Hinkley High School: The Talon

The Talon

The Talon- Hinkley News Articles written by students

What’s Up at the New C.C.C.

By Andres Garcia

Four years ago during the remodeling of Hinkley high, a room was added into a secure section in the library. When I first stood in the College and Career Center I was, to say the least, impressed. Besides having six computers to itself, the room is surrounded with walls full of brochures, magazines, and articles. This is then split up into four sections: the in-state college section, the out-of-state college section, the trade and vocational section, and the military section. In the center of the room is an oval table for students to sit and research colleges. All of this serves a single but crucial purpose, “To have immediate information at the student’s fingertips” –Mrs. Lightfoot

An Interview with Mrs. Fleming

Q: Who made the decision to add the College and Career Center to Hinkley?

A: “Both the counseling department and administration.”

Q: What was the purpose behind adding the section?

A.:“It was built as a resource center to research colleges and careers.”

Q: What is the best way a student can take advantage?

A: “Well, they would need to come in often and use all of the resources. Come to college visits, and use the internet to look up scholarships.”

Q: Does staff help students in this area?

A: “Yes. Mr. Bohanon and I monitor during the day.”

Q: How many students regularly use the college and career center?

A: “Not much right now because a lot of students are not aware it is available.”

Q: Would you say this is a useful addition to the school?

A: “Definitely. Hopefully students will take advantage.”

Students at Hinkley High School, please take Ms. Fleming’s advice and use the C.C.C. It is there for all of us to use to fulfill our dreams of attending college when we leave Hinkley.

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Chess Club

By Nick Allen

Hinkley High School’s Chess Club has started and Mr. Noyes would like people to join the Club. To join, you need to go to Mr. Noyes in room 1405 and register.

I interviewed Mr. Noyes about the Chess Club. I asked him what Chess meant to him and he said, “Chess to me is relaxing and a challenge.” When asked why he said, “it transports you to a world of strategy.”

I asked Mr. Noyes how many students usually joined the Chess Club. He estimated around thirty students join annually. When asked how many are serious about competing, he concluded that five to six students.

When asked what annual activities they were planning this year he said, “An Auction, Two Tournaments, and a Ladder.”

The Auction is where at the end of the year, you use all the points you’ve accumulated throughout the year to win prizes. The tournaments will be tournaments they play against one another; they will not play against players from other schools.

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An Outstanding Success for Fall Concert

By Maray’a Biah

It was a musical night for the Hinkley Thunderbirds as the 2009 Fall Concert took place on Tuesday night. With the direction of music teacher Mrs. Marie Heck, there was a diverse mixture of songs from Africa to Europe, sung by our diverse group of Hinkley choir students.

Parents, guardians, family members, and close friends nearly filled up the auditorium to watch their loved ones sing for the night. The concert began and ended with the T-Birds, who opened the show with “Star Spangled Banner”. The next song was Voice Dance II where the singers scatted through the entire song. After several other groups performed, the T-Birds returned to the stage singing “ Walkin’ ”, where Mrs. Heck showed off her amazing singing talents as well as scatting from Hannah Judson, Emma Goos, and Togi Tampubolon. “Slow Me Down” was the next song performed with wonderful solo performances by Skylar Clark and Kaleigh Hanks. The last song of the evening was a personal favorite of Mrs. Heck called “Musick’s Empire” that started with the men and was followed along by the women.

After the T-Birds first performance, the Women’s Ensemble took the stage with songs in Swahili, Polish, and Hebrew. “Singing in another language is a fun, learning experience,” said Shelby Hunter, who has been in the Women’s Ensemble for two years since attending Hinkley. The first song was in “Havishenu” with soloists Emily Jernigan, Sara Graciano, and another solo by Skylar Clark. The second song was “Hoj, Hora, Hoj”, which tells the story of a Polish woman beating her cows. The last song performed was “Kenya Melodies”, where several new soloists, including Tivah Nehez, Samantha Morris, and Sarah Coomes, joined the same three soloists in singing various parts in Swahili as the drums were played.

After the girls left the stage, the Mixed Chorus consisting of students from every grade were ready to perform. The first song was “Solider Boy”, where the women started and was soon joined by the men. They continue to sing in that pattern as a piano was being played. The last song performed was “Lean On Me” by Kirk Franklin, with solos by Irma Saverda, Andrea Rodriguez, Alissa Taylor, Chrystal Ramirez, Miranda Ismael, Barrahdai Simmons, Jacob Williams, and Tyree Jones.

