First a big thank-you is in order for the Senior Class for supporting the entire event from start to finish. Without your participation there would be no Prom or After Prom.  Thanks for four years of buying flowers, t-shirts, candied apples, Jamba Juice, pizza, bagels, etc… For eating out where you were asked to, like: McDonalds, Old Chicago, Noodles, Beau Jo’s, Chipotle, The Garlic Knot etc… For washing cars, playing Santa/Santa‘s helpers, working the craft fair, running around the school, or doing anything else that helped us to reach this fabulous goal. The community effort you have displayed for the past four years is amazing. Thanks again!

Secondly it’s very important to Thank Ms. Witulski and Ms. (Starks) Holtmann, the two Senior Class Sponsors and Cindy Allen the Senior Class Parent Sponsor for their dedication to the class of 2010 and the success of this event from the very beginning – 4 years ago. Without their hard work and commitment to this class, this night would not have been the beautiful event it was. The time and talent they gave to this class goes well beyond what is to be expected of any sponsor, the fund raising, planning, the Prom DVD, and just plain 4 years of constant work toward this event is inspirational. Thanks for loving our kids!

Next a BIG THANK -YOU to Ms. Just, the faculty and staff of Thomas Jefferson High School. For all of those who chaperoned, dealt cards, made announcements, let us borrow chairs and clothes racks, fixed the wrestling door on a Saturday, handed out prizes and took sign ups, answered all the endless questions “Is she a senior?” “Where’s the Fire Marshall?” “Can we do this or that?” helped in any other way, oh my gosh do we owe you all a BIG THANK-YOU.  All of the staff here have been so great and so supportive it’s nice to call TJ home. We could never pull off an event like this without every single one of you.  Also a thanks to the security and cleaning crews, who were willing to work overtime for us, we love you guys. Thank-you Junior parents who gave up your Sunday morning to help us clean up.  Thanks again to all of you here at TJ and know that we support you all too!

Next there is our community around TJ that has supported this event in one way or another either through a donation or a discount. The list is long, but important because these are the business in our community that appreciate our school and our children.  Thank-You:

MICRO CENTER, SAM TAYLORS BBQ, BUTLER RENTS, BIG AIR JUMPERS, AMBERG ENTERTAINMENT, STUMPS, SAFEWAY, KING SOOPERS, SEARS, JAMBA JUICE, STARBUCKS, TARGET, THE DENVER BRONCOS, CROWN BURGER, BEAU JO’S, THE GARLIC KNOT, OLD CHICAGO,NOODLES & COMPANY, CHIPOTLE, TIMBUK TOYS, NEW YORK DELI, THE FRESH FISH COMPANY, EL AGUAVE, DAVE AND BUSTERS, THE BRIARWOOD STEAKHOUSE, THE BREAKFAST INN, SCHLOTSKYS, BIG PAPA’S BBQ, MINGS DYNASTY, COLD STONE CREAMERY, LIL’ RICCI’S PIZZA, PICCOLO’S, PEI WEI, DAIRY QUEEN, WATER WAY CARWASH, LAS CARAS, GO CAR AUTO NATION, SOUPER SALADS, COSCO and HAPPY CANYON WINE AND SPIRITS. Hopefully we’ve forgotten no one and if so, sorry.

Last, but of course not least, Thank-you SENIOR PARENTS. Every parent had a hand in this event at some level either through your love, support, time or money.  Every one of the children in the class of 2010, whether they attended Prom, After-Prom or not is special and  will be remembered forever. Our kids are worth all the love, money and time we have  given  and this hopefully will be 4 years and a night that they will never forget. After all that’s what in the end we hope to have left, Great Memories shared with wonderful other people.  THANK -YOU PARENTS for all of your love and support of this years class.

Sincerely,

2010 AFTER PROM COMMITTEE

Jared Lewis and Shanel Hughes celebrate winning Prom King and Queen. Photo by Rebecca Holt

On Saturday April 24th, the class of 2010 celebrated the end of their four years at TJ with their classmates at the Prom, hosted at the Denver Aquarium.

