-

mann, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns pointed out that on a scale of one to ten, this inauguration ranked as an 11. That it was the beginning of a new era of American history. “I think in some aspects that is true for the wrong and right reasons. I think it’s going to be the first step in going into a new era,” Kayla said. Although Kayla likes Obama, this inauguration didn’t really serve as political inspiration for her. Ben, however, is more politically minded, and very optimistic about this new presidency. “I’m looking forward to it. I think there are great things to come,” said Ben. No matter what your political alliance may be, the feeling one gets when they realize they have witnessed something historical is compelling. “It was kind of exciting. There was a sense of witnessing something, and realizing it was big. You realize you are one of those millions of people there, and millions didn’t get to go, but I got to,” Kayla said. The long journey back was one of reflection. The weather had grown to be so terminally cold that nearly ever piece of clothing that they packed was worn. Once home, it was time to rejuvenate. Worn out from the energy of a lifetime experience in a few days. As for another inauguration, Kayla only had four words to say: “Depends on the weather.” After eight hand-warmers, that sounds reasonable. Daniel Wheeler

I am going to start off with a statement: I support Israel. I am not trying to persuade, or accuse, or judge, or provoke anyone with this. I simply urge you to read this with an open mind and an open heart. Everyone has and will have his or her own opinion, and that is one of the beauties of life. We are complex and different. But I believe the best way to view the world is through as many eyes as you can, so here is another perspective, another outlook on life in the Middle East. Hamas’s motivation is to kill as many Jews as possible, innocent and military, and to erase Israel from the map. (If you don’t believe me, read Hamas’s charter). Israel’s motivation is to stop terrorist attacks, protect innocent people, and try to achieve peace. Here lies the problem. In any conflict, innocent people will be harmed. This is an inevitable fact when dealing with war. Because of this, innocent people dying because of Israel’s actions should not in any way be compared to those of a terrorist organization. Israel seeks to protect its people and takes whatever actions it feels necessary, Hamas seeks to destroy Israel. The problem with this is that it destroys the right and wrong. There is not a best solution, or a solution that is completely right or wrong. The good will always come with the bad. If we want to dive even deeper we can look into the motivation behind the original attacks on the Gaza Strip. For the past three years there has been a cease fire between Israel and the Palestinian territories, yet during this time Hamas launched over 6,000 rockets into Israel. Can any person honestly look to Israel and say that they should have continued to sit idly by and let the missiles continue to hit their homes? Look at America. We experienced one terrorist attack, and used this as an excuse to rape and pillage Iraq and Afghanistan. If you look at things in perspective compared to the United States, Israel is being nice, almost doing too little. The old English proverb says that the night is always darkest right before the break of dawn. Things are really bad, and they are probably going to get worse, but if ten years from now this helps settle the troubles in the Middle East, how will we judge Israel’s actions, or Hamas’s actions? The reality of it is that Hamas and Israel cannot coexist peacefully – one of them must go. Whoever you support, that is the reality, a sad irrationality.

Consumer news Converter Box Starting February 17, all televisions will require digital converter boxes in order to continue receiving over the air broadcasts. They are easily installed and don’t take up much space. These boxes are available for purchase at Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, Sears, Target, and Walmart. They range from $50 to $90.

Power Monkey Explorer Charger Never run out of power again with this emergency charger for cell phones, iPods, cameras and more. Its solar panel draws power from the sun, giving your electronic device charge wherever you are. The small Power Monkey Explorer ranges from prices of $60 to $120, and it is compatible with most electronic items. You can buy the Power Monkey Explorer online or at an electronics store.

Rock Band Stage Kit For all of you Rock Band fans, you can take Rock Band to another level with the Rock Band Stage Kit. The stage kit comes equipped with a fog machine and lights. Now you can feel like you’re actually on stage. You can buy the Rock Band Stage Kit at Best Buy for $100. compiled by Alyssa Jones

community the rock

1/28/09

Winter Formal

If you missed the one-acts last night... it’s not too late!

Check out five student-directed shows tonight at 7 p.m. Free admission! Ellen Hefner ‘12, in “Baby in the Bathwater.” Career coach Ross Costanzo in “The Painter.” Photos by Sierra Owens

When: Feb. 7, 2009 @ 8 p.m.-11 p.m. in the Commons Theme: A Classy Night in Black and White Formal Attire... After all it is winter FORMAL If you are bringing a guest from a different school, you must pick up a sheet from the office and turn it back in by Wednesday Feb. 4. Tickets: $15 before the dance and you get a sweet awesome t-shirt to wear at the boys vs. girl’s assembly, $20 at the door. T-shirts are first come, first serve.

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varsity basketball the rock

1/28/09

Q&A

Right: Eric Burrage ‘09, jumps in an attempt to get the ball before his Douglas County opponents. Far right: Josh Puccini ‘09, drives for a layup. The Jags were victorious, with a final score of 60-45. Photos by Shelby Miles

Jim McClurg Boys Basketball Head Coach

Jags avalanche Huskies Huskies stunned by Jaguar determination in last Friday’s home basketball game The Varsity Jags travel to Rangeview this Friday starting at 7 p.m. Sophomore and JV Jags play at 5:30 p.m. at Rangeview as well.

THE BEGINNING As Josh Puccini ’09, scored the first two points, the crowd went wild. It was Friday, January 23, and Puccini was leading the Jaguars against the Douglas County High School Huskies. As the team enjoyed the fans’ reaction to scoring first, Douglas County took advantage of the minor distraction and scored. Matt Hopper ’11, responded, grabbed the ball, and scored quickly. In turn, Douglas County took the ball again, but Justus Bennett ’09, stole it back. The game continued this way. At the end of the first quarter, the Jags were leading 16-14. THE MIDDLE The Jags started off the second quarter with a bang, as Josh Puccini fell and slid across the floor. This move was greeted by groans of anxiety from the fans.

“Heeeeeyyy, heeeeeyyy!” yelled Austin Todd ’09, attempting to distract a Husky from making a free throw. The other fans followed his example, booing Douglas County at every opportunity. As the Jaguars pulled ahead and increased their lead, the insults got nastier. “Hey, 23!” yelled a fan near the end of the first half. “How did you make Varsity playing like that?” It was 29-21 at halftime. … And the End As they saw their chance for a win slipping away like a dogsled on ice, the Huskies got more and more aggressive, blocking roughly and continually fouling Justus Bennett, who took his free throws without a blink of an eye. “I’m pretty sure we’ll make the

playoffs this year,” said Nathan Puccini ’11. “We almost always do. But how far we get really depends on the teams we play.” Jimmy Brannock ’09, became a star later in the game, stealing the ball right out of the surprised Huskies’ hands. After one particularly good steal, Brannock fell face-first on the floor, eliciting groans, then cheers, as he jumped up right away and kept running. AT THE END, the Jags and their fans celebrated the 60-45 victory, catcalls following the Huskies out of the gym. A fan reflected: “If every game is like this, soon we’ll be beating ThunderRidge.” Laura Romer

rock:You faced your brother? McClurg, the head coach of Heritage’s girls basketball team last Friday. Any heated rivalry? McClurg: Not really. You know, it was nice for my parents to see us both coach. I’ve always supported his program-he’s got a good group of girls over there. We were both rooting for each other to win, even though we wanted our own teams to win of course. He was really supportive when our program began, and he respects that we started from scratch. rock: How are you doing this season? McClurg: Every year it takes a week or two to adjust to competition. We’ve played some really hard teams so far this season. Trying to compete at that level takes some time, takes some practice, but the kids are doing really well. rock: What are your goals this season? McClurg: Hopefully we can do well enough to get a bye in the playoffs. Maybe even a home playoff game. And of course, the chance to compete for the state championship.

compiled by Hannah Wellman

Girls Basketball

Quoted How is this basketball season different from the other seasons you have played?

“This season we’re working a lot better as a whole and it feels like everybody is contributing instead of just one or two people.”

Clockwise from top left: Lyndsie Berens ‘11, and seniors Maddie Wallingford and Jamie Parsons watch for a rebound as the ball teeters on the rim. Ashley Williams ‘09, attempts to steal the ball frp, a Douglas County opponent. Erin Rome ‘09, Williams, Chloe Thorderson ‘12, and Wallingford watch a Douglas County player take a free throw. Photos by Kristen Scheirman

-Ashley Williams ‘09

“This is my first year on the team because I’m a freshmen, but comparing to middle school ball, this year is a lot more serious and isn’t a joke.”

Lyndsie Berens ‘11, struggles to hold onto the ball as she falls to the gym floor while Sarah Costello ‘11, joins the fray. Photo by Kristen Scheirman

-Chloe Thorderson‘12

“We’ve had good team chemistry, we all love each other, and we’ve won more games than we ever have.”

-Lyndsie Berens ‘11

“I hope that we go to state. We work really well as a team and we have the heart to win.”

-Sarah Costello‘11

compiled by Kasey South

Father knows best Senior looks to father for advice to finish out successful season There’s no feeling as bad as failure. “We had pulled ahead, we got too confident, we fell apart,” Erin Rome 09’ said. The girls varsity basketball team lost in the fourth quarter of their game against Douglas County last Friday. “We played well together as a team, but we just didn’t keep playing our game, our intensity dropped and DC’s intensity grew, quickly.” Rome said a few days after the game. Chalk another loss for RC. But its not all bad as Rome reflects on her performance, but not just because of her own interests and that of her coach, but from another influential person whom most of us avoid at all costs, especially when it comes to

advice. After every game, win or loss, Erin turns to her father for advice and help. It’s not quite like the advice many others seek in their fathers, Erin goes to him as a coach. “My dad used to coach my middle school Basketball team and we still always go to the gym and work on different things together that he noticed I really needed to work on.” Erin views her dad as a second coach, one that will have a different perspective then that of RC’s Girls Varsity basketball teams head coach Jeff Seaquist. “My dad sees me as an individual player, apart from the team player I need to be on the court. That way he

sees where I need to change just little things so I can improve myself first. “It used to be annoying, but now I’ve learned to become grateful for every bit of help he has to offer.” Erin says. Even though the team took a hit with their loss last Friday and face a new battle against Regis in their next game, the teams spirits are far from down. “If we win two more games well be in the state tournament, which is be tter then the team has ever done,” Rome said. Failure is far from the mind of Erin Rome, as she and her team look forward with high hopes in the race to the state tournament. The team is willing to take any help that is offered, even if it’s from dad. Mattie Nobles

The Varsity Girls play this Friday against the Rangeview Raiders at home starting at 7 p.m. Sophomore Jags play at 4 p.m. and JV Jags play at 5:30 p.m.

the rock

wrestling

1/28/09

Left: Jake Davis ‘10 employs a double leg throw to lift up and thrust down his opponent on Saturday in the Jaguar Duels tournament. After shooting in to try and grab the leg of his opponent, Jake Davis found himself under his opponent. He grabbed the second leg, thrust upward and pulled the opponent off his feet and into the air. He then flipped him sideways and threw him down while at the same time falling on top. This isn’t necessarily a move with a defined named, but is a very effective, albeit violent move. Although he received a technical violation for the move, he went on to pin his opponent and win the match.

Art by Mattie Nobles

The new meets the old Boys wrestling team takes it to the next level in their tournament

It doesn’t take a new alarm clock to get up at 5:00 in the morning to wrestle. It doesn’t take a hot shower, a glass of ice water or a slap to the face either. It takes an entirely unique tenacity and passion for competition that the wrestling team embodies every day. These athletes work constantly to bring themselves to the peak of their performance, but the next generation will have to work even harder. WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS This dual tournament was a glimpse into the future for Coach Castro and the RC wrestling team. They intentionally placed four teams which they will go head to head with in regional competition in their bracket, and fared satisfyingly well. The format of this ‘Jag Dual’ tournament features full teams competing against each other, the victor being decided by whoever wins the most matches, rather than the traditional format of individual competition. “I’m really happy with how we matched up today. We look very promising,” said head coach Martin Castro after the tournament. The team finished with a record of 3-2, placed second in their division and fourth of ten in the tour-

nament. After winning the first two against Thornton and Denver West, the team lost on a forfeit to Telluride and finished regular match play by beating Abraham Lincoln. Then came the third-fourth place battle, where RC competed against Ponderosa’s JV team. Ponderosa’s varsity is ranked first in state and was unable to compete in the tournament. The competition was fierce, but a combination of unfortunate forfeits and narrow defeats left RC settling for fourth. But the consolation prize was the impressive showing they had against the teams they will soon face again in a much more important setting. REPLACING THE GIANTS The wrestling team has been blessed with two men who are both exemplary role models and imposing wrestlers. Jake Eggett ’08 and Alex Abreu ’08 have wrestled for all four years and have become the pillars upon which the wrestling program is now built. But soon new talent will be needed to fill the very big shoes they are leaving behind. “These boys have been key to the program, but soon we will be looking for boys to fill in the gaps,”

said coach Castro. “We are currently starting four freshmen and two sophomores, we saw boys step up well today, but we are going to need more”. One of the most promising prospects to carry the team next year is junior Gary Davis. He went 4-1 in the duals tournament and has a record of 19-8 on the season. He performed with a passion that can be described as nothing short of animal-like ferocity. Most notably, was his double leg slam for which he received a technical violation. He later commented on the throw and said , “I don’t care if you’re my friend or not, when we get on the mat, you’re` not my friend…things happen”. Although his opponent received the point for Gary’s over-agitated maneuver, it was an example of the strong, competitive athlete that Gary Davis has already become. Logan Thompson

The varsity wrestlers travel to Thomas Jefferson High School on Saturday for the Mile High Classic tournament. Lets go Jags!

Going for the jockular Athletes with a sense of humor

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

Jacob Oreskovich ‘12

Wall-E Russell Hunchar ‘11

Stephen Mabary ‘10

Lion King Aladdin

Will Stopps ‘12

Land before time

What would you buy if you won the lotto?

A Sloth A Ggreen VW bus

A house A Giant house

What’s your favorite wrestling move?

The Butt Dragon The Switch

Fat Man’s Roll The Half Nelson

What celebrity would you date?

Queen Latifah Megan Fox because she’s hot Jenifer Aniston, the hottest one there is

Jessica Simpson

Above: Blake Parker ‘11 prepares for his next match on Saturday during the Jaguar Duels tournament

girls swimming the rock

1/28/09

Quoted

Right: Tia Totura ‘09, ‘The Beast,’ swims the 100m Butterfly at the meet against Highlands Ranch. Totura finished second in the meet. Photo by Kristen Scheirman

What was your favorite swimteam dress up day and why do you dress up with the team? “Superhero day because everyone went all out and i dress up to embarrass myslef and to show team sprit.” -Kara Schweitzer ‘11

“Mix match day was my favorite dress up day because everyone got really creative because I like to support the team.”

Supporting their swimmers

-Allie Burger ‘11

“Neon day becase it was fun to see everyone wearing crazy colors and I dress up because it shows team spirit.” -Taylor Phelps ‘12

Swim team’s strength comes from practice, patience, and a little help from their parents

District Meet: Jan. 17/18 Pre-lims: Jan. 24 Finals: Jan. 25 State Meet: 8 a.m. Feb. 14th

It was senior recognition night for the lady Jags. The swimmers that have been setting state records, and winning state races for years were acknowledged for their hard work. But there is someone else who needed to be recognized. Unlike most sports that are run by hired referees and judges, the time keepers, score keepers, and organizers of a swim meet are parents. The moms and dads of swimmers are responsible for the success of a meet. At every home meet parent volunteers are needed for things to go swimmingly. Janna Long, mother of Meghan Long ’10, has been volunteering for years. “I volunteer at every meet with Betsy [Schweitser] and Pam [Curado],” Long said. Without the parents the meets couldn’t go on. There have to be at least eight parents who will time and record, among other jobs. Heather Goldberg, mother of Lexie Goldberg ’10, said, “I volunteer at every meet. I enjoy helping with the timing, and working with the other mothers.” Supporting their children’s passion is a large commitment. It requires a dedication from parents similar to that of their children’s. “Being a swim parent is hard,” Teresa Holley, mother of Jessica Holley ’11 said, “so you learn early on that you’ll love it, or hate it. I love it.”

