AlumniAlumniAlumniAlumniThe

THE COLORADO HIGH SCHOOL SCENE

APRIL2009

Volume 2 Edition 5 www.thealumninews.org

Colorado’s Authority for High School Academics, Activities and Athletics News

Read me Recycle me

April ’09April ’09www.thealumninews.org

2/THEALUMNI

Got a story idea? Go to Contact us at thealumninews.org

ContentsAcademics.........................................................................Commentary......................................................................The Alumni Top 50...........................................................School of the Month.........................................................Students of the Month.....................................................Spotlight............................................................................Activities............................................................................Athletics.............................................................................Around the State..............................................................People...............................................................................In the Community...............................................................

345678

1011121415

Spotlight: Teen Safe Driver Program

American Family Insurance is hoping cameras in cars can help save the lives of teens across the country.

Feature on Page 8

PublisherMatthew A. Castilleja, Standley Lake H.S.

Vice President of OperationsIsaiah P. Castilleja, Longmont H.S.

Editor-in-ChiefDon CameronCopy Editor

Ryan Russo, Fairview H.S.Web Site/Art design

Joe YbarraStaff Writers

Dan Adkins, Palmer H.S.Dr. Mike Cartwright

Cathy FloryKyle Garratt, Estes Park H.S.

Mario Hernandez, Thornton H.S.Leah Millis, Denver East H.S.Ryan Russo, Fairview H.S.

Renee Torres, Longmont H.S.Photographers

Luke GonzalezLeah Millis

Paul Spruce

AdvertisingTrevor Allen, Haxtun H.S.

Marlyce Castilleja, Erie H.S.David Connelly, Skyview H.S.Marsha Green, Loveland H.S.

AccountingMargaret Cathey, Erie H.S.

DistributionRocky Madrid

Web Sitewww.thealumninews.orgContact Information

General: 303-478-2952Advertising: 720-276-1826,

advertising@thealumninews.org orwww.thealumninews.org/advertiseHigh School Correspondents

Kyla Cullinane, Thornton H.S.Zachary Griffl er, Monarch H.S.

Jennifer Stephenson, Englewood H.S.Christin Terrell, Erie H.S.Joe Wall, Brighton H.S.

Issue No. 11 cover photo by Leah Millis

Associate Member

Colorado Press Association

The right stuff Last year Lakewood High School Principal Ron Castagna led Tiger students to achieving the highest SAT composite score out of 18 Jeff erson County District high schools. Leah Millis/The Alumni

Feature on Page 6

AcademicsAcademicsApril 2009

THEALUMNI/3

COLORADOCHRISTIANUNIVERSITYAbout: CCU is an interdenominational Christian liberal arts university with heritage dating back to 1914. Average tuition is $16,740.Location: 8787 West Alameda Avenue, Denver, Colo.FACTSANDFIGURES ...

CCU enrolls more than 2,900 undergraduate and graduate students, with 94 percent of those receiving fi nancial aid.

On CampusOn Campus

Study TipsStudy Tips

DAVIDDURANBrighton High School

ALTHOUGH it might seem like a good idea to spend the whole night before a test studying, it is an

even better idea to get enough sleep. People perform poorly when they are deprived of an hour or more of the usual number of hours they sleep each night.

So the night before the big test, get some sleep. Another reason why cramming can be ineffective is because stu-dents often consume caffeine and sugar to help them stay awake. While a sugar rush can give you a short energy boost, most students find themselves quickly de-energized and more stressed out than before. The notion that it is best to study in a comfortable place can be tricky. Count-less students have fallen asleep while trying to study because they got TOO comfortable. Remember to find a place to study that is quiet enough to focus but not so relaxing that you fall asleep. Because students will undoubtedly continue to procrastinate despite what research says about the in-effectiveness of cramming, on the right are some tips to make your cramming ses-sions as productive as they can be. You won’t normally get as good a result from cramming as you will get from consistently reviewing your study material, but some cram-ming methods are better than others. If you find yourself needing to review a lot of material in just one night, remember these tips to opti-mize your success.

Study Tips of the Month: Avoid all-nighters, and heed these tips1. Study regularly to avoid

last-minute cram sessions whenever possible

2. Start studying early in the evening so you can get enough sleep that night

3. Avoid highly caff einated beverages and sugar candy

4. Don’t get too comfortableTo learn more about your learning style, go to the Web site www.thealumninews.org.

Cram session

Numbers point to economy

Colorado school districts with the largest increase of student enrollment since 20041. Douglas County Public Schools 13,9622. Adams 12 Five Star Schools 4,4583. Brighton School District 27J 4,4554. St. Vrain Valley School District 3,5715. Falcon School District 3,5446. Aurora Public Schools 3,2727. Cherry Creek Public Schools 3,2478. Academy School District 2,0929. Mesa County Valley School District 51 2,029Data and statistics were gathered by the Colorado Department of Education.

RYANRUSSOThe Alumni

Statewide enrollment increases to 818,443

COLORADO is getting younger. The Colorado Depart-ment of Education an-

nounced in January that state-wide enrollment increased nearly 2 percent in 2008-09 from the previous school year. More importantly, the largest increase of enrollment occurred in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, where 13,408 new students were to-taled. Defining where these students are coming from remains unclear, since the state does not provide resources to deter-mine those statis-tics, but one thing is for sure — stu-dents are enrolling in Colorado public schools, and fast. Colorado De-partment of Edu-cation Communi-cations Director Mark Stevens points to a few reasons, and one in particular. “The economy,” Stevens said. “It can be forcing families not to pay for private or parochial schools. But there are many common denominators that are causing enrollment to grow.”

In all, enrollment grew by 15,804 students, an increase of 1.97 percent. It was the largest rate of growth since 2001-02, when enrollment surged 2.4 per-cent. One indicator to the affect the economy has on Colorado’s educational system is the number of students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches. These numbers jumped from 270,651 to 282,733 students. Nearly 36 percent of the total amount of students enrolled in Colorado public schools are eligible for the program. “Growing populations is an increased obligation in terms of

cost,” Stevens said. “That does put an additional stress on the budget because every student comes with the requirement that the state provide funding to the school districts. “The increased enrollment

simply goes into all the factoring that is being done right now in the state legislature to balance this year’s budget, which is still an issue, and to also grapple with the projected revenue shortfalls next year.” To qualify for free and re-duced-price lunches, families of four must make below $39,220, a requirement easily reached due to the high percentages of fami-lies living on unemployment. For now, it is a matter of 178 different school districts getting creative with the funds given to them by the state and find-ing ways to make those budgets work with increase enrollment.

“That is really 178 different stories,” Stevens said. “Every district will have its own unique sugges-tions, solutions and ideas to deal with slightly less revenue to make education happen.” The total number of students enrolled in Colorado pub-lic schools is now 818,443, and of those students, 60.9 per-cent (498,713) are white; 28.4 percent (232,226) are His-panic; 6 percent are

black (48,757); 3.6 percent are Asian (29,253); and 1.2 percent are American Indian (9,494). Statewide enrollment has grown every year since 1989, when the total stood at 562,755.

