Lobo

10441 Highway 73, Conifer, CO 80433Conifer High SchoolLegend

Crisis on the Conifer Campus:Can we save our local environment?

The small rural town of Conifer is exactly as its name implies, a town dominated by coniferous forests. “We have a crisis in our forests,” said Mr. Manier, a teacher leading a project to help restore the forest on Conifer’s campus. Fire suppression movements originally intended for forest preservation have been successful at putting out fires but not preserving the forest. By suppressing fire, government agencies such as Colorado firefighters and the U.S. Forest service have unknowingly put the cap on a soda bottle and shaken it up.

Conifer’s campus is one good example. A few years ago county workers conducted a thinning project to remove the fire hazard on the northern side of the school, however the movement was not focused on preserving the forest they were focused on removing a fire hazard. “They [county workers] did not think about the age structure of the trees,” said Mr. Manier . The thinning project cut the stems per acre down to an average of 96 stems per acre on the south facing slope of forest behind the school. In a typical healthy ponderosa forest the stems per acre count is around 40-80, however in some areas of Colorado counts are as high 600 stems per acre. With this extreme density of growth,

fires can easily spread from healthy ground fire to high intensity crown fires. Although the thinning project help the stems per acre counts, it removed some of the older trees of the forest. These older

trees are ecologically important to the ecosystem. “We didn’t understand from a forestry perspective why they [county workers] had removed the largest trees from those stands,” said Mr. Knauer, another teacher in the life science department. By removing the largest trees, the rest of the ponderosas left are more vulnerable to catch fire and produce a crown fire. In the healthy ponderosa forest a small undergrowth of grasses, forbs, and shrubs should be present. Small ground fires burning at a low intensity of heat are healthy for the forest. The fires remove saplings and grass enriching the ground and allowing the next generation of grasses and forbs to flourish. When fire is suppressed year after year forbs and ladder fuels build up so when fire eventually does come through the area it becomes a crown fire. Crown fires burn all the trees at high temperatures sterilizing the ground killing grasses, trees, and all other plants that help prevent erosion. For the first time in perhaps decades Conifer High is restoring roughly two acres of healthy ponderosa forest. The environmental science department is taking classes out and removing slash from the south facing ponderosa forest providing a healthy habitat for grasses and forbs to grow and help prevent erosion. “From what I know about forests, what we are doing will help the forest if a ground fire were to come through,” said Luke Grider a sophomore helping to haul slash from the southern facing slope.

Tristan KubikReporter

The spare fuel and slash in this photo prevents forbs which are small plants that have leaves and generally produce flowers or berries from growing on the ground allowing erosion to happen at a much more rapid rate

The Conifer High Environmental Science class helping clear slash. From left to right; Morgan Hawkins, Michael Fleming, Ben Biesterfeld

A healthy ponderosa forest should have roughly 40-80 stems per acre. Stems per acre is the rough count of the number of adult trees in an acre

“The thinning project cut the stems per acre down to an average of 96 stems per acre”

September 2012 Volume 17 Issue #1

What’s inside

Eli Hall and Theresa OrndoffReportersLink Day Leadership

The 20th of August, 2012, Conifer High provided incoming freshman with “Link Day.” Designed to easily transition freshman into high school, the program worked smoothly. August 20th was full of events the freshmen Link groups planned.They played games that were designed to break down any fear the freshmen may have had in the transition from middle school to high school. “Link breaks the tension for nervous freshmen,” said Dr. Mike Musick, Principal of Conifer High.After an hour of doing activities, the freshmen set out with their groups in costumes, having fun down the halls as they took a tour of Conifer’s large high school. The Link groups take tours around the school dressed up in the Link Leaders’ choice of costume.

After the tour, the Link Leaders let the freshmen go to their classes on their own. Standing out in the hallway, the Link Leaders helped freshmen that had lost their way looking for their classrooms. Both Mrs. Jessie McFadden and Counselor Mrs. Joey Wilson were trained to help the Link Leaders interact with their freshmen groups. A Link Leader’s job is to help the freshmen get used to the high school. “Very successful this year!” said Mrs. Wilson. One of Link’s main goals was to make the learning curve much faster. However, Link was only as good as what students wanted to take out of it. “Link is very helpful,” said Freshman Leuxie Rank. “It helps for certain things, like finding your way around the school. But it doesn’t help getting used to the

atmosphere, or meeting new people.” Leuxie said. Other freshmen thought Link helped. Freshman Shannon Aritolla said, “Link day to me was fun, it was kind of sappy but amusing at times. The costumes were a lot of fun, too.” While on the other hand, freshman Kyler Mullenix said, “It was boring.” And when asked if the Link Leaders helped, he said “No.” Link Leaders are placed into the freshman seminar classes so they can help with things like homework, and give freshmen more tips to help them out. They talk to the freshmen about GPA and college, helping the get prepared and ready. The upperclassmen in Link help the freshmen realize that college isn’t too far away, and that grades do matter.

