Denver is home to a numerous amount of stair sets and rails, which lures skateboarders, Like A-Rod, to thrash all before them. Photo by Mateo Rocha

Skateboarding is the first thing that Luis Arody Majalca (AKA A-Rod) can remember of his early childhood. If that was his first memory as a kid, it’s no wonder he’s got the mindset of a bull for skateboarding.  He first stepped on the four-wheeled toy at age six, but as the years would pass this toy would grow to become more than just a past time for the young adrenaline junkie.

Being raised as a first generation American, A-Rod has lived through both the Mexican Heritage juxtaposed with the American Culture. His parents, Monica Treviso and Ernesto Majalca, are natives of two separate towns in Chihuahua, Mexico; this is where A-Rod’s roots reside.

Luis Majalca was not only born on January 27^th, 1997 in the Children’s Hopsital on Colfax Avenue, he was raised on the avenue as well.  “Colfax is the street that runs through the heart of Denver, and I’ve grown up around that. I’m a straight up Denver kid,” said A-Rod.

“My dad was working at Chubby’s Mexican Restaurant around the time I was a little kid, so I got all the benefits of eating the chili cheese fries when they first came to Denver,” said A-Rod. These hot delicious fries are part of what makes up the characteristics of the Denver culture in which A-rod is imbedded.

Luis’ father, Ernesto Majalca, migrated from La Ciénega, Mexico to the US, and his mother, Monica Trevizo, migrated from La Cieneguilla. Monica and Ernesto had lived all their lives next to each other, with the two pueblos of La Ciénega and La Cieneguilla only separated by a 30-minute drive. However, the first time they met was through Ernesto’s sister, who was good friends with Monica. They became acquainted at a social event, and as A-Rod mentions, “My dad wouldn’t leave her alone. He kept chasing after her for months until my mom finally said yes and went out with him.”

Luis’s family tree is more intertwining than the usual family’s, but maybe that’s the Story of American life. His three older brothers, Andrew (22), Adrian (21), and Marcos (20), have different mothers but share the same biological father. However, Marcos and Luis share the same biological mother, but have different fathers. Regardless of the intertwining lines of relation, these are A-Rod’s roots and family life.

Growing up as a single child has given A-Rod more time on his hands to handle his own life, which entails an expansive dream of skateboarding. “I’ve pretty much grown up a single child. My brothers Adrian and Andrew live away from home, and my mom, dad, and Marcos all work a lot.”

Being the black sheep of the family is something that can happen to a kid who has got a different take on life; in this case, A-Rod is swimming against the current. “When I look back on it, I don’t remember much of anything of my childhood. I don’t remember playing soccer, baseball, football or any of that. Sometimes I talk to my dad about how I feel sorry for him that I wasn’t the son he could take to basketball games or any of that. I’ve always just been about skateboarding,” said A-Rod.

As a 6-year-old kid, young Luis would get on his board and simply cruise around the streets. “I didn’t know what being a professional skateboarder was, I just did it for fun.” As a skateboarder, nothing compares to the simple idea of riding on top of a piece of wood with four wheels for pure joy. A-Rod got a taste of what it’s all about from early on.

The first skateboard that a skater has implies a handful of interesting things, which includes the context of a certain time period in skateboarding. For the skate nerds reading this, you’ll have a good flashback of the 90s companies and gear that was around. “I bought my first set up at Emage Skateshop in Downtown Denver. I had a brown Mini Logo board, with Royal trucks, Spit fire wheels, Reds Bearings, and Black Magic Grip tape,” said A-Rod.

Usually, the first exposure a young skater has to the skateboarding world is an unforgettable and impressionable moment. The vast and diverse sub-culture of skating that began in the West Coast has rocked through America, inevitably becoming a living, breathing being that’s composed of thousands of skaters searching to thrash. This was no different for A-Rod. “The first time I even heard of skateboarding being a big thing was through a Transworld Skateboarding magazine I bought when I was ten. Before then I would only shop at Zumiez, which isn’t really a skater-oriented shop since they can’t sponsor you. After that I started looking for a real skate shop, and that’s when I came across 303 Board Shop (coincidentally on Colfax Avenue),” said A-Rod.

