The Dane
~ editorial ~
Nov 2023
Braulio valenzuela ‘25 Chief editor Greetings, Fountain Valley! As we bid farewell to the autumn hues of November, we are thrilled to present the latest issue of The Dane, your outlet for all things FVS. The writers and photographers have diligently curated stories that encapsulate the essence of our vibrant community. From academic achievements to artistic goals, athletic triumphs to the heartbeat of student life, this issue stands as a testament to the diverse talents and accomplishments that define Fountain Valley School. The Dane, with its rich history, isn't just a newspaper; it's a chronicle of our shared experiences, a snapshot of our collective journey, and a stage for the voices shaping our unique narrative. The resurgence of The Dane is a celebration of the storytelling tradition and the crucial role of communication within our school. As we unveil this cherished publication, our commitment remains unwavering — to keep you informed, entertained, and connected. Our aim is not merely to report events but to spark meaningful conversations, build connections, and cultivate a sense of community that extends well beyond the classroom. In the spirit of growth and collaboration, we eagerly anticipate the continued relationship between The Dane and our school community. We invite you to share your stories, ideas, and feedback, making The Dane not just our newspaper but a collective endeavor. So, let's embark on this exciting journey together, fueled by curiosity, enthusiasm, and the shared spirit that defines Fountain Valley School. Here's to a splendid conclusion of November, and to the many more issues of The Dane that await us in the future!
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~ sports ~
Nov 2023
Dominant Victory for FVS Varsity Girls Basketball: A Triumph of Teamwork BY: Mei S., Phoebe B., Maddie S.
In an electrifying display of skill and unity, the Fountain Valley School Varsity Girls Basketball team emerged victorious in a spectacular game against Monument Academy last Wednesday. Right from the start, the team showcased their determination with a spirited group huddle, culminating in resounding cheers that set the tone for the game. The game kicked off with Asha Monroe’s strategic ball toss, setting the stage for her impressive rebounding prowess that secured the team's first points of the season. The
dynamic duo of Mery G. and Quin L. demonstrated exceptional teamwork on the defensive end, stifling the opponents' attempts to score, and Annie Wrubel's relentless hustle for every ball exemplified the team's commitment. The first quarter ended with a commanding lead of 12-2 for the Danes, a testament to their tenacious defense and strategic offense. Coach Monroe and Coach Prantl's guidance resonated with the team, leading to a seamless continuation of their dominance in the second quarter, ending with an impressive 18-4 lead. Asha's consistent rebounding and aggressive scoring, combined with Quin's agile moves and strategic passes, propelled the team to an emphatic victory. Isabel Garza’s strong defensive plays and Annabelle Cabaniss’ crucial contribution added depth to
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the
team's success. The final score of 47-5 reflected not only a triumph on the scoreboard, but also a celebration of teamwork, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of the FVS Varsity Girls Basketball team.
Click here to listen to Mery G. ‘24’s complete interview!
Photos by Eva Muciño
~ sports ~
Nov 2023
Dane dominance: an exciting start to the boys basketball season BY: flynn r.
Photos/Videos by Daniel Xu
The Fountain Valley Varsity Boys Basketball season is off to the races! And an exciting group of returning and new players promises to make it a thrilling season. The team opened the season with a dismantling of Monument Academy. Coach Clint Napoleon elected to only play the starting five for the first three minutes, allowing the entire team an opportunity to play. Power forward Leo Lu had 14 rebounds coming off the bench, an impressive performance, especially given it was his first game of organized basketball.
Following this first win, the Danes headed off to a tournament hosted by rival James Irwin academy over the weekend, where they lost both games in two competitive battles. Center Jaden L. Hardy led the team in scoring with 18 points in Friday night's contest against James Irwin, showing his smooth jump shot and strong post moves. High-flying power forward Asa Almgren was unfazed by the team's current losing record, saying, “We have great energy and the box scores are not all that matters. These games have been a learning experience,
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and we’re all looking forward to taking those lessons into league play soon.” Luckily for the team, new senior Charlie Epstein has just recovered from a recent hamstring injury and will be back on the court soon. When asked about his mindset going into the rest of the season, Epstein commented, “Just stay focused. There are lots of distractions around us, but the only thing I can control is my performance and how I influence my teammates. This is my first and last year here, and I feel like I owe it to the school to give it my all.” Positive mindsets like these are what makes the team confident about their upcoming home game against Liberty Tree academy on December 5th. Go Danes!
~ News ~
Nov 2023
Unity day ‘23: a cultural immersion BY: Victoria A.
In a vibrant display of togetherness, Fountain Valley recently had its annual Unity Day, bringing students and staff together to celebrate diversity and foster a sense of community. The event kicked off with a Flag walk and featured various workshops emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating differences. The initiative not only highlighted the diversity within the student body but also fostered a spirit of inclusivity that will continue to resonate throughout the school year.
Following Unity Day, the real feast began as students and faculty gathered for a potluck dinner, turning the cafeteria into a culinary melting pot. From savory dishes representing various ethnic backgrounds to sweet treats that satisfied every palate, the potluck was a feast for both the senses and the spirit of unity. Tables were adorned with dishes and desserts from diverse culinary traditions, reflecting the rich tapestry of the school community.
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The potluck not only satisfied appetites but also sparked conversations and connections among students. As students mingled and sampled dishes from various cultures, Unity Day proved to be a powerful catalyst for promoting a sense of belonging within the school community.
