Smith English 9 08-09

One Word (maybe I will give you a phrase)

2009-05-11T08:47:00.002-06:00

I am asking you to give me one word that describes the change in you, in the class, and the change in your learning this school year. I want to take these words and your photo to create works of art to display at my presentation. So think about

1. what is one word or phrase to describe a change in you this year;

2. what is one word or phrase you would use to describe this class;

3. and, what is one word or phrase to describe the change in your learning?

CI Chapter #157

2009-04-01T10:55:00.002-06:00

Some tramatic events in Chapter #157 happened.

1.) What happened?

2.) What was Christopher's reaction to the events?

3.) What would have been your reaction to the events if you were in Christopher's position?

CIDNT Pre-Writing: Part One

2009-03-13T09:13:00.002-06:00

As we start this unit on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and look specifically at relationships and their role in our lives, please think about and write your response to this question:

Why do we need relationships?

I am looking for a good, four or more sentences, answer to this question that really gives me an idea of what you think and believe.

Mr. Ruggles Student Teaching Questionnaire

2009-02-20T09:20:00.002-07:00

1. What is one thing that that Mr. Ruggles does well?
2. What is one thing that Mr. Ruggles can improve upon?
3. Rank these on a scale of one to five (with five being the highest) and leave a one sentence explanation explaining your number:

a. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ communication skills? (Verbal, nonverbal, written)
b. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ lessons (are they interesting and meaningful)
c. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ classroom management techniques
d. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ assessments (graded fairly, timely, and well done)
e. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ use of technology (website, PowerPoint, etc.)
f. How would you rank Mr. Ruggles’ attitude and excitement for teaching this class?

4. What is the most fun and/or meaningful activity that you have completed in this class? Why? 5. What assignment did you not enjoy? Why?
6. What else can I do to help you in the classroom?
7. What other comments or feedback do you want to give Mr. Ruggles?

Cycle 2: Multiple Redo Survey

2009-02-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Please be honest and reflective in your responses focusing on the school year so far (first semester and the first six weeks of second semester). If you do not understand what a question is asking, please do not hesitate to ask Mr. Ruggles or Smith. Make sure to take the survey only ONE time. Sign off in the comment section when you have completed the survey.

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What can we do together?

2009-02-11T19:23:00.001-07:00

This project has really helped me. I understand it well and I think that the structure of class lessons help me acquire an even greater understanding of how to write a better and more proficient paper. The hardest thing so far is the criticism that two teachers are giving me. Previously, only one teacher would give there input on my paper, now there are two. The easiest thing is probably the structure. At the beginning of the project it was hard but now as it goes on I understand it more. The thing that you could do that would make to project more effective would be more in class work time. It would help because I need advice.

PLN-- "I remember when"

2009-02-10T19:45:00.003-07:00

The video, I remember when was about what these little kids remember a few years ago, and how now everything is different. The point to the video was that the world is always changing and will continue to change as long as there are people on this earth. It relates to our class because we are trying to change the world for the better and some of the problems in it.

PLN--Lost Generation

2009-02-10T19:30:00.002-07:00

In the video Lost Generation, it shows how we have the choice of our future and that we make the decisions. It's trying to get across that change happens; but it's whether we make it good or bad. This article relates to what we are doing in class because the change we want to make is for the better, but to make it better we need pursue it and work extremely hard. It's difficult. But I believe we can all do it. That's how the video Lost Generation relates to what we are doing in English 9.

What We Can Do

2009-02-09T21:31:00.002-07:00

I really like this project. It is a great learning experience and allows us to learn how to write a great essay and explore a global topic. I would really appreciate more work time in class and more one-on-one conferences. Those really seem to help me understand what to write and how to write it. I also think that it would help if we had a written rubric because my notes are not very good and i need to be able to look at something to keep me on task and on topic with my writing. overall its been a good stressful experience.

What we can do

2009-02-08T15:39:00.003-07:00

This project is a very good idea to help try to change the world. This project has let the students become more responsible and it has also let us get to learn more about what we are trying and wanting to change. The project has been very hard at some points and some of those times is learning how to do the citations and quotes. I get what we are supposed to do but it is very difficult at times. I feel that there is nothing really that the teachers can do more of to help out besides giving us work time. Another thing that the teachers can do to help out is give us some helpful hints on our paragraphs. I am really happy that we have teachers that can believe that students will change the world.

2009-02-02T21:11:00.002-07:00

I think this project has been interesting and helpful. However, I think that we have had an excessive amount of homework. I think that this project would be awesome and educating if we just had a tiny bit less howmework. So far I think that the hardest thing has been color coding all 12 sources.

Whats going on?

2009-02-02T18:50:00.002-07:00

I think we need alot more work time and alot of it, there is too much stuff for us to get down and we need time and help to get everything good and right.

Whats going on?

2009-02-02T18:50:00.001-07:00

I think we need alot more work time and alot of it, there is too much stuff for us to get down and we need time and help to get everything good and right.

What Can We Do Together?

2009-02-02T13:33:00.001-07:00

How has this project been going? What has been the hardest thing so far? What has been the easiest? How can I make this project more effective for you? Other suggestions?

top 10 caleb2012

2009-01-08T13:36:00.002-07:00

1. Help the poor
2. Give homeless people homes
3. Help third world country’s
4. Religion
5. Health
6. Racism
7. Politics
8. Abortion
9. Drug abuse
10. Teen pregnancy

2009-01-08T13:31:00.002-07:00

1. Child trafficking
2. world hunger
3. poverty
4. recycling
5. war
6. violence
7. animal abuse
8. child labor
9. discrimination of religion
10. abortion

Top ten items

2009-01-08T13:30:00.001-07:00

Here are my top ten items:

Donating to a charity to find the cure for every type of cancer Cancer-The American Cancer SocietyGetting rid of terrorism and communism.Donating to a charity to find the cure for AIDS-The American society of AIDS researchLetting people sleep in later so they dont have to get up early, it isnt healthy to get up early.Stoping child slavery in Asia and Africa/Child abuse.Stoping the genocide in Africa.Helping out families in poverty/unemployed.Stoping world hunger.Help the almost extinct animals-http://www.extravalue.com/pm.shtmlBanning Gay marrige.

Top 10

2009-01-08T08:29:00.002-07:00

1. Leash laws for dogs
2. Women pro athletes getting paid less than men pro athletes
3. Cremation vs. burial
4. Wasting material (food, water, etc.)
5. Illegal fights (dogs, chickens, etc.)
6. Money! Problems paying off things
7. Colleges (hard to be successful)
8. Global warming
9. Gay marriages
10. The death sentence (for jail)

Top Ten

2009-01-07T21:27:00.001-07:00

1. War in Uganda
2. Unclean water in Africa
3. Haitian poverty
4. Teen pregnancy
5. Global Warming
6. Israel conflict
7. One Child Policy
8. Racism
9. Cancer
10. Cuba

2009-01-07T20:42:00.001-07:00

1. World hunger.
2. Cancer.
3. Aids.
4. Crime
5. Gay marriage
6. Car accidents
7. Health care
8. Under age sex
9. Global warming
10. education

My Top Ten List

2009-01-07T19:17:00.001-07:00

- go to India and help build schools to educate the people of India that are considered the lowest part of the cast system.
- Gay marriage
- unemployment
- Teen deaths (car accidents)
- Divorce
- world hunger
- Teen pregnancy
- racism
- crime
- disease(cancer)

My 10 things

2009-01-07T18:14:00.002-07:00

1. World hunger. i dont think that any families anywhere should have to go without food and i think that maybe the government should help families and homeless people who cant afford their own groceries.
2. Kids without christmas presents. This winter break me and my family made four stockings that were full of presents for young children and its hard to think of christmas without presents, but its what some kids have to deal with.
3. Gay marrige. I think that gays should have the same rights as a normal couple, because all people are created equal.
4. Free healthcare. I dont think that everybody should have free healthcare payed for by the government, but i think that poverish families and single parents should get help from the government on healthcare.
5. Slavery. There are still countries like Egypt and china that export people as slaves, and no one should have to live in misery without hope like these people are.
6. Genocide. In Rwanda and Barundi there are people that get annihilated because of thier beliefs, and i think that everyone has the right to pursue what they believe is right.
7. Child Abuse. Not only do abused children have miserable childhoods with miserable parents but they often cant adapt into society after what happened to them, much like post- traumatic stress disorder.
8. Domestic violence. People who hit or abuse other people can end up hurting or seriously injuring someone.
9. Cancer. Cancer is the number one killer of human beings. so there is nothing bigger to fight against, especially when it can leave families devatstated and broken.
10. Education. A lot of problems can be solved by education if people come up with ideas to help other people.

Top 10

2009-01-07T16:47:00.001-07:00

1. Shortage of water in 3rd world countries
2. Lack of Recycling
3. Value/Wastefulness of War
4. Heathcare Reform
5. Homelessness
6. Medical Research Issues
7. Violence/Crime
8. Sexual Preferences
9. Racism
10. Disease Ideas/Changes (including accessibility to medicine and hospital entry)

Assignment - Change The World

2009-01-07T07:50:00.005-07:00

Post your Top Ten List of Topics

These can be either controversal topics, positions to take, and possible actions

OR

Problems in your life, positions to take, and possible actions

-Make sure that you post ten ideas. Thanks!

Three Item Intro

2009-01-05T14:06:00.002-07:00

Post your answers to the following on your own personal blog:

For every item:

1. What is it? Describe the item (colors, features, shape, size, etc...)
2. So What? Describe its significance to you.
3. Now What? How does this item lead you to believe, think or act differently?

Mr. Ruggles asks some questions...

2008-12-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

1. I (Mr. Ruggles) have never lived in Colorado. What is your favorite thing about Colorado?
2. What do you like about English 9?
3. How do you learn best? In what concrete, specific ways?
4. What sorts of activities in the classroom have been really meaningful to you?
5. What sorts of activities outside of the classroom have been really meaningful to you?
6. What are you passionate about?
7. What sorts of things will you be participating in or doing second semester (Either inside or outside of AHS)?
8. Next semester we will be looking at the books The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night and Lord of the Flies. What do you know about these two books?
9. We will also be studying and writing poetry. How would you define poetry? Have you ever written your own poetry?
10. What is one thing I (Mr. Ruggles) should know about this class?
11. If you were teaching the class, what is one thing you would change?
12. What is one thing you want to accomplish on the first day of class second semester?
13. What are you really motivated by (besides your parent/guardian and receiving good grades)?
14. What is one thing you want to know about me (Mr. Ruggles)?
15. Finally, what one character in a movie or a book are you most like at this point in your life? Why?

