38.5 February 2011 Courier

the courier volume 38issue 5

february 2011

news 2handwashing investigationwinter formal

when jokes aren’t funny

culture 10musical magicunclaimed freight

radical rebel 13

snowboarding feature

inside this issue

Some people like sun and warmth, some peo-ple like the snow and cold. There has been a mixture of both this winter. As people know, this Colorado winter has not been at all nor-mal, which leads many to wonder what is causing the weather to be so strange. “Colorado weather is pretty bipolar,” Ju-nior Gabby Pfeifer said. “One day it can be 70 degrees and the next day it can be snowing!” Earlier in the season, unusual warmth oc-curred with an unexpected lack of snow. “It’s

really warm compared to usual Colorado win-ters, and it’s weird!” Sophomore Emily Gilbert said. According to Climate Central, a website with information on global climate, small mountain glaciers and ice caps have been melting from the unusual heat this year, caus-ing the sea level to rise. The sea level rising could cause potential global temperatures ris-ing caused by man-made emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases. But weather took a turn when a cold spell hit the nation and began causing prob-lems in Colorado. Schools in the Jefferson

County School District were closed on Tues-day, February 1 and Wednesday, February 2 as a result of this weather. Students will need to make up these days by coming to school for an additional day, on May 31. In addition to Colorado, the eastern part of the nation has been dropping to low tem-peratures as well, breaking many records in snow levels. “I prefer warm weather or rain, and I think the cold is dreary,” Sophomore Lizzie Pittman said.

Comments? [email protected]

the buzzyour schoolcommunity

world

2 february 2011

editor-in-chief:abbey borchers

news editor:heidi roberts

opinion editor:emily partida

grand champion of writing and editing extraordinaire:

lauren elderstaff writers:

autumn hargrove regan long

trevor ogborngrace reader celeste renn

jennifer robinsonian scena

danielle sheehan jordyn voegele

staff photographers:daniel bernal-rubiano

analisa holdenadviser:

mr. friesen

the courier staff

policyThe Courier is the offi cial stu-dent newspaper of Columbine High School.

Expression made by students in The Courier is not an ex-pression of Jefferson County Public School’s Board policy, and the school district and its employees are immune from any civil or criminal action based on any expres-sion made or published by students.

on the cover

Juniors Brooke Mercer and Stephanie Reichlin enjoy the snow. After an unseasonably warm December, subzero ter-mperatures and snow hit Colo-rado. photo by daniel bernal

. . . Women speak over 7,000 words a day; men manage only over 2,000 . . . As many as one billion cards are sent worldwide on Valentine’s day . . .

If students happened to be wandering the halls during second or fourth period the week of Jan-uary 10, they may have noticed groups of stu-dents studying outside the bathrooms. These students weren’t just working on their home-work however–they were collecting data. Students in AP Statistics classes were giv-en the opportunity to conduct their own statisti-cal study upon returning from winter break. The study aimed to show the hand washing habits of Columbine students. “It’s a way for students to apply what they have been learning in the class,” statistics teacher Ms. Layman said, “it shows how the studies they been reading about are conducted, the time it takes to do them, and the biases that result.” The experiment measured how many students washed their hands after using the bathroom compared to the number of students who entered the restrooms. A hand wash could only be counted if soap was used and it was assumed that all students exiting had used the bathroom. The experiment was conducted as an ob-servational study, meaning that the behavior of the subjects was observed and recorded and not manipulated by those gathering data. Sub-jects of the study were not informed that they were being observed as a way to ensure that their hand washing habits were not changed. The data was broken down into two different groups: males and females. After students in two periods observed

over two days, the classes combined their data at the end of the week. The results showed that of the 200 students observed 63 percent washed their hands. Females had a slightly higher percentage of 64 percent (61/96) than males who had 62.5 percent (65/104). This type of result is typical for the study, which students partake in every year. “The re-sults are mostly the same from year to year. In past years there have been larger discrepancies between the percentage of boys and girls,” Lay-

man said. Comparatively, a study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Heath in 2003 found that 64 percent of females washed their hands, while 30 percent of males did. When asked about the results of the study, statistics student Senior Danielle Fontana said, “I was hoping the results might show people were a little cleaner.” Senior Christina Cook said, “No wonder people are sick all of the time.”


Not so coolColorado experiencing unusual winter with cold spells and hot fl ashes

regan long

Did you wash your hands?AP Statistics students conduct study about hand-washing habits at CHS lauren elder

Proven by an AP Statistics experiment, 64 percent of females and 62.5 percent of males wash their hands after using the facilities. The study of Columbine students’ hand washing habits aligned closely with a national study from 2003. photo by analisa holden

Not so cool

february 2011 3

the buzznews

Going Greek With winter comes the snow, and with the snow comes long days spent in front of the fi re with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. However, on Saturday, February 5, Columbine students pulled out their dancing shoes and spent a night out at the Winter Formal dance in the commons. This year’s theme was that of the ancient Greek variety, with decorations of ivy and silhouettes covering the walls and giving dancers the illusion of being in sophisticated ancient Greece itself. Such elaborate decoration takes time, though. The day before the dance, student senators put many hours of work into turning the commons into an ancient Greek wonderland. While a lot of work, the senators enjoy what they do, and the cause they are doing it for. “Winter formal is so much fun,” Junior senator Alex

Robinson said. “There is always a good turn out and its a great way to start off the second semester.” Some students liked the atmosphere of Winter Formal better than that of Homecoming. “Winter Formal is a lot of fun because it is more relaxed than Homecoming,” Junior Amy Bowman said. “I like it a whole lot better than Homecoming. It’s way fun if you go with the right people,” Sophomore Gaby Augustin said. While the dance itself is the central focus of the winter festivities, students also participate in spirit week, a week full of dressing up in themed outfi ts. On Monday, students showed up in their most unattractive and uncomfortable sweater for Ugly Sweater Day. On Tuesday and Wednesday, students were surprised by two days off due to the cold weather, but spirit week resumed on Thursday when students showed up wearing

whatever they thought would make their friends the most revolted in celebration of “Would You be My Friend if I Wore . . .” Day. For Friday, students donned their Rebel gear for Columbine Spirit Day and the assembly. Some students went all out with everything from blue hair and face paint to full sports uniforms–pads, helmets, and all. The missed spirit days from Tuesday and Wednesday were moved to

Tuesday and Wednesday of the following week. Tuesday, February 8 was Chrome Day, when students dressed up in their best tin foil and duct tape outfi ts. Students set trends in fashions like silver duct tape suspenders, tin foil vests, and shiny silver leggings. Wednesday, February 9 was 80’s Day. Outifts borrowed from parents or bought at Goodwill replaced Ugg boots and Abercrombie and Fitch labels as students broke out the leg warmers, jean jackets, scrunchies, leggings, and ripped sweatshirts.


Rebel pride runs wild during Spirit Week and a Greek-themed Winter Formal

Six Week Grades On Thursday, February 17, the fi rst six week grading period of this semester will conclude. Gradebooks will close at 3:00 p.m., when students will be able to access to their grades on Parent Portal.

Snow Day Makeups Due to the school closures on Febru-ary 1 and 2, students will have to attend school for an additional day at the end of the year on Tuesday, May 31. “I think it’s not very intelligent that we have to make up snow days because knowing we live in Colorado, they should plan ahead for these things,” Freshman Maddy Smith said. According to 9News, May 31 “was the previously planned snow makeup day, but students were going to have it off if Jeffco had not had a snow day all year.” Some students, however, think less about the makeup day and more about the break it provided for them. “I would rather have those days off and come to school later in the school year than mid-year,” Junior Sam Cook said.

Senate Silly Bandz Sophomore senate is selling Silly Bandz. “Selling Silly Bandz is a way to raise money for the sophomore class because next year, junior senate pays for winter

formal and prom,” Sophomore Senator Mandy Guevera said. Silly Bandz designs include the Rebel head, the Columbine fl ower, ‘“CHS,” and the Rebel “C.” The cost is four for three dollars. If interested in purchasing, con-tact a Senator. “The student Senators will most likely have them and you can just buy them through them,” Guevera said.

