The Sun Devils’ Advocate Volume XLI, Number 7 Kent Denver School, 4000 East Quincy Avenue, Englewood, CO 80110 November 17, 2017 ‘Grapes Of Wrath’ Brought To Life!
The KDS Joad Family heads West to kook for work. Photo by Cordelia Lowrey
Boys Tennis ‘Stranger Things’ #MeToo Wins State Season 2 See Page 8 See Page 11 See Page 13 News Las Vegas Pushes For Gun Regulations eral public, without any responsible measures by Henry Rogers or safeguards, and which the killer foreseeably used to such horrific results.” Following the tragic mass shootings in Las Vegas and San Antonio, there has been a recent Since the filing of the lawsuit, Democrats push from many gun control groups to see a in Congress have proposed legislation to ban change in gun regulation from Congress. After Bump Stocks, and both President Trump and the Las Vegas shooting, a powerful gun control the National Rifle Association (NRA) have group filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers been open to the idea of greater regulation. of ‘Bump Stocks,’ an instrument which was be- Unfortunately, the future does not hold any lieved to have been used by Stephen Paddock, promise that there will be any major changes the Las Vegas shooter, from the 32nd floor of regarding gun safety regulations at this time, Mandalay Bay Hotel. The purpose of a ‘Bump due to the NRA’s powerful lobbying influence Stock’ is to allow semi automatic guns to rapid on political leaders. fire bullets, making it more akin to automatic The NRA and Congress’s inability to im- weapons or machine guns. plement gun control regulations has been on- Following the mass shooting, a dozen ri- going and controversial problem. Incidents Graphic by Alex Wimer fles with bump stocks were found in the hotel such as the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, to pass a law that could potentially lead to a room of Stephen Paddock. The lawsuit from the Aurora movie theater shooting, the Las revolt led by the NRA and its dear followers. the gun control group claims that the attack, Vegas shooting, and the San Antonio shoot- “would not have occurred with a conventional ing seem to present themselves as a devastat- In response to the NRA’s inability to co- handgun, rifle or shotgun, of the sort used by ing, yet important, opportunity for Congress operate and Congress’s inability to pass a gun law-abiding responsible gun owners for hunt- to pass gun law reformation. However, taking control bill, the question arises, “Will we ever ing or self-defense. away the Second Amendment from American see a reform in gun laws that will help to pre- citizens presents a heated debate among people vent future mass killings from frequently oc- The damage caused to Plaintiffs resulted who believe in using firearms as a means of curring?” from the military-style arsenal that Defendants self defense, which is why Congress is hesitant manufactured, marketed and sold to the gen- U.S. Urges For Drone Implementation In Niger
by Kailen Citron
In late October, President Trump urged the Nigerian government to allow the safekeeping of its American drones within a United States militarized zone for the purpose of locating terrorist hotspots in surrounding areas. Presi- dent Trump’s actions demonstrated a desire for potentially lethal attacks against terrorists. Fol- lowing the U.S commitment, France has also taken action and deployed their drones in re- sponse to a terrorist ambush on a Green Beret Unit in Niger, which resulted in the deaths of four American soldiers. Although U.S. docu- ments state that deploying drones into Niger has been a long standing idea, the ambush generated support for their deployment. These actions in Niger shifted the course of foreign policy and military action for the U.S. Graphic by Alex Wimer Beset by poverty, weak governance, and insurgent movements, the African region that slowed down and possibly halted. ing in secret operations, the Green Berets are includes Niger and neighboring Mali is con- Although the U.S. government is focus- also working closely with the Nigerien forces sidered by U.S. officials as “a fertile recruiting ing on flying its drones over Niger, there are to advise and assist them. ground for Al Qaeda and ISIS.” The ambush also two U.S. ground forces attempting to halt Through these preventive actions, the US conducted in Niger was supposedly executed terrorist activities. Both the Green Berets and and other connecting allies are doing all they by a group working directly under ISIS. Offi- an undisclosed unit are working directly with can in order to stop the spread of terrorist activ- cials hope that by allowing lethal reaper drones French units. While the unnamed unit is assist- ity in Niger and abroad. to fly over Niger, the war on terrorism can be
Page 2, THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 News Seniors Construct Their College Applications
by Willa Sobel
Throughout the halls of Kent Denver, you will often see seniors furiously typing on their laptops in Bogue or constantly hanging out in the college counselors’ offices. It is that time of year again- college application deadlines are upon us. While Kent seniors know how to han- dle an abundance of homework (we survived Junior year!), college applications are a whole other beast. On top of the extensive homework load students have each night, depending on how many AP and honors classes they take, students must set aside time for essay writing, activity list editing, and email writing to do in order to submit applications on time. For those of you who are confused on how the whole process goes, we will break it down. While many Kent students starts school in mid-August, seniors say goodbye to sum- Photos by Logan Brown mer on August 1st, the day the Common App college following a specific prompt known as they are accepted to the university, they must is released. Many parents start to nag more the “The Common App Essay.” attend. Regular decision is simply an appli- regularly, and seniors camp out at local coffee Seniors also must decide how they will cation with a later due date, which gives the shops to write the perfect essay on why they apply to each university, meaning either early student more time to complete the application. want to attend the school they are applying to, action, early decision, or regular decision. Ap- However, this also means that decisions will or struggle to recall books from sophomore plying early action means you will not be in also be released at a later time. year like Frankenstein for their favorite work a binding agreement with the specific college, So, the next time you are a little scared of of literature essay. but you will still receive a decision early. While a senior who looks like a zombie with dark To give some perspective on how much the early decision applications are due around the bags under his or her eyes, or are accidentally average college applicant has to write during same time as early action applications, they are bumped into by a one speed walking down their college process, each student applies to a completely different case. the upper school hallway towards the college an average of 8-10 colleges. Along with the Students apply early decision if they know counseling office, brush it off because seniori- general information sections, there are typical- definitively that they want to attend a specific tis will soon attack the class of 2018 once sec- ly 2-3 supplemental essays that range from 250 university. By applying, they commit finan- ond semester rolls around and all their applica- to 650 words. On top of that, seniors must also cially to a binding agreement which says if tions are sent off. write a 650 word essay that will be sent to each Colorado Responds To Opiate Crisis A statistical analysis of the crisis suggests Specifically, Colorado has increased the price by Andrew Park that the consumption and abuse of drugs is not of opiate products in pharmacies and made only an economic issue, but rather a social one the acquisition of this medicine more difficult The Opiate Epidemic, announced by Presi- as well, due to its predicted, imminent, and by requiring users to present a legitimate and dent Trump, has become more relevant over increasing death toll. A statistical graph pro- confirmed prescription from a medical facility. the past few years and has now been declared duced by the New York Times presents its find- The increased efforts by Colorado have been a “health emergency” and a “national crisis.” ings over the past few years on opiate deaths. successful as the use of opiates have dropped Trump, a boisterous advocate for some of The discoveries were shocking, as the recent nearly six percent since 2016. the nation’s rising problems, ultimately an- cause for spiking deaths in America were not nounced this issue to emphasize the federal Colorado serves as an example for proac- accidents or killings, but rather drug overdose. government’s increased funds towards the cri- tive intervention in the opiate crisis, and hope- Many still wonder why the United States has sis. On October 26, President Trump called the fully its efforts will encourage many others to not prioritized this issue. increased use of drugs a “national shame and follow its footsteps. The people of the U.S. human tragedy.” As defined by the National There have been numerous efforts to raise have a duty to mediate the use of opiates for Institute of Drug Abuse, an opiate crisis is the awareness and educate the public about the the sake of future generations. By these pre- “misuse of and addiction to opioids including detrimental health issues associated with drug ventive and urgent actions against opioids and prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthet- abuse. The state of Colorado, agreeing with the other drugs, the United States can ultimately ic opioids such as fentanyl.” The results are the federal government’s decision for decisive ac- prevent the occurrence of another epidemic destruction of the public’s health and decreases tion, recently instituted six laws that deal with that lost sixty five thousand people in a course in the nation’s economic welfare stability. the price, effects, and distribution of drugs. of five years.
THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Page 3 News Trump’s Healthcare Bill Sparks Controversy
by Ellie Henry
Repealing and replacing Obama’s Afford- able Care Act (ACA) was a major campaign promise made by President Donald Trump - one that has yet to be fulfilled. In June, the Re- publican Senate and House of Representatives both proposed The Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) with the intent to rescind the ACA and implement a plan that aligned more closely with Republican ideals. Neither the House nor the Senate had enough votes to pass the bill. Americans with the lowest income or those who are unemployed are insured through the expansion of Medicaid under the ACA. Un- der Medicaid, the federal government and the states share the cost of insuring poor Ameri- cans. The amount of money given to each state is determined by how many patients in that state are in need of medical care. Under the GOP proposal, each state would be given a fixed amount of money every year to insure patients. This essentially means that only extremely low income families will Graphic by Logan Brown qualify for government-provided health care this bill, 23 million fewer people would have The Republican Party has thus far been coverage. In effect, fewer people would be in- insurance over the next decade. As a result, unsuccessful in replacing the ACA, and they sured because most states would only be given wealthier Americans’ taxes will be decreased. now seek to undermine the current system by enough money to provide for those with the removing key components of Obama’s plan. lowest incomes. The ACA makes insurance accessible for people that are unemployed or have a low in- One key component of the ACA is to provide If the bill had passed, many of Trump’s come by giving money to states with the ex- subsidies to insurance companies to offset their campaign promises to Americans across the panded Medicaid for that income level. potential financial losses. country would have been achieved. A major The GOP proposed bill will make it less On October 12, Trump put in an executive reason that Republicans supported this bills order to stop all of these cost sharing reduc- was because of its estimated $834 billion cuts expensive for upper class Americans to buy health insurance because it will allow for tion payments. Now, in order to fill all require- to Medicaid. Ceasing the expansion of Medic- ments, most insurance companies will need to aid would decrease the US deficit. wealthier families to choose to either opt out of the health insurance market all together or pur- increase their rates. The GOP proposal mainly reduces federal chase cheaper options. By allowing wealthy Because the Trump administration was un- aid for poorer Americans who currently rely on Americans to leave the market, insurance com- able to replace the ACA bill with one of their Medicaid or have qualified for federal grants to panies are forced to double their prices. This own, they are now devising alternate ways to help them buy private health insurance. There- consequently swells insurance premium prices dismantle Obama’s until an alternate bill is fore, it would decrease government spending to unaffordable rates for many low income proposed. on low income people. The United States Con- Americans. gressional Budget Office estimates that under
The Sun Devils’ News Editors Sports Editors Claire Hutchison...... [email protected] Emma Boatman...... [email protected] Andrew Park...... [email protected] Reagen Haecker...... [email protected] Advocate Commentary Editor Photography Editors is a monthly publication of Tucker Hamilton...... [email protected] Andrew Goldblatt...... [email protected] Kent Denver School, Willa Sobel...... [email protected] Cordelia Lowry...... [email protected] located at 4000 E. Quincy Ave., Features Editors Graphics Editor Englewood, Colorado 80110 303-770-7660 Isabel Haifleigh...... [email protected] Alex Wimer...... [email protected] Adelaide Hanson...... [email protected] Faculty Advisor Editors in Chief Arts and Entertainment Editors Logan Brown...... [email protected] Ashley [email protected] Caroline Casey...... [email protected] Katie Collamore...... [email protected] Sophia [email protected] Kayla Tuchman...... [email protected] Printer...... Southeast Denver Graphics Page 4, THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Features Burning Questions With Ms. Devlin MD: I don’t think I would say I personally am National Championships just a couple of by Ben Shapiro a big figure, but I have had the amazing expe- weeks ago. We placed third out of 16 teams at rience of playing with some of the best in the the tournament and hundreds of teams nation- Recently, the Sun Devil’s Advocate had the game today. My ultimate frisbee career started ally. opportunity to interview Ms. Devlin, a teacher in college, when I realized I was too short to in the Kent Denver Math Department. For make the club basketball team. The girls on SDA: Other than ultimate frisbee are there those of you who don’t know Ms. Devlin, and the team my first year were fun, athletic, and any other hobbies or sports you enjoy? even for those of you who do, she had some provided the supportive community I was pretty interesting fun facts to share about looking for in college. I’ve played non-stop MD: Yes! During off season, I mostly enjoy herself. since joining my sophomore year. I would say snowboarding and rock climbing (mostly that my greatest accomplishment has been indoors). Sun Devil’s Advocate: What inspired you to competing in the National Championships be a teacher? every year since 2011, and most recently SDA: What you is your favorite place in the qualifying for the World Championships in world? Ms. Devlin: I spent most of my college decid- 2018. ing how I would like to spend my time in the MD: My favorite place in the world is prob- working world. After trying many different SDA: Congratulations to you and your team! ably still my home, Philadelphia. disciplines, I realized that I felt the most That is an impressive accomplishment. How engaged and challenged when I was helping did your team get the name Molly Brown? SDA: What is your favorite sports team? and others learn mathematics. I think I was not why? truly inspired to be a teacher until I actually MD: While I don’t know the finer details of became one. Since then, every day has been a the name’s origin, Molly Brown was an un- MD: My favorite sports team is probably the reaffirmation of the choice I made. sinkable force that originated from Colorado, USA Women’s Soccer team. They are a group and so are the women that I play with.” of fierce and talented women that play with SDA: I heard that you are a big figure in the inspiring athletic ability. I also love watching Ultimate Frisbee world! That is a pretty cool! SDA: What was your most recent tournament soccer in general. When did you become interested in ultimate and what did you place? frisbee, and what has been your greatest ac- Ms. Devlin, thank you for taking the time to complishment in that sport? MD: Our most recent tournament was Club tell the Kent Denver community more about yourself. Students Explore The Stars Above intellectual experience that allows the whole by Ella Newcomb Kent community to learn more about space. Mr. Potter, an old science teacher at Kent, This fall, the astronomy class’ star par- gave a similar opportunity to observe the night ties have taken Kent students on an adventure sky to students, and Mr. Gaffney was inspired into the night sky. Astronomy is a new elec- to take it one step further. tive class for juniors and seniors that has never been offered before, and Mr. Gaffney has al- At each Star Party, students, parents, and ready made it immensely popular. Although faculty gather on the upper fields to explore Mr. Gaffney only took one astronomy class in and learn about the history of the stars above. college, he discovered a passion for the stars Mr. Gaffney lets the attendees peer through his while working with a professor and a computer telescopes while he takes the time to explain Photo by Amdrew Goldblatt operated telescope in Puerto Rico. the origins of the names of different constella- tions, as well as the significance of their loca- The next Star Party will be held on Novem- Over the years, physics students have come tion and color. to revere Mr. Gaffney’s passionate tangents ber 14th, and there will be even more to experi- regarding space, stars, and blackholes. He Junior Ian Rolls said that his favorite part ence in the coming semester! noticed that every time he began one of these of the Star Party was the environment, as he tangents in his physics classes, overzealous enjoyed spending time with his friends, teach- students urged him on, eager to learn more. ers, and parents on the upper fields to talk Thus, he took on this challenge of creating an about stars. Mr. Gaffney hopes that everyone astronomy course that could further explore can come to the parties, because it’s never too the curiosity brewing in his classes. early or too late to discover passion and love for