Michael Davis is the man who walks the walk, and talks the talk, and is a well-known senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for his acts of kindness, hard work, dedication and devotion to a variety of activities throughout the school.

Freshman year Davis got involved in the Interact Club and was recognized as a regular member who plans out events to help better the school. Michael would participate in organizing special fundraising programs for TJ to procure money and improve the school. Michael was promoted to Vice President of Interact Club and now has more important duties, like setting up committees, organizing meeting agendas, entertaining community requests, and making sure his colleagues are all on task. “I am the person in charge when the president, Karina Desroses, is not able to attend meetings or classes. I make sure everyone is on task, and are doing what they are assigned to do,” said Davis.

“I am very pleased that I joined the Interact Club here at TJ because it led me to Distributive Educational Clubs of America (DECA),” explained Davis.  In his junior year Davis joined DECA and became the school store representative. After experiencing DECA first hand and getting the full experience of what DECA has to offer, during his junior year Davis decided to run for the vice president of the organization at Thomas Jefferson High School. “It has truly been an honor and privilege to have been associated with a mature, professional, outstanding, young man like Michael Davis II,” said Marketing Education Teacher and DECA Sponsor, Matt Nicolo.

The student who is filling in the spot after Davis leaves is Junior, Alex Clark. “Michael has given me some great advice on how to fulfill my job as the vice president. I see him as a fantastic role model, and I have some big shoes to fill after Michael leaves,” said Clark.

Even though Davis has a lot on his hands during the school day, he still finds time to engage in personal activities and events.  Davis is the president of his youth group at King Baptist Church. “ I love doing youth group, it gives me a chance to connect with different people and just have fun,” said Davis. As president, Davis teaches Sunday school at church and is in his 4th year of educating children.  Davis is also involved in the KAPPA League Junior Ambassadors.

When Davis isn’t working hard for the multiple organizations and clubs with which he is affiliated, he enjoys watching Star Trek, King of Queens and According to Jim.

Davis also loves to kick back and jam to the soulful and upbeat music of the Jackson 5, The Temptations, and Earth Wind and Fire,  but he enjoys making his own music on the piano even more. “I have been playing piano for seven years.  I started in January of 2003 and have grown to love it throughout my life,” said Davis.

Davis attended Hallett Elementary School, Bruce Randolph for 6th grade and transferred to Hill for grades 7 and 8. Davis’ home school for high school was East, but he made the choice to become a Spartan long before stepping foot in the school as an actual student. “Some of my family attended Thomas Jefferson High School and ever since then I have always wanted to be a Spartan. I love being a Spartan. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else other than TJ,” explained Davis.

Davis was accepted to the Colorado School of Mines for the 2009 – 2010 school year. “I got accepted to Mines and I am going to major in computer science,” said Davis. “Growing up I have always wanted to be a computer scientist, but that may change later in life.” Even though Davis’ dream is working with computers, he is very interested in politics as well. “When I grow older I possibly might run for a State Office Position.  My goal would be the State Senate, but a United States Senator would put the icing on my cake,” said Davis.

Whether it is his DECA, Interact Club, or Church Youth Group, there seems to be a reoccurring theme in Davis’ life:  service to others.  “I will always lend a helping hand in anyway I can. I am willing to work hard for something as long as I know the outcome will be positive,” said Davis.

After a sucessful season, some Spartans are headed off to the State Meet. photo by Kevin Fleming

Sophomore Tim Mahoney is competing in State this following week in the 200 Free Relay with his partner Ivan Komodore, and is hoping to take the number one spot.

On April 27, the Thomas Jefferson Swim Team welcomed the Denver West Cowboys with open arms, and they were ready for competition.  The first event that took place was a Medley Relay, which TJ dominated. Senior Ryan Diaz, Junior Seth Perry, and Mahoney took first in the relay. The second event held was the 200-Meter Freestyle Swim, and freshman competitor Frank Hupperts took first with an outstanding time of 2:22.06.