Many of these parents have known and volunteered for the Rock Canyon coaches since their jag swimmers were kittens. “Ruthie [Milberg] and Nicole [Vanderpoel] have been coaching Jessica since she was four,” Teresa Holley said, “They’re like family so anything we can do to help the team is great.” The parents have great respect for the coaches, whom are swim parents themselves. Ruthie Milberg’s daughter Kirsten Milberg ’09, has six state championships, and Nicole’s daughter Madison Vanderpoel ’11, has already qualified for state as a sophomore. These girls are the very reason they coach. “We started coaching our kids together 11 years ago,” said Ruthie Milberg, “And we ended up following the girls into high school.” The parents in Ruthie and Nicole are essential at every meet. “Being parents gives us a different perspective,” said Nicole Vanderpoel, “We see our own kids’ perspective and we learn from it.” “Having our own girls on the team allows us to empathize with all the girls,” said Ruthie Milberg, “we understand their fear and how to help them through it.” During a season, the whole team becomes their children, and like true parents, the coaches were, more than anything, proud of their children on

senior night. “We have the best senior class in the state,” Vanderpoel said. It is apparent too. Rock Canyon wins almost every race of the night, beating Highlands Ranch 134 to 52. “We’re really lucky from the top of the team to the bottom,” said Ruthie Milberg, “They’re all very respectful and our seniors are great role models to the rest of the team.” As each senior is recognized, it is apparent why so many parents volunteer and why the coaches are so proud. Senior accomplishments are announced and talk of team captains, state records, and college scholarships is non-stop. That isn’t what stands out about the ceremony. What stands out, is the laughter. “Tia Tortura, ‘the beast,’” Katie McLaughlin ’10, says, and the swim team erupts in laughter. Tortura ’09 blushes in front of the team at her nickname. Instead of hiding, she steps forward with pride to own it, and the team laughs harder. The seniors line up on a diving board for pictures, and as Jehan Atoe ’09, stands on the edge, Emily Schoblaski ’09 and Sarah Classen ’09 jump lightly, hoping she might teeter off of the edge. The girls giggle, and the parents beam with pride. Alex Rowe

“Neon day was my favorite because we stood out from everyone at schoool and I dress up to show team sprit.” -Teryl Terry ‘11 “Pink day was my favorite becasue the girls went all out and you could really tell there was a meet.” -Kirsten Milberg ‘09 “Jag day was my favorite because it was a comfy dress-up day and it’s really fun and it shows I’m on the swim team.” -Kirsten Lumsden ‘11 compiled by Zach Cooper

Clockwise from top left: Maddy Vanderpoel ‘11, gets ready for her upcoming race, Francia Shea ‘11, holds onto the board before she begins the backstroke, Ellen Strampel ‘12, prepares to dive for the Jags against Highlands Ranch, Hope Lytle ‘12, sits in the pool after her race, Londyn Clawson ‘09, watches her team as she prepares for her next race. All photos by Gabi Johnson, Mac Orlady, and Kyle McDaniel

do it yourself the rock

1/28/09

the rock knows how hard it is to master a sport. That’s why we came up with a “How to” section to show you the way to nail those tricky moves. Girls Basketball Moves

How to make a bounce pass

Hold the ball close to the side of your body. Step forward with one foot in the direction of the teammate recieving the ball.

Throw the ball away from your side toward the ground, so it bounces off the court in the direction of your teammate. Be careful to aim away from the opposing team.

Pictured left: Jamie Parsons ‘09 Right: Chloe Thorderson ‘12

The second player reaches toward the ball, catching it with both hands as it bounces back from the court. Move toward the ball as it bounces so it does not get stolen by a defender.

Once you catch the ball, rotate your body and move the ball to your hip to keep it away from the other team. Then, either dribble the ball or pass it to another teammate.

In-Line Hockey Moves

How to complete a 360° Michigan Tip:

Use the 360° Michigan to fool the defenders by mixing up the way you shoot the puck. With knees bent, place the hockey stick between your legs. Keep the blade of the stick flat over the puck.

In one swift motion, pull the hockey stick out from under your legs and begin to rotate your body to the right.

Continue rotating your body to the right, keeping the stick parallel. Make sure the puck stays on the stick through this step.

Stop rotating with body facing the net. You should have made a complete circle and the puck will fly off the stick into the net.

Pictured: Mat Quartararo ‘09 Compiled by Paige Newman and Paige Hesen

women in sports the rock

1/28/09

Right: Diane Van Deren, an ultra distance runner, and motivational speaker talks to the girls about dealing with her disability and the challenges that accompany it as a female athlete. Below: Gabi Johnson ‘09, and Kirsten Milberg ‘09, stand together as Milberg receives her award from David Callan. Kirsten was awarded swimmer of the year by the Denver Post, and also was the captain of her swim team. Far Right: Allison Taylor ‘09, Nichole Riedel ‘09, Kirsten Milberg ‘09, Gabby Johnson ‘09, and Taylor Curado ‘09, stand on stage at the women in sports banquet to receive awards for their outstanding achievements as female athletes in Douglas County.

Proud to play like a girl Women in sports luncheon brings together Douglas County athletes and the inspiring story of professional runner, Diane Van Deren Forty-eight degrees below zero, gushing winds and three hundred miles to travel across the desolate area that is known as the Yukon, these are the conditions professional runner, Diane Van Deren faces while running an ultra-marathon. Van Deren is not only a professional athlete but also a survivor of brain surgery and warrior against the disorder, Epilepsy. She was also the keynote speaker at the Girls and Women in Sports Luncheon held at Chaparral High School on Jan 23. Van Deren told her story to an auditorium filled with student athletes, parents and friends as well as five female RC athletes. Taylor Curado ’09, Gabi Johnson ’09, Alison Taylor ’09, Kirsten Milberg ’09 and Nichole Riedel ’09 were the five girls from RC honored at the event for their outstanding performance and excellence in athletics and academics. The auditorium filled and the lights dimmed. Van Deren approached the microphone and the audience grew silent. “There is nothing too personal, too embarrassing or too invasive about me. I have no secrets, so here we go.” Van Deren said. At 16 months old, Van Deren had her first seizure that lasted for 50 minutes. After she was released from the hospital, Van Deren went back to her normal life, playing sports, remaining healthy and being active. Throughout high school, Van Deren won state championships in golf and tennis, was on an “All State” basketball

team and even played on boy’s baseball teams. She graduated high school six months early and began traveling with a professional tennis team. Despite her hectic schedule, Van Deren had not experienced another horrific seizure since she was a baby. After traveling throughout the United States and Europe, Van Deren settled down and got married. Two children and a marriage later, her life took a drastic turn. “Two weeks into my third pregnancy, I had a full blown grand mal seizure.” Van Deren said to a crowd of young female athletes. Van Deren lived the next 10 years battling epileptic seizures, but that didn’t stop her from being a true athlete. “Whenever I had that premonition that I was going to have a seizure, I grabbed my running shoes and ran for the forest. The forest was my safety zone.” Van Deren said. Finally, after 10 years of seizures and no resolution, she saw a neurologist that gave her the only solution to her problem: brain surgery. “The doctors put 44 electrodes into my brain and I had to try to have a seizure.” Van Deren said. The doctors were monitoring her brain activity every minute of every hour and finally, she had the seizure. “I had that premonition again and it was the first time that I couldn’t run from it” Van Deren said. She awoke covered in blood with her tongue half bitten off.

Q&A

Karen Bryan

Doctors performed surgery to remove the damaged part of her brain, where the seizures were coming from. 11 years later, Van Deren is seizure free. Today, she continues running everyday and telling her story to young athletes everywhere. “I use running as a pedestal to tell my journey through epilepsy.” Van Deren said. And her journey is a story that is listened to. “I thought it was really inspiring and definitely a story that makes you believe that anything is possible, and I think it was incredible. It doesn’t matter if you are a woman or a man, as long as you have the determination to do it, you can do anything.” Allison Taylor ’09 said. Van Deren’s determination has never faltered, battling seizures, epilepsy, and brain surgery and after all that, Van Deren was able to compete in the 2008 Yukon Arctic Ultra. Running 300 miles of artic territory and carrying all her own supplies, Van Deren completed the race. Whether it is battling epilepsy, horrific seizures, surviving brain surgery and running through the arctic, Van Deren has won every battle she has encountered and her dreams were ones that really came true. “Dreams are only dreams unless you act upon them.” Van Deren said. Kayla Kallery

Varsity Cheerleading Coach rock: How has women’s sports in Douglas County changed in the past 38 years? Bryan: Well considering there weren’t any women’s sports when I started in the district, I would say they have changed quite a bit. rock: What have you personally done to help advance women’s sports in Douglas County? Bryan: I made cheerleading a sport opposed to a club in DC. In 1980, the girls were able to get a varsity letter for cheerleading. I did my master’s paper on the correlation between students who participate in school activities, and those who don’t have a lower rate of being successful. I have always encouraged my girls to participate in other sports. rock: What do you think has contributed to the advancement of women’s athletics in DC? Bryan: Title Nine did a lot for the girls of Douglas County. It states that schools have to provide equal opportunities to girls. For instance, if there is a girl who wants to wrestle, and there is no girl’s wrestling team, the school is obligated to let her join the boy’s varsity wrestling team. rock: What did you think of Diane’s message? Bryan: I think her message is that there isn’t anything too hard to overcome if you just have the mind set to do it. If the girls really listened and heard her message, they should be pumped. It should get them motivated. compiled by Shelby Perkins

Influential women in sports 1975-

Pennsylvania becomes the first state to allow girls to compete equally in High Schools Athletic Programs

1996-

Amy Van Dyken, a Colorado native, wins 4 Gold Medals in swimming, at the Summer Olympics

1984- Mary Lou

Retton becomes the first American Woman to win a gold medal for all-around event in Gymnastics.

2000- At the Summer Olympics in Sydney, 44% of events are open to women.

1998- Helen Wills Moody, who won 8 Wimbledon titles, one of the first American women to achieve international fame dies at age 92.

2002- Venus and

Serena Williams win the doubles title at Wilmbledon

2001- The United

State wins Women’s Lacrosse World Cup

2005- Picabo Street, champion skier, is inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame.

2004-Mia Hamm retires from soccer. In her career, she set a record for most international goals set by any soccer player in history.

2008-Mirai Nagasu, 14 and the second youngest national champion ever, wins the U.S. National Figure Skating Title.

2007- American

Women wins 12 events at the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour.

2009- Kay Yow, the head basketball coach for North Carolina State for 34 seasons, dies after a 22 year battle with breast cancer.

2009- Sandy Dukat, from Denver, sets a world record for above-the-knee amputees in a marathon in Arizona.

sports commentaries

the rock

1/28/09

Highlight reel Sometimes, sports become more than just sportsand every now and then there is a year in sports history that reminds us why we worship athletes and are moved by simple games; 2008 was one of those years No, this title is not measurable. It cannot be tested in any form of science, and in all reality is simply an opinion. A bold, possibly controversial opinion, at that. However, it is an opinion shared by many, and the fantastic sports moments that have occurred over the last year can certainly vouch for its credulity. Through victory, determination, outstandGuest ing sportsmanship and Writer even defeat, professional and collegiate athletes have shown their passion for Andrew Wilt sports, and it has paid off in 2008. Not only Americans, but people everywhere have been inspired and entertained by the exceptional sports championships, tournaments, and even high school games played with a whole lot of heart and a true love of the game.

Holy bowls!

It all started with Super Bowl XLII; the New York Giants vs. the New England Patriots. Eli Manning vs. Tom Brady. The Patriot’s final hurdle to the finish linea perfect 19-0 season, a feat that hasn’t been conquered since the ’72 Miami Dolphins, who only had to win 17 games at the time. It was a close game all four quarters, and the Patriots scored a touchdown to go up 14-10 with 2:42 left in the fourth. The Giants got the ball back, and Manning swiftly avoided a sack, throwing the ball 32 yards to David Tyree, making a miraculous catch by pinning the football against his helmet while being hounded by a defender. This play changed the game, as the Giants went on, just a couple of plays after that, to upset the Pats 17-14 in a stupendous battle royale. Simply incredible.

Lost for words

Now, let’s go from the grossly overpaid, ridiculous acting, melodramatic world of professional football to the town of Ellensburg, Washington, where Central Washington University softball players gather to play a game against Western Oregon. On that Western Oregon team is senior Sara Tucholsky, who hasn’t hit a home run in her entire career. There are two runners on base, the score is 0-0, and it’s her turn up to bat. She slams it out of the park. But that’s when things go awry. Just as she’s rounding first base, Tucholsky just misses the bag, and backpedals to touch the base, which is when her right knee completely gives out. She falls to the ground, writhing in pain, and teammates spring from the bench like an Olympian track star off the block. They aren’t allowed to help her around the bases; it’s against the rules. They’ll just have to give up the run, and help Sara off the field as her career has ended. But that’s when the true beauty of sportsmanship really shines. Two Central Washington players, Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace, asked to see if it was okay for them to help her up and around the diamond, utterly shocking the umpire. The ump nods her head, and Wallace and Holtman grab Tucholsky and start around the field, gently plac-

ing her left foot on each of the bases. When Sara gets home, the crowd goes wild. But it’s not just the Western Oregon fans. The entire 300-seat stadium of Central Washington goes into hysteria, and there isn’t a dry eye in the stands. Sometimes, it’s not about the skills or scores of the game, but rather the passion, heart, and sportsmanship that really define who an athlete is and what they are capable of. Truly spectacular.

Got gold?

And it’s here. The event you’ve all been waiting for. The superman who revolutionized his sport and drew the eyes and ears of people from around the world. The 2008 Beijing Olympics was an incredible performance of athletes across the board, including the American gold-medal winning basketball “Redeem Team,” Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, shattering the 100-meter dash record, the dynamic duo of Misty May and Kerri Walsh, continuing their 112-win streak by winning their second consecutive gold medal in beach volleyball, and of course, the swimming all-star that proved to himself and the world his immense speed and fish-like characteristics in the pool. Need I say his name? Michael Phelps, after an astonishing week in Beijing, was the first man ever to win eight gold medals in one Olympic games. A couple of his races were terrifyingly close, including the 200-meter freestyle relay and the 100-meter butterfly, and audiences across the globe were captivated by the subjugation of this 23-year old kid. Some doubted him. Others believed in him, and most just couldn’t imagine such a feat. But the most important thing was that Phelps himself knew he could do it, and do it he did. Absolutely phenomenal.

But wait, there’s more!

And that’s not even most of the amazing sports feats that happened over the last year. We can’t forget the overtime thriller of Kansas defeating Memphis in the NCAA Basketball championship, or what has been dubbed the greatest tennis match of all time, a 5 hour, 5 set saga that ended with Rafael Nadal upsetting the world’s number one and longest winning streak holder, Roger Federer. And we certainly recall the inconceivable victory of Tiger Woods as he played the US Open golf championship with a torn ACL, wincing in pain on every shot, outplaying and outlasting his underdog opponent in an extra-hole playoff that left people dazzled and stunned, emotions that are generally difficult to have watching golf. But the real question is how could I cover a year, a year that will forever be coveted in its sports glory and performance, in less than 800 words?

Identiﬁed with Uniﬁed

When you think of basketball, you think of six foot five boys, thundering down the court, with no thought in their minds except for the basket. Boys that would injure themselves, or others in the blink of an eye if it meant two more points for their team. Yes, these boys do have their heart in the game, but is that where it should be? Earlier this week I had my first encounter with Rock Canyons Unified Basketball team. Encounter is putting it lightly, those kids had more impact on me in 90 minutes then almost anyone I have ever met in my life. I volunteered to be a helper for the team a month ago. As a helper my job mainly consisted of running up and down the court with the kids, yelling words of encouragement, and constantly reminding them which hoop was ours. This week we went up against the ThunderRidge Timberwolves. The Timberwolves team consisted of twenty

or so handicapped boys and girls, while ours, only had five. The other three helpers and I exchanged anxious glances as we sized up the enormous team we were about to play. As we were shooting furtive glances at our opponents, all the kids on our team happily grabbed a basketball Guest and began to shoot for their hoop. They Writer didn’t even notice the other teams sheer advantage Renee Horsting over them, they were just happy to be there. We practiced for about 15 minutes, which was our only practice time ever. Then the game began. After the first half Thunder Ridge was beating us by 15 points or so, but the looks on our kids’ faces said that we were winning by a landslide. The score of the game was the least

important aspect to them. That, to me, is a miracle in and of itself. These kids were just happy that they got the chance to spend time with their friends and have a chance to test out their basketball abilities. There were numerous times throughout the game that I saw people from the opposing team catching one of our rebounds, and giving it back to our players urging them to “try one more time!” When something like that would happen, I looked around in disbelief, eyes wide. And I usually found one of the helpers from ThunderRidge doing the exact same thing. We would exchange happy glances- we were just proud and excited to be part of such a truly remarkable team. Every single member of the Rock Canyon team scored a point that night.