the night sky. As Mr. Gaffney put it, space In an attempt to engage the astronomy stu- and dinosaurs are the only two things that can dents from beyond the walls of the classroom, make an adult act like a little kid full of excite- Mr. Gaffney brought to light the idea of a “Star ment and curiosity. Party.” A Star Party is essentially a fun and Photo by Andrew Goldblatt THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Page 5 Features Ask The Advocate porating it into the way you ask; this can range feels, or what’s going on in their life. Who by Anonymous from activities you know they enjoy to candies knows? They might just need a friend. that you know they like. If you don’t know bae How do I make the most of second semes- What is an effective way for me to manage very well, now’s the time to reach out! If you my time and stop procrastinating? ter senior year? have any classes together, maybe try sitting by Yay! Second semester is almost here. You them in class! If not, reach out on social media! This time of year is especially stressful, will never be a senior in high school again, so Just make an effort to get to know them so that and it’s difficult to find time to do everything it is important to make the most of it. It may you can ask them and when you go with them to you want without stressing out or procrastinat- not seem like it in the midst of all of your col- the dance, you have things to talk about! ing. With the gap between sports season, it is lege applications, but once second semester easy to procrastinate because you feel like you There is someone in my Fall Ball group that have the extra time to do so. Weirdly, some- comes, it will be graduation before you know I do not want in my group. What do I do? it. I would recommend seizing every oppor- times it is more efficient to keep yourself busy tunity, because there is no worse feeling than This is a situation that can be really diffi- in other ways. Finding times where you are looking back and wishing you had done some- cult to navigate for many reasons. Maybe you not doing homework can be helpful to allow thing that you didn’t. Watch the winter musical, do not want them in your group because you yourself to get things done efficiently. Working go to the sports games, and spend as much time aren’t close friends, or because you have had out is a really good way to do this, either in an with the people around you as you can. This is conflict in the past that you don’t want tore- organized way through a program like Core- not to say you should put these extracurricu- surface. There are hundreds of reasons why you power or Orange Theory, or on your own time. lars before your academics, but looking back at may not get along with someone, but at the end Maybe even join a winter sport! Another way highschool, you are going to want to remember of the day, I would recommend finding a way to to manage your time in a more organized way cheering for your classmates, going to the band get through it without conflict. Even though you is to make a schedule for yourself. Knowing concerts, and the wonderful community that is may not want them to be in your group, exclu- when things are due and setting aside time to Kent Denver. sion is never okay. In the end, having this one do them rather than saving them for the night person as a part of your group will not affect before can relieve a lot of stress. Also, sleep How do I ask my crush to the dance? you as much as you believe that it will; howev- does more than you may first think. Getting an Asking anyone to a dance is daunting - no er, if you exclude one person, it can completely extra hour of sleep is always more beneficial one wants to be rejected - but nothing good ever ruin their fall ball experience. Being left out is a than studying for one more hour. This paired happens without being a little risky! I would horrible feeling, and it is really not worth doing with eating more healthily allows you to feel recommend finding a common interest, or even that to someone just so they will not be in your more awake and motivated to do work that you an inside joke between the two of you and incor- group. So, in the long run, it is better to be in- otherwise would not want to do. clusive because you never know how someone Trick Or Treat, Kent Denver! by Adelaide Hanson
As mid semester approached, Kent Denver students were excited for the Halloween festivities. Since Halloween fell on a Tuesday, students and faculty alike were excited to flaunt their costumes around the upper school. There were Sims characters, the cast of The Office, boxers, Care Bears, and countless other fantastic costumes. The teachers in the science department enjoyed dressing up as Dr. Caufield, who is another science teacher. All the “Dr. Caufields” wore the essential items in his wardrobe, including: some colorful sweater vests, lab coats, and to go coffee cups. These scientists were so hilarious that they won the costume contest dur- ing assembly! Photo by Andrew Goldblatt Senior Jack Frank remarked: “My favorite part of Kent Halloween is the costume contest because everyone is super excited to see all the best costumes, and we cheer really loudly!” While some students went “all out” with their costumes, some enjoyed some subtle puns! Senior Emma Boatman, who dressed up as a “turtle neck” by pasting a small turtle sticker on her neck, said, “It was easy, punny, and we got to be out of dress code!” Halloween 2017 turned out to be a success in the Kent Denver com- munity. With costumes ranging from bumblebees to fraternity “bros,” the returning students are already eager to dress up next Halloween!
Photo by Andrew Goldblatt Page 6, THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Features What’s Cool In The Upper School by Julia Doyle and Caroline Oudet
MidFirst Bank Recruits New Members
by Emma Boatman
MidFirst is Kent Denver’s very own student- run bank. It is the largest student-run bank in the country. It is a great way to teach students about managing money. When using a Kent Denver Mid- First credit card, five cents are given to Kent Den- ver with every purchase. More than 50 percent of the community has an account with MidFirst. Senior Julia Doyle comments on her experience working at MidFirst: “MidFirst is a great place to work because of the exposure to banking. It’s really interesting to see how banks function and I love be- ing part of such a unique opportunity.”
THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Page 7 Sports Football Ends A Memorable Season the seniors have worked hard to maintain a game, with a close score of 21-29. The team by Carley Wiley and Allie Mandava bond between players on and off the field. The is already looking forward to next year and is boys dance and celebrate in the locker room hoping to advance further in the 2018 playoffs. The Kent Denver Football team had a fan- following their wins, which keeps the team tastic fall season! The team went undefeated motivated and excited for upcoming games. during the regular season with an astounding record of nine wins. While the team’s statistics The group not only had incredible cama- speak for themselves, the players have proven raderie, but also amazing talent. Junior quar- to do more than just win, as they have grown terback Joey Licht had the most passing yards their bond from team to family. of all the quarterbacks in 2A, with an amazing 862 yards. Senior Conrad Yost had an unbe- This year’s team had a strong group of lievable 330 receiving yards, also the most leaders with 19 seniors setting an example for achieved by all receivers in 2A. Senior Seven the underclassmen who will be taking the reins Lindsey, rushed 1164 yards this season, the next season. Sophomore Bobby Fraser says, second most in the league. “The seniors’ incredible work ethic provides the others on the team with a great example of Sadly, the team suffered their first loss in Photo by Avery Munn what is expected of the players within the Kent the first round of the playoffs on Saturday, No- Football players focus on the game Denver football program.” vember 4th to Resurrection Christian. Despite from the sidelines. the unfortunate outcome, it was a hard-fought The team is more close knit than ever, as Soccer: Building On A Young Team a save in the shootout round. Although Wald- the team is sad to see the seniors leave next by Emma Murphy and Claire Payne baum was disappointed by the outcome, he is year, the young squad looks forward to con- looking forward to his future seasons with the tinuing their great team dynamic in the years The Kent Denver boys’ soccer team had a team. “I am probably the most excited for the to come. bittersweet, but very impressive end to their underclassmen and kids who didn’t make the fall season. Going into playoffs as the 2nd team last year because they have been putting seed, the team played Roaring Fork and won in work, and next year can be their chance to 3-1 in the third round playoff game. play with all of us,” says Waldbaum. On Wednesday November 9, the team Despite the loss, the team had an impres- went head to head against