Senior year Homecoming, painting my face with school spirit. Photo by Gaby Landeros

I will be honest here: freshman, sophomore, and junior years at TJ are all but a blur to me. The memories I made, the people I have met, the things I have done, have all meshed together into one faint memory. This year, though, is as clear as a sunny Colorado sky. How could I forget about the Senior Sleep Out? Powder-Puff? Homecoming Parade? Mr. TJ? And did I mention I met Charlie Sheen before a soccer game?

There are so many expectations that I had coming into senior year, as well as expectations that administrators and teachers held for me. Fitting into the mold that put me at the top of the food chain was exhilarating at first; I felt as though I could talk to whomever I wanted, and I had a feeling of higher power and authority over others. It was as if I were injected with mega-confidence giving me the can-do attitude to get anything and everything done. I tried to put reason to this feeling of infinite amounts of audacity. Why did this final year feel so different from the rest?

I decided to give credit for this lasting impression to the mighty feeling no one can fight: pride. After three full years of building upon familiarity, spirit, community, friendship, and knowledge, pride is born. Pride is one’s dignity, pleasure, a flourishing time, and sense of self-respect; all of which I have experienced this year.

For TJ, pride will never be an issue. Having such a strong sense of Spartan spirit will never grow stale; it is one of TJ’s treasures, one that fills in the cracks on the walls, the spaces between people, the silence hovering in the air, and the blank lines occupying a piece of paper.

This year’s sports seemed to have an invisible fence around them; one that created challenges that no one could foresee, making it difficult to overcome and prepare for these obstacles. Both the girls’ and boys’ soccer teams radiated with talent, yet lacked the teamwork to guide them towards progress and success. The football team had the fans lose their voices to thrill during the first half of the homecoming game, yet couldn’t keep the spark going to come out with the win. The boys’ basketball team made it to playoffs all the way in Pueblo, yet with a nail-biting game, settled with a hard-fought loss. Out of these gaps of defeat and tests of pride came some of my greatest memories at TJ, as well as crucial lessons learned.

Soccer invigorated me with the sense and meaning of passion. After every loss I was set on empty, giving me another chance to fill myself with hard work, and a reminder to never run on satisfaction, nor settle for contentment. As the football team moved down on the scoreboard, my cheers only amplified, and the stands were still crowded with supporting fans; it was the definition of commitment that was smeared across our faces. I drove over two hours hoping I would see a basketball game that would dominate the court; instead I saw a prodigious game, one full of dedication and hearts pounding with the tempo of the beating basketball.

As a senior I felt as if it were my obligation to give TJ places to boast with pride and spirit. It was placed in the hands of my class to create an image for TJ, one that everyone would be proud of. One of our greatest successes was done early on. The Senior Sleep Out was something that so many classes before us had tried to rebel and act upon, yet were shut down before the words even rolled off of their tongues. It was a final project that was to be posed as an argument for Mr. Almond’s class junior year that gave us the chance to explore this path that had been vacant for so many years. Working hard throughout the summer alongside administrators, we defied gravity, proved the impossible; we gained the permission and approval to have an organized senior sleep out. After this event being banned for over a decade, we were making history, marking our spot, and definitely making a lot of people jealous.

The sleep out knocked out two birds with one stone. The seniors were able to spend their last day of summer together; indulged in the barbecue, watching Forest Gump, playing a dangerous game of red rover, sharing summer stories, keeping our chaperones up all night, and sleeping out on school grounds covered by the sheets of the night stars and warmth of the moon’s glow. The next morning gave seniors the chance to make it right with our unforgettable freshman days of being attacked by water balloons and other things as courtesy of the senior class of ‘08. Aside from the breakfast we had prepared for our ‘Freshies’, the trophy-winner was the tunnel formed near the front door for our new freshman to walk through. We all clapped and cheered until we turned their nervous jitters into excitement. Our fidelity towards the school could not be any more modest. This tradition that had finally made a comeback became an icon in my head, to remind me that anything I set my mind to and work hard at can be done.

