The intercom crackles on as students make their way to their first period desks. Backpacks unzip and computers open as two familiar voices announce clubs, sporting events, and read the pledge of allegiance.
For the past two years, that’s where seniors Dex Rhody and Charlie Stern found a place in Creek culture.
As juniors, they kicked off each Monday and Wednesday with Stern’s iconic line: “The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the skies are blue.” As seniors, they’re featured weekly during the Thursday sports announcements.
“It’s just a really incredible opportunity to be able to speak to everyone in the morning and get everyone’s days going,” Stern said. “It’s built both of our leadership skills up…[and made us] more confident to talk to groups of people.”
Rhody was nervous about having a catchphrase, but Stern took the leap and it caught on.
“Charlie, the first day we walked in, he was like, ‘I want to do something new, I want people to recognize us,’” Rhody said. “I was like, ‘I’ll stand off.’ You can do this so if it flops, I don’t have anything on me, but it was well received.”
Many students appreciate their energy and positivity that early in the morning.
“I have enjoyed having them as announcers, the classic intro and enthusiasm is always nice to hear,” junior Jaiden Hwang said. “It brings a smile to my face.”
For Rhody, the positions he’s held in student government, currently as Vice President, have been defining for his life at Creek.
“Just being able to be that guy is so cool,” he said, “being able to put yourself out there as a part of Cherry Creek High School is incredible.”
Especially during events like Power Week and Spirit Week, where Senate takes the stage to build school spirit, both have noticed a greater connection to Creek.
“To be able to get the opportunity to emcee at a pep assembly, or be in Mr. Creek it’s really cool,” Rhody said.
Stern, who currently serves as Activities Coordinator, agreed. “It’s been the main contributor to everything that I’ve done throughout high school,” he said. “It’s given me these opportunities to take on leadership roles and just do things I didn’t think I would be able to do.”
Through Stern’s four years of Senate, Assistant Principal Dr. Krista Keogh, and Activities Director Kelly Devitt-Prevost have had a huge impact on his development.
“They expect a lot from us, but that’s what’s made us into more confident people and better leaders,” Stern said. The people in Senate motivate you to just be better.”
Devitt-Prevost is going to miss the pair and the work they’ve done at Creek.
“They have worked hard to develop amazing events for their peers, encourage and solicit participation, as well as foster school spirit. They care deeply about Creek and its success,” she said. “They are incredibly smart, kind, and hard-working kids that have bright futures ahead.”
Now the pair faces the next challenge – or opportunity, the way they look at it. Stern is shipping off to the University of Michigan and Rhody is going north to CU Boulder.
“It might be a little harder to make an impact [at a larger school]” Stern said. “So I’m gonna try to get leadership roles and see where it takes me.”
Rhody is also excited to get involved in a bigger school environment.
“I definitely want to stay in the political sphere,” Rhody said. “To be able to go to a community that’s 10 times the size of Creek, and make an impact there would mean a lot.”