CHS remembers Andy Marton, Justin Martinez and Todd Sells as the three campus security guards from previous years. The trio was replaced this year by Samantha Beary, Colette Kleiner and Phil Deeds. Deeds was a police officer for the Denver County Sheriff’s Department before being employed at CHS. Security Guard Phil Deeds said, “I was a Division Chief before coming here. I’m really enjoying working with the kids and working one on one with people.” Samantha Beary, who is not only a security professional but also the CHS Cheer Coach declined to comment. Security Guard Colette Kleiner has a different shift than either Mr. Deeds or Ms. Beary who both are around all throughout school hours. Kleiner said, “My normal hours are 11-7:30 and I bounce around as needed.” Ms. Kleiner also enjoys her new job at CHS. Kleiner said, “I’m very happy to work here, it is a very upbeat and positive school. I love working with kids and thats why I do what I do.” Some students don’t much care for CHS’s new security this year. Senior Nick Moore said, “I would rather have Andy or Justin. They were very kind and understanding.” Some of those that don’t like the new security, cite their overly harassive behavior in needing ID’s to go off campus and pressuring for hall passes when going for water or

using the restroom. Senior Hunter Shively said, “I dislike it (new security) very strongly and miss having Andy around. They expect you to have a pass and to show your ID when going off campus, it’s bogus.” Some students didn’t even acquire their ID’s that are now required to leave campus, and thus aren’t allowed to leave. Junior Skylar Coplien said, “I never got my ID, and now I can’t leave just because of that. They should just know who can and cannot leave campus without having to check their ID’s.” Others think the security professionals are good for the school. Freshman Maura Sheahan said, “I think they are very efficient at what they do.” Andy Marton, Justin Martinez and Todd Sells all still work for Colorado school districts. Andy Marton is currently employed at

Alameda High School as a Security Guard and took Colette Kleiner’s old job when she took Marton’s place at CHS. Principal Dr. Michael Musick said, “Andy was a good employee but he chose to go to Alemeda High School.” Andy Marton is described as a great employee by staff members. Vice-Principal Tim McNerney said, “Andy was extremely committed and dedicated to what he did, was passionate about kids and was reliable. He went to Alameda to work closer to his family.” Marton was very good at working with kids and helping them during his employment at CHS. McNerney said, “First on the agenda for security is building a relationship with kids, Andy had some special skills relating to kids.” Martinez works at the Jefferson County Education Center, dealing with habitual

truants, helping to get them back in school. Musick said, “Justin applied for a job that he took. He is currently supporting students coming out of detention centers and monitors if students are going to school.”

Sells Is employed in Denver County as a teacher. Mr. Sells would substitute on the side while being a security professional at CHS and jumped at the opportunity to teach full-time.

Cameron McGrewReporter/Photographer

Conifer and Evergreen, a Bitter

Rivalry

News

Feature

Sports

Entertainment

Opinion

Center

Security in Town

Brave teachers are embrac-ing the opportunity to teach Advanced Placement classes this year. Many AP teaching positions were left empty for teachers ready to accept the challenge of teaching an AP class for the very first time. Principal Dr. Mike Musick said, “All three of the teachers have a long history at the school of excellent teaching and I consider it a gift that they would be willing to volunteer to be an AP teacher.” New AP Literature and Composition teachers Eric Kragel and Leslie Thomp-son have taken on the task together, seeking for students to be successful for the test in May. “I would have taught this class years ago if I could have. I was finally offered the position and when the opportunity arose I took it,” said Thompson. Students seem to agree that Thompson was pre-pared to teach an advanced

Teachers Aspire to be as Challenged as Students

The first documented Blues song written was W.C. Mandy’s “Mem-phis Blues” in 1909. However, Blues had already been around some time before that. It started as a distinct African-American art form in 1890, during which time slavery was in existence. This is where Blues music has its deepest roots. Slaves sang while working, calling it “call and response,” answering back to one another in lyrics. The blues devel-oped in the South, and during the Great Depression it moved to the North. On August 25th, 2012, Conifer put on a Blues Festival at Meyer’s Ranch. Many people attended, including former teacher Mrs. Maloney from the middle school. Community members also attend-ed, including CHS juniors Lauren Beabout and Hayley Bell. Hayley said, “We are here for a family out-