A group called Se7en then took the stage. In this group there are seven selected members who sang a song called “Seven”. This song in particular added a little hip hop flare to the concert as Togi Tampubolon provided the beat and Kenneth Meade sang the main verses and the rest sang background.

As my first attendance to a Hinkley choir concert, I was very intrigued and impressed to hear these performances. Everyone was well prepared, they sang wonderfully, and their attire really looked as great as their singing. GOOD JOB THUNDERBIRDS!!!

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Golf Team Tees It Up In ‘09

By Selena Estrada

High school sports are always the main focus when someone looks at a school. Of course, football, soccer, basketball and volleyball are the top sports in high school. However, there are other sports that never get as much attention. Golf is one of those sports. The sport of golf has a famous icon, Tiger Woods that everyone knows. Hinkley’s golf team hasn’t been winning many tournaments, but has been going strong. The team went as far as Regional. Russell Parker shot a 102. Daniel Del Real, the only freshman on the varsity team, shot a 107 in an 84 cut off standing. Edwin Kelley shot a 113. The whole golf team gave a great effort in all of their tournaments.

I interviewed Russell Parker and Edwin Kelley.

Q: “How long have you been playing golf?”

Edwin: “Since my sophomore year.”

Russell: “I started playing when I was ten, but I’ve liked it for a pretty long time.”

Q: “How do you prepare for a tournament?”

Edwin: “Well, I relax for a couple of hours before the tournament, I set goals for myself, and I listen to music.”

Russell: “Wake up. Eat before the game, and of course, I listen to music.”

Q: “What interested you in golf?”

Edwin: “I tired football freshmen year, but it wasn’t the sport for me, so, I tired golf. At first, I didn’t take it seriously, but then I saw how hard it was, and I really got into it.”

Russell: “My dad got me into it.”

The golf team still has a chance to win many tournaments next year, and all the years to come, and they need all the support they can get. The staff and students should support the team in any way possible.

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HALO 3: ODST

By John Reeves

The Review

Halo 3 ODST isn’t a sequel to Halo 3, it is a prequel.

The events in this game take place before the events in Halo 3. In ODST you are somewhere in between Halo 2 and Halo 3. This game takes the same basic route as the others, there are aliens trying to kill you, but you have guns so your job is to fight back and stop them. This time around you don’t play the role of Master Chief, who is the bio-engineered super-soldier you played in Halo’s 1-3. In ODST you play as an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper, who is just a small step down from the Master Chief. They are Marines that are the best of the best, trained to fight brutal battles and drop into hot combat situations. Sort of like the Paratroopers of WWII.

The setting of this new game takes place in the Human metropolis known as New Mombasa, which you visited in Halo 2. The main character, called The Rookie, has been separated from his squad deep behind enemy lines. Your job from start to finish is to find out what happened to your squad, what’s happening to the city, and try to find some way to stop the aliens.

The aliens are called The Covenant. As you go around the city searching for clues to the whereabouts of your teammates, you encounter many enemies and taking them out is now a lot tougher. Your weapons aren’t what they used to be and neither is your health. The weapons have a very limited ammo supply and finding more around the game is near impossible.

You don’t have shields like the Master Chief did. Instead you have what’s called stamina, your stamina goes down when you get hit or shot at, and eventually goes back up if you don’t become damaged after a while. Stamina acts pretty much the same as the shields did in previous games except, should you completely lose all your stamina, your health will begin to take a hit. Once your health is gone you are dead.

Once you find a clue about your squad, you step into the boots of one of your missing comrades, allowing you to play as one of them for a short time. Once the flashback ends, you are once again The Rookie.

There isn’t anything special about the online multiplayer in Halo 3: ODST. With the game you receive all of the original Halo 3 multiplayer maps, the newer maps, and three never before played maps.

There is one thing that makes ODST stand out and it can be summed up in two words: Firefight Mode. Firefight Mode allows you and three other friends to team up and fight wave after wave of Covenant enemies, each one harder than the last. There are 5 waves to a round and 3 rounds to a set.

For fans of the Gears of War series you may have already played something a lot like this, but there are some big differences. First and most obviously is this is a HALO game, that means different enemies, different weapons, different vehicles, different plot, different characters, and an all together different experience. And a better experience in my opinion. Secondly, the game escalates the difficulty in a much more creative way, using what’s called Skulls.