Semester Reflection

2008-12-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

1. What changes have you seen this semester in regards to your education?
2. What role did technology play in that change?
3. Are you more or less motivated to learn?
4. Do you feel that your grade is an accurate measurement of your learning?
5. What role did the constructivist philosophy play in that change? (constructivist-students becoming producers of information, students in charge of their own learning.
6. What suggestions for improvement do you have for me next year?
7. Do you want to continue with the No D policy?
8.What are some of the things you would suggest I do again?
9. Did you finish the semester where you wanted to in terms of your learning or grade?
10. For those of you that finished the semester with a D or F what are you going to do differently next semester?
11.Make sure to include specific examples and expand on each other's ideas. Your feedback- honest and reflective- is important!

Post to blog when done

What matters collage

2008-09-11T15:33:00.002-06:00

Family/Heroes: First I will start with the third picture; This is Christopher Wallace (The Notorious B.I.G.) he's my favorite rap artist, and one of my idols. I really can connect with his music, and it's extremely poetic. My second photo (actually 3rd) is of my Grandparents. My grandpa passed away on August 26th 2006, but I still love him very much, also my grandmother is an amazing person, I don't always see her but when I do we always have great fun. The 4th picture in the collage is of my cousins Gabe and Kelsy. They mean the world to me, Kelsy recently had a baby girl and named it Sophia. Gabe is 29 and is the manager of a wine store. I am always with one of them, they are the best people to be around, me and Kelsy just sit around, but me and Gabe usually go play a game of golf. The first picture of the second row is of me and my sister; we dont always get along but when we do we have the best of times. She is a senior at Rock Canyon High School, and is extremely smart. She is looking to go to Yale or Syracuse next fall.

Sports: The third picture of the second row is a pro snowboarder. Snowboarding is my passion, every winter I go snowboarding every weekend. Its not just a sport, it's a way of life. I absolutely love it and I don't know what I would do without snowboarding, or snow. The 4th picture on the 2nd row is of a sector 9 sponsored longboard. Longboarding is also one of my passions, I do it basically every single day. I love going down big hills with my friends and power sliding. The second picture of the 3rd row is of the Spanish soccer club FCB (Futbol club Barcelona) they are my favorite soccer team. To add to that, my favorite player plays for them, his name is Ronaldhino.

what matters to joeyo

2008-08-29T13:23:00.002-06:00

What matters to me is family, skating, dirt biking, going to clubs, chillen with friends, and music.

My family is always there to help if needed. My dad’s cool with everything. My mom cares about me all the time. My sister, I don’t know about her, because she moved out. We go places all the time. Vacations are always fun. I go dirt biking with my dad and shooting. I chill with my sister and Ryan. We sometimes go swimming. My mom watches TV all the time; she helps me with computer stuff.

I skate all the time, go to the skate parks, and a lot of other places. It’s something to do when I’m bored. I skate with two or three other people. I usually go to Corner stone and skate there but it gets boring real easily so I wander around until I find something to do.

I like dirt biking. I go to the track a lot during the summer. I go up in the mountains sometimes. I love my bike. I have a 85YZ. My favorite place to go is Watkins and Ram Park. It is a good place to go. I like table jumps the most. I can do a wheely. I like to see how fast I can go down a straight away. I like to see how high I can get. I want to learn how to do a back flip one day and land it.

When I go to clubs, I meet a lot of people there. I also hang with friends, dance with a lot of girls, and the music there is tight. I chill with friends all the time. We go skating, biking, we will go look for more people to chill with. If there’s nothing to do, we sit around and do nothing . It’s a lot of fun. I love music. I listen to techno, trance, rap, heavy metal, and rock. My favorite techno dj is DJ Caffeine. My favorite techno song is “On the floor”. My favorite trance DJ is Dj Icey. My favorite trance song is “Escape”. My favorite heavy metal band is Rammstein. My favorite heavy metal song is “Mel tell” and “Static x”. I don’t have one for rock.

What Matters to Ethan

2008-08-28T13:27:00.002-06:00

There are several things in my life that I value; my family, my friends and my country. Now I will tell you about my values, and why there important to me.
My family is basically the backbone of my life; they mean the world to me. I have a loving dad named Steve, he lives on another continent and still manages to make sure that me and my sister safe. My dad always loved to quote to kill a mockingbird he always says to me and my sister “Keep your head up, and your fists down” I always think of this quote when I face trouble or when I’m confused, it reminds me to stay strong, and always stand up for what you believe in. My guardian Robert Rogers, is probably the cockiest man I have ever met, he always tells me to stay strong and keep fighting, when I’m around him it’s unacceptable to say the words “never” or “fail” he doesn’t quit at anything, he’s relentless.
Another thing I appreciate deeply is my friends. I would be nowhere without them. Whenever I’m mad or sad, my friends always manage to make me laugh. We always have the best of times, even if we do get in some trouble every now and then. My friends are basically my heroes.
The last thing I value, and also one of the most important things is my country. Without my country and my countries ideals I wouldn’t be where I am today, I respect my government and the decisions they make.
As you can obviously see, my friends, family, and country mean the world to me.

Thoughts after first graded assignment

2008-08-28T11:34:00.003-06:00

Take some time to reflect about your first big assignment using the rubric we created as a class. Did the rubric work? Do we need to add or adjust anything on the rubric? How did you feel about your grade? Explain your answers please.

What matters to Tanner

2008-08-28T08:21:00.000-06:00

What matters to me the most is my family and friends, I don't have a picture of them so I created one. My family supports me 100% all the way to do anything new or interesting. They are fun to be with most of the time, and I'm not quite sure what i would do without them. My mom lives here in Littleton and my dad lives on a big ranch near a small town called Strasburg. My dad raises cows, horses, chickens, pigs, and a lot of dogs. The ranch is eighty-five acres with a big pond right in the middle. We love to put salmon and some small pike in the pond every once in a while so we can go fishing at home instead of some lake. My friends matter to me because they always are fun to hang out with, and it gives me some time to get away from my parents.

Football is my favorite sport. I love to run out into the field and hit a whole bunch of people! I also love it because I'm a WR so when I get the pass I'm expected to score and it's awesome to score because then the whole crowd goes crazy! You don't get anything though for scoring a touchdown except a nice job and a pat on the back, but it's fun. Snowboarding is my favorite thing to do in the mountains because I stink at riding it but it's fun to keep trying until you have the hang of it. The activity I love to do the most in my spare time is dirt biking at my dad's ranch. I've already built a small track with big and small jumps and hope to make it bigger. I love dirt biking so much because when you get six-ten feet in the air it's exhilarating to be that high in the air. That's what matter most to me.

2008-08-27T23:40:00.000-06:00

The thing that matters to me most is my family. They are the ones who have always been behind me, backing me up on everything I do. My mom is always the first one I go to because she is always the one who is the most caring and understanding. My mom dad and sister are the people that matter to me most. I love my dogs to death, they are the best pets I could ever have. My favorite is the oldest dog Whisper (the black and brown one). We bought her from the Dumb Friends League when she was a puppy. She was so fun and loving as a puppy and still is. She is like a mother to my other two dogs. Sadly Whisper is pretty old and will most likely die soon.
I love my other two dogs also, speckels (the small one) is a snotty little princess, and Aussie (the white one) is totally spastic, but we still love them both. I couldn't ask for any better pets. Football is my favorite sport. The main reason I like football is because I love tackling people. I also like it because people always told me I should be a football player and I have been interested in it since I was little. Another thing that really matters to me is a little boy named Kaden who lived with my family for a while. His story is one for another time, but to give you an idea he was taken away from his mother and given to us. We got really attached to him, but I didn’t realize how important he was to me until he was gone. Though he could be annoying at times I couldn’t help it, I fell in love with him. He has been gone for a while, and it is still sad to think about him sometimes.
My friends are one of the most important parts of my life. They are always around if you need someone to talk to, or just to have fun with. Besides school and football, my friendships are something I spend most of my time on. I hang out with them constantly, because they are so much fun to be around. In life it may seem that many things are important, but in the end it’s those who are there for you that matter.

What matters to Ruthy

2008-08-27T13:58:00.001-06:00

Friends: The picture of me and my friends in my collage was at a bathroom at a movie theater. It shows us just having a good time. My friends and I always know what to do when its a boring day. We don't have to spend any money to hang out and have a good time. We usually have movie nights or just go to someones house and just talk or watch t.v. They always make me laugh even when I don't want to. They were the ones who made school a lot more fun. Its sad that our group is separated since most of my friends are going to Littleton high school. My friends and I are always up to something crazy and outgoing. Our group is so random because we have different personalities and don't really have anything in common.

Family: I don't have a picture of my real family so I added a picture of the Simpson's. My family is small .We don't have a lot of aunts,uncles or cousins. I hardly ever see them because most of my family lives in Panama or Guatemala. My parents matter because they support me, no matter what I do. My two older sisters matter to me as well because they always give me great advice and help me with school work even though they live in California.

Pets!: My pets mean the wold to me. I have a Husky, a wiener dog and a bird. My pets always give me company when I'm alone. Now, I'm spending so much time with them since my sisters moved. My husky's name is Cherokee,my wiener dog's name is Chiquita (like Chiquita banana) and my bird's name is Simon my friend Madeleine gave me Simon.

Electronics: My computer matters to me a lot. It helps me with school work,I usually find information I need. Without my computer I don't think I will be able to survive school. My ipod is important because sometimes when I'm bored I like to lay on my bed and listen to music for a while. I also love almost all types of music especially 80's music! For some reason music always helps me fall asleep. Also my cell phone is important I can always reach someone when I need to.

Background: I'm half Salvadorian and half Guatemalan. My mom is from Guatemala and my dad is from El Salvador from Central America. That's why I have the Guatemalan and Salvadorian flag in my collage. Most of my family lives in Panama.I'm proud of my Hispanic heritage!

Education: I have a picture of a school because school matters a great deal to me. It will get me started for the rest of my life. It helps me Find a career that I want to achieve in. I get to set big goals in this school. My favorite subjects are English and current events.

what matters by Colleen O

2008-08-27T13:51:00.003-06:00

My first picture is a picture of my brother Zack(18) and I by the Mississippi River, When we went by there to see my family with my dad. Those are the two people that have always been there for me no matter what happens. I trust them with so much and when i can't make a decision myself they always help me out.

My second picture is a picture of my friend, Alena and I outside of my house after school on a weekday. We have been friends for a year and around Alena im usually really hyper and i have alot of fun with her. I'm with Alena everyday either on our off hour or lunch.