Everyone was a champion. The look in their eyes when they made a shot is something that I will not easily forget. It was a look of pure bliss, the best thing in the whole world. To the kids, this was not a game about winning or losing. This game was about the ThunderRidge cheerleaders standing on the sidelines, screaming their lungs off for both teams. This game was about all of the fans that piled into the Thunder Ridge bleachers to watch the two teams try to make shot after shot into the hoop. This was a game purely about fun. I think that fun is something all of our high school sports are lacking. We all need to take a note from these kids’ books and start playing like a team that Rock Canyon can be proud of. Not proud because we have the best record, but proud because we have the best attitudes and we have the most fun playing the game.

The rock is intended, above all else, to be a student forum. Many of the commentaries throughout this issue are written by members of Jack Kennedy’s AP Lang class, but anyone can submit a piece for review. They may be submitted in the form of commentaries, letters to the editor, cartoons, story ideas, or anything else you clever students can drum up. All submissions can be made to Maria Lawson ‘09, or Dusty Ellis ‘09.

a day in the life the rock

16 1/28/09

Compassion at home We send aid all around the world, when the needy are as close as 16th Street I coughed, and a deep rattling shook my body from my tattered jacket to my beaten and torn shoes. I tried to shake the snow from my frayed blanket, but it was futile; Mother Nature was persistent, and the flakes kept coming down. I tried to hold my sign in a way that would let people see it but keep my hands warm as well; my gloves had been worn long past their expiration date, and were just as beaten and ripped as the rest of me. The bench’s cold steel was unforgiving beneath me, sapping every last drop of warmth from my bones, leaving me empty. I tried to pull my jacket closer, tried to curl closer to my own body, yet nothing would stave off this sinister cold. I held my sign higher, hoping to attract some sort of attention. It was useless; I was invisible. A snow shoveler came along and went to work around my bench, avoiding any sort of eye contact or acknowledgment that I was even there. He left as quickly as he had arrived, and the only thing left was a perfect square of snow around my shoes. I stomped my feet, wishing the warmth back. My wish was answered, in the form of an employee of Jason’s Deli, bearing gifts: a small bowl of hot soup, and a single crumpled dollar bill. I looked up, not believing. I had been out for an hour in the snowfall, and here he is, bringing sustenance. The words crumbled out of my mouth. “Thank… thank you,” I mumble. He simply smiles and nods, then turns and head back into the shop. I peel open the lid of the soup and toss it aside, greedily slurping the soup into my mouth, never letting a single drop escape. The soup scorches my throat, but the burn feels good after the icy grip of winter. I wandered the streets for a while with only a spoon, a sign, and a soup bowl to accompany me. People flowed around me, smiling and laughing, carefully making sure to avoid eye contact. To avoid the obvious fact that I needed help; they avoided that I was human, too. For a single day, I was homeless. I dawned the stereotypical battered and mismatched clothing and simply sat, with a sign that read, “Homeless And Hungry: Please

A higher perspective

Help.” Peoples’ reactions were across Kyle McDaniel the spectrum. Education Some regarded me with open contempt, literally looking down on me. Some made the mistake of looking me in the eyes; there was always a second where I could feel their sympathy, their pain for me. Then they looked away and continued on with their day. And then there were the others, the people who cared. One man stopped, handed me 79 cents, and pointed me to a McDonald’s where they were handing out free coffee. An elderly couple slowly wandered their way towards me and paused for a second. Then a shaking hand slipped out of the woman’s pocket and handed me a five dollar bill. Each time someone handed me money, or bits of food, or even stopped by me and said something, I merely stuttered out my thanks. “Thank you so much,” I would say, or, “God bless”. And the look on their faces was always the same; it would always be a small smile that slowly spread, like a tiny fire spreading from their heart. It was the compassion that stunned me. I’ve walked up and down the street more times than I care to count, and never once stopped to offer some pocket change, or even a word of courage or help, to any homeless person on the street. I was the second type of person, who cared but did nothing. It’s kind of like the old saying: other people suffer simply because good people do nothing. It took living on the streets, having nothing but layers of ripped clothes and an empty soup bowl to my name, to make me feel the same stares, the same lack of humanity, that had been given to people I simply walked past. We have compassion that stretches across the globe, from feeding toddlers in China to fighting for the invisible children in Uganda. Why can’t we do the same here? Kyle McDaniel

Smokey pokey That’s what it’s all about

Homeless. The very word evokes images of dirty, down-on-their-luck denizens that stumble the city streets at night looking for a place to sleep, or a nibble of food to sustain them for one more day, one more night. Someone labeled “homeless” is instantly riddled with negative characteristics and qualities, instead of the word’s intended usage, which is simply lacking a home. Dirty, desperate, sometimes dangerous. How about cultured? You see them in Denver, hanging around intersections, holding up cardboard chronicles of their misfortune, some just content to find a place to sit and rest for a while. People slip dollar bills out their windows, either as a sincere gesture of good Samaritan-ism, or as a way to dismiss them and be temporarily rid of their nuisance. Others grumble about a gimmick to buy alcohol or drugs and drive on, eyes locked ahead. What people don’t realize is not everyone is a legless veteran from Vietnam who needs a few bucks, or

even a “normal guy” stranded in Denver with a broken (but conveniently absent) vehicle en route to Nevada. Some people need the derelict solitude to define their character, allowing their true selves to come to light. Some people prefer the streets. Smokey is a medium-sized black man who rides his bicycle all over Denver with his guitar strapped on his back. He wears a heavy coat year-round, even in the summer. He loves talking to people. He has no permanent address. You can mot likely find him noodling just off 16th Street, or wandering around Colfax. He also tends to show up at the dive venues around Denver when there are shows going on, as he enjoys fellow musician’s company most. He’ll take out his guitar and play music for money, or he’ll play just for the sake of music, often times playing his songs as if he has no audience and couldn’t care less. When you come across this man, you may find

yourself locked in conversation for a good long time. Discussing topics ranging from the weather to obscure blues bands he knew back in the days of yore. If you’re lucky, he’ll even play “Travelin’ Man,” his very own 9th Symphony. When talking to Smokey, the question may pop into your head as to why he is homeless, but when the conversation wraps up, you’ll realize that you made his night, or even his whole day just sharing a few words with him. He lives for people. To him, it’s all about human connection. The reason for his lack of residence is overshadowed by his personality and love to share that connection. Smokey doesn’t ask for money, but he’ll accept it if you give it to him. He doesn’t ask for much of anything, really. But the best thing you can give him is a conversation, and maybe even an audience to play his music to. Jake Eggett and Brett Stokes

Clockwise from top: Kyle McDaniel ‘09, perched on a corner on 16th street mall. This is where he was approached by police officers, A shopper gives McDaniel a handout on the mall, Farhad – the man who gave McDaniel a bowl of soup working at Jason’s Deli. A Denver police officer orders McDaniel to leave the mall, McDaniel panhandles on 16th Street Mall. McDaniel made $9.74 during the day which he donated to charity. Photos by Caylee Clay

freedom of choice the rock

1/28/09

The Freedom of Choice Act, or FOCA, is a bill soon to be put before the 111th Congress. It would prohibit government from refusing to perform an abortion. It would also fund abortions through the use of taxpayer dollars. Here is a deeper look into how the bill could affect our community.

16/17

Quoted

What is your opinion on the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)? “I’m pro-choice, but I have a problem with forcing people that do not support abortion to be forced to fund it with their taxes.” -Alita King ‘09

“I feel that anything revolving around abortion shouldn’t be a government issue. It’s too controversial, and will never be resolved.”

-Michael Dempsey ‘10

“I don’t think that taxes should pay for the abortions, but I am pro-choice. It’s your choice to have sex. It’s your choice to have an abortion. Although, I am only pro-choice to a certain point [in the pregnancy.]” -Andrew Phillips ‘11 “I’m not opposed to or for abortion. I think that whatever is appropriate to a situation someone is in is not always black and white. If someone wants to have an abortion, that’s fine, even if I don’t support the choice.” -Abbey Reagan ‘12

Photo illustration by Kate Jones and Connor Dozois

A burden too hard to bear A reporter spends an afternoon at a local Planned Parenthood, discovering what it feels like to be faced with an impossible decision Driving in, I expected to see protestors outside the building as I’d been told there would be, but none were present when I arrived. I pulled into the parking space, locked the car, and walked in awkwardly not knowing what to expect. All eyes turned on me when I walked through the door. I was surprised to see that most patients sitting in the waiting room were women in their early twenties and thirties; not teenagers like myself. Some were with men, and others were alone. There were six women and two men. As I approached the front desk I told the receptionist I was here as a reporter for my high school newspaper. I asked if I could speak to a doctor. The receptionist was very kind and accommodating. She had me write my name down on a piece of paper and told me to sit down in the waiting room and wait until a doctor could find time to talk to me. I sat down in a pristine chair. I took a look around and observed the silent room. The walls were white with brochures and pamphlets everywhere. “Our Privacy Policies”, “Health Services”, “Sexual Responsibility”, and “Abortion Services.” I was sitting in an abortion clinic: Planned Parenthood. I caught the eye of a girl looking about 18, legs and arms crossed, black hair covering her face, eyes tired and caked with black make-up trying to hide the fear within her. She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here. Soon enough my name was called, the door to the exam rooms opened, and a young women looking about 20 escorted me into an exam room. The exam room looked like a typical doctor’s room with the exception that the brochures and posters were about abortion and sexual decisions rather than diseases and sickness. I noticed most of the staff workers were very young, and all women. When the doctor named Cheryl and I sat down and got comfortable, I jumped right into the questions. “If I was a sixteen year old who was 8 weeks pregnant and wanted an abortion, step by step, how would you

treat me?” “First we would have you take a pregnancy test for law purposes,” Cheryl said. “Then when the results turn out positive, we would give you an ultrasound and observe the baby’s development. When your decision for the abortion is final, we send a letter of notification to your guardian(s), sign you up for counseling, and schedule another appointment to do the procedure.” “I understand there are two type of abortion procedures: surgical and medical. Can you tell me about both of these and the risks that could occur?” I asked. “The surgical abortion is a procedure where you are sedated with an IV medication. This numbs your cervix. The doctor then opens your cervix with a rod tube. “When the cervix is held in place, a cannula, which is a long plastic tube connected to a suction device is placed in your cervix. This sucks out the fetus and placenta. This procedure takes about ten minutes but you are in the office for about two hours in order for the sedated medication to wear off. “The medical procedure consists of you taking five pills,” she continued. “The first pill you swallow is with water, which stops the fetus from growing. The four others you place in your mouth, between your gums and teeth, and let them dissolve for thirty minutes. “The risks for the surgical abortion are infection and bleeding, and the risks for the medical abortion are severe bleeding and cramps up until one month.” I walked out the exam doors, into the waiting room, passed the front desk, and through the front doors of Planned Parenthood. Although this time, it was less awkward and much more comforting and relaxing. Cheryl was a great help, the receptionist was very accommodating, and all the doctors were extremely kind and professional. I left with a sense of relief and sympathy, happy I was not a sixteen-year-old about to make a life changing decision and sympathetic for those who are making and have had to make that decision. Kasey South

How an abortion is performed Medical abortion • Only an option up to 8 weeks after the last menstrual period • Non-surgical abortion • In the form of a pill • Causes pregnancy to end • One to three days later the woman takes Misoprostol which will induce labor • This will cause the uterus to contract and rid of the tissue • Side effects include cramping, bleeding, and nausea

Vacuum aspiration • Used when six to thirteen weeks pregnant • This procedure empties the uterus in three steps: -First the cervix is numbed -Second a tube is inserted into the uterus

through the cervix -And last suction from an aspirating machine removes the uterus contents • Takes less than five minutes to complete the procedure

Dilate and evacuate • Method used when thirteen to twentyfour weeks into pregnancy • Ultrasound is used to determine the size of the fetus • Procedure is started by numbing the cervix and dilators are injected and expand overnight • The following day the cervix is numbed again and dilators are removed and doctors remove the contents of the uterus compiled by Meghan Long

compiled by Connor Dozois and Kate Jones

By the numbers 42 The number of million abortions that are performed each year worldwide.

115

The number of thousand of abortions performed each day worldwide.

1.37

The number of millions of abortions each year in the United States, as estimated in 1996.

3,700 52 32 20 1.2 49,551,703

The number of abortions performed each day in the United States.

Percent of women having abortions in the U.S. that are younger than 25 years of age.

Percent of women having abortions in the U.S. that are aged 20-24.

Percent of women having abortions in the U.S. that are aged 15-19.

Percent of women having abortions in the U.S. that are younger than 14 years old.

The total number of abortions performed since 1973, the year of Roe v. Wade. A basket of condoms sits at the counter at Planned Parenthood. Photo by Connor Dozois

compiled by Mac Orlady

Sex education

Then

Now

• Sex education was first introduced to public schools in the early 1980’s.

• Sex education is only required for graduation by 18 states.

• Many of Generation X-ers and Baby Boomers only received education about the reproductive organs, but not actually sexual intercourse.

• One in four girls who graduate from high school in the state of Colorado have a sexually transmitted infection.

• “I received information on the reproductive organs in middle school and high school”, said Vice Principal Greg Doan of his sex education, “and had the opportunity to attend an optional sex ed program in third or fourth grade.” • There were no requirements for schools to have sex education programs. • Sex education was primarily obtained through the family, or in social venues. • Ten percent more teenagers were engaging in sexual intercourse in 1995 than in 2002.

• “We can’t assume students are getting the proper education at home”, said Melissa Rosati of the English department. “Sex is an issue of health, not just family values. Schools need to teach kids about all health related sexual issues, especially STD’s.” • More kids are turning to the internet and friends for sexual education and advice rather than talking to parents or taking classes. • Eighty percent of American parents prefer to teach sex to their children by themselves than let the schools do it. -Compiled by Connor Dozois and Mac Orlady

Q&A

Dr. Kathleen Watt

OBGYN, Littleton Adventist Hospital rock: What do you think about FOCA? Watt: It’s a good thing, because currently in the U.S. women with access to abortions have money and vice versa. Women who are impoverished may have to travel long distances to find an abortion clinic. Women should have more access to abortions because if they already have children and no access to abortion then they may not be able to properly care for a new child. All women need the choice. rock: How will FOCA affect your job? Watt: It won’t really because I only perform limited abortions related to birth defects and all my patients have insurance so I always get paid and I rarely have to perform an abortion. rock: How will FOCA affect teens? Watt: I am unsure of how teenage finances affect an abortion, but assuming it does, teens would have to start asking parents for money which defeats some teens’ whole reason for having an abortion. So the teen would end up having the baby anyway. FOCA would help teens access abortions easily. rock: Where would you refer a teen to have an abortion? Watt: Planned Parenthood, because it’s available in many areas and is a well-known organization. It’s also relatively cheap and is set up for abortions as far as counseling and actually performing them. rock: How do you think sex ed should be taught in schools? Watt: I think that both abstinence and safe sex need to be taught in schools. Not telling adolescents about contraceptives is cruel and unfair. Why should a twenty-year-old have access to contraceptives but not a teenager? Young people more than anyone need to know what’s out there and that every time you have sex you need to use contraceptives. There are just too many myths out there and teens need to also know that abstinence is an option. compiled by McKenzie Markey

community the rock

1/28/09

The introductory Journalism class last week surveyed over 150 freshmen about things they cannot live without. Friends, family and cell phones were the run-away most popular choices, but here is a sample of other items the Class of 2012 values:

laptop computer, iPod, my mommy, Jesus, salad, Forever 21, Buddah, cold weather, music, my best friend Maddie, volleyball, Motocross, bed, XBOX, my dog, TV, diving, sleep, God, basketball, my books, girls, Insulin, dirt bikes, Chapstick, air, hamburgers, softball, toothbrush, running, my sister, cars, Wendy’s, cheering, MySpace, iTouch, Converse shoes, Starbucks, snowboarding, Tokio Hotel CD, my Bible, Lucky Charms, oxygen, mac ‘n’ cheese, the Internet, my brother, hockey, Avs, my cat, biking, buddies, tennis, education, skiing, dancing, sweatpants, golf, El bano, makeup, boys, my guitar, parties, soccer, money, my dog, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sports Center, showers

WHAT’S IN YOUR FUTURE?

• Transfer to a four-year college? • Earn a degree in two years?

• Earn a certiﬁcate in as little as six months? • Finish college without huge debt?

Whatever your goal… ACC is the SMART Place to START!