Thinking back on senior year I ask myself what I would change if I could, and whether I have any regrets? Nothing at all, and not a single thing. There are of course many things that come to mind that I have labeled as mistakes, and other things pushed to that place in my head called “please try to forget about this.” But without some of these faults, the monumental times and fearless feelings would never have felt so great. I have come to learn that it takes some wrong to do some right.

As my final days as a Spartan wrap-up, I hope that I can leave TJ having made an impact on at least one individual. I will find comfort knowing that I have worked hard towards leaving behind a meaningful legacy, which is built upon an unlimited amount of pride, the ability to explore passions to their depths, and a commitment that has been consumed by the bleeding pigments of brown and gold.

From left to right, Khalae Admans, Aimee Witulski, Ryan Diaz. Photo courtesy of Aimee Witulski

The Jared Polis Foundation’s Teacher Recognition Award is given out annually to 15 teachers working in the Colorado Public Schools System. On Friday, May 6^th TJ Math Teacher Aimee Witulski was recognized for her strong commitment to students, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, and her innovative and effective teaching methods.

Jared Polis is the U.S. Representative for Colorado’s 2^nd Congressional District. The mission of his Foundation is to support educators and strengthen communities. “I love honoring exemplary teachers in Colorado every year through our Teacher Recognition Awards program. Caring and knowledgeable teachers are the most important asset in any community,” said Gina Nocera, who is the Executive Director of the Foundation. Every year the Foundation has recognized teachers grades K-12 who have been nominated by someone. The nominees are then graded on a rubric to narrow down the list to 15 lucky recipients.

2009 TJ Graduate Ryan Diaz nominated Witulski for the award. “I was so overwhelmed and shocked that a former student of mine had nominated me for the award, rather than a colleague or administrator,” said Witulski, who was the only teacher to be nominated by a student.

At the award ceremony, held at the Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, it is the nominator who introduces the person being recognized. “Ryan mentioned that he had been looking for ways to honor me and shared some very nice things about me. I am honored and humbled that what I have done made such an impact on his life,” said Witulski, who taught Diaz for two years at TJ and prepared him to receive a five on the AP Calculus BC test, which is the hardest level on the AP Calc test.

Many attended the ceremony to support Witulski for her great accomplishment. “Ms. Witulski is so deserving of the award. Not only does she love math, but she loves teaching it as well. She has all of the talent and hard work, and that makes her a champion,” said Assistant Principal Scott Lessard, who was Witulski’s high school math teacher and swim and dive coach at East High School in Denver in 1989.

Witulski spent her high school career at East High School where Lessard says she was a hard-working academic student, as well as a determined athlete. “I respected Mr. Lessard as a coach, which made me work hard to try to become his best student,” said Witulski, who said she was always ahead of her assignments in Calculus.

“I am proud to have had this much influence on something so extraordinary. This is by far one of my proudest moments in my educational career. This is beyond any pay-off for a teacher,” said Lessard.

Witulski was given a glass apple to commemorate the night of recognition. “Just knowing that I have the ability to impact my students in such a way is the best compliment I could ever ask for,” said Witulski.

Principal Sandra Just and her son Aaron Cardona. Photo by Mia Nogueira

Walking into Principal Sandra Just’s office to conduct an interview, I was not nervous nor was I intimidated, but rather comfortable and secure. Before grilling Just with my one million questions, we joked and laughed, easing in and out of friendly conversation. This rare and unique student-to-Principal relationship is something that not many students experience, yet seems to be common around TJ’s top Administrator.

Just has been working for DPS for the past 22 years, gaining experience in the educational arena, and accumulating knowledge about the system while trying out multiple positions in the field. It all started out at Colfax Elementary where, at the age of 23, Just began her career as a student teacher for first graders. “I started teaching and spent a lot of my time supporting kids outside of the ‘normal’ teacher work load. It all seemed to come to me so naturally and it was something I really enjoyed doing,” said Just, who taught First Grade at Swansea Elementary, and ESL (English as Second Language) at the middle school levels.