My third picture is a roller coaster because I love the thrill of roller coasters and I think there really fun.

My forth picture is of Alena, Lexie, And I. We went to the Welcome Back Dance together dressed as triple x and had a lot of fun with all of our friends there. When im with them we always think of the most fun things to do and were usually always together every weekend.

My fifth picture is Michelle, Kateri, Paige, and I. Were in the bubble, bored last year with nothing else to do. I have been friends with Michelle since fifth grade and we have been bestfriends since. Kateri, She was in my drawing class last year and I met her through Michelle. Paige, I met her throuh Kateri. We took this picture because we were all wearing slippers, i guess. haha

My sixth picture is with Rachel and I. Rachel goes to HHS and I met her because she is dating my bestfriend Sarin. This was two summers ago, by king soopers.

My seventh picture is my cousin Margie and I. We grew up together and we are three months apart. She's my second cousin(my grandmas brothers daughter) I don't see her that much been when i do we always hang out.

My eigth picture is Torie, Allie, Janelle, Genna, me and Kenzie. This was homecoming last year, it was the best dance I have ever been to in my life. We took a semi there and back and had so much fun together. Torie, We used to be bestfriends but now I dont see her anymore. Allie, we kind of drifted away. Janelle, we will always be bestfriends. Genna, is like my sister were always together and she knows everything about me. Kenzie, were still friends and we kind of hang out.

My nineth picture is Catie and I. Catie goes to Luthern and I met her through Kaytee. We hang out a lot in the summer because we live so far. We went to six flags a lot and hung out more in 7th grade.

My tenth picture is Janelle. She's my locker partner and my bestfriend.

My eleventh picture is my brother Zack when he was 5 he has a stick in his hand because they were trying to built a fort and he slipped and fell and gashed open his leg and he has a pad on it, cuz my aunt is weird.

My twelveth picture is Lex, Alena, and I. Triple x, again.

My thirteenth picture is Jamie, Genna, and I. At Genna's house. Jamie is one of my bestfriends.

My fifteenth picture is me and Genna on halloween, as construction workers.too.

My forteenth picture is my puppy samuel drinking my energy drink, he means alot to me.

My sixteenth picture, i took off the internet cuz it reminded me of vacation and i love going out of state.

Chase's What Matters

2008-08-27T13:51:00.002-06:00

A lot of things matter to me. But what matters to me most are friends, my parents, my grandparents, my brothers and cousins, and just my family in general.
My friends matter to me because they are awesome and they have always been there for me. I don't know what else to say but that. They never give up on me even if i get mad at them or something like that, they don't care, they will just keep on being my friend. My good friends will text me or call me just to talk and don't want anything from it. And just so you know, most of the people who text me just to talk are girls. But still, having friends that just want to talk and be there for you is awesome. It really matters to me and is important to me to have great friends.
My parents matter to me because they have been there for me even more than my friends have. We may have our differences and argue sometimes but they still come through and help me out when I need their help. They really do a lot for me too. If it wasn't for them, I probably wouldn't have much money at all to buy lunch or anything with. They do a lot for me because they really care for me. It's really great to have parents that care so much. Although sometimes they care a little too much, good and loving parents are very important to me.
My grandparents matter to me because they love me and my brothers a lot. They don't have much time left so they just be the best people they can be. They also changed the course of the family. They used to drink and smoke back when my dad was born, but they stopped for the sake of the family. Any grandparent that would make sure that their family was a good one by stopping there own habits have to be great ones. They are good grandparents which really matters to me.
My brothers and cousins matter to me because all of them are really cool and I respect them a lot. They are mid and early twenties so they are fun to hang out with and fun to be around. My brothers have always been awesome and we still pick on each other from time to time even though we all live in different states. And no matter how long we don't see eachother, when we do see eachother, it's like we saw eachother the other day. My cousins are great because when my brothers are away, they are pretty much like my big brothers. I couldn't ask for cooler cousins and brothers. They are all pretty much just like big kids inside which makes them some of the best cousins and brothers ever.
And finally, my entire family matters to me. We all know each other and are all there for each other. We help eachother understand things and fix things in our lives. It's great to have the whole family together because we all just have a great time together. We will laugh together, cry together, and just be a family together. And that, to me, is one of the best things about family. That the family can just be a family and act like a family. Family is one of the most important things to me. And those are just some of the things that really matter to me.

What Matters To Angel

2008-08-27T13:47:00.000-06:00

What is important to Angel…

First off my family is most important to me, because I am so thankful to have such an awesome family. The order of my family from oldest to youngest is my dad and mom; they are so awesome because they do everything for me. Next, is my 20-year-old brother named Aaron. He takes me to movies all of the time, and we listen to a lot of the same music like Bloc Party, Blink 182, and Angels & Airwaves. Third, is my 19-year-old sister named Auna, she drives me everywhere and we have so much fun together. Then there is my little brother Alec who is 12-years-old, he has been one of my most awesome friends. Last there is my 8-year-old sister, she is just cute, and that’s my family. Then there are my crazy friends Bethany, Josh, Chad, Emily, Kenzie, Tanner, and Beca; I became friends with them at Christian Youth Theater. CYT is a theater program that I have been involved with since I was 8-years-old, it has been very important to me. Well, These are all of the things that matter to me most.

what matters to me, abby

2008-08-27T13:40:00.000-06:00

The first image is my best friend and boyfriend josh, we have known eachother since i was in sixth grade and he was in seventh. no one really understands how much i truly care about him. He goes to columbine high school and is a sophmore.

The second image is brooke and i, brooke reed has been my best friends since the first day of middle school, we have been through everything together. she goes to arapahoe as well as me and we have grown stronger then ever.

The third image is bry and i, Bry is a great friend and i always can count on her for being there for me, i have also known her for three almost four years. she also goes to arapahoe and she has been such a great friend to me since the day i met her, we have had our ups and downs but i love her.

The fourth image is taylor lamborn, she is a great friend as well as the others. she makes me feel great about my self, she matters to me cause i can always count on her for always being there when no one was. she goes to columbine shes an amazing friend.

The fifth image is burton snowboarding. i love snowboarding. every winter me and my friends go to breck and just injoy our time snowboarding, it matters cause i can just get my mind off everything and just do what i love.

the sixth image is the beach, i was born around beaches so i love them with all my heart. Thats the one thing i love to do. sit and listen to music at the beach and just listen to the waves, it matters cause i grew up around that kind of stuff.

all though i dont have a picture of my family, they matter most, my mom, tammy and my brother dre. we fight alot but in the end i can always laugh about it with them later. i love my family because they will always be there and i love them for already being there when i need them. Dres a junoir here and he helps me around the school, i love them with all my heart, im so thankful to have every single one of these people in my life.

What matters to finlayB

2008-08-27T09:12:00.001-06:00

These are all the things that matter to me.
Family: I live with both my parents my brother and two dogs. My family is very important to me because they support me at whatever I do and push me to do it well. My family has always been there for me whenever I need them and whatever I need them for. My brother helps me be able to be good at sports because he practices with me and teaches me things. My dogs always make me smile My parents push me to do good in school, sports, and life which will make me a successful person.
School: School is extremely important because it gives you the knowledge that you need to get through life. School teaches me new things every day. I try to do well in school so I can get into a good college and get a good job one day. School provides a foundation for every day skills and that is very important. You can learn all kinds of things at school and I like to learn as much as I can.
Sports: Sports mean a lot to me because I like to stay active and fit. I play lacrosse and wrestle and I just started playing soccer. I like to play sports because I like to compete and I like to be challenged my family helps me good at sports because my parents drive me there and my helps me practice and get better.I also enjoy snowboarding with my brother

Traveling: I travel a lot with my family. We go places like England, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and other places in the U.S. When we travel i like to go see our family members.It is nice to see all of my relatives that i dont usually see alot. Also when we travel we do lots of fun things and activities like going to the ocean and stuff.

What matters to Reagan!!!!!

2008-08-26T22:22:00.000-06:00

There are a lot of things that matter to me but I only put the most important that way you can see what I am all about!

First is my horse Chloe she means everything to me she is a dark bay thoroughbred warm blood mix and she’s adorable. Currently she is the third best jumper in the state and I’m the third best rider in the state. She means a lot to me and is the prettiest horse ever!

Moving on to my family well I have 5 brothers 4 are god brothers but we practically do everything together so there is Caleb [6] Cody [10] Corey [12] Cooper [12] and Kyle [18]
And I always have a lot of fun! And my parents are great and are always supporting me in everything.

I also play volley ball and I love it I play for Arapahoe currently and hope to for years to come.

I am an amazing jet skier it is one of the fun nest things I have ever done and I got my jet ski license and so I can drive by myself and I love going fast it really is wonderful.

We went to Québec in February and it is my favorite place in the entire world in is just so beautiful there and it gets over looked but I think everyone should go there some time the reason we went is my brother went to the biggest pee wee hockey tournament in the world and the Colorado avalanche sponsored us to go and play as the avalanche!

I have a yellow lab named mason and he is the fattest dog ever! I got him as a Christmas present a while ago and he’s a pretty cool dog!

My best friend Marissa unfortunately doesn’t go to this school but she is the coolest person ever she is so crazy and very hyper we always have so much fun when were together!!!

Well now you know what is important to me and I hoped you liked my pictures!!!

What matters to AaronS

2008-08-26T22:15:00.001-06:00

Faith: My faith is one of the most important parts of my life. I have been a strong Christian my whole life. My faith affects lots of things in my life. Such as, I go to church every Sunday and volunteer to run the soundboard. I believe that God helps me through the day and helps me with all that I do. Another part of my faith is baptism/confirmation. When I was little, I was baptized or brought into my faith. When I went into seventh grade I went through a course called confirmation. This is where I learn about my faith so that when I got to eighth grade I could get confirmed and take my faith as my own.

Skateboarding: Lots of my free time (When I’m not playing soccer or doing homework) is spent on skateboarding. I love to skate because it is one of the most relaxing things to me. Also with skateboarding you can never accomplish everything. There is always something bigger and better out there to land a trick off of. I think that skateboarding is a great sport because you have to customize your own skateboard. It kind of makes you appreciate your board more when you build it yourself. You make more of an effort to take care of it. It also is a great thing to do with your friends. Some of my favorite times in my life are with my friends skateboarding. With friends it’s easier to skate because you have people to encourage you. Then when you are tired and thirsty you can always go to a gas station and get a slushy or something. I think that skateboarding is a great sport that is fun and relaxing.