Blues Festival Goes Off With a BangJessica Ball and Kim Pease

Photo by: C

ameron M

cGrew

Colette Kleiner Phil Deeds

It’s Cool Respecting Your School

A Summer Grind in the Sunshine

Walking Tall With Volleyball

Marching Band Marches in

Lobo Link Day Welcomes New Students

2 News

September 2012

Alameda High School as a Security Guard and took Colette Kleiner’s old job when she took Marton’s place at CHS. Principal Dr. Michael Musick said, “Andy was a good employee but he chose to go to Alemeda High School.” Andy Marton is described as a great employee by staff members. Vice-Principal Tim McNerney said, “Andy was extremely committed and dedicated to what he did, was passionate about kids and was reliable. He went to Alameda to work closer to his family.” Marton was very good at working with kids and helping them during his employment at CHS. McNerney said, “First on the agenda for security is building a relationship with kids, Andy had some special skills relating to kids.” Martinez works at the Jefferson County Education Center, dealing with habitual

truants, helping to get them back in school. Musick said, “Justin applied for a job that he took. He is currently supporting students coming out of detention centers and monitors if students are going to school.”

Sells Is employed in Denver County as a teacher. Mr. Sells would substitute on the side while being a security professional at CHS and jumped at the opportunity to teach full-time.

Brave teachers are embrac-ing the opportunity to teach Advanced Placement classes this year. Many AP teaching positions were left empty for teachers ready to accept the challenge of teaching an AP class for the very first time. Principal Dr. Mike Musick said, “All three of the teachers have a long history at the school of excellent teaching and I consider it a gift that they would be willing to volunteer to be an AP teacher.” New AP Literature and Composition teachers Eric Kragel and Leslie Thomp-son have taken on the task together, seeking for students to be successful for the test in May. “I would have taught this class years ago if I could have. I was finally offered the position and when the opportunity arose I took it,” said Thompson. Students seem to agree that Thompson was pre-pared to teach an advanced

placement course. Senior Brittany Langford said, “If I was a new student I would never know this is her first year teaching an AP class.” Teaching an AP class can be as scary for a teacher as sign-ing up for an AP course is for a student. “The most difficult part for me is finding the right literature to practice with stu-dents that will be the most helpful for the test. It’s dif-ficult building the curriculum from scratch,” said Kragel. The English department is not the only place where you will find new advanced placement teachers. Teacher Jessie McFadden is offering AP Chemistry for the first year at CHS. “I was ready for a chal-lenge and we finally had enough kids who have taken an early chemistry course to support it,” said McFadden. The teachers spent a part of their summer doing work-shops and preparing to teach their class in the fall. All of

the new AP teachers found the classes helpful although they weren’t exactly easy. McFadden said, “We did 22 labs in two days. It was a lot of work.”There are notable differences between an Ad-vanced Placement course and a regular course, from the students to the curriculum. “Students in an AP course are more motivated and actually signed up for the course ready to take it,” said Thompson. Not only do many students at the school look for the challenge of tak-ing an AP course but many teachers also look for the challenge of teaching an AP course. “Sometimes I worry about keeping up with the students because they are so brilliant,” said McFadden.

Karly MulloyReporter

Teachers Aspire to be as Challenged as Students

The first documented Blues song written was W.C. Mandy’s “Mem-phis Blues” in 1909. However, Blues had already been around some time before that. It started as a distinct African-American art form in 1890, during which time slavery was in existence. This is where Blues music has its deepest roots. Slaves sang while working, calling it “call and response,” answering back to one another in lyrics. The blues devel-oped in the South, and during the Great Depression it moved to the North. On August 25th, 2012, Conifer put on a Blues Festival at Meyer’s Ranch. Many people attended, including former teacher Mrs. Maloney from the middle school. Community members also attend-ed, including CHS juniors Lauren Beabout and Hayley Bell. Hayley said, “We are here for a family out-

ing.” The Blues Festival was held to support schools around the area, by John - Michael Keyes and the ‘i love u guys’ foundation, CO Blues society and KUVO. “Great location, couldn’t ask for a better weather to play in.” said Jim Schwalli, Guitar player and singer in the last band, Siegel - Schwalli. Starting up around 1 o’clock that afternoon, the Blues festival began with the sound check for the mics and instruments. Michael D. Wulfsohn, a flute player from the radio station from KUVO, gave an announcement. With a total of three bands, including Conifer’s very own, ‘The once removed’.“You guys live in a beautiful venue” stated Michele from Catfish Kray the first band to play. Jim Primock from The Colo-rado Blues Society, an organiza-tion that has 500 members and has

helped with schools that have a Jazz or Blues program in schools all around Colorado since 1995, was at one of the vendor tents that were at the Blues Festival. Jim, a member of twelve years with the Colorado Blues Society said, “Blues Society is for people like me that love the Blues.” “We live in an amazing com-munity, and seeing them come out and having a great afternoon listen-ing to the Blues and still support-ing local charities is wonderful,” said John - Michael Keyes, Execu-tive Director of the ‘i love u guys’ foundation.