their rival, Colo- sive season with only two losses. As junior rado Academy, in the semifinals. After 90 min- Josh Melvin stated, “We had a strong team dy- utes of intense regular play, neither team had namic this year, and I’m proud of how far we scored, but sophomore Max Hewitt had many got.” The 2017 season truly was something to close breakaways. be proud of for these Sun Devils. Going into double overtime, still with no Waldbaum described his highlight from score, the two teams advanced to a shootout. the season as their last minute overtime win Again, both teams, very equally matched, tied against Colorado Springs Christian. He said, in the first five shots, and continued into sud- “We had a plan from the beginning and had enough patience to execute in the very last den death penalty kicks. Unfortunately, the Sophomore Spencer Thomas kicks Sun Devils lost 4-5 to the Mustangs. chance we had.” the ball up field. Sophomore goalie, Joey Waldbaum, had This team clearly had a special bond and an an outstanding game with 20 saves, including outstanding ability to work together. Although Photo by Andrew Goldblatt Tennis: State Champs For Five Consecutive Years chemistry built up over the last couple years. a tough loss for Kent No. 1 singles to Peak to by Natalie Gendelman and Avery Munn Sophomore Chris Tsai describes the relation- Peak’s player of the year, Brett Finan, a state ships between his teammates as “peas in a pod.” championship seemed harder to reach for the The Kent Denver boys’ tennis team complet- The team’s close dynamic allowed for their tri- team. However, Sophomore Alex Baum and ed a successful season with their fifth state title umphant performance at the state championship junior Coby Gold won the No. 2 doubles match in a row. The boys’ tennis team has dominated in Pueblo. Eight out of the twelve players on the against rival school Colorado Academy, secur- 4A and is one of the most successful sports at Kent tennis team’s roster made the 4A all-state ing the team’s state title victory. Kent Denver with their total of nine state wins. tennis team. This puts the program in fourth place for the The Kent Denver community is proud of most tennis state titles in Colorado history. The team’s head coach, Randy Ross, won what the team has accomplished this year and coach of the year, and thanks to him, the team is looking forward to seeing what they achieve The tennis team greatly benefits from the was able to make it all the way to state. After will next season. Page 8, THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Sports Field Hockey Continues Its Strong Reputation portant to the team. Emma Domich, a team by Abby Wilkinson and Sofia Palumbo captain, led the team with six goals and an impressive 18 assists over the course of the Kent Denver Field Hockey had an impres- season. sive season this year, bringing home the state runner-up trophy. Starting off strong after last During playoffs, Kent beat Denver East year’s state title, they fought through the whole High School in the quarterfinals. They then season with incredible leadership by head went on to beat Colorado Academy, the team’s coach Kathy James. rival, in the semifinals with a goal from ju- nior Madeleine Hunt in double overtime. This Senior Olivia Baglieri said, “My favorite earned them a spot in the state finals. part of field hockey was the bonding of our team and the friendships we made.” The girls Kent fought through the snowy, cold night had team dinners, outings, and other organized against Palmer Ridge High School in the activities outside of practice to bring them to- championship game. The match ended in a tie, gether. leading to two overtimes and, finally, a shoot- out. Kent lost by only one goal, but they battled On game day, the captains say something throughout the entire game and the entire sea- Photos by Andrew Goldblatt positive about every player to get the team son, and they are looking forward to working Top: Senior Maddy Johnson dribbles excited before they play. The team also wears towards the state title next season. headbands with different fun patterns for each by a defender. Bottom: The team game. These traditions are all extremely im- celebrates after a goal. Recap: Cross Country A Strong Finish To The Golf Season
And Volleyball by Caley Capoot
by Molly Miller Although Kent’s Boys’ Golf team fell just short of a state championship this fall season, they still managed to achieve an impressive 2nd place title. The Kent Denver Cross Country team and Volleyball team both This team’s legacy is nothing short of impressive, with a Colorado record had great ends to their fall seasons. of nine championships. Their experienced coach, Bob Austin, was instru- mental in their having another incredible season. Coach Austin, who has The volleyball season was filled with many memories, laughs, been coaching at Kent for 16 years, is a genuine role models for the players. and team building experiences. As sophomore Bailey Parkhouse put it, “This will be an experience I will always remember.” The team “Coach Bob Austin is probably the best golf coach I could’ve imagined played in games and tournaments around Colorado and had a guest having. That speaks for me and everyone on the team. He really supports us coach come in to help them improve their skills. The guest coach and gives us everything we need to do our best and have a great time,” says was a former division one setter whom all the girls on the team sophomore Jacobo Arango. looked up to as a mentor in all aspects of the game. Although the team lost four seniors last year, Oliver Jack and Mateo Senior Chloe Richards and Junior Danielle Norris reflected back Manzanarez paved the way for a great season. With a strong group of return- on the challenges they faced this season: “We had a really young ing players, both on varsity and junior varsity, the future for boys’ golf looks team this year with a lot of potential and a lot to improve on.” The bright. After qualifying for the state finals, Oliver Jack, Jeffrey Zhou, Mateo team overcame their challenges though, and Richards finished her Manzanarez, Jackson Klutznick, did exceptionally. Senior Oliver Jack was senior season ranked 3rd in blocks for the 3A division. With a prom- the runner up and junior Jackson Klutznick got 4th place. Although it was ising team and a new coach, there is much to look forward to next not the ending they had hoped for, it was still an remarkable feat. season. Anticipation for the next golf season has already begun. In fact, sopho- Kent Denver Cross Country had its biggest team in program his- more Ben Zimmerman, who qualified for state last year as a freshman, says, tory this year with about two-thirds of the team comprised of under- “We are all really positive going into next year. We know we have talent classmen. Many individuals on the girls’ and boys’ teams were try- and it’s really exciting.” ing the sport out for the first time. Despite these factors, head coach With Coach Austin leading the way for success on and off the green, Corky Dean said, “I would say we had a very successful season Kent Denver’s Men’s Golf success is without a doubt projected to continue overall. There was lots of improvement and growth individually and for years to come. The Advocate congratulates the team on an awesome collectively as a whole.” The boys managed to shave three to four season! minutes off their 5k times, which astonished and greatly impressed their coach. The girls managed to accomplish many of their goals despite being plagued by continuous injuries, and they were only a few points shy of state qualification. The cross country teams were led by senior captains Alex Davis and Liam Daniel, as well as junior captains Izzy Hurley, Emma Adelstein, and Daniel Chao. The under- classmen look forward to coming back strong next season! Graphic by Alex THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Page 9 Arts & Entertainment Connecting With Culture Through Language privilegio de ir a la misma escuela que le ense- was a miner. Her family is from Marfa, Texas by Rachel Wagner ñó español a mi madre. Tengo suerte de poder and the border moved over them. My great Soy una latina que necesitaba aprender hablar español y continuar aprendiéndolo para grandparents had twelve children and stopped español. Esto no me hace menos latina que poder sentirme conectado con mi cultura. Ten- teaching them Spanish after the seventh child otras personas. Tres de mis bisabuelos eran go el pelo salvaje, negro, grueso, rizado y cejas because they faced intense discrimination. My de México y siete de mis tatarabuelos eran gruesas como mi madre y la piel clara como mi grandmother is the youngest. I could say that I también de México, más uno de España. He padre. Estoy orgulloso de los parientes de parte wished they had taught her Spanish but that, to estado aprendiendo español desde que tenía de mis padres y, aunque soy de piel clara, eso me, would be really selfish because she would seis meses y mi madre había contratado a un no hace que mi herencia mexicana, Elizalde- have spoken with an accent like her father and