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 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.

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!

Artwork by Mateo Rocha

When it comes to nature and music, Senior Mark May knows what he is doing.

The second semester of his 2010-2011 junior year, Mark took an Eco-Internship at Balarat, an outdoor education center which provides instruction to Denver Public Schools students in environmental studies, Western history, and outdoor leadership skills. It has been a part of DPS since the late 1960s, and in 1975 Balarat launched the 5th Grade Residential Program, where the 5th graders can stay at Balarat for two or three days. While at Balarat, the 5th graders are able to complete multiple activities and learn about nature, history, and astronomy. Balarat later expanded outdoor education experiences to 3rd graders, middle school students, and high school students.

The Eco-Intern Program, which Mark completed, allows high school students to spend the entire semester at Balarat, leading trips and gaining the experiences necessary to be an outdoors leader and naturalist. In order to be an Eco-Intern, May had to fill out an application and write an essay about why he is interested in being an intern. “I wanted something more and exciting for my junior year, and when I heard about the Eco-Internship at Balarat, I thought, ‘why not be in the mountains,’” Mark explained. “The greatest parts were that there was no homework, it was interesting, and I got to spend the entire day outside with great people and kids.”

The Balarat internship required most of Mark’s time to be spent with kids, and he says he acclimated well and enjoyed the time they spent hiking and learning about nature. “[May] befriended many of the kids and was able get onto the same level as them,” Thomas Jefferson Alumna Melanie Walker – who also took the internship – stated about Mark’s work with the children.

Along with Mark and Melanie, there were four other TJ students who had the opportunity to do the internship: Alumni Melissa Acker and Beth Sypniewski, and Seniors Ben Turgeman and Dinh Doan. “The internship with Mark was very eye-opening. He was very insightful, kindhearted, and generous,” said Walker.

May received a full 35 credits while attending Balarat, which is equivalent to a full semester of high school. “The only thing I have left to do now to be on the right track to graduate, is to make up my math credits,” said May.

May also enjoys playing music and was able to take his guitar to Balarat with him and play for the kids and the other interns. “His music is very mellow and has a good rhythm to it,” Walker recalls.

May not only played for the people of Balarat, but he is also beginning to shine through to the world. He is getting a big boost in the music business by playing at the Dew Tour in the next couple of months. The Dew Tour is a winter action sports tour that includes skiing and snowboarding.  At each tour event, there is a live concert, in which May will be performing. Amanda Capper, a professional musician who has sold out at Red Rocks, discovered May at an open mic night. His preferred genre is reggae, and he plays a variety of instruments, including the guitar and the harmonica, and he writes his own music and lyrics.

May has been playing music for eight years. “Mamma May got me into music when I was little,” May states. He described how his mother, Mary Ann, surrounded him with music and musicians while he was a child. “She has supported me to the fullest, whether it be driving me to my gigs, or just listening to me play, and she lets me know she is there.” Mary Ann supported her son by playing records and songs over the radio for him, and helping him with the financial ties he has encountered as a striving musician. In furthering his career, May has been recording his songs in a studio this month.

Mark May both experienced and taught the nature of science, and has also created a career for himself through his music.

Photo by Mateo Rocha

If all goes well, young and fit Edward Venta Yepes is on the road to becoming a renowned soccer player on a national or even an international level.

“Ever since I was little I can remember playing soccer,” said Venta. “My brother was probably the biggest asset for me to start playing; he has always pushed me to be the best I could.” Venta’s older brother, Fernando Venta Yepes, is an ex-professional soccer player for Deportivo Independiente Medellín (Colombian Soccer team) and Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rican team).

As the leading goal scorer at TJ, currently with nine goals, Venta is already making a name for himself in the soccer world. “Every time I’m on the field playing I just want to do as best I can. I want to help the team move forward and win, so I do what I can to help that goal,” said Venta. Freshman candidates are rarely chosen to fill the starting position (start games on kick-off) on the Varsity level for high school. This is a great feat for young Venta.