Education: My education is really important. I may not like going to school and having homework but if you really think about it your education is one of the most important parts of your life. The quality of education you get, decides what job and career you will have for the rest of your life. If you work hard and get a good education you can then get a high paying job and then you can live an easier lifestyle.

Music: Music is an important part of my life. I love to listen to music and I love to make music too. I have played the trumpet since fourth grade. I also have recently started playing the drums and I really like them. I like music because it is an art. People can say what they want through songs and if it is good they can make a career out of it.

Family and Friends: My family and friends are an important part of my life. My family is there if I need them and my mom has always let me play sports even though sports can sometimes cost a lot of money. My dad has always loved sports, so when I was little he would teach me how to play sports.
My friends are always fun to hang out with. I have some great friends that help me out if I need help. I have a lot of great times with my friends such as skateboarding. Friends are very important because they are there for you, like your parents, but your friends can relate to you better so it is usually easier to talk to them.

Soccer: I have played soccer probably since I was in kindergarten. I have always loved to play soccer. Soccer for me usually has helped me get through the beginning of the year since that is when soccer season begins. With all of the stress that comes with the beginning of the school year I can work some of it out and relax when I’m playing soccer.

What matters to briannab

2008-08-26T20:41:00.000-06:00

My family:

Here is a picture of my family infront of our new home during christmas, this last year. My brothers love to dirt bike, but what is more important to them is playing hockey. They have been playing ever since they were little. Two other people that are apart of my family is my mom and dad. They mean the world to me. My dad is a hard worker who has really good advice. My mom is the coolest person you will ever meet, and to me she is more than a mom, she is someone i can tell anything to. The picture of my parents and I was at my graduation.

My friends:

Here are two pictures of my closest friends. Kara is one of them and I have known her ever since preschool. Kara has helped me through the tough days that I have had, but most of all I know that I can always count on her. This picture of us is at our eighth grade graduation after ceremony. The other picture is of my best friend Taylor and I. We became close friends this last year, but knew each other even before that when our brothers were on the same hockey.
She is always there for me and I know that I can trust her with anything. Taylor is like a sister to me. We are always with each other. This picture of us is also at my graduation.

My pets:

Wow, talk about having a zoo at your house. Well many people have said that to us. Almost all the animals that we have, we have either found or rescued.The two dogs that you see in the pictures are my two dogs. The one with the blue eyes is Bella, and the other one is named Derby. They are brother sister and are husky lab mixes, that love to run. We have another dog named Abby. She is a black german shepherd that we found along side the highway. Abby is obsessed with my mom and Abby wont leave her side. My family has also rescued four cats. There names are Pumpkin, Fred, Jake, and Lily. They are all so sweet and loves everybodys attention. We also have two turtles that i have had forever. I have two horses. The black one is named Pepper, and I have had him since third grade. The other one I got in February and we got him so Pepper could have a friend, and his name is Mickey.

My hobbies:

Cheerleading is a big part of my life. I haven't done it for very long, but it is a joy to do. I'm on the Arapahoe cheer team. An even bigger part in my life is horseback riding. I have done it ever since I was three years old, and have loved it ever since. The picture of the black horse jumping is me and Pepper. That was two years ago. Know Pepper is hurt and that is why we moved him out to our new house on six acres. I started riding at a barn by my house and the trainer is paying for me to show some of her ponies. That is all I have been doing all summer is showing every day, but it has payed off. I rank first out of the country on one of the ponies. This is my biggest accomplishments and what matters to me the most.

What Matters to Anthony

2008-08-26T20:33:00.000-06:00

Education is important to me for many reasons. First, it provides you with knowledge and wisdom that can guide you through life. Knowledge can give the key to open up doors you would have never believed could be open. Wisdom gives you experience and understanding of what is true, what is false, what is right or wrong, the list goes on and on about what wisdom can bring to you. Second, education prepares youth for what lies ahead in the real world. It gives them the skills to be successful in the world. Third, it creates new ideas. Education can inspire those new ideas that could eventually change the world. Last, education brings new opportunities to well educated individuals. By just not finishing highschool you may be denied the job or career you want because you didn’t take advantage of your education. This paragraph shows why education is important to me and why I take full advantage of it.

Family is important to me for a variety of reasons. First, a family can make you feel wanted and appreciated and they won’t try to hurt you but try to brighten up your day if it didn’t go to well. With out a family you are solitary and have nobody to look forward to seeing, you basically feel useless. Second, a mother or father could be a huge influence on a child’s life. Being a mother or a father is being there when your children need you, it about being a caretaker, and devoting you whole life to you children. Last, a family can guide and help each other with knowledge and experience that is different for each and every individual.

Religion is important to me for various reasons. First, it offers something to hold on to when an individual is troubled. It gives certain individuals comfort to know that they will never be alone. Second, it drives believers to live by the guidelines in which there religion says to. People who live by the guidelines tend to be a better person than those who say they believe, but when it comes to the guidelines they don’t follow them. Last, religion gives believers a goal(s) to complete while they have their time on earth. This goal(s) makes them strive for something that won’t be easy to get, you will have to try hard to accomplish this goal(s). These are some reasons why religion is important to me.

My cats are important to me for hundreds of reasons. First, molly (the bigger cat) has been in life for almost my entire life. Molly is a tabby cat, born on September 28^th1997. She is like a daughter to me, and will always have a special place in my heart. Second, Abby (the smaller cat) is new to the family and is still warming up to the family. She doesn’t like to be held or even touched. Last, my cats are important to me because; they require a lot of responsibility to take care of them. I have to feed them, give them water, change their potties, pick up throw up, and many more tasks. These are some of the reasons my cats are so important to me.

Philadelphia isn’t that important in my daily life but, it does matter to me. First, Philadelphia gives me something to look forward to. I plan on living in Philadelphia, near Philadelphia or in Pittsburgh. Second, Philadelphia is home to the Philadelphia Eagles. Without the Eagles I think I would feel incomplete. Third, Philly is the only place to get authentic Philly Cheese Steaks. You haven’t had a good one until you’ve had one from Philadelphia. Last Philadelphia has so much history there. My favorite historical landmark in Philly is probably Independence Hall because, that was where the signing of the declaration of Independence was. These are some of the reasons why Philadelphia and Pennsylvania is important to me.

Freedom and Equality matter to me a lot. First, with equality no one individual is better than another. This means nobody has the right to enslave another one and treat them like a dog. Second, with Freedom and equality anybody can do what ever their heart desires. Nobody can hold someone back from doing what they want. Third, there is no discrimination. Discrimination due to ethnic group or religion is wrong, and I’m glad it doesn’t exist today. Last, Freedom brings us the freedom to do almost anything; an example of freedom is the 1^st amendment- The right for free speech, press, assembly and religion. This is why Freedom and equality are such a big factor of what matters to me.

2008-08-26T20:02:00.000-06:00

What matters to me.
People.

Clearly the most important person in the world to me is my twin brother Brian. The day of the picture both my brother and I hit homeruns. On Father’s Day we had a baseball game up in the mountains. Our team ended up winning by a lot partly because of Brian’s and my beastly performances. So, that was a very memorable moment.

One of my good friends Hannah is very important to me. She is important to me because when their father leaves for Arizona, where he works for the Rockies, she lives with me for a few months. It is really fun to live with her, because she makes everything more fun and brightens up the day. She left for college, but I will always remember the times we had.

During the summer Brian, Trey, Sean, and I had a lot of really good and fun ideas. But, the best idea of all had to be to build a beach in Treys backyard. We found loads of sand on someone’s driveway with a free sign on it. So, we took a wheel barrel to collect the sand that we would dump into his yard. Then we went out to buy a small pool, began to fill it with water and relaxed. That was a really fun time in the summer.

Pets.
Billy, Candy, Winston, and Alfred. These are the names of my beloved pets. My kitties matter to me a lot because my favorite animal by far is a cat. My cats are so nice to me and never scratch me or bite. I got both of my cats when I was about seven or eight. They always are around so when I’m bored or sad they can tell and come and just lie next to me and try to make me feel better.

Places.
I love the picture of my best friends and me on a water tube called the Molecule. We spent most of out time riding around Lake Powell on this tube. It was probably the most fun I’ve ever had on a vacation. I was with my two best friends in the world, which made it really special. I also jumped off a cliff and it one of the scariest things I have ever done. I was afraid of heights at the time and to get over it my brother pushed me of and now I am not afraid of heights.

While driving up to South Dakota, my Mother took a picture of my friend Trey’s mom. I love this picture because that was the most fun road trip I have ever taken, and I will always remember it. The most memorable part of this trip was the water parks and the monument. It was really cool to see the fireworks at Mount Rushmore.

Do you remember all those fun vacations with your neighborhood? This picture is of us around the table. That vacation up to the mountains was one of the most fun times I’ve ever had. The people sitting around the table were: Me, Brian, Trey, Sean, Ingrid, my mother and, Dave. We were all having breakfast and playing games. It was really fun.
On this same trip we went to this ice arena in Beaver Creek, which is where I learned how to ice skate. We all just had a lot of fun messing around, racing and falling.

Last spring we took a weekend trip up to Breckenridge, and I went snowboarding with my bros .We are pictured at the top getting strapped up and ready to go have a race down a run called Bonanza. I like that picture so much because it shows everyone that I board with every weekend up in the mountains. The most fun part of all those trips we took was the ride back down and the ride up.

What matters to Maureen

2008-08-26T19:39:00.000-06:00

The picture of me with three other girls is means a lot to me personally. It was taken while we we’re bowling on one of our last nights together before we started high school. Two of the girls in this picture went to Littleton instead of Arapahoe, and that was something hard for everybody in our little group, splitting up. This picture is good to look back on because it reminds me of all the fun and crazy things we’ve done together. It also makes me hopeful that we can still be good friends and see each other as often as possible, and try to avoid falling out.

This next black and white picture is my favorite picture ever. It’s the picture of our whole group. I love how in this picture we all look genuinely happy, nobody is posing for it or anything, we are all just laughing and having a good time. The best times we had together were always the times when it was everyone. It was always crazy fun when it was everyone because you could always find something fun to do with somebody. You just jump from one person to the next. I loved how we all got along. I was always happy that everyone was going, and never bummed that “so-and-so” was going to be there. We all just seemed to click perfectly.

This picture is from 8th grade continuation. It’s in the college because 8th grade was one of the most memorable years I have had so far. I think it was the year that everybody started defining who they are today. We all really showed ourselves to the world more then we had been the past two years together. This is also the year when our group of friends really formed and stuck together. We have done so many things together, and have so many amazing memories from this year, things that I could never forget. Without these kids that year would have meant no where near anything that it means to me now.