Blues Festival Goes Off With a BangJessica Ball and Kim Pease

Reporters

News 3

September 2012

One phrase says it all. “Marching Band is my life,” said CHS marching band member, trombone major, and senior, Kelan Rooney. In the Lobo Regiment,over 150 teens participate in different sections of the marching band. Over the course of a season, members of the color guard and marching band proper devote more than 450 hours. All those hours are divided between 3 weeks of band camp, class time, after school practices, competitions, not to mention time devoted to private practice. Kelly Dieter , mother of color guard member Sydney Dieter, who helps with fundraising for Conifer’s music program, describes the group of teens as “really dedicated.” Although color guard is not musically involved in the band, they still play a role. “The guard is part of the visual package of the show; we add the passion to the music,” said Color Guard coach Christian Donis. Yet, there has been some resentment between guard and band members. In past years, the relationship between color guard and band proper ( which is the musical section of the band) have been “tenuous” as described by Kelan Rooney. “ There has been separation in the past but the relationship is improving,” said Mr. Hermanson, marching band director. Even though Mr. Hermanson believes that the relationships are improving, not everyone else in the band and guard share the same optimistic position. Maddy Yerks believes that the problem could be easily solved by some group bonding time. “The relationship between the

band and color guard is terrible. The instructors say they will try to help fix it, but they never do,” said color guard member and sophomore Maddy Yerks. “It’s like two separate performances, we don’t even get to get ready with them.” Marching band does not always practice alongside the guard, but they still devote the same amount of hours and effort. “They are working harder than ever,” said Mr. Donis,”They want to be just as respected by their peers as the football players are.” Even though there has been some controversy among band and color guard members, most students still love the program. Some students participate in sports; musician Will Buckles participates in band. “I have never been a competitive person,and band lets me play to the best of my ability,” said Will Buckles. Will is the section leader for Trumpets. Many people are stressed out by band. “Hermanson pushes us hard, and let’s just say some of the goals are unreasonable because they are too challenging for our capability,” said Senior Will. A recent addition to Conifer’s band is Shannon Craig, playing an electric violin. Her second preformance took place on Saturday September 15th, homecoming. Near the end of the season, marching band will go to state contest. For the last three years Conifer has come in 10th place. There is an mutual agreement between the drum majors of the band, if marching band wins state, the drum majors get to shave Mr. Hermanson’s head. “Our seniors are really hoping not to make 10th again,” said Will.

The Lobo Regiment’s performance at the September 15th Homecoming game versus Mountian Vista

When the Lobo Regiment Comes Marching InAshley HopkoNews/ Feature Editor

The CHS Poms Team is the top ac-tivity in school and it is just as well known as cheerleading and football. One may think this is a girl-only activity, but what happens when that gender stereotype is broken? That’s right, there is a male on the Pom’s Team this year. Senior, Jerrod Pittinger has joined the team. Coach Maryjean Fowler changed the name from The Poms Team to The CHS Dance Team because she felt like it better represented the team. She believes that the fact that Jerrod dances so well may encour-age more guys to join the team. For people that want to join, Maryjean doesn’t judge just on dancing ability but more on good character. She says, “ We are all about respect.” Jerrod says, “ It’s interesting be-ing the only male on the dance team but I’m used to performing with

girls at my dance studio and, now, performing at the school. So, it’s like a new chapter in my life.” Work-ing with the 13 girls, Jerrod hopes that more guys will join the team. The girls adore Jerrod being on the team. Sophomore Leah Stubbs says, “Jerrod is an excellent addition to the team. He is one of the best danc-ers on the team and he just makes everyone very happy, everyone wants to be around him.” Fresh-men Shannon Arritola says, “ He is a great member of the team; he is a good dancer and a good teacher.” This may be new look for the team but this does not change what the team is about. Hopefully, this change will influence more kids to do things they love to do without the gender barrier there to hold them back.