In June of 2011 Venta began training with the Colorado Academy team, Real, in hopes to pursue his soccer career. “The Academy has some of the best players I’ve ever played with. They are older, faster, and stronger than I am, so I have to work a lot harder on the field just to keep up with them,” said Venta, who says his ultimate goal with Real is to earn his position through hard work and become a starter. “All I want to do is start; that would be an accomplishment for me,” said Venta.

Along with aiming for success at the Academy, Venta has high hopes for his soccer career to flourish. National soccer team coaches typically attend Academy matches to observe the players; possible recruitment drives Venta to train harder and prepare for the upcoming games.

Venta was born in Medellín, Colombia on January 17th, 1997. At the age of four Venta and his family moved to Costa Rica because of his father’s job obligations. Venta played recreational soccer in Costa Rica, just like any other young kid in Costa Rica. “It was more for fun than serious soccer playing,” mentioned Venta.

On September 29th, 2003, Venta and his family moved to Colorado Springs due to Venta’s father’s job obligations. However, this

Photo by Mateo Rocha

move proved to be more than beneficial to Venta’s soccer career. “Here is where I really found my love for soccer. I think that once I joined the club team, Pride, my soccer career really started,” said Venta.

In 2009, Venta’s Pride team won the state championship in Colorado. Venta scored eight out of the ten goals in the entire tournament, assisted the two goals that were not his, scored the goal in the championship game which was tied 1-1, and scored the penalty kick in the penalty shootout that followed the tie. This performance made Venta, indubitably, the MVP for the season and championship in 2009.

In August of 2011 Venta and his older brother moved to Denver in order to be closer to the soccer clubs and recruits for Venta’s future soccer career. The talent Venta wields and the strong, unconditional support from his brother make for a good mixture of success in Venta’s soccer career.

“Living with my brother has mainly been good. There is a significant rivalry between us, but that’s just because we’re brothers,” said Venta. “He pushes a lot for my success. Since he has played pro soccer he has a good idea of how competitive and tough it can get to earn a spot on a good team. He knows that if I don’t play my best and hardest I will get cut from the academy team. If I get cut I’ll have to move back home to Colorado Springs, but I need to be in Denver if I want to be playing soccer at the level I want,” said Venta. “My brother thinks that eventually I’ll become a better player than he ever was, but that’s

Photo by Mateo Rocha

only if I truly focus in my career.”

Dedication and love has made Venta an exceptional player on the field. “I want to become a professional soccer player not only because I love the sport, but to help my parents financially. They’ve worked hard for me so I want to give back to them,” said Venta.

As an athlete one must have the ability to self-evaluate one’s performance. Venta is no exception to this notion, and realizes his strengths and weaknesses. “I am very driven to make a play happen. I am a goal scorer; if you pass me a ball for a breakaway, I will finish with a goal,” said Venta. “I could always improve on defending. I tend to only play defensively when I am compelled to, instead of dropping back in defensive shape and actively closing down attacking players.”

Head Varsity Soccer Coach and TJ Teacher, Jonathan Poole, is excited to have Venta on the TJ team, even if it is only for this year. “Edward’s Academy team requires him to play and train with them year round, so this may be the only year he will be playing with us. Regardless, I am very excited to have his talent on the squad this year,” said Poole.

Venta’s contribution to the team has had a positive impact on his teammates. “Without him I’m not sure how well we would’ve done this season; he puts a lot of energy out on the field and it really pumps up the team. Seeing a little guy like him playing his heart out is inspiring. He has great energy and has given a lot to the team apart from wins. He keeps the intensity. Seeing him play hard makes me want to play even harder. It’s just been great having him on the team,” said TJ Senior and Outside Midfielder, Ahmed Adam.

As a freshman at TJ, Venta has many plans for the years to come in high school. “I love TJ, the sports, the events, the people and the teachers; it’s all-great,” said Venta. “Being a Spartan makes me proud. TJ has a lot to offer, and hopefully, as planned, I will be staying here throughout my high school career, unless my soccer career obligates me to travel.”