Call 303.797.4222 www.arapahoe.edu

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jaguar close-ups the rock

1/28/09

Charity Sammons ‘11

Alex Herbert ‘09

Sarah Ferguson ‘10

Lauren Zafuto ‘12

Broken back no match for dreams of junior poms team member

Hard work and dedication leads to accomplished climber

Library books lead to a once-in-a-lifetime experience

A rekindled bond between father and daughter

Charity Sammons ’11, screamed when Rock Canyon Varsity Poms was announced as State Champions, and was thrilled when she held the huge trophy. However, she imagined this moment a little differently. She had imagined herself actually dancing in the state championship instead of watching from the sidelines. During a casual run-through of the dance three days before state, Sammons did a center leap and rolled over her ankle landing flat on her back. “It hurt so badly. My lower back was shooting pains down my legs and my tail bone was numb,” Sammons said. “All I could think about was the pain and how I could try to mask it so I could dance at state.” But no masking was big enough to cover up what Sammons had just done. Her team and coach stood by nervously and watched as the athletic trainer told Sammons that she needed to go to the hospital immediately. As the rest of the team danced and cheered at the basketball game that night, Sammons lay in a hospital bed watching the doctor read her X-rays and MRIs. The next morning Sammons was told that she had fractured her lower vertebrae and a piece of the bone was pushing on her tail bone. She would not be able to dance at state. The news crushed her and the team, who now had two days to reconfigure the dance. With Sammons at their side and lots of tears shed by all, state rolled around and the team found themselves dancing in finals with Sammons as their biggest fan. “I watched her the entire time we danced and she had the biggest smile on her face and was screaming the whole time,” Shanel Perry ’09, said. The screaming continued when the team was announced state champs and the surreal feeling of winning surrounded Sammons. “I had mixed feelings about state because I felt like I had not helped my team win. It took a little time for me to realize I did help my team, in a way, win that title, and that there is always next year,” Sammons said. “I think that my injury just made the team closer and proved to all of us that nothing – even a broken back – can get in the way of our dreams.” Paige Hesen

What does it take to excel? What does it take to go beyond, to dominate? To blow the competition right out of the water? Or, rather, right off the wall. If you met Alex Herbert ’09, he’d probably engage you in a compelling conversation about his views on the government, what we did wrong and what we need to do right. He’d probably enjoy discussing movies and music, and offer a few bands to check out. He might even hint at an interest in the outdoors, and, hand-in-hand with that, rock climbing. He probably wouldn’t tell you how he’s been climbing for almost ten years, or how he’s competed in countless competitions, winning his fair share. He probably wouldn’t mention the fact that he’s ranked 4th in his region (Utah, Colorado, New Mexico) and ranked 14th in the nation. He wouldn’t mention his neverending training, which requires him to spend hours toiling away in the gym. He wouldn’t say anything about his ambitions, about representing his country in international competitions, traveling the world. He wouldn’t tell you that because, frankly, that’s not his style. Some people don’t need to participate in the day-to-day social scrambling; the trying to prove yourself to friends, family, or the world. They avoid all the uncivilized, alpha male crap that everyone else seems to succumb to. Herbert is like that. He won’t try to impress you the way someone else would. He doesn’t care what you think. He knows who he is, he knows what he’s doing, and he knows where he’s going. No injury can divert Herbert from his goals. He sometimes falls over 15 feet to the ground, breaking bones, spraining ankles; mere nuisances that merely delay future climbing. “Injury never deters a serious climber. A lot of people don’t understand the kind of dedication it takes to climb.” It’s because of this intense dedication that Herbert keeps returning to the gym, scouting out difficult routes and making them his personal projects. He’s “sent” some of the most difficult routes out there, always looking past his victories to the next challenge. “Climbing has been worth everything I’ve missed out on.” Jake Eggett

Most people travel to Costa Rica for the sun, the surf, and the sand. For Sarah Ferguson ’10, Costa Rica had much more in store than simply the beach. On Jan. 16, Ferguson, along with seven other students and social studies teacher David Sapienza, traveled across seas to help the Ojohochala, Costa Rica community by improving their library. “We brought 700 pounds of books there, made library cards, and organized the entire library. It took two full days just to put everything away and get it organized,” Ferguson said. Ferguson had never been out of the country before. The opportunity to participate on this community service trip was an extremely exciting one. She not only got to help out with the library, but also experience some of the adventures of Costa Rica. “We went zip lining, went to beaches, and we were able to see turtles hatching by the ocean,” Ferguson said. Aside from all of the activity and work the trip entailed, traveling to Costa Rica most importantly introduced Ferguson to the different cultures and communities around the world. “It was good to see a different culture, and how it works. The schools there were really impoverished and out of date, so I realized how lucky we are to have what we have here,” Ferguson said. In addition to improving the library, Ferguson was able to spend time with many of the children in the community. “We brought the kids tons of clothes and books, they were all so happy,” said Ferguson. While the trip gave all of the participating students community service hours, it was about more than just receiving the credit for Ferguson. The trip opened her eyes to other communities that are not as fortunate as the one she lives in. According to Ferguson, the community library had hardly any books in it, the schools were run down, and the town itself was in poor condition. “The most important thing I took from the whole trip was to not take our schools and the things we have for granted,” Ferguson said. “Its so much better than what other places have. I am really blessed to have experienced that.” Paige Newman

Hand in hand, Lauren Zafuto ‘12, walked down the aisle with her father at age 11. Young Zafuto was apart of a bible study group at her church called Missionettes, and once she reached a certain level she got to be “crowned” for her excellence, this meant wearing a white dress, and presenting a small, memorized speech once she reached the front of the room. Needing comfort, Zafuto listened to her father as nerves rustled in her tiny stomach. “I am so incredibly proud of you, you look beautiful,” he said. This was one of the times that Zafuto embraced the hand to hold. Four years later, Zafuto lost her mother to a brain seizure, leaving her father, two siblings, and Zafuto behind. She needed to hold on. As a child, Zafuto had seen herself as a daddy’s girl. But as the years passed, her footsteps drifted away from her father and once middle school hit, Zafuto and her mother became much closer. “My mom became the one who always helped me with problems when my relationship with my dad became rocky,” Zafuto said. “Once high school hit, I really felt like a mommy’s girl.” The loss has initiated a rekindled bond between Zafuto and her father, causing Zafuto to become more independent, yet she still knows he’s forever there for her. “My dad travels a lot for work, so he depends on me to make sure everything is all right with my little brother and the house when he’s gone,” Zafuto said. “ I have a lot of extra responsibilities now, and I have to play mom sometimes.” Although it’s been a rigid transformation, they are figuring out the big and small tasks to knot the loose ends. “I don’t let my dad do my laundry anymore, because the first few months after my mom passed, my clothes came back too sizes two small!” Zafuto said. Through new routines and some humor along the way, Zafuto again realizes that her father’s hand is there to hold when she needs it most.

Brittni Haggard

fashion

the rock

1/28/09

New Year Trends

s l r i G

Rebel T-shirt: Buckle $40.00 Cardigan: Target $ 15.00 Peace-sign moccasins: Nordstrom $ 80.00 Silver Bangles: Forever 21 $ 6.00 Dream bracelet: Forever 21 $5.00 Silver watch: B.P. Nordstroms $ 15.00 Red checkered scarf: B.P. Nordstrom $15.00 Red belt: Target $10.00

Mustard vest: B.P. Nordstrom $ 20.00 Floral dress: Target $20.00 Grey leggings: Target $10.50 Beret hat: Urban Outfitters $24.00 Brown beaded necklace: Forever 21 $ 6.00 Black ball necklace: Forever 21 $7.00 Brown booties: Nordstrom $45.00

s y u G

White Tennis Shoes: ARC $6.00 Gray button-up jacket: Urban Outfitters $30.00 Striped scarf: Banana Republic $17.00 Hooded sweatshirt: Crystal City Clothing $40.00

Green and Brown striped t-shirt: Plato’s Closet $8.00 Brown hooded pea coat: Urban Outfitters $50.00 Converse: Journey’s $ 30.00

More style tips for the ladies... 1

1. Fringe is in this new year! Not just purses but boots too, don’t be afraid to stand out with this new style. Find this purse at Forever 21 for $19.80. 2. Funky headbands are really in. Find them at Urban Outfitters or Forever 21 for as cheap as $2.80. Tie your outfit together with one of these cute headbands ladies! 3. Neon and black sparkling nail polish are the colors to wear on your fingernails and toenails. Find this brand, Flare at Forever 21 for $2.80.

driving

the rock

1/28/09

Photo by: Shelby Miles

Student survey

Nightmare becomes reality

Have you ever been in a car accident?

Due to harsh winter conditions Sophomore Taylor Hill got into a nearly fatal car accident while on her way to work and was rushed to the hospital There was slush on the interstate. One minute she was blasting the radio to her favorite music, next all she can hear are screeching brakes, and metal car frames slamming into each other. The loud crash was followed by the sound of a quiet broken engine and heavy breathing. “[After the crash], all I could think was oh my gosh, I just crashed my dad’s Lexus 330,” Taylor Hill ’11 said. It was right before the Founder’s exit on i25, when she hit black ice. “I couldn’t figure out how to turn the wiper fluid on, and the windshield was getting really dirty so I was going to get off on Founder’s, but I didn’t really make it there.” Hill said. She was driving in the far right lane when the car in

front of her slammed on their brakes. Hill knew she was going to wreck. She swerved to try and avoid the car ahead, and hit the median in the far right lane. “It was so weird, because it all happened in slow motion. I just remember thinking, I’m going to hit the median.” Hill said. Shortly after, she was hit by another car from behind. “Someone finally got out of the car on the other side of the highway to help me. I was in shock, I wasn’t crying. When I looked at my dad’s car I just knew it was totaled,” Hill said. Both airbags in the Lexus went off. “I didn’t know [the airbags] released smoke so I

78% No 22% Yes

thought the car was going to blow up. I jumped out of the car, and I forgot to put it in park so it started going again.” Hill said. Hill’s mother took her to the hospital, where she was treated for whiplash and seat belt burns. The police noted that “if she wasn’t wearing a seat belt, [Hill] would have died.” “Now I tense up when I drive by the spot where the wreck happened,” Hill said. “But other than that [driving in the] snow doesn’t bother me.”

Shelby Perkins

able to gain some traction and just barely hit the wall. Bruner ended up wedged between a mailbox and the stonewall. And his prized possession was destroyed. Dahlstrom was driving behind Bruner the whole time and witnessed the entire thing. “I laughed at first, but then realized it was serious,” Dahlstrom said. Bruner sat in his car for a few minutes in shock, trying to let everything sink in. “I lost control,” Bruner said to Dahlstrom when getting out of his car. “We tried to get it out but there was no way,” Bruner said. “It was not drivable.” Still startled, Bruner circled around his mustang, to see all of the damage. The police showed up shortly after. “Since it was so late and no one was hurt, they

didn’t give me a ticket,” Bruner said. Luckily Bruner was off the hook, but his car was not so lucky. His “baby” was totaled. The bumper was knocked off, his front lights were smashed, the radiator was hit hard and destroyed and the suspension in the back was completely ruined. The last time Bruner saw his silver mustang was when it was being towed away the next morning. Although his treasured car will be missed, and his trademark will be lost, a new car is in his future. That night he gained a new perspective on driving. “I now go slower around corners,” Bruner said. “I learned that even though the roads may look okay, doesn’t mean that they are.”

Winter Driving Tips General 1. Decrease your speed and leave lots of room to stop between you and the car in front of you. (The suggested space is at least three times more than usual) 2. Keep your lights and windshield clean to help visibility 3. Break gently to avoid skidding 4. Be extra careful on bridges and shady areas because they can freeze at temperatures above freezing

If you’re wheels skid... 1. Take your foot off the accelerator 2. Steer into the way your car is turning. For example, if your rear wheels

are sliding left, steer left. If they are sliding right, steer right. 3. If you have standard breaks, lightly pump them to slow down while sliding 4. If you have Anti-lock breaks press down with steady pressure. Don’t pump them, they will pulse themselves.

If you’re stuck... 1. Turn your wheels side to side to give your tires room 2. Gently step on the gas to move your car out. 3. If this doesn’t work, or there is too much snow to clear just by moving your wheels side to side, then use a shovel to clear snow away from around your wheels.

Precautions

65% No 30% Yes

Would you rather be hit by a car or would you rather hit a car? 72% I’d rather be hit by another car 26% I’d rather hit a car

J.T. Bruner was deceived by the seemingly dry roads and destroyed his treasured car over winter break J.T. Bruner ’09, was cruising down a small neighborhood road Dec. 23, in his silver mustang. This mustang was no ordinary car. This car was Bruner’s trademark. It was his “baby”. He cherished this car, and kept it spotless. The roads seemed fine that night. As normal, Bruner was jamming to some rap music. One hand on the shifter and one hand on the steering wheel. Just as he was minutes away from his friend, Senior Dale Dahlstrom’s house he came around a corner too quickly, hitting a patch of black ice. Bruner instinctively turned his steering wheel to the left to avoid hitting the stone wall that was on his right. His “baby” was heading straight for the wall. Luckily a pole which stood in the path of Bruner’s treasured mustang slowed him down enough. He was

Do you carry a winter safety kit in your car?

Gabi Johnson

How closely should you follow another car when there is snow on the ground? 60% There should be twice as much space between you and the car in front of you when the roads are dry 36% 3 car lengths 2% 1 car length .6% 5000 feet Over 250 RC students were interviewed for this survey. Margin of error +/- 4%.

1. Make sour your brakes windshield wipers, defroster exhaust system and heater are working correctly 2. Check antifreeze and possibly add solvent to prevent ice formation on your windshield 3. Make sure your tires are inflated properly and that the tread is in good condition 4. Be sure to carry an ice scraper and brush for snow and ice on your windows 5. Keep your gas tank full

compiled by Meghan Long

community the rock

1/28/09

Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Victories

Colorado Mammoth Community Night The 1st ever Douglas County School District Colorado Mammoth Community Night will be held on Saturday, February 14th, 2009 at the Pepsi Center. The indoor lacrosse game versus the Calgary Roughnecks will be held at 7:00 PM. Tickets will be $9 for seating located in the upper corner balcony of the Pepsi Center. All tickets will be first-come, first-served, which is different than the traditional community night seating by school section. There will be no ticket fees or service charges! Additionally, $2 of each ticket sold will be donated back to the DCEF as a fund raiser directly benefiting Douglas County Schools!

Sure, life can get us down, winter looks like it will never end, and we can rattle off the bad news without a thought. But once in a while you find yourself... Accidentally getting a free extra taco in your Taco Bell to-go order. Dragging yourself to school when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sick... and finding your test is cancelled. Forgetting to do your homework... but you come to class and find out your teacher isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t collecting it today. Trudging into the building this morning... and finding a new issue of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Rock.â&#x20AC;? Finding yourself stuck outside the 3000 pod during class change... and gracefully side-stepping the mob without getting bumped, prodded or stepped on. Being depressed... but finding full cartons of ice cream in your freezer. Evading your pursuers by running through the woods... and stumbling into a magical kingdom where the denizens worship you!

RCHS TALENT SHOW

Washing your cell phone in your pants pocket... and realizing afterwards that the stupid thing works better. Having your printer malfunction the day before a major report is due... but the library lets you print it for free. Switching to a new school... and finding a life-long best friend.

Mammoth Night tickets can only be ordered online by clicking here. Each ticket order received will be notified by the Mammoth via telephone and/or email to confirm completed order. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, February 13th, 2009 by 6:00 PM. All tickets will be left in the Pepsi Center Will Call under the purchaserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last name and will be available to pick up starting at 10:00 AM on the day of the game.

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Leaving a party because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel well... and five minutes later the police come. Waking up for Monday classes... and having your mom tell you that the district has declared a snow day. [Note: this is total fiction as snow days are not allowed in DCSD]

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Being broke... and finding a twenty in your newly-washed jeans. Thinking you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a single friend in the world... and your phone rings.

February 5! 7:00 p.m. Show off your talent! Open to All RCHS Students & Staff! Perform, entertain & support our RCHS talent! Singing, Acting, Dancing, Instrumental, Skits, Juggling, Card Tricks, Solos, Duets, Ensembles, Bands & More! Come surprise us with your specialty at the auditions! Auditions: January 29 & 30 2:45-4:30 p.m. Rehearsal: February 3 2:45-4:30 p.m. Dress Rehearsal: February 5 3:00 p.m. until show time! (Dinner Provided) Performance! 7:00 p.m. All Tickets $5.00 at the door! Admission price includes one voting ballot! Cash prizes to the top three winners!

Students who would like to join National Honor Society need to pick up an application from Mrs. Cloud in room 9600 or print a copy from Mrs. Cloudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web page. Applications are due to Mrs. Cloud by January 30. National Honor Society is a national organization committed to encouraging scholarship, leadership, community service and character in high school students. In order to apply for NHS, students need at least a 3.5 GPA and they need to have completed at least a year and a half of high school.

