Photo by Kiera Classen

In life most people are trying to communicate their own unique view of the world; some people believe that the most profound way for a person to get his or her view recognized is through different types of artistic expression. Michael Canady is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, who views the world – and expresses his art – through his Canon-60D. He constantly captures beauty in snapshots of the world that surrounds him.

Michael had no interest in photography until his sophomore year of high school when he entered into Jeff Coleman’s Photojournalism 1 class. “At first photo started as the average class. Mr. Coleman would give us our assignments and provide the gear, so I would just go out and take some photos for the class. But as we got further into the year I found that I really enjoyed taking photos and that there was a lot to offer,” Michael said.

Photo by Michael Canady

Michael is always trying new things to make his photos stand out. “I’m always pushing myself to be a better photographer. I’m always looking up trick tips and techniques to broaden my horizons,” said Michael.

Michael began taking Coleman’s class his sophomore year and continued into his Photojournalism 2 course. “In all my years as the photojournalism teacher, Michael is one of the top ten photographers in my classes,” Coleman said. Michael dedicates a large amount of his time to finding new techniques to advance his photographic skills. “He is very self-motivated, and curious about new techniques. Michael uses everything he learns to become a better photographer,” Coleman said.

Michael loves going to different locations to take pictures, but he says that generally in the mountains are his favorite. “I’m always looking up new places, and trying different types of photography to further myself,” Michael said, who has already traveled to Guanella Pass to take pictures. “The mountains are my top place to photograph. I really enjoy nature and the beauty of the mountains,” Michael explained. He also aspires to travel and take photographs of the sand dunes of Southern Colorado; Moab, Utah; Scandinavia; Norway; and Sweden. “ I want to travel so I can see great things and put them on a canvas,” Michael explained.

Photo by Michael Canady

Michael tries to show passion in every aspect of school and through his many other interests. “Michael is a very dedicated, hard-working student,” Coleman said. Michael balances everything from maintaining his 3.8 GPA, to being the varsity goalie on the South/TJ combined Lacrosse Team. Michael also enjoys snowboarding through Keystone A-51, filming videos for Matthew Spampinato’s Video Intern class, has a great passion for the outdoors, and is also a BMX biker.

Michael’s other interests also strengthen his photography skills. “I’m always bringing my camera everywhere I go. Whether I’m snowboarding, hiking, or traveling, I’m always trying to find something that no other photographer would be able to capture.” Michael’s amity for action and sports photography, like snowboarding and lacrosse shoots, comes from his idol Cole Barash.

Cole Barash is a twenty-two year old sports photographer. At the age of thirteen he was recognized for his amazing shots; he now has some of the most publicized snowboarding photographs in the world.

Michael says he is determined to have photography in his future along with attending Colorado School Of Mines while studying to enter into a type of medical career. “Photography might not be my main career goal in my future, but it still strengthens me as a person. It makes me push myself in a different way with every new project I start for myself.”

Photo courtesy Jerry Esparza

Jerry Esparza lives by these words from Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” He is one that truly understands commitment and gives everything that he has to all aspects of his life.

Esparza was born and raised in Corona, California along with four siblings. At the age of nine Esparza’s mother became a single parent, left to care for the five children on her own. “My mother worked incredibly hard. On top of raising us and working she was also going to school to get her degree. She’s the one who taught me the true value of education,” said Esparza. Despite his mother’s endurance, life wasn’t about to get any easier for his family when his brother left when Esparza was still a young boy at the age of 14. “My older brother was the head of the household and with him gone I was left in charge.” Esparza said he found himself having an incredibly hard time dealing with such great responsibility.

As Esparza began to feel unable to meet the expectations set for him as head of the house, he rebelled by associating with bad peer influences. This group proved to be worse for him when his mother left for a month to go to Africa to experience education abroad. “When my friends found out my mother was going to be out-of-town, and my house being two stories and having a pool, it became the party house.” The rest of his siblings stayed with relatives, allowing Esparza the home to himself. It became the summertime escape for everyone, where night after night parties emerged at his now deteriorating home. Esparza grimly reflected on its appearance. “The pool turned green, the walls were littered with graffiti, things were broken, and it reeked of alcohol and smoke.”

Once the month had expired his mother returned naively in the night, unable to assess the damage to its full extent. In the middle of the night, however, his house was broken into by one of the frequenters to his parties. Esparza sadly recalled the night saying, “When my mom got home she put all her souvenirs out on her kitchen table then headed off to bed. Later that night I heard some rustling in the house but was too scared to check it out. My mom started screaming, asking if it was me, and when I told her it wasn’t she rushed out of her room and downstairs to find her gifts gone.” Even after the tragedy of the night, Esparza’s mother lacked the words to lecture him and beyond a light scolding; he was let off the hook.