Photo by Kiera Classen

Since the age of five, Tyler Moehlman has been engaging in the sport of soccer.  Among many other math enthusiasts in Math Teacher Tim Owens‘ room at Excel time, Tyler stated, “I started playing soccer because my dad, uncle, and brother always loved soccer. So I started playing.”

A junior this year, Moehlman has always been a master of soccer. He came in with high expectations his freshman year when he was a big star on the JV team. Once he really exceeded expectations on that level, he was called up to Varsity. “I didn’t start any games, but I was able to sub and see how fast the varsity level was played at. It was a great experience.”

Once Moehlman got a taste at the varsity level he didn’t want to give it up. In his sophomore year he was able to start a couple games for TJ. In one of those starts came, what he describes as the greatest moment of his soccer life. “We were playing West and I scored my first varsity goal. Even though we lost the game, I left feeling proud of myself.” Moehlman set the tone for the rest of his high school career.

Moehlman has also enjoys soccer because it has expanded his social horizons. “Playing at TJ has allowed me to make lots of good friends,” Moehlman stated, with that large famous smile he always has on his face. One of Moehlman’s soccer friends, even before coming to TJ, is Nate Gengler. “(Moehlman) is supportive no matter what goes down on the pitch. He also sets a great example for the freshmen of how to play hard and play smart.” Gengler, a Junior this year, is another varsity player who hopes for Moehlman to leave a legacy for future Spartan soccer players.

“(Moehlman) has a lot of speed and torches people down the field,” Ty Roder, a classmate of Moehlman’s said. Even with the similar names, both play different styles of soccer on the field. Much like Roder noted, Moehlman uses his natural speed to outrun the competition. Not only can he handle the ball with great agility, he can also run down a player on the opposing team with the ball. In the Kennedy game last year, Moehlman should have been on the receiving end of a crossing pass. It was intercepted and the Kennedy player tried to move to ball down the field. Moehlman quickly played a stonewall defense and was able to get the ball back.

Even with past success, (six career goals) Moehlman is looking forward to this post season.  He has helped the team to competitive scores and an improved season from last year. “The 2010 campaign was tough. We knew as a team that we could have to re-group in the off-season and try to win games in 2011.” Even after the Gateway scrimmage, Moehlman knew this year’s team would be playing better than the last. With the season reaching its end, this year’s team has exceeded expectations and has taken the 4A league championship.

In one game in particular, Moehlman played very well with the team against Pamona High School. “Last year we really struggled against this team, but we ended up playing well with varsity.” With Moehlman only playing one half, for the most part, he played shut down defense taking away multiple passes, and stopped the Pamona attack early on. This also primed Moehlman for a good offensive push for the Spartans. He moved the ball down field faster than any other player on the team, and attempted to get the ball to leading team scorer, freshman Edward Yepes. Teammate Roder said, “From a distance, I could see that he was running well, and was playing a good game.”

Moehlman says he always has to find a way to keep himself going. “There are points in the season when you feel like the season is going on too long.” Yet, Tyler is able to keep not just himself, but the rest of his teammates motivated. He wants to show them that he won’t give up on them, so that in the future they won’t give up on him. “I want us to stick together as a team the whole way, no matter how far we end up going.”

Yet, for Moehlman it is hard not to look forward to his Senior season, the time when he gets to define who he was is the field for the soccer team. Moehlman  stated, “I want to go out with a bang (my senior season).” Moehlman says he wants to leave TJ with a legacy that no one can replace. He wants to put in the hard work that he has learned over the years from this soccer program; he says he wants to show how intelligent he is, and how much the words “student-athlete” mean to him.

Moehlman wants to make a mountain of TJ Spartan excellence.