The Skulls, a staple in the Halo series, do everything from making the game more fun to making the game much more difficult. The first round might be a breeze, but in an instant the game becomes a fight for your very survival, because the Skulls get randomly turned on and off each round.

Firefight mode is the Horde mode from Gears of War 2 with a Halo twist. There are lots of bells and whistles that make it a different experience, but the core game play concept translates just fine in the Halo universe, and that's really all that matters.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Fresh, Fly and Flashy

By: Sydni Jackson

These days there all types of styles students wear here at Hinkley High School. Lately, there’s been a new craze sweepin’ our school as well as the entire nation. We know this style as The JERK movement. Skinny jeans, Vans sneakers, and bright funky colors are the flash that keeps this movement thriving. This dress trend is also known as being “geeked up”. There’s even a very popular song called “You’re a Jerk” by New Boyz that gives musical expression for this craze.

I took a few minutes to sit down and chat with Ishon Cherry about his take on the JERK movement.

Me: What does it mean for YOU, individually, to be a JERK?

Ishon: Skinny jeans, geek glasses, tight shirts, and a matching belt.

Me: How long do you think this “JERK MOVEMENT” will last?

Ishon: not much longer because I know I’m already getting sick of it.

Me: How does this affect most people right now? Do you think a lot of people follow it?

Ishon: OH YEAH! EVERYBODYS jerkin’! TOO MANY people!

Me: Now for the obvious question…Can YOU actually do the JERK dance?

Ishon: YEAH! SOMEBODY PLAY THE SONG! Ha ha ha.

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Meet Ms. Stephens

Jose Alamillo

Ms. Stephens is that person you see in the breezeway or in the cafeteria kindly reminding students to always act and project a positive and responsible attitude at Hinkley.

Ms. Stephen describes her life as “I am married to my best friend, Marcos and together we have two fabulous little girls. Jaela is eight years old and in third grade this year. Morgan is four years old. Family is one word that will make me grin from ear to ear! I think having a strong family is one of life’s greatest challenges and gifts, so I’m grateful for mine.” She also said that most people describe her as ‘real.” She hopes that students can see her sincerity and that they understand that she really wants to see all of us succeed.

She enjoys cooking, reading, and listening to all kinds of music. She also said, “I love football. I grew up in the South where football is THE sport. My husband and I both manage two fantasy football teams; mine aren’t doing so hot this season. My daughters have even taken on this hobby as well.”

Ms. Stephens works in the community as well through an organization called Young Life. “Young Life is a youth ministry that provides mentoring and tutoring as well as social/and emotional support for middle school, high school and college-aged students through fun, games and activities. I’ve created a college-aged group called Inside Out. The group meets to help young ladies understand and discover that their true beauty comes from their attitude, actions and character. This is a lot fun.”

Ms. Stephens has attained a master’s degree. She has been an educator for ten years, most of which has been spent in Aurora Public Schools. She decided to work here because she has a passion for helping students reach their highest potential and because she loves the diversity among the students at Hinkley. She feels it is a privilege to be able to be a part of the great things that are happening at Hinkley.

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Security Guards Keeping Us Safe

By Rojelio Gonzalez and Lexi Wilburn

Security guards are a huge part of Hinkley High School and aren’t noticed as much as they should be. Our everyday security guards are here for our safety and to support us. We interviewed some of the security guards and this is what they had to say on working at Hinkley, their responsibilities as a security guard, and the scoop on what they do in their spare time away from school.

As you may have predicted the security guards have some positive things to say about working at Hinkley. For them working at Hinkley is fun and that they enjoy knowing the students that come into the building. Mrs. Antonette Zanders stated, “I like it. I like working here. I like the students.”

Along with having fun with the kids and enjoying work, they must keep up with their responsibilities. The security guards say that their responsibilities include watching the West Commons, keeping the school safe, watching inside and outside the school, and making the school a “home away from home”. Coach Dan Ellis said that his job was to “Provide school safety and be a mentor and role model for students.”

Now what you’ve been waiting for…. The scoop on what your everyday security guards do outside of school. Some security guards like to play football, others coach basketball teams, and dance teams, and play golf. Some security guards are back in school at Metro State. Mr. Cooper shared that he, “coaches sports, including a traveling basketball team” and that he takes his time in school at Denver University.

Collectively all the security guards advise us to, “Stay in School."

