Students in the News

Mullen students help set up Denver Santa Claus Shop

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:39:00 GMT

Mullen students Austin Wood '16, and Adam Schact '15, volunteer their time to help set up for the Denver Santa Clause Shop. The oldest non-profit charity of Denver.

Mullen High School students take first place at World Affairs Challenge

Thu, 24 May 2012 20:53:00 GMT

A team from Mullen High School received the Best Overall for High School Award at the World Affairs Challenge on April 25, 2012. Close to 500 students from throughout Colorado came to the event sponsored by the Center for Teaching International Relations (CTIR) through Denver University. The World Affairs Challenge is an academic program for both high school and middle school students that challenges them to think about their relationship to the rest of the world, while taking place in a fun, day-long tournament.

Students had to focus on a concrete topic using the main theme of Global Leadership: Beyond the Millennium Development Goals. Presentations could be skits, mock news broadcasts, talk shows, or other methods to convey their message. Students could also use music, costumes, props or other creative applications during their presentations.

Mullens Team Theophilus picked the topic of Human Trafficking and created a powerful 12-minute video to demonstrate the issue and what can be done to change the situation. The team consisted of Karl Berg, Rory Brogan, John Collie, Mark Reese, Nathan Schmetter, Meagan VanZandt and Eric Veitch. The video can be viewed on the Mullen YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/themullenhigh/videos.

A second team from Mullen, Team Union, came in third place and consisted of Marc Cordova, Alec Havey, Emily Johnson, Lauren Kearney, Emma Konizeski, Raymond Lin, Kathleen Nguyen, Kristy Nguyen, Kimberly Tran and Nick Zyzda.

At Mullen, the World Affairs Challenge activities are coordinated by Mrs. Tammy Christensen, and it is offered as one of the co-curricular club activities. Mrs. Christensen has been involved in the CTIR for eight years and was recently asked to be on the Board with the expectation to expand this to be a national program. For more information on the World Affairs Challenge, go to www.worldaffairschallenge.org.

To see photos and the full story, http://yourhub.denverpost.com/golden/mullen-high-school-students-take-first-place-at/lSEifJeL7jjhF6I3psUrEN-ugc

Mullen Students Create Labyrinth for Loretto Spirituality Center

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:59:00 GMT

18 Mullen Students selected to show items in 2012 Catholic Schools Art Fair

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:01:00 GMT

The 2012 Catholic Schools Art Fair opens tonight at 6:00 PM, and continues through Sunday, April 29. The Art Department has selected art pieces created by 18 students to enter into the fair. The fair takes place at St. Louis Catholic School, at 3301 S Sherman Street in Englewood. Click here to download information. Students participating include:

1. Madeline Streech (3 paintings)
2. Cassie Payne (1 drawing and shoes)
3. Lyndi Hall (photography)
4. Jacci Willis (painting)
5. Jacob Wiebe (painting)
6. Gabbi Krupp (low relief)
7. Whitney Szeliga (drawing)
8 Anna Slover (painting)
9. Kaitlin Girtin (painting)
10. Blake Gregor (painting)
11. Ryan Lancaster (ceramics)
12. Max Hill (ceramics)
13. Jordan Escobar (ceramics)
14.Elliot Thompson (ceramics)
15. Jake Simon (ceramics)
16.Freeman Payne (ceramics)
17. Nicholas Dierks (ceramics)
18. Mackenzie Snow (photography)

Updates on awards will be posted early next week.

Seniors Speak out about the Dignity of Women

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:57:00 GMT

Mary Streech, Class of 2012, guest blogger in Seventeen magazine

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:56:00 GMT

February 26^th-March 3^rdis National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. This week's guest bloggers are fromProud2Bme, the National Eating Disorders Association's new website for teens. Today's guest blogger is Mary Streech. After battling anorexia and bulimia, she started the Mary Streech Project to research and provide education about eating disorders.

Did you know bullying is linked to 65% of eating disorders? In a Proud2Bme poll, 90% of girls said they have been on the receiving end of snarky comments about their appearance. We are taught at a very young age that it is acceptable to critique the bodies of others. The real danger of "bodysnarking" is not what is said out loud, but how it changes the way we see ourselves.