Want to join the only youth search and rescue team in the nation?

Sergeant Michelle Adams, with the Arapahoe Rescue Patrol, would be glad to talk with you about being part of the team, whose main job is to search for and rescue people in Colorado and neighboring states, on call 24/7, 365 days a year. The team mostly works with the Littleton Fire and Police. Go to:Â http://www.arapahoe-rescue-patrol.com/ for more information. The deadline to join is in May.

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Convenient location for Jags â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the Park Meadows Mall Entertainment District. Easy access from the Lincoln Light Rail Station.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you deserve a thrill?

Uturn meets every Friday night @ 7:00 p.m. at Timber Trail Elementary

www.coolyouthgroup.com ...a ministry of Solid Life Christian Center

education the rock

1/28/09

History put on hold Participation of world events are more important than any one day of lessons

Q&A Kelsey Shepardson

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, Barack Hussien Obama was sworn in to be the 44th president of the United States of America. Good or bad, a victory or a defeat, it happened. Around 105 million people throughout the US alone watched the inauguration, either on television or online. Some watched to see their own hopes come true. Others looked on, fearing the wrong candidate had one hand on the Bible, the other on his heart. The important thing? They watched. Whether they watched with joy or with defeat, or simply to take pride in our country, they watched. Yet some students at Rock Canyon weren’t allowed to take part in one of the most publicized inaugurations in all of history. Out of 34 randomly selected teachers, six wouldn’t allow their students to watch the event, even in the back of the class or during work time. So why if people in India, Japan, and even Africa are tuning in to our president’s inauguration, why can’t we, Americans at a school that has a TV in every room, do the same? Yes, many classes have backbreaking textbooks, stacks of worksheets, and sheets upon reams of facts that need to be memorized. Yes, it’s

A higher perspective Kyle McDaniel Education

hard to find time to fit in more things in an already tight curriculum. But how could you not? For some teachers, it wasn’t an option. Shawndra Fordham, science teacher, had received a class load of fruit flies, waiting to be put into student’s care. “This is a time sensitive lab,” Fordham said. “I really wanted to watch it though. I had it waiting for me at home.” Rumors among staff at RCHS spread that a neighboring school, Mountain Vista, didn’t allow their students to watch the inauguration at school at all. However, it turned out to be just that: a rumor. “They left the decision up to the teachers,” MVHS student Rachel Miner ’09 said. “The princi-

pal sent an email to all the teachers saying that they could turn it on as much or as little as they wanted. The decision was theirs.” It doesn’t matter whether you think he’s the best thing since the 13th Amendment or think that he’s a secret Muslim. He is our president. History was made on January 20th. Period. End of discussion. This is not an attack on the teachers whose televisions stayed dark that day, nor a proclamation of the superiority of those who had it on. This is a question. Is there a trigonometry formula that will be in the history books? Were there any lectures watched by more than 100 million people? When given the choice between history and homework, between national landmarks and the usual lesson plan, which decision will be remembered? Now, while millions will be able to recall the moment Barack Obama was sworn in, some of our students will have nothing but the fond memories of a timed writing to look back on.

Student teacher for Jack Kennedy

rock: How did you become interested in teaching? Shepardson Well, in high school, my Ap Lit teacher had each student prepare a poetry lesson and teach it to the class. I loved teaching people, and my teacher told me I had a natural knack for it, and ever since it has become one of my passions. rock: Why do you want to teach English, as opposed to a different subject? Shepardson: It’s always been my favorite subject. I love reading and writing. I also believe that English allows for a more personal connection between the teacher and the student, because you’re exposed to their true thoughts and feelings through their writing. rock: Where did you go to high school? Shepardson: I went to Arapahoe, and graduated in 2005, and I will graduate from college this may with my degree in education and secondary education.” rock: What’s something interesting about you? Shepardson: I don’t really know. I memorized The Night Before X-Mas when I was two years old! My family even has it on film! rock: If you were a food, what food would you be? Shepardson: I would be a taco, because everyone likes tacos! They’re fun, normal, and not intimidating! rock: If you were a superhero, which one would you be? Shepardson: I think I would be Batman, because he’s a real person who does what he can with what he has! compiled by Connor Dozois

More knowledge ‘bout college THE PROS Unigo.com is a great place to get informed about colleges. Upon first visiting the website, I was greeted with large icons, each telling me different functions I could choose to get started. Once inside this immense database of college knowledge, you can either search colleges by name, or in the advanced search, search by region, setting, size, and tuition. When you zero in on a college you think you might be interested in, the user has the option of checking out student reviews, photos of campus, and even videos describing the campus and school, where actual students are getting down and real with the viewers. Current students have also helped out those inquiring for more “fun” college information with the “Student Ratings” section. Here, anyone can see how students rate that particular school’s professors, campus safety, as well as Greek life, sports culture, and more.

THE CONS Honestly, this site has few negative aspects. It’s attractive, easy to navigate, and even kind of fun to browse schools you’re interested in. However, it would be a great way to further inquire if users were able to search the site by majors they were interested in going into, and maybe even have students rate those specific schools, not just the university they are looking into. Sometimes, the amount of links overwhelms the reader, and distracts them with a plethora of visuals. It focuses a little too heavily on ivy league schools, leaving out some that would be important for potential students. Other than that, I would not change this site and would recommend its use to anyone who is looking at colleges. -Brett Stokes and Connor Dozois

education the rock

1/28/09

CROSSING THE POND

Early graduate of Rock Canyon travels to the United Kingdom to escape the life he’s lived for 18 years Kevin Simpson ’09, was ready for change. “I’ve gone to the same schools with the same people for 12 years,” he said, “I feel stuck.” Simpson graduated last semester and left the situation he feels he had been wedged in. “I always wanted to study abroad,” he said, “My Mom moved to London and I’ve been given a chance to take my dream even further.” Simpson traveled to London for winter break, and researched and applied to several English schools. “I don’t know where I want to go yet, but it doesn’t matter.” Simpson said, “I am just ready to leave America and go somewhere else. I am tired of the conservative Christian demographic of this area.” Simpson is attending the University of Colorado at Denver for one semester while he waits to be accepted to school in England. “No matter how it goes, it will be better than here,” Simpson said of Rock Canyon. Simpson was bored at Rock Canyon. He had outgrown his environment. He said, “I have all A’s in six AP classes without having to try. I barely try and I’m not challenged. I’ve checked out.” In order to graduate early Simpson had to take online classes and independent study courses. Simpson believes it was definitely worth it. “It wasn’t much work, not for the reward I gained.”

Leaving everything at Rock Canyon behind is not a big deal for Simpson. “I will miss my friends, but it isn’t very important,” he said, “I’m ok with making new friends. Change is always good.” Though he wouldn’t suggest this for everyone, Simpson is thoroughly pleased with his decision. “I know friends who would never leave high school, they love it,” he said, “But I never found my scene here, this is the right decision for me and I would never change my mind.” Simpson loves CU Denver, and is embracing the change. “It’s awesome,” Simpson said, “I look forward to [school], and that’s a big deal coming from me.” “[High School and college] are completely different worlds. I don’t even know how to explain it. People are here because they want to be.” “It’s not frustrating and obnoxious like high school. I love it.” Simpson is excited for the world of possibilities ahead of him. He doesn’t know what he will do or what he will study, but he is excited to see a new culture and start a new life. “I am finally doing what I want without being limited by school and the area I live in.” Alex Rowe

Early graduate gets the... what?

Senior update

A few things to check before you make the big decision

Anna Ustyan ‘09 (right) cheers on the Varsity Boys football team with Isi Eichie ‘09. Anna graduated early in the winter of 2008.

Ask Yourself Why If you are considering early graduation, you need to look at why you want to do it. “Students who opt for early graduation are often lacking academic challenges or they have extenuating circumstances,” said Jesse Martinez, a counselor. You need to make sure you are emotionally mature to graduate and move onto your next goal, like college. Talk To Your Counselor This is the biggest step. You need to talk to your counselor to see if you can graduate early. If you have a legitimate reason for needing this option, your counselor will walk you through a personalized plan. You’ll also need to get approval by the principal. “Many students choose not to go on with their plan when they realize it means adding 7 or 8 classes to their already full schedule,” said Martinez. You have to be ready for the challenge of early graduation. Examine Your Education Is there anything you missed that you wish you could have taken? The year you want to skip may be the time to do it. If you have a college major in mind, you could take more courses suited for that area of interest. You need to also make sure you aren’t skipping any required courses that you need to graduate. Check With Your College “Colleges don’t especially favor applicants who have skipped a year,” said Martinez. Often, they are worried that these students are not emotionally ready for this type of new challenge.

January

Early graduate applications are going to be reviewed much harder than regular applicants. Colleges don’t get many of them and they want to make sure these students are ready. Look At Alternative Plans You don’t always have to leave high school to find some pretty cool things to learn about. There are internships, which can relieve you of a whole semester of school. There is also work experience, or you could even join an international exchange program. Or there is A.C.T.S, Arapahoe Career and Technical School, which can let you leave for a few periods a day to study a program of interest, like Med Prep or Aviation. Personal Experience Anna Ustyan ‘09, is graduating a semester early. She decided to get the couple of months off from school so she could go visit her family in Russia while her grandparents were still alive. She didn’t have to take many extra classes, just three online classes through BYU. After she gets back from Russia, she plans on working two jobs so that she can save money up for college. “There are people who love high school and everything about it, if you are one of those people then no I wouldn’t recommend [graduating early], but if you are ready to move on then I say go for it!” said Ustyan. -Libby Bridges

-Complete FAFSA forms -Attend a Financial Aid Night -Complete all forms and processes required by colleges -Request mid-year reports to send to colleges and universities that require these -Follow-up with colleges you are applying to see whether or not they need a id-year report -Provide stamped, addressed envelopes and mid year report forms to your counselor. -Check schools of choice for scholarship deadlines (generally mid-Feb) -Apply for scholarships -Register for February and March SAT and ACT tests, if needed.

Compiled by Kenzie Markey

rumors

Theory crafting with Zach and Brett Four-day school weeks - There has been talk around the halls of a transfer to a four day school week. We can definitely tell you that this rumor is out, Assistant Principal Stacy Reindeau has given us a reply that this rumor is absolutely false. Likeliness: 0

Open Campus – The students of Rock Canyon have been fighting for the opportunity of open campus since the school’s opening. The school can save money on food and operation costs. However, it is a Douglas County Policy but will be an item discussed by district but has little likeliness to pass. Likeliness: 3

Reduced graduation requirements - This is a somewhat likely proposal, by reducing the amount of required classes a student has to take the school will save money on operating and number of classes. However, this will not apply (if passed) for anyone currently enrolled in our school excluding the freshman class. Likeliness: 7

Staff Cuts – Staff cuts have been talked about and worried over for the last couple of months and would come into effect in our current month’s time frame. According to Riendeau, Rock Canyon couldn’t be safer from this due to our growing student population and exceptional staff. Likeliness: 1

Six period day – It would be only slightly effective considering the students that would be offered this would probably have to meet the same guidelines as senior option and would likely only be allowed for the top two classes of the school. This option would diminish the number of hours each student must spend at school and is more complicated than effective. Therefore, it’s not incredibly likely. Likeliness: 4 New projectors – Is this technology eating up all our funding? No, these great pieces of machinery were paid for by SAC (School Accountability Comission) and will be installed by district when they have the time to offer the personnel needed to place these upon the ceilings of every classroom at Rock Canyon, Likeliness: ACTIVE

4000’s Pod – The future wing is going to be built in the near future. This empty piece of land on Rock Canyon’s west side will be home to a new pod featuring cool new additions to the learning environment here at Rock Canyon and specialized areas based on career. It has been paid for in the previous budget period and is ready to be made. Construction for this wing has been put off six months later than expected in hoped of a cheap and effective construction schedule but will still be created. Likeliness: Nearly here.

reviews

the rock

1/28/09

bibliophile

Bridging the gap creates new job wave A new book attempts to address the future of the working classes of the world and how the right side of the brain will prevail in the future of job development

Above image from WIRED.COM

film freak

Lactosetolerant Here’s one kind of Milk everyone can handle

Thousands mourn while walking with candles lit, crowding the narrow San Francisco streets. They make a beautiful parade of light that extends for miles. It’s November 27, 1978, and they mourn the assassination of Harvey Milk. His death is known from the beginning of the film. Gay, straight, male or female, Milk is a must see regardless of your gender or sexual orientation. Not to be taken for a happy ending, love and gay pride film, Milk is a serious movie that captures the

passion of the gay population and one man’s fight for power and equal rights. The beauty in the film comes from its touching historical roots as well as the delectable and unique screenplay. Upon entering the theater I was very skeptical. Skeptical about a straight actor (Sean Penn) playing the role of a gay activist. Skeptical of how straights and gays all over would respond, and even how I would react to the movie. But as the end credits rolled, the feeling was mutual; the movie was remarkable. The most touching film I had seen all year, it’s brilliance is reflected in its Oscar nomination for best picture. The story is told of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. The story of Milk’s fight for power and eventual murder by jealous former supervisor, Dan White (Josh Brolin), is full of love, heartbreak and unmatched emotional deliverance. However, the movie isn’t without it’s fair share of disturbing scenes. Many scenes are heartbreaking, while others are just hard to watch. Its cinematic beauty makes even the most brutal scenes worth watching. It opens the viewer’s eyes to a portion of our country’s history and a hero that would have otherwise remained unheard. Milk’s accomplishments, despite discrimination for his sexuality, are outstanding. His emotions, as portrayed by Sean Penn, were extremely realistic. Every word, laugh and smile was heartfelt. Penn along with James Franco, who played the role of Harvey’s lover Scott Smith, undoubtedly did some serious research on their roles and really became their characters. The true magic of the film is that it provides the audience with a glimpse into the inspiring life of a man that was able to fight the misconceptions and become the first openly gay official elected in the United States. Milk has just the right combination of tragedy, humor and passion that serve to illustrate the hopeful life of Harvey Milk. The line, “Without hope, life’s not worth living,” rings true as you leave the theatre. Shelby Miles

concert Collection

DJ Craze with Klever - Jan. 31 @ The Gothic Scott Weiland - Feb. 2 @ The Gothic Gov’t Mule - Feb. 13 @ The Fillmore Rockstar Tase of Chaos ft. Thursday - Feb. 22 @ The Fillmore The Pretenders with American Bang - Feb. 24 @ Paramount Theatre

American students are facing a dual coming of age. They are certainly changing from student children, to educated adults. Perhaps more importantly, they are experiencing the shift from the information age to the conceptual age. Daniel Pink investigates what the conceptual age will mean for both the workers and the global economy of tomorrow in A Whole New Mind: Why Right - Brainers Will Rule the Future. Pink separates the cause of change into three categories, Asia, automation, and abundance. He asks three questions concerning how to reach success in the 21st century. “1. Can someone overseas do it cheaper?” If they can, they will. Asian workers are taking more than just factory jobs. Now they are performing jobs as accountants, engineers, and programmers for smaller paychecks than US workers. “2. Can a computer do it faster?” Automation is cheap, error resistant, and the way of the future. If a computer can do a job faster than a human, the job is no longer worth learning. “3. Am I offering something that satisfies the nonmaterial, transcendent desires of an abundant age?” Abundance is the American way, but jobs that simply produce material goods are no longer lucrative, in an age when design and aesthetics are a prominent concern of consumers. Pink proves this point with numerous examples of unusual designer items, including toilet brushes, towel racks, and more. More products will be sold if the design piques the interest of consumers. Pink addresses each question with plenty of statistical and anecdotal support. What is missing in his book is the claim in the title, “Why right – brainers will rule the future.” There is a small excerpt from the book claiming that the MFA will be the new MBA, but Pink is unconvincing, with little support to back up his claim.

Shopaholic

Satiating your inner child Deep within the complicated anatomy of the human body lurks a monster. A monster that used to draw on the walls with purple crayon, that put worms in its sister’s spaghetti, that was afraid of the dark. The inner child. Becoming a young adult means more responsibilities. ‘Get good grades to get into a good college, drive safely, make healthy choices.’ But every now and then the child within makes a cry for freedom. U.S. Constructive Play Things, a toy store, hidden next door to Hobby Lobby and Walgreen’s just down Quebec is not your ordinary toy store, it’s a place to unleash the monster. Walk in and see isles, at least twenty, crammed into the small store. To the right is a place for teachers with basic literature, math, reading, and writing tools. Baskets littered with inspirational posters that will be put up in classrooms across the state lie on the floor; excellent resources for the blossoming first year teacher to grace the walls of their classroom.