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MOCK TRIAL

By Sheena Mims

Most students when ask, “Would you like to join Mock Trial?” will answer “What is that?” Mock Trial gives students a better understanding of our judicial system such as legal practices and procedures by participating in real trail simulations. By competing against other Mock Trial teams in the Denver metro area you would develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.

There are three roles one can take: attorney, witness, and time keeper. This year, Ms. Steele, is anticipating at least three teams so there are many roles to fill.

To be in Mock Trial one must be committed to coming to every meeting and practice, willing to devote time outside of school to prepare for competition, and know the legal case very well. Members of the team must read the case files and any notes for the case, understand how the competition is scored, know the rules for presenting evidence, and grounds for making objections in court.

Ms. Steele’s, the sponsor of the Mock Trial Club, role is really to facilitate the practices and to provide support for the attorney coaches. She also prepares the material needed for trail, organizes transportation to the competitions, and makes sure every one on the team has appropriate court room attire. It’s very important to look your best, especially if you’re an attorney.

The first few meetings will focus on learning the objections and rules for presenting evidence. Once we receive the case at the end of October, tryouts will be set up to determine who will become an attorney, witness, and time keepers. Each role is important. This year we will have more attorneys, a Denver district Court Judge and an evidence expert working with us.

If you have any more questions, contact Ms. Steele in room 2211.

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Ps3 vs. xbox360

By: David Martinez/and Nick Allen

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Meet the Dedicated Mr. Willis

Michelle Nava

This year we have a lot of new and wonderful people starting with Mr. Willis, a nice person that came here form Rangeview High School. Mr. Willis, who has been teaching for five years, knows that students here are equal to any from other schools.

Why would he pick Hinkley out of all the other schools? Mr. Willis said “I love the city of Aurora and the opportunities and challenges of helping our community’s youth get to college and become productive members of our community. I know that my decision was the right decision. I look forward to helping my community school become WORLD CLASS.”

Although there are other schools to help in Aurora, what made Mr. Willis want to pick Hinkley besides the fact that Hinkley is a wonderful school. Mr. Willis said “I love Hinkley and the students. I look forward to developing a long-term relationship with our staff, community, and students.”

It must have taken I long time for Mr. Willis to become a member of the administrative team. He thinks that hard work and dedication have always been his mantra. He truly believes that anyone can do whatever they set their mind to accomplish, but they must be dedicated and willing to put the time into accomplishing their goals. “The Marine Corps help me realize that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. At the conclusion of a 25 mile forced march in South Korea in chemical gear, I realized that life doesn’t get much worse then this moment and I have survived. If I could do this then I could do anything I set my mind to” Mr. Willis said. Are you willing to put out the effort needed to accomplish your goals and dreams or are they just pipe dreams?

Many people think and believe that there are other schools that are better then Hinkley High School, but Mr. Willis doesn’t. He finds this school loaded with opportunities and most importantly with students who want to make a difference in the world. It’s his goal to work with teachers and students to impart a dream and vision that helps Hinkley become the World Class School that the students and community deserve.

As part of the new staff at Hinkley, he plans on working here as long as the opportunity exists. We wish Mr. Willis the best and welcome him to Hinkley high school.

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Senior Interview

By Angelica Aguilar and Phillip Chea

As seniors, the class of 2010, begin to stress out about the end of the year; most are ready to start their own life, others are lost in thought as they struggle to find a path they want to take, and then there are some who honestly could care less.

Some seniors reflect on their freshmen, sophomore, and junior years, believing all to be equally important. “I feel I’ve matured as a teen to an adult, building character and responsibility.” Shane Robinson said. Many of the seniors have overcome obstacles and trials that have changed their lives and perspectives.

“I haven’t really changed since I still have the same morals and perception, but I do believe that I have relaxed a bit.” Jose-Luis Rodriguez, an IB student, offered. He may feel he hasn’t really changed much, but he has indeed grown, as a person.

Students usually set goals as freshmen to attain by senior year. Many have success. Some end up wandering away from their goal. A very small group may have given up. “The goal I actually try to reach is to learn something new every day. I am taking advantage of my education. My major goal though, is to get very good grades and graduate.” Stefani Iorg respectfully and prideful stated. Now a goal that almost all high school students especially the seniors have set is to graduate.