CSAPCSAP is scheduled to take place on

March 1, 2, 3, and 8 ,9,10. Freshmen and sophomore students will need to take the test during the morning; freshmen stu-dents take nine subsets of the test and sophomore students take 12 subsets. All classes will meet in the after-noons: Tuesday class periods fi rst and second, Wednesday class periods third and fourth, and Thursday class periods fi fth, sixth and seventh. A new incentive will be offered this year. As stated by Mr. DeAngelis in an informative letter to parents about CSAP, “Students who are advanced or show typical growth on CSAP and have a minimum grade of ‘C’ in the associated classes are eligible to drop one test score in those classes; this does not include the fi nal exam.” Different from past years, students will not be exempt from fi nals for scoring well on the CSAP.

compiled by heidi roberts, celeste renn and regan long

News in BriefNews in Brief

grace reader, heidi roberts and abbey borchers

A group of students enjoy a dinner out together before a night of dancing at Winter Formal. The Winter Formal took place on Saturday, February 5. photo courtesy of jade lang

On Tuesday, February 9th, National Honor Society, Peer Counseling and Senate members from all grades went to Governors Ranch to help with the pro-gram called Connect the Dots. Challenge Day, a program run through schools throughout the coun-try, brings students together to prevent bullying. Run by director Stu, the pro-gram is meant mostly for 5th and 6th graders, the age where Stu believes kids begin to deal with bullies. This program is called Connect the Dots because students are coming together and making connections they normally would not make. Tuesday was fi lled with team building activities that helped students get to know other students that they typically wouldn’t hang out with. Ju-nior Jenna Hoffman, who helped at Challenge Day, enjoyed her time help-ing out. “You know you’re helping build

friendships,” Hoffman said. The Columbine students were asked to participate in all the activities and run small groups of 8-13 students. The activities participated are like the activities freshmen go

through during Links orientation, such as playing games that help them get to know each other. Sessions included time for students to talk to people that weren’t their friends and learn new things about new

people. The point was to show stu-dents who might not get along with each other to fi nd common ground and bond over something they didn’t know about each other. Junior Marissa Hammers of-fered her reason for participating. “I like working with little kids and giving them someone to look up to,” Hammers said. It was a positive experience for both high-school and elementary school-students because all were able to learn something new about themselves and the people around them. The day ended by giving all par-ticipants pieces of yarn to tie around other students’ wrists to apologize for something they did or show their ap-preciation of their friendship.


4 february 2011

the buzz news

Thurs, 02/17 Girls Basketball @ Dakota Ridge - 7:00 p.m. Wrestling @ 5A State Wrestling End of 1st Six-Week Grading period Jeffco Women’s Choral Festival Parent/Teacher Conferences Musical Dress Rehearsal

Fri, 02/18 No School Girls Basketball @ Chatfield - 5:30 p.m. Boys Basketball @ Chatfield 7:00 p.m. Wrestling @ 5A State Wrestling Unified Basketball vs. Mountain Vista @ CHS Musical Dress Rehearsal

Sat, 02/19 Wrestling @ 5A State Wrestling Musical Dress Rehearsal

Monday, 02/21 No School - Presidents Day Musical Dress Rehearsal

Tuesday, 02/22 Senior Class Chick-fil-a Night

Wednesday 02/23Musical - “Bye Bye Birdie” -

7:00 p.m.

Thursday, 02/24 Musical - “Bye Bye Birdie” - 7:00 p.m.

Friday February 25, 2011 State Qualifier Speech & Debate Tournament Musical - “Bye Bye Birdie” - 7:00 p.m.

Saturday 02/26 CU Honor Band performs Unified Basketball March Madness @ Chatfield 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. State qualifier Speech &

Debate Tournament Musical - “Bye Bye Birdie” - 2:00 p.m.

Sunday 02/27 State DECA Comepetion at Broadmoor Hotel Colorado Springs

Need something posted? Drop us a message at

[email protected]

Tuesday, 02/22 Senior Class Chick-fil-a

Bulletin Board

Connect the dotsjordyn voegele from our website coverage

Challenge Day students visit Governor’s Ranch Elementary to teach about bullying and respect

Junior Kristi Ayre works with young students on team-building activities during Challenge Day at Governor’s Ranch Elementary. Members of National Honor Society, Peer Counseling, and Senate led small groups of students at the event on January 9. photo by jordyn voegele

Juniors who were looking forward to sleep-ing in on CSAP mornings, better set an alarm. ACT Academy will take place on CSAP days, when freshmen and sophomores are taking CSAP and when, traditionally, upper-classmen do not have to go to school until regular classes start in the afternoon. This year, however, juniors will have to report to school at the same time as underclassmen to participate in the work-shop. “It will be kind of an-noying to come into class [on CSAP days], but in the long run I bet a lot of us will be glad we did,” Junior Jordan Farmer said. The mandatory workshop is meant to prepare students for the ACT on Wednes-day, April 27. All juniors statewide will be required to take the test on this date. “The purpose for ACT Academy is for students to get the chance to improve their ACT scores,” Assistant Principal Mr. Asnicar said.

According to an e-mail sent home to parents and students, “ACT prep has been proven to help students better demonstrate knowledge and boost scores.” Also according to the e-mail, the ACT Academy will provide students with “strate-gies and skills to improve ACT scores,” such as “specifi c test-taking tips and strategies.” “I think that it is a great opportunity

for all juniors. It allows us to develop good testing skills and gives us an idea of the format of the ACT,” Junior Gabby Pfeifer said. Students will need to develop such skills if they want to at-tend the college of their choice. For example, a composite score above a 24 is usually needed to

get into the University of Colorado at Boul-der, and a composite score above a 22 is needed for Colorado State University. When asked what she thought of hav-ing to participate in the ACT Academy work-shop, Junior Stephanie Peralta said, “I like it because it helps us to prepare for the ACT so we can do as well as we can.”


abbey borchers

ACT AcademyJuniors will attend ACT prep classes on CSAP days

WORKSHOP DETAILS

MARCH 2, 3, AND 4 FOR JUNIORS WITH LAST NAMES BEGINNING A

THROUGH J

FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK, MARCH 8, 9 AND 10, JUNIORS WITH LAST

NAMES BEGINNING WITH K THROUGH Z WILL GET THEIR TURN

Registration is here, which means new schedules. At the beginning of a semester, students want to know what their schedule is, whether it’s to see who is in the same class, what teacher they have, or the classes they have. Because schedules are such an important part to start-ing off a new semester, many students change their sched-ules to get the perfect one. Columbine counselor Mrs. Fos-ter said last semester she had about 100 students request a schedule change. Making a change for a course preference, though, is not the only reason some request a switch. When asked her reason for requesting a schedule change, Freshman Lexi Bowring said, “I want classes with my friends.” Foster said that some of the popular classes for requests are P.E., Beginning Art, Foods, Sociology (for seniors), and Woods. As a result, these classes fi ll up fast, Foster said. There are also other diffi culties Foster runs across when students change their schedules. “Often when classes are [full], students don’t understand that there is no way to get into that class,” she said. She also said that when singletons, classes only of-fered one period a semester, occur, there is no way to work around it. For example, certain P.E. classes like Health and

Fitness are offered only one period. “Sometimes kids want to change lunches and it ends up affecting every-thing and the schedule can’t be changed,” Foster said. The future may hold different issues with schedule changes. Af-ter the class of 2011 graduates, re-quirements for graduation are set to change. The class of 2012 will need just two cred-its of math, two credits of science, half a credit of physical education and half a credit of fi ne arts. The classes of 2013 and 2014 will need three credits of math, three credits of science, three and a half credits of social studies, and two credits of world language. This restructuring means that students who are current freshmen and sophomores will only be able to have one off period their junior and senior years in order to be on track. Students will not be able to have as many choices, and their options for choosing classes will diminish. “It’s going to be hard to get 24 credits, knowing that we

will only be allowed to have one off period because of the new requirements,” Freshmen Taylor Teske said.


celeste renn

february 2011 5

the buzznews

Reaching higher

Helping others drives me. Turning that into a career is tricky. Luckily, the minute

I stepped onto the UCCS campus I was home. Comfortable and welcoming, UCCS helped me find my niche. And with support

from my UCCS family – my friends, professors and fellow students – I am creating the future I want, a future where my leadership and communication skills will definitely make the

world better for others.

For more information visit go.uccs.edu

Junior, Communication Major

800-990-UCCS (8227)

University of ColoradoColorado Springs

Scheduling challengesTackling the task of getting the right classesFitness are offered only one period. “Sometimes kids want to change lunches and it ends up affecting every-lunches and it ends up affecting every-

The class of 2012 will need just two cred-its of math, two credits of science, half a credit of physical education and half a credit of fi ne

The classes of 2013 and 2014 will need three credits of math, three credits of science, three and a half credits of social studies, and two

This restructuring means that students who are current freshmen and sophomores will only be able

Scheduling challengesScheduling challenges “Sometimes kids want to change lunches and it ends up affecting every-

The class of 2012 will need just two cred-its of math, two credits of science, half a credit of physical education and half a credit of fi ne

The classes of 2013 and 2014 will need three credits of math, three credits of science, three and a half credits of social studies, and two

This restructuring means that students who are current freshmen and sophomores will only be able