As time would pass, ten-year-old A-Rod would begin to grow alongside the Colorado skateboarding scene, backed up by 303 Skate shop. “No other shop compares. It’s only skateboarding in there, unlike other places that have other sports and activities tied to their merchandise and business. I represent the shop by wearing their shirts and buying gear from there, and eventually I became a shop rat, always spending countless hours there. 303 is one of the few shops in Denver that is dedicated to skateboarders and skateboarding in Colorado,” mentioned A-Rod.

At the bold of age of 12, A-Rod faced a life decision that would shape the rest of his years in Colorado thus far. After being exposed to the skate industry, A-Rod began trying tricks, flipping his board in every direction and grinding ledges and rails. Eventually this led to a wrist injury that placed A-Rod in a difficult situation for a kid. “I was trying to krook grind a hand rail, and next thing I know I’m flying forwards. I fell with my full weight on my arm, and my wrist snapped right out of place. It hurt a lot, but I was more in shock about my wrist breaking. Out of the adrenaline rush that I got from it, I sat down on a bench and popped my bones right back into place by squeezing them together with my knees. Without knowing it, I saved my mom a bunch of money for the hospital bill; they wouldn’t have to worry about relocating my bones. I ended up getting a skimpy cast, the kind that you wrap around your arm, and a whole a bunch of Vicodin. I was drugged up for weeks because of the pain.”

Recuperating from a broken bone mostly kept him busy, but another looming concern left A-Rod perplexed for the following weeks. “My mom didn’t want me to skateboard anymore. I considered football, but that’s just not me. I even took up BMXing for a little bit, but after a while I said, ‘the heck with that.’ It’s not as much as a rush as skateboarding is. I’m an adrenaline junkie, so I went back to it.” A-Rod had to make a life decision. He didn’t have his mother’s full support of skateboarding because of the fear of his getting hurt, and as the years passed his friends began to outgrow skateboarding. “My friends got into cars and girls, which is cool too. I mean I’ve got a girlfriend of my own and a car, but I always stuck to skateboarding. That was my pastime, my main focus,” proclaimed A-Rod.

After this incident skateboarding became more than just a pastime, it became a goal and a dream for A-Rod; but dreams do not come easy, or cheap. “I have to buy a new pair of Nike SB (skateboard) shoes about every two months, and a new board every three to four weeks, depending on how hard I skate it. I don’t buy pro model skateboard decks from the big companies because they never last me. A deck from 303 will last me ten times more; it’s a full 8-ply wood deck and shaped how I like it,” said A-Rod. Pro model boards are meant to last only about two weeks (considering that one is skating it aggressively). It could be that it’s a part of a marketing scheme, where a skater breaks his pro model in two weeks and has to go back and buy another one time after time until they are left scraping floors for loose change to save up for just one more deck. “I want to be able to do what I want with out worrying about money too much, and that’s why a sponsorship is my goal,” said A-Rod.

Your average American kid will most likely go to school and excel in their classes, eventually pursuing a type of collegiate degree; A-Rod’s skateboarding influence changed all of his academic plans for his life. “My life in middle school was terrible; I had no priorities and I was failing almost all my classes. My parents ended up signing a waiver that allowed me to pass my classes and keep on skateboarding, which was what I was mainly doing with my life at the time,” said A-Rod. At TJ, Luis has had the realization that school is important for society, and that if he can’t make it to the top through skating then he will end up studying to be successful in other outlets. “I plan on studying cinematography and photography if I don’t go pro, that way I can still document skateboarding and be involved with what I love.”

Skateboarding’s all about ones own discipline and drive to get on top of that wooden chariot every day, but that doesn’t mean it’s a lonely life as a skater. In fact, skating’s been evidently successful when groups of like get together to set out and “skate and destroy.” C.L.A.S. (Crispy League All Stars) is Luis’ take on a skate crew, including three of his friends which are all artists pursuing their joy of skating. “There’s Tyler, he does all the shirts stickers and grip tape. Virgil is our filmer, he has a really nice expensive camera so we’re good on documenting out skating. And then there’s me and my friend Jose, and we’re the ones that get the nice lines down and skate on camera,” said A-Rod. Even though they all have their own strengths, C.L.A.S. is more of a support system between four ambitious skaters looking for good times and a little extra money on the side.