inmigrante mexicano que todavía está esper- Camacho desaparezca. Soy una chicana orgul- her mother and been discriminated against be- ando que se acepte su solicitud de ciudadanía losa con una mamá y abuela mestiza que son cause of it. My mother is an only child and my hoy. Mi bisabuelo salió de México antes de la las mujeres más inspiradoras que conozco. grandmother was a single mother since the age revolución porque sus hermanos querían que Continuaré aprendiendo español para conec- of 19. My mother went to Kent Denver on a él esté seguro. Él es de Torreón, Durango, tarme más con mi cultura y un día iré a México full scholarship for women of color. I feel so México. Mi bisabuela creció en un orfanato para conocer y hablar con mi familia. proud that I have the privilege to go to the same administrado por monjas alemanas mientras I am a half-Latina who needed to learn school that taught my mother Spanish. I am so su padre era minero. Su familia es de Marfa, Spanish. This does not make me any less of lucky that I am able to speak Spanish and con- Texas, donde la frontera se movió sobre ellos. a Latina than anyone else. Three of my great tinue learning it so I can feel connected with Mis bisabuelos tuvieron doce hijos y dejaron grandparents are from Mexico, seven of my my culture. I have wild, black, thick, curly hair de enseñarles español después del séptimo hijo great-great grandparents are from Mexico, and and thick eyebrows like my mom and fair skin porque enfrentaron discriminación intensa. Mi one is from Spain. I have been learning Spanish like my father. I am proud of both of my heri- abuela era la más joven. Podría decir que de- since I was six months old. My mother hired a tages, and even though I am light skinned, that searía que les hubieran enseñado a sus hijos Mexican immigrant who is still waiting for her does not make my Elizalde-Camacho side go español pero, para mí, sería realmente egoísta citizenship application to be accepted to this away. I am a proud Chicana with a Mestizo porque habría hablado con acento como sus day. My great grandfather left Mexico right be- mom and grandmother who are the most in- padres y se enfrentarían a la discriminación. fore the revolution because his brothers wanted spiring women I know. I will continue to learn Mi madre es hija única y mi abuela fue madre him to be safe, so he came to the US and be- Spanish to connect more with my culture and soltera a los 19 años. Mi madre fue a Kent came a welder. He is from Torreon, Durango, one day go to Mexico and talk to my family. Denver con una beca completa para mujeres Mexico. My great grandmother grew up in an de color. Me siento tan orgulloso de tener el orphanage run by German nuns while her father Celebrating The Mid-Autumn Festival
by Elliot Hodges Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. At 8:30 celebrating the moon and the Mid-Autumn p.m. in the backyard, Little Ming and his fam- Festival. When celebrating the Mid-Autumn 今天是中秋节，小明晚上八点半在院 ily get together. Together, they eat moon cakes Festival, it is custom to eat both moon cakes 子跟他的家人团圆。他们一边赏月，一边 and watch the moon. Though Little Ming and grapes. Although there are many different 吃月饼。虽然小明觉得月饼的馅儿都很 likes all of the moon cake fillings, he enjoys types of moon cake fillings, the red bean fill- 好吃，可是他最喜欢红豆馅儿的月饼。 the red bean filling the most. In addition to ing is the tastiest. The biggest moon cake ever 除了月饼以外，他们还吃葡萄。中秋节的 moon cakes, Little Ming and his family also weighed 13 tons. During the Mid-Autumn 时候，月亮又大又明亮。小明的姐姐念一 eat grapes. On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, people have family reunions and cel- 首诗，还给小明讲嫦娥和她的小兔子的故 Festival, the moon is especially big and bright. ebrate the harvest. Chinese holidays are very 事。小明觉得嫦娥的故事很有意思。 Little Ming’s older sister recites a poem and different than Western ones. Oftentimes, holi- 中国人农历八月十五日过中秋 then tells Little Ming the story of Chang E and days in the west celebrate or commemorate 节。因为农历跟阳历不一样，所以今年 her little rabbit. Little Ming found Chang E’s historic events or the birthdays of important 阳历的十月五日是中秋节。中秋节从唐朝 story to be very interesting. (Description of historical figures, whereas Chinese festivals 开始。因为中秋节很重要，所以唐朝的时 typical Chinese New Year celebration). often celebrate nature. 候，人们写了一百一十一首中秋节的诗。 On the fifteenth day of the eighth month 很多人也写曲子。过中秋节的时候，你得 of the lunar calendar, Chinese people celebrate 吃月饼，还要吃葡萄。虽然月饼有很多馅 the Mid-Autumn Festival. Because the lunar 儿，但是红豆是最好吃的。最大的月饼有 calendar and the Gregorian calendar are very 十三吨！中秋节的时候人们跟家人团圆， different, this year, the Mid-Autumn Festival 也庆祝丰收。美国的节日跟中国的节日不 took place on October 5. The Mid-Autumn 一样。美国的节日常常跟历史或者重要的 Festival started during the Tang Dynasty. 人的生日有关，可是中国的节日常常跟自 Because it is so important, people during the 然有关。 Tang Dynasty wrote many poems—111 in total—and composed many pieces of music Graphic by Sophia Rase Page 10, THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Arts & Entertainment ‘Stranger Things’ Season 2 another dimension to the show’s complex- featuring an older, more mature cast [includ- by Olivia Cohen ity. Paired with the high quality of acting and ing the new additions of Max (Sadie Sink) the nostalgic, moody 80’s theme, “Stranger and Billy (Dacre Montgomery)], the second If you have browsed the internet in the past Things” manages to highlight the relatability season is highly focused on character depth. couple of weeks, you may have noticed the of its young cast without losing any of its so- The main character of Season 1, Mike (Finn virtual explosion on social media following phistication. Wolfhard), takes a back seat while his co- the October 27 release of hit show “Stranger stars, Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Ca- Things’” second season. The first season of the In both season 1 and 2, the show supplies leb McLaughlin), Will (Noah Schnapp) and show, a paranormal mystery set in the fictional thoughtful insight into the struggle of grow- Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) further develop town of Hawkins, Indiana, follows a charm- ing up, without detracting from the horror and their personas. ing, Dungeons-and-Dragons-loving group of mystery of the storyline. Mike must work to four middle-school-aged boys. When one of contain his desire for control, Lucas and Dustin Season 2 also includes a steep increase their group members disappears and a peculiar test the strength of their friendship when they in horror. Graphic depictions of Hawkins’s girl with supernatural abilities appears in the are both interested in the same girl, Max and other dimension, called the “Upside Down,” town, the boys and their new companion must Billy endure abuse from family members, as well as instances of possession, torture, and unearth the town’s most dangerous secrets in and Eleven strives to find where she belongs other brutality will satisfy hardcore lovers of order to save their missing friend. A critically- outside of her superhuman abilities. As many the horror genre but deter those who are a bit acclaimed Netflix Original, “Stranger Things” of “Stranger Things’” most devoted fans are softer at heart. Even the fear, however, helps to Season 1 was an immediate success, meriting young, the positive reinforcement of qualities establish the dark, Stephen King-esque mood a Golden Globes nomination for Best Drama such as bravery and loyalty give the show a that has attributed to the show’s addictivity. So, Series of 2016. high educational value on on top of its high en- to all enthusiasts of mystery, romance, horror tertainment value. (and of course, “Stranger Things” Season 1), Created and directed by Matt and Ross be prepared to binge on all nine episodes in Duffer, the cinematography of Stranger Things Season 2 has experienced an equally auspi- one night: Season 2 is a must-watch! is both artful and highly effective, creating cious start to the series premiere. Set one year after the events of the first season, and thus An Inside Look At The Fall Play at the same time, there is a whole new audience hands-folded stance, Lukas’s relentless affir- by Hileena Channell out there.. you want to be able to do right by mations, and my personal tendency to dance the audience and show them this story.” Trin- in place. For two hours each night, we are not It all begins in a circle. In that first acquain- ity Rollins, also a senior, likens it to a “kind of ourselves but our characters. tance with the script, we were merely juniors tunnel vision.” The world narrows until it’s just Yet the Fall Play is not only about what and seniors reading Frank Galati’s stage ad- the Joads and their story. takes place on the stage. For those eight hours aptation of “The Grapes of Wrath.” We were we spent performing, we had one hundred treated to our first glimpse of the Joad family’s and thirteen more spent in warm-ups and re- journey West. Then rehearsal began: awkward hearsals, dancing to bad Top 40’s and waiting shuffling from scene to scene, everyone held through the merciless tech run. All of this time a script and stumbled over the words. After a and energy forged a bond between us. As