Though graduating is also important, so is a person’s education, which is the one reason we come to school. “I think the education given to us will take us further in life to a point. As technology increases you will need more education. We will use things we learn today, just in a different way.” Stefani Iorg elaborated further. Others feel some of what we learn is almost unnecessary, “I believe that most of what I learn will definitely be forgotten in several years, but the life lessons, now those will stay with us.” Jose-Luis Rodriguez counters Ms Iorgs statement, as he does his homework. This is going to be a grand year for the seniors as they try their best to get into the college of their dreams, or to find the job most suitable for them. This will be the year for them all to remember. Even those who struggle and may have moments where they have little hope, this year will create important memories.

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Skyline League Tourney at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club

By: Daniel Del Real

At a high school golf tournament, each team must have four players to qualify for points. They play all eighteen holes and before players tee off, each coach tee’s off just to get things started. Team scores are calculated by adding up each player’s score.

The Skyline League Tourney at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club took place on August 26, 2009. This tournament was won by Prairie View High School with an overall score of 363. Six schools showed up to this tournament.

The top scorers from each school were:

1. Marcel Quitoriano from Prairie View scored a total of eighty two.

2. Matthew Heidman from Brighton scored a total of eighty three.

3. Jacob Narvaez from Aurora Central scored a total of eighty four.

4. TJ Martinez from Westminster scored a total of ninety three.

5. Jesus V from Adams City scored a total of ninety seven.

6. Daniel Del Real from Hinkley scored a total of ninety nine.

Overall team scores were:

1. Prairie View 363

2. Brighton 366

3. Westminster 418

4. Aurora central 423

5. Hinkley 427

6. Adams City* DNF

*Adams City did not qualify for points standing due to the four player maximum rule.

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So Far So Good

By Luna Ambaye

I was born in the highlands of Tegary, Ethiopia, on the East side of Africa. In March 2009, my family and I moved to Aurora, Colorado. The journey was too long, but I have special memories from the journey. I was very amazed how the aircrafts stayed in the air for quite a long time. We flew over eighteen hours with only one stop in Rome, Italy.

When I first arrived I attended East Middle School. It is so hard to move to a new place you don’t know. However, when I went to the school, their service was very good and the teachers were very nice to me. The teachers told me where my classes were and I was asking them when I needed something. It was very good.

When I finished my classes I went outside to get on the school bus, but the bus had already left. Then I tried to get on the RTD bus, but I took the wrong bus. At the time I was very confused so I just got off the bus, but I didn’t know where I was. I was lost and I was very scared. Lucky for me the police found me and brought me home. What I learned from this experience is that it’s really hard for people that are new comers to adjust to new places.

Now I am very delighted with America. I feel like I want to go home sometimes because I miss my relatives. It is also nice here, so I don’t feel like I want to leave the U.S.A. I am good so far here at Hinkley High School.

In America the service is very good and I love being here. There are a lot of differences between here and my country. Such as, there is no snow in my country and I don’t know why. But in Colorado there is. Also Ethiopia is way smaller than the U.S. Because my country is not as developed as the United States, schools aren’t so organized. Classes were harder. Students were not always in the grade they were supposed to be. Some students would be too old for schools here in the United States.

Because I know where everything is now, I will not get lost again. Even though it’s hard to move to a new place and it’s really hard for new comers to adjust to new places; for me, so far so good.

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SPEECH TEAM

By Sheena Mims

It seems that Mock Trial and Speech Team sounds a lot the same. The truth is that Mock Trial is more of a group work activity and every person need to be there for it to happen. Speech Team is more of an individual and partner work and it’s all on you.

Speech Team is an opportunity to improve public speaking skills, self-confidence, and analytical to develop during events. This club will help you during the classroom if you are afraid of presenting in front of class.

It is possible to learn as many as seven different kinds of speeches if you join the Speech Club. The Lincoln-Douglas Debate is a value debate. Public Forum Debate is a partner crossfire style debate. The original Oratory contains motivational and persuasive speaking – good for wonderful writers. Extemporaneous Speaking are about current events. Student Congress means that you pass mock bills and resolutions through a mock congress. Interpretation of Drama, Humor, or Poetry is a theater like performance, while the Duo Interpretation is a theatre like performance with a partner. Mrs. Harris and Ms. Bicknase help the student to develop cases, papers, and practice performances.

To become a Speech Team member you must be passing all your classes. Also, be able to come on the weekends and come after school as needed. Speech Team is very competitive with the added bonus of you being in the spotlights.