The evidence can be summed up simply by saying, ‘there will be job openings for graphic designers in the future.’ Pink shows that there will be plenty of jobs for MFA’s but shows no reason why MBA’s won’t still be necessary. Pink’s main claim is a prediction of a shift in the job market from knowledge – based jobs to creative and design – centered jobs. The argument is unconvincing. Pink presents, but underplays, another shift which he argues and defends more convincingly. Left – brainers who incorporate creativity into their jobs will be the most successful workers in the conceptual age. Left – brained doctors will still be raking in large paychecks, as long as they adapt to a world with a greater necessity for empathy and a playful spirit. The evidence presented, analytical, statistical, and theoretical, is difficult to question. Though Pink tries to claim that doctors, lawyers, and accountants are going the way of the past, he does a better job of proving that the successful professionals will be those who are both creative and knowledgeable. The writing is interesting, filled with anecdotes and suggestions for how to adapt to the conceptual age, and Pink is invitingly humble in his knowledge of the topic. A Whole New Mind reads much like a Malcom Gladwell novel. It is in no way a bible for surviving the inevitable change in the job market, but is a worthwhile read for both those looking at getting an MBA or MFA. The business majors can learn how to remain relevant, and the art majors can learn how their skills will come into use, and how to achieve success in the new age. Alex Rowe Move past this section to reach the first of the many isles. Within is a plethora of baskets, each filled with random yet wonderful trinkets. Most of them are small, cheap things that you could find within a lost and forgotten birthday party gift bag from the 90’s. Walking up and down the isles, I wanted to reach for everything: bouncy balls, crazy hats, and rubber ducks of all shapes and sizes. There are sticky hands, good until the first time you accidentally drop them on a dirty floor. The people who work there recognize the fun people have when there. They are friendly and welcoming, and don’t follow customers around asking if they need help, or tell them to put cameras away like so many stores in Highlands Ranch. As soon as the doors open, it’s like teleporting to the past. Walk in looking for a silly gag gift or a birthday present for a friend – probably not expecting too much out of this seemingly banal shop – and end up finding hundreds of gag gifts, and laughing to the point of tears at the thousands of silly trinkets popping up all around the store. It’s a great place to go for a funny gift or just to get away. It’s perfect therapy for the child hiding within us all. Alex Tuccy

the rock

reviews

01/28/09

What’s the best way to stay warm during these cold winter months? A big bowl of soup! If you are at a loss where to find it, fret not, we’ve done the job for you. Check out these great places to find a broth to suit you. Soup a La Dolce Vida Delicious concoctions for the whole family When one thinks of fine Italian dining, clam chowder is probably one of the furthest things away from what comes to mind; right up there with cotton candy and haggis. But I’ve gotta tell you, La Dolce Vita serves up a mean bowl o’ chowder. When the soup arrives to your table, the aroma will send you to soup heaven! The pungent clams mixed with the subtle spicing of this tasty little delight are a treat for the nostrils. A very noticeable asset of the soup is that the consistency of the chowder is perfect. It’s thick, it’s creamy, and it’s chunky. I suggest getting a touch of fresh cracked pepper to enhance your soup even further. The first bite will melt in your mouth as the creamy broth sifts through your lips and you chomp down on those

Soup on the slopes

Here are some great places to grab soup while riding The dismal world of an on-the-ski-hill cafeteria is filled with over-priced and over-cooked burgers, pasta sauces with indistinguishable vegetables, and candy bars with price tags four times their vending machine brethren. But, there is one sliver of hope, a light that shines through the darkness of high prices and low quality: the soup counter. Soup is a warm nourishing lunch for any skier or snow boarder, and it is usually one of the most reasonable and tasty options available. KEYSTONE Two words set Keystone soups apart, “Bread bowl.” It may cost a dollar more, but it is a dollar worth spending. They have typical chicken noodle soup, common clam chowder, and average cheddar broccoli soup. Alone, these soups are not very appealing. When placed in a bread bowl, they are no longer mundane, but are magical. The chili at Keystone is great, recommended over the soups and in a bread bowl. VAIL The three Vail restaurants have three distinct soup scenes. Mid-Vail always has a soup of the day in addition to the standard vegetable soup. The vegetable soup is seasoned perfectly. It is very hearty for the exhausted skier, and has but one downside; the chunks of tomatoes in the vegetable soup are too large. However, after the spoon works around these icebergs the soup is delicious. The Two Elk soups are sub par, but the buffalo chili is incredible. It is not the typical chili in that it is not very thick and resembles in almost every way a soup. It is worth the long Two Elk lines, and crowded lunchroom navigation it will take to reach. The best on-mountain soup I have ever found is at Wildwood. The chicken and wild rice soup is the nectar of soup heaven. Wildwood is out of the way, but that makes it less crowded, like a hidden soup treasure trove.

A real reason to head over to Fort Collins It’s not about college or family, it’s about the soup Spoons are clean, inviting, and delicious. I’m talking about the restaurant of course, not the silverware product. Many students at Rock Canyon have family up in Fort Collins, will be attending CSU next year, or have parents that drag them up north every so often. If you fall into one of these categories don’t despair, Spoons is restricted to the Fort Collins area. “What is Spoons?” You ask yourself as you read this article on this cold day in January. My dear child, Spoons is a soup, salad, and bread extravaganza. There are seven fresh soups served daily at each of the three Spoons locations, and the staff will let you test each one until you find the perfect soup for you. Even if you despise soup, each meal comes a good portion of savory salads in all varieties and a hunk of golden bread to dip or eat all by its lonesome. It is the perfect three-course meal.

INSIDERS TIPS Short on cash? Poor man’s soup is not only free and tasty; it is a right of passage for any skier. A cup of hot water, a few ketchup packets, and some vigorous stirring make a tomato soup that is at the least, palpable. Top it off with saltines, and cheese (only if it’s free) and you will enjoy making fun of your friends for buying a $12 hamburger. Take advantage of the soup bar. Many ski resorts provide soup buyers with as much chips, cheese, and sour cream as they could want. Take an extra cup, fill it with chips and cheese, bring it back to the table and get your moneys worth on the soup (or don’t buy soup and just take a cup of chips and cheese). Most importantly, keep your eyes open. There is, at least one restaurant that gives away free chili for chili dogs. Put the chili in a cup, add a little water, and… presto, a bowl of chunky soup. Alex Rowe

1470

Platina writes “On Right Pleasures and Good Health,” which features a section on how to make chicken broth correctly.

80,000 BCE

Homosapiens invent soup.

1897

1970’s

Campbell Soup Company invents condensed soup.

1930’s

Al Capone opens one of the first soup kitchens as a result of the great depression.

Ramen noodles are first imported into America from Japan.

1960’s

delectable potatoes and bits of clam. Comfort food at its finest! You will plow through this bowl of soup like it’s nobody’s business after that. The restaurant itself provides a quaint, homey atmosphere with its tasteful decor and the musk of the wood-burning oven, a scent reminiscent of a fresh fire blazing in your chimney. You will feel like you are in a rustic villa in the hills of Tuscany. The surroundings will warm you as much as the delicious bowl of clam chowder, which is perfect for these frigid winter months. So next time you’re sitting down to dine at La Dolce Vita, don’t be a square and get Caesar when asked “soup or salad.” Go for the gold! Get the clam chowder. Brett Stokes

Artist Andy Warhol creates his famous “Campbell Soup Can” images.

The portions are not meager but are not so large that the seams on your pants will burst. You’d also think, “Hey, there’s no way this salad can taste good because the soup and bread were so delicious,” but it’s all perfect. You can even mix and match soups and salads to find ones that complement each other. So just remember in these cold winter months when you are being dragged up to the Fort Collins area, it’s not all bad. There’s soup and salads galore to warm your chilled, grumpy soul. P.S. – if you are going to Fort Collins by your own choice the soup and salad will taste just as good. Zach Cooper

1993

Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen compiled the first “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book.

1994

The band Bowling for Soup is formed.

Nov. 10, 1994

Seinfield first airs the infamous Soup Nazi episode.

satyr

the rock

20 1/28/09 Graph of President Barack Obama’s spending since the election Nicorette 97.5%

‘Good Book’ just ok? For centuries, “The Bible” has been hailed as the most important book known to man, but as a literary piece, just how does it compare to today’s masterpieces? During the yearly family pilgrimage to Alaska, to visit cousin Sarah and her wonderful children, and to celebrate the births of her youngest Trig and her grandchild Tripp, I ran across something quite unusual. Traveling through the scenic backwoods of Montana we saw the welcomChewy ing lights of a Guest Writer Motel 8. Like Han Solo in a tractor beam, we were drawn in. That night whilst tucking myself into bed I opened the bedside drawer to safely store the family valuables and discovered something quite interesting. Twas a book. Judging by the length, I assumed some tween left their copy of “Twilight” at the motel. Boy was I wrong. It turned out to be “The Holy Bible,” or just “The Bible,” a book of unknown authorship. The narrator calls himself ‘God’ for much of the book, and I will refer to the author by this name. Skeptically, I opened this book with no expectations, assuming nothing enlightening would come out of a motel drawer. Besides that one time when I stumbled across a copy of “Gossip Girl” at The Flamingo. What I found was confusing, long, and preachy. Yet the way God understands people, and empathizes with his characters is quite remarkable. He knows of the power of men. He knows that men offer the greatest triumphs, and most drastic failures. He knows that no one wants to read about women for a thousand pages. That’s why in “The Bible” God’s main characters are men. There are female characters but they ultimately serve the purpose of bringing men down, or only appear for a few pages and disappear. “The Bible” chronicles the manliest of men from the first man ever, Adam to Jesus the great closer. At the beginning God tries to incor-

A hairy situation

White House Decorations- 2% Hairless Puppy- 1%

Quick & Dirty - Chinese officials released a report on Sunday that an unidentified teen, known only by his World of Warcraft tag “Korgoth, Destroyer of Worlds” died in the hospital after falling into a WoW-induced coma. The boy’s mother said that he had played for more than 48 hours straight, and had not eaten the entire time. Doctors said that the coma was likely caused by the lack of food and sleep coupled with the fact that the boy had only gone to the bathroom once during the binge session. “He was working towards his scholarship in gaming, so we let him keep playing,” said the boy’s mother. “It’s the only way that he could go to college, so we really pushed him hard to level his Dawn Elf.”

- Though there has been much controversy over the filling of Barack Obama’s Senate seat, the replacement of Hillary Clinton has occurred with relative ease. The person picked to replace the new Secretary of State, after much deliberation, is Mrs. Clinton’s body double. Democratic officials debated choosing someone with actual political experience, but decided against it because of the rocketship success of President Barack Obama. When asked about her new position, Mrs. Almost- Clinton said only, “I’m super stokeded.” The satyr has spies everywhere, and thus no rumor is safe. If it happens, the satyr will know. If it doesn’t happen, the satyr will make it happen, and therefore will know.

porate what seems to be a permanent female character, Eve, but as most women do, she just brings down Adam and gets him banished from paradise. After a shocking opening, God splits his book into two parts, titled “ ‘The Old Testament’ and ‘The New Testament.’ The Old Testament is a great read, with a nice imbalance of morality and devastation. As a bonus, God teaches us not to rape angels, or he will end our lives in a mushroom cloud, and not to look back, or he will turn us into salt. Some of the lessons are confusing, but after much analysis I believe the punishments are really just metaphors ingeniously wrapped in allegories, and cleverly placed in conceits. This is a warrant of “The Bible.” A highlight of the Old Testament is chapter 2, Exodus, where we are introduced to Moses. Born into a broken family, and with a lisp, Moses rises past adversity to bring God’s commandments down from Mount Sinai, orders genocide of all who turned from God, all whilst freeing his people from Egypt. A true American hero. The style of the Old Testament is quite pretentious, and the plot jumps dramatically from chapter to chapter. At times it feels as if there is no connection and could be considered several separate books. The New Testament is highlighted by the gospels, the story of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodied the values of a true man. He got others to do his work, had a group of best friends that he rolled with, and could take pain like a pro. Whilst his friends were building a bridge he walked on water. Whilst they had to hunt and cook he made food multiply. And whilst they were stomping grapes he was turning water to wine.

Jesus learned early to manipulate those around him to do his pleadings and follow his words. The world was his oyster. There is a large gap in the plot as God chose to skip about twenty-five years of Jesus’ development. This leaves a lot to the reader, and allows for dramatic interpretation of the childhood of quite possibly the most important character of the novel. When the reader is reunited with Jesus he is a young man who has overcome great feats. He brings his friend back from the dead, feeds his homies, and had an entourage of 12 to do his bidding. Unfortunately for Jesus, people weren’t ready for a messiah, so the Romans killed him. God appears to have trouble letting his characters die. First Lazarus, and he then brings Jesus back from the dead. This attachment to characters is a weakness that is seen in many amateur writers, like J.K. Rowling, who just couldn’t let her Harry go. The concept is solid, but in many spots God stretches the plot thin. “The Bible’s” greatest weakness is redundancy. The same story of Jesus is in “The Bible” four times, each with a different editor. Though truly an exciting tale, the whole ‘be a good person’ moral is beaten down a little too much. This is not only boring, but still preachy. When I reached the final chapter, Revelation, I knew there was an outside influence. God sold out to Michael Bay. Another piece of art destroyed by his fetish for special effects and cheap thrills. Though I do love “Transformers.” At the end of my vacation I showed this novel to cousin Sarah; she fell deeply in love with it. “The Bible” offers some fun tales of adventure and peril, but ‘tis a bit long, and repetitive. 7 of 10 Commandments.

Heads held high

Left: A cartoonist’s sketch of the Dallas Academy vs.... Covenant Academy blowout last week. The three players depicted asked to remain anonymous. The head coach of the Covenant team was subsequently fired from his coaching position on the grounds of promoting “unsportsmanlike conduct.” He declined comment.

Moral fiber takes a back seat to the need to win in a 100-0 blowout, but the losing team is determined to stay positive DALLAS- Covenant Academy’s recent 100-0 blowout victory over Dallas Academy (a school for students with learning disabilities) has created a lot of controversy lately, bringing about the question, should Christian military academies be placed in the same bracket as schools for children with learning disabilities? “Covenant had lost two games in a row, and we felt like a confidence boost was what they really needed,” said Covenant principle Vic Tory. Covenant officials first contacted Dallas Academy in late December, and apparently inquired if they would like to host a friendly game between the two schools to promote friendly competition and sportsmanship. Dallas agreed to the game, expecting a fun day that would allow their girls to develop their basketball skills and teamwork by playing one of the top teams in the state, but what they got was far from that. From the opening tip off to the final buzzer, the Covenant Crusaders pounded Dallas relentlessly, sinking three pointers, dunking, and constantly arguing foul calls. “Look, we’re a Christian academy,” said head coach Joshua. “From birth, we have instilled certain classic Christian values in these girls, such as a killer instinct, the need to win, and hapless disregard for whatever stands in their way. All those girls did was act the way the they had been trained to.” Despite the completely lopsided loss, the girls of Dallas Academy are holding their heads high and trying not to dwell on what went wrong, but rather what

By the Numbers 1419 - Number of shots Covenant Academy attempted $5,000 - Fine given to the Covenant Academy head coach for “unnecessary pummeling” they did right during the blowout. “Well, we tried really hard, we didn’t get any fouls, and we played the whole game without giving up,” said a Dallas point guard who asked to not be named. While Dallas has cancelled the rest of their games this season to reevaluate their program, Covenant continues their schedule next week with a game against the prominent Dallas area school for the deaf and blind, Hellen Keller Academy. Though the two schools showed some initial hostility after the game, both teams, both coaches, and all of the administrators involved have said that they have moved on now. “We did what we had to do,” said coach Joshua. “I feel like the game was exactly what the girls needed to bring their spirits up for the tough schedule that we have ahead. It was good for everyone, I think.”