Ka- while, the scripts were put aside. The music trina Starbird, a senior, says: “Somehow in go- came along nicely. We had a set courtesy of ing through this shared experience [we] end up our amazing new Tech Director this year, Mr. being closer to one another, and [it is unique Nolan. We were fitted for costumes. Slowly, to] anything else you can do in high school.” but surely, all the work came together. The Fall Play is an unmatched experience, We had our first full run of the show half- and no year can much resemble another. The way through October. The first dress rehearsal tongue twisters might repeat, and may the follows on the heels of Fall Break. We go over pre-play rituals never cease—but the people: every scene. We focus on the complexities of Aaron Alper, Kate Bleyle, Rory Callison, every moment. The play takes our full atten- Liam Daniel, Chloe Howard, Hayley Howard, tion, nothing else matters. Lukas Drexler-Bruce, Aaron Mathews, Sadie Suddenly, we are standing in the wings on Mauger, Alice Noble, Trinity Rollins, Kristen opening night, the energy of our fellow cast Schmidt, Katrina Starbird, Danielle Tamkin, mates is palpable. We stand, listening for the Photo by Cordelia Lowry Timia, Jenny Weiske, Tyler Whitaker, Jackson dip in the buzz of the audience that means the White, Noah Wilson, Chris Eiselein, and Flynn house lights have dimmed, that the pre-show Zook, they are the ones that make each experi- announcement is about to come on, that our We put on Ms. Graese’s incredible cos- ence unforgettable. weeks worth of work is about to come to frui- tumes. We forget our way of speaking in favor tion. Senior Flynn Zook describes the feeling of that Oklahoma twang. We shed our particu- as “anticipation.. you know you can do it.. but lar mannerisms: Kristen’s cocked hip, Alice’s
THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Page 11 Arts & Entertainment Becoming ‘The Breadwinner’
by Emily Amspoker metaphor for their own oppression. story, has been praised for its beauty. Made The piece is a standout in the film industry by the creators of the Oscar-nominated films The animation world is abuzz over a new for two reasons. First, it’s written, produced, “The Secret of Kells” and “The Song of the film: “The Breadwinner.” After its September and directed by women, which is an anomaly, Sea,” “The Breadwinner” does not disappoint. premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, the film as the Center for the Study of Women in Tele- Partly hand-drawn using a computer and part- was lauded for both its timeliness and its heart, vision and Film at San Diego State University ly made to look like paper stop-motion, the and received mostly fresh reviews on Rotten finds, only 17 of the top 250 highest grossing film has a distinctive and gorgeous aesthetic. Tomatoes. Based on a book by Deborah Ellis films of last year were female-directed. This Furthermore, the film’s voice acting has also with the same name, the story is set in 2001, film is a ray of hope amidst the seemingly end- received praise, with special credit going to in a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. It centers less accusations of sexual assault and gender Saara Chaudry, who voiced the film’s dynamic around Parvana (voiced by Saara Chaudry), a discrimination in the film industry, and dis- protagonist. young girl whose father is incarcerated by the proves the pernicious assumption that women This film is a rare gem in the current film Taliban for disobeying their strictures. Due to cannot achieve the same quality of filmmak- industry. It would be a loss not to see it when the fact that the Taliban doesn’t allow women ing as men. Second, although it’s animated, a it comes out on November 17th. outside without being accompanied by men, category often associated with frivolousness or Parvana and her family become trapped in childishness, it treats its subject matter serious- their apartment without any means of attain- ly, commenting on the hardships of political ing basic necessities, which forces Parvana oppression while still focusing on creating a to cut her hair, wear her deceased brother’s compelling story. This film has been compared clothes, and pretend to be a boy. She becomes to both the emotional works of Hayao Miyaza- the breadwinner for her family, hence the title. ki and similarly uncompromisingly truthful The film follows both her journey and the sto- animated films set in times of political turmoil, ry she tells her younger brother, about a boy such as the French-Iranian film Persepolis. who opposes the evil Elephant King, perhaps a The film’s artistic appeal, along with the Graphic by Logan Brown Kent Denver Gets Its Groove On
by Caden Zimmerman Nichols, Will Caulkins, and Trent Beckman senior Esther Omegba. “The energy was rocking it behind them in their killer sunglass- through the roof and we had a super engaged es, the concert was without a doubt their most crowd. Not only did we have a lot of Kent stu- No fall season is complete without a Quin- exciting Halloween performance yet. dents and faculty, but we even had a bunch of cy Avenue concert, and this year, the nation- people from other schools come out and sup- ally acclaimed band did not fail to deliver The band covered a variety of songs, port. Also, our guest bassist, Kaveh Rastegar, with their annual Halloween concert on Fri- from Earth, Wind, and Fire’s “September” to a KDS alum, absolutely killed it. All in all, it day, October 27. The Black Box Theater was Michael Jackson’s “Shake Your Body,” and was the perfect way to play our final Hallow- packed, with everyone decked out in their best had everyone dancing and singing along to some of their favorite Halloween hits. Alec een show!” Romo-Nichols crushed it on the drums, with several incredible solos, accompanied by Nick Fenton playing the piano and Jackson Christ- man on the guitar. The fantastic music paired with four beautifully talented vocalists ensured that the band’s performance will not be easily Photo by Andew Goldblatt forgotten. This concert was unique, not just be- cause of the creative costumes, but because the band was lucky enough to perform with Gram- my nominated bassist and Kent Denver alum, Kaveh Rastegar. Rastegar has performed with and written songs for amazing artists such as Cee Lo Green and Bruno Mars, and currently acts as Sia’s musical director and John Leg- Photo by Lily Kim end’s bassist, while also touring with his own band, Kneebody. He may also be recognized ‘70s gear. Dressed in their disco best were lead for performing as the bassist in the Oscar-win- singers Ashley Capoot, Esther Omegba, and ning motion picture La La Land. Maggie Mulvihill, accompanied by Geneva “The show was such a blast,” said McElvaine. With Nick Payne, Matthew Romo- Photo by Andrew Goldblatt Page 12, THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Commentary Power In Numbers: The Fight Against Sexual Assault It seems as if with every day, with Somehow women’s equality is moving backwards. each incoming news cycle, our world is No matter what the cause, it has become ever so clear, ever so becoming utterly uncontrollable. Every unignorable, that in today’s world, women don’t possesses equal power. mass shooting, every election, every In light of such a glaring problem, women have had to ask themselves, hurricane, proves just how powerless “How can we combat our current state? How can we reclaim power?” people truly are. Now, however, we are Since the election, the overwhelming answer has been to use their playing perpetual defense, unable to experience, to use their voice. catch our breath before being hit with another crushing blow. While all people On October 8, a New York Times exposé was released, recounting experience struggle, it seems that women the experiences of eight different women who claimed to have been are perpetually stuck at the bottom of sexually assaulted by the powerful film producer Harvey Weinstein. Since then, 49 more women have stepped out to accuse Weinstein of Caroline Casey the power scale. We are still living in an age where gender inequality is painfully the same misconduct. Additionally, six women have accused director Commentary obvious. Brett Ratner of sexual harassment in the past month. Multiple women have accused screenwriter James Toback of sexual assault. Costars Perhaps this renewed era of female have accused Ben Affleck and Ed Westwick of sexual harassment. powerlessness began in October of last year when a voice recording President George H.W. Bush has been accused of sexual misconduct. of the then presidential candidate, and now president, was released to Olympic athletes have made accusations of assault. And many female the public. His derogatory words set a new precedent that women were politicians have made accusations of assault. Women, now, today, are nothing more than passive, powerless conversation starters for men. reclaiming their power by speaking out. Maybe it wasn’t even the tape itself that brought to light the extent of a woman’s constraint, but instead the response, or lack thereof, to the Such assaults and misconduct from