Jeff erson County School District is Colorado’s largest with 85,887 students. Leah Millis/The Alumni

Chad Shrumwww.ceconcrete.comcuttingedgeconcrete@hotmail.com2045 W. Union Ave., #CEnglewood, CO 80110

Call us today for a free design consultation, and let us help you create your own outdoor sanctuary! 303-794-3866

CommentaryCommentary

Polls

CrosswordCrossword

Polls

ACROSS DOWN

1 2

Quote of the MonthQuote of the Month

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

— Abraham Lincoln —

Presented by

Charlotte Bowlds — 720.290.1292 — charlotte-ab@hotmail.com

4/THEALUMNI

Fran Armendariz

ARO1

718(

10/0

7)

SMRU

OO3

5166

7CV(

Exp.

09/0

9)

Fran ArmendarizAgentNew York Life Insurance Company303-548-2586

*All contributions will be held in a trust account with Upromise, Inc. for the benefi t of Upromise members. Upromise, Inc. is not affi liated with New York Life or its subsidiaries.

Through Upromise, thousands of companies — including New York Life — contribute a portion of what you spend with them into a college savings account for your child*. Interested?

KYLEGARRATTThe Alumni

Finding inspiration among the hype and speculation

Mention this advertisement and receive a FREE appraisal!

(Off er only valid with closing)

Competitive Rates. Better Service.

www.ColoradoMortgageFunder.com

Call Now303-301-7221

Hundreds of banks. Hundreds of loan programs.Registered and licensed with the Colorado Division of Real Estate

Refi nance today303-301-7221

3 4 5 6

7

8

9

10

12

11

13

14

15

16

1. State with the most high school activity participants2. Former Denver Bronco and Montezuma-Cortez graduate3. Last year’s Class 5A state wrestling champions4. County in Colorado6. Winter activity9. Loveland High 3-time Class 5A all-around gymnast11. 2008 Class A state volleyball champions 12. Letter in ancient Greece13. Like a line

3. Arapahoe High School assistant principal and cheer coach5. Former Fairview two-sport star in baseball and football, now in the New York Yankees organization7. Colorado high school8. Oldest high school in Colorado9. Silver Creek High School basketball coach10. Green Mountain girls basketball star12. The most participated girls activity in the U.S. 14. Another word for average15. A U-shaped curve with certain properties16. State championship held at the Pepsi Center

In a recent poll by The Alumni, 51 percent of Coloradoans believe President Barack Obama’s biggest priority is to stabilize the economy, followed by 22 percent who feel that he must unite Congress. Log on to, thealumninews.org today to weigh in on world events through our Live Blackboard and interactive polls.

What do you think is President Obama’s biggest priority?100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

5%

Economy Foreign relations

Uniting Congress

Ending the wars overseas

51

13

2214

Signing day the right way

DO you know where the 43rd-best high school left guard signed to play college football? ESPN

does, and it has a 12-hour show to prove it. Rivals.com, Max-preps and hundreds of other Web sites have their own take on who the 17th-best punter is and how his skills will translate to the col-lege game. In the era of 24-hour news coverage and endless Inter-net speculation, few events get dissected like college football’s national signing day. Never do high school play-ers look better than on this day. Last year, observers would have thought the fates of five differ-ent programs rested on where top-rated quarterback Tyrelle Pryor decided to play. Few events unnecessarily inflate or deflate self-esteem with such ef-ficiency. Kevin Hart, a lineman from Nevada, fabricated his en-tire recruitment and held a press conference to announce he would play football for the University of California. The only problem was that the California coaching staff had never heard of Hart. He dreamed of playing Division 1 football and wanted all his class-mates wishing they were him on the big day. The ultimate irony of signing day and the five-star circus that is college football recruiting

average of less than one athletic scholarship a year, although the numbers are hard to verify as some deaf athletes wish not to be associated with the hearing-im-paired community. Towson’s first-year head coach, Rob Ambrose, is not one to shy away from the deaf com-munity. He is looking into Amer-ican Sign Language classes for himself and his coaching staff. He has spoken to the school’s special services staff about ways to easily transition Bonheyo onto a team of 60 players who have likely not played with a deaf player before. The university already has of-fered Bonheyo interpreters in the classroom and for practices and games. And although he rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his final three seasons in high school, Bonheyo will likely suit up on defense in college because play calls are easier to convey on defense and he can react to the offense rather than picking up the quarterback’s snap count. He chose Towson rather than Gal-laudet University, a school for the deaf and hearing-impaired in Washington D.C., where his father played college football in the 1980s. Signing day often coaxes out the worst in college football — the recruiting violations, courtship of high-level players, inflating of egos, coaches sniping at one another in the media and then at each other’s prized re-cruits, and the occasional lie that consumes a teenager’s entire life until it plays out in front of the national media in an appallingly embarrassing manner. But at one school, a coach de-cided a talented kid could likely play linebacker for his team even if the two have to work a little harder to communicate. The potential linebacker decided to fulfill his dream of competing in Division 1 football, and in the process proved to be more than a positional ranking evaluated and classified like a football com-modity.

is that if you venture onto the ESPN Web site to read Hart’s story, a story about how the pressures of recruiting drove a kid to lie to everyone he knew, ESPN has a brightly colored link at the top of the page where you can access all the 2009 signing day coverage. But there’s good news too. A couple of weeks after thousands of blue chippers signed their names on the bottom line, we found a needle of inspi-ration in the haystack of hype. There is a little feel-good in this

year’s annual feel-overwhelmed event, and his name is Ryan Bonheyo. Bonheyo was a star running back and linebacker at the Mary-land School for the Deaf, one of only nine schools in the country that fields an 11-man football team. During the first week of February, Bonheyo accepted a full scholarship to play football for Division 1 Towson Univer-sity outside of Baltimore. This makes him one of a small num-ber of deaf athletes to receive a scholarship to play college football. Chris Kaftan, a spokes-man for the USA Deaf Sports Federation, told the Washington Post that deaf athletes receive an

Last year, observers would

have thought the fates of fi ve diff erent

programs rested on where top-

rated quarterback Tyrelle Pryor

decided to play. Few events

unnecessarily infl ate or defl ate self-esteem with such effi ciency.

Answers can be found in the next issue of The Alumni.

Top 50Top 50

THEALUMNI/5

www.promworks.com

Presented by

... gets the community connected.APRIL09

RANKINGSCRITERIA1. Academics2. Activities3. Athletics4. Spirit 5. Sportsmanship

*Every high school is eligible for the Top 50

Go online at www.thealumninews.org and view the rankings criteria in full and tell us why your school should be on the list.

Rankings are determined by the staff at The Alumni along with academic information and statistics from the Colorado Department of Education and results from all Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) sanctioned activities.

... THE NEXT25

26. Bear Creek27. Fort Collins28. Dakota Ridge29. Rock Canyon30. Cheyenne Mountain31. Akron32. Air Academy33. Douglas County 34. Ponderosa35. Eaglecrest36. Cherokee Trail37. Merino38. Longmont39. Silver Creek40. Pueblo Tech41. Loveland42. Lewis-Palmer43. Smoky Hill44. Denver East45. Rocky Ford46. Green Mountain47. Chatfi eld48. Mountain Range49. Fleming50. Olathe

FACTSANDFIGURES ...

A new state report shows that graduation rates for students with disabilities increased by

4.83 percent

For more information, go to www.cde.state.co.us

Rank Last month High school Comments

1 1 Cherry CreekThe Bruins are still a notch above Fairview and Regis-Jesuit in girls swimming, grabbing another state championship at EPIC.

2 2 Ralston ValleyThe Mustangs received an Excellent rating on this year’s School Accountability Reports (SARs).