Scheduling challenges

We’ve said it since we learned how to read. We have the

words memorized. We know to put our hands over our heart when we say it. But how come as we get older, we fi nd it easier to not say the Pledge of Allegiance? When do you ever respect your country during your day? Probably never. The government has required us to respect our country for about 25 seconds each day, and most of us do not even participate. It is not hard to stand up, put your hand over your heart and say 31 words out of loyalty and honor

to your country. I think there is a bigger issue at stake here. Many Americans have decided to go against our President because they do not agree with his changes. Many make excuses that our country is not the same as it was before because of the economy. Yes, our economy is not as good as it as been, but it will get better. The Founding Fa-thers of our country made the fl ag for Americans to have American pride and identity. The 13 stripes and 50 stars on the fl ag of the United States of America is a symbol of our united country and we should all be proud

to stand as one. Our pride has diminished as we fi nd it easier to sit down and not open our mouths to say a few words. Those words do not even have to mean anything to you, but

at least stand up and say them while looking at the fl ag and think of the troops fi ghting for your life in a different country. Without the troops in the Middle East fi ghting

for our lives, we would not feel as safe as we do, and our country would not be as safe as it is. Our country allows us to do whatever we want, for the most part. We are given the right to be

educated and for the most part it is free. We are given the right to have ownership towards a house, a car, and basically our whole lives. The government gives us some rules to follow and some taxes to pay, but they basically let us live our own

lives the way we want too without any intervention. Speaking the words, “I pledge allegiance to the fl ag of the United States of America, and to the re-

public for which it stands, one na-tion under God, indivisible, with lib-erty and justice for all,” is the least you can do for all the freedoms we get in this country. We really have no way of showing our country re-spect except for saying the pledge. Our every day lives consist of our daily routine, making it a routine to look up to our country is important. An oath of loyalty to our country is a perfect and easy way to show our honor for our country. Just 25 seconds out of our day to respect our country and all that it is worth is not hard for us. Start doing your part and stand up for your country.


6 february 2011

rebel yell your viewsopinion

voice. . . . A woman’s heart beats faster than a man’s . . . Dancing is the best way to shave weight . . . Sweden is the only country that doesn’t celebrate Valentine’s day . . .

Easier said than done

staff editorial

It is not hard to stand up, put your hand over your heart and say 31 words out of

loyalty and honor to your country.

Unspoken

On January 22, 2011, a student from our school was found dead. This is just about all we, as a student body, know about his death. In some ways, it almost seems like a forbidden subject, as though we are not even supposed to men-tion his name. Why is this? Why is it that none of our teachers or administrators or counselors have offered any direct explanation as to why Cameron Weisz no longer sits in class with us or walks in our halls? Why is it that none of the adults we look to for guidance have offered any? Do they not know, or do they choose not to speak? Why is it that for the six victims of the Tucson shooting, we had a moment of silence shared by everyone in the school, but for a student who was part of the Columbine family, we did not? We recognize that there may be legal issues surrounding his death. We also recog-nize that the school may just be acting in ac-cordance with his family’s wishes and that the administration has recognized the issue and dealt with it as they saw fi t. What we don’t understand is why we were left to get all of our information from a Facebook page. We didn’t know what infor-

mation was true and what was simply gos-sip. Students were talking, but half of their information was incorrect because no one gave them the real story. Though an e-mail was sent out to all stu-dents and parents about Cameron’s death, we feel it would have been more prudent to make a formal announcement over the P.A. system that Monday, especially for those students whose parents did not share the e-mail with them. No details or explanations needed–just something that would open the door for a private, one-on-one discussion with an adult if necessary. Instead, as we moved through our classes that day, most of us did not have a single teacher who said anything of the on the subject. Because our teachers and ad-ministrators did not comment about what had happened, some even refused to com-ment, we were left to consider the fragility of life and the tragedy that befell Cameron Weisz on our own. Not talking about something doesn’t make it go away, and not acknowledging something doesn’t mean it never happened. If we don’t talk about things, we give them power over us. We allow them to bury us in sadness and worry, and we forget to take time to appreciate a beautiful life that is now a beautiful memory. Cameron: you will be missed. Rest in peace.


A few words are not hard to say every day out of respect for our country

danielle sheehan

Sports are a huge deal at our school. Friday night football at Jef-fco stadium is always a highly attended event. Our boys basketball

players and the hockey team has a wide fan base. The common factor within all of these: they are boys’ sports. The girl athletes at our school are just as talented and deserve support as well as the boys. Having a better support system from the students might help to show female ath-letes that the school cares about them and wants them to succeed which would prob-ably help to motivate them. The problem is we live in a society where male athletes are more celebrated than females. Probably the most followed professional women’s sport is the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) which is not even half as well-known as the NBA (National Basketball Association). The difference? One is a league of men the other women. This trend has been passed down to high schools. I have attended almost every girls’ basketball game Columbine has played this year. The average student crowd they

get? About two. Maybe others if the game is at Columbine and students are wandering the halls looking for something to do, but this is not typical. The boys’ games I have attended, how-ever, are consistently full of students. Why is it that for the same exact sport the boys get more fans than the girls do? The girls’ schedule even seems like the school knows the boys will have better at-tendance. The girls have been forced to drive to Ralston Valley, Standley Lake and Thomas Jef-ferson while the boys get to play those teams at home. On big games like Chatfield and Da-kota Ridge, both teams play on the same night, but the girls team always plays first. The sports department knows that a bigger crowd will come the later the game starts after dinner and after any other plans so by putting the boys game later more stu-dents come and see parts of the second half of the girls game at the most. It goes far past basketball. Volleyball is

the only girls sport at Columbine that is sup-ported by students, and interestingly enough it is one of the few sports that Columbine of-fers only for girls. The Cheers and Poms teams, who are supposed to be at almost every game to support the school, hardly ever attend the girls games either. And why should they? If no students come to support the girls, the cheerleaders have no one to lead in cheers.

If the game or meet is far away, I under-stand why stu-dents would not want to attend. But if it is at Col-umbine where a population of the

school could walk to if they wanted could come for an hour to support their girls why not come? We live in a male dominated society where the most powerful people are al-ways thought of to be men. But females are quickly making a comeback in the world and passing up males in more areas than one. This makes it very possible to have girls at our school that are better athletes than boys

so they should get the support the boys do. The boys at Columbine are amazing athletes and should be supported. But the girls are just as good of athletes and deserve more than a few students watching them and caring about their success as well as the boys.


If you were a booger, I’d pick you first. S i l l y pick up lines

and awkward sexual jokes can be really funny from time to time, especially around those who take them lightly. But when does that go too far? “Your mom” and “that’s what she said jokes” have become a nor-mal and humorous part of every-day life. However, sometimes peo-ple take those to a higher level. Sexual innuendos turn into jokes about rape and abuse, hurt-ing those who will not acknowl-edge their struggles to the general public. People often exaggerate by saying that so-and-so wanted to “rape” them when describing a person who might be a little too into them, or that they are going to go home and “cut themselves”

if they’re upset about something. They’ll casually say that a skinny girl spends too much time throwing up or that they want to kill themselves to avoid failing that physics test during sixth period. While this has become such a mainstream part of cul-ture, that is not necessar-ily a good thing. It doesn’t validate these jokes. Jokes are meant to make people laugh, and casually creeping on some-one from time to time isn’t a bad thing because, let’s face it–everyone does it. But hitting on a cute friend or going up for seconds to smile at the attractive guy at Cici’s pizza is a lot different than saying you’re going to rape somebody, even though they stem from the same thing–innocent fun that is not meant to hurt anyone. Even fun things such as Face-

book can lead to issues. You might find it silly and en-tertaining to casually creep on peo-ples’ Facebook pages while they are unaware of it, which is fine. But even that can become a serious issue, leading to friending unfamil-

iar faces and being abducted by someone way scarier than the bad guys on Law and Order. Yet even this is something that’s been laughed at. People laugh about older men who are creepers and avoid those with awk-

ward looking mustaches, but how would you feel if a friend made a comment about being kept in a basement by a pedophile when something like that had happened to you? Unlikely, yes, but impossible,

no. The issue is that often times the jokes don’t sim-ply end with a joke. Rape, cutting, disorders, abuse, and other major issues are referred to so lighthearted-ly, as if we’re talking about the weather or how many times Justin Bieber flipped his hair in his new music video.

I don’t think anybody jokes about these things with the inten-tion of hurting another. Sadly, the effect is that people are still hurt because these are serious issues–many of which our friends and ac-quaintances have dealt with, to our

ignorance. Although we don’t always know about the struggles of oth-ers, it’s still important to try to be considerate about what we make fun of. Often times, these jokes hit a little too close to home. While these jokes do hit close to home, many people who have been through struggles involving rape, cutting, or forms of abuse are unlikely to advertise it. This makes judging the offensiveness of a com-ment difficult because it’s hard to know who has been through what and which comment will be hurt-ful. The simple solution–just don’t joke about it. You might be unaware of it, but taking the time to consider whether or not such a “joke” is truly funny can help some-one who would otherwise not say anything.


How’s your REBEL YELL? Want to comment on an

important issue? Send your opinion to The Courier.

Letter Guidelines: Please limit your submission to 200 words. Letters may be edited for space and inaccuracies, and The Courier reserves the right not to publish any letter. Please submit to the Publications Room, Mr. Eric

Friesen’s mailbox in the main office, or e-mail to [email protected]

february 2011 7

rebel yellopinion

When jokes aren’t funnyPeople joke about many things, but when do they cross the line?

jordyn voegele

Girls are athletes too!Boys’ sports are more supported than girls’ at Columbine

jenni robinson

Rape, cutting, and other major issues are referred to so lightheartedly, as if

we’re talking about the weather or how many times Justin Bieber flipped his

hair in his new music video.