Artwork by Ed Gloor

In this world Harrison Ory finds himself to be a top dog, having won over 50 regional races and placing 5th and 6th in two national races. He is sponsored by Mojo Wheels, 661, Dakine, Sol Vista Bike Park, Smac Innovations, and Great Divine Brewery. He may jokingly describe himself as, “…really cool,” but with all his popularity in the biking world few would refute the truth in that statement.

Harrison’s mother Lisa, who owns a bike shop in Lakewood named Mojo Wheels, got him into biking when he was just four years old. But despite his thirteen years of experience he says he never goes into a race overconfident and always finds himself dealing with trying to overcome his anxiety. “You’ve only got your one run and you have no way to gauge yourself, like the speed your going. It’s just all in your head and it gets really stressful,” said Harrison.

Downhill bike racing is truly one race, typically only taking two to five minutes to complete. To emphasize this stress, competitors often win within hundredths of a second of another; the difference between first and fourth can be a fraction of a second. A moment of lost concentration, a breathe of undisciplined actions, an instant too long of braking and the race is blown. Understanding this brings chilling clarity to his worries.

To be the best it’s important to have the best equipment. Harrison rides a 2011 Specialized Demo 8. His Rock Shox Boxxer Fork helps him achieve an optimum ride and for all the fashionably minded out there, it’s a glossy jet black with a complementary white fork. It gives him a low center of gravity helping him carry speed and make turns, one of the most important aspects in downhill riding according, to Harrison. He believes that biking is all about geometry and handling. To have better control over the bike Harrison has a slack head angle, which has to do with the angle between the fork and the frame, going with the low center of gravity it has. To have a smooth riding race Harrison uses Specialized Butchers, giving him that extra traction that is so necessary on the loose rock and dirt tracks. His three concussions and one broken bone may not be a prime rap sheet in discussing the safety of his bike, but his wins sure reflect it’s peak performance. “When I bike I can’t be scared to crash and hurt myself. I need to constantly push and sometimes wreck to improve,” says Harrison.

While Harrison excels at riding downhill, when it comes to school he finds himself fighting an uphill battle; one that he is also determined to win. His class load includes AP Physics, AP Calculus and Technical Writing along with being involved in the Center for Communication Technology program through his Video Intern class. “One day I wish to be an engineer and make bike frames; I love designing things,” says Harrison. Maybe one day he’ll be able to calculate what his force and speed must be, based on his mass, along with the force of friction giving him the knowledge on how to achieve his best ride; but for now he wishes that more people would embrace the biking world as paying fans. “There’s only about ten people in the world who make a living off of Downhill racing,” Harrison sadly states, fueling his dreams of being an engineer instead.

Harrison loves everything that goes with biking and wishes to be a top pro, racing for the rest of his life. “I just want to ride my bike forever. I enjoy all types of bikes; it’s just the funnest thing ever to me. I like to ride motocross, cross-country, dirt jumps, BMX tracks, and just everything. Everything is just so fun to me,” Harrison joyfully declares.

Interested? Harrison’s best advice is to just get on a bike and start riding. Despite it being an individual sport there are teams out there to join and gain the skills needed to be the best. Harrison’s team is Mojo Wheels and he says that they all work together and are about helping each other out. “The more experienced, better riders will go on hills and show the less experienced guys how to do things, and whenever we travel we all go together even though we’re in different divisions.”

Harrison’s life may be steeped in downhill biking, but his overall philosophy is all about getting out there and really going for the things he’s passionate about. Harrison coolly remarks, “It’s sweet to put in a lot of hard work and improve so much then see such a drastic outcome; basically seeing all your hard work pay off.”

Photo by Ed Gloor

When meeting Alexis Holcomb – or Ali as her friends call her – one might not imagine the story she has to tell. “Ali is a super goofy person; she puts a lot on the table,” says close friend, Mckenzie Brown.  And after sitting down with Ali and asking her about her past, this reporter was amazed by her story.