In the interim of this all, Esparza was also communicating with his older brother, Larry, who was in the Navy, through harsh letters. “We would write back and forth extremely negatively, using the most degrading words, until one day I opened up his letter to read something completely surprising.” Larry’s words were full of understanding and forgiveness for his brother, telling him how he had found peace and urging him to follow the words of the Lord. During his time in Panama, Larry had been exposed to a dedicated Christian family in which the father was a preacher. As fate would have it, the family his brother met in Panama moved five miles away from where Esparza lived in California. Esparza soon began to go to church services, and says he slowly learned the ways of Christ. With his new influences, Esparza submitted himself to a radical change. “I began to completely rethink life. I didn’t give up my friends; and even though they gave me a hard time about becoming a born again Christian – calling me names like preacher boy – they accepted me for the new person I was.” He says he gave up all previous bad habits, he stopped smoking and quit cussing, and was led to do only wholesome things.

At the age of 16 Esparza left the public school system and attended Pomona Bible Missionary Christian School for two years. To further his religious education, he continued on to the Bible Missionary Institute in Rock Island, Illinois. “I loved my time there but I knew that despite my passion for it I didn’t want to have a career related to Christian ministry.” He decided to change paths and, being that he was already in Illinois, he decided to stay there and attend community college. Altogether he spent 12 years in the college, and despite working while getting his Associates Degree in Psychology, he managed to find time to meet his wonderful wife, Heather. He and his wife moved to Iowa where he attended school to get his teaching degree with an emphasis on science. “DPS (Denver Public Schools) recruited me before I was even done student teaching.”

Throughout his time in Colorado, Esparza has worked at Kepner Middle School as a science teacher, Grant Middle School as a technology teacher, School to Career as a resource specialist, Grant Ranch K-8 as a resource specialist, and his latest at Thomas Jefferson High School as a CCT Magnet teacher. “All together I’ve been teaching for 23 years and have really enjoyed it. Someday I wish to be an administrator in a middle school, but I’m certainly in no hurry.”

Despite the teacher persona, Esparza does in fact enjoy things outside of school. “I love to go hiking and do wood working; I even have my own shop. I also love photography; whenever I go somewhere I have my camera right with me.” He says he doesn’t enjoy watching television or movies or even sports, but all the same he’s a huge Tim Tebow fan. “Tebow’s not afraid to share his faith wherever he is; it’s not a show, and that’s just who he is and I appreciate that about him. I find him extremely commendable.”

Esparza says his family is one of the most important aspects of his life. His children are following in his footsteps; all three attend Hobe Sound Bible College in Hobe Sound, Florida, just north of West Palm Beach. “My daughter is doing mission aviation, learning to fly to take missionaries around the world. My son, even though he’s going to the bible school wants a career in criminal justice; he wants to get more into investigation. My oldest son is a business multimedia specialist; he’s mainly learning how to run a business and building websites.” Esparza was highly looking forward to their return for Christmas.

Photo courtesy of Kayla Albert

While facing an uncertain career path, a tip from a friend and a spark from an old passion ignited in the Journal newsroom at TJ, lead Spartan Alumna Kayla Albert to work for the largest newspaper in the Denver Metro area, the Denver Post.

Albert started her journey as a Spartan a little late, switching to TJ for her junior and senior years from Denver School of the Arts (DSA). Throughout her academic career at TJ she was a hard working student taking honors and AP classes with high expectations of herself. “I was always really hard on myself when it came to academics, so I was an A and B student throughout high school. Good grades certainly paid off in the end, but I probably could have cut myself a little bit of slack in that area,” reflects Albert.

Out of all the many classes Albert took at TJ, she said her favorites were Unified Sports and Newspaper. “I was in Unified my senior year and I absolutely loved it. I also really enjoyed taking Newspaper because I had a lot of friends in my class, and our class was really fun,” said Albert.

Newspaper Advisor, Matt Spampinato, was teaching the newspaper class during Albert’s time on the Journal staff. “Kayla was a natural born editor; her attention to detail, style, and mechanics were among her strongest assets,” said Spampinato.  “I was not at all surprised when I heard she had landed a great job at the Post.  They are lucky to have her.”

After graduating in 2005, Albert planned to attend CU Boulder. Shortly before school was scheduled to begin she realized Boulder wasn’t for her and she chose a different path. She instead applied to CU Denver and majored in Elementary Education. However, she was unsure of what she wanted to do exactly as a career.

As a senior applying to college, Albert says she was fortunate with the financial aspect of attending college. Her advise for seniors when struggling with the financial restrictions of attending college ensues, is to apply for scholarships and to be wise when applying for loans. “I really lucked out when it came to paying for college — I never had to take out loans because my family had saved money for me. But my best advice would be to pay attention to the field you’re going into. If you want to go into social work, don’t take out $100,000 in loans. Be financially responsible in addition to choosing a great school — and, yes, that is possible,” said Albert.

Her uncertainty about her career path cleared when she was offered a job at the Denver Post working for the newspaper’s YourHub section. This feature of the Post showcases stories written and submitted by community members around Colorado. “I started my job with The Denver Post about two and a half months ago. I was actually told about the job by a friend who had also applied. When I started the job, I was incredibly overwhelmed. I had never worked for a newspaper before and I wasn’t used to the environment. But once I realized that I was totally capable of doing the things they expected of me, I felt completely comfortable,” said Albert.