years ago are being brought video. to the surface now because the time demands it. The current state of women’s inequality must be met with resistance and defiance. Women Perhaps it was the last election that really marked the decline of must use their stories of inequality and powerlessness in order to begin female power. Two hundred and forty one years, forty-four presidents, to claim the equality and power that they deserve. Even in our own and still the country could not elect a qualified, intelligent, female Kent community, women and girls must use our voices to reject sexism president. Perhaps it is the fact that our Cabinet has hit an almost record in our community. It must be made clear that any belittling comment low number of positions filled by women. The current administration’s or gesture is unacceptable. The sexual assault accusations that have 17% rate of cabinet positions filled by women rivals the Carter swept the headlines in the past months are in direct response to sexist, administration, and falls flat compared to the last administration’s 41%. unbalanced, and uncontrollable powerlessness in women’s world today. #MeToo: Spread The Word Over the past month, women have been Amidst the many celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Evan Rachel posting statuses across multiple social Wood, and Laura Dreyfuss joining in on the conversation, writer Alex media platforms using the hashtag #MeToo Benveniste used the hashtag to relay a very important message. She to share their personal experiences of tweeted, “Reminder that if a woman didn’t post #MeToo, it doesn’t sexual assault and harassment. mean she wasn’t sexually assaulted or harassed. Survivors don’t owe The hashtag was first introduced on you their story.” Twitter by the American actress Alyssa #MeToo was shared more than Milano. On October 15, she posted a screenshot that outlined the idea, saying, 12 million times in 24 hours “If all the women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted wrote ‘Me too’ as a Even with only the stories of those women, and men, willing to Portia Tieze status, we might give people a sense of the share, we are left with one certainty; Milano hoped the hashtag would Commentary magnitude of the problem.” Within a day create a sense of magnitude of the problem, and the hundreds of after her post, the hashtag had been tweeted thousands of responses have certainly done that. close to half a million times. While the hashtag was used heavily in response to the more recent Milano was not, however, the first to coin the expression. “Me Too” accusations against Harvey Weinstein, it has shown us that while the was the name of a campaign started over a decade ago by social activist experiences of his victims are unquestionably horrifying, they are not as Tarana Burke through Just Be Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on rare as they seem. providing support and resources to victims of sexual harassment and #MeToo has certainly generated new awareness and sparked assault. After Milano reintroduced the two words into the spotlight of conversations about sexual harassment and assault, and it’s power social media this year, their shared pursuit to provide a voice to victims lies in the fact that it has encouraged women who have kept quiet was suddenly realized. Personal accounts of harassment and abuse for so long to have the courage to speak up. The illumination of this quickly appeared on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and most notably widespread issue demands action. Through continued conversation, Facebook, where, according to Associated Press, #MeToo was shared activism, and education, we can strive to someday decrease the number more than 12 million times in 24 hours. of women with painful stories to tell. THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Page 13 Commentary The Energy Pivot In Greek mythology, the Titan Pro- are twofold: first, the prestige of the U.S. is severely damaged because metheus gifted fire, something reserved for it appears to be bullying weaker nations for resources, and second, the the use of the Gods, to mankind. In doing U.S. essentially abdicates its international leadership role. Additionally, so, Prometheus endowed humanity with as we surpass peak oil in the near future, the ownership of the world’s the means to conquer the Earth -- with fire, remaining oil reserves will become increasingly coveted by the U.S.’s people could cook their food; with fire, peo- competitors and other rising powers. Resource wars in the South China ple could warm their domiciles; with fire, Sea, the Baltic sea, and the Arctic for undersea oil reserves, among other people could survive. The symbolism of locations, will mire the United States in unnecessary, yet costly, conflicts this story should not be lost on us; with fire, with China, Russia, and other nations. This alone might invite nuclear and combustion more specifically, human- escalation, and plundering the Arctic will have equally serious environ- kind has been able to expand, industrialize, mental consequences. modernize, and power its eternally growing Ultimately, to address our energy security issues, the United States Tucker Hamilton civilizations. With fuel, humanity kept this Commentary needs to seriously invest in the application of fusion power plants, which fire burning; first with wood, then coal, and produce less radioactive waste than nuclear plants while also creating a then oil. Unfortunately, to attain these vital nearly perpetual supply of clean electricity. Fusion differs from the cur- resources, humans exploited this Earth beyond reasonable limits. Now, rent and wasteful nuclear power plants in that fission technology splits fossil fuels ravish the environment, and as we consume more non-renew- atoms while fusion melds them together. Additionally, our scientists are able fuel, more emissions will spew into the atmosphere until climate incredibly close to discovering how to control a fusion reaction in a con- change becomes irreversible. tained space. Indeed, scientists in a German research facility success- Furthermore, energy security is also an economic and political con- fully activated a fusion reactor, proving its feasibility. Next, the United cern. Overall, the United States’ dependence on oil and coal constricts States needs to begin implementing a revamped grid system that will where and when its military can invest itself, and thus limits its poten- be able to deliver this energy to homes, businesses, factories, and cars. tial to impartially guarantee the security of the international order. As This means that consumers will need to almost entirely adopt electri- evidenced by the United State’ storied history of manipulatiing Middle cally powered products. Finally, the Department of Defense will need Eastern affairs, where oil acquisition was at least an indirect goal of the to research and develop new war machines that operate on renewable U.S., it is apparent that the military’s dependence on oil to fuel its war resources, much like submarines which already rely on internal nuclear machines forces the U.S. to be selective with military deployments and reactors. This, ideally, will assuage the world’s climate change crisis and perhaps foment instability to aid in the procurement of oil. Consequent- also liberate the U.S. from a dismal future where we succumb to a loss ly, U.S. foreign policy emphasizes imperialistic power projection into of credibility, colonial wars of occupation and exploitation, and resource oil-rich nations while ignoring other global crises. The effects of this wars with other superpowers. How Close Is The Kent Denver Community? It has been an amazing fall for Kent Denver students. Fall sports all dance of the fall play: “I always try and promote the play as much as pos- finished exceptionally well in their play off seasons, the school’s resident sible, but it’s often to little avail. This year’s fall play had one of highest actors put on a wonderful rendition of the Grapes of Wrath, and Quincy attendance rates ever, but this was largely due to the fact that many teach- Avenue’s musicians crushed their annual Halloween concert. However, ers mandated attendance or incentivized it with no homework nights. I a saddening commonality existed between these incredible feats: they think this is a testament to how, when combined with the fact that the were all met with low student and faculty attendance rates. actors receive no credit for participation in extracurricular theater, the At Kent’s girls field hockey semi-final game against CA, the Kent Kent community cares little about the hard work we put into each show.” student section was less than half the size of Colorado Academy’s, mak- Senior Caden Zimmerman states, “I think it’s difficult for students at ing our traditional “we can’t hear you” cheer completely ineffective. Kent to show support for their friends. When an event falls on a week- Even fewer students attended football games this fall. Many students night, it’s almost impossible to go because of the amount of work we