Currently studying as a Freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School, Luis carries out the life of the average teenager, with the exception of his underlying goal, but maybe that’s how circumstances are for every kid in high school. With his eyes set on a professional sponsorship, and a “crispy” skate crew rising in the abyss that is the skating sub-culture, Luis has got a grind (other than his krooked grinds) on what’s coming next in his life. “School and education is there, but at the moment I can bargain with my studies and my skate career. I just want people to know my name, I’m concentrated entirely on my goal,” said A-Rod.

Three of Thomas Jefferson's fantastic teachers win Mile High Teacher Awards. Photo by Ed Gloor.

On Wednesday, May 2, 2012, Eileen Adair, Brett Butera, and Amber Wilson traveled to Sports Authority Field at Mile High for the seventh annual Mile High Teachers Awards. According to the Mayor’s Office for Education and Children, nominees must, “Establish a stimulating learning environment, foster the development of students’ intellectual, social, emotional, or physical growth, and demonstrate care and concern for the well-being of students and colleagues.”

This year principle Sandra Just, along with a committee, chose the nominees. “We chose Ms. Wilson because we believe she sets high expectations for students but always creates structures for student success,” said Just.

Humbled to be a recipient, English Teacher Amber Wilson excitedly attended. “I didn’t know anything about it until I received a letter from the City directly from the Mayor’s office. I was floored and truly touched,” she said.  Once there she was able to meet Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the Superintendent of Denver Public Schools Tom Boasberg, “My ninety-year-old grandma came all the way from Nebraska and I introduced her to Tom. He actually mentioned her when I was being recognized and she stood up. It was all very fun.”

Eileen Adair teaches in the CCT Magnet program. The committee chose Adair because, according to Just, “She is a creative force in the Magnet. Her example and efforts cause students to flourish.”

Adair was also taken by surprise when she received her letter from the mayor, and said she was thrilled by the award.  “Being recognized by my peers and the TJ community means a lot to me. Sometimes we forget to take the time to celebrate our accomplishments in the midst of a busy semester. Being surrounded by a number of other award recipients, including Brett and Amber, was energizing and fun.”

TJ Science Teacher, Brett Butera, was the final nominee. “Mr. Butera is reflective about his instructional practice. He is always looking for great ways to engage students in learning,” said Just.

Congratulations to all this year’s honorees of the Mile High Teacher Award and much appreciation for their hard-work and dedication to the success of Thomas Jefferson.

Vanessa Gillespie sits by her favorite track lane, number four. Photo by Kiera Classen.

I never knew track is what I wanted, but as I began to learn the fundamentals, giving my all, crying over the success and failures, I now know that running is what I want to live for.

Thirteen years ago track and field wasn’t on my mind. Playing different sports, chasing after the kids on the playground, running was always the basic element of any childhood activity. But as I grew older I experimented with different sports and, being an active kid, sports were a must to keep me focused. From cheering to gymnastics, then leaving the balance beam for a pair of swimming goggles, none of the sports really captured my attention.

Then one afternoon while chasing the boys on my block, winning every game of tag, my mother saw the talent of running I had in me. Signing me up with the Colorado Flyers (USA track and field team), she knew this was where my life would begin.

While I was entering the team at seven years old, a lot of the girls where older, more developed, and the determination on there faces gave me a fright. Learning from women who hold multiple records around the world, I knew if I gave my all I could become something. Working my way down from cross-country and long meter events, I stopped and became a sprinter. 200 meters and 100 meters (outdoor) 200 meters and 60 meters (indoor).

Track and field has taken me on journeys that will not be forgotten. Traveling from state to state, competing in week-long events, in rain and snow, I gave my all in any weather.

Mondays, I gain strength from the explosive jumping drills and weight room workouts. Tuesdays I learn the fundamentals of my race and run it over and over until I get it down to perfection. Wednesdays are when we separate the strong from the weak. From bounding to lunges, running nothing less than 200 meters, running hills that make champions, if an athlete makes it through a Wednesday practice she is capable of improving in any race. Thursdays is when we relax the body, swimming to loosen the muscles, and group talks where we discuss what needs to be fixed. Friday we come in ready to work, doing better than what we had done on Monday. Nine o’clock a.m., sleep in my eyes, I come in ready to work. 72 bounds with a 90 second rest. Track is not as easy as most people think.

With Sundays being my only off days, I admit it’s dreadful at times, but it’s all worth it in the end. Practice six days a week, with school ending at 2:30, track beginning at 4:00 ending at 8:00 p.m., homework, then bed; it’s hard work, but in order to succeed I must give it my all.