3 6 LakewoodEight of the past nine years, an LHS student has been designated a Boettcher Scholar, one of the top 40 high school students in Colorado.

4 4 Regis-Jesuit Can the Raiders boys swim team repeat in Class 5A?

5 5 Legacy Lightning teachers have an average of 11 years teaching experience.

6 3 Broomfi eld The Eagles received a High rating on this year’s SARs.

7 7 Kent DenverThe Sun Devils girls golf team looks to better last year’s second-place fi nish at state.

8 8 Fairview The Knights had a dropout rate of 1.8 percent in 2008.

9 9 Monarch The Coyotes had a dropout rate of 0.3 percent in 2008.

10 10 Faith ChristianKaitlyn Pindak placed fi rst at the state speech festival in Interpretation of Poetry.

11 21 Wheat Ridge The Farmers had a dropout rate of 3.9 percent in 2008.

12 12 Erie Tiger teachers have an average of nine years teaching experience.

13 13 Eads Eagle teachers have an average salary of $30,428.

14 14 Holy FamilyNinety-eight percent of the Tiger graduating class of 2008 is currently attending college and were off ered more than $6.1 million in merit-based scholarships.

15 11 Grandview Wolf teachers have an average salary of $60,896.

16 16 Peak to PeakEighty-four percent of Pumas teachers teach in the subject in which they received their degree.

17 15 CSCSCSCS was selected for the 2008 Best of Colorado Springs Award in the Religious Schools category by the U.S. Local Business Association.

18 18 Boulder The Panthers have 112 teachers with three or more years experience.

19 19 Highlands RanchColorado Teacher of the Year Susan Elliott of Highlands Ranch High School has been chosen as one of four fi nalists for the 2009 National Teacher of the Year Award.

20 20 Niwot The Cougars have 50 teachers with three or more years experience.

21 25 D’Evelyn The Jaguars had a dropout rate 0.0 percent in 2008. Nice.

22 22 MullenThe American Association of Teachers of French announced Mustangs senior Celia Zawalski as the fi rst-place recipient in the 2008 AATF National French Week Essay Contest.

23 26 ArapahoeThe Warriors received an Excellent rating on this year’s SARs and break into the Top 25 for the fi rst time this year.

24 17 EatonIt’s baseball season and coach Jim Danley is hoping to lead the Reds to a record ninth state title.

25 24 The Classical AcademySeventy-two percent of Titans teachers teach in the subject in which they received their degree.

Cherry Creek swipes another state championship and Arapahoe cracks the Top 25, powered by academic prowess

Farmers continue steady climb

PROMWORKS

School OF THE MonthSchool OF THE MonthSponsored by

APRIL09

www.BobTruax.com

6/THEALUMNI

LAKEWOODHIGHSCHOOLPROFILE

Location 9700 W. 8th Ave.

Mascot Tigers

Colors Orange and black

Classifi cation 5A

District Jeff erson #R-1

League Jeff erson County

Enrollment 1882

Principal Ron Castagna

Athletic Director

Tim Walker

Staff 125+

LHS is the largest of 18 comprehensive high schools in Jeff erson County School District R-1. Five assistant principals and six guidance counselors provide students with support services. Eighty-six percent of 2008 LHS graduates went on for post-secondary educations. Photos by Leah Millis/The Alumni

Lakewood High School underwent a $32.8 million makeover that was completed in November 2007. The project helped create 44 general classrooms and three gymnasiums. Leah Millis/The Alumni

RENEETORRESThe Alumni

Jeff co school achieves national recognition

Head and shoulders above the rest

IS Lakewood the Class 5A high school on the other side of the tracks? Don’t be fooled. Even if

the school doesn’t produce all-state athletes or all-state teams hourly like a Ralston Valley, it does produce one thing, and that’s world-class students. Lakewood has more than 900 students who open enroll annu-ally. That is something to be proud of. “You shouldn’t be recruiting kids to win titles,” said Lakewood High School Principal Ron Castagna. “If that is your goal, then you shouldn’t be in this business.” That phi-losophy is how Castagna has approached his job for the past 12 years, and he hasn’t looked back. “We are the tattered book with a great read,” Castagna said. Last year, Lakewood High School students achieved the highest SAT composite scores out of the 18 other Jeffer-son County high schools in the dis-trict and the second-highest ACT composite score (23). “If you ever attend one of our games where we are getting beat, you will hear our kids yell, ‘Well

our band is better,’ or ‘How good are your SAT scores,’ ” Castagna said. In a day where individuals and teams are measured by number of championships or personal accolades stashed away in a trophy case, Castagna offers an alternative measure of success — longevity. “I was sitting on the CHSAA Hall of Fame committee recently and it got to the point to where they were saying, ‘How many championships have they won,’ ” Castagna said. “And I responded,

‘I don’t care about champi-onships. I want to see someone who has spent 35 years at one school and has made a differ-ence in their community and is irreplace-able.’ That is how success is measured.” Castagna’s methods have filtered their way through Lakewood’s neighborhoods and commu-nity, which is the second larg-est of the 18

comprehensive high schools in Jefferson County School District R-1. Eighty-six percent of the

school’s 2008 gradu-ating class went on to pursue post-secondary educations, 70 percent to a four-year institu-tion. And in November 2007, a $32.8 mil-lion renova-

tion project was completed to reface the old high school that had been in use since 1958. “Twelve years ago we had only 1,000 kids,” Castagna said. “We

achieved all of our success with-out this new building. We did it with an old building with wood-en seats and an old auditorium.” The new facility has created 170,000 square feet of new con-struction and 42,000 square feet of remodeling. This equates to 44 general classrooms, 12 science classrooms, three gymnasiums and new soccer and softball fields. Every classroom is even equipped with a Smart Board, an interactive whiteboard with the power of a computer, and the entire school is wireless. Lakewood junior Andi Hib-bert said the smart boards have been instrumental in the school’s success. “There are so many PowerPoint presentations given every day and the teachers have incorporated it into the learning process,” Hibbert said. “All of my classes use the whiteboard every single day, I can’t see us ever not using them again.” But how can Lakewood achieve so much in only a de-cade? First-year athletic director Tim Walker saw it first as a par-ent and second as an administra-

tor. “My daughter was a student here and she felt the need to fit in,” Walker said. “It’s just part of the culture here.” Walker spent the past 14 years at Standley Lake High School, a Jeffco rival, and said Lake-wood’s success has to do with the community. “We are family here,” Walker said. “In a school this big, ev-eryone gets along, kids want to stay here and you see a lot of the alumni come back.” The culture fos-tered at Lakewood has seen local and national recogni-tion, with the school ranking as the top high school in the state for the past two years in 5280 Magazine and the highest in Newsweek (109) out of all high schools in Colorado.

“You shouldn’t be recruiting kids to win titles. If that is your goal, then you shouldn’t be in this business.”RONCASTAGNALakewood principal

“We are not perfect,” Castagna said. “I’ve got kids who struggle and that means we can do better. We have been the giant killers before, so getting kids on the right path should be no problem.”

THEALUMNI/7

Students OF THE MonthStudents OF THE MonthSponsored by

APRIL09

SENIOR class president. Vice president of DECA. Co-president of World Affairs Challenge.