This here is my dog. I am a major animal lover and I’m more then grateful to have my dog. My parents never wanted any pets at all so I put in an awful big effort begging them for one. As you can see it all paid off. I can still clearly remember the day we picked her out at the Denver dumb friends league. She was the first dog we even looked at. It was on the last day of school just before Spring break when I was in 5th grade. From that day on, she went by Krypto.

These three pictures are of me with my three best friends. I wanted to show each of them in more of an individual way instead of together in a big group because these are closest friends. Kellie, Carina, and Michelle are their names. They are the kind of friends that I can go to with any problem and know that they will help me fix it, or at least try their very hardest. I trust all of them so much. Not only are they always there for me when I need a talking buddy, but they all know how to have a good time. Whenever I’m bored they’re the first ones I call up to see what’s going on. I have been friends with Carina and Michelle the longest and Kellie and I started our friendship in 7th grade. But over the years each of our friendship with one another has grown incredibly. So no, I couldn’t pick just one best friend out of these. I need all three.

This picture is of me with a horse named Regal. I love to ride horses. I started riding when I was in 5th grade in a group called Westernaires. There, I learned the basics of riding and really began to develop my love for it. I love everything about it, the movement, the speed, and especially the way it looks to someone who isn’t riding. To me it is such a great way for the horse and rider to connect. It But it’s not just riding that’s important to me. I just love being around horses, even grooming them I find enjoyable.

This is my lacrosse team. I started playing lacrosse in 6th grade and immediately fell in love with it. It really helps you get your anger and stress out. Also I love how it has different skills needed to play, it’s not just like like wrestling, were the main thing needed to be successful is to have good physical strength. While in lacrosse, you get to use every skill you have in it. You run, use your mind to decide how to get away from apponites, good judgment, you need to handle your lacrosse stick well, and communicate well with others. But this team is what really means the most to me. I have been on the same team with most of these girls since 7th grade, so we have learned to work so well with each other. We know all of each others strengths and weaknesses and we know who will be best to pass to in certain situations during a game. Lacrosse is something we all have in common, and it is what brought our team so close.

What Matters to Olivia

2008-08-26T16:53:00.000-06:00

There are many things that matter to me, and I can’t put all of them on here so I only put a few that I could actually find pictures of. Things that matter are dirt bikes, pets, photography/clouds, and my family and friends.
Dirt biking:
The first picture in the far left corner along with the two pictures in the middle of the second row from the top are of me dirt biking. Dirt biking is a big part of my life. My family and I go dirt biking every summer, even if it is just for a day. This is one of the things that can keep us together because we all love doing it and like learning new things from each other. I have been riding for about 5 ½ years and I love everything about it even though I have had a pretty bad accident and so has my mom. My mom went off a jump and didn’t land right and broke her back, while I got a 3rd degree burn on my ankle and had to have surgery. We both still really love this sport. I haven’t entered in any races yet, but I might this spring because then I could race with my older brother. My family has five dirt bikes, they’re five different sizes and we have one four-wheeler. Dirt biking is the best sport in my opinion and that’s why it matters to me.
Pets:
The other pictures of all the dogs are my dogs, of course. The one that is all black in the top row is Rory. In that picture he is in my room just a couple days after we adopted him. We adopted him from The Dumb Friends League and he is an Australian Kelpie mix. He is the dog that we most recently bought. The next one is the top row is Sam. In this photo he is in the driver’s seat of my family’s camper. He is a Golden Retriever that lived to be about eight or nine. He passed away in November of last year of cancer. The photo on the far left in the second row is Comet who is also a mix but we don’t know of what. We think he is a Beagle and Greyhound or Beagle and Basenji. We adopted him too, but I don’t know where because that was too long ago. He also passed away, but from old age. He lived to be 15 years old. The picture of him is when my family went camping and we were in our camper. The last dog is named Minnie. She is about five years old and she is a Miniature Dachshund. I also have 2 cats, but I didn't put any pictures of them.
Photography/Clouds:
Another thing I’m passionate about is photography. I love taking pictures of everything. Sometimes I’ll take pictures of the most random things and sometimes they will turn out really cool and other times they turn out kind of stupid. One thing I like to take pictures of the most is clouds. I think clouds are so beautiful and I love to just watch them, especially when I’m in the car. Other things I like to take pictures of are my friends and family, nature, and pretty much everything else.
Family and Friends:
Something else that really matters to me is my family and friends. I don’t have many pictures of my friends in this collage because if I did there would be too many pictures. I have two brothers, 2 sisters, and of course a mom and dad and I love all of them. I also have extended family that I love. I consider my brother’s best friend and my sister’s best friend family. They are both here everyday and I can tell them anything along with my other siblings. The picture with the four-wheeler in it is (from left to right) my friend Lauren, me, my mom, and my sister Amanda. The photo on the far left in the third row from the top is my brother James and my sister Amanda in James’ graduation day. The next picture in that row is my little brother William at a wedding we went to this summer. The picture after that is (from left to right) is me my “sister” Abby and Amanda. The other picture in the bottom row are my “cousins” Shay and Josh and my family and I only get to see them once a year. The next photo is my brother James again at the skate park and the last one is my oldest sister Katharine sitting on a dock. They mean the world to me along with all my other family, extended and biological. I love my friends and family so much, I just love being around them.
Out of everything in the world, the things that matter most to me are friends, family, pets, dirt biking, and clouds/photography.

what matters to kalvin

2008-08-26T14:10:00.003-06:00

Many things matter to me whether it’s a small thing or a big thing. My most important thing that matters to me is my family. I love my family a lot. My mom and dad are the best, they help me with everything without them I’d be lost. My brothers are not the best brothers but their still cool and I love them. My family encourages me to do my best at school and band practice. My friends help me so much they are what makes school fun. I can’t live with out my friends they make me laugh and make me feel like I’m not alone because no one likes being alone. My friends are a big part of my life. I always hang out with my friends. I spend most of my time with them on week days because of school but I would still without school.

I can not forget about my band. My band matters to me a lot because when we play it’s the one time I can be my self. My bands name is ‘’Breaking State’’ I thought of the name a while a go and everybody liked it. The band is something that matters to me because we have fun even though there are three of us me, Ian, and Shannon. I am guitar, Ian is drums and Shannon is our singer. Forming this band was a good idea. It’s now a big part of my life.

Just music alone is a very big part of my life. Music is a good way to express yourself. My absolute favorite band is ‘’Sum 41’’. Music matters to me because it’s art but in a different form. Instead of using strokes of a brush or pencil it uses the chords of guitars and the beat of the drums. All things that have to do with music really matters to me. I enjoy many types of music except for country and rap but, it’s weird because I love rap and rock together.

What Matters to Mitchell B

2008-08-26T13:48:00.001-06:00

He watches over me when I’m asleep, and He tries to guide me in the right path. I try my best to follow, but I always try to take shortcuts. I wish I could do better than I have. But with all of the detractions in the world it’s just getting harder. We all need to do better in following the way of Jesus Christ. Christianity has always been the most important thing in my life. I have been following Jesus Christ since I was born, and I go to Grace Chapel. Without God in my life, I don’t think I could do anything. He is my love, my hope, my dreams, and my cause.

There are the ones who put me to bed at night, the ones who are at every game and every show. They wave me goodbye and welcome me home. They help me and teach me, but most of all they love me; my family. I have two brothers and one sister. Mason is twelve and we are the most competitive brothers ever. He plays AA hockey for the Littleton Hawks. Carter is ten and he is the most innocent little kid. He also plays A hockey for the Littleton Hawks. My little sister, Chelsea is seven; she can really stand up for herself. We toughen her up and make her work for everything.

These are the people who go with me everywhere and support me with whatever I do, no matter what. They pick me up when I’m down, and laugh at jokes that aren’t funny. They are my teammates, my classmates, but most of all, my friends. You can’t do anything without friends whether it is sports or school. I can never go a day without talking to any of them. Coming from a small school, Arapahoe gives me the opportunity to have so many more friends.

You have to work for every ounce of gratification, every ounce of playing time, and every ounce of recognition. Sports: they mean the world to me. They’re what get me up in the morning and what I’m waiting for every day. They matter to me because, without sports in my life I would be a nobody. It helps me with discipline, respect, and self confidence. It will keep me in shape, and out of trouble.

Music is everywhere. It is in the halls and in my house. Music keeps people entertained at all times. Without music the world would be boring and dull. I have been playing guitar for four years now and I can’t go a day without picking it up and playing. I also play piano, drums, and bass guitar. I play in two bands; my church worship band, my own band with some of my best friends. We have practice every Sunday, and we play shows all over Colorado. The only reason it matters to me is because I love to entertain people, and with music it helps me do that.

what matters to breanna s

2008-08-26T12:34:00.001-06:00

What matters to me.

Friends: They are my EVERYTHING! I love them all to death. I can always count on them to be with me through the thick and thin. They are basically my family. Kim: There are so many things I could say about her. We’ve been besties since we were 2 months old. I can trust her with everything. Zoe: We’ve been through almost everything together, strokes, choking on skittles, getting our ears pierced, snowboarding, and so much more. Ally: Wow this girl is my lifesaver! We also go through a lot together, guy problems, sneaking out, getting caught by the police, New York, and the worse situations we could possibly get ourselves into. Lauren and Danielle: They can’t even be explained. But they are so amazing! Brad: He is so funny and can always make me smile. Tyler: He is always there and ready to catch me when I fall. He knows what is best for me when I don’t. I trust him with my life.
There are so many more people I could put down. They are all so amazing and I have no idea how I could live without them!

Music: I don’t know how I could live without it. Some of my favorite bands are: nevershoutnever! Valencia, Rise Against, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, The Used, Aiden, Finch, Sound The Alarm, This Heart This Sleeve, Our Last Night, Tickle Me Pink, The Starting Line, Story Of The Year, Boys Will Be Boys, and so many more. I love to play guitar. I could play for hours if I wasn’t distracted.

Faith: I’ve been a Christian since I was a little kid. It would be a major lie if I said I was a good strong Christian, because I’m not at all.

My Dreams: I’m just a little girl that dreams way more than I should. I have a lot of plans for my life. I’m going to be rich. That’s a for sure:) I want to be an actress, in movies, not on stage and in plays though. If that doesn’t work out then maybe a singer. I really want to live in New York City when I’m older.