With winning in the air, Perry jumped on the starting block and got a fantastic start to the 100-meter fly and swam his way to first with a time of 1:00.28. Mahoney followed in Perry’s footsteps and finished with an exceptional time of 57.31.  “The West meet was great. West has a good combined team and it is awesome that they got a few more swimmers from Denver North High School. They were all great sportsmen and it was an overall high intensity meet,” said Head Coach Cindy Allen.

Along with other wins, TJ took first in the majority of the events and won, beating Denver West High School 112 – 43.

After a confidence boost from the Denver West meet, TJ hosted a meet against Arvada West. “We have been looking forward to this match all year. TJ’s old swim coach, Coach Cook, is now the coach for Arvada West, so we wanted to show them we meant business,” said Allen. Even though Sophomore Daniel Smith, Perry, Mahoney, and Diaz took first in multiple events, Arvada West proved to be superior to TJ on that day, and won 98 – 87.  “Arvada picked up some really great swimmers and we held them strong until the last meet which was a 400-meter relay that we lost by a small margin,” said Allen.

The boy’s next meet is May 8, for the City Meet at Manual at 4:15pm, and May 9th at 12:00pm. This meet could lock in some state qualifiers that takes place Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Mountain View High School.

If there is a need to know where to go for educational support, just head right down to the tutoring center in room four, where you’ll find one of the local experts -Wuaneta Vann – who will help conquer those academic problems.

Wauneta Vann was born and raised in Colorado and attended Aurora Central High School The young Vann grew up knowing all of her aspirations were limitless and foresaw becoming a writer, an actress, and even a nun. “After watching the movie Sister Act when I was younger, I got the idea of growing up and being a nun,” explained Vann. Also while growing up Vann took ballroom dancing and is skilled in the tango, salsa, waltz, and many well-known dances from a variety of cultures.

After high school Vann attended three colleges before graduating from Denver University, including Northeastern Junior College, Hawaii Pacific, and Oklahoma University. “I am a Sooner! A die-hard Sooner. Sooner Boomer baby!” cheered Vann. “I do have one major accomplishment in my four years of college and that is that I was the first African American Student Council President at Northeastern Junior College,” explained Vann.

In 2007, Vann became a student teacher for Gordon Heaton and Linda Estlund. “I was really nervous, but somehow built up the courage to ask Mr. Heaton if I could be his student teacher. He let me work with the kids and I got to see how passionate he is about history, and I learned a lot from that year,” said Vann. After getting the feel of Thomas Jefferson High School during her year as a student teacher, she began to fall in love with the all around atmosphere that TJ had to offer. “The students, teachers, and faculty all have their own way of reaching out, showing their potential and making it easy to fall in love with them,” explained Vann.

Even though Vann spends a great deal of her time working at TJ tutoring students and helping them exceed their educational goals, she also enjoys an exciting life outside of school. “I love to travel. I want to visit all 50 states before I die, and I have been to multiple countries including countries in Africa along the Ivory Coast,” said Vann, who also loves to take pictures and has a proclivity for snapping photos of sunsets. “I would keep a camera in my car and when I saw a sunset I would pull it out and snap a shot. However, I don’t do this anymore because over time I noticed that I was a hazard to other drivers on the road,” chuckled Vann.

Along with taking pictures, Vann loves anything to do with music. “I am not going to brag, but I rock at Rock Band. I am only on hard, but still I make it look like I am the best rocker ever.” In addition, Vann loves listening to music, from classical to country. “My favorite musician has to be Garth Brooks,” said Vann.

Vann is not only a tutor at Thomas Jefferson, but a mentor for students as well. “I believe making a positive impact is the number one goal. To make a change in a person’s life is the most fulfilling part of my job here. I am a teacher not a preacher,” said Vann.

To Vann, her role as a tutor here at TJ is quite clear. “As a tutor here at TJ, we must know how to use all of our resources. Many people come to me to ask how to do something or how something works, and sometimes I honestly don’t know. When I don’t know the answer I have to open up all of my resources and do research,” explained Vann, who added that the role of a tutor implies that you must be patient. “You can’t get heated up and lose your focus just because you are impatient,” said Vann. “You’ve got to be able to make learning fun and humorous, keep the environment positive and enjoyable for students.”