A member of Model United Nations. This is just a short list of titles and activities that go-getter Annie McNeil of Lakewood High School energizes. Lakewood Assistant Principal Debra Alexandridis said McNeil can see both sides of a story and is willing to listen. “She can carry on a conversation with anyone and it will be one that has sustenance,” Alexandridis said. WAC challenges young people to think about their relationship to the rest of the world. Developed in 1991 at the University of Denver’s Center for Teaching International Relations, the World Affairs Challenge is rooted in academics, emphasizing creativity and solution-oriented critical thinking. Model UN is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about civics. “It’s an all-day event where we are given a topic and a country and we talk about the policy that other countries face around the world,” McNeil said. The Tigers senior has focused on the evolving scarcity of fresh water. “Even though water is not a scarcity in the United States, it is scarce elsewhere,” McNeil said. “It’s not a renewable resource. There are thousands people who die every day because they don’t have clean water.” Lakewood High School Principal Ron Castagna knows being involved is the culture nowadays. “It is cool to be involved and be smart again,” Castagna said. “Annie exemplifies just that.” McNeil’s inspiration is no world leader or political figure. He is no movie star or sport hero. But he taught McNeil to succeed, even through the tough times. Michael Colon is McNeil’s uncle. He used to sell hot dogs at a hot dog stand, but ultimately he found his path. “He got through a lot in his life and made it work for him,” McNeil said. “And now he is a paramedic. He has inspired me so much.” McNeil cherishes her sense of community and belonging to Lakewood. “I got a speeding ticket in November and walked into Mrs. [Lisa] Richey’s office in a complete mess and she started laughing at me. And it really helped because I didn’t need any sympathy, I just needed to laugh about it,” McNeil said. Lakewood Assistant Principal Richey said she is going to miss her McNeil when the senior heads off to college. “Annie is one of those students who always makes you smile,” Richey said. “She has always taken the hardest classes available to her and deals with her stress by only smiling bigger.”

RENEETORRESThe Alumni

Sohan PunatarTigers’ McNeil has worldly ambitionsRENEETORRESThe Alumni

Annie McNeil

MANY world leaders have tried to parallel spirituality and politics. Most have

failed. But in the eyes of Lakewood High School junior Sohan Punatar, Mahatma Gandhi fought tyranny with religion and won independence through nonviolent protests and succeeded. “He really showed the world that nonviolence can create peace,” Punatar said. And like his ethnic counterpart, Punatar emulates his hero’s actions and teaches his peers at Lakewood about nonviolence and his religion, Jainism. It’s a religion

that encourages spirituality through reliance and self-control. One vital aspect of the religion is all followers are expected to be nonviolent in thought, word and deed, toward humans and all other living beings, including self. Followers of Jainism are vegetarians. “A lot of my friends ask me about being a vegetarian,” Punatar said. “It’s cool because I am able to spread the knowledge of my religion and my beliefs of nonviolence to them. A few of my friends have even tried to become a vegetarian so they can see what I go through.” Punatar’s family moved to the United States from India in the 1980s and found a home in Colorado, where he was born and raised. Despite not being raised in India and being surrounded by the influences of his religion, Punatar finds time once a month to review his religions practices. “We go over our religion for those of us who were born in the United States. It’s a good way to keep in touch with my culture,” Punatar said. A Renaissance school whose goal is

to improve student performance at all levels, Lakewood is represented by students with ties to 34 different countries, with 28 different languages in the student body’s realm. This has been a positive for the junior. “It helps when people can learn about other cultures,” Punatar said. “That is why it is so good to have so many people from all around the world here.” Punatar has no plans for college yet, but he is interested in neuroscience and possibly environmental engineering. “I am interested in all of the different facets of the brain that haven’t been discovered yet. “I am also becoming interested in environmental engineering because there is going to be a big demand for that.” For now, Punatar will continue with student senate and following failing national diplomacies facing America. “Countries are starting to look down on the United States about not being not as great and we need to start working on foreign policy to change that perception,” Punatar said.

Nonviolence moves Lakewood junior

PROFILE Name: Sohan PunatarSchool: LakewoodGrade: JuniorGPA: 3.65Activities:Senate, tennisInterests:Neuroscience and engineering

PROFILE Name: Annie McNeilSchool: LakewoodGrade: SeniorGPA: 3.4Activities: Model UN, vice president of DECA, senior class president

“ I got a speeding ticket in November

and walked into Mrs. [Lisa] Richey’s offi ce in a complete

mess and she started laughing at me.

And it really helped because I didn’t need

any sympathy, I just needed to laugh

about it.”ANNIEMCNEIL

Lakewood senior

MOREABOUTSOHAN ...

The Lakewood standout said his hero thus far in his life has been Mahatma Gandhi. “He united the people of India against British rule and showed the world the power of nonviolence,” Punatar said. “I care very much about the world and I want to study abroad and do community service.”

8/THEALUMNI

SpotlightSpotlight

Motor vehicle crashes account for more than 41 percent of teen fatalities and that rate increases by 700 percent when teens are not driving with their parents. Photos courtesy Mitch Wimer/American Family Insurance

CATHYFLORYThe Alumni

In-car cameras help change behaviors behind the wheel

Driving force for safetyages 15 to 19, accounting for 41.4 percent of deaths. That total is more than deaths from homi-cide, suicide, cancer and other accidents combined. Teens are

also nine times more likely to be in a car

crash than an adult, ac-

cording to teen-

safedriver.com. With statistics such as these, parents might not want their children to drive at all. American Family Insurance is doing its part to help decrease teen motor vehicle accidents by creating a Teen Safe Driver Program, in which a device with a small camera is placed in teen drivers’ cars to capture the view of the driver in the car, as well as the road in front of the car. This device recognizes reckless driv-ing such as abrupt stops, fast

accelerations and collisions, then records for a period

of time during the reckless driving.

“It takes a

GETTING a driver’s license is a huge excitement for most teens, but there are greater risks with teen

driving than many people think. Motor vehicle accidents are the No. 1 cause of death for teens

little getting used to, but once they are used to it being in there, they really seem to like it,” said American Family agent Mitch Wimer, who has a child enrolled in the program. “My son doesn’t even really pay attention to it anymore.” The reaction from some stu-dents at Adams City High School seemed to reinforce Wimer’s thoughts. At first mention of the program, some students seemed shocked at the idea, but after some discussion, the program seemed to have more pros than cons. “I wouldn’t mind it in my car because I don’t drive crazy,” said Senior Katelyn Hughes. “I

wouldn’t care, but I guess it depends on the kid.” One of the goals of this program is to provide parents with the comfort of knowing their child is always driving the way they do when an adult is present in the vehicle.

The teen driving crash rate in-creases 700 percent when a par-ent is not in the car, and seatbelt use drops to less than 40 percent. This program has shown an increase in seatbelt use up to 100 percent with this program installed. “It’s a habit for me to always wear my seatbelt in the front seat, but if I’m in the back seat sometimes I don’t,” Hughes said. Another benefit acknowledged by Wimer and students is the ability to record accidents as they happen to prove who was at fault. American Family has been able to use this feature to determine who was responsible for accidents, and senior Jasmin Rodriguez, along with Hughes, agree it would be useful. “I’m a safe driver but I wouldn’t want my parents watch-ing me all the time,” Rodriguez said. “But it would be helpful to see whose fault it was in an ac-cident.” In 2006, various case studies were conducted to see the actual impact of this program on driv-ers. The results showed that teens averaged a 70 percent decrease in frequency and severity of ac-cidents, and in a University of Iowa study, the riskiest drivers reduced their unsafe driving by 88 percent. This program not only moni-tors teens’ driving but also sends a weekly report card to their parents to keep them notified of driving habits, abilities and im-provements. “It’s important to not use this

DIDYOUKNOW? ...