My Family: I can’t say that I always appreciate my family but in the long run I do. I have 3 brothers, Allen, Aaron, and Travis. My dad’s side of the family I HUGE. My Grandma had 7 kids and all those kids had kids and those kids that have already gotten married had kids. Most of them live in Texas, and a few in California. No matter what situation I have gotten myself into I have always had my whole family behind me.

What Matters to Brett

2008-08-25T19:04:00.000-06:00

As you look at my pictures you are saying to yourself,"What the heck do these pictures stand for?" Well... I am here do answer that question for you. Lets start at the American flag, this flag means alot to me, i am very patrotic and love my country very sincerely. Now time to move across the page to the good old family picture, this picture was taken not long ago in august 2008, we were in aspen and went up to aspen mountain, my parents got married at this exact spot years ago so we had to take a picture. From left to right is my sister Jenna, who is a freshman at CU, my Mom, my Dad, and of course me. My family is one of the most important subjects of my life, i love them very much. Next is a picture of me all dressed up in this Western garb, i am important to me as well! Coming up next is a person tying wrestling shoes, wrestling is one of my favorites sports. I have been doing it for three years and love everything sbout it. Next on the agenda is a pic taken somewere up behind Nederland, my family and cousins went up to go glacier sailing this july and this is a picture of us before we began. Next to it is a picture of one of my two dogs, this one is Nellie, she is a a English Yellow Lab, she is very short and small, kinda like a midget, she is nine yeats old. Then comes the newest addition to the family, Trooper, he is one and a half years old and he is a hunting dog. Next is a lonboard, i love it and mountain-boarding the same. And finaly is a picture of Jesus, I am chrsitian and love and believe inn Jesus and God. Hopefuly now you understand these ppictures and now a little bit more about me!

What Matters To Elizabeth

2008-08-25T16:32:00.000-06:00

This is my collage that I made in dedication of What Matters to Me. Some things that matter to me are my pets, my family, my friends, soccer, and vehicles.

My Pets:

My pets are something I could never live without. Sadly in 2007 two of my dogs passed away. But I got 2 new puppies to keep me busy. Sasha and Annie passed away because of cancer and old age. Guinness is my puppy who is a year and a half old he is an Australian cattle dog and a joy. Toby is my step sister’s dog and is a maltipoo and also is a year and a half old, he is very cute, but I don’t like little dogs. Shelby is our 7 year old Rottweiler mix and is our only girl left. Elway John is my tabby cat and is very athletic and is so adorable.

My Family:

My parents are divorced. I have my mom, Cheryl, I love her so much and she always tries to make my life filled with joy. she tries not to let me down and she is just so amazing,she is so hard to describe. I have my dad, Robb, who always liks to see me smile. He is the one who taught me soccer. I have my step mom, Sally; she is also very funny and makes me laugh. I have a big family; I have 3 siblings, Amanda, my 24 year old sister. She means the world to and she is just one of those sisters who understand me. Luke, my 22 year old brother is the one who drives me to do better in soccer and in school; he is hard core and tough. Daniel, my 20 year old brother. Is the total opposite he is a huge softy. He is the funniest boy you'll ever meet. He does impersonations really well of, Sean Connery, and Quagmeyer and Cleveland from Family Guy. I also have my step sister, Kelsie who is 13. We have our differences but we can get along sometimes, but that is what sisters are supposed to do.

My Friends:

My friends mean the world to me. I have Karmen, Derek, Casey, Hannah, and Angel. They are my true best friends. Karmen is like a sister to me and I will never forget her. Derek is so funny he is like I don’t know family and always loves to make me laugh. Casey and Hannah just are 2 amazing friends that never let me down. Angel on the other hand has been with me through everything and always never stops making me laugh and being the best friend in the world I could ask for. Whoooo! Go friends!

My Sports:

There is only one sport for me and that is soccer. I have been playing since I was 4 and learning everything I know since. I used to be the top goal scorer on my team but now I am the top saver. I have been playing keeper for almost 6 years and I never get tired of it. I play for Colorado United B team. My teammates are also very amazing! Soccer is my life. I also love snowboarding i go at least 4 times a season. Another passion I have is Hip Hop dancing. Hip Hop dancing is just so much fun. It gets all my energy out.

Cars and Motorcycles:

Cars and motorcycles are amazing things. I have grown up with both and been riding on a motorcycle since I was 5. I can’t get a motorcycle till I am 18, but still it’s worth waiting. I have always been fascinated by cars and I can almost name every car I see. Since my big sister was never around my brothers made me help them with fixing their cars and bikes. When I grow up I want a Porsche 911 and a 2007 Kawasaki ninja.

What Matters to Me, by Mitchel L

2008-08-25T14:08:00.000-06:00

The first picture on this collage is my Great Grandmother Lincoln. She is an amazing woman, the last time I saw her was two years ago when this picture was taken, on her 90th birthday. On that great day Great Grandmother Lincoln drove herself to her own birthday party. We celebrated at the local church where she visited with family and friends all day. After the party we went back to the family farm where she proceeded to be the life of the party all night long.
This is a picture of the Lincoln Family Farm located in Grinnell, Iowa. This is where the Lincoln Family started and built their home in the 1800’s. The farm is hugh and is still farmed today. Back in the 1800’s the farm was bought for 8 cents an acre. Today people are offering to purchase the land for over 4million dollars.

My brother Blayne is the quiet one of the family. Just the other day he came to pick me up from school and someone called him mini Mitch. He thought that was great. Even though he won’t admit it, I still believe that he looks up to me.
This picture is of my dad and my cousin Quenten. Quenten is the wild one of the family. He is the funniest child I have ever met in my life, but can also be a handful. Just recently he turned four and acts like he is about fourteen. He is also very intellegent.
The next picture is of my great Uncle Greg. He is one of my favorite uncles. He is funny and enjoyable to be around. He currently lives on the family farm and takes care of it. They farm pigs, cattle and corn. Last time I was at the farm he taught me to drive the tractors. Also, while I was there Uncle Greg and I went fishing on one of the family ponds.

What matters to Nate

2008-08-25T14:07:00.000-06:00

What matters to me
The first three pictures in collage are pictures of my family, which is definitely something that matters to me because my family helps through everything, helps me have a good time, and they are the people I have to come home to every day. The first picture is a picture of my step- mom on the left and my step sister Caitlyn on the right. This picture was taken while we were river rafting on the Colorado River in July. My dad got re-married last year and ever since both of them have been a big part of my life. My second picture is a picture of me at my continuation with my dad and my sister. This picture is important to me because, if I hadn’t passed middle school and gone on to high school I wouldn’t be in your class! My third picture is my sister before prom in her prom dress. My sister is important to me because she can drive me places. And I have to live with her all the time.
The second line of pictures is all pictures of my friends. My friends are important to me because they support me no matter what I do, they give me advice when I need it, and they always listen when I need them to. The first picture is of Tyrel, Geordie, and Sam in Washington D.C. this picture is especially important to me because the 8th grade Washington trip was probably some of the best days of my life because they were so much fun. The second picture is a picture of one of my best friends Sam Nylund. He is one of the funniest kids I know (in the picture he is screeching and he sounds exactly like a nasghoul in Lord of the Rings) and he is a really good friend because he always knows when to joke and when to be serious. The last picture is of my friend Geordie. He is probably the weirdest kid you will ever meet but he is hilarious and always fun to hang out with so he is a friend that really matters to me.
The third line is all pictures of sports because sports are something that really matter to me. The first picture is of Brandon Marshall stiff arming a Minnesota Vikings defender. I included this picture because I really like football and the Broncos are my favorite team. The second picture is of Troy Tulowitzky making a defensive play. I used to not like baseball but now it is also one of my favorite sports. The last picture in my collage is Joe Sakic lifting the Stanley cup in 2001 when the avalanche defeated the Devils in 7 games to win a championship.
These are nine things that are very important to my life right now and I hope these things continue to help me through high school and the rest of my life.

What matters to Molly

2008-08-25T14:02:00.002-06:00

What Matters To Molly

Out of every incredible and astonishing thing that I have been blessed with in my life, is the most important is my savior Jesus Christ. Without the lord, I wouldn’t have any of these remarkable creations in my life. Through him, I can do all things. That’s AMAZING!!! What I love the most about the lord is that I can make mistakes and I can stumble, but I am forgiven because he died for my sins. Jesus has been there for me through the good and the bad, and when I feel as though I cant continue this journey anymore, he carries me. There is nothing in my life that even compares to how much god matters to me.

My amazing family matters so much in my life that I couldn’t even begin to list all of the reasons. They all support me and sacrifice so much for me. My mom is an amazing strong woman. She couldn’t have a better purpose in my life, which is for me to live it for Christ. My mom wants nothing but the best for me. She cares deeply about my education, health, and future. She would do anything for me whether it is take me to dance or do my laundry. Her love and support keeps me going through any event in my life. My dad is a brave, loving hard working man. One side of him is the big bulky football player that’s strong and competitive and acts just like a little boy. He messes around, is obsessed with the latest trends and does anything he possibly can to embarrass me. The other side of him is a sensitive loving guy that gives me a huge warm bear hug and calls me his little girl. I couldn’t ask for a better dad. My sister Meghan is an average sixteen-year-old girly girl. She is my shopping buddy, watches gossip girl with me, and chatters with me hours upon hours. Meghan might be the funniest girl I know. She has a contagious giggle and a gorgeous smile. Meghan lets me know everyday that she is the older sister and knows more then I do…but I still love her. Over all my family is so incredibly amazing and is a god given gift.

My friends also matter a lot in my life. If I were asked who my best friend was, I would name at least ten different people. I enjoy company and have friends from all different groups and schools. It doesn’t matter whom I am with, I have to be having a good time. My friends and I love to make music videos and films. All of us girls get decked out in costumes and makeup and just laugh until we cant breath. As much as I love having fun with my girls, I love how much I can trust my friends. It's an amazing feeling being able to let out everything to someone and have him or her not judge you. If my friends were not in my life then I wouldn’t even compare to the person I am today.

Another thing that matters to me are my pets. They are characters. I have a three-year-old 120 pound Labrador named Winston. Winston is just a little baby. He lives by three guidelines; sleep, eat, and sleep. Winston thinks he is a tiny mouse but on the outside he’s a massive black lab. So to fit his attitude, we refer him to Winnie. Another animal we have in our household is the little whiny kitten, Lola. Lola thinks she is a diva. She is about four months old and is treated like a princess. She belongs to my sister. Lola can get anything she wants because all she does is cry. But, she is also one of the cutest things I have ever seen. Also, our family is lucky enough for our Chinese Sharpe, Blue, to let us live with him. Blue is the king of the world and he lets everyone know it. Blue is always right and is the best creature to have ever walked the planet. We are all servants to Blue and should feel extremely honored to be in his presence. Like I said, Blue is the king of the world. My parents gave me the most precious kitten in he entire world when I was in fourth grade. He was a little tabby cat. I named him legolas, but I just called him kitty. Legolas was the ruthless killer in the household and would bring us lovely presents such as dead mice, birds, and even a squirrel. Legolas weighed about 15 pounds and was a happy fat cat. Unfortunately legolas ran away a week ago and hasn’t returned since. He was an amazing character in my life and mattered so much to me.