In middle school I heard a girl comment on how another girl looked "chunky" and that no one should be friends with her because of it. This comment, which wasn't even directed towards me, changed the way I saw myself. The snarking I heard from my friends transformed into my eating disorder "voice", which constantly reminded me of my imperfections and areas for improvement.

When I started school after getting treatment, I heard some comments about my new body, which made it difficult for me to continue in the right direction. I was getting healthy, but my body had not distributed the weight evenly yet. It really wasn't anyone's place to comment on my recovery body, and I wish that I had had the confidence at the time to stand up to them.

Bodysnarking is hurtful to everyone, and we have the power to stamp it out. Please join us as we raise awareness about the negative impact of bodysnarking and take action to make positive change. Your effort may just save someone from developing an eating disorder.

Join the campaign to Stamp Out Bodysnarking!

http://www.seventeen.com/health/peace/eating-disorder-awareness-day-3

Mullen Students enjoy Respect Life Mass with Bishop Conley

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:53:00 GMT

Respect Life Mass with Bishop Conley
Mullen Students for Life attended the Respect Life Mass and Boot Camp with Bishop Conley on Saturday, January 21. Nearly 20 Mullen students began the Mass with a procession of candles. There were 54 candles in all, and each candle represented one million babies who have been aborted in the United States since Roe v. Wade. The day concluded with a "Boot Camp" explaining the process of fetal development

From left to right: Lauren St. John, Erin Riccio, Bishop Conley, Nicole Thatcher, Michael Herbert, Peter Srsich, and Mr. Brian Donelson.

Posted in the Denver Catholic Register, 2-22-2012

Mullen Students Giving from the Heart

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:40:00 GMT

On Tuesday, February 14, the Mullen High School community was giving straight from the heart. Bonfils Blood Center set up a donation center for the Meg Langfur Memorial Blood Drive. Meg Langfur was a well-loved science teacher at Mullen for almost 10 years who died in April of 2009. “This was the perfect time to hold our blood drive and it was even more special giving in honor of Meg and all she gave to our community,” said Beth Wright, Director of Service Learning at Mullen.

Valentine’s Day was the perfect setting for spending time giving blood. There were 65 units of blood collected, of which 47 were first-time donors. Students who are 16 and 17 years old gav
e the bulk of the blood with over 50 units coming in from this group. You must be 18 to give, or as young as 16 years of age with parental or guardian permission. The donation interval after a whole blood donation is every 56 days. This simple procedure can help so many people. It is estimated that three and half million people in Colorado are eligible to donate blood. Your gift of blood is truly the gift that keeps on giving.

While some students were giving blood, the Mullen Boys’ Lacrosse Team was selling Gund Teddy Bears to the students, faculty members and families to raise funds for Children’s Hospital Oncology Unit. By the end of the day, the team raised $2080 of which 100% will be given to the Oncology Department. Along with the money for the Teddy Bears, the Lacrosse team spent a Saturday in January in the Oncology Department volunteering time, playing games and just hanging out with patients.

Mullen High School is a private Catholic, Lasallian school located in southwest Denver.

The following link is from the South Metro edition:
http://yourhub.denverpost.com/southmetro/mullen-high-school-giving-from-heart/NTCxLJKS9rCUCpq1EwNJ8K-ugc

Mullen High School hosts 200 for father-son event

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:27:00 GMT

The tape measure stretched 80 feet around the crowded room of fathers and sons at Mullen High School on Sunday morning, January 22. Young men held the strip at key positions along the piece with special emphasis on seven inches of the tape measure near the beginning. In a normal lifespan — ; approximately 80 years, this seven inches represents time in high school. It’s not a lot; however, it’s during this time that you are impacted by much. “What should I do after school?” “Where should I go to college?” “Why won’t anyone hire me?” “What am I going to do with the rest of my life?”

Over 200 people attended the Father-Son Mass and Brunch geared primarily to the male audience. The morning started with a Mass celebrating the special relationship of fathers, sons, brothers, grandfathers, and men in general. After the Mass, Eric Chester, international speaker and President of Generation Why spoke to the audience about “Finding your “A” game for work and life.” He has addressed over two million teens and appears on ABC’s 20/20, MSNBC and CNN throughout the word on this and related topics.