Ali was born on December 7, 1993 in Temirtau, Kazakhstan and soon found herself in an orphanage. Ali doesn’t remember her birth parents, but she was told stories about them and what they looked like from the caretakers at the orphanage. “Now these are just stories so we don’t really know if they are true or not, but I was told my mom was very young when she had me. She was around fourteen or fifteen, which is why she couldn’t take care of me, and my dad was in his late thirties. My mom was Korean and my dad was Russian and Jewish,” said Ali.

The orphanage was Ali’s home for ten months until she was adopted. “I do remember little things, just little glimpses. One of those little flashbacks, I guess, is a caretaker handing me a biscuit,” Ali said with a little giggle.

One thing that the orphanage did, besides taking care of her, was change her name. Unbeknownst to most people, Alexis Holcomb is not her birth name; in fact, her name has been changed three times. “My real name is Macxici Natasha Passhkova, but the caretakers at the orphanage didn’t like the name. When I got there, they took the first part off and just called me Natasha. Then when I was adopted, my mom renamed me Alexis Olivia Natasha Holcomb.”

During her stay at the orphanage, a famous star came to visit and adopt. The famous person is a fog to Ali, but there was a 9News story on that person adopting a baby from Kazakhstan. Karol Ann Holcomb saw that story on television and was inspired to adopt as well. “That famous person was holding me and my mom saw me, and, well, she fell in love. The celebrity that was there actually adopted the baby in the crib next to me, so my mom still had a chance to get me,” Ali said. In 1994, Karol made her way to Temirtau and adopted Ali and brought her back to the United States.

Ali’s new home was Denver, Colorado. Growing up, Ali had to pick up English because she still spoke Russian. “I couldn’t really speak that much because I was still little, but when I did talk, it was in Russian. I would say little things like ‘no’ and ‘yes’ in Russian but my mom knew enough of that language to understand me. Just like a normal baby, though, I picked up English.”

Karol, Ali’s mom, was not done adopting yet, and she went back to Kazakhstan to get Ali’s soon to be sister, Hillary, who was two or three months old when she was brought into the Holcomb family. Hillary was originally from Kazakhstan also, but she was adopted from an orphanage in Karaganda. With a happy family of four, the third child being a son from a previous marriage, Karol was so inspired by the experience that she decided to help others adopt, so she opened her own adoption agency called Hands Across The Ocean.

Now Ali is a senior in high school and focuses most of her time on sports. Since the sixth grade, she has been playing softball and has made the varsity team here at TJ. “In sixth grade I actually wanted to go out for the volleyball team but there weren’t that many girls on the softball team, so I decided to give it a try and the first time I played, I fell in love,” said Holicomb.

Golf is a recent interest of Ali’s but she is already on the varsity team. In her sophomore year, Ali joined the team and figured out that she was really good. “I think I like golf so much because it is kind of like softball in a way. In golf, you are hitting a ball just like in softball; it’s just a different kind of swing. I don’t want to sound conceited, but I was really good at it the first time, too.”

With just a year left of high school, Ali has already begun making college plans at the University of Colorado at Bolder. “That college really stuck out to me because I like the outdoors and that kind of environment.” Ali plans on studying physical therapy; she wants to major in biology and then go to medical school. “Currently, I am working on getting the Chick Evan’s Scholarship, for golf, which would be a full ride so I can go to CU.” Ali’s interest for this career came about because her mom inspired her. Ali’s mom used to work in the emergency room, and Ali likes the concept of helping people.

So far, Ali has enjoyed her experience at Thomas Jefferson and says she will be sad to leave. “I really like TJ because it is so small, like a little family. It is also really easy to get on sports teams because it is so small.” Ali is very active when it comes to clubs at TJ. “I was in Be The Change, but I don’t really know what happened with that, and Skills USA. Skills USA is a competition for all different categories, but I did it for website applications. I really liked it because I already knew a lot about making websites from Mr. Esparza’s class.”

Ali continues to come to school everyday with a smile on her face and make people laugh. As Ali likes to say, “Laugh as much as you breathe, and love as long as you live.”