The problem is we live in a society where male athletes are more celebrat-

ed than females

8 february 2011

rebel yell opinion

What did you say? HEARD IN THE HALLS THIS MONTH...

“Yeah, he’s sick. He’s been pooping in the basement.”

“If I were to bury bodies in my backyard, my neighbors would notice.”

“You should be supportive, like a bra!”

“She looked at me and threw up.” “Story of my life.”

“ . . . and now I smell like butter, which isn’t all that flattering.”

Children not liking their parents or want-ing to hang out with them all the time is a very normal thing.

Parents are not ‘cool’, and when they try to, erm, ‘get jiggy wit it’, they just seem even more lame than they already were. So, really, if you don’t want to hang out with your parents every Friday night, that’s totally normal. It’s even normal to not like your parents all that much. I mean really, parents are old, dull, and boring. What is there to like about them? What’s not nor-mal, however, is when teens literally hate their parents because they are abusive. Now, when most people think of abuse, they think of the something akin to the book A Child Called It, where the main character’s mother beats him, starves him, and basically makes him a household slave as she locks him in a room with open bleach and forces him to eat dish soap. Abuse is so much more than physi-cal, though. Screaming and name calling is now considered normal in many house-holds, and that is so wrong. I have so many friends that are prime examples of this. One friend goes home to eat dinner alone, be yelled at, be blamed for sib-lings’ faults, and be called names that one wouldn’t even call a dog. Another friend of mine doesn’t go home at all, for mom waits there to cast blame for her own faults and for the family being torn apart. And yet another friend is afraid to tell the parents anything at all, in fear that whatever is divulged will be used again him or her in a future argument. I can’t tell you how many times I have witnessed this–a phone call from a parent, screaming on the other end, and tears from the child. I realize some kids are into drugs, have horrible grades, and completely disrespect their parents all the time. If you’re upset with your child, send them to military school or boarding school, or take their phone away. Don’t treat them like an animal. Nothing, nothing validates this behavior. Behavior, I may add, that is borderline psychotic. Children are meant to be nurtured and loved in order for them to grow up to be fully functional adults. It surprises me that

some people at this age seem as normal as they do now, considering that they are tortured by their parents every day when they go home. To top it all off, parents then buy their kids whatever they want–gorgeous cars, expensive clothing, the newest electronics. They do this in order to validate themselves: they are literally buying their children’s love, or, a the very least, their tolerance. While this may seem a loving gesture, all the par-ents are doing is enabling their abuse by justifying it with useless things. Kids, teenagers, can go without fancy cars or pretty clothing. They cannot, how-ever, live without real parents. Parents that do not scream at them whenever they come home, and have dinner and loving arms waiting for their kids. What happened to the world to justify this behavior? If parents always scream at their children and belittle them, what was the point of even having kids in the first place? That may sound harsh, but humans–children–are meant to be loved and nur-tured, not humiliated and brought down by their parents on a daily basis.

If kids grow up in an unhealthy e nv i r o n m e n t , they are way more likely to re-peat unhealthy behavior to their children, and the vicious cycle continues.

In order to prevent families from becoming more dysfunctional than they al-ready are, here’s a tip to the parents: STOP TREATING YOUR KIDS LIKE THIS! They didn’t ask to come into this world, they didn’t plan their existence. The parents wanted the child. Even if the child was unplanned or adopted, the parents still made the decision to keep the kid or to go through all that work and spend all that money for an adoption. So stop making your child feel unwanted, be-cause at one point, the child was obviously wanted and loved. Unless you want your children to be-come prostitutes, drug addicts, runaways, and to continue the vicious the cycle that you started, I suggest trying to love your children for once in your life instead of tormenting them. Absolutely no good can come from treating your children horribly, and really, all they need is a little love.


Screaming

emily partida

Kids, teenagers, can go without fancy cars or pretty clothing. They cannot, however, live without real parents.

When parents cross the line with their kids

The Death Trend“Interpreting” recent hand washing statistics collected by CHS students

It is a well known fact that at some point in time we will all die. It is inevitable. De-spite this truth, people enjoy living. In a recent turn of events that can be deemed shock-ing, a new study has revealed that only just over 60% of people wash their hands. How were these statistics obtained you ask? In an attempt to improve the general health of the student body, security cameras have been installed in all bathrooms to monitor hand washing. In accordance with this campaign, Columbine is adopting the moniker “Do Soap, Not Dope” because just like using harmful narcotics, not washing your hands may kill you. There are many ways people die: car crashes, firing squads, falling down the stairs, choking on pie, or even an overdose, but often overlooked is death by overdose of germs. Germs, scientifically known as “bacteria,” have the capacity to kill a fully grown bull el-ephant. Human beings stand no chance against this invisible killer. The easiest way to combat this satanical micro-organism is to simply wash your hands. In order to bring about this solution, Columbine High School has now gone to such extreme measures that they have authorized the use of the notorious chemical dihydro-gen monoxide in our indoor plumbing system to help fight infiltrations of our immune system. Why would Columbine’s administration authorize the use of this extreme sub-stance? Because germs are just that dangerous. So please, take your health into your own hands and do what’s best for you. If you don’t wash your hands you will get sick. If you get sick, death is near at hand. If you can’t stand the facts, you can’t handle the truth.

Brandan Glader, Christian Hoelsken, Joey Hampstead, Bret Cardall

LETTER TO THE EDITOR...

february 2011 9

rebel yellopinion

A lot of teenagers hope to find their one true love in high school, but that doesn’t hap-pen very often. So why should

teenagers worry about dating during high school years? They should be more worried about succeeding in school, enhancing their education and embracing the challenge to better themselves. Relationships sometimes put strain on those who want to succeed in school because they are worried about their relationship working and their social life. Relationships that begin for the wrong reasons, such as wanting or needing a com-panion, usually don’t tend to last. The rela-tionships that do last usually tend to come from the teenagers who are focused and believe in having only one true love. This is not true in all cases because people who start a relationship for the wrong reasons could one day be happily married because

through the relationship more connections were made. In most couples, the girl always be-comes too attached to the particular guy she is with during that time and usually gets her heart broken. It usually doesn’t help when one gets jealous of the other hanging out with people of the opposite gender besides their companion. People who like to hang out with opposite-gender friends probably should avoid dating in high school because once their companion is jealous, things will usually go down hill fast. Teenage relationships may be based on physical sexual activity, another reason teenage relationships don’t last. A lot of

teenagers rush into their relationships just for the pleasure they get from having some-one else around all the time. Some teenage relationships work out and they become “high school sweethearts” and they live happily ever after. However,

those relation-ships rarely hap-pen. Many teenag-ers also feel that they need to date someone because of peer pressure. They also feel that the

only way to be feel close to someone of the opposite gender is to be their girlfriend or boyfriend. They think that the only way to connect with the opposite sex is to be in a relationship because it brings them closer together. People don’t think that they can just have a friend relationship because all of

the high school drama would ruin it. Ask yourself this: What does dating mean to you? Wouldn’t you want to have a boyfriend that you truly like and not go out with someone just to be able to say you have a boyfriend or girlfriend? Teenagers feel the need to date be-cause many of them put it in their minds that by them dating they will find out what kind of person they want to marry. But real-ly, will any teenagers get married to whom-ever they date in high school? When teenagers date, they become most focused on their relationship and their companion and not the relationships that really matter or the ones before the relation-ship began, like friendships. In the end, when you decide to go out with someone, think about what kind of person the relationship is beginning with and why the relationship is beginning.


Plenty of fish in the sea

But really, will any teenagers get mar-ried to whomever they date in high

school?

Too many teens find it necessary to date in high school

regan long

Need a quick and easy way to start an argu-ment? Start telling peo-ple why their religion is wrong. In fact, that’s

how a great number of wars have been started since the beginning of time. So if there’s anything to be learned from the past, it’s that attacking another religion will undoubtedly lead to bad things. People are so quick to get fired up about religion. It’s a touchy sub-ject on its own, but when mul-tiple denomina-tions get thrown into the mix, that’s when the claws come out. People readily throw out insults concerning small facets of each oth-ers’ religions, and those insults build up un-til people become pitted against each other in a battle of religious devotion. The ironic thing is, if those people were truly secure in their beliefs, they wouldn’t need to tell others why they are wrong in theirs. They would be content to believe what they believe, regardless of the beliefs of others. What bothers me even more than at-

tacking others’ beliefs is when people try to change other’s beliefs. We all have our own religious beliefs–or lack thereof–and we all deserve to have others respect those beliefs. You don’t have to agree with everyone else’s beliefs; you don’t even have to under-stand them. But you should always respect them. Besides the fact that this is simply the polite and classy thing to do, it’s also quite likely that nothing you say will change an-

other’s beliefs. I can say from per-sonal experience that none of my friends who have asked me to go to church with them or have “wanted to talk to me about

God” have at all changed my beliefs. No one who has ever told me that I should be more religious has made me want to be so, and telling me my beliefs are wrong is not going to make me see the light and go to church. No matter what your religious beliefs are, let other people have theirs and refrain from preaching your own. We have no way of knowing who’s right and who’s wrong, so why bother arguing about it?


abbey borchers

Let liveReligious acceptance is the best policy

The ironic thing is, if those people were truly secure in their beliefs, they wouldn’t need to tell others why they

are wrong in theirs.

