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Amanda Castillo-Lopez

Amanda Castillo-Lopez, News Editor

Hi! My name is Amanda, I’m a junior and the News Editor for the USJ. Besides writing for the USJ, I enjoy creative writing, playing guitar, and making brownies out of brownie mix. I am passionate about covering stories in our community and learning about others’ experiences through journalism, and I’m excited to continue with that this year!

All content by Amanda Castillo-Lopez
Creeks German students pose for a picture in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany while on a trip to Germany in 2019 to stay with host families. “I absolutely loved my host family,” 2022 Creek graduate Sara Manos said. “I dont think I could have gotten a better host family.”

Ten Days in Germany: Creek German Students Prepare for Stay with Host Families

February 3, 2023
Eaglecrest High School students organized a sit-in protest on Nov. 8, hoping to communicate their displeasure with how administration was handling mental health at the school.

Eaglecrest High School Students Respond to How School Addressed Student Deaths

November 19, 2022
The Class of 2021 gathers at Stutler Bowl during last year’s graduation ceremony. In light of Biden’s debt forgiveness program, this year, some upperclassmen wonder if they will receive similar debt relief in the future. “My decision of going to college lies [in] how much money I have,” Junior Ikram Chichou said. “[There is] a higher opportunity that I will go to college if the student loan forgiveness continues. If not, then my life after high school has no plan.”

How Biden’s Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Program Will Impact Creek Students

October 4, 2022
With an undefeated record, Head Coach David Knoeckel was disappointed with the loss. Its okay. I mean, its the fourth game that we played, and the second weekend so we still want to learn how to do better. were gonna get better. We [the team] are fine.

Flag Football Faces 18-7 Loss in Homecoming Game: See Moments Here

September 24, 2022
Students use one of the classroom spaces in IC Innovation space during 8th period on Thursday.

IC Innovation Space Opens After Three Months of Construction

August 26, 2022
Three Creek students National Awards for the Scholastic Art Awards

CCHS Students Win Colorado and National Awards for the Scholastic Art Awards

May 18, 2022
With power week’s fundraising going to bags of fun, it is only suitable for a bags of fun stuffing competition. A student from every grade is selected to stuff a bag filled with games and toys as a friendly and fun competition to physically “show” how these bags are made and why the money the school raised is important with its use. In the photo above, senior Dalton Berkey is seen stuffing a board game into a backpack. The race ended with Dalton Berkey winning and ending power week on a fun note.

See Moments from Creek’s Historic Pep Assembly During Power Week

April 5, 2022
Senior Mason Levy wins two first place titles in the state DECA competition which took place on Feb. 27 - Mar. 1. This year I really wanted to take first, and then I did it twice,” Levy said.

CCHS DECA Students Take State Titles

March 22, 2022
IC Lounge to Undergo Major Renovations

IC Lounge to Undergo Major Renovations

March 2, 2022
Many teachers are supportive of the curriculum change. “I really feel like I have to love the books that I read. Im in this because Im passionate about literature,” Morris said, “Im passionate about students’ learning and I want students to also like literature and not be turned off by the time theyre done with my class.

[Photo] English Department Relaxes Guidelines Around Required Books

February 25, 2022
As of Feb. 7, students are no longer required to wear masks. The mandate lift was welcomed by some while others were more apprehensive.

Students’ Reaction to Mask Mandate Lift

February 9, 2022
Dr. Keogh, the Activities Director, wearing Colorado gear to raise awareness for the fundraiser and the cause.

Creek Raises Over $11,000 for Victims of the Boulder Wildfires

January 12, 2022
Regis Jesuit High Schools principal and president said they fired the advisors to their student magazine program and retracted the winter issue in its entirety over a pro-choice op-ed. The op-ed, pictured above, mostly argued for the safety of anti-abortion laws and the human rights involved.

Regis Jesuit High School Fires Journalism Advisors, Removes Winter Issue of Student Magazine Over Pro-Choice Op-Ed

January 11, 2022
Political strife highlighted 2021 for the U.S. After the MLB All-Star game was moved from Atlanta, Georgia, in protest of Georgias harsh voting restrictions, to Denver, protesters lined up outside the game July 13 to display their dissent – and to protest the results of the 2020 presidential election, a common theme this year.

2021: The Year in Pictures

December 31, 2021
Road map of events and misbehavior leading up to and resulting from Silva’s email.

Student Behavior: Our Path Towards the Future

December 20, 2021
Disneys Encanto expresses the special tight-knit connection in hispanic families.

Disney’s Encanto Speaks to the Complexities of Hispanic Families

December 7, 2021
The ILC adaptive theater class is rehearsing for their play, Peter Pan. In adaptive theater, students with disabilities and students from the general Creek population pair up to build a strong bond with one another. COVID-19 made this program and others more difficult for ILC students.

For Creek’s ILC Students & Staff, COVID-19 Meant “Overcoming Hurdles On A Daily Basis”

November 11, 2021
Kelly Bates and Kristin Allan. Photos courtesy of the candidates.

Kristin Allan And Kelly Bates Win CCSD School Board Election

November 3, 2021
Politics have seeped into the school board election this year, potentially creating an irreparable divide.

The Divisions Between Us

October 29, 2021
Many dont know how the school board elections are conducted. Heres a quick explanation of how.

Meet the 2021 CCSD School Board Candidates and Debates

October 14, 2021
Students crowd IC Tunnel after school Friday. CCSDs mask policy, taken directly from Tri-County Health Department, states that masks are required at all times while students are indoors. However, many students take off their masks once they leave classes, often walking maskless through the halls. Some students think the vaccine affords them enough protection that they dont have to wear a mask any more, while others find masks uncomfortable or not worth the trouble. Whatever the reason, enforcing masks has been difficult at Creek.

Back To Masks: Students Express Conflicting Opinions Over Returning Mask Mandate

September 10, 2021
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Amanda Castillo-Lopez