Albert is now the Community Manager for YourHub at the Denver Post. She fulfills several duties including (among others) editing, updating the site with new articles, and managing the Facebook and Twitter account for YourHub. Albert describes her job as unique and fun and says she loves working for a large metropolitan newspaper. “I love being able to interact with new people everyday. There’s something about working for a major newspaper that opens doors to people and organizations that wouldn’t normally be interested in sharing information. I also just really love the people I work with, and that makes all the difference in the world,” said Albert.

Albert makes use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter on a daily basis in her job with the Post and says the utilization of social media is essential to what she does. “Social media is basically the foundation of a community manager’s job; it’s how we get the community to pay attention to what YourHub is doing and reach out to people who might have a story to tell. I post at least ten times a day on two different Twitter accounts (mostly news and events going on in Denver) and at least once a day on Facebook,” said Albert.

Having a good job she enjoys with a steady income Albert considers herself lucky. She also encourages students, particularly seniors, looking down the road towards choosing career paths to be flexible. “I like where I’m at in my life right now. For all the people my age it’s hard to find jobs. It’s taken a lot of work. Don’t get discouraged and pigeonhole yourself to one job. This wouldn’t have been a job I would have thought of in high school,” said Albert.

When making choices of where to apply to college and what possible career fields to go into in the future, Albert says to focus on what intrigues one the most. “When thinking about what you want to do when you’re older, think about what you have fun doing. If you do something you enjoy doing you’ll work harder at it,” said Albert.

Albert does not claim to know what lies ahead; she says that the future is unpredictable and cannot be planned for. “After graduating college and doing so many miscellaneous jobs, I’ve realized that planning for the future doesn’t always work. I may meet someone six months from now that will open the door to an opportunity I don’t have today, so I am completely open to whatever comes my way. In fact, that’s much more exciting, anyway,” said Albert.

Photo by Kiera Classen

Throughout her high school career Becca Randall has made an impact by setting records and making herself a name at Thomas Jefferson.

Becca came to TJ her sophomore year from Saint Mary’s Academy. She said that her family was supposed to move, and it would have been easier to switch from TJ to an out-of-state school, due to St. Mary’s being a private school with a non standard system. Her house ended up not selling, but her parents, and she, wanted to stay and graduate from TJ. “TJ also had better sports,” added Becca. Her sister, Shelby, also attended TJ and graduated in 2011. “It was fun—for the most part—going to school with my sister,” said Becca.

Becca was just recently named Most Athletic for her senior title in the Aristocrat Yearbook. Since being at TJ, she has lettered in four sports: volleyball, softball, basketball, and track. When Becca first came to TJ, she played volleyball in the fall. When she played, she had to swing between Junior Varsity and Varsity due to the CHSAA transfer rules, even though it was her second year playing volleyball; her first being a freshman at St. Mary’s, where she also swung. “I was the first freshman to play in a varsity game in [St. Mary’s] history,” said Becca.

Going into her junior year, Becca became motivated to play softball. “During basketball season [sophomore year], [Coach Kyler] Jackson convinced me to try softball out during the summer season. When I started playing I knew that I found my new love,” said Becca, who has been a remarkable player. Her first year playing, she hit 12 home runs, which was the highest in the state, and broke the career home run record at TJ. She was named to the first team All-League both years, and was also named All-State. She was supposed to be playing in the All-State senior game, where the best 72 seniors in the state will be put on teams and play against each other, on November 6th, but due to the weather, the game was canceled.

Not only has Jackson taught and coached her, but he also influenced her to be the best she could be. “He pushed me to my fullest potential in basketball and introduced me to softball; and without him, I wouldn’t be the player I am today,” said Becca.

This past season, Becca was a senior captain on the team, and took on the responsibility of a leader and a good teammate. “Becca was a great teammate who was always ready to help. She cheered us up when we needed her, and she made us laugh every single day, whether we were winning or losing. I never saw a smile leave her face, and that is one thing I absolutely love about her,” teammate and fellow Senior Daniela Cardona says about Becca.

As her coach, Jackson has watched Becca strive for greatness in both sports. “She is both an aggressive and intense player in both softball and basketball,” says Jackson. Becca has been a member of the Lady Spartan Hoop Squad since her sophomore year, when again she had to swing due to CHSAA transfer rules, but that was no obstacle for her to overcome. That year, Becca was named Honorable Mention All-League, and last year she was named second team All-League. She was the leading scorer with 170 points, and she led the team in rebounds. “This year, it’s my senior year and I’m leaving everything on the court,” Becca says confidently. Her first game was on November 30th, at Thomas Jefferson against Manual.

Come spring, Becca is considering participating in track and field where she will throw the shot-put and javelin. “I want to prepare my arm for college softball,” said Becca. This isn’t her first time participating in track and field; during her sophomore year, Becca ran in the four by two in one track meet, the District Meet, and came in second place.

A few months ago, Randall was at a graduation party playing football when she was running and stepped in a hole, twisting her ankle. This injury cost her the entire summer softball season. Once released by her doctor to play during the fall season, Becca didn’t let her injury stop her. She said she spent the season “retraining” her ankle so she could play her best. Although she said her ankle can still be painful, Becca will nonetheless be participating in her sports. “I’m not going to let a setback like this ruin my dream. It’s only just a speed bump,” said Becca.