During the presentation, Mr. Chester gave numerous examples of how your attitude and the decisions you make now have lifelong impacts. He asked the young men in the room to carefully consider what they want to do after high school, “80% of Americans don’t like what they are doing. They have a job, not a career. They don’t like where they have ended up,” said Chester.

He emphasized that students do not get their dream jobs right out of school. You have to bring your “A” game every day. This will enable you to live your passion and get to your dream job. Chester went on then to explain the “A” game. It’s about Attitude: Stay enthusiastic, positive people are in short supply and high demand. Attendance: Be on time every time. Your reputation is at stake. Appearance: Look like a pro. Dress the part you were hired to play. Ambition: Learn more, exceed expectations. Be invaluable. Accountability: Do the right thing. Be the kind of person you would trust working for you. Acceptance: Respect authority. Obey the rules. To lead, you must first know how to follow. Appreciation: Go out of your way. Give great service. It always comes back.

Chester wrapped up his comments by telling the attendees to be thankful for what you have, provide great customer service and be of service to others. “Remember, you’ll spend over half your life at this thing called “work.” To make work work for you, throw your “A” game into every detail, every job, every day—start today!

Peter Hoskins attended the presentation with his junior son, Ryan. After Chester finished talking, Hoskins said of the presentation, “Inspiring perspective on the short amount of time and the significant impact Mullen has on our young men.” Another attendee, Nenani Mackintosh stated, “Life is full of challenges, but when you bring your “A” game, these challenges become steps towards a legacy that you want to leave.”

http://yourhub.denverpost.com/southjeffco/finding-your-game-work-and-life/Rev3rROph8XIUoVTY56kJK-page

Coraima Chavez, junior, has won an aviation essay contest and is being recognized by Southwest Airlines and the Tuskegee Airmen.

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:39:50 GMT

Coraima Chavez of Denver has always wanted to be an aviator. When she learned of Jacqueline Withers' Take Flight Program "Cori" jumped at the opportunity to participate in a program which provides insight into the vast worlds of aviation, engineering, math and science.

As part of the Take Flight Program, Cori was introduced to the "Continuing the Legacy in Aviation" Essay Contest sponsored by Southwest Airlines. She willingly accepted the challenge of telling her personal story and how her journey has been inspired by legendary aviators Bessie Coleman and Tuskegee Airmen.

On October 3, 2011 what seemed like a long shot became reality when Cori was named one of three Western Region finalists in the Essay Contest. The reward is an all-expenses- paid trip to Southwest Airlines Headquarters in Dallas, TX for Cori and her Mom. The trip also includes a tour of Southwest facilities and introduction to Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen as well as leaders at Southwest Airlines.

Cori's next dream is to become a member of the Mile High Flight Program where she aspires to solo in a Cessna.

Coraima Chavez will be a special guest at our Chapter membership meeting on Saturday, October 15th, 11:00am-1:00pm, Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum at Lowry. She will be sharing her award- winning essay with chapter members and guests. Her photograph is attached.

Announcement from:
Marsha A. Mallory Bennett
President
TAI Hubert L. "Hooks" Jones Chapter

Aaron Z Rios publishes article for CBS News online.

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:33:00 GMT

The following article by Aaron Z. Rios, a member of the Mullen High School football team, originally appeared in the publication The Mullen Media and is being reposted on CBSDenver.com.

