The View ABOVE &
BEYOND
Heroes. Challenges. Reaching Out. Inspiration. They make us who we are, and who we want to be.
Vol. VIII NO. 4 April 2014
A Castle View High School Publication 5254 N. Meadows Dr. Castle Rock, Colo. 80109
C 6 Quiet Service
VOL. VIII NO. 4 APRIL 2014
HeROeS
8 Serving up Smiles
CHALLeNGeS
7 “Adventure” in the Works
12 Forward Steps
9 A Grandfather’s Touch 10 Heroes Among Us
14 Not Forgotten
15 Hidden by a Smile
16 Life is What You Make It
INSPIRATION ReACHING OUT
18 Opinion
22 Looking Past Rivalry
23 Small Change, Big Difference 24 Generous Hearts
25 Surprise in the Commons
28 The Sky’s the Limit
29 Defining Inspiration 30 Seven Leaders
31 Meeting the Challenge
32 On the Dotted Line
Growing up can present many challenges. From standard high school drama to bigger issues such as cancer and special needs, teenagers face obstacles each and every day. Yet students have an ability to overcome these and often inspire others through the process. Whether it’s trying to write a book or reach out to help a friend in need, our peers seem to often shine. But it’s not just students. Members of our community also stand out -- smiling lunch ladies who take time to remember the cheese on your sandwich, the “coffee room hero” or a strong, loving grandfather. Everyone has a hero. Someone you can look to when times get tough, someone’s lead to follow when you are unsure of what to do. And they’re all around us. People reaching out into the community to help, military men and women serving our country, and all of those who remain behind the scenes. Heroes are no longer men and women in capes and tights, but rather everyday individuals -- those whose lives inspire, who have hurdled major obstacles, and still have something to give back.
Heroes. Challenges. Reaching out. Inspiration. They all combine to make us who we are and who we want to be.
R
“
I WANT TO STRIVE TO BE
when I’m older.
...I just have to
“ “
MAKE ofBEST what I have. the
HUGE kids OUTSIDE THEMSELVES for
to go
to help others.
REACHING OUT
Senior Joe Hunsaker
It’s
“
CHALLENGES
Junior Kaela Burek about her dad
Karen Goodridge
SOME BODY
“
with INTEGRITY,
that is passionate,
that stands for something. Jim Calhoun
INSPIRATION
“ “ &
He’s the kind of person
HEROES
UNDOWN
Accelerate Your Future
HEROES
MY SISTER ROCIO IS MY HERO, BECAUSE WHEN MY PARENTS HAD TO COME TO THE UNITED STATES TO WORK TO BE ABLE TO . . . BUY WHAT WE NEEDED, SHE WAS 15 YEARS OLD. SHE TOOK CARE OF ME, MY SISTER AND TWO BROTHERS AND SHE HAD TO GO TO SCHOOL, TOO. SHE WOULD GO TO SCHOOL, WAKE UP IN THE MORNING AND HAVE EVERYTHING LEFT FOR US TO GO TO SCHOOL, COME BACK AND WOULD CLEAN AND HAVE EVERYTHING READY FOR US AFTER WE CAME HOME FROM SCHOOL. WHEN WE MOVED HERE, SHE WAS A JUNIOR AT CASTLE VIEW AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD TELL HER SHE WOULDN’T GO FURTHER IN SCHOOL BECAUSE SHE DIDN’T UNDERSTAND ENGLISH. BUT . . . SHE NEVER GIVES UP. NOW SHE IS ALMOST DONE WITH COLLEGE.
Miriam Mendez ‘15
HEROES
Coffee Room Hero MEGAN KEMPER
I
n a small kitchen tucked into
place for teachers to come and take a break. On the cramped counter is an array of nuts, caramels, jelly beans, crackers, fruit, baked cookies, freshly brewed coffee and hot water for tea. Each snack is set in its spot, on trays, above the microwave, and in plastic containers with small sticky notes that say things like, “Enjoy some cashews, for everyone.” For seven years, this has been the work of Debbie Hoyer, 55, the parent of a former CV graduate, who quietly volunteers to make sure the staff feels as loved as she does when she walks in through the doors of Castle View. “She’s our coffee room hero,” librarian Beverly Sullivan said. Hoyer sees it differently. “If my little baked goods, candies, nuts, or the coffee brew, can help in any way to serve as a short break in the busy lives of these special people,” she said, “then I count myself as blessed indeed to have the honor to serve these American heroes.” Hoyer is a petite, soft-spoken, gentle woman with short grey hair, round wire-framed glasses and a passion for serving the school staff. “I think for the staff it means a lot to have someone who cares about us that much and wants to contribute freely to this school,” Sullivan said. “She loves this place, she loves what we do, she loves our ideas . . . ” Hoyer volunteers every day from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It all started about seven years ago when her daughter started attending Castle View as a student and Hoyer asked if she could volunteer. “I do,” she said, “the little things that take a lot of time.”
“She just does everything and she has a big heart...”
DEBBIE GENTRY
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tests, working with the registrar and doing paperwork to putting cookies in bins for the lunch ladies. “She just does everything and she has a big heart . . .,” said Debbie Gentry, assistant to the principal. Hoyer’s reason for volunteering is simple: “I am supporting men
heroes who care enough to take on the job of educating the next generation of American citizens or to support those who are directly involved in such education.” “She gets hugs from the staff, and the staff gets hugs from her,” Gentry said. “And I think it’s really important for the staff -- a lot of the single guys love coming in and getting a home-baked cookie.” For Hoyer, it all comes down to a school that, she says, “fosters caring.” “I love the students,” she said. “I walk out to the car, and the students run up and help me carry my bags to the car. It’s wonderful. Students I dont even know -- they just walk up and ask, ‘’Ma’am, may I help you take that to your car?’ ”
Debbie Hoyer works her magic in the staff
WITH
HEROES
WHat’S Up Lauren DeDiego JackSOn cHaSE
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT A GIRL IN HIGH SCHOOL WOULD HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THE HUGE LEAP TO BECOMING A PUBLISHED AUTHOR? SOPHOMORE LAUREN DEDIEGO HAS WRITTEN A BOOK TITLED “ADVENTURE,” WHICH TOOK HER 3 ½ YEARS TO WRITE AND IS BEING EDITED RIGHT NOW AS WE SPEAK. SHE’S EXPECTING IT TO BE PUBLISHED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
DO yOU plan On pURSUing a caREER aS a WRitER? I want to be an author when I grow up. It’s my dream to become one at a young age and love what I do -- which is write -- for the rest of my life. WHat WaS tHE fiRSt ExpERiEncE tHat maDE yOU lOvE WRiting? write any story we wanted, about anything we wanted. And he really encouraged me to try my best on it, so I did. I got the best grade in the class and got to read my work in front of everyone. WHO iS yOUR favORitE aUtHOR anD WHy? I can’t narrow my favorite author down to just one, but I have four main ones -- God, J.M. Barrie, Sarah Dessen and Marie Lu. First off, God is the best author there will ever be and he wrote everything that exists and will
exist down in His book, and I think that’s pretty cool. J.M. Barrie wrote the famous Peter Pan plays and novels, which inspired me to bring fairy tales into my own novel. Sarah Dessen, because who doesn’t love a good cry over a silly teen romance? And Marie Lu because her Legend series is the bomb. WHO inSpiRED yOU tO WRitE? My inspiration is roughly made up of three main people -- Bonnie Cozine, Dana Fink and Shannon Moynahan. Bonnie and Dana were
me when I felt discouraged; second, helped me achieve my goals of breaking past my learning disabilities; and thirdly, were the best teachers known to man! My grandpa, a very wise man with a hearty laugh and a loving hug, is an author himself and has always encouraged me beyond belief. WHat iS yOUR nOvEl abOUt? My novel is a modern-day twist on fairy tales, taking place in Neverland with Peter Pan, Goldilocks and Captain James Hook. It’s about a girl taken there, her experience there, and everything in between. HOW DiD yOU finD tHE timE tO WRitE? I actually don’t have a lot of time to write anymore, sadly. Sometimes I’ll have to force myself to give up homework for school for one night so that I’m able to, but even then it’s rough. When I do get the chance, I’ll spend my entire Saturday in my room typing away or any breaks from school that I can get. The worst is when I’m in school, and I have an idea, and I’m itching to get home and write.