,

“I think that if you feel like dating in high school, there is not a problem with it.”

–David Wolf, 11

“It’s their choice, and I think we are old enough to make our own decisions.”

– Bryson McDaniel, 11

“I think dating in high school can be a good thing, but I don’t think you should get se-rious with someone. It’s high school, have fun!

– Becky Donnelly, 12

?What is your opinion on dating in high

school?

SPEAK OUT

SPEAK OUT

“I think it should be about how you two act together and if you have fun in public places. I also think you should look good together!”

– Hannah Gonzales, 10

culture shock...Nails are the second thing strongest only to diamonds.... . . Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, was afraid of mice . . . Natural pearls melt in vinegar . . . In England in the 1880s, “pants” was considered a dirty word. . .

your stylescene

idea of fun

10 february 2011

Senior Donald Ford is getting ready to bring down the house with his performance in this year’s production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” “I like to consider myself a quintal-threat. I sing. I act. I dance. I play instruments. I smell good,” Ford said. Ford is one of the leads in Cast A’s production of the musical. He will play Albert J. Peterson, the manager for Conrad Birdie (who will be played by Junior Zach Lubline). Ford has been preparing diligently for the musical since before Win-ter Break, practic-ing, along with the rest of the cast, for two to three hours twice a week. “When it gets closer to the show I’ll start going [to pract-ce] four times a week,” Ford said. Come the end of February, Ford will have his chance to show off all he has been practicing. Casts A and B will put on their produc-tions of “Bye Bye Birdie,” alternat-ing on the nights of February 23, 24, and 25 at 7:00 p.m. and the afternoon of the 26 at 2:00 p.m. “Bye Bye Birdie” is the story of Conrad, a character based off of Elvis Presley, who is drafted into the army. Af-ter being drafted, the main character and Conrad’s manag-er Albert (played by Ford and Senior Travis Tucker) decide to have one last performance for Conrad before he has to leave for war. The rest of the musical is about his last show and the jealousy that surrounds the characters. The cast is made up of musically inclined students who

practice for three to four hours, twice a week. It takes many more hours than this, outside of prac-tice, according to Senior Erica Marshall who plays Kim, a teen who wins a kiss from Conrad during his last show. Both Casts A and B exhibit strong cast chemistry. Re-hearsals often prove to be bonding experiences for the cast members. “Just hanging out at rehearsal and being with all your friends” is the best part of being in the musical, according to Senior Ryan Harrell.

“The peo-ple are great to work with and it is what makes doing the musi-cal so fun,” Ford said. Almost all of the leads are occupied by the upperclassmen who have been involved in the drama depart-ment since the start of their high school career. As veterans of the drama depart-ment, these ac-tors and actress-es often have advice to share with younger as-

piring thespians. “Make the most of what you get. Some people are dis-appointed with the part they have. But small or minor roles can be the most fun and can sometimes steal the show,” Senior Christine Madsen said. “Work hard. Memorize lines. Have fun with it. Enjoy it. It’s some of the best times I’ve had in high school,” Ford said.


Winter musical casts of “Bye, Bye Birdie” prepare for a great show

jordyn voegele and abbey borchers

In Cast B: Travis Tucker as Albert Sam Perkins as Rosie

In Cast A: Donald Ford as Albert Alex Miller as Rosie

ShowtimesFebruary 23, 24, 25

7:00 p.m.

February 262:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10

Conrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zach LublineKim McAfee . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine MadsenMr. McAfee . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeremy McCombsMrs. McAfee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kiera MarshRandolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caleigh McGilchristMama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren Marsh Hugo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leo GeogheganUrsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katelyn FennerCharles F. Maude/Harvey Johnson . . . . Andy ColeTeen Trio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Reichlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin Lemberger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney CrilleyGloria Rasputin . . . . . . . . . . . . Kirsten PetersonMayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian KibbeeMayor’s Wife . . . . . . . . . . . Alyssa KarfordMrs. Merkle . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lauren BezzantReporters . . . . . . . . . . . . Daniel Schmidt . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander SpencerSad Girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erica Marshall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly Rogers

Conrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan HarrellKim McAfee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erica MarshallMr. McAfee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vinny SonderbyMrs. McAfee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lari O’DellRandolf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bailey WahlmeierMama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cierra Taylor Hugo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kevin ClineUrsula . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brooke MercerCharles F. Maude/Harvey Johnson . . . Reese HarrellTeen Trio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Molly Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hope Fuller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brianna KeaneyGloria Rasputin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katie AndersonMayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brandon VelaMayor’s Wife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jaclyn StromMrs. Merkle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alison KeairnsReporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrick Tidwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C.J. LundstromSad Girls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kirsten Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Madsen

practice for three to four hours, twice a week. It takes many more hours than this, outside of prac-tice, according to Senior Erica Marshall who plays Kim, a teen who wins a kiss from Conrad during his

In Cast A: Donald Ford as Alex Miller as

practice for three to four hours, twice a week. It takes many more hours than this, outside of prac-tice, according to Senior Erica Marshall who plays Kim, a teen who wins a kiss from Conrad during his

In Cast A: Donald Ford as

MUSICALMUSICALMagic

Participants in Cast A of “Bye Bye Birdie” rehearse a musical number after school. Cast members practice for two to three hours a week in preparation for the show on Februar y 24, 25, and 26. photo by Analisa Holden

february 2011 11

culture shockentertainment

Who am I? Who is man? What does it even mean to be man? These questions are posed and answered by Jeff and Cliff Azize in their documentary “The Human Experience.” First released in the fall of 2007, the fi lm portrays three different experiences the two brothers have: living as a homeless person for two weeks on the streets of New York City, joining Surf for the Cause and vol-unteering in an orphanage in Peru for cast-off children, and fi nally visiting a leper colony in Ghana, Africa. I myself just experienced this vid-eo last week while on a church retreat. I admit, I was disdainful and wasn’t so sure when I fi rst heard what we were watching–I always picture documen-taries as war-hero fi lms or exposes on animal mating rituals. Yet this documentary was some-thing entirely different. It was vibrant and emotional. It was absolutely beau-

tiful. As brothers Cliff and Jeff be-gin their journey, they enter into the streets of New York City. They meet up with several homeless people–one, an alcoholic, another, a woman who’s luck just took a turn for the worst. They joined up with a community of home-less people, begging for food, going to soup kitchens, and sleeping in card-board boxes against a church because it’s the only place they wouldn’t get kicked out. After that, they take their ad-venture to Lima, Peru. Here they join a benefi t group called Surf for the Cause; aptly named, they go around the world, surfi ng and volunteering for different causes. The cause in Lima was an orphanage for special children–kids who have serious medical issues whose parents cannot pay for them or don’t want to deal with them anymore. There was one child who had only one leg, a little girl who was abused by her

father, and several mentally disabled kids. The Azize brothers found them-selves at the end of their experience in Ghana, Africa, living amongst the cast-offs of society in a Leper Colony. The lepers invited Jeff and Cliff in, fed them, and engaged in conversation with them. Generally, society tends to look down on the friends the Azize broth-ers made during their three experi-ences. However, everyone they met had something in common: they were completely full of joy. That is truly the human experi-ence, being so full of joy even though you have so little. It is the beauty in simplicity and in life. If you ever get a chance, this is a fi lm that absolutely ev-eryone should see; it will change your whole perspective on who and what you have in your life.


Meaning in life“The Human Experience” explores meaning of humanity emily partida

When people think of choir, they generally think of the people with the beautiful voices who sing the alma mater at every Columbine assembly. However, there’s another aspect of choir that appeals to humor–the boys of Unclaimed Freight. This unique title came about because of Mr. Andres’ father. “It’s something my dad came up with teaching here. My father worked for a railroad, and unclaimed freight is where the unwanted baggage went,” An-dres said. Unclaimed Freight has been a part of Columbine since the school opened. Mr. Andres, their director, said that this group of boys “started out small and picked up a few guys along the way. It’s turned into a really strong group and they work really hard!” The boys sing fun, entertaining songs at choir concerts as well as visiting elemen-tary schools with the other ensembles. “Unclaimed Freight is just a group of guys hanging out and singing funny, stupid stuff. Hopefully the people we sing to enjoy it be-cause it’s a lot of fun for us,” Junior A.J. Arm-strong said. Senior Vinny Sonderby has been a part of Unclaimed Freight since the start of his Junior year. “I like all the comedic songs that

we sing. We all have a fun time singing and performing our songs. I like to make the au-dience laugh,” Sonderby said. Guys who join Unclaimed Freight are lighthearted and enjoy making people laugh. The choir is very close and bond through their entertaining experiences. “My favorite memory is all of the ran-dom events that take place at our gigs. Most involve Andy Cole!” Sonderby said. Before going to gigs, the boys dress in silly attire. They wear white button-down shirts with dress pants and shoes, as well as classy suspenders with personalized but-tons. “This is very attractive, and they would make lovely dates to bring home to your mother,” Sophomore Bethany Gardner said. Another interesting aspect about Un-claimed Freight are their dance moves. The boys multitask by singing and dancing (as do the other choirs), but not with the usual clas-sic dance moves. The boys perform dance moves that adhere to their silly songs. So what’s next for Unclaimed Freight? “Nothing really new, just learning new songs for our concerts and continuing to go to all the elementary schools with the other en-sembles,” Andres said.