Ryan Diaz took first place in the 100 meter free relay in the Spartans' victory over the Montbello Warriors on April 14. photo by Kevin Fleming

Wednesday April 14th, 2009, the Spartan Swim Team traveled to Montbello High School to take on the Warriors in an intense swim meet that brought out all the skills of both teams.

Senior Ivan Komodore, took first in the 50 free relay, Senior Ryan Diaz took first in the 100 free relay. “It was a great sight to see,” said Head Coach Cindy Allen.

“I am so proud of my senior squad this year. They are leading by example and are really committed to their last year,” said Allen. The rest of the team took first in diving, 500 free relay, and the 100 butterfly.

Even though TJ dominated the meet, both teams showed great respect towards each other before and after the meet. “Both sides were commenting on the opposing team’s ability, cheering them on, and shaking hands after every event,” explained Allen. “Both teams respected each other and showed true sportsmanship throughout the meet.”

“Montbello is a great host school and they have a very valuable team and swim program there. TJ and Montbello, two teams that don’t swim on club teams, allows the game to be played not only for winning purposes but just for the love of the sport,” said Allen.

The boys next meet is this weekend, April 17th and 18th, in Jefferson County and the next league meet is against East High School next Wednesday April 22nd, at 4:15 at Manual High School.

Junior Demetrius Allen utilizes his speed in the pool for the Spartans. photo by Kevin Fleming

With the Boys’ Swim Team stocked with 24 members, made up of new freshman and veteran upperclassmen, the 2009 spring season is looking positive for the TJ Spartans.

New freshmen Daniel Wakefield, Frank Hupperts, Mark May, and Mitch Moore have learned the ropes quickly and are becoming star talent for the future of TJ swimming for the next four years. “We have some really new awesome talent this year to compliment our veteran talent,” explained Head Coach Cynthia Allen. “We added a new addition to our team. His name is Jacob Salazar and we picked him out of Kennedy High School because their school is lacking a swim team. He is a great addition to our team and he is bringing positive reinforcement to all of our swimmers, including the veterans,” said Allen.

As well as the freshman, talented senior stars Ryan Diaz and Kyle Martinez keep the intensity up and running, striving to be the best in city qualifying matches.

The boys have had a lot of confidence in all of their teammates this season, coming through with big time wins. “We recently participated in a city relay meet and we took first in the 200 breast and the 100 freestyle, which put us in first in the overall standings at the meet. We took on six teams including our rivals East and George Washington High School,” said Allen.

The future for TJ swimming is going to show its full potential this year with a tough squad and lots of determination. “We have awesome members, great dedication with two-a-days, and illustrious depth that keeps this team on top of the others. Our chemistry is off the charts and all the boys work together to build long lasting relationships and keep spirits high,” said Allen.

The swim team has set new goals that they want to reach at the end of the season.  “Our goals are raised this season and we are trying to take all three relays to state and finishing 1st or 2nd in city,” said Allen.

The boys’ next meet is against the Patriots of George Washington at George Washington next Wednesday April 8 at 4:15 pm.

Terrence Roberts visits TJ to persuade kids to stay away from gangs. photo by Kevin Fleming

From high school to prison and now back again, one man shares his vision to educate kids on the dangers of gang activity. Terrance Roberts grew up in the Park Hill area in Denver until he was a teenager in high school.  He attended Thomas Jefferson, but made a switch and graduated from George Washington High School.

As a boy growing up, Roberts encountered many obstacles in his life, from joining gangs to running away and committing crimes like robbery and possessing an illegal firearm.  Roberts’ mother started making wrong decisions with her life, became addicted to drugs and started making life-long mistakes that affected her son.

At the age of 14, Roberts ran away from home and joined a gang in Park Hill. In 1993, he was “posting up” (hanging out) at a local crack house and as he was walking out the door a rival gang group shot him. “I was in danger of dying,” said Roberts. “I got shot in 1993 and I was lucky I lived to see the next day.”