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WHy WRitE a bOOk? The answers pretty simple -- I use reading to escape daily reality or when life gets hard, so why not create that for someone else to enjoy like I do?
7
HEROES
Sandwich: $5 Sm ile s: Free
SYDNEY DEAN
How a few special women serve up the simple things that make each day special.
I
f you’re at CV, chances are you’ve met these women. They’re mothers, travelers, gardeners, knitters, teacher advocates, even horseback riders. Everyone has something worth asking about, especially the Castle View lunch ladies. Every day these women come together to spread kindness throughout Castle View -- like undercover heroes helping students get through their day with positivity and really great sandwiches. Karen Cruz has worked at this school since it opened. She has two children, ages 15 and 19, that either did attend or currently
life when she attended high school. “We lived in London for two years. All of my travel Europe with my sister,”
The lunch ladies serve up positivity and great sandwiches daily to students. At top, Paula Wilson rings up the cashier. Above, Suzette Wynne serves up one of her smiles. Photos by Jackson Chase
liked the south of France a lot.” Paula Wilson, another lunch lady, has three towels and placemats for December
“
work here. Good hours, close to home. Free lunch!” Cruz said she depends on her photographic memory to know what
PASSIONATE
I’m about
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happiness.” Suzette Wynne, who joined the Subway line in August , likes to boat, ride horses sion is a good combo. Love your job, be passionate about it.” She recently returned from a trip to Germany and calls travel her hidden talent. -
“
whatever I do.
would be a cool place to go for Christmas,’ and their whole country is decorated for Christmas,” she said. last year.” Kristin Sidney works in the CV Subway where you go. Just beautiful.” frequent the Subway line, you know the em- line. “Yeah, it’s hard -- you come and go, so Everyday we encounter people that ployees are always on point when it comes make our lives easier. People who give out to remembering the cheese you like on your sandwich. While it seems like something her daughter and keeps on top of school notice these daily pieces of inspiration, but small, it’s all a part of why the lunch ladies if you take a second to learn their stories are so special. you might uncover a hidden hero. Cruz didn’t have a traditional teenage creasing graduation requirements. Teacher
Suzette Wynne
FAREWELL
HEROES
a heartfelt
Her grandpa -- her hero -- shared his life and stories
JETT GOLDSMITH J
unior Taylor Dansby glances at the stack of assignments on her desk. They’re piled high, one for each of her four classes. Math homework, ASL assignments, biology papers -- the result of two weeks of missing work. Taylor didn’t choose to miss all of these assignments. Earlier that week, she got the news nesota, where she was born and where her grandparents lived. Attending the funeral of a family member is customary, but to Taylor it was much more than that. Her grandfather wasn’t just a family member -- he was He was her hero. Jack Lay joined the Marines out of high school. After his military service, he met his wife Martha. Martha’s daughter married, and Taylor was born. As any child of divorce knows, it’s a tough situation in general. Often children are left without a stable living environment, and inadvertently enmeshed in
safe “&strong “ He was
JUNIOR TAYLOR DANSBY
“When my parents divorced, my grandparents sort of stepped in to raise me,” she said. “My grandma is still my best friend, but my grandfather was more than that. He was safe and strong, like a real man.” One of Taylor’s favorite memories is sitting down and listening to her grandfather talk about his time in the Marines. “He showed me pictures, documents and letters that he got while in the Marines,” Taylor said. “It was one of my favorite memories because I loved having one-on-one time with my grandpa and listening to all the stories he had to tell.” Taylor was glad to spend the extra hours catching up on assignments. It was, ultimately, inconsequential in the long run. Schoolwork is
her hero. Dansby with her grandfather, Jack Lay. Courtesy photo.
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which they have no responsibility. Taylor experi-
9
Who’s Your Amy Adams
“
, because she is from Castle Rock and made it to
Hollywood. It’s inspiring to think that someone who lived in the same weird small town that I did made it out and was successful.”- Junior Alex Prehm
“My hero is
my aunt
because she lives independently in Paris, is a lawyer,
and speaks four different languages.”- Sophomore Gaby Rodriquez
“My friend
Dallas McCrary
, because she’s never
been afraid to be exactly who she is regardless of what anyone has ever thought.” - Senior Jordan Osburne
“My hero is
my dad
because he literally does everything he can for me and my
brother. Especially with the constant practice and games me and my brother have to be at, he makes sure that we get there and have everything we need.” -Sophomore Caleigh Gearheart
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HERO?
Carissa Bond ‘14
Challenges
My challenge is seiZures caused by a gardasil shot. it caused Me to have Migraines and seiZures. getting My driver’s license was a challenge; i didn’t get it until May of last year. also, school, because i had seiZures a few tiMes a week or every week, and it Made catching up in school really bad. teachers saw Me as a slacker and My seiZures set Me back. My gpa went way down. i’M graduating now because i’ve had help froM teachers and counselors. now, i get to go into the air force. now, it’s given Me the outlook to not give up on challenges that are thrown My way.
“WAY T
“I can’t go back and change anything that happened, so I have to make the best of what I have.”
SENIOR JOE HUNSAKER
I CHALLENGES
t should have been just another tournament for senior Joe Hunsaker. He knew the routine: Wake up early, meet at Castle View to carpool, weigh-ins at 7 a.m., wrestle at 9. He’d done it time and time again. Only this time, by the end of the day, Joe’s life would be changed forever. On Feb. 1, Castle View’s wrestling team headed to Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver. Joe weighed in at 194 pounds. He weight class. “I sat around for a while and was just sort of napping,” said Joe. “My time rolled around and I started to warm up.” He stepped onto the mat. The match started like many of his matches had that year. He found himself getting off to a slow start and quickly losing points. “I wouldn’t say the guy was a good wrestler,” he said, “but he wasn’t
pretty good.” Joe’s opponent took him down and threw in a double wing, a common wrestling move that stacks an opponent onto their shoulders. That’s when things went wrong. “I remember feeling the pop and the fracture,” Joe said. “My whole body from my neck down went numb and warm and I couldn’t move anything.” He rolled to his stomach and lay still. And he began to pray. bered. “That’s pretty much the only thing I did until my surgery.” A trainer rushed over and waited for an ambulance to arrive. It took him to the nearest minutes from the high school.