Speech Team can increase your self-esteem, enhance leadership skills, and look fabulous on your college resume. Studies conclude that being a part of the speech and debate program looks great on your college application than any other extra-curricular activity. Other then ribbons and trophies, you can get a letter by doing this event.

If you want more information, contact Mrs. Harris in room 2210 and Ms. Bicknase in room 1304.

Dates	Speech Team Schedule 09-10
10-3	Gateway Novice
10-17	Overland Novice
11-7	Douglas County invite @ Castle view
12-5	Overland Candlelight invite
1-23	Overland Varsity
1-29 & 30	NFL Qualifying Tournament: Student
2-26 & 27	State Qualifying Tournament @ Overland
3-19 & 20	State Tournament

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The Talon

By: David Martinez

The Hinkley Talon provides students with news of events and activities that take place at Hinkley. The Talon holds several meetings after school to support and help with the improvement of our school newspaper.

Journalism teacher Mr. McDermott wishes to produce a better newspaper. The Talon newspaper club wants all students to be able to participate in publication of the Hinkley newspaper. Another important aspect of the Hinkley talon meetings is to organize fundraisers to help the Talon.

Keep an ear open during daily announcements for more information on what day the meetings occur in room 2218.

Mr. Teagarden Interview

By Jason Silva

This is Mr. Teagarden’s first year working here at Hinkley. He is part of the security staff. When not on patrol he is at the West Commons doing what he does best, sitting.

Q: What did you do before you came to Hinkley?

A: I was a bartender in California

Q: Why did you come here?

A: Well, I moved out here and wanted to try something new.

Q: How has the first semester been for you?

A: It’s been busy, fun, and I am learning new things each day.

Q: What advice do you have for the students?

A: Well it might seem generic, but Do your best. It is the start of your future.

Q: How is each day here at Hinkley like for you?

A: It’s a challenge, but it keeps me on my toes

It was nice getting to know a little bit about you.

Thank you, Mr. Teagarden.

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The Legend Is Gone

By Shanequa Ashley

When you think of Michael Jackson you can say that he was the king of pop, a legend that was well known, he was a very talented person. The legend’s life began August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was born into a working class family; the son of Joseph and Katherine. Michael’s father Joseph had been a guitarist and working as a crane operator while Katherine stayed home and took care of Michael and his siblings Robbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Latoya, Marlon, Randy and Janet.

Believing in his sons, Joseph Jackson started a group called the Jackson 5. Michael became at the age of five the lead singer of the Jackson 5. Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon were also in the band. The Jackson 5 was the opening act for Gladys Knight and did Show Time at the Apollo, before the founder of Motown, Mr. Berry Gordon, signed the Jackson 5 to Motown in 1968.

The Jackson 5 had a lot of chart-topping singles like “ABC” and “Ill Be there.” In 1978 at the age thirteen, Michael launched a solo career. He released the song “Ben” for the movie of the same title. In 1978 Michael, who was still working with his brothers, went solo for good and released his album “Off The Wall” with the two hit singles “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough” and “Rock with You.”

His legend increased with the release of his next solo album “Thriller” in 1982. “Thriller” generated seven top ten hits. On tour Michael shocked the world with his signature dance The Moon Walk. Michael then proceeded to break new ground in music videos when he launched the “Thriller” video. The video was nominated for twelve Grammy awards and won eight.

In 1987 Jackson released his second chart topper “Bad.” The songs “Bad” “Man in the Mirror” were the most popular songs off this album. In 1991 “Dangerous” was released, featuring the hit single “Black or White.”

From 2000-2008 Michael took a break from recording and touring. This year Michael Jackson was preparing for 50 performances in England. The world lost the opportunity to know how great those performances would have been on June 25, 2009. Michael Jackson was 50 years old.

Michael was survived by his three children; his first son Prince Michael Joseph Jackson, his daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and his youngest son Blanket.

The legend of Michael Jackson will inspire musicians and performers for many generations. We will miss you Michael.

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New Principal at Hinkley Speaks

BY Thanh Nguyen

Ms. Haberer has been an educator for 20 years. She was a Dean of Students one year at Eaglecrest High School, assistant principal at Aurora Central High School for two years, principal at Aurora Hills Middle School for three years and now she, “has the privilege of being the principal at Hinkley High School.” “I really enjoyed being a principal at Aurora Hills Middle School because the students are awesome, and the staffs at AHMS are talented and committed to supporting students to be successful.” Ms. Haberer decided to move to Hinkley High school when there was an opening because she wanted the opportunity to make a positive difference with older students who are working hard to prepare for their future and to be “college ready.” “I knew that Hinkley had an amazing staff, and it has truly been an honor to be the principal here and to serve the students and parents in our community.”