Breaking the Gender Stereotype Meaghan HanshueReporter

Left Photo:Jerrod PittingerRight Photo:Amanda Browning

Pho

tos

by: K

iley

Mur

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4 Feature

September 2012

Ever been somewhere during summer vacation worth bragging about? Well, some students from CHS sure did. A huge group of students went to several places during the 2012 summer like Ecuador, Romania, and Zambia. Freshman Devin Fill and Senior Cooper Van Auken adventured to Ecuador for a mission trip. During the trip, the volunteers from Conifer built one water filter for a village in the mountains. They had to fundraise $8,000 for their week’s stay. Devin said, “We sold coupon cards for fundrais-ing.” Cooper’s favorite thing to do there was “Playing soccer with the locals.” Romania, was another location a group of students traveled to. Senior, Carly Nelson and a group of CHS students went along this trip for a volunteer service. Carly

said, “ During the trip, we worked in a orphanage for a week and spent the rest of the time sight seeing.” The group had to fundraise $3,000 per person for the thir-teen days that they stayed in Romania. Carly said that she sold homemade candy. Senior, Nikki Gerlach was apart of the group of people to travel to Romania. Her favorite thing to do there was playing with the babies. Along with the list of activities, they also traveled around the country to sight see and experience the culture. The last location the CHS students explored was Zambia, Africa. Senior, Caitie Jacobsen and her group of people followed along in this trip. Her favorite thing to do during the trip was work-ing with the kids. She said, “I absolutely love working with kids, but the kids from Zambia were really special.” They helped many people while they were

there. Jacob-sen said, “The experiences I had, and the people I met in Zambia, have taught me very valuable lessons. Giv-ing to those in need is the best, and most

rewarding thing you can do.” With all the areas that the CHS students have vis-ited, hopefully more places will be on the list for next year’s summer trips.

CHS across the worldMeaghan Hanshue and Chandy KlonglanReporters

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Feature 5

September 2012

VS

The rivalrySurvey

“The stereotypes are not accurate, the schools are more similar than different. The mountain schools are in their own bubble,” said Mr. Freza.

“I have never seen a rivalry as deep or intense,” said Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Gill.

“I believe one of the reasons Evergreen Football has been successful the last couple of years is that since I have taken over the program I have tried to mirror much of what Coach Fitz does, who my father (offensive coordinator) and I have a great deal of respect for. When I took over as head football coach in 2009 I held a meeting with my newly hired coaches stating that we will continue to lose the rivalry year in and year out like we were, if we did not try to become more physical like Conifer Football has been under Coach Fitz,” Said head Evergreen coach Rob Molholm.

VS

The rivalrySays:“The stereotypes are not accurate,

the schools are more similar than different. The mountain schools are in their own bubble,” said Mr. Freza.

The Evergreen/Conifer rivalry is one of respect. Students from both schools have grown up together. I believe it is a friendly rivalry where both student bodies have a lot of fun cheering and competing against each other.

“I believe one of the reasons Evergreen Football has been successful the last couple of years is that since I have taken over the program I have tried to mirror much of what Coach Fitz does, who my father (offensive coordinator) and I have a great deal of respect for. When I took over as head football coach in 2009 I held a meeting with my newly hired coaches stating that we will continue to lose the rivalry year in and year out like we were, if we did not try to become more physical like Conifer Football has been under Coach Fitz,” Said head Evergreen coach Rob Molholm.

10 Opinion

September 2012

In the good old US of A you would never even think of getting arrested for yelling a little bit at a church, but that’s because we have our First Amendment rights. Three feminist punk musicians and activists were not so lucky living in Russia. “What do you expect? It’s Russia,” said junior Nick Cenedella. On the seventeenth of August Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Maria Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich were sentenced to two years each in penal colony for “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred.” This was the sentence given after a trial regarding a 40 second “punk prayer” in Moscow’s Church of Christ. It seems the issue that arose was a

line in their prayer which referenced deliverance from Putin’s rule. And I’d have to agree, because it seems in Putin’s Russia there are hefty consequences for even suggesting its leadership would be corrupt. And it turns out so do many people. A slew of American celebrities, as well as citizens, have staged protests for the women’s freedom. People gathered in new york city in mass wearing garb resembling the show costume of Pussy Riot and statements from the three women were read to those who were present. A march took place outside the Russian Consulate in Toronto. Even Madonna performed a show in the fashion of the band and released an official statement deeming the sentence “inhumane.” The freedom of speech and protest is one fundamental to the survival of a government. John F. Kennedy said “Those that make peaceful revolution impossible make violent revolution inevitable.” And with this kind of impossibility a violent revolution in Russia doesn’t seem far off.