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Friends help keep Joe in good spirits, visiting him often and giving him support. From left, 2012 graduate Gus Marker,
his wh ca th
to Sw Ho sp
Jim m “B
ha
we wi co
us Th ea
th af
th
he do ke
by ho
Hu br
Y TO GO, JOE” Doctors determined Joe had dislocated his C5 vertebrae from his C6 vertebrae, which are located in the middle of the cervical spine and affect movement throughout the body. Within two hours, Joe underwent surgery to straighten his spine. After nine days at Swedish, he was transferred to nearby Craig Hospital, one of the world’s best neck and spinal hospitals. “This situation sucks,” said Joe’s father, Jim Hunsaker, who was also at the tournament that day and is the team photographer. “But we’ve been blessed along the way.” Currently, Joe has full movement of his
Joe applies the same competitive drive he showed in wrestling to the physical therapy he undergoes each day at Craig Rehabiliation Hospital. Courtesy photo.
e
n t
k
d
st
d ,
has been at Craig nine weeks. The goal now is to get healthy. Joe attends physical therapy classes every day during the week. Wendy Hunsaker, Joe’s mother, is at almost every class with Joe. “I’m usually here with him,” said Wendy, “so when he comes home, we know how to do everything.” Wendy arrives at the hospital every day at about 9 a.m. Jim usually goes to work at 8 a.m. but then leaves at about noon. That means both of Joe’s parents are at Craig until 10 or 11 p.m. each day. On a typical day, Joe wakes up at about 6:30 a.m. At 7:30, for therapy classes take up the bulk of most of his days until in the afternoon with a one-hour lunch break at noon. “The best part of the day is physical therapy,” said Joe, “either that or whenever I get to work out.” During physical therapy, Joe keeps the same competitive drive he had with wrestling and football. “The therapist will say ‘Are you done? Do you need a break?’ and Joe will just say ‘No, we can keep going,’ ” Wendy said. After classes, Joe usually naps or watches TV and is in bed by 9. But he can’t sleep straight through the night. Every 3 ½ hours, nurses and trainers roll him over to build up endurance on his skin to prevent sores. On the weekends, though, Joe spends six to seven hours visiting with friends. He uses a motorized wheelchair to get around, and a manual one on occasion, and invites visitors to try the manual one the way Joe uses it. The manual wheelHudsen Marker, Kaleb Geiger, the Markers’ younger brother, Ricky, and Becca Westlake. Courtesy photo.
For Joe, one of the greatest challenges has been the loss of -
is unknown. Despite all that’s happened, Joe maintains a positive mindset. “I can’t go back and change anything that’s happened, so I just have to make the best of what I have,” he said. “That’s what’s going to make things easier for me. So it sucks, but instead of trying to go back and change everything, I just try to make things the best that I can.” Joe’s injury has inspired support from all over the nation with 48 states being represented through the Facebook page “Joe’s Battle Back.” Senior Kaleb Geiger and junior Hudsen Marker, both members of the wrestling team and friends of Joe, kickstarted the “TEAM HUNSAKER” T-shirt campaign, which has raised money to help with medical expenses. Medical costs are daunting, the family said, so they greatly appreciate all the help. “The fundraisers are great,” Jim said. Another fundraiser is scheduled for May 9 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. One of the biggest inspirations has come from family, friends and, even, strangers, who have responded to Joe’s unexpected trial with generosity of spirit, the family said. During halftime of the Douglas County-Castle View basketball chant “We Love Joe! We Love Joe!” Wendy was there. “I thought to myself, ‘Way to go, Joe,’ ” she said. “To have it all contained in one room, to have one common cause, it was amazing.” Joe will move back to his Castle Rock home on April 16. The overwhelming support, along with the Hunsakers’ unwavering faith, keeps them all moving forward. There is no doubt, Joe’s dad said: “God has got a plan for Joe.”
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, n. e
NICHOLAS PUCKETT
13
KEEPING UP WITH MADI
JoLENE MArTINEz
M adi Conley sat on a couch
CHALLENGES
date with books read in class, Cave among orange, blue and green also sends Madi other great novels. pillows that brightened the quiet exam room. Next to her was her impact, too. Friends are there to mother; her dad rested in a nearby support one another in tough times comfy chair. and that’s exactly what Madi’s best They had just listened to the friends do. doctor, sitting across from Madi, Freshman Emily Smaldone has gently deliver news about her been with Madi since the day she illness. They weren’t sure exactly found out. The same night as her what it meant, but knew it wasn’t diagnosis, Madi called Emily. good. They didn’t know what to say. “I was in shock because the “I was kind of in shock,” said night before we were hanging out Madi, 15, a freshman at CV. “I sat and it was something nobody saw blankly and stared at my doctor. coming,” Emily said. Three hours ago I was at lunch with my friends and now I have leukemia.” Madi’s parents were just as stunned. And as Madi was ad- FRESHMAN MADI CONLEY mitted into the hospital that night, nobody wanted to talk. Every Monday, Emily visits “Stop crying,” she remembers Madi at the hospital. Being the messenger, Emily takes blankets An estimated 287,963 people in and cards and other sweet items the United States live with leukemia that people want to send to Madi. each year. On Jan. 7, Madi -- a “When you have a true friend it cheerleader-- became one of them. feels right,” said Emily. “In the end Before the diagnosis, Madi you gain a lifelong friendship.” had felt nauseous for two months. Madi is grateful. “I’m lucky to Doctors prescribed medication for have someone that supports me through anything,” she said. acid to build up in the esophagus. That encouragement is importSoon after, she noticed nasty bruis- ant in challenging times. es along her inner thighs. Doctors She sees “our support matters,” drew blood three to four different said Cave. “Madi knows we’re times. That’s when they discovered here.” some of her cells were cancerous. Since she was admitted to the Since Jan. 7, Madi has been at hospital, Madi has been home Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical once, for three days. Because Center in Denver. She spends most of chemotherapy and treatment, of her days on Twitter or catching which weakens the immune sysup with “The Walking Dead” or tem, Madi has to be careful about keeping up with friends at school. being exposed to anything that can What she misses most is being get her sick. able to attend school. As she started to lose her hair, Her humanities class has tried she decided to have some fun, so to make sure she still feels included she cut her it short and dyed it pink and connected. -- “because, hopefully, only one “She knows she’s not forgotten time in my life I will lose my hair.” and she knows we’re thinking of Madi’s plan for the future is to her,” said Emily Cave, her human- become a nurse and be able to tell ities teacher. kids she beat cancer and they can, Students send gifts to Madi, too. such as letters, cards, pictures, Throughout this journey, and banners and books to keep her as Madi heads into an upcoming entertained. bone marrow transplant, she knows Cave also enjoys knitting so things won’t get better if she has a she knitted Madi a warm hat and negative attitude. That outlook has kept her strong. a personal thing,” Cave said, “and “Have a positive attitude and knowing you took time on it, it’s have fun with what you can,” she special.” said, “because you can’t really Besides helping Madi keep up to change what happens.”
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“Have a positive attitude and have fun with what you can . . .”