What influenced Ms.Haberer to become an educator is both of her parents were teachers. Her dad was a high school English teacher and her mother was a kindergarten teacher. The passion that they had for helping their students succeed inspired her to later pursue becoming an educator. Ms. Haberer thinks that it is important to build on the strengths that are present here at Hinkley. These strength include:

The IB and MYP program
The Aurora Lights Program
The Small Learning Communities
Strong academic instruction by teachers
A caring and committed staff
A wonderful diverse student body

The most important changes that she would like to bring to Hinkley is to continue to align all of the programs and to show the staff and students that every strength of Hinkley’s reinforces other strengths of Hinkley’s. “We are already well on our way to becoming a World Class School”. The staff collaboratively works together, and the staff and students define in the classroom and hallways of Hinkley what a World Class School is.

Characteristics of a world class school would be a culture where:

All students are “college ready” can be defined as students demonstrating proficiency in the core academic areas of science, math, social studies and science. “College ready” also means demonstrating proficiency in the 21^st Century skills sets by students applying their knowledge through critical thinking skills and technology and being able to work collaboratively with others as a team.
All staff and students demonstrate and establish a culture at Hinkley High School that is characterized by the qualities of effective communication, collaboration, commitment, perseverance, compassion, respect, and integrity.

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THE SKULLCROWS

By Amber Manzanares

Loud, heavy, and hard is the best way to describe The SkullCrows experience. This five piece band comes from in and around the area of Columbine in Denver, Colorado. They came together three years ago when Lead Guitarist Vasilios Bouras was asked to do a show. He was playing with many groups at the time. However, he scrapped them all and started over with new members. Dillon Walls was a bassist that had been working with Vasilios on his music projects, but never in a band. He was recruited for the concert along with Dante Nicolai. Dante an old acquaintance of Vasilios had been working with bands in Boston. By chance of fate they met again on his visit to Colorado and convinced to stay and sing for at least one show. And then with their knowledge of the local band scene they scouted out bands that were breaking up, auditioned them and found their last two members with just enough time to have a few practices before the show. Gathering friends and acquaintances with musical talents along with remnants of broken up bands the SkullCrows were formed. The band was only formed for one show but after seeing the crowd’s reaction they are still together to this day.

Coming up through Colorado’s hardcore underground scene they etched out a name for themselves as a rowdy stage show well worth the ticket price. As their sound and talents evolved they found themselves playing on the ticket with more metal based bands at larger venues. In the short time they have been together they have accomplished more than most bands do in a lifetime. They have released a demo and an E.P. Recently they toured the west coast playing in Salt Lake at the Legendary Diver's City (from which the movie SLC Punk was based) , Boise Idaho, Seattle Washington, The San Francisco Bay Area, and The Whiskey Agogo with Creature Feature and The Key club with the Bulletboys, Enuff Z Enuff, and many more. The tour had additional shows booked, but their van caught fire in Hollywood and after repairs they were forced to return to Colorado so they wouldn’t miss their show with Former Misfits Doyle and Dr. Chud in their new project "Gorgeous Frankenstein".

Since they’ve been back from the road they have continued to promote their E.P. “No Mood For Love.” They performed at a FUSE TV festival, Dante accompanied The Misfits in singing a song on stage with them at their last Colorado show, they have appeared in the European magazine Bizzare, and are in Sony’s library for soundtracks for videogames. They are currently working on their debut album scheduled to be released this year, making music videos for the songs “Longshot” and “No Mood For Love,” and they are working diligently to organize their European Tour.

In between all the chaos of promoting and getting a strong foothold in the music industry, The SkullCrows continue to regale audiences thanks to their old-school, American Underground sound. Their musical repertoire draws on the sounds of The Misfits, The Dead Kennedys, Fugazi and Sonic Youth with shades of Guns n’ Roses, Jim Morrison and Billy Idol. “We don't really have a specific message,” says Dante, “we don't play songs to fall in love with or to save the world with. Our goal is to entertain our fans and to give them one of the best shows they’ve ever seen.

After hearing these guys play and getting to know them personally I truly believe this band will go far.

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Page last updated on December 14, 2009