At the age of 18, Roberts was incarcerated in Cañon City Correctional Facility. He went to juvenile hall for a little over a year and then was transported to Canyon City after he was released from the hospital from his run in with the gang fight in ‘93. “11 years I spent locked up. I am not here to disrespect you if you are in a gang, Bloods, Crips, or whatever gang you roll with, but I am telling you that you do not want to end up in prison,” said Roberts to an auditorium full of students at Thomas Jefferson High School in January. “I have a question for all of you. Why? Why do you wake up and brush your teeth, comb your hair, make yourself look fly, just so you can go to jail? Why do all of that and throw it all away? Tell me, I want to know,” demanded Roberts.

24 years ago the two major gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, migrated to Colorado from L.A. and today there are over 20,000 known gang members in the Denver metro area.

“We have done studies on gang warfare and life expectancy of gang members,” explained Roberts. “You have 700 days until you are in a wheelchair or dead. 700 hundred days, that’s it boys and girls, just under two years.”

When Roberts was in prison he made the decision to change his life around. After his release from Cañon City, Roberts got his act together and pursued his dream of helping the youth who are involved in gang related behaviors and groups. Roberts started a foundation called Prodigal Son Initiative Inc., which works directly with children from Kindergarten through 8th grade who have been traumatized in their childhood due to gang violence.

At Thomas Jefferson High School in the auditorium Roberts said, “God has a plan for each and every one of you and this is the time to start making positive decisions and making a difference in your life. I have a son, he is 14 years old, and I always want the best for him, but I want the best for you, I want you all to be able to kick it with T.I. (famous rapper) or any famous person you want to be like. God is good, and you need to see who your true friends are.  And remember, if you keep on this track of gangs and violence, that you only have 700 days.” After that powerful statement made by Roberts, at the end of the presentation a number of students approached him with their flags (bandannas) and handed them in. Their flags represent which gang they are affiliated with, and the students said they no longer wanted to be a part of this horrible, tough lifestyle.

“I met Terrance while he was working on a committee that I was sitting on in the community and I asked him to come speak here at TJ three years ago to a small group of kids. The outlook was positive so I asked him to come back this year and speak to the freshman class,” said Samanda Davis, counselor here at Thomas Jefferson High School.

“Have fun boys and girls I am out. You have 700 hundred days to make your life what you have always pictured it as,” said Roberts as he ended his presentation.

One step at a time, Executive Director Terrence Roberts and his Program Director, Tyrone Lee Beverly of Prodigal Son Initiative Inc. are making it their mission to keep kids out of gangs and to help them realize that life isn’t a game, but a gift that has to be treated with respect and love.

For more information about Prodigal Son Initiative Inc. you can visit Terrance’s website www.prodigalsoninc.org or stop by and chat with Samanda Davis in the counseling office.

Sophomore Rachel Newman looks to make a pass. photo by Kevin Fleming

On February 6, the Spartans traveled to Lincoln High School and walked into the gym with their heads held high.

“We are going to come at these girls hard. We are bringing out everything you got and putting it on the court tonight. We are going to win, girls,” said Head Coach Steve Thomas prior to the game.

In the first quarter the girls pulled out a monstrous scoring drive and racked up 16 points. With star player Senior Sabrina Harris out because of an ankle injury, Junior starter Emily Cordes stepped up and scored a total of 16 points.

“Our defense was amazing. We had awesome execution and we worked well against the press,” said Thomas. “Our practices have been focusing on defense and press breaking, and it paid off for us this game, and I am so proud of these girls for stepping up and doing their jobs on the court and working together to get the win.”

With confidence high and eager for another win, the girls traveled to East to take on the Angels last Tuesday, February 10th. Sadly the top-ranked Angels got the best of the Spartans and won 59 – 32. “We played a good game but we let key points slip through our grip, and had too many turnovers that were costly in the long run,” explained Thomas.

“Our next game is against the Patriots of George Washington and we need to bring out our “A” game and bring it to the house,” said Thomas.

The Lady Spartans will take on George Washington Friday, February 13 at 5:30 pm at the Thunder-Dome.