The theme was fit for the venue and the dance attendees dressed to impress, many wearing blues and greens. An array of buses and limos arrived at the doors around 8:00 p.m. dropping off many different groups of excited seniors and their dates. “I felt like we were riding in style in our bus, and the people on board were a blast. I couldn’t have picked a better group!” said Senior Paige Milstein.

Monitoring the door and ticket booth was Class Sponsor, Aimee Witulski. Once inside the aquarium the students were given the opportunity to wander the exhibit until 10:00 p.m., enjoying the vast variety of fish and other aquatic animals. The interesting setting made for beautiful photographs of the different couples and their friends. A highlight of the exhibit for many was the hands-on stingray showcase.

The actual dance was located inside the aquarium’s ballroom. The music was bumping and students covered the relatively small dance floor. Tables surrounded the area, offering the students a break from dancing with their friends and dates.  A large table provided numerous beverages and snacks to quench their thirst and hunger. “It was really exciting to come together one last time and be a class, on and off the dance floor,” said Senior Tino Lamorie.

Also open to the soon-to-be graduates was the aquarium’s café.  Inside were more tanks of exotic fish and large chairs for enjoying some down time. “I really enjoyed the event. It looked like all the students had a great time and it was a fantastic venue. The exhibit gave you something to do besides dancing,” said Assistant Principal Scott Lessard.

Nearing the end of the night, the most anticipated crowning of the year happened. The DJ brought up the nominees and the mass of students gathered around to watch. Jared Lewis and Shanel Hughes were elected by their classmates as Prom King and Queen, and they excitedly accepted their flowers and crowns.

The gathering at the Denver Aquarium ended at about 11:00 p.m., and students piled back into their vehicles to their next destination: After Prom, held at TJ. Many prom goers changed into especially individualized t-shirts or just more comfortable attire.

The energetic seniors were welcomed into the school through a tunnel built to look like the jaws of a shark. As they walked through the passage the walls surrounding them were hand painted to represent the theme: R.A.D.D. The parents and volunteers who put their hard work into the transformation of the school and choosing the theme were sworn to secrecy during the weeks prior to Prom. When the students came in through the front doors, the meaning of the acronym became known: R.A.D.D. was Rocking Around the Different Decades. Each painted panel featured the symbols of a different decade.

Inside the gym were various activities for the students to choose from. Racing down the hall on three-wheeled bikes, laser tag, a blow up twister game and a volleyball court were among the most popular events. Sandwiches, vegetables and a range of beverages were available for the students to munch and sip on to maintain their energy. “My favorite thing about After Prom was the laser tag. I also liked the tug-of-war basketball game. I played with Tino and beat him!” said Senior Paige Wilson.

The less physical – but still enjoyed – activities included face painting and glitter tattooing, card games with volunteer dealers, Rock Band (the video game), watching movies and lounging in the café.

The parents of the senior class were asked by the After Prom Committee to create posters for their kids with photos from different times in their lives, allowing room for their peers to write them messages. They were hung in the halls for viewing enjoyment.

As the night progressed the parents had prizes for students who were attending the event. Some students even won eMachines, U Dance games, flat screen TVs, and iPod docks, along with many cards to different restaurants and shops. Each one each received a specialized bag with gift certificates and coupons.

After Prom was created to give the students a safe haven after the dance. Prom goers were encouraged to stay until the end, 5:00 a.m., and given many things to do to stay entertained until then. The event is put on by the dedicated parents of 2010 who began fund raising years ahead of time. The setting was built from the ground up by the same parents days in advance, and was fully assembled the day of the event.

Overall the night was packed full of memories the seniors will have for a lifetime. This special occasion highlights were the original and exciting venue, dancing to good music, and a fun-filled After Prom, all accompanied by being with the people students have grown close to at TJ.

David Suppes, the Chief Operating Officer for DPS speaks about the solar panels being placed on the TJ roof. Photo by Rebecca Holt

On Thursday April 22, DPS announced plans for the future of sustainable energy and other environmentally friendly actions throughout the district’s schools, while recognizing the achievements already taking place.