Boys of songAll-boys choir brings a touch of humor concerts

jenni robinson

12 february 2011

culture shock entertainment

analisa holden

Taste of originali(tea)In-Tea promises comfortable enviroment for true tea enthusiasts

Drinking one or more cups of tea per day can cut your risk of heart attack by more than 40%.

Drinking at least 23 cups of black tea a month can cut your risk of getting Parkinson’s disease by 71%.

Iced tea was invented by Englishman Richard Blechynden in 1904.

Tea bags put more caffeine in your cup because they infuse more quickly.

Researchers have found that tea hydrates the body as well as water.

January is National Hot Tea Month, while June is National Iced Tea Month.

Coffee has more caffeine than black tea, which has the most caffeine of any kind of tea with 40-80 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.

Facts from Teas, etc.

The sounds of tweeting trumpets with smooth violins and guitars, all singing along to an upbeat song can be heard through the halls from three o’clock to four o’clock on Wednesday afternoons. These sounds are those familiar of a traveling Mariachi band, but instead, they are the sounds of Columbine students, who have recently just formed their own Mariachi band. “I’ve been playing my entire life,” said Senior Hannah Talmadge, one of the founders of the Columbine mariachi. “I was born into it. When my mom had me she was in a Mariachi and I started out singing. Eighteen years later and boom! We started this!” Mariachi music is a style which incorporates a variety of instruments including trumpet, violin, guitar, bass, and voice. Many students may be already familiar with Mariachi music, even if they are not currently aware of it. “Trumpet is so cool to play,” said Talmadge. “Its one of the backup voices but also, a lead voice when it needs to be. Its like a shiny, brassy tone that catches the ear.” Although Mariachi music has

just been introduced to Columbine, its legacy has been lasting for years. “Back when it fi rst started, it was literally a group of strolling musicians with a symphony bass, now the guitaron, violins, trumpets, and a guitar.” This culture-rich and upbeat music has been inspiring many band and orchestra students, giving an opportunity for members from the two groups to play along together to some fun music. “Mariachi is a great musical experience,” said Talmadge. “Its sound is like no other. I’m so glad that I got the opportunity.”


Merry-achiheidi roberts from our website coverage

Band and orchestra students form new group OUTWEEK NEW

RELEASES 2/15 - 2/25

IN THEATERS

I Am Number 4

Unknown

Hall Pass

The Chaperone

Even the Rain

Brotherhood

Immigration Tango

Big Momma’s: Like Father Like Son

Heartbeats

ON DVD

Due Date

Megamind

Kings of Pastry

Get Low

The Temptation of St. Tony

SINGLES

Born This Way–Lady Gaga

Hold it Against Me– Britney Spears

All-America Nightmare–Hinder

My World (acoustic)–Justin Bieber

THIS

Drinking one or more cups of tea per day can cut your risk of heart attack by more than 40%.

Coffee has more caffeine than black tea, which has the most caffeine of any kind of tea with 40-80 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce cup.

Drinking at least 23 cups of black tea a month can cut your risk of getting Parkinson’s disease by 71%.

Iced tea was invented by Englishman Richard Blechynden in 1904.

Tea bags put more caffeine in your cup because they infuse more quickly.

Researchers have found that tea hydrates the body as well as water.

January is National Hot Tea Month, while June is National Iced Tea Month.

caffeine per 8-ounce cup.

Facts from Teas, etc.

The aroma of sweet yet still bitter, high-quality tea fi lled my senses with happiness. As I took the fi rst step into In-Tea, I was in love. This family-owned tea house caught my eye one day as I was driving to Kohl's, and it will forever keep my attention. As I entered, the workers were warm and willing to help newcomers to the store or anyone who was overwhelmed with all the choices. Their tea selection is incredible, with over one hundred different kinds of tea, so any one's tastes can be met. The atmosphere was calm and serene. The tea house was fi lled with couches comfy enough for a very grumpy old man. The tables were artistic and interesting, and even their bathrooms are easy on the eyes. There are many different

kinds of tea. Green teas, black teas, herbal teas, Asian teas and even boba tea! If you are a more southern tea person or a English-loving person, you will be more than happy with their selection. With all the different kinds of sweeteners, you can have a bitter brew or something so sweet your taste buds will soar. With honey, fl avored syrups, sugar cubes, sweetened condensed milk and many more, your sweet tooth will be satisfi ed. Their service is very considerate. When you order, you may be overwhelmed with all the doors of tea, but don't be worried for long. They let you smell any tea you like and help you decide what will match your tea personality. When you fi nd the tea that fi ts, you sit down and breathe in all of the fi ne art on the walls and atmosphere of a modern home. They bring the tea to you in an

adorable colored tea pot and stunning clear mugs. I had their herbal chai tea with sweetened condensed milk and I do believe my taste buds were singing a little diddy when it touched my lips. I am considered a tea expert with friends, and let me tell you I was very impressed. It was strong yet not too bitter so that I would not be able to enjoy it. It was brewed to perfection. To complement the lovely tea you may have a wonderful pastry, cookie, or toffee to munch in between sips of this glorious tea. In-Tea is the greatest place I have ever been and I recommend it to anyone in the area. Even if you don't like tea, you will enjoy this place very much. Take a trip to In-Tea before the year is up, because I guarantee you will fall in love, just like me!


Fast Facts about Tea

Students participate in the school Mariachi group in the band room. The Mariachi band was started by Senior Hannah Talmadge. photo by trevor ogborn

photo by abbey borchers

february 2011 13

top tenkizzle & tizzle

rebel yell

radicalebel

Rebel Yell: Valentine’s Day is FINALLY over!

Rebel Hell: Still being marked tardy to fi rst period even though our cars won’t start because if the sub-zero temperatures.

Columbine Salutes: Justin Bieber, for being the best retirement plan a mother could hope to have.

Celebrity Secrets: Lady Gaga’s entrance at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards was actually how she was born.

On this day: February 17- Paris Hilton was born in 1981.

How do you feel about Facebook-creeping?

K: If Tizzle would join FB it would be a better place.

T: Everything about Facebook is creepy. You know who created Facebook, don’t you? Satan.

Kizzle & Tizzle

Who did you want to win the Super Bowl?

T: The Broncos, but that may not happen until Super Bowl CCCVII (#307).

How do you feel about the new zodiac signs?

T: They’re stupid . . . Just like the old zodiac signs. I mean, I’m a Libra and my sign is a scale. How dumb is that?

What is the best letter of recommendation you’ve ever written for a senior?

K: I wrote this for Ellis and she got into UNC!“Hey you guys who pick people, I feel like I think you should no that Jessica Ellis is a rilly rilly rilly good like person. she doesn’t like let you touch you’re her stuff though . . . she is rilly good in lacrosse too. I member when she had her phone in her jersey during a game and she fell and it shot out in 10 grade but that WAS SO 5 MINUTES AGO!!!!! I feel like U would like her at UR school or work cuz she would fi nd a cool place for everyone to like stand by. I feel like she can wear her hairs lots of ways and her outfi ts always match cuz she looks like she works at Abercrombie. I know right? she always talks to the coolest girls and guys too so she would never be seen with naughty peeps accept for that one kid brady young. Anyways I hope you pick Ellis cuz all her friends are going to get good jobs and go 2 sick colleges too and if you don’t she wil have to go to that one place the ALL CONCRETE COLLEGE! ACC so pick her Lates, Kizzle! Her teacher once

T: It would be the letter of recommendation for the class of 2011!!!! HOLLA

Get ice cream. “The sweet, sweet irony.”

Roll down a hill in your bathing suit. “Dude, I can’t feel my elbows.”

Make a snowman in your house. “Let’s put him by the fi re to keep him warm!”

Have a Harry Potter-style duel. “Expelliarmus!”

Buy your dog a Snuggie. “Sparky’s looking a bit chilly . . .”

Make a fort in your basement. “Let’s do it Ke$ha-style.”

Make a snow cone. “Is that lemon fl avored?”

Ski on the sidewalks. “Move aside, pedestrians!”

Sled off your roof. “Mind the car . . .”