In addition, Randall has proven that she is an outstanding student. She is taking one Advanced Placement class, and has maintained a 3.6 GPA with mostly As in her schedule. Her plans to further her education are dominant in her mind. She applied to Baylor University, Colorado State University, Hastings College, University of Kansas, and San Francisco State University. “I either want to go to CSU, Hastings, or KU,” states Becca. The talented athlete received a softball scholarship to Hastings. She also says she intends to study sports medicine.

Juggling school and athletics is already challenging enough, but Becca added a job to the fire. “Because I manage school, sports, and work, I don’t have much time for personal stuff, but that’s a risk I am willing to take,” says Becca, who has maintained a job at the Dairy Queen on Colorado Boulevard for a year and a half. “It’s a good job with good people who makes it fun,” says Becca. She also enjoys just sitting back and relaxing with her friends. “The best is when a few softball friends and I have our movie night. We always have a great time,” said Becca smiling.

Like many other teenagers, Becca has goals. When she first started high school, Becca had the goal that she wanted to make a name for herself; something that would make her stand out. “I definitely met that goal,” Becca says, laughing. Now that she is getting ready to leave high school, her goal has changed. “Going into college, I want to excel more in softball and academics than I did in high school.”

Jay Wilson On Far left, Photo courtesy of Reese Cochran

Each year Thomas Jefferson High School gets a new batch of students to add to the Spartan family, and this year one newcomer caught the eyes of many people with his nature loving interest in backpacking. Jay Wilson is a freshman at TJ, who balances his time backpacking with being an over-achieving student, participating in the Photo Club, and competing as an athlete in Cross Country.

Jay tells us that backpacking is a combination of hiking and camping. “It’s different; it may not seem very difficult but it’s harder than it looks. You’re walking for long periods of time and carrying a lot of weight,” said Jay. Backpackers carry anywhere from 15 to 45 pounds of gear. Most people have no clue what that might include. Backpackers carry everything they need for a trip that could range from one night to one week. This includes food, clothes, tools, and any sleeping supplies backpackers will need on the span of their trip.

“I consider myself a bit of a tree hugger,” Jay expressed. His parents familiarized Jay with nature at a young age. “My parents are very active in the nature scene; coincidently they met in a nature club at Colorado University of Boulder,” Jay said. In fourth grade Jay was taken on his first backpacking trip near Winter Park. He only went for one night, but he explained, “I had so much fun. Granted, my parents carried 85% of the weight.” Jay goes about five times per year, traveling to places like Vail, Fairplay, and The Canyon Lands National Park in Utah. Jay says, “The Canyon Lands are by far my favorite place to backpack.”

Photo Courtesy of Jay Wilson

In The Canyon Lands Jay has gone to the Maze and Needles. “Needles District is pretty amazing. The Canyon Lands in general are beautiful. It’s like another planet.” Jay and his family drive to Moab, Utah, where they start their backpacking trip from Moab to the Needle District of Canyon Lands. “We don’t go off-road or use a camper like most campers,” Jay explained. He usually backpacks with his parents, his younger brother Drew Wilson, and sometimes Chaco, their dog who resembles an Australian Sheppard.

Jay and his family are very self-sufficient when it comes to backpacking, which is why he said he enjoys it so much.  “I’m completely self-sufficient; I rely completely on myself.” All food, clothing, equipment, and tools he needs for the span of his backpacking trip is in his backpack. Jay clarified, “Backpackers cannot go to the local market and grab some food they forgot. If they forget something, then it’s forgotten and they have to keep moving.” Jay’s family also makes their own dried food, which  usually consists of mostly vegetables.  “Though it all might taste like rice, you would eat anything after hiking a far distance,” Jay explained.

Jay also wishes to go all the way into Needles. Though his family has always been very careful, Jay says, “It’s nerve-racking, knowing I have been close to where Aaron Ralston got trapped.” Aaron Ralston is an avid mountain climber who got trapped by a boulder while day canyoneering. But that still doesn’t stop Jay from accomplishing his goals for backpacking. Jay has already climbed 9,000 feet in one day at Bison Peak. That was one of his biggest accomplishments.

Jay’s backpacking ambitions connect directly to Jay as a person, throughout his character, and how he handles obstacles that are thrown at him. Jeff Coleman, the Photojournalism teacher who also is the sponsor of Photo Club said, “Jay is a very dedicated kid who comes willing to learn.” This also sets Jay up to experience beautiful scenery and learn to capture that beauty on a camera with Coleman. “Jay has some amazing photographs; his dedication shows,” Coleman said.

Every time Jay loads up his backpack and gets into the car with his family he is preparing himself for a different life lesson. Backpacking makes Jay more mature than the average teenage boy. He has experienced being responsible in a more dangerous way. Not only does he need to be aware of his surroundings on each backpacking trip, but also he needs to show the same amount of awareness in other aspects of his life. Jay says that this is what is required of him to be successful, happy, and organized in his life.