“How is track so hard, all you do is run?” I hear this question all the time. There is more to track than just running. I have to master techniques, concentrate on speeds, and conduct running drills. A true track athlete must be strong mentally; she must have the heart and – as my coach would say – “the dog in you” when you enter every race.

As I reminisce back on times in my life when I wanted to give up on track, I look ahead and see where it is taking me. Scholarships to schools, trips around the world. I found out how powerful I really am when I step onto the track.

As I enter every race, I empty all the positive out my head and think of the negative, which I’m trying to overcome. If I think of all the things I have, I don’t know what I’m fighting for. I use the negative to push me; this is what I’m running for, to show the people who didn’t believe in me that I made it. All the hard times I’ve overcome when I wanted to give up but I didn’t. Standing at my blocks, I look to the left, then the right, take a breath and realize, when my idols become my competition, I’ve made it.

I set my goals in life for 2016 in Brazil; I plan to participate in the Olympics games. Track is my life, it is more than a sport: this is my passion.

Alec Chuvarsky posing with his board. Photo by Ed Gloor

Senior Alec Chuvarsky, along with some friends, has started a business venture that is worth looking out for. His company, Simply Hesh, focuses on skateboarding, but doesn’t stress with its easygoing attitude.

            “Simply Hesh started off as something we’d spraypaint on shirts at my old workplace and sell to the younger kids to get money for food. It slowly grew into more than just a little crew making shirts, and we are now working on a full length skateboard film that we plan to release in the summer of 2012,” said Chuvarsky.

I have known Alec since the first day of 6^th grade, and since then he has always been, to me, a skateboarder at heart. He is always skating, and shows dedication where others lack it. This company is no different. The designs are simple, but they are professional in quality.

The buttons I bought from them, one featuring the Simply Hesh logo in blue on a white button, and the other with the word Yolorado, a play on the popular acronym YOLO and Colorado, are both solid and well made, lasting longer than any of my other buttons that have long since fallen apart. I have seen exclusive designs for the five-panel hat they plan on releasing, and it will not disappoint fans of the style.

Clothing isn’t the only focus of Simply Hesh, it is also a group of friends, a collaboration of minds.  “Simply Hesh is a collective of artists, filmers, photographers, and creative minds all brought together by their love for skateboarding. The group consists Connor Erickson, Alec Chuvarsky, Connor Grosh, Evan Kiesow, Max Hipp, Mitchell Cullman, Casey Bonath and a group of friends who all contribute and support us. Alec and Connor are the two main parts of the operation collaborating to create different products including hats, t-shirts, buttons, stickers and more. But the main focus is skateboarding with your friends and just having fun!”

Many people only have one interest when they enter into the business world: making money. But that isn’t the case for the crew working on Simply Hesh. “We focus on just having fun skating and not worrying about making money or becoming famous; we just want to skateboard and have fun with our pals who support us so much,” said Alec. This is also apparent in the way that Alec carries himself. He is always ready to help a friend if they are in need, and doesn’t complain about it afterwards.

I am really excited for this company. It is up and coming, and I think right now, that is exactly the kind of atmosphere that it needs. So many clothing lines, especially ones with a skateboarding background are getting their time in the sun right now, and I think that with the strong roots in the skateboarding community of Colorado, Simply Hesh can flourish. “For more info, like us on facebook or follow us at simplyheshcolorado.tumblr.com, a web store will be up soon to offer products country wide. Roll forever.”

Neon Trees released their newest album, Picture Show, taking listeners on a musical journey. Image Courtesy of Google Images

On April 17, Neon Trees released their new album, Picture Show, to the joy of all their fans. When the followers of the band played the album, though, they got a shock to their systems. Instead of the energetic explosions like those that premiered on their first record, Habits, listeners heard a smoother, slightly slower sound.

In their first album, Neon Trees jump-started the crowd with their fast paced songs like Animal and 1983, two of the big name tracks on the record. Both songs use fast-paced beats and catchy lyrics to get everyone up and on the dance floor. Also on this album comes the track Your Surrender, which was used in the 2011 Disney movie Prom.

The first song publicly released from Picture Show was Everybody Talks, which falls into the same sort of style of the tracks on Habits. This song was released as a single in December, hitting it off incredibly well with the public. It jumped to their second most-popular song on the iTunes charts, behind Animal, where it now currently sits.