Teens are more than 9 times as likely to get in a car crash than an adult.

THEALUMNI/9

MORESTORIES ... MOREPHOTOS ... ONLINE THEALUMNINEWS.ORG

Motor vehicle crashes are identifi ed as the leading cause of deaths for teens in the United States.

as a disciplinary action but rather a training tool,” Wimer said. “If you correct driving habits early on, it can impact their driving skills forever.” The Teen Safe Program is completely free, does not affect insurance rates, nor are parents able to simply watch their child while driving. The driving results are sent to DriveCam’s Analysis Center, where results are moni-tored and sent electronically to the parents. Though there are mixed opin-ions about this program, results clearly show it is beneficial. “It’s not about spying on our kids,” Wimer said. “It’s about saving lives.” For further information, visit teensafedriver.com or visit your local American Family Insurance agent.

American Family Insurance: Teen Safe Driver ProgramHow it works• A small audio/video recording device installed behind the rearview mirror of the car driven by your teen. When triggered by erratic vehicle movements, such as extreme braking, acceleration, cornering or a collision, the device provides a video clip of what occurred the 10 seconds before and after the event. The recorded event is sent to analysts, where it is reviewed and scored and coaching tips are off ered. Each week parents and teens are encouraged to review and discuss the results, which they access through a secure Web site.

Cost of the program• Teen Safe Driver is off ered at no cost to American Familyautomobile insurance customers who have a teen driver, for a period of one year. Even the installation is free of charge if you select and use an approved installation location. Approved installation locations are listed in the enrollment process.

FACTSANDFIGURES ...• On average the Teen Safe Driver Program reduces risky driver behavior by more than 70 percent, according to an independent review by the University of Iowa.

ABC’s for little sprouts day care

Monday through Friday 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Infants - 2 years old $200/week

(Parents must provide diapers, wipes, baby food, extra clothing)

2 - 4 years old potty-trained $175/weeknon potty-trained $200/week

5-10 $150/weekPart-time $7/hour

Wheat RidgeLocated off of the Youngfi eld exit at I-70 and 32nd Ave.

303-238-2020

EVERY year, technology becomes more advanced and pushes the boundaries of the year before. As we walk down the software aisle

at our local offi ce supply provider, we are wary of investing in a product we have

never used, even if there have been rave reviews. Below, the staff at The Alumni has rated some of the software we use every day and considers the pros and cons of each. Whether you are a student, parent or school admin-istrator, consider our advice before purchasing any of these products.

PromProm

10/THEALUMNI

ActivitiesActivitieswww.thealumninews.org

MarketplaceMarketplace

Software edition

WESAY: Quickbooks is easy to install, easy to learn and more importantly, easy to use. Even if high school students are a few years removed from running a business or tracking their personal fi nances, it is never too early to learn the basics of accounting. DOWNSIDE: QuickBooks charges for separate applications such as Payroll and Credit Card collecting. Both downloads require a year subscription.Retail: $179.99

Editor’s

Choice

WESAY: Rosetta Stone allows the learner to move at his or her own pace. The Audio Companion is also a great learning tool. DOWNSIDE: Although Rosetta Stone is very easy to use, noth-ing compares to group discus-sions in or out of a classroom setting. The best way to learn any language is to position your-self in an environment where you are forced to learn a language. Software can only teach so much.Retail: From $259 and up

WESAY: Adobe Photoshop CS4 is the most important software application in the Adobe arsenal. Whether you are a designer, publisher

or artist, Photoshop CS4 opens your mind to levels non-attain-able more than 10 years ago. DOWNSIDE: Older versions such as CS2 and CS3 have easier shortcuts made diffi cult in CS4. Photoshop takes a while to learn.Retail: $699.99

WESAY: Windows Vista Home Premium has had a bad rap since it was released a few years ago. But a better design and newer concepts allow for the acceptance of change. DOWNSIDE: Most software downloads need to be compat-ible with Windows Vista, making it frustrating when having to fi nd the right one. Also, new updates continue to be released on an annual basis.Retail: $179.99

CHRISTINTERRELLErie High School

Erie juniors learn that location is key

Erie junior Katie Richardson scans through a prom magazine. Christin Terrell/Erie High School

“Prom is the big dance because it is a gift from the

juniors to the seniors. It’s sort of like

a farewell.”DANMESTAS

Erie social studies teacher

Planning the perfect prom

FOR a select group of Erie High School students, prom night is not a night to dance and make memo-

ries as much as an opportunity to prepare for the next year of plan-ning. These students carefully observe to see what went well and what should be changed to better the event. Prom committee might not seem to be a stress-inducing and time-consuming event, but for the six girls on the team, origi-nally chosen for the group based on grade-point average, those words barely begin to justify the commitment. The 2009 prom committee attended prom 2008 as “sopho-more attendants.” The group of six junior girls began to plan the prom’s theme and location in mid-October. Establishing theme and location are always monumental stepping stones, and

often turning points, in the plan-ning process. Because they are so significant, theme and location also are usually the most contro-versial discussions within the committee. Normally, committee mem-bers must propose ideas, compare, and contact many sources before reaching a lo-cation. This year, though, the prom committee was asked by a location to hold the prom at its venue. The offer included a formal presentation of location features, donations of some decor and an obvious related theme for a reasonable price tag. Committee member Alex Martin said, “Walking into the doors of the location, it was like everything clicked for theme and decor. We all had tons of ideas spinning in our heads.” The chosen venue was the first they visited, and with the two largest decisions out of the way by November, the team began work in individual event com-mittees. Each member chose six individual “committees” to work on, which included centerpieces and tables, fundraising, flowers,

royalty, theme reveal assembly, music, balloting and printing. The girls are also in the pro-cess of finding the eight faculty sponsors, and visited the loca-tion again in January. The next months will consist of waiting for orders to come in and plan-ning the final schedule of the night. Social studies teacher Dan Mestas has been the prom committee sponsor for about 10 years. “I was on the prom committee with all the other sponsors, when all the sponsors changed every year,” he said. “Eventually, I was the only one left. I stayed on to keep a level of experience on the committee.” This year’s prom is different from previous years in more ways than just the ease of the theme and location, partly be-cause of the growth of the school and the significance of prom. “Prom is the big dance because it is a gift from the juniors to the seniors. It’s sort of like a fare-well.” The goal for this year is to have

no fundraising, despite the up to $5,000 necessary budget. Ev-erything will cost more this year, because the committee is plan-ning for 300-350 guests, as op-posed to the 250 planned for last year’s prom. There are about 35 people involved in the planning and execution of prom. Everyone involved is visibly excited to see the final result.

CROSSFIT workout1. Warm-up Always begin with a light warm-up. For this workout, run one-quarter of

a mile, perform 10 pullups, 20 pushups and 30 situps.

2. Pullup circuit This workout requires only a pullup bar.

3. Time and sets Set a timer for 10 minutes and complete as many sets of the pullups as you can. Progressively increase the time each workout session, building to 30 minutes.