As any respectable teenager will tell you, technology is a vital part of oureveryday lives. For most, this conjures memories of hours spent on Youtube or the Facebook posts we seem to thrive on, but what about technology in our school? Anyone who has tried to coax sensors from 1995 to work with a Windows 7 computer in Mr. King’s physics class knows that some of our school’s technology is long past outdated. Some teachers claim to be far too young to know how to use the phones in their classrooms. One phone in particular is completely non-functioning. In a perfect world our science department would be working with NASA quality resources, and the English department’s only concern would be how many novels they could fit into the year rather than the price of these books. This perfect world has no room for our limited budget, but several good things have come from the way the administration has chosen to spend the money we do have. Arguably the most overlooked technology we have access to is the TV in every teacher’s classroom.

Although rarely used on any other occasion, we do use these TV’s every other day as a convenient way to relay messages to the entire school through LoboTrax. Our PA system exists in the same subtle way for a very similar purpose. When you consider tools used on a more regular basis for lectures, nearly every one of our classrooms houses SmartBoard technology. However, it is worth mentioning the trial and error period that comes with learning how to use this shiny new toy. The ELMO cameras take some similar getting used to, but once you figure out which direction to slide your paper they provide their own special brand of convenience. Just last year the library installed keypads, so students who know their card numbers (and happen to use them often enough to make this useful information) no longer have to carry around a library card. Stepping out of the classroom, who hasn’t boggled at the technological gift of our very own ice cream machine?

Punk in Putin’s Prison Cooper Van AukenReporter

Carly NelsonReporter

Technology at CHS

The staff of the Lobo Legend has selected an open forum under which to write. The articles will be printed according to this policy. The purpose of the Lobo Legend is to inform, en-tertain and educate school readers as well as readers in the community and give an opinion of students’ interests on local, state and national issues. Under this publication policy, the staff of the Lobo Legend will provide essentially all of the reported data. The Lobo Legend will publish news from clubs or groups the students are involved in, announcements, feature articles, controversial issues and any other articles that the staff deems necessary to print. The staff will take full responsibility to thoroughly investigate and report all sides of all issues with an unbiased and objective viewpoint.

The material, ideas and opinions expressed in the Lobo Legend do not necessarily reflect those of the adviser, administration or staff. They are the sole product of the paper’s staff. The adviser is ultimately responsible for what is printed. She is to check for accuracy, legality, liabil-ity, grammar and style as well as the topic of articles. The Lobo Legend staff will refuse to print any article with material containing libel, obscenity, writings that promote self-destructive behavior or that which promotes the material disruption of the school process.Letters to the editor are encouraged and may be dropped off in the high school office or send to: Newspaper Staff C/O Conifer High School 10441 Hwy 73 Conifer, CO 8043

Cellphones, comput-ers, printers. Oh my!Photo by: Chandy Klongan

CONIFER’S ELECTION

GovernorMITT ROMNEY

PresidentBARACK OBAMA

-Ian Heaney-Noel Gemelli-Miranda Smith-Max Kennedy-Justin Peters-Emily Vance

-Evan Blaskowski-Michelle Rogers-Ryan Nolan-Miranda Baker-Ian Hunter-Chris Morrison

Who

Wins?

Editorial Policy

The following story is true. Only the facts have been changed.” ~ The Big Year

It’s early. You’re late. You really shouldn’t have stayed out all night. Your alarm is going off, quickly think of options: fake sickness (“Make it something creative...something people won’t want to probe, like it was hell on both end,” Senior Joseph Hughes said), pretend the alarm clock is broken, or man up, and wake up. Faking sick will take way too much effort, broken clock is pretty lame, and there is that test in math, you’re just going to fail it anyways though. Crawl out of bed, shower (please shower. That goes for everyone. Showering is good.), drink a Monster.

While backing out of the driveway, back into your parent’s car; quickly run through the options and seeing how you have no duct tape or any sort of background in mechanics, and your magic wand is being repaired, you decide to run away. Quickly run away. If you’re an underclassmen, you get the privilege of riding the great yellow limos to school, while upperclassmen eat leftover pizza while doing 80...I mean totally the speed limit, while waving at the cops as they pass. “I get to school at the last possible second,” said senior Jenna Wadleigh, getting to school as late as possible and walking into class right as the bell rings is always the way to go. At school, first period is fortunately seminar- synonymous with nap time. After cramming in an extra hour of sleep the rest of school becomes possible, primarily with the hope of lunch in the distance. Lunch brings the freedom of talking to people, socializing,

and most importantly food. “[I like] that I have it with a bunch of my friends.” said freshman Carrie Nelson. School food and off campus food are spectacular pick-me-ups and as much as upperclassmen love the underclassmen, they love parking close to the school better, leaving the underclassmen to survive on burritos and pizza. After lunch school continues, “[Classes] seem to go by faster than previous years,” said senior Kayla Niksic, but let’s face it, they still drag on past infinity. Infinity ends with the final bell, symbolizing the freedom to go home. “I go home and I eat and I sleep,” said Niksic, other suggested, highly productive activities include playing video games, staring at the tv, staring at Facebook, staring at Twitter, staring at your cat, or actually doing something worthwhile, like homework. After wasting most of the day, you eventjust to start the routine. 253 days until summer.mer.