Finding ways to help kids solve their homebound problems became a priority for Just, and something she valued doing. Just found herself helping students after hours to solve any issues that were deemed an obstacle to reaching their goals. She says the excitement from helping students outside of school soon sparked an interest in counseling, which created a new path for Just to explore and pursue. “It was always in my head and in my mind as a teacher that I could become a counselor,” said Just, who then returned to college in 1990 to receive a Master’s Degree in Counseling.

With a new job description, Just was able to test the waters, given the opportunities over time to get a taste of counseling at the middle and high school grade levels. “At every school my philosophy changed. I was always trying to help students, yet find a balance where they are held accountable, and I wasn’t just doing everything for them,” said Just, who was always searching for ways to make an impact on the different school cultures which she says have had such a great influence on her professional development.

As a counselor at North High School, Just’s main focus was to tackle the increasing dropout rate the school struggled with. “We [counselors] would search for students who were not in school; we would go to their homes, hangout spots, anywhere we thought students would be, and sometimes we were sent to very crazy places,” said Just, who says these outings had her thinking about connecting with kids on such different and deep situations.

Though Just says she enjoyed counseling, she decided to continue her education and expand her horizons yet again, returning to school in 1996 to receive her Administration degree. Soon Just was working as an administrator at different schools, starting as an Assistant Principal at West High, and finally working her way up to Principal at Thomas Jefferson. “It was scary to become a part of TJ because it was so different compared to all of the other schools I had worked at. TJ was a school with hands-on parents, solid traditions, and new expectations,” said Just, who has been at TJ for six years now.

Just says the moment she set foot in TJ she felt at home. “Ellie Sprague and Nigel Nelson gave me a tour around the school. After walking around I couldn’t help but fall in love with the students and the school. There was such a strong sense of community that I got just from walking around the hallways,” said Just, who was interviewed by a panel of TJ faculty members, parents, and DPS officials for the job as principal. “There used to be a security guard named Winston who would always greet anyone who walked into the building. Having someone so friendly to greet me the first time I walked in put me at ease just before my interview,” said Just.

Once Just was offered the job, she did not hesitate to take on the offer. “It felt right to be at TJ, and I found it to be a very easy transition into my position.” One thing that is unique to TJ is that there are so many alumni still involved with the school, whether they are teachers or parents. “The beauty of the building is that it is not hard to get the history of the school since there are so many alumni involved with TJ.  It is a luxury having such an involved community; it is unbreakable here,” said Just.

TJ Magnet Teacher and Basketball Coach Grant Laman is a TJ Alumnus and was on the committee that interviewed Just. “She [Just] seemed very personable. Most people we interviewed were nervous and somewhat robotic; she was prepared, qualified, and more personal. She made the decision an easy one,” said Laman.

Since Just has taken on TJ, the challenges that the school has created and the goals she has worked toward have all changed. “I think for every school, the goal is to push the students to make it to graduation. We are always trying to increase the graduation rate but building on that school community and culture has always been a top priority here at TJ,” said Just, who finds herself very occupied and involved in TJ’s community leaving less time for her own home community. “I spend so much time here at TJ. I am here before, during, and after hours,” said Just, whose connection to TJ is even stronger now that her son Aaron Cardona has joined the band of Spartans. Cardona is a special needs student in the ninth grade who is affected by Down Syndrome. “My son may be different but at TJ he is accepted for who he is. Aaron Loves TJ; he really enjoys walking the hallways and being greeted by so many welcoming students we have here,” said Just.

Not only can Just relate to many families because she has a student at TJ, but she also holds a strong connection with single parents. “Being a single mother makes it easy for me to understand the struggles that some other parents might be going through. Life hands you a bunch of different challenges and that’s what gives people compassion. It’s about taking our personal struggles and seeing how we can work with that,” said Just, who has two children to take care of as a single mother. “As a single parent it is about keeping your household together. It makes you very realistic and prepares you with what people deal with everyday.”

Just’s ties to the community are strengthened as her commitment to her students grows. “Whenever the citywide student Board of Education needs help or a place to hold a meeting, Ms. Just helps out as much as she can,” said TJ Senior Ruyi Du, a member of the citywide panel.