The conference began with an introduction from Thomas Jefferson Principal Sandra Just. Seated in the front row was a group of students from the Special Ed program, who have been especially involved in TJ’s recycling program. For instance, they have made posters to help students differentiate between what is recyclable and what is not. Principal Just then introduced a Daniels Fund Scholarship recipient and member of the Student Board of Education, Paige Wilson, who would be emceeing the event. “We were pleased to host this event as a representative of all DPS schools,” said Principal Just.

Wilson spoke about the immense steps forward TJ has taken to reduce the amount of waste it contributes to landfills in the last few years. The program began in the spring of 2008 by special education substitute teacher Bill Holden and TJ staff member, Prabin Risal. Passing out purple recycling bins to interested teachers made it convenient for students to recycle. Two other special education teachers, Kerry Black and Mollie Pitrone, promoted the new program and involved their students as part of a work education class.

After shedding light on TJ’s green activities, Wilson introduced David Suppes, the DPS Chief Operating Officer. He spoke about the different positive aspects of going green throughout the district. Not only does the environment benefit from the student and faculty efforts, but also school budget savings and residential recycling are expected to increase. “We know that at least right now we have about 40 million dollars to continue doing projects,” said Suppes. “And as part of those projects we will have education for our students about how the technology works and overall how we use energy and alternative means for energy.”

Next up to the podium was Beth Chacon from Xcel Energy, Manager of Environmental Policy Relations. She spoke briefly on the importance of a partnership with DPS. The company she represents is taking strides forward to create a relationship with the school district to promote sustainable energy. Xcel has helped the district save thousands of dollars from rebates and credits. “Even in the past two years we have been able to work together on a dozen projects at least,” she said. “And that will lead to about half a million kilowatt hour savings.”

Wilson then introduced Ray Tuomey, Co-Founder of Namaste Solar. The company embraces five core values: care for the Earth, customer, company, community and selves. Tuomey spoke about these principles while also mentioning the future of solar energy amongst DPS and other school districts. The Colorado-based company works hard to bring the benefits of solar energy to the surrounding communities, including TJ and 15 other DPS schools. “The school district gets cost savings when it becomes an active participant in the new green economy,” Tuomey said.

After Tuomey finished, Wilson brought Charlotte Pitt to the microphone. Pitt is the Denver Recycles Program Manager and works closely with DPS schools. She discussed the recycling efforts in each of the schools and how it has influenced students to practice recycling in their own homes. “We started this partnership late last summer and to date we have rolled out recycling services to 101 schools and 12 Denver Public Schools facilities,” she said.

Sarah Wolberg is a junior at George Washington High School and attended the press conference to speak about her school’s endeavors to go green and her personal involvement in the cause. She said in the last three years GW has been recycling and composting waste food in the cafeteria, thus saving about 100 tons of trash from Colorado’s landfills. Wolberg helped the environmental club host a colloquium at GW, at which U.S. Representative Diana DeGette spoke about the critical nature of recycling and other efforts within schools and homes.

Two students from Lincoln High School, Miriam Adame and Lily Cobo, spoke about the growing participation they are witnessing among their peers when it comes to taking steps forward for the environment. Recently they and the Green Club cleaned and planted new vegetables in the school’s garden. They thanked the other speakers for helping them find new ideas to further progress as an Earth-friendly institution.

Wilson then closed the conference with a few words about the importance of student involvement and leadership, and the knowledge that should be passed along concerning the environment. “We are proud of the initiatives our students are taking to be more green and excited about the addition of solar panels coming to TJ,” said Just.

Artwork by Katie Dehmlow

On April 9th, 2010, a tradition will take place in TJ’s auditorium; a pageant-style contest featuring 21 young men from the class of 2010.