Emily Cordes drives to the basket. photo by Kevin Fleming

On Friday January 23rd, the Lady Spartans traveled to South High School to take on their rival competitors, the South Rebels. The gym was packed on both sides of the court with fans cheering for their school. It was “Pack-the-House-Night” at South, so Thomas Jefferson High School brought a massive fan base to South to root for their fellow Spartans.

The girls started off slow and got into a halftime slump, letting the first half of the game slip away to the Rebels. At the end of the first half the outcome looked hopeless, being down by 17 points. “We’re going to win this game no matter what, and the way we are going to win this game is with our defense,” said Head Coach Steve Thomas at halftime in the locker room.

“We resorted to using a standard press defense to allow opportunities to get breakaways and score faster baskets,” explained Thomas.

The girls came out after halftime with a new spirit and a new game plan to contain the offense and to take the game and shift it in their favor.
One after the other, the girls were stealing balls and scoring points. With only seconds left to go in regulation, and the Spartans down by only one point, the plan was to get the ball to star player Sabrina Harris. The ball got passed around and with precision and confidence Harris took a long two point shot and connected, putting the Spartans up 42 – 41. As time ticked away the girls held the Rebels to win the game by only one point, completing a comeback that seemed unlikely at halftime.

“I am so proud of these girls. To overcome such a feat makes us feel and look like champions,” said Thomas.

The Vikings of Denver North heard about the Spartans’ big win and tried to prepare for the wrath of TJ.

On January 27th, the girls traveled to North High School for another league game showdown. Starting off slowly just like at the South game, the Spartans were able to hold the North Vikings to a total of 22 points. The girls were able to pull out another colossal win beating North 46 – 22. The win extended the Lady Spartan winning streak to 2 games and puts TJ’s conference record at 2-0.

“Even though we won, we still didn’t play as well as we would have liked to,” explained Thomas.

The girls’ next matchup is against Kennedy on Tuesday, Febraury 3rd at 7 pm at TJ.

Andrea Qualls sets up to shoot. photo by Kevin Fleming

Leading most of the game until the end of the 3rd quarter, the Lady Spartans lost their focus and let the game slip right through their hands.

“We missed a lot of our shots, and probably shot 10% in the 4th quarter.  We lost our focus and we need to focus on overall control,” said Head Coach Steve Thomas.

The girls’ practices have been changed backed to the basics. “We are now spending 90% of our practices on fundamentals like ball handling, rebounding, and especially defense,” explained Thomas.

Despite the girls somewhat disappointing season Thomas said, “I am so proud of this group of girls. They’re the best kids I have ever been around because they respect the game and work their tails off. I am also very proud of my two seniors: Sabrina Harris and Andrea Qualls who have had offers of playing basketball at Elmhurst College in Chicago.”

Their next game is this Friday, January 23rd against South at South, against the Rebels at 5:30. Come support the girls for one of their biggest league games of the year as they start off Denver Prep League play.

Girls put one in win column. photo by Kevin Fleming

On Tuesday, January 13th, the Lady Spartan basketball squad suited up and took the court with their heads up high to face off against the Trojans of Aurora Central.

In the first quarter the girls held the Trojans to only seven points with great rebounding and quality defense. Senior Sabrina Harris was the leading scorer, putting up 18 points with 9/9 from the field.

“The difference from previous games to this game was our overall willingness to win. Our rebounding was outstanding, and once we shut down their leading scorer, we had the game in our hands,” explained Head Coach Steve Thomas.

Thomas Jefferson had four players that scored in the double digits. “It felt great and lots of emotions were running around throughout the locker room after the game. I am very proud of my girls because I know their true potential came out last night,” said Thomas. “This is the girls’ first win and hopefully more are to come.” The outcome of the game was 56 – 44 Spartans over the Trojans.

The TJ girls’ hoop squad’s next game is against Westminster here at TJ, tonight at 7:00 pm. “We should be able to beat them with ease because the girls’ confidence is skyrocketing and their potential is shining,” exclaimed Thomas.