Top Ten

4

98

1

32

10

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Things to do when it’s -10 degrees outside

Study . . . or not. “The snow ate my homework.”

and the number one thing to do when it’s -10 degrees outside:

HORRORSCOPE: AQUARIUS (FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 11)ASTROLOGIST: LAUREN ELDER

MONTHLY PREDICTION: CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING A AQUARIUS! THIS MONTH EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE SOME SORT OF IDENTITY CRISIS. BELIEFS YOU HAVE LONG HELD TO BE TRUE FOR YOUR ENTIRE LIFE WILL COME INTO QUESTION. PERHAPS A NEW ADDITION TO YOUR GROUP WILL CAUSE YOU TO SHIFT YOUR POSITION IN THE WORLD OR TRANSFORM THE WAY YOU ARE SEEN IN THE EYES OF OTHERS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. (HINT HINT: ASTROLOGISTS!) AVOID USING WORDS WITH VOWELS.

WHERE YOU’LL BE IN 10 YEARS: AFTER THE GLOBAL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE OF 2012 YOUR PRIMARY GOALS WILL BE EATING BRAINS, CRAWLING OUT OF GRAVES, AND CHASING AFTER MILLA JOVAVICH.

What’s up with all the Columbine teachers getting pregnant?

K: Whoa! Boy do I feel dumb now.

T: I don’t know, but it’s pretty disturbing.

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

T: Usually alone. My wife says the day reminds her of the biggest mistake she ever made.

The free feeling of the cold wind through your body, the thrilling adrenaline that pumps through your veins and the beautiful scenery of the Rocky Mountains make up the skiing and snowboarding experience. These winter sports take up much of people’s time during the winter, especially in the Mohr family. The Mohr family has two fa-miliar faces at Columbine, Jaxon, junior, and Tyler, freshman. “ W e have a time-share condo up in Winter Park, [which] makes it a lot easier to go up more than 40 times in a winter sea-son,” Jaxon said. E v e n though there is a two-and-half year age difference, the two brothers get along sur-prisingly well. Between the two of them, Tyler believes that they are “probably about even [in skill level], but Jaxon is just a little crazier.” Discussing injuries, Jaxon confirmed this craziness–laughing about the ribs he has broken and putting them off as though they weren’t a big deal. His brother also has broken his ankle a

few times, but again the brothers act as if those are minor injuries. “My favorite trick to do is a backside ro-deo 720, which is a back flip with a spin,” Jaxon said, while his brother, Tyler, favors “a back flip, even though it took a couple times to finally land.” When talking to them, it is easy to see the boys’ love for the mountains. “I love the free feeling when you’re gliding across the snow or the adrenaline rush after you just landed a sweet trick. And the utter joy,” Tyler

said. T h e whole Mohr family loves to go up to the m o u n t a i n s and hit the slopes togeth-er. “When me and [my h u s b a n d ] had children, we knew we wanted to in-troduce them to skiing at a

very young age and thought it would be a good family sport,” Tyler and Jaxon’s mom, Dana Mohr, said. The brothers also have a little sister, Jeni, who started skiing when she was two-and-a-half years old. The family has become very close due to their love of skiing.

“Skiing and boarding is something we all have in common, something we enjoy,

and something that has provided us with many fond memories,” Mrs. Mohr

said. “While on the mountain, we generally ski and board together as a group and share chairlift rides, and if we do split up, we meet up for lunch at the lodge and share stories about some new trick we just landed, or some deluxe wipe-out,” she said. According to Tyler, “The best time to go up is during February because there is a lot of good snow and the resorts have all the stunts and jumps to go down.” The family goes up more than 40 times per sea-son and they use their passes every time. Passes can get ex-pensive, but if you’re like the Mohr family and go more than 40 times, the pass pays for it-self in four visits. Prices can range from $500 to over $1000, but this depends on where the pass is for. Winter Park’s season pass is around $900 for the rest of the season, but that price has dropped since the winter season started. Winter Park offers many slopes to go on, like Mary Jane and many other back country slopes where as Loveland and Breckenridge do not have as many so their tickets do not cost as much. Winter sports cost a lot, but if you are serious about it like the Mohr family is, all the money spent is well worth it. Aside from season passes, gear can get very pricey as well.

S n o w b o a r d s can cost anywhere be-tween $400 and $500 for a high quality board. Most boarders choose to board in their favorite brand of boards, clothing and gear. Tyler’s favorite is Lib Tech. Lib Tech has designed new boards with a New Banana Tech-nology. The point is to have a slippery but tough board, just like a banana. The sleek new design helps boarders catch the edge but slide smoothly and quickly down the mountain.

Jaxon takes his friends up to his condo with him. His friends have different opinions on what their favorite gear to wear is. Se-niors Brady Young, Joey Linder, and Kevin Osborne shared their preferred brand. Brady says his favorite gear to wear is his “skin-tight Spyderwear!” “I like to ski at Breckenridge and I like to wear Burton gear with Oakley goggles,” Linder said. Osborne said he likes to wear a Burton jacket and Sims pants while board-ing up at Winter Park or Copper. There are many other snowboard brands such as, Volcom, 686, Roxy, Skully Candy, and Dakine. Their products range from girls’ gear to boys’ gear in all sorts of colors and styles. Snowboarders and skiers want to look good while going down the slopes in all types of cool patterns and bright colors to stand out on the white slopes. However, these products can get very pricey. Some nice coats can range from $150 to $200 and goggles can get up to $70 to $100 for a decent, durable pair. Even the gear underneath the coats, such as Un-der Armour, can get very expensive. But it’s all worth staying warm up on the slopes. No one wants to be freezing going down the slopes and these brands have provided cus-tomers with well made gear for just that.


“I HAVEN’T GONE SNOWBOARDING, BUT SKIING IS

MORE FUN BECAUSE YOU CAN GO QUICKER DOWN THE MOUNTAIN.” - JUNIOR AMY BOWMAN

“SNOWBOARDING IS MORE CHALLENGING.” - FRESHMAN KYLIE MCKINLEY

“ONCE YOU GO SNOWBOARDING YOU CAN’T GO BACK BECAUSE IT’S MORE EXHILARATING.” - FRESHMAN SHOSHANA BROWN

“SKIING BECAUSE I HAVE LEARNED THAT SINCE I WAS THREE.” - FRESHMAN TANNER DREILING

“SKIING IS EASIER.” - FRESHMAN KATIE FORD

“I LIKE BOTH OF THEM. SKIING IS BETTER FOR MOGULS, BUT SNOWBOARDING IS BETTER FOR THE TERRAIN PARK.” - FRESHMAN GALEN GRAHAM

“SNOWBOARDING MAKES YOU FEEL FREE. I LOVE THE FEELING OF THE WIND IN MY FACE AND IT’S SO QUIET THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO THINK ABOUT THINGS.” - SENIOR KYLE ANDERS

“SNOWBOARDING IS FUN. IT’S A GOOD LEG WORKOUT WHICH IS KINDA COOL; THERE IS NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT.” - JUNIOR JOE ABEYTA

“I LIKE SKIING BECAUSE YOU HAVE MORE CONTROL, THE MAJORITY OF MY FRIENDS DO IT, AND YOU DON’T SIT ON YOUR BUTT ALL DAY.” - SOPHOMORE PETER KUBENA

in motionyour teams

healthenergy

. . . The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for plumbers . . . Napoleon was not short; he was actually five feet, seven inches tall . . .

14 february 2011

Boarding brothersJaxon and Tyler Mohr share their love of snowboarding danielle sheehan

SKIING OR SNOWBOARDING?

compiled by autumn hargrove

Freshman Tyler Mohr shows off a flip. Tyler goes snowboarding more than 40 times a season. photo courtesy of jaxon and tyler mohr

Junior Jaxon Mohr flies through the air on his snowboard. The whole Mohr family enjoys skiing and snowboarding together. photo courtesy of jaxon and tyler mohr

An anonymous source in the Columbine com-munity is helping worthy students pay for col-lege. In 2006, a former high school and Univer-sity of Colorado athlete established a founda-tion which grants generous scholarships to deserving Columbine students. The Rebel Character in Athletics Scholarship awards $2,500 each to one male and one female varsity athlete who has demonstrated character and the ability to overcome ad-versity. Molly Ramirez, a class of 2008 Col-umbine graduate who now attends Azusa Pacifi c University, received the scholarship as a senior. Ramirez was a varsity bas-ketball player for Columbine. “Having the scholarship my freshman year of college was very helpful in allowing me to have the freedom to get more involved in extracurricular activities such as intramurals and volunteering in the lo-cal community. The scholarship gave me the freedom to not have to work my fi rst year of school which proved helpful in becoming more involved in other things besides my studies,” Ramirez said.