Jay says that backpacking is connected to him being organized in his school work and being aware of his grades, as well as being connected to his teammates on Cross Country. Hiking up 9,000 feet in one-day keeps Jay fit for Cross Country. The backpacking trails are what expose Jay to such beautiful scenery where he is able to get such priceless snapshots. Backpacking is what makes Jay such a light-hearted person who is able to balance school, family, and other activities all at the same time. “Backpacking is a way to clear my mind of toxins and stress,” says Jay.

Photo Courtesy of Chris Vanderveen

“As a journalist, to this day, I would have to say my favorite activity at TJ was my involvement with the Thomas Jefferson Journal,” says former TJ student and now 9 News reporter Chris Vanderveen.

Vanderveen took advantage of the esteemed newspaper program at TJ as Editor-in-Chief in 1991-92 to eventually becoming one of Denver’s more recognizable journalist as a reporter for 9 News. Vanderveen came to TJ after finishing eighth grade at St. Louis Elementary School in Engelwood, with only 14 kids in his class.“When my twin brother and I arrived at TJ in 1988, we both felt a bit overwhelmed by the size of the school,” he said. Even with the major adjustments Vanderveen says he found TJ to be “a great fit.”

Vanderveen recalls from his freshman year, “I vividly remember someone talking to my freshman class telling us the next four years would be ‘some of the best of your lives.’ I tend to now agree with that statement.” To make those years the greatest of his life, Vanderveen said he really enjoyed his time as a staff member on the Journal. Matt Spampinato, Vanderveen’s Newspaper Advisor and current Center for Communication Technology Director said, “I remember Chris being a really good manager. He was a good leader, and talked through ideas with staff members to figure out what angle they should take on the article. He really knew how to appeal to the readers.  But, most importantly, like any good editor Chris was the strongest writer on the staff.”

Vanderveen also said, “This might sound pretty stupid, but one of my best memories was the first time I saw someone inside a classroom reading an article I had just written for the Journal.”

Vanderveen’s passion for journalism began during his freshman year. “We watched a ton of television news and spent a lot of time reading both the Denver Post and now-defunct Rocky Mountain News. Then being part of the staff just seemed like a natural fit,” he said. Vanderveen was also able to work his way up from reporter his Junior year to Co-Editor-in-Chief his senior year. “I really enjoyed the experience immensely,” he said.

Photo Courtesy of Chris Vanderveen

Spampinato thought Vanderveen was the clear choice, saying, “It was because of his natural talent as a writer.”

Vanderveen knew about all the hard work that would be in store for the job. “The all-day weekend work sessions with Spampinato and the Journal staff that were geared around trying to make sure the Journal was ready to go to the printer on time, gave me an idea of what it was like to be a journalist in the real work place,” said Vanderveen, who also noted that he became a better leader through the experience of Editor-in-Chief. “It taught me how to meet deadlines, how to craft stories, and how to answer to critics,” he said.

Vanderveen was not only involved with the Journal, but he was also connected to a plethora of other activities: the debate team, theater productions, student council, and sports teams, included. “A semi decent defender on the soccer team, and a halfway-mediocre defender on the lacrosse team,” is how he describes his athletic involvement at TJ.  Vanderveen was also on student council as the School Board Representative, as well as acting in the school plays Oklahoma! and West Side Story. Vanderveen was also very strong in his academics. “I was the Salutatorian of my graduating class, which would have been an incredible honor had it not been for the fact that the Valedictorian my senior year was my twin brother,” said Vanderveen with a competitive grin.

Vanderveen says that TJ prepared him well for college, as he went on to be involved with many activities and academics in general. Vanderveen said about his experience from TJ, “They taught me that education in general is what you make of it. It allowed me to take challenging courses to get me ready for the rigors of college classes.”

Vanderveen also keeps his own very funny sense of humor.  Vanderveen has a great work ethic and a rich sense of humor that set him up well for college at CU Boulder. Vanderveen said, “College is, and will always be, what you make of it…I became convinced that Northwestern was the college for me,” but even after he was accepted at Northwestern, Vanderveen was unable to go because the cost of attendance was too high. Even though he felt disappointed, CU ended up being the best situation for Vanderveen, and he said, “I can’t tell you how glad I am that I graduated from college without having to go into massive amounts of debt.” The reason being that he won the prestigious Boettcher Award, a full-ride, four-year scholarship to any Colorado college. He went on to graduate from CU in 1996 with a Bachelors of Science in Broadcast Journalism.

Vanderveen knew he had to start somewhere, and that somewhere was very small with a job in Casper, Wyoming that paid $12,500 a year. Vanderveen worked at the CBS affiliate in Casper working any position he was asked to, from side anchor to photojournalist. Then in 1998, Vanderveen left KGWC-TV(Casper affiliate) to head south to KOAA-TV in Colorado Springs, where he covered city politics until 2002 when he was then offered a job at KUSA-TV(9News).

Vanderveen says he loves being back in Denver, near TJ where it all started for him.

Photo by Kiera Classen

“Tell everyone I’m going to be 30 this year,” Kimberly Holtmann announces in our face-to-face interview with her sidekick Social Studies Teacher Edward Salazar by her side.

