![In room 4101, Natalie Patterson ‘26, Ariana Magor ‘25 and Celina Salazar ‘25 create a poster in science teacher Kerry Reilly’s Chemistry Honors April 18. The three completed a worksheet and drawing to explain the implosion of a tank for their unit on gas laws. “At the start of class, we watched a video of the tank imploding,” Patterson said. “I think [making a drawing] is something new. I like more artsy activities.”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5019-1200x900.jpeg)
![The girls varsity soccer team walk back to their bench during halftime April 1. The Jags played against the Castle View Sabercats at the Douglas County Stadium and scored 3-0 W. “It felt really good [to beat Castle View]. I feel like that was a big win for us because knowing that we came together to beat a pretty good team has definitely given us some leverage for this season,” attacking midfielder Grace Rossner ‘24 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_4906-1-1200x1057.jpg)
![English teacher Colleen Lamb grades College Prep English assignments during period two Nov. 10. Lamb, who has been teaching for 27 years, decorates her classroom with posters and handmade college flags from her senior students. Everything I enjoy about English happens primarily in the classroom, Lamb said. So, thankfully, the college [I worked at] had a teaching program, and I was able to do my post-grad work for free while I was working [there].”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1158-1200x900.jpeg)
![At Prairie View High School, the winterguard team poses with their plaque after winning first place at their competition Feb. 24. This was the second time they won first place this year, this time with a score of 74.190 points. “I [love being] a witch, but my favorite [part of the show] is the trios, it’s so cool,” Heather Strickland ‘27 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PRARIE-VIEW-BY-MARGO-SANFORD-e1709531739910-1200x910.jpg)
Just Words
March 29, 2018
Words Hurt
The saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words
will never hurt me” has been drilled into the brains of children for a very long time; however, this statement is not true. Words can actually hurt. Without thinking first, people say things that can hurt a person’s feelings.
The words we use are that which define us. According to research by US News, 74% of Americans use profane and crude language everyday. Through Rock Canyon’s halls nearly every profane word imaginable is heard on the way to one’s next class. Jokingly or in serious context many students are saying these words. Some of these words are taken in an offensive way, if they aren’t intended in this manner. In our generation, these words can actually hurt people.
Words or Weapons?
Words are very powerful weapons in todays world, and the way words are said can affect a person. According to studies by Yale University, bully victims are 2-9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims.
Conditions like Autism and Down Syndrome are just an example of things people will use to make fun of someone. Not only does this hurt the people with the syndromes, but makes it as if they aren’t a serious condition. Many people don’t fully know what they are like.
“Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and non-verbal communication, as well as
by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types, caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences,” excerpt from Autism Speaks website.
“Down Syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease,” excerpt from National Down Syndrome Society.
Many students at Rock Canyon will use these conditions to make fun of others, even if they don’t actually have it. Students will either call each other Autistic or they will do the arm hitting the chest, representing that they are “stupid” or have other conditions. This should be stopped and people should not use uncontrollable conditions as an insult to anyone person.