What is perfection? One might say that the Mullen Mustangs were perfect through 34 games before September 9, 2011. The truth is the team was not perfect through those games. They were undefeated. There is a huge difference between the two. Undefeated teams do not lose, but they do make mistakes. A perfect team makes no mistakes. In all honesty, the mystique of any human endeavor is pushing oneself to perfection. That perfection may be unattainable, as with memorizing pi to its last digit (it is a never ending number). That perfection may be attainable based on the judgments of others, as in a gymnastics routine or a dive. Sometimes, perfection is so abstract and unattainable that the only way for a sport to gage success is to compete. Football is one of these sports. Perfection is impossible in football. There are too many variables. In order to manage to obtain the label undefeated is to make less mistakes than the opposition. Mullen was able to accomplish this goal through 34 competitions. Friday night, they failed to accomplish this task. However, this does not go to say that Mullen has lost the ability to minimize mistakes. Competition results are what matter. Rankings and past results do not matter when a competition takes place. If rankings and past results were the only thing that mattered, Mullen would have emerged from Legacy Stadium victorious Friday night. This was not the case. Week 2 of the CHSAA football season is over. However, there are many weeks of football to look forward to. Mullen’s football program was able to recover from a loss in 2008. A loss to Grandview High School at Legacy Stadium. For those who do not remember what happened after that loss, allow the writer to reiterate. After this loss, the Mullen Mustangs managed to make themselves undefeated through 34 competitions. Mullen can recover from losses. The key to recovery is that Mullen be able to use this setback as a motivation and humbling reminder that no team can ever achieve perfection in football. Mullen may not be undefeated anymore, but this does not mean the pursuit of perfection cannot be continued. One thing is sure. As long as the Mullen Mustangs exist, we will not waver in our pursuit of perfection. WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN. WE ARE ONE FAMILY. WE ARE MULLEN!!!

Allison Telgenhoff, freshmen, to appear in finals of "America's Got Talent"

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:10:00 GMT

One of our new freshman has been appearing on the network television show “America’s Got Talent”. Her dance group appears for the final time on August 30^th. This is Allison's last performance on America's Got Talent. Her dance troupe, including her younger sister, will perform next Tuesday, August 30th, on national television. Allison will be one of the "lead" dancers.

Mustang Michael Herbet is heading to D.C. for Boys Nation.

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:36:00 GMT

Emily Alexander gives back by volunteering at Littleton Adventist Hospital

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 03:39:00 GMT

LITTLETON - About 300 people who work at Littleton Adventist Hospital don't expect to make a dollar for it.

About 65 of them are high school students, and some of the young volunteers are spending their summers giving back to the place where their lives started

Fifteen-year-old Emily Alexander is working in the NICU. She says there is no other place she'd rather spend the summer before her sophomore year.

"The babies are so tiny and so cute. I'm so glad to be helping out," she said.

Four floors up, freshman Cameryn Hoerdemann is helping in oncology. She learned about the volunteer program from her sister, Ryan, who is helping in the physical therapy department.

"It feels good just to be able to help out," Ryan said.

All three students are spending their summers volunteering at the hospital where they were born.

"The young volunteers offer such a sense of welcome to the hospital. That is very nice if you are sick and you have interaction with a young bubbly person, it really makes your day," Deb Samuels, the volunteer coordinator at Littleton Adventist Hospital, said.

The volunteers range in age from 14 to 100 years old.

The volunteer program is helping shape what the next 15 years may hold for these three young women.

"It's pretty amazing to come here and think that my life started here. Not many people can say they work in the place they were born," Emily said.

Many of the same doctors and nurses that were around in 1996 are still there today.

"When I am older, I want to work in the NICU. This experience has taught me a lot more about it," Emily said.

"My time helping in physical therapy is helping me see what the actual job is like and I have a lot of respect for the people who do it," Ryan said.

They all agree it feels good to make a difference.

Cameryn says the experience of working with cancer patients everyday gives her perspective.

"Just giving back to the people who help people every day, it's a really good feeling," she said.

You can learn more about volunteering opportunities at http://www.mylittletonhospital.org/volunteer.

http://www.9news.com/news/local/article/208477/222/3-teens-give-back-to-hospital-where-they-were-born-

Three sophomore girls visit Washington, D.C. for a Colorado Preserve America Youth Summit

Mon, 09 May 2011 21:05:00 GMT

Katherine Lichtenfels shakes hands with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on a recent trip to Washington, D.C., May 3-5. Mrs. Barb Figg, along with Kathryn Ferentchak and Lauren Kearney, attended the Summit to discuss issues regarding Colorado.