COURTESY PHOTO
DELANEY SCHOENFELDT
he date is July 27 and the year is 2009. It’s the peak of the summer in Colorado, and the hot, drippingly muggy weather isn’t helping Cheyenne Mattioli’s sudden congestion and the pressure in her head. Despite efforts to keep up a happy appearance, the pain worsens after the round of antibiotics. Eventually, she seeks professional help. “When I went to the doctors,” she said, “they thought I had a brain tumor.” As a kid of only 12, this was a lot of information to take in. However, after doctors did some testing, they dismissed her without was not the end of the story. She was sick -- very sick with a rare brain condition that, among other problems, causes severe head pressure brought on by activities such as coughing, sneezing or laughing. She also is plagued by constant headaches, vision and hearing problems,
also remember that I have family to lean on.” Even though doctors determined Cheyenne Mattioli, left, smiles widely with her mother. She has overcome great medical nothing was wrong at issues, including brain surgery, and focuses on her dreams. Courtesy photos. age 12, the pressure didn’t go away. “I started getting sinus infections and they accompanied by short-term memory loss, waking up in pain, and excruciating headput me on antibiotics,” which was followed aches triggered by noise, light and fatigue. Although her condition is improving, “When the tests came in, the doctor Cheyenne said the possibility of a second told us that I needed to turn around and go brain surgery exists. straight to the emergency room,” Cheyenne Cheyenne still suffers from a multitude of health issues, such as headaches, arthritis a procedure in which a physician inserts a and hearing problems. test for illnesses. sage therapy, acupuncture, medication, and Shortly after, Cheyenne moved from Colorado to Wisconsin. Further visits from When the headaches continued, the family traveled to Chicago to see a different doctor.
Castle View, are never-ending. But you would never know it. “Cheyenne is one of those people that girl has it together,’ ’” said Shelly Rettmer, a teacher who works closely with her. “You would not know she had brain surgery and all her life.” Cheyenne’s happy disposition shines through her smile: “I try to remember there are others that have it worse off than I do. I
was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a condition that causes neck pain, dizziness, vision problems, and more. She was also diagnosed with a pseudotumor. A few weeks late, she underwent brain surgery. During her brain surgery, Cheyenne died twice on the operating table, she said. surgery was really rough,” she said. “A fourhour surgery turned into a 10-hour surgery. It’s been a really hard recovery.”
for migraines,” she said. “I rest when nothing else works.” future, though. “I still plan on going to college and doing things like other people do. I want to be a natural horseman and work with special needs children,” she said. “I love helping people.” Cheyenne walks through the halls of CVHS with a smile on her face and an incredible story tucked in her heart. “I think I have it really easy compared to other people,” she said. “I thank God everyday and try not to harp on it.”
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T
CHALLENGES
CHALLENGES GIVE WAY TO DREAMS
15
CHALLENGES
e su
M
T
he class is working on “arrow notation,” in which arrows are used to show operations performed between numbers: 30 plus 10 would be shown as 30 followed by an arrow with a +10 above it, leading to the number 40. When teacher Vincent Parenti asks for volunteers to present their answers to a question, Latonya Copney’s hand hits the air in a heartbeat. At the board, she examines the work on her notebook page carefully before stringing together the arrows and numbers to show spending and earning. She listens attentively as Parenti and other
‘LIGHTS, ATTITUDE, LATONYA!’ Theviewnews.com
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A day in the life of Latonya Copney Rachel Deyoe
“Shouldn’t there be positive and negative signs in front of the numbers?” a classmate asks. “Is this a minus sign right here?” asks Parenti. Copney smiles and nods as she tells him it is. As she comes including peer helper, junior Ellen Sweeney. fast!” Copney, 15, is a freshman in the special education program. Teacher Pam Baker explains she may need a little extra “support in her classes and accommodations made so she can learn the same materials.” Sweeney, who works with Copney throughout the week, admires her spirit. Copney is “really outgoing and takes advantage of learning situations,” Sweeney says. “She’s really active in class and does not let her disabilities run her.” Her mother, Susanne Ruiz, believes having a child with special needs is a privilege that helps shape those who work with her for the better. “She is energetic,” she says of her daughter, “and such a joy and a blessing.”
the German poster on the wall and heads into the hall, on her way to advisement. Advisement is casual. Copney greets her classmates, chats dressing any subject from baking and her hope of getting a job soon to her love of sports and chocolate. “I’m a chocolate person!” she says enthusiastically. “I love chocolate. If I had to create a game, you would drive chocolate cars. When you hit chocolate kisses they would blow up! And there would be chocolate cherries like cherry bombs!” In second period, Copney shows her creativity does not end at video game ideas. Second period is Independent Living with teacher Stephanie Hill, a class that begins with a question to prompt the day’s journal entry. Today’s question: Imagine you are hosting a party. Who would be there? Where would it be? What kind of music would you play? Copney plunges into the required seven-sentence answer, diving into a delightful fantasy in Mother Susanne Ruiz which her friends from class all come to her masquerade ball at a palace. “Jazz music,” she says with certainty. “Slow music, ballet music . . . you wouldn’t want rock music at a masquerade ball!” Before writing time is up, Copney has also decided on a dress code (tuxedos for boys and dresses for girls), the menu (three kinds of cake, juice, Ginger Ale, and non-alcoholic piña coladas), and party games (which she decides must be sophisticated, such as chess, to suit a masquerade ball). “Latonya, how do you spell your name?” asks Copney’s classmate, Zachary Hoffman, preparing to invite her to his party. “L-A-T-O,” she begins, looking ahead toward Hill, focused on the spelling. “Why are you looking at me like you’re scared?” asks Hill, jokingly. “Do you not want to go to Zach’s party?” The class laughs. Students clamor to embellish their party plans -- which end up including Japanese foods, dubstep music, and even a visit from the ‘real’ Iron Man, where Tony Stark himself will hand out
“
She is energetic, and such a joy and a blessing.
their video for the “R-Word” campaign. The campaign encourages people to stop using the word ‘retarded,’ instead opting for an attitude of respect toward peers with special needs. “Is this fun?” asks Copney. “I don’t know,” says Hill, “it’s for you to decide.” “It is what you make it,” Copney concludes. “Exactly. Ready?” Copney grins. “I was born ready!” It’s Hill’s turn to grin. “Lights, attitude, Latonya!” she says. as a backdrop, students do silly poses for the camera. They hold up sticky notes with messages of respect. Copney leans against the wall, proudly displaying the note on which she has written “I am just like you.” Back inside, students explain what the video and the campaign do for the school. “It inspires us to dream big,” says Brenden VanBruwaene. “The R-word is not OK to say. That’s why we’re in the school.” Copney agrees. She says it shows “we also matter in the school. We do all these things, too.” For Copney “all these things” include singing, which is her next task in third-period concert choir class with teacher Mark Stamper.