In my life, dance matters very much. Honestly, I probably couldn’t live without it. The feeling of performing on stage for an audience is the biggest adrenaline rush and the most incredible experience. But, I don’t dance just to display my hard work and talent; I dance because I love it. Dance is when I can express myself. It’s my therapy. I enjoy every style of dance, but my favorite is hip-hop. I love breaking, locking, popping, R&B styles, jazz, and lyrical. I love dance so much that the studio is my second home and I am there at least 14 hours a week. Dance will always matter in my life.

Lenaology

2008-08-25T13:58:00.001-06:00

There are a lot of things that matter to me in my life. Friends, family, love, music, my kittens, and peace are the things that mean the most to me.
My friends and family are my life. I spend as much time as I can with my friends, but make time for family too. Sometimes you don’t always like your family, or your family fights, but everyone knows that family loves each other. Family means a lot to me, because you’re together through everything, whether it’s good, bad, ugly, or pretty. My family fights, and we all don’t get along, but when we do get along and we’re having fun together then the times we create and share are irreplaceable. In our garage is where we all spend a lot of time; we’ll be out there talking or watching TV or just hanging out with our friends. Just about everyone who knows us has been in our garage till one in the morning laughing and talking with each other. Now, me and my sister, we don’t get along- at all. We fight, and fight, and then fight some more. We drive our mother insane by how much we fight. Even when we have friends over we fight with one another. And my friends, my parents, my sister’s friends, and my sister’s boyfriend get tired of it. Usually they end up yelling at us to quit bickering and fighting, but there are times (mostly when no one is around) we’re nice to each other. And we don’t fight, we talk, and get along. My family will always be there for me and I love them for that.
My friends mean the most to me. They’re the family I have chosen and will keep with me while I walk through my life. I will be by their side as they will be by mine; to keep each other standing strong, confident, happy, and loved. To help them up when they fall down and to tell them a stupid joke to make them laugh. Everyone can truly be themselves with their friends, no fake smiles and plastic masks needed. You can tell jokes that aren’t funny, dance weirdly, trip over yourself and spill water on your pants, and your friends will be there to laugh at you, but help you up, dance with you, and throw more water on you. They are always there for you, and no matter what comes in-between friends, your true ones will be there, and that’s what really matters most to me.
Now, Love. L-o-v-e. It’s a hard concept and not many people understand it. I certainly do not. And there’s different kind of love: love for your family, love for your friends, love for your soul mate, love for nature, even love for a complete stranger. It’s love that keeps the world from complete disarray. When we find people with weirdness that is compatible with our weirdness, we put it together and call it love. It’s love that’s under everything; love that keeps things going. Under friendship and family is love. It’s just an unexplainable force that pulls everything in the world together.
Music, everyone loves music. Music is a huge part of my life. Whenever I’m mad or sad I can just go somewhere and put music on and it will calm me down. There are ton of different kinds of music, and I like every kind but country and rap. Music inspires, and speaks when words fail.
My kittens, I only have two kittens now, and then two grown cats. One is a white calico; her whole body is white except for her tail, which is black, brown, and orange colored. She has one blue and one green eye. Her name is Kiki. Then we have a Siamese cat. Her name is Mia and she mothers six kittens. We have only kept two out of the six kittens, and if you saw the kittens you would not think that Mia and the kittens are related. Not one of them look like her. The six were Java, Wonder, Bagel, Tilo, Nitro, and Nightmare. Nightmare was completely black. Nitro was a black and gray tabby. Tilo is a cross between a tabby and a tortiuse shell. Bagel was more tortiuse shell, but had some tabby. Wonder is black with her left arm spotted and the tip of her tail, and a few spots that go from white to yellow. And Java was a tortiuse shell. We now only have Wonder and Tilo left out of the kittens. And they mean a lot to me. They’ll just so small, innocent, and cute. It’s hard not to love them.

What Matters by Nick K.

2008-08-25T13:54:00.002-06:00

What matters?

These are the things that matter most in my life. I love cars that go fast, and I’m pretty much excited to get my permit, and then my license. To save money, I’m going to get my motorcycle endorsement, on my license, and just ride to school on that. Plus they're cheaper and an all around better choice of transportation, and just because I love to ride them. I like to dirt bike, I've been practicing for a while, and hopefully I get to start motocross soon. I completely love golf to death, it’s the best sport ever, doesn't matter what you say. Photos not on here consist of pictures of my friends, my dog, and my family. My dogs name is Molly, she is about 1 and half years old, and she’s a beagle terrier mix. I have a Mom and a Dad, my Moms name is Diane, and my Dads name is Dave. I have 2 little brothers. My middle brother is 13, his name is Nathan, and he’s the most annoying one. The littlest one is 11, and his name is Jeremy. I love my family, and friends, and I love cars, golf, and motorcycles. These are the things that make my life possible, both my dreams and my realities.

What Matters to Paige

2008-08-25T13:54:00.000-06:00

What matters to Paige Stingley:

Faith: My faith is the most important thing that matters to me. I am a Christian, and I believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead and ascended in to Heaven. I know that he will come again to take me to Heaven. I would be nothing without my Faith in Jesus Christ. With him I am brave, confident, and strong. He has given me everything I have today. He has provided me with all my needs and most of my wants. He has guided me through many fears and struggles and has kept me on the right path. Jesus is my salvation, my rescuer, my Savior, and best of all, he is my friend. To me God is the best friend I could ever ask for. He walks by my side through everything, the thick and the thin, the hard and the easy. He lifts me up when I fall down, and he carries me when I am weak. Jesus is what matters most to me.

Family: I have a lot of pictures of my family in my collage. My family supports me in all that I do. I couldn’t live without them. My family does a lot of things together. Most of the pictures are of us doing stuff together. We go on hikes or go up to the mountains a lot. Recently we climbed a 14er together. My family is really close to each other. We know each other’s emotions and feelings and we are all always there to help on another out.
I have two sisters and one brother. My sisters’ names are Cori (10) and Abbey (8). My brother’s name is Adam (8). Adam and Abbey are twins. Cori is my best friend. We have a lot in common. We both play volleyball, basketball, and run track. We both love to read, and write. We both care about school and getting good grades. We like to go places together on the weekends. She likes the same clothes as me, so that makes shopping easy! Cori and I get along great, most of the time.
Adam and Abbey are also best friends. Being twins, they do almost everything together. They are in the same class at school, so they work together on homework, they play together, they laugh together, pull pranks together, and are always beside each other. They shared a room until they were six, and that has grown them closer together.
Cori attends school at Shepherd f the Hills, along with Adam and Abbey. Cori is in the 5th grade, and Adam and Abbey are in the 3rd grade. They all maintain straight A’s almost regularly. They are all very smart and care about school a lot.
They are all also very active. Cori and Abbey do volleyball, whether they play for their school or for our district league. Adam plays baseball in the spring and summer, and football in the fall. All of them participate in basketball in the winter, and they swim on a neighborhood swim team during the summer. As you can see, my siblings are all very active all year round.
My mom and dad are always there for any of us whenever we need them. They also support me in everything I do, 100%. They love Jesus and their family. They love their jobs, and do their best all the time. They are great role models, and great examples to everyone they are around.
My mom is a floor manager at Williams-Sonoma, and my dad is a Chief Financial Officer at the company Eternal Energy. He is very good at math, which makes him very good at his job. My dad works full time, and my mom works about four times a week, which makes us even busier.
With my parents working so much, I often babysit for my siblings a lot. I started babysitting for them when I was about eleven, and then I started to love babysitting, so I would babysit for other people as well. This summer I babysat four times a week for a family across the street. That helped me make a lot of money that I got to use on myself. I enjoy babysitting most of the time, and most of the time me and my siblings have a good time, whether we are doing homework or playing games together.
Another great thing about my family is our love of Nebraska, especially Nebraska football. Both my parents attended college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, so that makes them very big fans. All of my relatives live there, so we go out a couple times a year to visit. Most people make fun of me for being a Nebraska fan but it doesn’t bother me because it is something that matters and is important to me, so I don’t need to care what they think.
Some people don’t consider pets family, but my family does. We have two dogs and two cats. Our dogs are both shelties. Shelby is the oldest dog. She is six, and she acts like it! You can always find her lying around sleeping. She doesn’t enjoy playing fetch, but she is great at sitting there and listening to me, even though most of the time she falls asleep.
Sidney is my other dog. He is only three years old, and loves to play. He is really wild and playful most of the time, but when he calms down, he makes s great thing to lean on!
I have two cats that are about four months old. I got them for my birthday from the humane society. Their names are Tommy and Bo, after two famous football coaches at University of Nebraska.

Recreation and After School Activities: I enjoy being very busy. I feel like I am forgetting something when I have nothing to do. To prevent this, I stay very active and involved. In the fall I do volleyball anywhere from five to seven days a week. Volleyball is my favorite sport, so it is the one I spend the most time on. I love the feeling I get during a game, scrimmage, or even just practice.
In the winter, I participate in drama, basketball, and sometimes a club volleyball team. After school I usually go from one activity to the next, not getting to schoolwork until late at night, but I love doing that. I participated in many school plays during middle school, and played sports every year starting in fifth grade.
In the spring, I participate in track and field, and last year, I got to participate with my sister, Cori. Running gives me a momentum that makes me want to run forever. I participate in long distance runs. I also did long jump, triple jump, and shot put.
For a couple years in middle school, I participated in Student Council, celebration choir, and Cheer. At Arapahoe, I plan on participating in Student Council.
I think that staying involved and active is the best way for a person to make new friends. Over the summer, I participated in a strength and conditioning camp, not only to get in shape for volleyball, but to meet new friends. I made quite a few friends just from doing that.
In the winter, my family goes skiing a lot. My dad used to be a ski instructor so my sister and I would go up with him every Saturday. Now that he does not teach, we don’t go up nearly as much, but we still manage to go at least twice a season. Skiing is one of my favorite things to do. Me and my sister have been skiing since we were four years old, so we enjoy harder trails and going by ourselves on lifts.
Even when it’s not winter, we still go up to the mountains all the time. In the summer, we go on lots of hikes, and spend time outside exploring all the time. This really matters to me because since my family is so busy all the time, it creates a time we can sound with just each other in nature, and not have to worry about due dates or other big stresses. It is a time where we can spend when it’s just my family, and that is really important to me.
My mom grew up in Nebraska on a farm, so as a child she rode dirt bikes and three wheelers around her house. A couple years ago, my grandpa found her dirt bikes, and sent them back with us. We had them fixed up, and made them work, so now we can go to a dirt park and ride or just around the trails by our house. My whole family can ride a dirt bike, so it is really cool when we all go out and ride together. Not many other families can do that, so I love that my family can. My dad was inspired and went out and bought a motorcycle that he could ride legally on the streets, so not only can I ride at home, but my dad and I can ride places on the street too.
My family loves being outside, and that is really important to me. I love that my family stays active and enjoys nature, because that is really great that they are interested in the environment and God’s creation, and it makes quality time more often, which makes us a closer family.