confessed that the only football game they attended over the whole sea- have to do on a daily basis.” Freshman Connor Capoot added, “It’s also son was the homecoming game. In addition, the golf and tennis teams, hard to convince people to go to Kent events on the weekends. We work two of Kent’s most successful teams, are lucky to receive one or two fans. so hard all week that my friends and I are often too tired to want to go.” Last year the tennis team captains Casey Ross and Niko Hereford made While the school is making efforts to reduce homework, many students weekly assembly announcements, incentivising attendance by promis- are incredibly busy and are streched thin. ing to perform a dance if they had more than five fans at a match. When The Kent Denver student body is packed full of exceptionally bright students were asked why they didn’t attend these sporting matches, the and talented students, and there needs to be a serious change that will response was almost universally, “I had too much homework.” allow students to support one another in their amazing endeavors. We The same issues plagued students involved in the arts. Senior Esther think that students have the capacity to bring about this change. By or- Omegba, who sings in the nationally acclaimed Quincy Avenue Rhythm ganizing transportation to away games, reducing the cost of events, and Band, remarked, “For as hard as we worked to prepare for our Hallow- asking teachers to consider implementing no assessment days after ma- een show, it was a pretty disappointing turn out. We didn’t have a single jor school functions, we believe attendance could improve signi cantly. faculty member or administrator come out to watch us, and half of the Our students’ achievements deserve to be celebrated, and Sun Devils students that showed up weren’t even from Kent.” need to support each other! Senior Tyler Whitaker expressed similar disappointment about atten- Page 14, THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Commentary Cheering For The Right Reasons Sportsmanship: Fair and generous be- allowed to participate in the event. It’s hard to catch people in the act in havior or treatment of others. But, what loud, high energy environments, but people need to be held accountable does that really mean? For fans and ath- for their actions. It’s too normal to demonize the other team using hateful letes on the field, court, track, or in the phrases at professional sporting events. pool, sportsmanship is essential, at least More importantly, the players need to demonstrate good sportsman- in our Kent Denver leagues. Each year, ship. At the end of the day, when the game is over, the fans have left, and Coach Yates speaks at an Upper School the athlete is alone, they need to reflect on their actions and who they are and Middle School assembly about the eth- as a person. Sports have created an aggressive environment for players ics of sportsmanship. He reminds students where they demonize the other team as their biggest enemy in order to that Kent’s athletes, as well as spectators, motivate them to win. Yet, by doing so, they can say vicious things to an- are representing our school and should be other human being. Sometimes this leads to physical fighting, but players Isabel Haifleigh held to the highest of standards. No cursing, have to be able to regulate their emotions because their actions set a poor Commentary trash talking, or derogatory names are tol- example for all of the spectators, especially young children. Young ath- erated. This should go without saying – we letes idolize the professional players and try to copy them, but that isn’t are classy, polite students who are encour- always a good thing. Good sportsmanship has a trickle-down effect, and aged to support our own team, not demonize the other. For the most part, it starts with the owners of the teams, then the coaches, then the play- students stay within these parameters, cheering with our favorite school ers, and then the fans, which include children. If a team habitually plays cheers like “KDS” and “S-U-N-D-E-V-I-L-S-K-E-N-T.” But, these stan- dirty, fights, and curses out other players, then people will follow suit. dards don’t seem to apply to the rest of the world. Athletes are public figures that many people look up to, and they People have heard countless stories of obnoxious, overzealous, and need to first set a good example of sportsmanship. Especially in the Unit- sometimes intoxicated fans at professional sporting events, screaming ed States today, we need to try to mend the polarized climate by bonding every sort of dehumanizing slur to “distract” the player. However, pro- over common interests like professional sports, not make sports stadiums fessional players have become too accustomed to ignoring them. Some another place of hate. Our school has set a wonderful example of good, of the slurs can be racial, ethnic, or sexist, which is crossing a social clean sportsmanship, and I am proud to be a Sun Devil. Our community line, but for some reason, these words are acceptable at sporting events. supports our teams, and does not trash the other. Competition is a good, Rarely do people get in trouble for not just saying these hateful things, healthy part of any society, but a team should win based off of solely but screaming them. There are few examples of fans being kicked out of their athletic abilities. games for truly unacceptable behavior, but this does not happen enough. If a fan cannot control their behavior or words, then they should not be Animal Testing: Humans Can, But Should They? Isabel Haifleigh, Commentary of insulin, critical to saving the lives of dia- and a specific amount of space in their enclo- betics. The polio vaccine, tested on animals, sures depending on the species. The animals Animal testing is commonly used for ex- reduced the global occurrence of the disease are also regularly visited by veterinarians to perimentation in cosmetics, chemicals, drugs, from 350,000 cases in 1988 to 233 cases in keep the animals healthy. Reliable results re- and food. Innocent, unsuspecting animals are 2012.” While many people protest against quire healthy subjects, so experimenters want forcefully taken out of their natural habitats innocent bunnies sitting on a cold, metal lab to keep their subjects well fed, hydrated, and and put into laboratories where humans ex- table, they neglect to consider the potential active. There are regulations surrounding ani- periment on them with potentially harmful world changing effects of the result. For the mal testing and what an experimenter can and chemicals or drugs to see the effect. The two greater good of humanity, as well as animals, cannot test, which is a good thing. If humans sides of the issue are completely polarized. animal testing is necessary so we can contin- had total control and liberty to test chemicals The situation begs the question, because the ue to develop lasting, effective medications on animals, there would be some inhumane dominant species on Earth, humans, can use to cure life threatening diseases. Now, more and cruel cases. The restrictions provide a animals for experimentation and testing, is it than ever, we have the technology to cure sense of normalcy to the animals and help to morally right, and should it be legal? While these diseases, and it is imperative that we keep the experimenters in check. thousands of avid protesters may argue that use it to our advantage. Sacrificing few ani- While the act of animal testing may be animal testing is cruel and inhumane, it is mals seems reasonable in the grand scheme potentially violent, it is the most effective necessary to modern medicine and science. of the protecting the lives of seven billion way to test a product. Human life is the pre- Animal testing should be legal because it is people. dominant concern, and it is of the utmost im- invaluable and irreplaceable. Animal testing must be approved by portance. There are federal regulations that According to The California Bio- the Institutional Animal Care and Use Com- protect the animals’ well-being, but, to put medical Research Association, “Every medi- mittee and is regulated by the Federal Animal it simply, animal testing should be legal be- cal breakthrough in the last 100 years has re- Welfare Act as well at follow state regula- cause it saves lives. sulted directly from research using animals. tions. In general, the state and federal require- Experiments in which dogs has the pancre- ments require the animals to have access to ases removed led directly to the discovery clean water, a temperate climate, edible food,
THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017 Page 15 The Sun Devils’ Advocate NON-PROFIT org. Kent Denver School U.S. POSTAGE 4000 East Quincy Avenue PAID Englewood, CO 80110 Englewood, CO Permit No. 818
Holy Guacamole! First Semester Is Almost Over!
Photo contributed by Andrew Goldblatt Emma Murphy and Riley DiGulio, dressed as holy guacamole on Halloween, talk to Sims character Tate Shmergle
Keep Up The Hard Work, Devils!
Page 16, THE SUN DEVILS’ ADVOCATE, November 17, 2017