After dropping her backpack along the side of the room, she pulls out a black choir binder, and steps to her place on the thinly-carpeted risers. She pretends to quiz her friend on simple math, like two times two, while they wait for class to start. When the math test is over, Copney acts like she is signing off a game show. “Hooray! That’s Latonya Copney focuses on the math concepts being discuss. Photos by Bailey Garner. all the math problems for today! Thank you!” After warm-ups, Stamper cues “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand.” Copney, a soprano, bobs her head as the music starts. She is in her zone. Stamper pauses the singing to make adjustments. Copney offers valuable critique when solicited. As Stamper corrects Copney’s pitch, she responds with a smile. She nods and adjusts. “Choir kind of makes me feel peaceful,” she says. Copney, Stamper says, is “always a ray of sunshine. She came to class enthusiastic and ready to sing. She would frequently mention to me how long she had been singing and how much she loved it. With her energy and talent, she will develop into a beautiful singer.” At lunch, she sits with friends, talking about anything from favorite Disney princesses to schools they attended previously. grapes, it’s time to head for fourth period. For Copney, that means Humanities I. Today’s lesson features a visit from librarian Ryan Whitenack to talk about plagiarism. The class is divided into groups and assigned to an activity based on one of the types of plagiarism Copney’s peer helper, senior Carissa Bond, explains what tion of “clone” in her own words. “What it means is you sort of copy someone’s work,” Copney explains thoughtfully, “take it word-for-word, like copy-paste.” “That’s a good way to explain it.” Bond nods. “Do you want to expand on it a little more?” “Well, you’re copying it word-for-word and you don’t change anything.” “You don’t change anything, perfect!” leaves a few minutes early to get back to her advisement room before heading out to the bus. She stops for a moment, during which she answers a question about what she likes about Castle View. “Everyone is understanding,” she says. “People need to have a lot of understanding.”
OUR VIEW The Underdog Mentality
OUR VIEW Theviewnews.com
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We love to hear heroic stories of people overcoming giant obstacles and doing the seemingly impossible. Being truly great is what we strive for as human beings, and inspiring others to get there is part of that journey. We don’t root for the favored. We root for the Davids, the Sandlot kids, the Billy Madisons, the Hoosiers and the Forrest Gumps in the world. Overcoming the odds is a phenomenal human experience. Going against every statistical probability and every strike counted against us. From Hollywood to Hardwood to hometowns, underdogs are always around. But why does it feel so good when the underdog wins?
As people, it’s how we’re wired. The way we think and the way we portray experiences makes us, for some reason, hate seeing the rich get richer. There’s a reason why every year there’s somebody who picks a school like Florida Gulf Coast or Mercer to upset a top basketball team every year in the NCAA Men’s Tournament because of a “gut feeling.” Underdogs make us feel good because we can relate. We can connect with underdogs -- that allows us to belive we, too, can do the impossible against all odds. Seeing other people achieve what everybody else doubts fuels us through our day-to day-lives. It makes us know that there is a
way to the top. But the best stories often go untold. The stories of cancer patients defying everything to overcome their illness. The story of an athlete whose life was changed in one match.
a way to become top students. We have underdogs at this school completing feats that even Hollywood couldn’t write. Tremendous students with hard work and perseverance and huge hearts. Their attitude and drive is what helps shape this school to make it what it is today. That underdog mentality is Castle View’s personality. Doing great things, even when the odds are against you.
Striving for a ‘ruined life’ When thinking of heroes, people tend to draw from personal memories of courageous family members. Generic stories spill from one generation to the next of Grandpa Joe who fought in World War I or, DELANEY SCHOENFELDT maybe, that Great Uncle Travis who raised his voice when the crowds fell silent. I have extremely heroic relatives. My grandpa alone was an FBI agent, a soldier and a lawyer. My aunt was a heroine of strength when she had to leave her cheating husband and raise her four children by herself. These are people I admire because they succeeded in doing exactly what they wanted -- and needed -- to accomplish. But maybe there’s another kind of hero, too. I have a strong philosophy that you should do what you shouldn’t want. In fact, you should do exactly what you’re trained to not want. This philosophy was adapted from my hero, Brandy Alexander. Brandy is not a family member, she is not a celebrity, she is not an idol. Brandy is a character. Literally. She’s a character from my favorite book, “Invisible Monsters” by Chuck Palahniuk. In the book, Brandy is a male-to-female transgender woman who upholds an air of
However, her role in my life is more about what she stands for rather than who she is. Her philosophy is to make the biggest mistake you possibly can in order to break out and live a real life. You need to rip yourself open to sew yourself shut. As my hero, I marvel at Brandy’s strength. She made me realize that, more often than not, people are scared to make mistakes. Mistakes are wrong and wrong is bad. Right? Wrong. We should step out of our comfort zones. In fact, we should walk so far away from our comfort zones that we lose our way and end up somewhere in the middle of nowhere, drinking a soda and wondering what the words “comfort” and “zone” even mean. I want to wake up when I’m 95 one morning and be happy. I mean, that’s the goal, right? I want to be ecstatic. I want to look at my past and think, “Hey, I did a good job.” Brandy taught me that, by taking extreme risks, this will one day be possible. I need to live a real life, not the cookie-cutter life society expects from me. to the point of her being a hero, then call me insane. Brandy Alexander taught me something I had not previously grasped from the normal patterns of suburban life. She gave me a new perspective. If this perspective seems stupid and wrong, you’re missing the point. A ruined life is a chance for something new. A ruined life could be what breaks us free.
2013-2014 Editors-In-Chief
Ad Director
Photo Editor
Graphic Designer
Ally Orcutt Nick Puckett
Bailey Garner
News Editor Rachel Deyoe
Megan Kemper
Lauren Wolfe
Adviser
Ann Healey
Reporters/Photographers Andrea Alfano Jackson Chase John Conger Sydney Dean Mark Dowsey Jett Goldsmith Alec Hernandez
Megan Kemper Kameron Kimes Jolene Martinez Nick Santulli Delaney Schoenfeldt Spencer Traut
The View is a legally recognized public forum for student per class of Castle View High School. All views expressed by the staff are protected under the First Amendment and do not administration or Douglas County School District.
For questions, comments, or to volunteer any story ideas, email us at
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g
h.
et-
e
he
We usually associate heroes
characters as Superman, Batman and Spiderman. Big muscular people with superpowers who strive to defeat evil. However, if you delve into JOHN CONGER reality and try to think up a real American hero, one who sac-
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” Those were the words spoken by President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural speech, three years before he was assassinated in 1963. Those words resonate with me -- they sum up in many ways what the military is about. Each branch of service focuses on the country’s betterment and helps defend it from any threats. The ones who actually risk their lives, I believe, are the true heroes. Infantry, especially lower ranks, break into buildings,
cares more for others than himself should come to mind. That’s the kind of person who joins the United States military. And that’s what a hero is to me.
All of this for our freedom, a freedom that provides protection to all forms of belief and ways of life. And because we have soldiers who go to arguably the most dangerous
parts of the world and put their lives on the line to keep that freedom alive, American
protest American values. Consider those service members who have won the Distinguished Medal of Honor, the highest honor a person serving in the military can receive. Many died while committing an act of gallantry, defending our freedom and protecting their fellow soldiers. hero as “A person who is admired for great and military personnel represent. If these people aren’t heroes, then who is?
Check us
Out theviewsnews.com
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TRUE HEROES RISK LIVES FOR OTHERS
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Alex Dinkel ‘14
Reaching Out
Most of My coMMunity service hours coMe froM My church. freshMan year My MoM signed Me up to go on a Mission trip that suMMer. what really got Me hooked to service was the people i helped while on My trip. froM that point in My life, i have been on four Mission trips, becoMe super involved in My church and the coMMunity, and have organized fundraisers for victiMs of natural disasters, like the black forest fire. so i guess what Motivates Me to serve others is More than just the fact that i need theM for school or nhs. i don’t feel like i can live My life content knowing people suffer, and then not doing anything about it.