Born November 4^th in Victor, New York, Kimberly Holtmann is the daughter of Jen and Joe, and is sister to Jamie.

Entering the world of high school, Holtmann supported the Blue Devil pride at Victor Senior High School. Graduating, Holtmann was determining to succeed much more. Taking three different shots at college, Holtmann took advantage of every opportunity that came her way. The beginning of her journey started at the University of Buffalo where Holtmann received her Bachelors Degree in Political Science. Hungry for more, Holtmann headed to Buffalo State earning her Teacher Certification, ending her college life at the University of Phoenix, getting her Masters in School Counseling.

Some say that girls just want to have fun, and Holtmann’s idea of fun is snowboarding, gardening and hiking. Holtmann says, “If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing.”

Photo by Kiera Classen

With Holtmann’s sixth year teaching and third in DPS, there was no way she could pass up the teaching career. Leaving Manual High School, she landed on Spartan turf where her life changed. “The first time I walked into TJ I felt at home.” Holtmann announced poetically. “I love it here. Great community, pride, WE ARE SPARTANS!”

Jobs can be hard to find but Holtmann had no problem with that. Throughout her life Holtmann had several interesting jobs: librarian at a preschool, waitress, cook, dishwasher, pizza delivery person, golf cart washer and now the best of all times, a mommy! Entering the world June 30, 2011 at 21 inches and 8 lbs, Kimberly and Jeff Holtmann gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Dylan. With Dylan being her first child; life changed dramatically. She says the 30 hours of labor was worth every one of the 1800 minutes, but who’s counting. “Being a mom is cool!” she says.

The excitement of Holtmann’s tone brightens the room. “Everything about life is more fun because you’re showing life to someone else.  With the future ahead of us, we may have one or two more kids, maybe.“ Holtmann loves the job of being a mommy and a working outside her household. “Being a working mom is good; I can come and interact with adults then come home to my son.” Life should be tremendous for Baby Dylan.

Destroying all villains, creating a good working environment, saving parents’ lives with the success she is bring for their children; hard work pays off in the end. If you need evidence feel free to visit room 229.

“If we can’t believe in a higher law than that of man…if the bond between mother and child is worthless…what are we fighting for?” – Wonder Woman

Team teachers Rachel Stutzman (bottom) and Marsy Robben (Top) work together to get the job done. Artwork/Photos by Ed Gloor

Team teaching may not always be easy, but Social Studies Teachers Rachel Stutzman and Marsy Robben make it work.

Together, they teach Advanced Placement Human Geography, and regular Geography. Stutzman teaches on Mondays, Tuesdays, and in the afternoons on Wednesday, and Robben teaches on Wednesday mornings, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Stutzman graduated from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas in 1998. She gained two degrees: Elementary Education and Religious Studies. Currently, Stutzman is attending the University of Denver, where she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Global Affairs. “So, I have homework to do myself,” a smiling Stutzman said, who has been teaching at Thomas Jefferson since 2000, and has taught many different classes including English, Geography, United States History, Civics, and Honors American Government.

Before teaching at TJ, Stutzman taught at West Valley Alternative School in Colorado Springs, where her team teaching career began. She co-taught a literacy class during summer school. She originally taught at the alternative school to run a tutoring center, but it later transformed into an anger management-counseling center. “I had to deal with all of the kids that got kicked out of class for bad behavior and I had to deal with their problems,” said Stutzman. She also taught a life skills class at the alternative school. Now she focuses on giving 110% to her students, and says she is dedicated to the Spartan community, and tries her best to attend the sporting events. “I also try to support fellow social studies teachers by collaborating and sharing ideas,” said Stutzman.

Stutzman’s teaching partner Marsy Robben graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 1973. She got her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology, and she earned one Masters Degree in Special Education, with an emphasis in reading, and another in social studies. Before moving to Colorado, Robben lived in Massachusetts, where she also taught. This year will mark her 15th year at Thomas Jefferson, prior to which she taught at Place and Martin Luther King Middle Schools, where she taught Special Education and social studies.

As for team teaching, they both agree it is an enjoyable experience. They have many strengths and the students are able go get useful information from both Stutzman and Robben. “Being able to work with Ms. Robben has allowed me to be able to spend more time with my kids,” stated Stutzman. Not only does it allow them to spend more time with their families, but they both feel it also makes them better teachers. They are able to synthesize their ideas and gain better results. “It is nice to have someone to talk to for comparing notes and ideas,” Stutzman claims.

Stutzman and Robben have been team teaching for eight years and they each bring something new and different to the table every semester. For example, Robben is from Kansas, so she is good at the agricultural lessons and assignments. Stutzman is “a city girl” so she knows more about assignments and lessons on the urban life.

“The benefits of working with Ms. Stutzman is that the kids have two sets of eyes, two sets of ears, two perspectives, and two sets of knowledge. We are two different people they can tap from,” Robben explains. Together, they have greater knowledge and the students can get a different perspective from each teacher. In case they do not understand what one teacher says, they can go to the other teacher and get a clearer view that may help them with their work. They come up with new solutions to smooth the waters and make it an easier and more enjoyable experience for their students. “We can share good ideas. For example, if we are able to get through to a student, we can tell each other and that would be an ‘Ah-ha’ moment so we can help that student learn more,” said Robben. They say that they are also able to revamp their teaching skills so they can rework things to allow the students to do well in their class.