4. Instructions Regardless of your level of experience and level of performance, it is important to stay within your means and use proper technique. Keep in mind some of the following suggestions: •Before performing your pullups, decide which two-handed grip to use. Perform pullups with a partner for assistance. •Next, decide to use either a pronated (overhand) grip or supinated (underhand) grip. Before you grasp the bar, decide how far apart you would like your grasp to be. •Keeping your arms straight, hang off the bar with your body perpendicular to the fl oor (try not to sway back and forth). •Finally, pull your chest up toward the bar until your chin is over the bar. With your chin over the bar, hold yourself and slowly lower your body back to your starting position, and repeat to failure. •To maximize your workout, perform pullups to failure or until you cannot perform any more for each set.

Keep up the intensity of your workouts and be proud of yourself for building a stronger body. For more information, log on to www.crossfi t.com.

AthleteAthlete

AthleticsAthletics

THEALUMNI/11

April 2009

FitnessFitness

PROFILENeil Allman Qi Athletic Trainer256 years experienceUniversity of Florida ’07Neil says, “Proper nutrition, good technique and intense workouts are vital to training succuss.”

Neil Allman

Taking charge

DIDYOUKNOW? ...

Stretching the Achilles tendon for 3 minutes 3 times daily increased fl exibility and decreased pain in 94 test subjects.*Porter D, Barrill E, Oneacre K, May BD. The eff ects of duration and frequency of Achilles tendon stretching on dorsifl exion and outcome in painful heel syndrome.

role model. His father has been a major factor, too. “My dad is one of the wisest people I know,” Kreimier said. His faith comes through in Kreimier’s reflection on his state title. “I was patient and waited and at the right moment I felt this peace that God gave me,” he said. “My faith is the singular most important thing in my life and I’m glad for the gifts God

DANADKINSThe Alumni

God, family, ambition spark wrestling champ Kreimier

IN the final moments of the Class 5A state wrestling championship last year, Loveland’s Josh Kreimier

was down 4 to 1, about to lose to his rival, Chris Wessel. Then, in the last seconds of their 119-pound match, Kreimier caught Wessel into a hipper and took him down on his back, gaining both takedown and back points to secure a last-second win. It was stunning, it was dramat-ic, it was for all the marbles. But for Kreimier, it was no big deal. “It’s just another match,” he said. “I was happy, but there were things I could have done better and things I can learn from.” With this humble and ma-ture outlook, it is apparent that Kreimier is a determined and dedicated athlete who is always looking for the next challenge. Jim Sanchez, Kreimier’s coach, agreed with Kreimier’s assess-ment: “There were a few stra-tegic things, but he did what he needed to pull it off.”

Kreimier, wrestled at 135 pounds this year and lost in a 7-6 dec. to Tino Laureles of Rocky Mountain High School at the Class 5A state wrestling champi-onships at the Pepsi Center Feb. 21, but the Loveland senior did win three University of Wyo-ming “Cowboy Open” meets for his weight class. “These wins show to me that Josh can wrestle at the college level,” Sanchez said. For the West Point- or Air Academy-bound Kreimier, that is an encouraging evalu-ation. His talent and drive is one-upped only by his ability to lead by ex-ample, which can be attrib-uted partly to a former teammate — Tyler Graff. “He motivated the team and led by example,” Kreimier said of the former captain of the wrestling team. “He was hard on some kids, but he was a good motiva-tor. He set a higher standard.” The influence of his family and his unyielding faith have helped Kreimier mature into a leader. His brother also wrestled in high school and served as a

has given me.” This deep faith has led him to desire a unique career path. “I’ve always secretly wanted to be a minister and travel the world. I’d like to be able to go and help people who are less fortunate and show them a message of hope from God,” Kreimier said. While Kreimier tackles his se-nior wrestling season and weighs

college options, he adds a lead-ership role in Loveland High’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, studies human anatomy and biol-ogy and enjoys an mountain bik-ing trip. There is clearly more to Josh Kreimier than meets the eye, but his story has not been finished. Rather, it is simply starting.

Loveland senior Josh Kreimier placed second this year at 135 pounds in the Class 5A CHSAA state wrestling championships.Jessica Vidal/The Alumni

12/THEALUMNI

Around the StateAround the StateSponsored by

JOEWALLBrighton High School

Brighton schools move into a ‘connected’ direction

bined 12,032,533 kilowatts of electricity yearly. That number was reduced by 33.6 percent from the previous year. “Turning off lights if gone more than 10 minutes and try-ing to use daylight or half of the lights when the sun is bright [also helps]. … Over breaks, we

ask that unused electrical items be turned off and unplugged,” said Holly Dugan, energy edu-cator at the Adams 12 district office. The district has an Energy Smart Incentive Program in which schools compete to reduce their electricity use by 5 percent. If that is accomplished, schools earn a rebate to purchase more

KYLACULLINANEThornton High School

Adams 12 schools preach energy savings

Thornton sophomores Katherine Hemzacek and Bronson Rodriguez show their enthusiasm toward the school’s new recycling program. Kyla Cullinane/Thornton High School

Conservative approach

HIGH schools in Adams 12 Five-Star Schools have saved thousands of dol-lars by changing a few

bad habits. In participating high schools, changes are being made to light-ing structure, computer monitors and in ways that we recycle. At Thornton High School, remind-ers are posted on most of the light switches to turn them off when rooms are not being oc-cupied. And Thornton teachers Grant Beavers and Snowden Campbell are heading a recycling program. “Grant Beavers started the program about a year ago in one of his classes and it grew from there,” said Thornton Principal Janette Walters. Recently, the school purchased recycling bins for students to put paper, plastic and aluminum in to be recycled. For the 2007-08 school year, high schools including North-glenn, Thornton, Legacy, Hori-zon, Vantage Point, Mountain Range and Bollman Technical Education Center used a com-

energy-efficient items to further reduce energy use. These energy-efficient items include flat-screen computer monitors instead of the CRT type. Katherine Hemzacek, a sopho-more at Thornton, said, “I think that the school should be open only four days a week instead of five so that they don’t have to pay as much to keep it open.” With more than 11,000 stu-dents in Adams 12 district high schools, it is very important that schools save as much money as possible to spend on students’ education. With a large number of students, the schools aim to reduce the kilowatts of electricity used yearly to 10 million kilo-watts, instead of 12 million. Dugan’s report revealed that Thornton High School, the fourth-largest school at 241,945 square feet, used the most elec-tricity at 2,758,967 kilowatts. Northglenn used 183,453 therms of natural gas. This information comes from a report comparing energy use between the seven high schools in Adams 12 in the 2007-08 school year. With the help of students, staff and administrators in Adams 12 School District, these energy-use numbers should become lower than in previous years. “Every person can make a little differ-ence” Walters said. “They just have to take the initiative.”