To qualify, candidates must have a mini-mum grade point average of 3.0, be a varsity athlete, and “exhibit excellence in athletics, leadership, and academics and demonstrate an ability to overcome adversity,” according to the offi cial criteria. When evaluating a candidate’s character,

“a little bit of your reputation precedes you, but the way they’re trying to determine character is overcoming an obstacle,” Columbine counselor Ms. Paternoster said. “It’s been different every year, just depend-ing on who applies. Sometimes it’s simply over-coming an obstacle, but a lot of it has to do with personal obstacles, maybe family things, sometimes really private things, sometimes it’s

a learning disability,” Paternoster said. Students hoping to receive the scholarship “need to recognize the importance of pairing a good sense of sportsmanship, humility and teamwork along with athletic ability,” Ramirez said. To qualify, candidates must fi ll out an appli-

cation form and submit both a letter of rec-ommendation and an unoffi cial transcript. The letter of recommendation can be from either a teacher or a coach who is able to comment on the applicant’s character and leadership abilities. Applicants must also compose an es-say that is fi ve hundred words in length describing “how you have dealt with and overcome adversity and how this scholar-ship will help you pursue your goals and dreams in the future,” according to the ap-

plication form. Seniors who are interested in applying for the Rebel Character in Athletics Scholarship can pick up an application form in the Post Grad Center or from their counselors. Completed applications must be submit-ted by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23.


february 2011 15

in motionsports

When character pays offScholarship from anonymous donor presents great opportunity for student-athletes abbey borchers

NEVER FORGOTTEN FUND

COLUMBINE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

COLUMBINE PTSA SCHOLARSHIP

DAVE SANDERS COLUMBINE IT SCHOLARSHIP

REBEL CHARACTER IN ATHLETICS SCHOLARSHIP

STEVEN CURNOW MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

DAVE SANDERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

OTHER COLUMBINE SCHOLARSHIPS

PAST RECIPIENTS

2006: ANNIE HOLDEN JOHN FINK

2007: PAT GEOGHEGAN

LINDSEY MCKEE

2008: MICHAEL SCHMIDT

MOLLY RAMIREZ

2009: MITCH STURM JESSICA MCKEE

2010: MATT VALDEZ MARIA WIGGINS

xSign of success

photos courtesy of Norman W. Winterowdsee more photos of the event on the CHS home page

Harry Ulricksen

Black Hills St.Football

Harry UlricksenBert Guzman

Colby C.C.

Baseball

Bert Guzman

Nikki Funkhauser

Naval AcademyTrack

Nikki Funkhauser

Tony Campton

CSU-PuebloFootball

Tony Campton

Nikki Funkhauser

Maggie Schemmel

BakerVolleyball

Maggie Schemmel

Five Columbine seniors made formal college athletic commitments on National Signing Day on Wednesday, February 3. Signing letters of intent, these athletes enjoyed their proud moment with families, administration and coaches. Congratulations, Rebels!

16 february 2011

in motion sports

On Saturday, January 29th, the 23rd annual Soc-cer-athon occurred gymnasium. The Soccer-athon lasted for 19 hours, from 5:00 am to about mid-night. This fundraiser raised money for the boys’ and girls’ soccer programs here. “The goal of the Soccer-athon is to raise funds while doing something the student-athletes love to do–play soccer!” Mr. Todd, varsity head coach for both the boys and girls programs, said. ”We do this fundraiser instead of knocking on doors selling

cards or cookie dough.” The Soccer-athon was so successful in the past because not only does it help to raise money, but it also is something that the student-athletes enjoy. This fundraiser was started 23 years ago by gym teacher Mr. Horvath along with some former male and female soccer players. The fundraiser raises money while doing something the students love. “The other goal of the fundraiser is to bring both programs together as it is a co-ed tournament. It is an exciting event that brings all of our program players, parents, and alumni together,” Todd said. Many parents and alumni volunteer to help run the Soccer-athon alongside Todd. When asked what he liked about the Soccer-athon, Todd said, “The thing I have come to love most about the an-nual event is that it brings all of Rebels soccer back together. The boys’ and girls’ programs, alumni, parents, and friends all enjoy a fun day and night together!” Over 100 students participated in the fund-raiser. Nine teams competed in the event–seven student-athlete teams and two alumni teams. Of the two alumni teams, one of them had people from the graduating years of 2006-2010 and the other team had those who graduated from 1973-

2005. All players, students and alumni alike, are from Columbine. Team captains named their teams after any FIFA-sanctioned teams. Teams included Iran, Ar-gentina, North Korea, Djibouti, Cote d’Ivoire, Mex-ico and Madagascar. Each captain selected their players in a draft. Twelve athletes played on each team. The captains of these teams were Junior Cyrus Allen, Junior David White, Senior Katie Ferguson, Senior Sarah Fein, Junior Matt Nelson, Senior Bri Klomp, and Senior Marissa Azua, respectively.

“The captains take turns select-ing players who registered to play in the tournament. Each captain’s pick alternates boy-girl. Draft order was de-termined by draw-ing out of a hat,” Todd said. “The best part of the Soccer-athon is meeting the new soccer players and playing soccer for almost 20 hours straight,” Junior Da-vid White, Captain of Argentina, said. “I like the Soc-cer-athon because

it is a great way to raise money for the soccer pro-gram here at Columbine and it’s fun!” Freshman Julia Cable said. Each player’s goal was to acquire at least $50 in order to raise this money. For example, the ma-jority of student-athletes participating went out and asked their family and friends to sponsor their participation in the tournament by making a dona-tion to the soccer program. During the Soccer-athon, there were a total of 36 games that lasted 25 minutes each. After those games there were quarter finals, semi-finals and finals. In the quarter finals six teams com-peted, and in the semi-finals four teams played against each other. The semi-finals between Iran and Madagascar ended in a shoot out. Iran made two out of three shots and Madagascar didn’t make any, sending Iran to the finals. In the end, Iran (captained by Allen) defeated Mexico with a final score of 6-3, making them the 2011 Soccer-athon champions. “I was so excited to win the Soccer-athon; I could barely control myself!” Captain Cyrus Allen, junior, said.


Kicks for cashSoccer-athon raises money for CHS soccer

autumn hargrove

According to many Columbine boys basketball fans, the team has been long overdue for a new head coach. This year, they got that wish. Clay Thielking, a graduate of Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, is the new varsity head basketball coach for the 2010-11 season. He has previous experience coaching basketball at Columbine, having coached the boys’ junior varsity team from 2000 to 2006. Thielking was also a varsity coach at Lakewood High school from 2006-2010. Thielking is also one of the coaches at the Colorado School of Mines basketball camp in Golden. “He was a great coach at the camp and he’s a great coach here too,” said Freshman Kyle Manley, one of the C-team players that has attended the renown camp. Last year, the team’s record under former head coach Jeff Wennburg was 12-13, a losing re-

cord. They were ranked 7th in the league. This year, under Thielking, the team’s record so far is 10-7 overall and 7-3 in conference. Their winning record has them ranked 2nd in the division. Even though the coach and players seem to be getting along, according to Thielking, the team still has much to improve on. When asked exactly what they needed to work on Thielking responded, “Turnovers!” Thielking seems to be doing a good job helping Columbine boys’ basketball return to its former glo-ry. “I think our varsity team is go-ing to do way better this year than last year,” Freshman c-team player Brandon Wilson said. With this new level of enthu-siasm from fans and players alike, we’ll just have to wait and see where Thielking ends up taking the team for the rest of the season.


New bloodBoys basketball team welcomes new coach

ian scena

Preparation is key. Whether per-forming, pumping out answers or making the mad dash for the goal, it can make or break you. Each sport has its own rituals to make sure that their athletes’ perfor-mance is up to scratch. The basketball team, with an eager crowd and dedicated rival team, strives to be on their best game. “Sometimes before a game, the night before, we have a pre-game meal as a team,” Sophomore Lindsay Thomas said. “Chick-fil-A will sometimes offer us dinner the night before a game, and some of the girls’ parents make them nice meals before the game too.” Also in season right now is girls swimming and diving. Wheth-er swimming or diving, prep is im-portant. “The most important thing [to] do,” Junior Lauren Morrell said, “is to think through all the dives I am

going to perform, and my form throughout the dives.” “Usually on the day before the meet we eat dinner as a team,” Morrell said. “We have food and hang out. It is intended to be a good time and a chance to have fun and become closer as a team.” When it comes to pre-game meals, wrestling is a whole dif-ferent story. In wrestling, rather than gorging carbs leading up to their matches, wrestlers fast up until right beforehand. It’s part of a strategy. Fasting artificially drops their weight in so they can admit-tance to a lower weight class. In a sport where weight and strength are key assets, being as high in a given weight class as pos-sible gives an advantage. “You look like you’re the re-quirement weight, but you’re actu-ally heavier and therefore stronger going up against the lighter guys,” Junior Allison Harcarik said.


Prep is keyAthletes share pre-game meal preferences

trevor ogborn

Team members North Korea and Cote d’Ivoire compete in the annual Soccer-athon. In the end, North Korea won the tournament, which benefitted the boys and girls soccer program. photo courtesy of Gabby Pfeiffer

38.5 February 2011 Courier

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