Students with Congressman Mike Coffman,

Fourteen students from Colorado were chosen to fly to Washington, D.C., May 3-5 to attend the Colorado Preserve Youth Summit in Washington, D.C. Three of our sophomore girls were chosen to go and Ms. Barb Figg accompanied them on this endeavor. Lauren Kearney, Katherine Lichtenfels, and Kathryn Ferenchtak represented J.K. Mullen and the state of Colorado as youth got the chance to lobby for the natural resources, parks, national monuments, and historical sites in our state. They were chosen along with eleven other students from the state to represent Colorado at congressional hearings with policy makers concerning preservation efforts for our state. They worked with Colorado’s Senators and Representatives concerning Colorado Preservation and Historical monuments. They met with the Department of Interior and Natural Resources along with other committees looking at cutting federal money for our state. The three girls were present at the February Youth Summit for two days in downtown Denver and spoke to Colorado Legislators and preservation personnel on their views and concerns with economic and historical preservation. This was an amazing experience for these three girls. Click on the link for a short video from Channel 9 during the students' departure to Washington, D.C.

Students get appointments to military academics

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:50:41 GMT

Students get appointments to military academies

By John Gleason

Drew Dyerat

Keil Silva

Corrina Williamson

Kyle O'Brien

Rachel Anderson

Dana Sanelli

Alex Miller

For high school seniors, being appointed to a military academy is a rigorous and lengthy process. Each year thousands of students apply for admission but only a few are accepted.

So far this spring, seven Catholic high school students of the Denver Archdiocese have won the honor.

Drew Dyerat, from Regis Jesuit High School-Boys Division was accepted at the U.S. Air Force Academy. J.K. Mullen High School has three students who received appointments: Keil Silva got an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Corrina Williamson and Kyle O’Brien were accepted to the Air Force Academy.

Holy Family High School in Broomfield can boast two students who got appointments: Rachel Anderson, who was accepted at the U.S. West Point Academy, the Air Force Academy and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, will attend West Point. Anderson’s classmate Dana Sanelli will attend the Air Force Academy.

Sanelli said that frequent trips to the academy were part of the reason for her choice.

“My family used to go down for the football games and being on the campus was a big part of my decision,” she said. “I just had a desire to go there and be one of the cadets.”

Sanelli described the application process.

“You give information—grade point average and other scholastic test scores to start—which they examine to see if you are competitive to be considered for an appointment,” she said. “You also have essays to write dealing on why you want to attend and then there’s the oral interview. That can be nerve wracking because you never know how to prepare for that.”

In order to receive an appointment, students must be nominated. Sanelli was appointed by Congressman Ed Perlmutter.

“You can apply to your representative and to both senators,” Sanelli said. “Most students will apply to all—it betters their chances.”

Sanelli, who wants to study chemical engineering, credits her Catholic education with her successful appointment.

“The disciplined environment of a Catholic education made me want to desire the discipline and structure of the service academy and the desire to succeed,” she said.

One academy that doesn’t receive as much attention as the others is the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y., one of the world’s foremost institutions in the field of maritime education. Alex Miller, from Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver, received his appointment last month and will be shipping out for school in July. He said he is looking forward to school, even though his first glimpse of the ocean was just a month ago.

“After talking with the people from the Merchant Marine Academy, I knew that’s where I wanted to go,” he said.

The Merchant Marines refers to the fleet of American civilian-owned merchant ships that engage in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of U.S. waters. Miller, who received his appointment from Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette, said attending this academy will present him with a variety of opportunities.

“At graduation, I’ll be licensed to park and pilot giant tankers or container ships,” he said. “I’ll also be commissioned an ensign in the Naval Reserve in which I’ll be committed to serve for six years.”

Miller admitted a career at sea may seem odd for someone who’s been land-locked all his life.

“This is a very hands-on approach,” he said, “perhaps more than any other academy. For anyone who wants to see the world, this is the way to go. But you have to be willing to work for it.”

http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/5917

Catholic Schools Art Show - J.K. Mullen takes "Best of Show" and receives "Outstanding High School Art Department" award

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 14:48:00 GMT

By Julie Filby

More than 500 Catholic school students, from age 5 to 18, displayed their works of skill and imagination at the Archdiocese of Denver Catholic Schools annual art fair April 15-17 at Bishop Machebeuf High School.