Each year 20 of TJ’s senior boys proceed on a mission to win the hearts of the judging panel with their good looks, talent and chivalry. The contest originated as parody of the Miss America contest in the early 1980s – showing off the hilarious nature of  TJ Spartan senior men. This year’s group consists of: Demetrius Allen, Matthew Averyhart, Chase Bostic, Andrew Brown, Scott Bruskin, Kyle Caruthers, Deontae Fair, Zachary Jackson, Hayden Lammermann, Jared Lewis, Benjamin Makovsky, Thomas Moehlman, Mitchell Montgomery, Shane Oliver, Nasheed Robison, David Sanchez, Billy Sprague, Peter Taylor, Brandon Truesdale, Dante Velez, and Keith Warren.

In March the class of 2010 contestants began training for the big night. It started with choosing a talent that will wow the audience members and win points with the judges. The contestants must create an innovative way to present a rose to one of the many beautifully dressed TJ senior girls who escort them to the stage. The group of seniors wanting to be part of the production meet together during the previous months to get it everything down to a tee. The ladies chose a dress elegant enough to where to prom, the grandest dance of their high school careers. This show of romance is followed up by a brief question and answering session with the emcees. Seniors Paige Wilson, Rhea Boyd, Lauren Kelsch and Shanel Hughes will be on the microphone this year.

The judges will then pick the top five finalists who have the chance to perform their talent for the hungry crowd and adorning fans. Last year’s class of 2009 set the bar high with – to name a few – a hilarious Napoleon Dynamite impression dance (Jordan Nelson), on-point LL Cool J rendition (Winner, Sam Stavish), and a King Tut inspired dance chock-full of costumes (Sam Thomas).

The night will also contain many acts performed by other talented Spartans to give the judges adequate time to make thoughtful choices for each phase of competition. Last year’s featured artists conveyed their brilliance with violins, impressing the audience. Luke Degregori, Zach Salas and Jessica Johnson made sure to keep the audience entertained while results were awaited from the judges. Lauren Abrams, Alex Clark, Stephanie Warren, Monica Ark, Chelsea Skubal, Becca Holt, Alex Gustafson, and Jamee Veasley are the judges for this year’s competition.

After the final acts, the anticipation of who is going to receive the crown and trophy, not to mention the glory, comes to a halting stop. Mr. TJ is finally awarded with the highest honor and the runners-up are also recognized, along with Mr. Congeniality and Mr. Talent.

The winner of last year’s rousing contest was Sam Stavish. The crowd went wild for his talent, hilarious answer to the personal question and innovative presentation of the rose.

Mr. TJ has been run by Kathy Wells for twelve years [you can read more about Kathy Wells here]. With her constant support and enthusiasm, the eventful night has the ability to resonate in the hearts of Spartans for years. “This is something students look forward to since freshman year when you see the seniors enjoying their time. Everyone puts on a really great show, right through the rehearsing and to fruition of the final event. I really love it,” said Wells.

Mr. TJ will be held in the TJ auditorium on April 9, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.

Five TJ Computer Magnet students and Instructor Stacey Fornstrom are honored by the Project Management Institute.

On Wednesday March 10, 13 seniors in the Thomas Jefferson Computer Magnet program participated in the “High School Project of the Year” competition, sponsored by the Project Management Institute (PMI).  Five of the students won “High School Project of the Year” designations.  For the competition, students design, document, and create their own projects following the five process groups and nine knowledge areas used by PMI project managers.  This year’s winners and their projects are:

Daniel Eaton and Daniel Smith – 3D models and a website for the TJ 3D Design club.
Andrea Shacklock and Chelsea Skubal – Website design and graphic design, including posters and t-shirts.
Andrew Scherer – promotional materials for the TJ JROTC program, including flyers, posters, video, and Powerpoint.

“We were very honored to win Project of the Year,” said Chelsea Skubal.  “Designing a You Are Here map of the school and a Girls’ Swimming website and tee-shirts allowed us to give back to TJ while learning project management that we can use throughout college and future careers.”

Winners are now eligible to apply for scholarships from PMI.  This is the fifth year in a row that TJ has had winners in the competition.

“This competition and ongoing educational relationship with PMI is a great way for the Computer Magnet to make those critical connections with industry that gives our students a clear advantage in creating career pathways,” said Fornstrom.