I tried to compare Ms. Just to other principals I have had over the last 12 years of my education. What makes her so compatible with TJ’s students? Why does she stand out from other principals? Just pursues her students, offering options, which lead them to success. “When a group of us [senior students] were struggling in our math class, Ms. Just put together a study group with tutors that we could use for additional help. After attending, she followed up to ensure we were taking advantage of the resources she was supplying us with. It was entirely up to us whether we wanted to use the help or not; she gave us the freedom to decide whether we wanted to improve ourselves,” said Senior Porsha Glasper, who says she has continued to get to know Just over her last four years at TJ. “It is nice to see how much effort Ms. Just puts into getting to know everyone at TJ. She actually cares about her students and pushes us to make something of ourselves,” said Glasper.

When looking for solutions, Just says it is the students’ opinions that matter most. “It is about what the kids need and want, and then how to get them there. That’s how we see every kid come from every different place and take on an opportunity to develop from, and come out successful. This information allows principals to better understand if all of the plans we are making really are for the benefit of the students. Student relationships and feedback really keep me grounded in the importance of the work,” said Just.

This year’s senior class has cultivated an especially close relationship with Just. “Ms. Just has really kept up with me this year. She was always checking my grades and offering her office for a quiet space to do work. I am going to really miss her next year, always backing me up and never judging,” said Senior Lee Walker.

Just says that from the moment she started kindergarten she knew she wanted to be involved in the school system once she was older. “I absolutely loved everything about school. I was always the youngest in my grade; I was five when I started kindergarten while the others were all six. I never wanted to miss a day; it was very important to me that I do well. I pushed myself to always do my best,” said Just, who believes it is her job to help students find their niche, something they love to do and can help prepare themselves for the future. “As I got older I knew whatever I did I wanted it to be kid-based and to learn about things I didn’t know.”

For Just it is graduation that is always a payoff in the end. “As crazy as graduation may make me, it is a beautiful thing. The powerful moment always strikes me, and seeing students walk across the stage feels as though I am watching my own children move on,” said Just, who has recently seen her own daughter move on from high school, as well as graduating almost six classes from TJ herself. “[TJ Assistant Principal] Mr. Lessard always makes fun of me when my eyes get teary, but he is always the one shedding the tears right beside me.”

When I asked Just about her high school Principal, she paused for a while. She could not remember anything about her principal, not a name or a single memory. In sheer contrast to her experience, students will not be able to leave TJ without a memory of Just, whether it was spotting her at an athletic game, sitting in the back of a classroom, or welcoming them into school in the morning. A family has its traditions, and a school is a haven for knowledge; at TJ we have both, as well as a community that exists to the depths of the school along with a principal to match it.

The Belsky family has worked together to create a flourishing business. Photos courtesy of New York Deli News

Everyone has a vivid place from childhood where they spent the most amount of time, growing out of youth and entering a world of opportunity. For Co-Owner Peter Belsky, who is the son of the deli’s owners, many recollections come from one of Denver’s authentic eateries: New York Deli News, located at 7105 E. Hampden Ave.

There is an uncontrollable ebb and flow of family values wrapped around the deli, which opened in July of 1989. Al and Tory Belsky, who are the owners and founders of the deli, moved from the boroughs of Long Island into the urban streets of Denver, bringing with them authentic New York recipes, and a determination to keep them striving.

The couple struggled through the economy’s fluctuations trying to keep some consistency throughout their many attempts at a small business. Starting out with a Pub, the Belskys soon opened an upscale restaurant, The Dove, which almost sent them into bankruptcy when gas prices skyrocketed. By the end of the 80s, the daring duo made their way back on top with the nightclub, Bogart’s. The three-floor club was the best of the decade and held the first ladies’ night. When the pair was able to expand, they sold the nightclub to a business partner and switched their focus to a deli dedicated to making the best sandwiches in town.

“We take pride in our portions; we don’t have a scale or set amount. The meat should dwarf the bread. We don’t fool around with our sandwiches,” said Peter, who has grown up around the deli. The trio works together to strive for consistency and a more-than-satisfying customer experience. “We want people to feel comfortable and at home here. Customers should be walking out with smiles on their faces and returning still grinning.”