Opinion 11

September 2012

At Conifer High School there are 954 students. With a group that size, there are usually quite a few rule breakers. Our school manages to keep that number down to a minimum. However, a topic worse than rule breaking needs to be addressed this year. Respect. Not just respect for yourself and your peers, but your environment. For instance, gum. In our school we have the privilege of being allowed to chew gum whenever we want. There is no limit to when, where, or how much gum you may chew. For some reason, students abuse this privilege. Often once they slide up to the desk in their chair students put their knees up on the bar connected to the seat legs. What do their knees touch? Gum. Chewed up, spit up, and hardened gum. This isn’t just gross, it’s revolting, and unsanitary. Our question is, why do students stick their gum there? There is a trash can in every single room, adding up to approximately 148 total trash cans in our school. How lazy does someone have to be to ignore a trash can 10 feet away and stick their gum to a desk? Not only is it laziness, it’s inconsiderate to others.

No one wants to touch something you’ve chewed up. Who knows how many germs are on those pieces of gum that have been there for who knows how long. This is high school; students should be more mature than that. High schoolers always talk about how they want to be treated like adults, but disposing of gum under desks doesn’t seem to be very “mature” or “responsible.” Not only do people put gum under the desks but they do other disgusting things. As a general rule we should all take pride in our school and keep it clean and respectable. In the future everybody should try to avoid: peeing on the walls, writing on the walls, putting lighter burns on the walls, and putting gum on the desk. Take a stand and defend what’s yours.

Lena Harris

ReporterThe Big Year

Staff PictureAdviserLeslie Thompson

Editor-In-ChiefKiley Murray

EditorsNatalie Armstrong- PhotoLaura Maloney-SportsAshley Hopko-NewsLauren Davis-Design

Jessica BallEli HallBrooklyn HamptonMeaghan HanshueLena HarrisEmily Jones

Brent KirkChandy KlonganTristan KubikThomas LaphamMackenzie LongLaura Maloney

Cameron McGrewKarly MulloyCarly NelsonTheresa OrndoffKim PeaseKisa Owens

Blake SankeyJacob SmithSavannah TalbotCooper VanA-ukenLandon WildesCole Wheatley

Reporters

Emily Jones & Natalie ArmstrongReporter & EditorR.E.S.P.E.C.T

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Cellphones, comput-ers, printers. Oh my!Photo by: Chandy Klongan

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8 Sports

September 2012

A year ago the Conifer Lobos football team faced a dev-astating loss against their arch rival, the Evergreen Cougars. But

from the days leading up to the Mountain Bowl on September 22nd, the team had high hopes for redemption. Throughout the season, the team has been improving in numerous ways. According to Assistant Coach Eric Kragel, because of the number of returning members, experience has improved and the players now “know what to do.” The team’s strategy has also shifted. The team is going more from the shotgun. Quarterback senior Thomas Kim says he has been working closely with receivers. “Teams won’t think we’re a one sided team,” he says. Senior Kian O’Shea says the team has been improving on their passing game as well as their

defensive capability. There has been one ob-stacle the team has

had to overcome, injuries. Kim says the “guys get dinged up.” But the bumps and bruises the boys have received don’t affect the team’s morale. “We are taking it one week at a time,” says Kim. With the infamous Conifer vs. Evergreen showdown completed, the players look back on their expectations about the big game. “Ever-green’s always on the back of our minds,” said Kim. He hoped to replay the first Mountain Bowl game from three years ago where Conifer won against Evergreen 42 to 12. “The only ones that can beat us are ourselves,” says O’Shea.

It’s that time of year again. The boys soccer team takes the field as they look to dominate the league. They have a team this year consisting of eight seniors, two juniors, three sophomores, and two new freshman. This Tuesday, September 25th, they have a game at four o’clock at Green Moun-tain. Over the summer, the soccer players attended soccer camps to improve their skill and decide the teams. “The days were long,” said freshman Blake Ballard. “ This year we have tuned up all of our plays to make a

better team this year,” said Quinn LaBarge. Their coach, George Hunt IV, is excited for the year saying, “...the largest change is the attitude of the players.” This year should be a new beginning for the boys if they want to win and get to a higher level than they were last year. The past year was not the best for Conifer but, “… we are excited to beat Evergreen!” in the words of Quinn Labarge. Sophomore Quinn Labarge said, “I feel good about this year, we have a much better team.”