The next biggest track on the album is a song called Moving in the Dark, one which brings up the ideas that can spring from two people having an intimate moment together. But this piece also brings up a consistent theme to the album, which is love. Love is heard across the album in tracks such as Still Young, Weekend, I am the D.J. and the two aptly named pieces Mad Love and Lessons in Love.

I am the D.J. is a track that really shows the group’s growth since the last album, with a different sound to it. The difference comes from the lack of distortion used on the guitar, the way the drum kit is used, and the way the lyrics are sung.

I am the DJ brings the most noticeable change in Neon Trees sound. Image Courtesy of Google Images

The first change heard is the guitar. In their biggest hit, Animal, the guitar is distorted to create a pop kind of sound instead of the more classical sound that the electric guitar normally creates. After the guitar takes the intro, the drums soon join, with more of a bass drum sound, versus the sound of the cymbals that drives many of the other Neon Trees songs. Although the song does include a fair amount of cymbals, the drum is what drives the song. Then comes the difference in the way the lyrics are sung. In Habits, many of the songs have the lyrics come fast and are fairly rapid. While the chorus of I am the D.J. is sung fast and short, many of the verses find the last word dragged out.

Another song on the album that sticks out is Hooray For Hollywood. While the track is more towards the sound of the new album, the thing that makes this song noticeable is an interlude that happens during the song. In a later part of the song, names of many different Hollywood stars that died are listed off. These stars died from OD, suicide or murder. These stars range form musicians like Jimi Hendrix to actresses like Marilyn Monroe. The song then proceeds to repeat Amy Whitney, referencing two stars, Amy Winehouse and Whitney Houston that died in the past year due to OD.

Picture Show is a nice change of pace. The slower tracks and the sound changes bring a new Neon Trees to the world. Die-hard fans of the group might have a bit of a problem with the changes, but if something different is what’s called for, this is the place to find it.

Rating: ★★★★★

Santambrogio handles struggle with apparent ease. Photo by Ed Gloor.

After seeing a friend walk down a path that led to jail time, TJ English Teacher Matt Santambrogio put his DIY ethic to the test, determined to make it on his own at a young age.

Having bills to pay, school to attend, and making the right choice can be a sobering experience for a teenager. But, with the help of some lessons imparted to him by his father, and creative outlets at school to keep him focused, Santambrogio hit the pavement in stride. “I can think of things that have definitely shaped who I am. I would definitely say that being on my own at sixteen was a critical event in my life. I know that the route I was taking and the choices I was making prior to that point weren’t leading me anywhere good. And having been forced to grow up and make decisions on my own and only having myself to be accountable for them certainly was a huge factor in my life,” said Matt.

As a kid, his dad taught him and his brothers a lot of handiwork, learning things from how to work on cars, to how remodel homes. This hands-on experience continued in high school, where he took shop class and found a love of auto mechanics. Although he loves teaching, Matt says there is something about working with his hands that keeps him coming back. “Auto mechanics is one of my favorite hobbies. It’s great because it can be so stressful and so challenging, while at the same time so rewarding when things go right. But when things go wrong you never want to see it again. I’ve had times where I have stuck the truck on Craigslist and said, ‘I’m tired of working on it, I don’t want to deal with this anymore.’ But then when you finish it, it’s probably one of the most rewarding [experiences]. Visibly seeing something that you have created live again, in a Frankensteinian sense, is a pretty remarkable thing.”

Before Santambrogio became a shaper of young minds, he held various other jobs. “I have been teaching for seven years; this is my fourth at TJ, but before I came to TJ I taught 7th grade English at Rishel Middle School for two years. I have worked in almost any type of job imaginable, from sales to food service, a roadie, a tattoo shop manager, a construction worker, a pyro-technician, an electrician, and a motorcycle mechanic/builder. Many of these jobs were occasionally more exciting and financially lucrative, but none are as rewarding as teaching.”

Many people may love something, but that doesn’t mean they do it well; but this is not the case with Santambrogio. Walking into his classroom, the students may seem laid back, but make no mistake, Santambrogio runs his class with respect. Mateo Rocha, a student in his 3^rd period College Prep Literature class, realized that as soon as he joined the class midyear. “Santam seems like a really fair and approachable person. For example, I wanted to switch into his class mid semester. When most teachers might not be as willing to accept me, he more than welcomed me into his class. I believe that in his classroom there is a certain line of respect that both he and students live up to. He lays down the rules, and if you cross them there will be consequences. It’s not like he demands respect, I just give him respect. He doesn’t have to yell at a student to let them know they’re doing something they’re not supposed to. He says what he needs to say, frankly, and everyone listens,” said Rocha.