With a long line of loyal customers and regulars, the deli would like to reach out to a larger clientele and draw in more people. “I know half of the customers that walk in; I shake a lot of hands. We are always trying to find a niche to pull in the younger crowd. You have to attract who is in the area and pay attention to what they are looking for,” said Peter, who has created a facebook page (click here to see) for the deli, as well as a daily newsletter that is sent out to customers. Every month a lucky facebook friend receives a free meal bursting with flavor and urging them to return for more.

The deli receives truckloads of breads and meats from New York, giving their customers the most authentic Long Island meals out there. Recipes are altered to accommodate Colorado’s high altitude, creating moist and delectable foods. With a strong team of managers, hosts, bussers, waiters, and cooks, the deli is kept tidy and running efficiently.

“We offer something to whatever dietary restrictions and allergies you may have. We have a large menu, which makes it easy for all groups to find something,” said Peter. The menu is full-blown, with an impressive list of appetizers, soups, salads, omelets, sandwiches, entrees, dinners and desserts. On top of the lush dine-in menu is a complete breakfast menu, which helps to produce an incredibly diverse menu.

It is the deli’s New York style sandwiches that are its signature meal. “We strive for authenticity; our rye bread and corn beef sandwiches are traditional and unbeatable,” said Peter, who says he eats at the deli himself five times each week.

For Peter, working with family means dependability, security, and freedom. “My parents really trust my judgment on things, which gives me a lot of room to make changes to better the business,” said Peter, who says he often turns to his parents for their wisdom, and admires the respect they share for one another.

Peter says he anticipates taking over the deli one day and hopes to expand by opening multiple locations. “Right now the business is running smoothly. Once we are at a secure position we will be able to continue to build on our growing deli,” said Peter. This flourishing business seems to mimic a family tree as well. “Hopefully I will be able to continue the tradition and keep the deli intertwined within the family.”

For those who always wanted to become a “regular” and for all of those sandwich lovers out there, New York Deli News is the place that one can indulge. Swing by the deli for lunch, or pamper yourself in the welcoming atmosphere for dinner. For the full menu click here.

Photo courtesy of Aimee Witulski

TJ AP Calculus Teacher, Aimee Witulski, has begun a tradition at TJ to give AP Calc students a reward, or payoff, for a two-year track of series and piece-wise functions, differential equations, and integrals.

After more than four straight hours of calculations and functions, the AP Calc students were all smiles as they packed-up to head downtown to one of Denver’s eccentric eateries, Pi, located at 14^th and Welton. Witulski has been carrying on the tradition for four years now, and says she will be continuing to do so for as long as the restaurant is open. “Pi is a good place for relaxing and decompressing after such a hard test. It is a fun atmosphere with Albert Einstein and Pi décor to add to the theme,” said Witulski, who says she originally heard of the place from her sister years ago.

The students receive a special meal-deal of $3π(which comes out to be $9.42) giving them a satisfying lunch consisting of a sandwich, drink, and a side; the class gets a nifty discount for the exquisite cuisine. “It’s great that we get to do a little bit of math while we enjoy ourselves. We finally get to use what we’ve learned in the classroom at a yummy restaurant like Pi,” said Calc Student Nicole Brown.

Not only is Pi the place to put their feet up, but also the lunch gives students a chance to give feedback about the test. “I really look forward to meeting with everyone so I can get an idea on how well they did on the test and whether or not they felt prepared for it,” said Witulski.

“The test was a lot easier than most practice tests we took. I feel confident in my work. We went into the test very prepared;  hopefully our scores will payoff for all of our hard work,” said Senior Katie Boyer, who says she hopes to get at least a three on the test.

Witulski is able to integrate her classroom lessons with a fun class outing. “Going to Pi is the perfect ending to years worth of hard work, and gives everyone the little extra push that is needed to get you through the long AP Calc test,” said Senior Hayden Johnson.