Tech impact

BECAUSE of its history in the community, its Advanced Placement programs and seasoned

teachers, Brighton High School often leads the district in teach-ing its students relevant and es-sential skills in navigating life after graduation. When it comes to education, technology plays a large part in moving a school into unchartered territories of learning. Fifty years ago, it would have been unthinkable for students to watch television in school. In today’s world, students gather information from videos in class. To help facilitate learning via different mediums, Brighton often has stu-dents view videos cov-ering politics, history, literature and foreign language. With the Internet, students are able to connect to any part of the world in a matter of seconds. Teachers at Brighton are using live streams from In-ternet sites connected to a projector screen to show students current happenings involving the curriculum. “It was so powerful to be able to watch a crucial moment in history,” said Jackie Jones, class of 2009. “I kept thinking back on how it must have been to actually see Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech. This was historic and so cool to be able to watch in a classroom at school.” These live streams help show students that the curriculum re-lates to today’s world. Teachers at BHS have not just limited their use of technology inside the classroom. There are also class pages on the Brighton High School Web site that allow students to print off class notes and assignments, and to find out what happened in the class that

day. Students can also take prac-tice quizzes online and e-mail teachers if they have difficulties with their homework. The school Web site allows students to look up their grades and see if they have any missing assignments. “It is so convenient to access my Spanish class via the Inter-net,” said senior Kyle Hess. “I can do my class assignments from the comfort of my own home and just e-mail them to my teacher when I am done.” Yet a lot of the technology that teachers use in the classroom has aged. The televisions are older, and many teachers still do not have DVD players in their class-rooms. “Compared to other schools, we seem to have older technol-ogy,” said senior Candace Whet-stone. This is true especially true compared to the new high school in the district, Prairie View. “All classrooms at Prairie View High

School have plasma televisions and DVD players, and each room has either a desktop or laptop computer and direct access to a projector,” said Jennifer Mahan, Prairie View English teacher. Because Prairie View was built within the past five years, the school was able to integrate cutting-edge technology and plan for future technology in the classrooms. “We have a Smart Board, most of our computers are newer, and we also have teachers who have recently graduated from college, so they are familiar with the technology,” said Prairie View senior Luke Lane.

“ It is so convenient to access my Spanish class

via the Internet. I can do my class assignments

from the comfort of my own home and just e-mail them to my

teacher when I am done.”

KYLEHESSBrighton senior

The Alumni presents

PHOTOSTOREBETA

COMING SOON

THEALUMNI/13

MORESTORIES ... MOREPHOTOS ... ONLINE THEALUMNINEWS.ORG

Renaissance was introduced to EHS more than 15 years ago by school Principal Steve Payne. Christin Terrell/Erie High School

Revolution of RenaissanceCHRISTINTERRELLErie High School

Erie program strives for a potent impact

ERIE High School has earned substantial recog-nition for performance in football and softball

this year, but the students still come into the building each day realizing the importance of academics. The school’s ral-lies, recognition of outstanding students and enthusiasm for academic programs through the Renaissance program show Erie is constantly striving to improve the academic atmosphere. According to Jostens, sponsor and co-founder of Renaissance, the program was designed in 1988 to “inspire the acceptance and excitement for academics that is traditionally reserved for athletics.” Renaissance was introduced to Erie High School more than 15 years ago by Principal Steve Payne, school counselor Julie Pohlman and teacher Kristi Anderson. Upon introducing Renaissance, Pohlman and An-derson traveled with a select group of students to a leadership

conference in Dallas. The pro-gram became its own academic class in 2004 but was soon trans-ferred to the hands of Student Government, in which one small group of students worked toward the focal point of Erie Renais-sance — the pep rally assembly designed to celebrate academic achievement. Pohlman got involved with

Renaissance because she wanted to “get kids jazzed up about doing well in school” and also shed light on students with little-known talents or skills. The original student Renaissance team was passionate about its message, and Pohlman credits the leadership conference for their drive. Each year since that conference, Renaissance’s im-pact has depleted and fewer kids have known the power it can po-tentially have.

class recognizes student and staff member of the month, gives GPA-based rewards after each semester, acknowledges strong athletes who balance sports and academics, encourages participa-tion in school spirit events, and randomly recognizes individual classes based on attendance or academic performance. Leadership’s largest endeavor

this year, however, has been the planning and execution of two academic rallies in fall and spring. The fall rally was themed “Greek Gods” and included teacher “titans,” Chick-fil-a treats, a sundae-eating contest, blaring music, class camaraderie and an auditorium full of students excited about doing well in school. Senior Samantha

Fox said her favorite leadership project so far was the fall rally “because you could visibly tell the impact we were making, and people enjoyed being there.” The class and the advisors LaDona Horton and My-Van Nguyen have impressive plans for the impact of Renaissance in the future. “Renaissance has the potential,” Horton said, “to completely turn around the way students view their school and their academics.”

To reinstate the power of Renaissance this year, Payne merged it with the Link Crew freshmen mentor program and formed a new class — leader-ship. The leadership class is comprised of about 30 students in grades 10-12 who have been recognized by the staff as people who desire to make an impact on the school community. The

class has proven to be true to the meaning of Renaissance: a re-vival of the passion and potential envisioned at its creation. The 2008 Phoenix, Ariz., lead-ership conference gave the class more creativity, freedom and commitment to the Renaissance mission. The 2008-09 leadership class works tirelessly to boost the morale of the school, to make students want to learn and help teachers enjoy teaching. The

The program was designed in 1988 to “inspire the acceptance and excitement

for academics that is traditionally reserved for athletics.”

JOSTENSSponsor and co-founder of Renaissance

Renee ApplehansStylist/Owner

303-564-5659Lynn Nimrod

Independent Cosmetologist 303-725-7844

Salon OdysseySalon 303-252-9619

12045 Pecos St. Westminster, CO 80234

Cindy Knight - BoiesStylist/Nail Tech

303-564-9533Jeanette Nunez

Stylist 720-935-2811

14/THEALUMNI

PeoplePeoplewww.thealumninews.org

Teacher of the MonthTeacher of the Month

Kent Jones uses music as a tool for higher education. Zachary Griffl er/Monarch High School

“You want to know about my life? I’m a band director! I have no life!”

KENTJONESMonarch band director

Kent Jones

ZACHARYGRIFFLERMonarch High School

Kent Jones tunes in to Monarch students

An ear for excellence

THE band room is often mythologized in high school lore as wild and crazy territory, filled with

constant shenanigans. But those who participate in a Monarch band class will tell you in a half a beat how regimented they are under the watchful eye of a man whose enthu-siasm for music is widely known. Kent Jones has been director of the school’s two con-cert bands, three jazz bands and marching band since the school’s inaugural year. “You want to know about my life? I’m a band director! I have no life!” Jones joked. Indeed, being a direc-tor of so many programs leaves him with little per-sonal time. He spends his summers organizing and instructing the marching band. Since 2006, under his guidance, the marching band has made it to Colorado Band-masters Association state finals three times. During the school year, he juggles his many bands along with coordinating concerts, competitions and band trips. This year, the entire music program is traveling to Disneyland in California for the annual Disney

Magic Music Days. Music has been a passion of Jones since his early youth, but it wasn’t love at first chord. “I started piano lessons when I was 5, but quit three months later because I hated it. I repeated that pattern when I was 8, and again when I was 10. But when I was 12, I took lessons with a piano major from college instead of an older tutor. Through his enthusi-

astic teaching style, I found a passion for the piano, and I’ve loved music ever since.” Jones spent 24 years in the military and followed with years of profession-al concert playing. He has played in swing bands, clas-sical ensembles and

in military bands. He has held membership in orchestras that have played for ambassadors and

international political figures. Later in life, Jones has found himself teaching students of all ages in the art of instrumental music. With four children, two grandchildren, a beloved motor-cycle and a rich history of ad-venturous vocations, one might wonder why he continues his teaching career to this day.