If he wasn’t teaching right now, Matt says he would be doing something equally as rewarding. “I think if I wasn’t teaching I’d be working on motorcycles. I could never sit in an office all day or in a cubicle or on a computer.” Although auto mechanics is first on his list, another one of his options may be surprising. “I thought about occasionally trying to open a jewelry business. I did a lot of jewelry making when I was in college for elective classes. I really enjoyed that because it is all individual and you don’t really answer to anybody. So I think if I wasn’t teaching I’d be doing something on my own.”

Some people may shrink in the face of adversity, but an individual who has been tested as Matt has rises to the occasion. “I remember losing my best friend. It sort of skews your whole view on what’s really most important to your life, you know? I definitely hope there is more to come. I know that there will be things that I will be forced to deal with and forced to see in my life. That’s tough to look at now and think, ‘Oh this is how I’m going to react to this.’ But I certainly hope there is more to come because that means that there is more life to live, and that there is more to learn from.”

Morgan Cain is at home in the Bio Lab. Photo by Ed Gloor.

The Mayor’s Office for Education and Children and the City and County of Denver honor DPS students in a citywide ceremony held one a year. Students awarded Mile High Scholar are selected by the principal and faculty within their school on the criteria of demonstrating good leadership, respecting the school and students in it, and for showing support toward their peers. “I was pretty to excited to have won. It was an unexpected honor,” said Morgan Cain.

Students who win the Mile High Scholar Award are notified through the mail and are asked to attend a ceremony. “When I found out I won, I got a letter from the Mayor’s Office. At first my mom thought it was something bad, then she read it and started crying; she was so proud of me,” said Cain.

The ceremony this year was held April 5, 2012 at Boettcher Concert Hall in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Recipients sat with the other student from their school that have won the award along with their principal. In a graduation ceremony-type fashion, scholars were announced by name and school, walked on stage, took a picture with Mayor Michael Hancock, shook hands with other dignitaries, and returned to their seats. “The ceremony was kind of long because they announced the schools in alphabetical order, so TJ was near the end. But nonetheless, it was pretty cool and fun to go to the ceremony. I sat with everyone from TJ, three other students and Ms. Just,” said Cain.

At the ceremony scholars got their picture taken with the mayor, a certificate, tickets to local sporting events, and a bumper sticker. “At the ceremony I got Rockies and Rapids tickets and a free pass to the zoo. They also gave me a key which they said is the key to unlocking my future success,” said Cain.

Morgan was selected by the faculty and administration here at TJ, who have observed her dedication, leadership, and support for others firsthand. Morgan demonstrates a great passion and enthusiasm for school and for learning. “Some people think I’m a nerd, but I like to learn. My favorite class so far has been Anatomy. I like Hammonds class because of how we learn about everything and the things we learn,” said Cain.

Kirk Hammond, TJ’s Anatomy Teacher, has been a direct witness of Morgan’s dedication and work ethic. “She is a delight to have in class. She is very enthusiastic about the subject matter and shows a keen interest in going into a field that involves anatomy,” said Hammond.

Every year Hammond gives out an award to each of his science classes to students who demonstrate a solid work ethic and curiosity for the subject. “Usually every year for all my classes I give out the Super Science Award, a certificate that I create and sign, to a student I feel deserves it on the last day of class. Morgan will get the award this year for Anatomy. She always puts forward maximum effort and had shown a high level of interest and acumen in the subject,” said Hammond.

Not only does Morgan enjoy being studious, she says enjoys playing hardball on the court. “I tried tennis last year because I thought it would be an easy sport. I was surprised at how hard it was. It was a lot more challenging than I thought it would be, and I liked that. I like playing doubles because of the communication involved to play well,” said Cain.

In addition to Morgan’s endeavors at TJ, she holds a steady job working part time. “I work at Dependable Cleaners where I’m a customer service representative. I work with one of my close friends so it’s nice. I usually work about 20 to 25 hours a week and about 15 hours during tennis season,” said Cain.