As the sun was shining down upon the Evergreen softball field, two rivals took the stage, both ready to win. The air was crackling with anticipation for the start of the girls softball game. Conifer was trying to organize the softball games to be at home so that the Mountain Bowl and the softball games could both be at Conifer, but Evergreen didn’t want it that way. Because of the field locations, some fans were torn between going to the softball game or going to the Mountain Bowl. “If we ever have to play Evergreen while football plays Evergreen, we should have it here and have a sportsfest,” said Sophomore Jackie Higley. Many softball play-ers wanted to go to the Mountain Bowl to show support for Conifer’s football team, however all the girls were dedicated to their sport and

couldn’t miss their game. ”I’m sad about miss-ing the Mountain Bowl,” said Freshman Delany Kellenaers. Higley said, “I was outraged when Evergreen denied to move the game to Conifer.” Conifer Varsity Softball played Evergreen, and lost 3 to 6. JV, however, won 12 to 6. Varsity played at 10:00 am at Evergreen High School on September 22 and JV played immediately after.Senior Cady Kellenaers pitched the Varsity game, allowing only six runs. Evergreen played an excellent game both on offense and defense; their outfield shut down any fly balls. Conifer started coming back towards the end of the game but Evergreen held their lead and struck

out three batters in a row ending the game in a victory. Varsity’s win-loss record is now 5-7. Sopho-more Austin Johnson, who was injured for the game, was too upset to talk after the game, as were the rest of the Varsity girls. Many of the seniors cried bitterly, knowing that it was their last chance to see defeat on Evergreen’s faces. But that didn’t prevent JV from having a great victory, finishing 12 to 6. The JV catcher for Evergreen stepped across her boundaries into the pitching world. She figured it was easy, all you had to do was put the ball across the plate. Conifer took advantage of her rookie pitching and had a crushing victory increasing JV’s win-loss record to 5-1.

Evergreen Softball Mashup

Lobo Football’s Second Chance

ReporterBlake Sankey

Time For S-o-c-c-e-r

Reporters

Brooklyn Hampton and Savannah Talbot

ReporterLaura Maloney

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Sports9

September 2012

As a journalist I have always felt as though the hardest thing to cover is sports; football is by far the most difficult of all the sports to cover. The game of football is fast paced, intense, and emotionally charged-not for the faint of heart, mind, or soul. The game itself- while physically exhausting for the players- is also mentally and emotionally wearing on those on and off the field. The most exhausting for us in the mountains is the Conifer versus Evergreen game, a game full of bitter rivalry and fierce competition. While reporting I have seen grown men cry, I have heard more profanities than one hears in our high school hallways and I have also seen

very touching and inspiring moments on the field. One of the most heartwarming moments I have ever witnessed as a person came this last weekend during the infamous rivalry game. Five minutes left in the third quarter, the offense had just come off the field. The team’s spirits were noticeably down and the stress level was high. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted our quarterback, senior Thomas Kim, stand-

ing at the back of the sideline, helmet on a table and head down, visibly upset at the apparent outcome of "the most stressful game of the sea-son." While the stress was high, faith was not in short supply. Junior Matthew McClintock strode up to the back sideline where Kim was standing, looked at him and said, "Keep your head up, this is where the mental game outplays." This was followed by a march of other team members banding together to say the same thing, and keep the small bit of hope thriving in our team. This seemingly small comment was one of the most endearing and heartwarming moments I have seen. While it may have seemed minus-cule to those saying it I was astounded by the leadership and sense of family I was suddenly surrounded by. This one sentence gave the team a final push to go out and leave it all on the field, no regrets. While Evergreen may have prevailed and won the battle, 17-10, the Lobos football team showed me what it is like to win the war.

You learn a lot of things from watching a game as it appears on the field, you learn a lot more watching a game from the sidelines, from momentarily being a part of the camaraderie that is a team with all its work-ing parts. You learn to be there to support all the people around you, no matter your differences, and that if you have time on the clock to use it, to stay calm and collected even when you think you might break, to live in the moment, and most of all to keep your head up de-spite the circumstances. We could all take note of the little things a team does to win, and apply it to our own lives. I know I will. So thank you team, while you may not have won the battle, you have won the war. Good game.

Editor-In-ChiefKiley Murray

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Sports Commentary

The Conifer Lobos: Victory and Grace Through Defeat

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