“Art is such an important part of educating the whole student,” said Machabeuf art teacher Nicole Lee, event chair. “Not only does it allow students to express themselves in new ways and experience new things, it also builds problem-solving skills and encourages creative thinking.”

Pieces on display included paintings, drawings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, collages, baskets, paper machè, leather work, textiles, jewelry, ceramics and computer-generated art.

Three students were honored at Friday night’s opening for Best of Show: Marissa Sanchez of Notre Dame School (kindergarten-fifth grade); Ana Karen Santos of Annunciation School (sixth-eighth grade); and Catherine Arend of J.K Mullen High School (ninth-12th grade).

Arend was also awarded a $250 scholarship from the Colorado Dominican Vocation Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes vocations of the priesthood and the artist, and encourages dialogue about art and spirituality.

The foundation recognized teachers as well. St. Vincent de Paul’s art department, under the direction of Sharon Burke, was selected as Art Department of the Year. Art instructors at St. Mary School in Littleton, Mary Kay Klein and Rhona Fleishman, were honored as Educators of the Year.

One St. Mary student represented at the show, sixth-grader Patrick Heffernan, explained what he’d learned while creating his piece for the fair.

“We learned to blend,” he said, describing the owl he drew with colored pencils and blended using mineral spirits. “To paint animals you really need to draw a lot of texture, especially with an owl because of all the feathers.

“We do a lot of fun things in art,” he added.

The following high-school students won first-place ribbons in respective categories: Maya Stackhouse, J.K. Mullen (painting); Arend (drawing value); Alezandre Todericcca, Holy Family (drawing color); Lisa Williams, J.K. Mullen (photography black and white); Barbara Wittenberg, Holy Family (sculpture); Larissa Hofmann, Holy Family (mixed media); Dante Testalini, Mullen (ceramics functional); Adam Clarke, Bishop Machebeuf (ceramics non-functional); Wesley Aragon, Holy Family (jewelry); and Craig Cowden, J.K. Mullen (computer-generated art).

A committee of art teachers selects judges each year. This year’s judges were illustrator and animator Rich Florence; and Lynn Flieger Countryman, artist, speaker and instructor at Regis University. Countryman serves on the board of advisors for the Colorado Dominican Vocational Foundation.

Golden Paintbrush Awards were presented to three students from each school to recognize well-done artwork in three age groups: kindergarten-second grade, third-fifth grade, and sixth-eighth grade.

“I love art!” said Charlie Gaasch, a second-grader from St. Thomas More School whose interpretation of a piece from 19th century painter Paul Gaugin was on display at the show. “I love that you can use your imagination and your mind, and no one stops you with what you want to do.”

All schools in the archdiocese were invited to participate in the event.

“We have a pretty consistent group of around 25 schools who participate each year, including this year,” Lee said. “The show celebrates art in the Catholic schools—it celebrates the beauty and skill that God has blessed our students with as a community.”

http://www.archden.org/index.cfm/ID/5918

J.K. Mullen Hosts 18th Annual Senior Citizen Prom

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:53:00 GMT

Mancinelli: the ultimate student-athlete

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:23:00 GMT

From inside Mrs. Wakumoto's AP Physics class, a senior exclaimed his joy at tackling the concept of "vectors".

On Dec. 4, 2010, that same student burst with excitement as he became a three-time football state champion.

Michael Mancinelli epitomizes what it means to be a student-athlete, and an exceptional one at that.

He earned All-State and All-Colorado honors during his senior season for his outstanding performance as the Mustangs' starting right guard. He has earned four varsity football letters and was captain of his championship football team.

All while balancing a 4.3 cumulative grade point average.

Michael's excellence both in the classroom and on the field has attracted the attention of the most prestigious universities in the nation.

When it came time to deciding where to play next year, Michael had to choose between Harvard and Yale.

Come August, all 285 pounds of Michael will travel to Boston where he will don a crimson football jersey and study in the esteemed classrooms of Harvard.