Buy your 2011 yearbook now! Artwork courtesy of Amber Wilson

With the Aristograb just around the corner, it is time for Spartans to dig into their pockets and purchase a yearbook before its unveiling. For $65 students can buy a book to add to their collection of high school memorabilia.

This year’s book is packed with 240 pages of pictures, stories, and memories. The inspiration of the theme came from the commercials for 5 React gum. “This is different than anything else we have done before in yearbook; this will spice up everyone’s collections,” said Aristocrat Editor-in-Chief Marelle Davey.

The Aristograb is where students will pick up their yearbooks and is dedicated to giving students time to exchange and sign books. On Wednesday, May 11^th the school day will be shortened to squeeze in some end of the year celebrating. The Aristograb will be outside on TJ’s turf field (as long as weather permits) where food and drinks will be offered to add to the experience. Anyone who wants to participate in the Aristograb must have purchased a yearbook by Friday, May 6^th (after the 6^th the price will be raised to $75).

To get into the Aristograb students must have previously purchased a yearbook with a receipt as an entrance ticket. Books can be purchased from the Treasurer Derek Steffes, and for the small cost of $1, Steffes will replace any lost receipt.

“The biggest accomplishment for me this year was playing such a huge role in the production of this year’s book. I’m so proud of everything we have done and the effort put into the making of this beautiful work of art,” said Davey.

Spartans, buy your yearbooks before it is too late! Here is a riddle to keep you guessing about this year’s theme:

“Bright and colorful

Unique graphics

Playfully swim

Across a night sea.”

Dominic Garcia smiles for the camera after catching up with a few of his old teachers at TJ (from right, Laman, Garcia, Nicolo, and Spampinato). Photo by Mia Nogueira

One of TJ’s very own Spartan Alumni, Dominic Garcia, discovers a passion in TJ’s green room and can now be found in front of the cameras at CBS 4 News.

After graduating from TJ in 2003, Garcia planned on continuing to explore and master a career in Broadcasting at Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins. However the tables turned when he was denied from the Journalism program, and then had to find ways through self-promotion to make himself stand out among those who had access to the program. Garcia had to become his own advocate to get the right experience that would help to make him a stand-out, and to build a positive reputation.

Rejection from the Journalism program at CSU was but a blink of an eye for Garcia, who was able to gain many opportunities from the school’s student-run TV station which airs real cable newscasts a few times per week. “I spent just about every day for four years at our student TV station. It’s like working at a small market TV station, and it’s completely run by students. I was able to work with real TV cameras, editing systems, as well as report and anchor for their newscasts. It was the best training I could ask for, and it really helped me out in my career,” said Garcia.

Juggling schoolwork and daily newscasts may have been time consuming, but Garcia did not let the frenzy drain him. Instead, he pursued his efforts by adding more to his plate. “Getting hands-on experiences and networking is one of the most important things you need to do to get noticed and put yourself out there,” said Garcia, who learned of the importance of networking when he hunted down an internship at Channel 4 News during his senior year at TJ. “It is a beneficial avenue when you chase the things you need, rather than wait around for it. You need to know people in the industry,” said Garcia.

Working for CSU’s student station bulked up Garcia’s resume tapes, and gave him enough coverage to be offered a job at a news station in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “I was the youngest one at the news station and it became very overwhelming working at such a fast pace. There were days when I went home and wondered if I would ever get the hang of it. I’ve learned that no matter what stage I am at in my career, certain aspects will always be very time consuming,” said Garcia, who spent three years working out of Albuquerque with the goal of returning to a news station located closer to friends and family in Denver. “While I was in Albuquerque I constantly sent tapes to the Channel 4 News station. I would ask them for feedback and ways to improve. I learned to take criticism and use it to my advantage,” said Garcia.

As his contract in Albuquerque came down to its final few weeks, all pieces came together, and a position at Channel 4 in Denver opened up. Garcia says that there are many experiences that contributed to his success he has earned, but it was the roots of the passion that truly sunk in. Taking it back to where the seed sprouted, Garcia said TJ gave him a one of a kind experience. “I’ve always felt like TJ is a true melting pot, more than other high schools I’ve come across. Whether it’s race or income, TJ has people from all different backgrounds. Going to a school like that really trains you for life, and those diverse interactions are worth more than gold,” said Garcia, who says the most beneficial classes he took at TJ were photography, video production, and the Spartan Edition.