School and Education: My school work and education matters a lot to me. I want to get into a great college, and then go to a great law school so that I can be a successful lawyer, and maybe even someday, a Supreme Court justice. I have always been really interested in government, law, and politics. I have always likes paying attention to elections, and have always wanted a certain candidate to win. I have always loved debating, and arguing, and standing up for what is right. Being a Supreme Court justice would be my dream job, and I intend on making it happen.
In order to make it happen, I have to do well in high school. I have to put my best effort in to get good grades, so that when I am applying to get into colleges, and can get into the one I want because my grades were good enough. This means I have to do well on my SATs and my ACTs when the time comes, but in the meantime, I have to get great grades on tests and projects, so that I can remain at a great GPA.
Not only do I care about my schoolwork for college and my future, but I also don’t want to look back when I am thirty, and wish that I had cared in high school. I don’t want to have blown high school off and regret it fifteen years later. In general, I just want to get good grades for me. I have high expectations for myself, and my parents have high expectations for me. In my house “C’s” are unacceptable. Most of the time “B’s” are too. I have worked really hard since fourth grade to keep getting straight A’s”, and most of the time, I have been successful.
School means a lot to me, because my future and how adults think of me means a lot to me. I don’t want adults to think I am a slacker when it comes to work or that I am lazy and don’t care about school. I want them to think that I care about school and my grades, and that I am a hard worker. What they think means almost more to me than what I think.

Friends: My friends are my family away from home. In middle school, coming form such a small school, I had many really close friends. We knew everything about each other, and it was fabulous. I have kept in touch with those people throughout the summer and even though they don go to the same school as me, I hopefully will keep in touch with them for a very long time.
I have so many memories with my friends, and all the funny things we did, our inside jokes, and our “blonde moments”. I know that I will remember them for the rest of my life, and they will always matter so much to me.
My friends are more than just friends to me, they are my second family. We laugh with each other, cry with each other, and are ourselves with each other. Close friends are sometimes the only people you can do that with. Close friends know your weaknesses, and strengths, you fears, and things you have overcome. Friends know your deepest darkest secrets, but with friends, you can trust that it won’t get out. That is really important to me.
I used to have lots of troubles being assertive, and going up and waiting for friends to come to me, and it never really worked. Then I got over that fear, and that’s how I met my best friend from third to eight grades. Making friends is still harder for me than it is for others, but being confident, especially in a big school, has helped me make lots of the friends that I have today.

History: History is really important to me as well. I take a lot of interest in American history and monuments, which is why I put pictures of monuments in my collage. I think that history is really important, because it can tell a lot about our country, and about our culture. That is really interesting to me.

I have so many things that matter in my life, but these are the things that matter most to me. These are the things that I will cherish and remember forever. To Paige Stingley, this is what is important.

What matters to Alex

2008-08-24T17:52:00.000-06:00

When asked what matters, a typical group of teenagers would answer in a variety of ways. Some will say friends, pets, money and cars. Others will answer with more serious answers like family, religion, America and academics. I came up with a short list of core values and priorities.

First, religion. Religion is something I think is important for everybody to have. No matter what religion that might be. Whatever god they worship, I think it is important that they worship something. Even atheists and pastafarians have reasons for what they believe in.

Also I think that the world is pretty important. Everybody you know, everybody they know, everybody they know, and even more people live on Earth. It’s a pretty important thing to me. All the cool plants and animals live on the Earth, too. The Earth is the place to be.

Academics are also really important to me. If I get an F, my parents will be very upset with me. I also think that smarter people will run an efficient government, leading to a better America for all.

I also support the military and appreciate everything that the men and women in the service do for us. I think that joining the military is a wonderful way to serve America.

Athletics is also important to me because you have to be mentally proficient and physically fit to be able to survive in today’s world. I have decided that I will never smoke or inject drugs into my body because that ruins your body in a hurry. I think that sitting on the couch all day is horrible.

Art is something that I’ve always valued because it appeals to one or more of the senses that I have come to appreciate. Music is the art I appreciate most. I like the wonderful, wide variety of music that people can create.

2008-08-22T14:07:00.001-06:00

What Matters To Emily

My Faith

My faith is the most important thing in my life. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for everyone’s sins and sickness then He rose three days later. He then ascended to heaven and sent His holy spirit to live in us and stay with us until He comes back. Just the idea of somebody giving up their life for me and suffering the way He did blows my mind. My relationship with Him has grown a lot in the last couple of years because of things I have been through. He has taught me a lot and shown up when I needed Him the most and even when I didn’t realize how much I needed Him. I love to read my Bible every morning to learn more about the one who created me. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Psalms 51, when it is talking about God giving us clean hearts. I like this passage because I know I sin every day. I’m not perfect, but I know that He can wash me clean and give me a clean heart and a fresh start, and that is so encouraging.

My Mom

My mom is my role model. She has taught me more than anybody else on this planet. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today if it wasn’t for her. All day every day she works to raise me and my siblings the best she can, but somehow in the midst of all she has to do she finds time to pay extra special attention to one person whenever one of us needs it. Something my mom has always told me is “God is good, and God is still God.” She says this because no matter what is happening in the world God is still God and He is good so there is no need to be worried or afraid, sad or disappointed. My mom has shown me through example what it is to be like Jesus, to walk like Him, to talk like him and to love like him. As I’ve gotten older I have grown to love and cherish my mom more and more.

My Brothers

I have three brothers, Chriso (23), Benj (22) and Willy (16). My brothers are my three favorite boys in the world. Chriso is like a father to me, he is kind and sweet and always there for me no matter what I need. Benj is such an amazing man of God and I look up to him for that. Willy is so fun he is always cracking jokes and doing funny impressions, making me laugh so hard I can’t breathe, but he is also always there protecting me. I couldn’t ask for more wonderful big brothers.

My Sister

I have one younger sister, Caroline, who is thirteen years old. Because we are only sixteen months apart we are considered Irish twins. I love having a sister so close in age to me. We share just about everything and do everything together. She is so goofy and always makes me smile. Sometimes we fight but we will always love each other. She means the world to me.

My Extended Family

My extended family are some of the most special people in my life. We call my grandpa Pawpaw. He is the sweetest most loving grandpa I could ask for. My grandma, Dangey, is crazy but she has taught me so much. Then there are my twelve aunts and uncles and eight cousins. First are Uncle Tyler and Aunt Anne. We don’t see them very often because they don’t have any kids but I love them just the same. Then there’s Auntie Di and uncle Kirk with their three kids, Lauren, who is sweet as could be, Sayer, who is so humble and nifty, and wacko Xon. Next there’s Uncle Shane and Aunt Jane with adopted and wonderful Victoria. Then there’s Uncle Bruce and Aunt Tiffany with baby Bailey. Last are Auntie M and Uncle Ron who have three kids, Chloe who is my “big sister,” and the crazy twin boys Joseph and Jesse. I am so lucky to have all this family live here in Colorado. I get to see them often and I love every minute I spend with them.

My Friends

Alicia is my absolute best friend. We have known each other since we were five. She has been with me through everything, supporting me and encouraging me. She has been a shoulder to cry on and someone who can always calm me down. We can talk to each other about anything and everything. However by far the most fun is when we just goof off and end up crying because we are laughing so hard. She is a true friend that I can always count on.

Emily is another one of my best friends. Even though she is eight years older than me we always have the best time together. Emily showed up at a time in my life when I really needed someone like her, she was a God send. She has always been there for me ready to help me in any way she could. She is one of the most talented people I know. She is an amazing artist, singer and dancer. Plus she is so fun, free spirited and easy going. I just love hanging out with her because we always end up doing the most bizarre things

My Favorite Things

One of my all time favorite things is art. I love to paint and look at paintings. My favorite item to paint is buildings. I am not sure why but I just love the way they look when they are finished and I enjoy actually painting them, because they don’t have too much detail, but can have a lot of color. My favorite medium is oil paint because you can get so much texture and such rich colors. I also like watercolors because of how you can blend and fade colors. I like to paint because it is relaxing and the feeling you get when you finally finish a picture is gratifying.

Memories are extremely important to me. I love being able to think back to good times and bad and remember the feelings you felt the laughs you shared. I love sitting around with friends and reminiscing about a certain time in my life. I love being able to look at a picture and replay the whole scene in my mind of when that picture was taken. Memories are important so that we can tell the generations after us about our life. I want to be able to tell me kids and grandkids stories of when I was their age.

My favorite place is the mountains. I love everything about the mountains. I love the wild flowers in the spring, the green meadows and rushing rivers in the summer, the colorful aspen trees in the fall and the glistening snow in the winter. The mountains also hold a lot of memories of being with my family. Memories from camping trips, hikes, skiing, jumping in lakes, playing in rivers, looking at millions of stars and just enjoying the beautiful nature.

Traveling is more of a dream of mine than something I actually do a whole lot of, but none the less I love to travel. Eventually I want to travel as many places as I can in one lifetime. Everything about new places intrigues me. I love the new scenery and the new smells. The food has to be one of the best parts. The way new flavors and even the way different places prepare the same thing but in a completely different way. My favorite part of traveling is meeting the native people. Seeing how they live differently than us and even some ways we live the same, it is all so exciting.

This is NOT Education as Usual

2008-08-12T13:45:00.001-06:00

What does it mean to be a producer of information versus a consumer of information?

What are the qualities of good teachers? of good students? of a good class?

Think about your answers before you post them. Make sure to proofread your response. Also, make sure to come back and comment upon one another's comments. Do you agree or disagree with what they are saying?