Video and article provided by 9news.com

Joe Stanek - Colorado students face off to build best bridges (2/26/2011)

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:51:00 GMT

Colorado students showed off their engineering prowess today during the 2010 Colorado High School Bridge Building Competition at the Bureau of Reclamation's hydraulic and materials laboratories in Lakewood. Kayla Wiggin, a student at Cherry Creek High School, won first place in Region One (the north) while Benjamin Motaei, a student at Cheyenne Mountain High School, took first place in Region Two (the south).

Also in Region One, Joe Stanek of Mullen High School placed second, Alex Gillett of Cherry Creek High School placed third, Aaron Bugh of Cherry Creek High School placed fourth and Joshua Nelson of Lakewood High School came in fifth. In Region Two, Joseph Vigil of Pueblo East High School came in second, Tim Jancik of Cheyenne Mountain High School placed third, Jeff Coombs of Rifle High School came in fourth and Max Vanatta of Cheyenne Mountain High School placed fifth.

Students could only use basswood and glue to make the bridges. The bridges were judged on their structural efficiency ratio, which is the maximum load of the bridge divided by its weight. Wiggin's bridge weighed 29.81 grams and held 39.38 kilograms, 1,321 times its weight. Motaei's weighed 25.54 grams and held 96.09 kilograms, 3,762 times its weight.

The top two in each region will compete in the international competition to be held April 30 at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

Mitchell Byars: 303-954-1698 or mbyars@denverpost.com

Denver Post

J.K. Mullen Speech and Debate Highlights. The Mullen Golden Speech Tournament and the CO District NFL Congress.

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:35:00 GMT

Speech and Debate Highlights

Nick Horvath and Michael Herbert finished 5th place in Public Forum Debate at the Creek/East/GW tournament November 12th and 13th. They also placed 4th in the Public Forum Debate at G. Washington January 7th and 8th. Katie Cawley and Emma Konizeski earned their National Forensic League (NFL - the national honor society for speech and debate) membership in October and November. Daniel Long also earned his second level of achievement, his degree of Honor.

51st Mullen Golden Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament

Mullen played host to over 250 students from 21 schools on January 14th and 15th. Students competed in Policy Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, National and International Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, Interpretation of Literature and Duo Interpretation of Literature. Several Mullen competitors earned superior and excellent honors. Connor Jeffers earned a superior honor in the Lincoln Douglas Debate by winning three of his four debates. Earning excellent honor awards were Chris St. Pierre and Chris Wickwire in Public Forum Debate and Daniel Long in Lincoln Douglas Debate. Marc Sallinger and Mark Reese earned their NFL membership at this tournament, only the second tournament at which they have competed.

Colorado District of NFL Congress

Nick Horvath, Ryan Newton and Chris St. Pierre attended the qualifying congress on January 28th and 29th. This event is not only a chance for students to compete for a chance to attend the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Dallas, TX June 13-20, but to experience the governmental process used in both our State and Federal House of Representatives and Senate. Students follow parliamentary procedure to debate bills and resolutions submitted by attending schools. They hold positins as either representatives or senators. Nick Horvath was elected Outstanding Speaker in his house which means he will choose to represent Mullen and the Colorado District of NFL at the national tournament. Another qualifying tournament will take place April 8th and 9th at Cherokee Trail for all non congress events which include Policy Debate, Lincoln Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, Interpretation of Dramatic or Humorous Literature, National and International Extemporaneous Speaking, Original Oratory, and Duo Interpretation of Literature. Even though Nick has guaranteed himself a place at the national tournament in congress, he will try to qualifying with his Public Forum Debate partner since that is his primary event. If he qualifies in debate, his congress spot will pass to the student finishing in second place in his house of Congress.

Archbishop Chaput Blesses J.K. Mullen Eagle Scouts project

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:07:00 GMT

On Sunday, October 10, 2010, Archbishop Charles Chaput visited Christ the King Catholic Church in Evergreen to bless and dedicate a new outdoor Stations of the Cross. Peter Srsich was on hand for the event because the staining of the crosses and cutting the path was his Eagle Scout project. Peter had the opportunity to meet the Archbishop during the blessing. Ian Joyce was also part of the project helping with the staining of these crosses which are about 12 feet tall. The blessing and dedication of the outdoor Stations of the Cross were done in conjunction with the dedication of a building at Christ the King.