TJ’s Computer Magnet Director Matt Spampinato worked with Garcia during his time at TJ and has had the satisfaction of seeing one of his own students move on to do great things. “When I see Dom [Garcia] doing such a great job on CBS 4, that is a major payoff for a teacher…seeing a student achieve success. It is a real motivation for current Spartans because they can say, ‘Hey this Garcia guy used to do what I’m doing now in this same classroom, and look how far he has come. That could be me someday’,” said Spampinato, who recalls how dedicated a student Garcia was in all of his classes.

Never losing sight of his goal, Garcia carved out his own path and tuned into his own direction. “Make sure whatever you do, that you love it. A career is something you have to do every day; you may get paid a lot but you may not enjoy it,” said Garcia, who says he loves how unpredictable his career is.

Garcia says he once set a goal to strive to make it to the network but has since changed his aim. “I have realized that Denver is where I belong. It would be an honor to one day anchor one of the nightly newscasts here; it would be a dream come true.”

Garcia also says he won’t be a stranger to his old alma matter.  He has agreed to be on the TJ Communication Technology Magnet’s Board of Directors, and says he will be helping regularly to train students for broadcasting careers in the Radio & TV Broadcasting and Video Intern classes.  “It’s great having Dom back in the classroom with the kids.  He plans on coming by on a regular basis to help the students perfect their skills while putting together the Spartan Edition,” said Spampinato.  “It was great, the other day we dug up some old footage of Dominic when he was a sports anchor on the show.  We had a good laugh; he was interviewing (Grant) Laman about the basketball team’s playoff hopes in ’03, and now he’s in Grant’s class helping the kids do what he used to do.”

Not following the well-beaten path means Garcia is not sure if he will always be in the broadcasting career. With an interest in teaching and coaching for a possible future career, Garcia is bound to achieve whatever he sets his heart on. “High school was a life changing time for me and it’s a very important age. I had some great mentors who helped guide me to where I am now and one day it will be my turn to pay it forward,” said Garcia.

Click here to see Dominic Garcia on the Spartan Edition.

Click here to see some of Dominic Garcia’s recent work.

The Skills USA members are all smiles after being announced the winners for raising the most money to donate to the MDA. Photo courtesy of Jerry Esparza

On Saturday February 12^th, 11 Spartan Skills USA club members rallied to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The team walked one mile around the Colorado Mills Mall, taking part in the Muscle Walk to raise funds for research through the MDA. The group was announced as the winning team, who raised the largest amount of money, approximately $500.

The annual muscle walk is an effort to kick off the year and to spread the awareness that research is being conducted for Muscular Dystrophy. The one mile walk is symbolic and draws in families to get involved. “I was proud to see the students’ willingness to give up their time on a Saturday morning, to help others,” said Skills USA Advisor Jerry Esparza. In the end, the team contributed to the joint effort, helping to raise $43,000 for the MDA.

This was the fifth annual Muscle Walk working towards raising funds for neuromuscular disease research, which studies diseases impairing the functions of the muscles. “We all went to have a great time. I really enjoy doing things like this because it is a way to help out a great cause,” said Sahel Negash, who is a Sophomore at TJ.

TJ students Cody Anderson, Alysse Grywusiewicz, Shauntay Larson, Talan Lousignont, Forest Lyons, Chuck May, Sahel Negash, Melissa Serrano, James Vogenthaler, Emaan Wilson-Parson, and Chimi Youdon, all participated in the walk and teamed up to raise as much money as they could to put towards the cause. “We were all pleasantly surprised to be announced as the winning team. We did not have as many walkers as most teams, so it was unexpected,” said Negash.