UNITED
rivals
Castle View and Douglas County find unity in community tragedies
I
SPENCER TRAUT
n the midst of a heated rivalry, like any other season shared by Castle View and Douglas County high schools, a basketball game was played. The two schools, parted only by the width
REACHING OUT Theviewnews.com
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community and opportunity for relationships it provides instill an empathy for those in need. “And it’s huge for kids to go outside themselves to help others,” she said. “It’s pretty fascinating to see what comes out of reaching out.”
respective bleachers, were brimming with fans. This game was different, though. With all of subject in planning the blackout at the game. the tragedy happening in both of the schools “Originally, it was going to be a whiteout,” -- the suicides at DC, the injury of Joe Hunsa- Calhoun said, “because we wanted to do ker and the cancer of Madi Conley at CV -- the something a little more neutral.” renowned, bitter rivalry was the last thing on He explained how it was felt that wearing the minds and hearts of students and staff. black would focus too closely on one tragedy, It was a blackout: Every person dressed the injury of Hunsaker. in black attire, players and patrons, united for Yellow was another color up for discussion, once, supporting one another. as it is used to represent suicide, but it seemed “It’s healthy to have a rivalry, but we wanted to be too centrally a CV color. to come together as a town and two high “So there was a lot of discussion about schools and make it a positive thing,” said CV white and we actually brought signs over athletic director Derek Cordes, a key organizer there that said ‘whiteout,’ “ Calhoun said. “But of the event. “It’s prettheir basketball team ty unique when you bought Hunsaker It’s healthy to have a have a rivalry wearing shirts.” the same colors and Because DC being united.” wanted to wear black The blackout and CV did as well, helped raise money the whiteout became a for Hunsaker and blackout. Conley as well. After Though recent Derek Cordes as a town... events the basketball game, put it in motion, a party that both schools were invited to attend the idea for such a blackout actually has been was held. “It was $2 and the proceeds went to considered for much longer. Madi and Joe,” Cordes said. “The idea started when we opened,” Cordes Arguably, the act of reaching out to those said. Because of DC’s established clout in in need is part of human nature. “It’s crucial Castle Rock, and its tradition of “excellence that when you’re suffering from something or in academics and athletics,” he said, it’s been you see somebody else who’s suffering from something, that, as human beings, we reach out and we help each other,” said CV Princischools,” Calhoun said. “Separate schools pal Jim Calhoun, also involved in making the have different identities. Douglas County has blackout happen. an identity that has been here for decades and He used an example of how, in professional ours isn’t even a decade old yet.” athletics, when one team has something tragic The hope with the blackout idea was to occur, the other shows its support. “They still become a symbol of unity -- coming together have a competition . . . but they offer support would help create more of a presence for CV. in other emotional ways so that people know Regardless of how the idea was conceived, they’re there for each other to help get through though, it seems the blackout was about those low spots.” humanity. Other theories abound as well as to from Reaching out, Goodridge said, is something where this spirit of goodwill sprouts in students. “we owe to ourselves and our integrity. When“Part of it is in the human nature, but some ever we have that ability, their well-being is a part of it is because we’re a part of a school,” part of our well-being.” said CV social worker Karen Goodridge, who Cordes agreed. was involved in a 5K run/walk with DC to raise “We just need to make sure we’re aware suicide awareness. of what’s important,” he said, “and that’s the She explained that, because of the environ- people in this town. We need to put rivalry ment students are in at this stage of life, the behind that.”
“ “ RIVALRY,
but we wanted to
come together
The basketball game between Douglas County High School and Castle with avid fans and energy borne of historic rivalry. But this February, the two schools came together in a show of support for each other’s challenging situations. As social worker Karen Goodridge said, “. . . their well-being is part of our well-being.” Photos courtesy of Derek Cordes
MAKE SOME Lets start with some facts: Many children each year are diagnosed with cancer. About 13,500 to be exact. According to the National Institutes of Health, in 2009 people paid out about $2.2 billion in medical expenses. That’s where Pennies for Patients, a national organization that helps children with leukemia and lymphoma, enters the picture at Castle View. In honor of one of our own Sabercats, Castle View wanted to give to people who are going through similar situations and joined up with Pennies for Patients to make a difference. Freshman Madi Conley was diagnosed with leukemia in January and has been undergoing treatment since at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Medical Center in Denver. “I believe it is important to help out the community,” said math teacher Tia Yaryan, sponsor for the National Honor Society, whose
member students perform community service. “It’s great for high school students to look beyond themselves.” Pennies for Patients came up with a unique way to help. Its motto: “Kids making big change by collecting small change.” So earlier this semester, NHS students carried buckets around the school at the Battle of the Sexes assembly to give people a chance to donate spare change. “To see all of the kids being involved is an accomplishment and showing school pride is empowering,” said senior Sydney Davis, a NHS student. Some $701 was collected to help kids who are suffering from leukemia and lymphoma. Participating in such events is all about “showing how much you care,” said Yaryan, “even if it is something as small as spare change.”
HELPING A
Hunsaker
REACHING OUT
JOLENE MARTINEZ
When a tragedy occurs to a person, people often turn out to support and help that individual as much as they can. That’s what has happened in Joe Hunsaker’s case. Many fundraising opportunities have been set up to support Hunsaker, a senior who became seriously injured after a wrestling injury. His Facebook page, titled “Joe Hunsaker’s Battle Back,” contains updates on Hunsaker’s progress as well as ways to help. The page also has pictures and videos of Hunsaker and his rehabilitation efforts, which conveys understanding of Hunsaker’s road to recovery. Papa John’s pizza is one of the organizations helping to raise money by providing a “2013-14 Broncos Laser Autographed Football” to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Bids are being taken from April 7 to the 25 and can be sent to “pjs4football@gmail.com.” You can learn more about this on the “Joe Hunsaker’s Battle Back.” “Team Hunsaker” (www.teamhunsaker.com) has already had a successful fundraiser in Burlingame, Calif., that raised $1,500. The money came from the sales of “Stella and Dot” accessories. Until April 11, you can purchase various gifts including, graduation, Moth-
back to “Joe Hunsaker’s Battle Back.” You can electronically visit the shop here: http://www.stelladot.com/ts/uq7y5. At 6:30 p.m. on May 9, Olympic gold medal winner Rulon Gardner and Hunsaker will conveen at the Douglas County Events Center for an evening of food and support. You can go to the “Joe Hunsaker’s Battle Back” Facebook page for more details, as well as the website. The website also houses the ticket purchasing location. If you aren’t able to attend, you can still go to the website and make a separate donation. Another Hunsaker commodity is the T-shirt that reads “Team Hunsaker” in yellow writing against a black background. Kaleb Geiger, a varsity wrestler, helped create the shirts. “I wanted to support my best friend after he broke his neck,” said Geiger. These shirts have become quite popular among Castle View students and staff as well as other people not associated with the school. You can see the shirts and people sporting them on Hunsaker’s Facebook page. You can acquire one of these shirts through the Hunsaker family for $10.
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John Conger
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Spending Time Changing Lives M any Castle view students continue to go above and
Alec Hernandez
beyond even when they have reached the requirements. Senior Mitchell Vandel has dedicated more than 824 hours to performing community service. Vandel volunteers for “Guide Dogs for the Blind” and trains puppies to act as service dogs to the disabled. His dedication to volunteering, however, requires him
Above: Senior Mitchel Vandel’s guide dog in training takes a break. Courtesy photo. Left: Senior Mitchell Vandel, who accumulated more than 800 community service hours.