“I like teaching kids about the importance and value of culture in their lives,” Jones said. “It’s also very rewarding to watch stu-dents mature into leaders through their high school career.” With hundreds of band stu-dents to teach, he has had plenty of chances to watch student growth, but he isn’t afraid to also be a friend to them. “Jones genuinely cares about every band member,” said senior Ashley Ward, drum major of the 2008 marching band. Though he doesn’t recommend a career in professional musi-cianship, he has inspired students to take on music as a college major. “Kent’s a brilliant educator with great ideas and a great sense of musicianship. I have observed him a number of times for educa-tional purposes and he has never failed to amaze me with just how much he knows,” said Kyle Etg-es, a Monarch alumni and music

major at the University of Northern Colorado. Though Jones is en-thusiastic about music, sometimes his apprecia-tion for music doesn’t rub off on all of his students. “He’s one of the few teachers that’s actually passionate about his sub-ject, and he doesn’t care

if that loses him respect from those who aren’t as into it as he is,” said senior Hannah Lewis, trumpet section leader of the up-per-concert band. And indeed, some students find it difficult to muster the equiva-lent amount of appreciation for his subject, but this doesn’t faze Jones. He’s in it for the music.

THEALUMNI/15

In the CommunityIn the CommunityApril 2009

News & NotesNews & NotesCHSAA State Championship Results

Activity Class ChampionsGirls

SwimmingVarious locations

Feb. 13-14

4A5A

Rock CanyonCherry Creek

Speech Festival

Heritage H.S.Jan. 30-31

Public Forum DebateAmber Groves/Amanda Dawson, Alexander Dawson SchoolOne-on-One Value DebateAni-Rae Lovell, Platte CanyonOriginal OratoryMaithreyi Gopalakrishnan, Peak to PeakInterpretation of DramaFiona Jeppson, Battle MountainImpromptu SpeakingAni-Rae Lovell, Platte CanyonDuet Acting HumorAlex Smith/Samantha Valenzuela, AlamedaInterpretation of HumorHannah Helgeson, AlamedaCreative StorytellingErin Trinka, Platte CanyonDuet Acting DramaCara Green/Bethany Blackburn, Faith ChristianSolo ActingLindsey Toler, Platte CanyonInterpretation of PoetryKaitlyn Pindak, Faith Christian

WrestlingPepsi CenterFeb. 19-21

2A3A4A5A

PaoniaCentauriBroomfi eldPonderosa

Key Club Key Club

ONLINENOW

Key Club members will celebrate a year of accomplishments in the annual district convention that takes place in April. Mario Hernandez/Thornton High School

OpportunitiesOpportunities

Great business Leeds

JAMIETRUJILLOUniversity of Colorado

CU program caters to ambitious high schoolers

IS the business world in your future? Develop your business leadership skills over a

weeklong program at the Univer-sity of Colorado at Boulder. The University of Colorado Office of Diversity Affairs in the Leeds School of Business at CU-Boulder offers this fun — and free — opportunity every sum-mer to high school stu-dents through the Business Leadership Program. “[BLP] is an inspiration and at its core allows students the inside track to many aspects of the business world. It is a life-changing expe-rience,” said former BLP partici-pant Adrian Green. Second-year Diverse Scholar student Ashley Peng agreed with Green: “The program helped me learn the importance of team-work and how it can create last-ing friendships and relationships. I even overcame my fear of pre-senting in public.” The university presents stu-

dents an exciting learning en-vironment with the beautiful Boulder Flatirons as a backdrop. Specifically, the Leeds School of Business encourages a competi-tive spirit through challenging coursework that is usually com-pleted in teams. Areas of empha-sis include accounting, finance, information systems, manage-ment and marketing. BLP provides high school stu-dents from diverse backgrounds an understanding of business fundamentals and a chance to network with business profes-

sionals and work with major companies through a case com-petition. Every student is matched with a company and is challenged to solve a real-life issue that the company is struggling with. Winners of the case competition receive a $1,000 scholarship to attend the Leeds School of Busi-ness. Catherine Milburn, a professor for Introduction to Business, said

BLP is designed for current ju-niors going into their senior year, but all applications are welcome. “As a faculty member, I feel that students who participate in BLP begin their first semester at the Leeds School of Business with several advantages,” Mil-burn said. “Participants have the opportunity to talk to upperclass students about the required Intro-duction to Business course, what to expect and how to succeed.” The Diverse Scholars Program, also administered by the Office of Diversity Affairs, is a four-

year student development program that begins when you arrive on campus. DSP focuses on students’ academic achievement, educational opportunities such as study abroad, career development and commu-nity service. To learn

more about admissions criteria for Leeds, go to www.colorado.edu/admissions. The Leeds School of Busi-ness is currently accepting ap-plications through April 10 and encourages motivated students to apply. You can find the appli-cation in your counseling office, online at www.leeds.colorado.edu/diversity/programs or by calling 303-735-5117 to request a copy.

University of Colorado Offi ce of Diversity Aff airs Director Aswad Allen and Program Managers Jamie Trujillo and Steve Norris head programs for career development. Photo courtesy of Jamie Trujillo

The Paragon12365 Huron St. Ste. 1800

Westminster, CO 80234

Agents• Open 7 days a week • 100% commissions• Title and lender representatives• Multiple conference rooms• Monthly marketing meetings• Wireless Internet • Direct phone lines• Continuing education classes

Offi ce space available for leaseCall Bob Truax at 303-548-8508

All new location

The Alumni Apparel

08.10.09

The Alumni$500

Student Journalist of theYear Award 2009-10Now accepting applications

* Write a 500-word essay on why journalism/photography appeals to you; your college aspirations; and how you would use the scholarship award.* Letter of recommendation

Application:

1. First name: Last name: Middle initial:2. Date of birth: / /3. High school: Year: GPA:4. Home address: City: State: Zip:5. Phone number: Cell: Other:6. E-mail:

Personal References: One reference must be a teacher (school newspaper administrator if possible)

Name: Home phone/e-mail: Years known:1.2.3.

Please send this application along with essay and letter of recommendation to: Attn: Isaiah Castilleja 12365 Huron St. Ste. 1800 Westminster, CO 80234

To be considered as a finalist for the 2009-10 Student Journalist of the Year Award, applicants must first apply and complete intern duties.

The Aragon GroupThe Alumni

www.ColoradoHomeExplorer.com

For additional information on these listings call toll free!

1-877-791-1239or

e-mail us at help@coloradohomeexplorer.com

Property of the Month

is a proud sponsor of

If you would like to see your property featured here contact us at 1-877-791-1239

Senior Loan OfficerErik Aragon

Registered mortgage brokerwith the

Colorado Division of Real Estate

Liberty Home Loans

Loan programs:

FHA/VA approvedConventional

Down payment assistance

Competitive interest rates on purchases and refinances!

Walk-ins welcome!Receive a free credit report

and Get pre-qualified instantly!

(With credit approval)

Call today 303-301-7221

The Arabian Horse Center12000 Zuni St. Ste. 1

Westminster, CO 80234303-301-7221

For a quick secure application go to www.ColoradoMortageFunder.com

$239,500Awesome location

3 bed/3 bath2,347 sq. ft.

Call Luba Bykov at 303-252-7700 Northglenn

From left; Ben Vialpando, Paul Aragon, Renee Torres

Contact Paul’s Team at 303-525-8915

$1,000,000Luxurious mediterranean custom home

5 beds/7 baths 7,161 sq. ft.Call Luba Bykov at 303-252-7700

Lakewood

$179,000Passionately remodeled

3 bed/2 bath1,056 sq. ft.

Call Luba Bykov at 303-252-7700 Westminster

$359,000Elegant and super clean

5 bed/4 bath3,207 sq. ft.

Call Luba Bykov at 303-252-7700

Denver

Deadline: May 15, 2009