All students involved are members of TJ’s Skills USA club, a pathway in the Career and Technology Student Organization (CTSO), which (like DECA) prepares students for post secondary fields. Skills USA focuses mainly on technical skill building and training the students for fields in 3D Animation and Web Design. The organization promotes leadership and the club works to serve the community. The officers meetings are run by Senior Co Presidents, Nicole Blake and Marelle Davey, Senior Vice President Madison Bennett, Junior Secretary Mallory Baker, and Sophomore Treasurer Talan Lousignont. The club holds in-house competitions to prepare members for the annual state competition held in Lakewood at Red Rocks Community College and Warren Tech.

“It was amazing to see these students go the distance to help raise such a great amount of money,” said Esparza.

Here are a few of DECA's state competitors who are seniors ready to do their best. Photo by Anna Becker

Every year TJ DECA, an association of marketing and business students, gears up to go against other top DECA competitors in the state. On Saturday February 26^th –Tuesday March 1^st, the members will be competing in the annual State Leadership Conference held at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.

Every participating member will be taking a General Marketing test, along with over 2,600 other students who will be taking on the rigorous exam. “The test is a very large portion of the competition; it is all of the knowledge we have learned over the year into one test,” said DECA President Mitchell Mankoff, who will be returning to the conference for a third time during his high school career.

Every student in DECA declares a subject of study that they then focus on and develop over the years. The most popular subject is Sports Entertainment, with other options such as Food Marketing and Marketing Management. This subject determines an area of concentration and is something on which the students are tested through role-plays at the competition. “The role-plays are something that we tend to do very well with. It gives you the opportunity to assume a role in the business and find a solution to any problems,” said Mankoff, whose subject area is food marketing. The role-play gives the students experiences in finding solutions for real-life problems that businesses face. During a role-play, the student sits in front of two judges and is presented with a business situation in their subject matter. They are then presented with a set of problems; the student must then take on the role of the business owner and offer solutions.

Study nights held at TJ leading up to the conference are dedicated to analyzing old tests to get a better feel for the subjects. “We spent over $1200 on new role-plays and tests to study. Repetition is key in successfully preparing for the competition,” said Business Teacher Matt Nicolo, the Advisor for DECA.

Along with the demanding test and strict role-plays, the competitors are required to attend workshops that are interactive presentations tying into various business subjects. “Last year there was a hypnotist, grabbing people from the crowd and showing us his work,” said Mankoff. There are people from all over running the workshops promoting businesses.

In the last seven years, DECA has qualified nine students for nationals. With the use of real-life scenarios taught in the classroom, Nicolo says he is looking forward to seeing how the students place. “We would like two qualifying nationalists out of every chapter. I hope everyone will take what they learned in the classroom and apply it to state.” said Nicolo.

Photo by Danny Showers

American leader Martin Luther King, Abolitionist Frederick Douglass, activist Malcolm X, and writer Zora Neale Hurston are just a few individuals who are celebrated and remembered throughout black history month in February. TJ’s Black Student Alliance (BSA) has prepared a collection of projects to help promote the remembrance of these African American leaders.

On January 18^th, BSA kicked off the festivities by participating in the MLK Marade (march and parade) in downtown Denver’s City Park. “The Marade was a really great opportunity for us to link with DU’s BSA. It was really awesome to see everyone stick it out through the entire event and make it to the finish line,” said senior member Suprina Williams. The Marade is held annually in Denver to commemorate the great efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This month BSA plans on playing a video every Friday that spotlights an African American leader. “Whether they were well known for their efforts or not, we want to educate everyone on the great things these leaders accomplished,” said Bryaunna Rice, who is the President of BSA. The club will also be airing a “This day in history” fact on the Spartan Edition throughout the entire month.

The club is also working on expanding out into the community and would like to join efforts with other BSA organizations. “We have been working with DU’s BSA and would like to eventually plan an event for all DPS BSA members to attend,” said Rice. The group would like to organize workshops that would allow everyone to be involved in the club’s activities.

Along with their expansion out into the community, BSA would like to invite anyone at TJ to join the club. “Black Student Alliance can be a misleading name for the club. We would like anyone of any ethnicity to join the club,” said Danny Showers, who is the club sponsor. BSA meets every Friday at lunch in room 105. Anyone interested in joining can stop by room 105 to speak with Mr. Showers.