467 - Number of parents infuriated by the firing of the Covenant head coach 17 - Number of games remaining in Covenant’s schedule against schools of mentally handicapped students

A note to readers: Bill E. Graham The satyr realizes that it is the product of lies. the rock does not care.

commentary the rock

1/28/09

A bug I’d be glad to catch

Generosity may not be sweeping the nation, but one RC student finds that you never know when it might find you The summer before my junior year of high school, I decided to join the work force and applied at “Starbucks,” naively thinking that three months at minimum wage could get me a car. Though this was certainly not the case, I was accepted in mid-June and soon became a certified ‘Barista.’ We were all taught the rule that the customer is always right, but it turns out that is almost never the case. After working for about two months, I slowly began

to develop a cynical attitude about the average American consumer, especially those 33 year old females who will eat your head off if they don’t get the latté they want, exactly how they want it. Despite these struggles, every once in a while I would help a customer who was significantly more amiable and grateful than the rest. One in specific stood out to me in a unique way, and though I never got to know her name, for our purposes we shall call her “Mrs. Jones.” The day was New Year’s Eve, and I was in the drive-

thru window robbing people four dollars a latté for drinks that cost us about five cents to make. Though some part of me just assumed that customers would be in a better mood considering it was a holiday, there was relatively no change from the impatient, demanding coffee addict. However, at about 2p.m. in the afternoon Mrs. Jones pulled into the drive-thru and ordered two venti chai-tea lattés. Guest As I opened the window Writer to charge her, she immediately made my day through her kind and patient manMatt Rabon ner. We began to engage in conversation and I asked, “How did your Christmas go?” suddenly realizing that I probably should have said, “How did your Holidays go?” But no matter. She happily answered the question and then asked me what the total was of the car behind her. I took a look and told her that it was about fifteen dollars, to which she responded, “I would like to purchase the drinks for the car behind me.” I was somewhat used to this drill since sometimes a person who knew the person in the car behind would offer to pay for their order, but it was usually as a sycophantic act instead of a generous one. However, in Mrs. Jones’ case, she had no idea who the person behind her was, or how their holidays went; she just wanted to be generous. After receiving her drinks, Mrs. Jones left and wished me a happy new year. The next car pulled up and I prepared to explain the situation. The woman in the car offered me her credit card, but I quickly told her that she was ‘covered’ and handed off her drinks. My cynical attitude told me that the woman would probably just shrug, take the drinks, and leave, but what happened next I didn’t expect. She offered to pay for the person behind her, without even asking how much the person ordered. Befuddled, I took her credit card and swiped it, and so the chain be-

gan. Completely contradicting the attitude I had built up, the chain lasted for a total of 18 cars, all of which willingly paid for the next person. While it completely turned my assumptions upside down, it taught me something about human nature that I will never forget. When an act of kindness is bestowed unconditionally on someone, that person will almost always feel an obligation to pass the ‘gift’ along, even if it is not directed at the person who showed them kindness. Generosity, I found, is contagious, and though Mrs. Jones may have only bought a couple of drinks for someone, it is people like her that make societies better just by spreading that ‘kindness disease.’

The world needs more addicts

Finding your drug of choice in high school, whether it be music or sports, is an essential part to becoming a well-rounded person I’ll be straightforward with you- I’m a drug addict. True, it may be a poor habit, but it is a habit; one I have very little power over. I picked it up from my older sister when I was in fifth grade (a prime, ripe age); you could even say my parents pushed me to become hooked as well. What drug could have possibly hooked me at such a young age? The one drug that ALL children have easy access to: Music. Although I was pressured I still chose this path; once I my hands wrapped around that stick of wood and I smoked the peace of the snare, I was hooked. Perhaps the only humiliating thing about this addiction was that I played alone- of course, there were others - but I was the only kid to smoke the peace of the snare. And it stayed this way for quite some time. Until I entered middle school. Things really started to take off; not only did I enter a new, large drug ring (what you may call band class), but I was also expanding from my gateway “concert” drugs; now, I was taking the sweet drugs of rock and screamo. Proud, I showed my new findings to all my teachers, who (though seemingly enthusiastic), were actually a tad astonished at my new tastes. Who could blame them? I had never before felt so complete…so alive. Along the way, something happened. My passion just dissipated; I had

lost all interest in smoking the snare. I never wanted to play Music again (you could say I was ‘cured’); that is, until some high school students came into our class one day and encouraged us to sign up for Concert Band (a Guest high school drugring class). Writer After listening to their wild stoMatthew Morrison ries of how Music changed their lives, my addiction was rebirthed inside of me; determined, I signed up for Concert Band. My freshman year was one to remember- not only had my rock and screamo addictions created venues to the newer drug called ‘metal’, but Concert Band led me to participate in after school activities with my new found “druggies”- activities such as Marching Band and the school musical (which is somehow related and unrelated) became my social norm. I began to feel as if I fit in, and thus created a safe haven for myself. Of course, these activities carried over to my sophomore, and even junior year; but I was starting to feel this ominous heat. The safe haven I had created around me was constantly shifting- people I thought would never bail from the ring did, and new people kept joining it. I became insecure; and in my insecurity, I realized I had become too dependent on the hard, familiar drugs of school (metal and now Symphonic Band), and had lost all of my soft, con-

cert drugs. I needed to balance my interests, in a sense. So, I checked into one of those “self-help” clinics; I believe it was called Continental League. Now, this was an odd experience. I used to take the old gateway concert drugs from my childhood, but in middle and high school, they lost effect; this League (of about 100 others) was supposed to change that. We went through rigorous discipline, trained by going back to basics of our respective pipes (or, instruments). At the end of the League, the lot of us showed our parents what we had done by playing a concert for them. By the end of the night, I had been fully cured of my imbalance. I believe the world needs us drug addicts; all of us drug addicts. Us Music Addicts, us Sports Addicts, us Reading Addicts- even us Love Addicts. Although we at times compete with each other, we’re all the same: persecuted, praised, addicted.

the rock

commentary

1/28/09

Life is bigger than high school Learning from Damon: life lessons about what really matters from an unexpected place

Above: Damon shows off his muscles at a Unified Soccer practice, where mentally and/or physically disabled kids are given an opportunity to play in high schools sports, and to compete against other school’s teams. Right: Damon and Allison have fun on the field, and get to know each other better, acknowledging that even though hard work is important, having a good time is important too. Below: Damon, Allison, and Xavier Rojas work on their soccer moves. The Unified soccer team enjoys practicing with other students.

Final Salute Part farewell, part good luck, all optimism

Harvey Dent just took the Presidential Oath of Office. America’s hero is finally here. The one it truly needs though, is gone, and with him the America that he led through times of confusion, uncertainty, and darkness. The way George W. Bush made a it really lot of enemies is over the past eight years beDusty Ellis cause he made Opinion difficult decisions a man interested in his popularity couldn’t have made. He used methods that lesser men would have cringed at and endangered our country without, because they wanted to please the nation they were sworn to protect. He didn’t go above the law, or around the law; he used every single option at his disposal to do his job. And now that his service is over, we find ourselves in a position to look back across everything that he did, knowing we can’t change the past, only use the knowledge that we were safe at home for the last seven years because of one man’s tireless devotion to our country. It is clear to see that his successor is the hero that America wants. The people love him, the press worships him, and he has the ability to bring a divided America back together. With all of this power and influence, we can only hope that he is clever enough to pull us through the times ahead simply because he has the momentum of the entire country behind him. As Hunter Thompson once wrote,

“It seems entirely reasonable to think that every now and then the energy of a whole generation comes to a head in a long fine flash, [and that] our energy would simply prevail. There was no point in fighting — on our side or theirs. We had all the momentum; we were riding the crest of a high and beautiful wave.” Maybe Obama’s ability to give people that same sense of inevitable victory is what we need. The times before were shaped and America was protected by the dark hero- the one willing to do whatever was necessary to keep us safe. But that couldn’t be the case any longer. Too many people were tired of being on the wrong side of the media, and too many people simply refused to support their president. And so Mr. Dent’s message of hope continues to resonate in the hearts of all Americans, even in the heart of this life-long right-winger. It is a message that says here, finally, amongst all of the evil, is a man that we can place our trust in and follow into the great unknown of tomorrow. Whether it’s true or not is almost unimportant, because what this country needed was a face and an idea. And now, they have it. As this new administration continues to ride their wave, please, do two things. First, no matter how you felt about the last eight years, thank Mr. Bush, if for nothing else, for giving up almost a decade of his life to keep you safe. And second, hope beyond hope that the image of hope is enough to get us through the challenges ahead.

A smile exploded onto my face as my heart grew almost too big. I couldn’t help but laugh as I watched him race toward me. I began to run across the soccer field, splitting the distance between us. Man, what a sight we must have been. I was smiling and running toward him with the joy of a two year old, and he was running right back toward me with equal enthusiasm. However, we looked decidedly different. Every time he took a step his legs flew out awkwardly behind him and his knees hit together. He was sprinting, but his pace was slow, maybe equal to Guest that of a jog or fast walk. Writer As the distance between us lessened, Allison Boatright his feet suddenly got tangled up and he fell flat on his face. For a brief moment my smile faded and I started turned to worry. But he got up laughing and flung himself at me, giving me the best hug I have ever received. This young boy’s name is Damon. He is an 8th grader from Rocky Heights Middle School. We met through an organization called Unified Soccer, which is like any other high school sports team. The player’s compete against other schools in the county, but, there is one main difference: those competing on the Unified Team are mentally and/or physically handicapped. A few months ago, I was a peer intern for the team, while Damon was a player. This is where our friendship began. When I started helping out with the soccer team I expected to have an impact on the kids’ lives, but in actuality Damon had a larger impact on me. I will never look at life quite the same. At first glace, Damon may look and seem different from many of his 8th grade classmates, but, he is still a growing, hormonal teenage boy. I never saw him pass up an opportu-

nity to talk to a pretty girl. To him, I was never called Allie, but rather Baby, Sweet Cheeks or Sexy. Damon is one of a kind. Day after day, he struggled through the soccer practices and games, but never did I hear him complain. There wasn’t a day where he didn’t trip over the ball, always leaving practice with scrapes and bruises. Still, his smile never faded. The struggle that Damon is faced with everyday is something most of us cannot even imagine. Damon is constantly trying to fit in with his peers. Many people shy away from him, or are afraid of befriending someone different, (Their loss!). Damon also struggles academically. He works hard; he has a hard time keeping up with the rest of his classmates. Still, I felt like I was the one missing out on something. The more time I spent with Damon, the more I felt an irresistible joy flow through me. Just like every other high school student, I have my own set of difficulties and struggles that I deal with day in and day out. However, these all seem frivolous compared to the mountains that these kids climb everyday. How could it be that Damon had so many hardships but was still the happiest person I know? I have come to realize that being upset about a calculus test, or holding a grudge against a friend is a wasted effort. Life is precious and will not last forever. Damon is a constant reminder to me, that life is bigger than high school and bigger than my everyday struggles. I shouldn’t waste the time I have, but rather enjoy it, and spread joy to those around me. Some day I hope I can be somebody’s Damon. In the words of Damon, “Why not have some fun, while you’re around to do it?”

Banding together

Sometimes the madness of high school crowds can be frustrating, but often it takes a bird’s eye view to see the beauty in it all I was never a fan of school events. I was never a fan of assemblies, and I sometimes wasn’t even a fan of lunch. The mass of people, the loud noises, and the preconceived notion that something was going to go wrong always deterred me from attending. But there’s just something about them that I can’t get from anything else I have ever experienced. It’s as if these brouhahas, these moments of nothing but chaos, are a drug or medicine that keeps me awake, alive and in touch with my world at this point in time: high school. One of such moments that I will never forget has happened 3 times so far in my career – if you can Guest even call it that – as a student at Rock Canyon. Writer Every year in the fall, the football team gears up for Evan Schneider one of the most intense, grueling, outrageous battles of the year, almost as if it’s a ritual: the homecoming football game. Being in the marching band, I gain a different perspective than anyone else watching the game from the bleak, gum-speckled bleachers. From here, I can see everything, smell everything, and almost hear everything. From my promontory spot in the stands I can see the kid in the black shirt who spilled his slushy; I can hear the football players grunting and yelling while the battle for a touchdown continues. And it is here that I realize my love for school events. About ten minutes in, I see a freshman try to make his way through the sea of people, his hands filled with almost every food the concessions stand sells – apparently purchased for him and his friends. Not surprising, he ran into an upperclassmen by accident and spilled half of his food on the ground. The upperclassman turned, and I could tell by his facial expressions that he apologized. This chaotic moment wasn’t so harsh after all. At halftime the marching band plays their field

show. I had always wondered if any students in the stands cared enough to stop and listen to us. Surprisingly enough, when we had finished, people actually stood up to cheer for us. The most important part of the game is the second half, and more specifically, the last quarter. This is when the team looks to the fans for support and inspiration to keep going. It’s also when the student section is the most passionate. They don’t call us the Canyon Crazies for nothing. In between the fight songs and pep rally songs we play in the marching band, I watch the mass of students below me. At a glance, it just looks like a big pile of kids moving around and yelling. Who could possibly have an enjoyable time down there? But then I look closer. It turns out people are yelling specific player’s names, encouraging them. The cheerleaders and poms lead chants that support the team and bring the crowd into a moment of pure focus on the game. The lights above us, shining through a shallow fog, set a sort of mood that can only be described as magnificent. Then our own team comes from behind, scoring a touchdown to win the game by a couple points. The crowd goes absolutely nuts. The football players jump in the air. The cheerleaders hug each other. The parents give a standing ovation. The fight song is played victoriously. The coaches shake hands. Everything at this moment in time is perfect, and it is with great triumph that I decide I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else. After all, what’s but a bunch of sweaty high school kids jumping up and down and cheering on their team when all they really want is something to remember? High school only happens once.

commentary the rock

1/28/09

Budget cuts and success

Growing up in the bubble of Douglas County isn’t all bad, especially when we use that to our advantage Clearly, Rock Canyon is impoverished. After 3A and 3B, the school has faced budget cuts. Major ones, apparently. It seems even water is budgeted. Right now, there is one working drinking fountain for the three thousand and eight thousand pods combined. As far as I can tell, the fountains aren’t working because the water is being A siphoned into the ceilings. deeper Judging by the water stained carpet, and ceiling tiles seeped look in an unappealing yellow Maria Lawson liquid, there is no shortage up Commentary there. But this is Douglas County. We were brought up not only to understand that we are entitled to success and fine living, but also that when the water fountain breaks, soon it will live again. There are TVs in every classroom, functioning bathrooms, clean hallways, and computers are practically pouring out of the labs. Everything needed is provided; everything wanted is expected; whims are as good as gold. A disappointing side effect of this same pervading sense of entitlement is that we think it is a constant. It is overlooked that oftentimes, circumstances make the man; we are reflections of our environment, for better or worse, and sometimes the siren song of the wide world beyond the bubble is deceptive. In some places, a dead fountain is a dead fountain. In some places, a bigoted teacher is a bigoted teacher, violence is violence, hate is hate. And that’s the end. The world outside our little bubble of course doesn’t exclusively entail poverty. But take this picture of contrast: My mother, a woman who uses words like ‘supercilious’ at the dinner table, was raised on a pig farm in Nebraska. She had a graduating class of sixty – and there was only one high school in her town. During her four years at Wakefield High, she wrote one research paper. Imagine a group of students who have hundreds of peers, a great number of whom win awards for academics. If they don’t write a paper every week, then they write one at least twice a month, for each class. They have teachers with master’s degrees and Ph Ds. Setting degrees aside, those teachers are good. They have parents who keep books in the house, and who unconsciously increase their children’s vocabulary and knowledge base just by opening their mouths. It’s even easier to imagine than no heaven and above us only sky. I imagine if a pig farmer’s daughter from rural Nebraska can grow up to manage her own prospering business, than we can grow up to do unimaginably great things. I imagine that if instead of scorning our upbringing, we take advantage of the opportunities provided us, we can be incredibly successful, in whatever we attempt. And although often the reverse martyrdom of Hollywood makes stars out of the Kardashians rather than people like Marie Curie, the wonderful Malcolm Gladwell assures us that precocity is not a requirement of genius. “Doing something truly creative, we’re inclined to think, requires the freshness and exuberance and energy of youth,” he wrote in the New Yorker Magazine, siting examples like Orson Welles’ Citizen Cane, which he finished at age 25. But much of Alfred Hitchcock’s geatest works are the brainchildren of his fifties and sixties. Mark Twain was 48 when The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published. So it appears creativity, successful creativity, is dependent on so much more. In the book Outliers, Gladwell makes two claims. One, that success is dependent upon circumstances: in short, upon chance. Two, that in order to be successful, this luck must be accompanied by fortitude. It’s the rule that 10,000 hours of practice makes perfect. I don’t know what you want to accomplish in life. I don’t know if you want to accomplish anything at all. But I know that greatness is possible. It does not exclude based on age. It does not exclude based on wealth. It does not even require popularity. Hell, Kierkegaard didn’t have any friends, T.S. Eliot didn’t have any friends and countless others were attacked by governmental vendettas and animosity from peers. Galileo was denounced as a dangerous heretic. The Wright brothers were laughed at. Endowed with the blessings of chance, in a place where opportunities abound, all that’s lacking is the drive. We live in the bubble like Bill Gates and Bill Joy lived in the bubble. But rather than it being our bias, our undoing, it can be a way to success, given we take the opportunity and exploit it. Instead of bemoaning the bubble, benefit from it.