Morgan says she plans to continue studying Anatomy and biology in the future and has high aspirations. “I first got interested in biology by everyone telling me I should be a nurse when I was little. Right now I want to go into anesthesiology. I plan on going to CU Boulder into their premed program and come back to Denver to finish school,” said Cain.

New DECA officers for the 2012-2013 chapter. Photo courtesy DECA.

On April 17, 2012 from eight to ten in the morning, Mt. Vernon Country Club was the host of 110 DECA members. The group was treated to a buffet style breakfast. “The breakfast was amazing and the perfect way to bring in the new officers. The team of officers looks really good and I wish them luck next year,” said DECA Vice President Daniela Cardona.

What exactly is DECA? It is a program that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges. DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America and is offered at Thomas Jefferson High School for all grades.

Before being able to announce the new officers, the students had to go through an interview process. There were eight different categories by which the students were graded, and the teacher and present DECA officers evaluated them. “I graded them on a scale of zero to fifty and the officers graded them on a scale of one to ten. Their professional dress was one thing they were graded on and the highest was a fifty. They needed two letters of recommendation, ten points each. We also looked at their unweighted GPA and mulitplied that by ten. Attendance is very important because we deducted one point for every absence. If the students sold tubs of cookie dough for our fundraiser, they got five extra points for each one sold. I also looked at their grade in my class and multiplied that by five. The last category was if they went to District/State Competitions and they got fifty or one hundred extra points,” explained Business Teacher Matt Nicolo.

After calculating the scores, the new officers were appointed. Next year’s DECA President is Deja Trotman, Vice President is Quinton Riesnman, Secretary is Tyler Moehlman, Treasurer is Jeremy Albright, Publicity is Halen Alemseged, School Store is Corey Aldrich and Ale Alas, Travel is Corey Hernandez, and Chapter Representative is Josh Neuhart. Having two school store officers is new for next year and was just decided on May 2, 2012. “Ale Alas is a recent addition and the officers decided it would be more efficient to have two running the store. I think this group of officers is going to be great, how could it not be?” said DECA Advisor, Danny Showers.

At the breakfast, all of these students became aware of their new positions. The students were given their titles in front of some very important people as well. “We had seventeen VIP’s, people who helped the club or advisors. Benard McCune, DECA Director of Career and Technology Education of Public Schools, was in attendance. Ev Vaughan, DECA State Advisor, also attended the buffet,” said Nicolo.

This year Nicolo and Showers tried something they haven’t done in awhile. They gave the students a chance to choose which positions they wanted so it would ensure they would work hard when in the position, because they really wanted it. “We made it very democratic, where they got to vote and choose which positions they wanted to try for. In the past years we just picked the positions so this was very true to our roots,” commented Nicolo.

“After seeing the new team, I think that they have a lot of potential. I think that they will bring a lot of new things to the chapter but they have some big shoes to fill,” said DECA President April Regas.

Photo by Ed Gloor

A rousing TJ student chess tournament begun on Monday, April 23rd came to the final championship this past Monday when the two finalists of the bracket competed in a battle of skill and wits, with Junior Pablo Rodriguez coming out on top.  The tournament was a little over a week long, planned and organized by Librarian Michelle Jensen.  “The students were the ones who came to me with the idea of a chess tournament. I have wanted to have a chess tournament for a while now, but was never really sure how to put it together, so I had delayed it.  Once we got it started, however, it was very rewarding and exciting to watch all the kids come in and participate,” said Jensen.

There were a total of eight participants in the entire tournament who each had to pay a small entrance fee in order to play.  The winner, Rodriguez, received a twenty-dollar cash prize.  “I’ve played chess since I was a little kid, and I’m pretty darn good at it,” chuckled Rodriguez.  “I definitely knew I had the skill to win the whole thing.”

Rodriguez’s victory did not come easy, as he went up against Freshman Mohammed Mohammed, who had won every previous match in his bracket, and ultimately received second place.

Chess has been a growing trend in the TJ halls for the past few years, with more students learning and becoming interested with the game.  “It hasn’t just been those actually competing in the tournament who have been present, but also many interested spectating students as well,” said Jensen.  “I’m hoping because of the growing popularity to get more involvement in the years to come.  Next year I want to do two tournaments.”

The chess tournament was a great success, and the students said it was a fun way to end the year.