REACHING OUT
Sweetness A
Andrea Alfano
t 7 a.m. on a Monday, most Castle View students are probably making their way to school, already tired and dreading the week ahead. At the same time, Andrew Nemeth and friends are arriving at the school with doughnuts, coffee and hot chocolate to offer for free to students before classes. “Mondays are hard,” said Nemeth, who leads a teen group from a nearby church that many CV students attend. “We want to make them sweeter.” This gesture, nicknamed “Dough-Joe,” takes place every other Monday outside of the BHS pod. “We’ve all been through high school,” said Nemeth. “A little pick-me-up makes it better.” “I leave smiling, I feel great,” he said. “Students say things like ‘This made my whole week.’ ” The outreach began in mid-March and the group has plans to expand to Douglas County High School as well. Dough-Jo is not the only way food has been used to bring help and joy to those who need it. On March 18, Papa John’s pizza in Castle Rock donated
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this stop him. “I’m very grateful for what I have and I’m glad to give back whenever I can,” Vandel said. Although the school district requires only 20 hours of community service to graduate, Vandel kept on volunteering once he reached that goal. “I just feel better about helping other people when it’s not a requirement,” Vandel said. “It feels good to help out others.” py full of pee up the stairs into freezing weather caused Vandel to be a little skeptical of his choice in community service. “But,” he said, “I just kept going, knowing that this would help change peoples lives.” One of the most rewarding parts was training the dog at school. “When I got to bring the dog to school,” Vandel said, “I was so proud at how well he behaved and all the compliments we got.”
View senior who was injured and paralyzed in a February wrestling match. Sabercats came out in large numbers to support. Waiting for pizza took up to two hours for some because of the huge turnout. The establishment held a similar fundraiser on April 8 and 9, battling leukemia.
the invitation, Brenden smiled wide and nodded yes. Photos by Jackson Chase
‘WE’RE GOING TO HAVE SO MUCH FUN’
REACHING OUT
As students and teachers watched expectantly, an unknowing Brenden VanBruwaene walked down the stairs to the commons. There, senior Sarah Good waited, with a group of helpers, to ask Brenden, a junior, to prom.
RACHEl DEyOE
T
here’s a sense of anticipation in the commons as senior Sarah Good and a group of her friends gather under the arch. Good hands out bright pink signs with sparkly black letters, showing her comShe sets a teddy bear and a bouquet of bright her own sign and lines up with her friends. Pam Baker, a special ed teacher, texts her colleague, Stephanie Hill: Everyone is ready. A few minutes later, Hill appears at the top of the commons stairs with junior Brenden VanBruwaene. Good beams as she and her friends hold the signs high over their heads. “Brenden” the black lettering says. As a smiling VanBruwaene walks down
VanBruaene nods. “Oh yes,” he says. Good is laughing and smiling. “I was so nervous before I asked you, Brenden!” She says. “I can’t wait!” The crowd dissipates. The two settle down to lunch. “We are,” VanBruwaene says, “going to have so much fun!”
Theviewnews.com
“I was just thinking about doing something fun this year and Brenden loves to dance and he’s super outgoing . . .I just thought he would be the perfect date to go with. . . .He was so excited, he was crying because he said he was so happy. For him, it just means a lot more.” Sarah Good
VanBruwaene’s surprised expression quickly morphs into a wide grin as students make room for him to break through the ring of excited onlookers. Good sets down her sign and walks up to him, presenting the teddy bear and the bouquet. VanBruwaene’s excited nodding indicates his answer. The crowd sighs collectively as Good puts her arm around him and smiles for a photo. VanBruwaene’s mom breaks into the center of the circle to hug her son. “I’m so excited!” VanBruwaene tells her.
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Naomi Keller ‘17
Inspiration
Superman inSpireS me, and my dad remindS me of Superman. . . . GrowinG up he waS my role model and alwayS fouGht for the riGht Side. unlike other SuperheroeS, he waS not really popular and when people weren’t neceSSarily watchinG, he would alwayS do the riGht thinG. once . . .he heard Someone yell and ran outSide aS faSt aS he could . . . to make Sure eVeryone waS ok. . .my dad iS the Superman of my life. he alwayS tauGht me to watch eVeryone and See how they treat each other, and from that, know what to do and chooSe the riGht action.
“It’s empowering to be in complete control of a complex machine . . .” SENIOR MAX MARONEY
SOARING HIGH By JETT GOLDSMITH
INSPIRATION
When school ends for the day, some students do their homework. Some go out with friends. Some play sports or study up for future tests. But senior Max Maroney is the only one who takes to the air.
future career.
movies and posters of hotshot pilots screaming across the sky in jets,” he said. “Since the age of 10, I’ve read every watched all the movies.” control of a complex machine in such a free and exciting en vironment,” he said. “I also enjoy taking my friends and family eyes and to share my profound enthusiasm for aviation.” Senior Max Maroney lesson at 15 and 16th birthday. He
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his career, whether in the cockpit or in the aviation industry. Courtesy photos.