Booville Event Delights the Little Goblins

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:28:00 GMT

Students at J.K. Mullen High School hosted the Third Annual Booville Party for local trick-or-treaters on Friday, October 29. Booville provides the students from Alice Terry Elementary School the opportunity to enjoy a safe and free Halloween.

Over 250 children came to J.K. Mullen High School and were greeted by a mad scientist at the entrance off Lowell Boulevard, just south of Hampden. As the little guests and their families continued to walk down the main pathway to the party, they were greeted by clowns, ghouls and an assortment of costume-clad students. The first stop was the Trick-or-Treat Hall where the children were able to make multiple stops for candy. After the candy stop, the little goblins walked the long path to the main Booville Party. Once inside, the adventures filled every corner with crafts, food and games.

Close to 80 students from Lasallian Youth and Leadership, two service organizations at J.K. Mullen, provided about a dozen activity booths for the children. Spiderman, skunks, princesses and fairies, lions, gnomes and vampires continuously streamed into the party which was open to guests from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Guests were treated to areas for pumpkin decorating, corn hole and bottle toss games, tic tac toe skills, face-painting and cake walks, and of course the obligatory treat of feeling squishy brains, eyeballs and snot. About 15 Student Council representatives provided pizza and lemonade to everyone.

Alice Terry Elementary School is a public school located several blocks from J.K. Mullen in southwest Denver. The event has grown over the last two years. “This year I purchased about 200 mini pumpkins for decorating and we had 40 others donated for this year’s event. After just one hour, all the pumpkins were in the hands of children as they lined up to decorate them.” said Judy McCarty, faculty organizer for J.K. Mullen High School. She said, “All of our students are so excited that so many trick-or-treaters from the area came to their event. It really is great to see how excited they are to make this a safe and fun Halloween for these children.”

Besides the Booville event, students from the high school have been helping at Alice Terry Elementary School as mentors. They go over to the school during certain class times during the week and work with the elementary students in the library by reading to them and helping with homework.

J.K. Mullen High School is a private, co-educational school which provides a Catholic, college-prep curriculum since 1931. Our Lasallian philosophy of educating is dedicated to exemplary teaching, scholastic rigor and outstanding care for all students.

Two J.K. Mullen Singers Selected for Carnegie Hall Choir

Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:53:00 GMT

Two J.K. Mullen student singers were selected by audition to be a part of the National High School Honor Choir performing at Carnegie Hall in February. Congratulations to Erin Riccio and Lily Marston. More information will be posted next week regarding this outstanding accomplishment. Excellence abounds!

Mullen Poms to perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 22:15:00 GMT

DENVER- Goodbye wet, muddy football fields; hello bustling, crowded streets of New York City!
On Nov. 25, the Mullen High School Poms team will enjoy a change of scenery. The girls were the only team from Colorado selected to perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Senior captain Carlee Smith says this rare and exciting experience will give her team an added spark.

"Our program has come a long way and this opportunity boosts us up a lot," she said.
What was the team's reaction to the news that they were going to the Big Apple?

"I screamed," Carlee admits, while seniors Courtney Peters and Kimberly Lynham simultaneously chimed in, "We were so excited. So excited."

But such an "exciting" opportunity comes with certain costs, around $1,600 per girl to be exact. In an effort to ease the cost, the girls have sponsored several carwashes and they work Rockies games in which all the proceeds they earn go directly to their team expenses.

In addition to working hard financially, the girls say they have added extra workouts and spent a lot of time practicing their routine for Thanksgiving Day. Unlike their halftime performances at Brother Bernard Kinneavy de La Salle Stadium in front of hundreds, the girls are preparing to perform in front of millions of Americans across the country.

"It's obviously really nerve-wracking, but we are so excited! We just have to practice the dance so we feel comfortable enough," Carlee said.|

According to Carlee, the girls don't seem to mind the added effort.
"It is totally worth it. We are the only team in Colorado that was invited, so it's an honor and is something we'll remember forever," she said.