America’s losing its innocence Our country’s unfortunate economic situation may prove to be the single unifying factor that we need to bring about hope and change Beer, beef and virginity. Apparently, these things are pretty expensive these days. Last week I checked my email. I do this every day. No big deal. But this time, before I opened up my email, a headline on Hotmail’s news page caught my eye. It read, “Man attempts to sell Therein daughter for $16,000, lies the 100 cases of beer and beef.” issue If that isn’t proof Kate Jones that our economy is hurting, I don’t know Editor-in-Chief what is. Perhaps even more interestingly, a story was released the same day reporting that an 18-year-old girl is selling her virginity online. The last I heard, it was going for $3.7 million, and all proceeds would help pay for her college education. Of course, now she’ll be able to retire. Nothing like a good education to get you started in the real world. I started thinking, my email temporarily abandoned. At what point after the stock market crash did Americans start to lose their –virginity? No, I was going to say pride. Or did we ever have it? Pride, I mean. I don’t mean patriotism; that’s something totally different. I’m talking about self-pride. People beg for change at curbsides, people sleep in the streets, people eat scraps out of garbage cans. These are people that have genuinely hit the rockiest of bottoms. They have nowhere else to turn. But selling your 14-year-old daughter for cash, beer and beef is different.

That’s just lazy. Lazy, despicable, and just plain unintelligent. The girl is 14, for heaven’s sake. Did the dad really think she would be sold to some random creeper and not put up a stink? We complain when we hear people from other countries call us “stupid Americans.” Well, look at our representation. Paying for college is rough. Many of us are facing that tough decision right now, and money plays an essential, if not the essential, role in our choice. Scholarships and financial aide will determine our future. But what if surviving a single night with a wealthy stranger could solve all of your financial problems? Ensure your future? It would be tempting, without question. $3.7 million is a lot of money. But that brings us back to pride. Some girls would cringe at the very thought of selling their virginity online. Others wouldn’t think twice. So where does that pride come in? Wherever that girl goes now, she will be known as the girl that made bank by selling her innocence online. I don’t see a great difference between the dad who sold his daughter and the girl who sold her virginity. Both are lazy attempts at skirting around our country’s economic situation. The American dream has never been a given. President Obama consistently reminds the American people that our country’s recovery will be slow; things

will most likely get worse before they get better. Many people expect miracles out of Obama, but miracles can’t happen overnight. This road of change will be a long one. People seem to think that our economic situation will touch everyone but them; they are impervious. Selling your daughter or your virginity is a way to avoid confrontation with the reality that times are tough. But that confrontation is what our country needs most right now. It’s like high gas prices in the summer— when people have to pay an extra two dollars per gallon, all of the sudden they are concerned about our dependency on foreign oil. Economists ran rampant and rambunctious through Wall Street, and now the nation is paying the price. America is a young country. We have to learn our lesson somehow. As painful as this recession is for millions of people, it’s an essential step in this learning process. It brings economic issues to the forefront of Americans’ minds; it allows the citizens to get involved in their country on a new level. Upon entering the Oval Office, Obama had over an 80 percent approval rating; even Americans who did not vote for him still have faith that he can pull us out of this difficult time. So while the circumstances are untoward, their unifying effect is positive. Beer, beef and virginity (not necessarily in that order.) Times are changing.

One last thought Continued from last month: a tirad against the failures of the American school system and its effects on students and the future NOT ENOUGH RESPONSIBILITY One of the biggest problems with the high school system is that students are not given enough responsibility. There are always adults hanging over students’ shoulders, make sure they stay in line. Headed to the bathroom? You must take the bathroom pass. You have two pages typed and you say you’re done? Well, the requirement is three pages so you’d better get crackin’. And even just being in school— why are students forced to stay at? Since when does minutes in-school correlate to the amount of mateContents rial a student has learned? under Even seniors pressure who are 18 years Caylee Clay old—who can vote, Commentary buy a house, get married—can’t sign themselves out to leave school. THE SOLUTION School administrations across the nation need to be the get behind this change. A common objection is that high school students will take advantage of the newfound freedom and be even less responsible for themselves. Yet—isn’t high school the time to mess up? The best way to learn from a mistake is to make it yourself. And after high school, consequences suddenly become much heavier. Also, more responsibility can be given in smaller doses. For instance: do bathroom passes even serve a purpose? And paper lengths should be a

suggestion, not a requirement. And offcampus lunch doesn’t sound too deadly, either. HEAR IT FROM THE EXPERTS “Students and teachers need to be able to learn where they can experience self-control, self-awareness, self-motivation, empathy, realtionship skills -- wherever students and teachers experience and build on these qualities -- that is where and what school is.” -Dr. Cynthia Mee, Professor at National-Louis University ISSUES WITHIN ROCK CANYON Rock Canyon does not live up to our motto— to empower, to explore, to encourage, and to excel in education. Students are not empowered in their own education. The only real choices students posses are which electives to take (as long as they fulfill graduation requirements), and whether or not to take AP/Honors classes. Rock Canyon does excel in education, but within the existing system. Yet, this system does not work for all, if not most, students. Rock Canyon should be more experimental with school schedules, teaching styles, etc. to further not only education, but also the education process. Another concern is teacher evaluations. Having an administrator sit in a class for half an hour does not give them an accurate idea of a teacher’s abilities, good or bad. Why don’t students have a chance

to comment on their teacher’s abilities? Students’ input, of course, comes with it’s own set of problems, but if the American school system is truthfully dedicated to its students’ success, then student input is a must. Too often it feels as if the Rock Canyon student body and administration are fruitlessly working against each other. THE SOLUTION Students would quickly become more empowered and encouraged to participate in their own education if graduation requirements were not the same for each and every student. Graduation requirements should be tailored to the student’s area of most interest. Student input on their teachers should be collected and taken into consideration. HEAR IT FROM THE EXPERTS “It is unfortunate that most school systems today still function under a model of 100 years ago and is slow to move to the beat of what is best for students.” -Dr. Cynthia Mee, Professor at National-Louis University

The Rock encourages guest writers to submit work to be published in the paper. If you feel strongly about anything and would like to share, contact Dusty Ellis or Maria Lawson.

the rock

editorial Logically legal

1/28/09

Teacher’s relationships with 18-year-old students unethical but not illegal

A three judge panel in Washington’s Court of Appeals recently decided state law does not ban high school teachers from having sex with 18-year-old students. The decision was made after teacher Matthew Hirschfelder was charged with first-degree sexual conduct with a minor after being accused of entering into a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student. He argued that his case should be dismissed because state law only forbid sexual relationships between school employees and students 17 years of age or younger. 18-year-olds, he argued, were not minors by definition. His case was dismissed. The staff of the rock agrees with the Washington court’s decision. Students are legally adults the moment they turn 18 and should legally be able to enter into relationships with other consenting adults. A teacher should not have to face jail time for entering into a relationship with a student who would become legal the moment the student graduated from high school. However, because this type of relationship is completely inappropriate, the rock also believes that teachers who enter into sexual relationships with 18-year-old students should face severe consequences carried out by the school district. These teachers should be fired, just like many college professors who enter into sexual relationships with their students and are caught are fired. Because it is completely inappropriate for a teacher

Got a minute? YOU SO R O C K ! Double three-day weekends. Three days of learning, three days off. We finally have a balanced schedule. The curriculum fair. It was a fabulous free period. Just for the seniors, of course... Budget cuts! Turns out we’re going get open campus, four day weeks, and polar bears to ride to school. Recessing economies rule. The winter formal theme: Classy Night in Black and White. It even rhymes. The enthusiasm over the Dodgeball Tournament. Guess we can have spirit when we really feel like it. Now the question is, can we sustain it? Registration materials are online this year. There’s nothing better than saving money and saving the environment at the same time. Valentine’s Day singing grams. There’s no better way to tell people you love them than by embarrassing them.

YOU SO D O N ’ T ROCK! Lazy students who can’t pick up their own trash. Assistant Principal Greg Doan shouldn’t have to threaten to start a “Picking up Trash 101” class just to get students to pick up their trash. Seriously. Time to grow up now. We are having trouble coordinating outfits due to unpredictable weather. If Barack Obama would please address this, we would consider his presidency a success. You can’t even eat packaged peanut butter anymore without worrying about salmonella. What are we supposed to eat for lunch now? People texting when as they meander slowly down the halls. We should pass a new RC law: No texting while walking.

Illogical punishment to enter into this kind of relationship with a student, even if the student is legally an adult. It is not a matter of age, but a matter of logic. The teacher has influence over the student. The teacher has the power in this situation. Power over the student’s grade, for instance. The teacher is, in a sense, the student’s boss. In the workplace; bosses are not supposed to enter into relationships with their employees. This situation is not any different. The likelihood for sexual harassment to occur if there were absolutely no punishment for this type of relationship is insurmountably high. This is a fact cannot be ignored.

And because of this fact, the grade of any student caught in a sexual relationship with his or her teacher should be reviewed to ensure it is truly an accurate reflection of the student’s work. There is a reason a certain amount of professionalism is supposed to be maintained between students and teachers. It is so an educational, fair, and safe environment can be maintained. The staff of the rock believes that it is vital that this fair, safe, and educational environment is maintained within high schools. Teachers should not be able to enter into sexual relationships with their students without having their employment terminated.

Fast Facts The Douglas County School District has clear policies in place when it comes to sexual harassment of underage students, as well as staff members. Check out Policy GBEB for the details. There is no clear reference to staff having sexual relations with consenting of-age students.

Watching and hearing history Students and teachers take part in the inauguration at school

The President Elect finally became the president last week. We are proud that classes took a moment from their daily schedules to watch the inauguration, as it was a decisive moment in history. Since America’s independence in 1776, the issue of equal rights to all people, regardless of race or gender, has been broadly and heatedly debated. The founding fathers knew the issue would reach a crisis eventually, but could make no agreement. John Adams abhorred the concept of slavery. Combined, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson owned hundred of slaves, and were dependent on them for their livelihood, as were so many in both north and south. However, the constitution recognized the nature and necessity of equality for all in a functioning democracy. Abraham Lincoln fought for the union and for equality, and was assassinated. Martin Luther King championed the rights of all men, and was assassinated. It is no surprise then, that January 21, 2009 has been marked a historic day. And so, it is not enough that the occasion be marked, but not met; it is not enough that the occasion be acknowledged but not understood. Rock Canyon High School 5810 McArthur Ranch Road Highlands Ranch, Co 80124 Phone 303.387.3074 / Fax 303.387.3001

the rock

The goals of the rock, the student newspaper of Rock Canyon High School, are to inform, educate, and entertain readers as well as to provide an educational opportunity for the students who produce it.

People booing George W. Bush at the inauguration. People, get some class.

the rock invites your comments, especially in the form of letters to the editor. Letters should not exceed 250 words. Coverage ideas, cartoons, photos, or anything else you want to share are also encouraged.

People whipping through the huge spaces of the parking lot. They are just asking for a wreck.

Scholastic Press Association and Quill and Scroll Society

the rock believes that watching this was an important responsibility for students, and future voters, as well as teachers. And because the inauguration was a priority at our school, hundreds of students participated in the occasion. But the election of Barack Obama is not only representative of our closest step towards liberty and equality alone; it is also a representation of peace, and a humble and natural transfer of power. Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives alike, await the actions of the new administration with hope for a brighter future, and with knowledge of the struggle ahead. Social Studies teacher Lissa Staal viewed the inauguration as a relevant lesson. “It was an ideal opportunity to teach about democracy, and the peaceful transfer of power,” she said. At ten o’clock on Jan. 21, Staal’s class went next door to teacher Matt Sassali’s room. Attentively, the full classroom watched. And when the bell rang, many stayed behind, unwilling to leave the inaugural address interrupted. We believe that as students, we are studying to become knowledgeable citizens of this world, not to have memorized facts for a test. We appreciate the Rock Canyon administration because they allowed Editorial Board

Co-Executive Editors...................... Kate Jones Kristen Scheirman Campus News Editor............ Hannah Wellman World News Editor................... Mandy Shapiro Sports Editor............................... Kayla Kallery K-16 Education Editor............... Kyle McDaniel Lifestyles Editor.......................... Gabi Johnson Reviews Editor.............................Zach Cooper Co-Opinion Editors.......................... Dusty Ellis Maria Lawson Design Editor.............................Mattie Nobles Photography Editor.................... Libby Bridges Non-Voting Adviser....................Jack Kennedy

students to take a moment to participate in history – and therefore, in the future. However, it is not because of our administration that students watched the inauguration. Students everywhere watched, even during the few passing period minutes traditionally held so precious. Likewise, students hurried to their next classes, where another TV was assuredly on. We hope that in the future, students will continue to be interested in the state of government and actions of their president and congress. Already, President Obama has attempted to undo some of the foibles of the Bush administration and to ensure more transparency in government. In time, the President will commit his own mistakes, but we have begun to prepare ourselves, and to uncover the distinctions between what is right and what is wrong. the rock supports the students and teachers who laid aside differing viewpoints and opinions to watch the inauguration as one united school. We were able to experience a moment of great importance to posterity and to ourselves. But more importantly, we can springboard from the inaugural address to promoting policies that make our country a better place.

Paige Hensen Alyssa Jones Meghan Long Kenzie Markey Shelby Miles Paige Newman Mac Orlady Shelby Perkins

The price, in dollars of many of the tickets being sold for the inauguration to society members. Most people who bought tickets at this price got bleacher seats.

125

Estimated number of people, in millions, who were at the inauguration. Most people were simply standing, trying to get a glimpse of Obama as he passed.

Number of Obama’s family currently residing at the White House: President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their two children, Sasha and Malia, along with Michelle’s mother.

Opinions of the staff of the rock are presented as editorials. We also feature a number of columnists and commentary writers. Their opinions are their own. First three copies of the rock are free, and additional copies are available for 50 cents each.

Reporting and Photo Staff

Mariel Bailey Caylee Clay Rachel Curtright Connor Dozois Jake Eggett Professional memberships: Ade Eichie Colorado High School Press Association, Nicole Givin National Scholastic Press Association, Columbia Brittni Haggard

The numbers

Laura Romer Alex Rowe Kasey South Brett Stokes Logan Thompson Zach Tornabene Alex Tuccy Daniel Wheeler

Recent Honors & Awards CHSPA 4A Sweepstakes winner, 2007-08 NSPA National Pacemaker 2008

the rock editorial board: Back row: Mattie Nobles, Maria Lawson, Kyle McDaniel, Zach Cooper Middle row: Mandy Shapiro, Hannah Wellman, Libby Bridges, Gabi Johnson, Kayla Kallery, Micah McDonald Front row: Kristen Scheirman, Kate Jones, Dusty Ellis

The First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

32 1/28/09

the rock

indoor skydiving

The physics of

ﬂying

Taking ﬂight

Students experience physics first hand

Five students from RC’s AP Physics class spent time after school last month at the vertical wind tunnel at SkyVenture Colorado. The wind tunnel simulates the free-fall aspect of skydiving. SkyVenture brought in seniors Chase Bell, Matt Napolitano, Matt Sanchez, Kevin Simpson and Chris Welden and gave them a tour of the entire facility, from the fans to the turbines to the basement. They then had the students create diagrams that would explain to customers exactly how the tunnel works. They spent a week working out their calculations and making the posters. When they returned to SkyVenture to present their diagrams, they got to experience what they calculated and flew for free. “I learned everything there is to know about skydiving. I had no idea how difficult and complicated the sport of skydiving really is,” Simpson said. “It was really cool how everything made a lot more sense after we flew. You realized how physics affects everything you do in the tunnel.” Kate Jones

This is one of the posters the students produced, in which they calculated the terminal velocity of a raindrop. A raindrop falls at 25.27 miles per hour.

Clockwise from top left: Simpson, Welden, Bell and Sanchez huddle around one of the posters. Welden flies on his own. Napolitano climbs down the ladder leading into the basement directly below the tunnel. Tunnel instructor Derek Vanboeschoten looks over the posters the students produced. The students measure the length of the louvers on the roof of SkyVenture. Sanchez examines one of the four electric fans that powers the wind tunnel. Each fan is around 300 horsepower. “My favorite part was going up into the fans— they’re so much bigger than I expected,” Simpson said. “I thought they blew air from [below,] like most people think, but they’re actually up above you

Above: Sanchez gets a “thumbs up” from Vanboeschoten, meaning that he is maintaining a good freefall position. Left: Simpson laughs as he dumps water into the tunnel at a very low windspeed. By doing this, the drops of water float, suspended in mid-air. This helped them to calculate the exact velocity at which a rain drop falls. All photos by Kate Jones