source of
INSPIRATION DiFFERENt FOR EVERYONE, it iS a DRiViNG FORcE FOR HuMaNitY
Inspire
to make someone want to do something, to give an idea about what to do or create; to cause something to happen or be created; to cause someone to have a feeling or emotion. Merriam-Webster Dictionary
from her father. “He treated everyone with respect and gentility,” she says. “He taught me that every moment should be used for making people’s lives better. That’s why I teach.” Appleseeds.org, a website that “provides inspirational and motivational quotes and short stories from eclectic sources that promote positive attitudes,” lists ways to inspire, from being a good example to offering encouragement to sharing one’s experiences and challenging people. Another website, Marcandangel.com, which offers practical tips for productive living, suggests inspiration comes from sticking with what you love, being expressive, practicing what you preach and offering a guiding hand. Senior Charlie Mann believes that. “I’m inspired by others and try to inspire people to motivate them,” says Mann, who is inspired by hard-working people and his dad, who he hopes to be like one day. “If everyone can do it, I her everything she knows. can do it.” Senior Emily Murphy lists several music legends such as Eminem and Ozzy Osbourne as her inspirations. “It’s people who self and others,” junior Nicolas Hall says. “Like Michael Collins, start out with nothing, but make something of their lives.” one of the astronauts on Apollo 11.” Calhoun agrees. Sometimes, he says, you “look at people As Peters says: “We’re supposed to help people be better, you don’t know, but know of -- great men like Gandhi, MLK, Joel tions.” they did wrong; they may have done something not quite right but they still inspire.” it seems, into a driving force for humanity. ents. Clay Peters, a junior, points to his. “They’re the foundation,” he says. “As you grow older you see what they’re doing, their mistakes and they teach you.” Speech and debate teacher Sally Graham’s inspiration comes
INSPIRATION
nspiration is all around -- from parents and religion to strong individuals and the arts. But for many at Castle View, it is often connected to people -- people to look up to, people who make others better. “Somebody with integrity, somebody that is passionate, somebody that stands for something” is how Principal James Calhoun describes an inspirational person. “Like my dad or my former basketball coaches.” Sophomore Triston Sorah traces his inspiration to “kids with disabilities. They work hard to accomplish their goals.” Michael Marx, also a sophomore, says he is directly inspired by Jesus, who “was a perfect example and taught us how to live.” Sophomore Holly Sidney’s inspiration comes from music, junior Amanda Medema’s from art. “It gives people hope in the world that they can see and be proud about,” Medema says. She
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Nick SaNtulli
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LEADERS IN
RESIDENCE
Seniors use experience to inspire younger team members ith seven seniors on the team, girls’ tennis has a mission: To motivate and inspire the ones following them to be their best. “It’s going to be bad for next year’s team unless the seven seniors we have now not only help out our underclassmen teammates, but also the JV players, get better and be ready for varsity next year,” one of those seniors, McKinsey Stark, said. “Our ritual before every game is we huddle up and motivate each other in our circle and say things to help each get prepared for our matches.” Like others who have played for a long time, Stark understands the power of motivation. Above: Senior Shannon Hickey begins the throw to her serve. Photo by Bailey Garner. Bottom right corner: Top row from “I was playing in my left to right, seniors Alexa Weber, Jessica Brunell, Emily Muelneighborhood, and I sucked,” ler, Shannon Hickey. Bottom row from left to right: McKinsey Stark, Ally Orcutt and Becca Westlake. Courtesy Photo. she said of her early days when she was 10. “I have more drive and motivation to do my best now because things are a lot more serious when you get older, rather than when you’re just playing for fun.” As of April 9, the team had an overall record of 2-2. It beat Regis Jesuit in a close match, but lost to Highlands Ranch recently. The team has some big conference matches coming up -- Rock Canyon (4-2), Mountain Vista (5-1)
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and ThunderRidge (4-2). “I think having seven seniors is a plus,” senior Shannon Hickey said. “I think that’s why we’re doing so well -- because we have seven leaders . . . “ That leadership, several seniors said, is key to helping team members with less experience. Junior Savannah Heebner, who plays doubles, agreed. “We have seven leaders and they’re good An important piece to motivation is creating a team that connects, players said. Stark’s favorite memories come after every match, when the team heads out to dinner and talks about their matches. They bond and develop closer relationships with each other. Among Hickey’s favorite memories are the ones that include support from her team. During her rival game with Highlands Ranch High School, “my team gave me so much support when I had those matches,” she said. And when “I was playing a match to get me to state and I won, my entire team came out and gave me a big bear hug.” Motivation also comes from the coaches. “My coach pushes me when I’m not doing so well,” Stark said. And “when I’m doing bad, he
“We wanttokeepourheads upandcontinueourdrive,” knows that I can be better and do more things to help my team.” Both Stark and Hickey hope to play in college. The drive to compete remains strong -- and they share that motivation with their teammates. “We want to keep our heads up and continue our drive,” Hickey said. “We know what what we want as a team -- we just have to go out there and do it.”
KameRon Kimes
in.
she said. Williams is inspired by a number
She did. and readied herself to face the init comes down to you -- once the ball gets through -- and you’re the last person” who can stop it. transition wasn’t too
to playoffs, to do well for all those who have supported her through
The journey is ending, but “I’ve just loved how you have to work with a team.”
“We’ve had two scrimmages,
the years. vous,” Williams said at the begin- next year, she might play club or ning of the season in mid-March. intramural soccer. But this sea“And then it got better as I was out son is essentially the end of the journey. my mind straight.” It’s been a good one. Her idol and inspiration is U.S. “I’ve just loved how you have to “And it’s always been a part of my life.”
‘TaLL JoB’ aWaiTs Cassie Thompson Sarah Larson is nervous, excited and scared all at once. The 4-foot-11 senior is entering the Navy, a career that has been called a “tall job.” But for Larson, it has been her goal for six years. “I have wanted to join the military ever since sixth grade,” she said. “This year I found out I could graduate early and join before I turn 18.” Larson also considered the Marines, but decided the Navy would be
inspiRaTion
played for the women’s national team since 2000. “She’s younger
swim team for eight years. “I would love to be a rescue swimmer, or go into investigation,” she said. In the Marines, Larson wanted to be in the sniper unit, but “it’s not open to girls.” Neither is the the position of a Navy SEAL, which, by law, is not available to women. could not be reached for comment. Larson is planning to leave in October or thereabouts for boot camp score is on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, which will help direct her into a particular job, nothing is going to rain on Larson’s parade. dreamed of doing anything else.”
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sTeppinG Up
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anielle Williams has played and she followed her dreams,” soccer for 14 years. For seven of Williams said. those, before entering high school, As of April 9, the team is 4-1-1, and boasts the lowest number of into her freshman year, she decided to leave the position behind be- nental League. cause another student had already There’s nothing sweeter than claimed the spot. She became a defensive player. really rewarding . . . and everybody Fast forward to senior year: The cheers.” team had lost its goalie to graduaBut when one slips by her, “I
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COLLEGE BALL CALL-UP NICK PUCKETT
Castle View’s baseball team is sending two athletes to play in college. Seniors Michael Paul and Trevor Smeeton have committed to playing the sport during the 2014-2015 season. “I hate failure,” said Paul. “And I have always worked harder in baseball to limit that failure.” Smeeton, shortstop and 2013 AllState second baseman, is heading to Lamar Community College in Lamar on a full tuition scholarship. Paul, a catcher, will be attending Hastings College in Hastings, Neb., on a $17,000-a-year scholarship. “It feels good,” said Paul who was honorable mention All-Conference at catcher during the 2013 season. “My focus is still on this spring for high school, but I’m excited to know that I’m playing beyond high school.” For Smeeton, signing with Lamar was not only exciting, but it was relieving as well. “I don’t have much stress going into the season,” said Smeeton. “Stress like ‘Oh, I have to do well to get a scholarship,’ but now I can just play.” The road to this place was not easy for Smeeton and Paul. But after countless days of lifting and practicing along
INSPIRATION Theviewnews.com
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Senior Michael Paul gets signs from the dugout. Paul signed to play with Hastings College next Paul.
school, while Smeeton played football. “I had to practice,” said Smeeton. “I had to go practice hitting a lot. Lots of tee work.” Paul and Smeeton also participated in the off-season team weight-lifting and hitting programs during the winter. “It’s very exciting,” head baseball coach Shawn Wyss said of his college-bound players. “You want that to happen for as many players as you can.” and Smeeton. Good academics helped them win more scholarship money and be considered higher over others.
to play,” said Wyss. “It’s a gradual four-year process to educating them.” A few more players from the team also are hoping to sign. “We’re not done yet,” said Wyss. “We’re hoping to have at least three more have the same opportunity . . . (As a coach) you try to get them to advocate they would like to go . . . and identify places Love for the game remains the difference maker for Paul and Smeeton. Because, for them, baseball is more than just a sport. It’s a passion. “It’s the greatest sport to ever exist,” said Smeeton. “I just love playing baseball.”
reached their goal. “I just had to put in the time and the effort and try and develop my skills,” said Paul. “Baseball’s my passion.” Senior shortstop Trevor Smeeton signed to Paul and Smeeton play baseball play baseball with Lamar Community College almost year-round. Both play for the school’s summer team and Paul played next year. “They’re close to home and I know in a fall league not related with the Smeeton. Photos by Bailey Garner