With a few difficulties, Stutzman and Robben first started teaching together eight years ago. “When we first started team teaching, it was hard for me to learn how to develop relationships with students in half the time. Since we have been doing this for eight years now, I think I have learned to capitalize on the days I am there to build relationships with the kids more efficiently,” Stutzman said. The two say that there can be some difficulty planning on Wednesdays, when they are both at school, due to all the hustle bustle of the day, but they make it work and ensure they are ready for what is in store.

Stutzman states that when one of them is not at school, they still communicate so they are able to keep up with the assignments and stay organized. “Both are in sync with each other so it is like having one teacher; if one assigns a project, the other knows everything that’s going on so you can ask questions, “ said Junior Shelby Anderson.

Stutzman and Robben say they have come a long way, and have made the experience a good one for the students. “Having Stutzman and Robben was definitely a different experience. I had never had two teachers switch roles like that. I will admit sometimes it was hard, but at the same time, it was nice too,” Anderson exclaimed. She had the two teachers her freshman year for AP Human Geography. “Whenever I wrote a paper or did something in class, it was nice to know that I could get two perspectives. They each were able to help you at a different time, like a 24-hour teaching service,” Anderson said laughing.

In addition to helping the students, they Robben and Stutzman they know what strategies they need to help the students. “Not only do we share the curriculum, we share the students,” Stutzman said. As far as being excellent teachers, they have been very successful. Both Stutzman and Robben agree that it is fun team teaching, and they take pleasure in teaching here at TJ.

Not only do they like teaching the students together, but the students enjoy learning from them. “It was nice to have two teachers teaching the same class because it kept us on our toes. There were days when you would have one when you expected the other, but you grew to love them both.” said Anderson.

Jacob Stapel tells Ms. Just to answer the phones. Photo by Ed Gloor

While current TJ Principal Sandra Just has no foreseeable plans to vacate her position, Spartan Jacob Stapel has specific designs on being her replacement.

Jacob was born on October 9, 1991 and was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, a condition that affects about one in every 800 babies. With this condition, extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops, mentally and physically.

Even though Jacob has Down Syndrome, he does not let it define him. Jacob is very active in his school’s community and he says he likes to lend a helping hand. After lunch everyday, Jacob can be found cleaning up and putting things away in the lunchroom. “I like to help in the lunchroom; I bring in the ketchup, mustard, knives, forks, spoons, and the salad bar,” Jacob said proudly. This responsibility is one that Jacob took on himself; he wasn’t told to help in the lunchroom, he just wanted to help.

The lunchroom isn’t the only place benefiting from Jacob’s help; the classroom is as well. Mollie Pitrone, Special Education Teacher, has known Jacob for all four years he has attended TJ, and has nothing but good things to say about her student. “Jacob is a very hard worker and enjoys knowing he is doing things the right way. He knows how to pick his friends wisely and likes to interact with other students. I like to have him help the newer students because I know he will get along with them. He has a great attitude and he wants to be independent.”

Being independent is one way to describe Jacob, but responsible is another one that comes to mind for his teachers. Like any normal teenager, Jacob has a job; however, he goes the extra mile. Burger King, Beau Jo’s, and the Hebrew Educational Alliance are all places where Jacob works. “My favorite job is Burger King; I like to help fill up the drinks,” Jacob commented.

Having a job, or in Jacob’s case three, is part of the curriculum at Thomas Jefferson. “We do a work-study with our students. For our ninth grade students and some sophomores, we give them jobs around the school. After having a job around TJ we let them do a job shadow, where they go out of the school and see how a job is done. By their senior year, we have three jobs lined up for them,” explained Pitrone.

When not out doing his job study, Jacob has a schedule that keeps him busy at school. The classes that he takes include Cooking, Reading, Math, Gym, a Language Lab, and Social Skills in the Community. “I really like art.  I draw a lot of pictures that have a lot of colors,” said Jacob.

Jacob may have the potential to be the next Picasso, but he also focuses his time on gymnastics and bowling. For as long as Jacob can remember he has always had a knack  for bowling. He participates in Bowling events through the Special Olympics of Colorado. On September 13, 2011 Jacob was honored for his participation during the Hall of Fame breakfast hosted at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver. Not only was he honored, Jacob also made it on television. 9News did a segment on the breakfast, where Jacob made his television début.

Jacob also finds time in his busy schedule for another sport besides bowling. Gymnastics is a recent sport that Jacob has taken up that is also through the Special Olympics. “I have been doing gymnastics for two years and I do the bars and rings. I really like doing gymnastics and bowling,” Jacob said with a smile.

When this athlete is not playing sports, Jacob can be found showing off his moves on the dance floor. “I really like dancing. I think I am a good at it. I put on my hat and leather coat when I go dancing.” Going to dances is just one thing on Jacob’s busy social agenda; he also attends luncheons, breakfasts, and other social events.