Photo by Mia Nogueira

Fitting in with the crowd has never been one of Nico Camacho’s goals. Frequently dressed in all black, and never without his characteristic vest covered in patches of various metal bands, it’s hard not to notice when Nico passes by. “I’m a little bit of a misfit,” said Nico, with a chuckle. “[I’m] as avant-garde as most people come.”

Beneath Nico’s unorthodox exterior lies a talented musician, who plays a grand total of four different instruments: the guitar, electric bass, string bass, and cello. “I started playing the guitar when I was about nine or ten. Then I gave up,” said Nico. “I gave up because I just didn’t get it. I tried having a teacher, and that never worked, but I ended up just picking it back up and teaching myself, and I learned to play by ear.”

Learning to play one instrument completely by ear is a feat very few musicians can accomplish, and four instruments is almost unheard of. But Nico isn’t most musicians, and when his musical prowess comes up in conversation, he merely shrugs. “I just have a really good ear,” he says. “I come from a family of musicians. My dad plays wind instruments of all sorts, and my brother used to play guitar. My dad’s side of the family has a lot of musicians. Everyone around my uncle plays some sort of instrument, and my ten-year old cousin is one of the best pianists I’ve ever heard.”

With a family like Nico’s, it’s no surprise that he branched out to so many different instruments. “I started playing the bass out of necessity when I was about 13 or 14. I had a band named Dementia and we recorded an album, but the bass player we had left the band, so on the recording I just played the bass. It was really easy to pick up; I never really had any problem with it,” said Nico.

When he arrived at TJ, Nico soon turned to the acoustic upright bass so that he could play with the orchestra. Some musicians would have a bit of a hard time moving from the mid-sized electric bass guitar to the gargantuan string bass. Yet, once again, Nico was unfazed. “It was fun. I figured it out kind of fast. The only challenge was reading the music, and I figured that out within a month,” said Nico. “The only complicated transition I had was from playing the bass, to the cello. And that one took a little while, but I eventually picked it up.”

The transition from performing music memorized by ear to reading notes on sheet music is about as easy as using your non-dominant hand to write an essay in cursive.  Through dedication and practice Nico was able to decipher sheet music, which is fundamental to playing classical pieces, but not nearly as important for one in a metal band. “Honestly, it was more obnoxious to play; having to almost detach myself from the music and how I normally play into just copying what’s on the page,” said Nico. “It isn’t necessarily my style, but I did it anyway.”

Regardless of how many instruments Nico plays, there is one that means more to him than all the others. “The guitar is my favorite. The wide range of sounds and styles and things I’ve been able to create and come up with on the guitar that I don’t hear on other instruments; being able to mess with distortions or alter certain sounds, or make a guitar sound nothing like a guitar, that’s what I love.”

Nico’s prowess with the guitar has led to forming a band with some of his friends. “My band is called Megrim’s Blight, and we play depressing black metal,” said Nico. Not only is Nico the lead guitarist, but he also writes the music, lyrics, and is the leader of the band. “I write everything by myself, and then I present it to my band mates. I tell them what to do; I orchestrate the whole thing,” explained Nico. “They pretty much enjoy what I give them and they play it well.”

Last month, the band played a huge gig at the Oriental theater. “[It was] a big show with another local band that we’re pretty good friends with, the Sons of Sorath. We played in support of the Zeitgeist movement in Colorado,” said Nico. The next show for Megrim’s Blight is on May 7th at 2 Doors Down.

When he isn’t playing an instrument, Nico enjoys listening to music, and drawing. He says he likes drawing much darker things and, as dark and grotesque as his pictures may be, that he never has anything in mind when he begins, just starts drawing and letting the picture become what it becomes. “I enjoy drawing people, and I like to exaggerate people; to expose the grotesque human form,” said Nico.

Though he may not want to fit in with the crowd, Nico’s artistic skill with both instrument and pen are fantastic to behold, which is why it’s such a good thing he stands out.