If that doesn’t keep him busy enough during the weekends, Jacob hangs out with Chris, his older brother, and goes to the movies. “I go to the movie theatre on the weekends, and I go by myself. I just saw Zoo Keeper; it was a funny movie and I liked it,” Jacob critiqued. If not at the movies, Jacob plays games at home. “I can’t wait to play my Jack Sparrow game all the time when I graduate,” Jacob laughed.

The senior says he can’t wait to get his diploma, but before he does, he plans on giving the Principal, Sandra Just, a run for her money. “Jacob is always ready to move Ms. Just out of the way and take over. He wants to be the principal of TJ,” Pitrone said with a giggle.

Jacob has been known to go into Just’s office, sit at her desk, and put his feet up. “I think I would be a good principal. I would want to do the announcements. Mrs. Just doesn’t mind if I am the principal, she likes it,” Jacob said as he let everyone in on his plan.

When asked for her side of the story, Just couldn’t help but smile. “I think that TJ would be in very capable hands if Jacob took over. He already comes into my office and sits at my desk. He also told the teachers he would give them all a raise,” remarked Just.

Jacob has many friends and it isn’t hard to tell why. After our interview, he gave me a handshake and said, “Very nice to meet you.” It is clear that Jacob is quite the gentleman and is more than willing to make many acquaintances. Jacob says he wants to stay home after he graduates, but it is safe to say he might end up in the principal’s office. So TJ better watch out, because Principal Stapel is in the building!

After seven years, choir teacher Linda Sorenson returns to Thomas Jefferson High School with the same love of music she had when she left.

Sorenson began teaching at TJ in 1996 as the choir teacher. Her leaving in 2004 resulted from the reduction of music classes. She moved to North High School where there was an opening in the music department, and she became their choir teacher. “No matter where I taught, I always wanted to teach choir or music,” says Sorenson, who stayed in Viking territory for seven years until she decided to pack up and return to TJ, following former choir teacher, Edwina Hebert, who left to further her education.

Sorenson’s wish was to return to TJ. “I always wanted to come back and be a Spartan again,” Sorenson says, and she got her wish when she met with Principal Sandra Just. “When I heard there was an opening, I knew it was time to return to the school, and I was very excited.”

Looking back on her teaching career, after getting her first musical teaching job in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sorenson taught general music at an elementary school, where she remained for seven years.  All in all, Sorenson taught Elementary-level general music for 12 years. In 1977, Sorenson moved to the Centennial State. “A friend of mine wanted me to work in rural Colorado, where he was a superintendent.” She later taught general music and choir at Martin Luther King and Hamilton Middle Schools for nine years, and then moved into the high school spotlight.

Although she enjoys teaching at all grade levels, Sorenson has a special love for high school. “High school students understand music more because they are deciding what they want to do in their future. Other levels are great, but they are not yet looking for a career or hobby in music like kids in high school are doing,” Sorenson said.

At an early age, Sorenson began singing. “When I was nine years old, my parents surprised me with a piano,” Sorenson recalls. She says the piano marked the beginning of a love of music in her young life. “Just last month, that piano was moved from Minnesota to Colorado. It was very exciting for me.”

Before working with kids in schools, Sorenson graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska in 1970. She majored in Elementary Education and Music and minored in Speech and Drama. She later moved to White Water, Wisconsin, where she attended the University of Wisconsin. In 1983, she received her Master’s Degree in Professional Development with a Kodaly’ Emphasis. “A Kodaly’ Emphasis is a method of teaching,” Sorenson clarifies. After, she gained her Doctorate Degree in Educational Administration in 2009 at the University of Denver.

Now at TJ, Sorenson is teaching five classes. She conducts the Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Advanced Choir, and Monticello Choir, and is the instructor for Advanced Placement Music Theory. “The best part of my job is teaching lots of different choirs. We have enough men for the Men’s Choir, and we have enough women for the Women’s Choir. Each have their own songs and their own special characteristic to make singing fun,” said Sorenson, who will also be teaching all of the vocals for TJ’s spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors, which will make its début in March 2012.

According to Junior Ashley Fulkerson, a member of the Advanced Choir, Sorenson allows the students more options on which songs they would like to sing, and is always open to opinions. “She is also very positive. Even if we don’t sing well, she always says ‘good job’ and encourages us to do our best,” Fulkerson explains. Sorenson says she enjoys every minute she spends with her students. “One of my goals is to just have fun with the kids. That’s a pretty big thing for me,” Sorenson states.

Sorenson works well with her students, and they notice her diligent work. “She works really hard and she cares a lot about music in general. She has put a lot of vocal structure into the program,” Junior Allie Cornell, a student of Sorenson’s, said.

Fulkerson says Sorenson has a good relationship with her students. “Not only is she a great teacher, but she is also a friend to her students,” she says. “She acts like a kid, but she knows when to act like an adult. She is fun, silly, and serious all at the same time. She knows when to get down to business.”

Sorenson’s advice to other singers is to just be the best you can be. “Keep striving to do your best and work on your craft to develop your voice. If you keep singing, that is the best way to improve your craft,” Sorenson says with a smile.