Photos/Videos by Matt Marine
~ entertainment ~
Nov 2023
A musical evening: Recognizing a successful fall concert By: Kai S.
On November 16th, Fountain Valley held our annual Fall Concert, in which there were many songs and musical pieces performed by three of our talented groups: the Jazz Rock Ensemble, the Choir, and the Instrumental Ensemble. The performances lasted about an hour in total and were absolutely incredible. All of the musicians put in a lot of effort and time to play these pieces in front of the whole school in the chapel. We all could tell that many hours of practice and work went into these performances, and they did an amazing job. For this article, I asked freshmen Mauricio Valenzuela, who not only played for the Jazz Rock Ensemble but also the Instrumental Ensemble and Choir, some questions. When I asked Mauricio how many hours of preparation and practice they had before
the concert, he said that they had practiced roughly 20 hours in total, which calls for a lot of dedication and work. He then shared how he personally felt about the event, stating that he thought it went well and that people were excited to see different bands and ensembles rather than many similar bands. I fully agree with his statement; everyone seemed to not only enjoy each ensemble more with a variety of genres being performed, but also, it left people in anticipation, wondering what the next song could sound like.
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All of the performers worked hard to bring us that spectacular concert, and they definitely deserve more recognition and praise than they have gotten. If you have a chance over the next couple of weeks, make sure to congratulate any performers you haven't gotten the chance to yet, or even if you have, just to recognize the hard work they put in for the months prior to the concert. We now eagerly await for what our Winter Concert has in store for us!
Photos/Videos by Matt Marine
~ opinion ~
Nov 2023
Beyond black friday; embracing the true spirit of the season By: Trayee R.
November, a month that can only be categorized by its festive colors, brutally cold weather, and the often underrated Black Friday sales has bid its final farewell. The days of pumpkin spice lattes and light sweaters have been replaced by peppermint mochas and ski jackets. While the month of eternal giving and gratefulness is over, the spirit of generosity lingers in our hearts, prompting us to continue spreading kindness and gratitude throughout the year. People often think I’m joking when I say Black Friday is my favorite day of the year. But to me, nothing is more amusing than the hours spent driving to shops and waiting in lines as the number in my checking account goes from triple, to double, and finally to single digits: $643.25, $72.12, $4.17
(At this time, the number reflected on the Chase mobile app is typically accompanied by a shocked facial expression and a text from my mom that reads: “Just because you have a job doesn’t mean you have to spend all your money. Pick up milk and bananas on the way home :) Love, Amma” ) This year, I faced the dilemma of not having a car over break. How was I supposed to continue my annual tradition of Black Friday delusion if I didn’t have a car? Determined not to let the lack of transportation dampen my spirits, I decided to embrace a new perspective on the season. Instead of fixating on the materialistic frenzy of Black Friday, I chose to focus on the genuine essence of gratitude. I spent the day cooking with my dad and brother, spending quality
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time with my dog, and listening to Mariah Carey gush about how I am her fulfilling Christmas wish. Truthfully, not having a car became a blessing in disguise. It forced me to reevaluate my priorities and recognize that the true essence of the holiday season lies in the connections we make and the positive impact we have on others. As I continue to embrace this newfound understanding, I hope you will all take a moment to disconnect from the hysteria of life and hit pause for just a second. Take a look at all the beautiful people around you. Sit in silence and watch the sunset. Perhaps even try to guess when it will snow next. Whatever resonates with you, my sincere hope is that you discover genuine joy amid your surroundings, as the enchanting spirit of the holiday season unfolds before us.
~ art ~
Nov 2023
Cultivating creativity: crafting art from colorado’s flora By: annie w. My favorite pieces of artwork tend to be the pieces that focus on the beauty of our natural world. These pieces often facilitate a relationship and appreciation for the sophistication and elegance of the world. As always, the Art Barn houses incredible works of art created by FVS’ creative and talented students. One art class was tasked with the challenge of choosing a plant common in or native to Colorado and turning that plant into paper. Examples of the plants used include Typha angustifolia (narrowleaf cattail), Chloris virgata (feather finger grass), Poa Pratensis (Kentucky bluegrass), and more. The general process of making paper from plants – as described by most of these students – is difficult. It requires grit, consistency, and, sometimes, failure. Students would find a plant that they either connected with or enjoyed looking at.
Left: Art piece by Alice H. Right: Art pieces by Dolphin J. (top) & Diego R. (bottom) Photos by Annie W.
They would boil it until they were ready for the blender (dun dun dun). After that, they broke their plants down into – as Alice Huang wisely put it – “milkshake status.” Using the milkshake previously created, the students put the pulp into a box of water and began to make the paper.
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Some students found that adding cattail pulp, okra juice, cornstarch, and dryer lint thickened the pulp and resulted in a stronger and denser paper. Each student had a different experience with the paper, and whether they enjoyed the process or not, produced beautiful works of art. I can’t wait to see what the art students of FVS have for us next time!
~ photography ~
Nov 2023
A snapshot of beijing By: Daniel X.
In my most recent series, I aimed to capture the contrast between the rich and the working class. Amidst the grand shopping malls and upscale stores, I wanted to highlight the individuals engaged in essential yet often overlooked
roles. This collection of photos serves as a tribute to those who contribute to the fundamental roles of society, offering a visual narrative that demonstrates the disparities between different societal classes.
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Photos by Daniel Xu
~ Issue credits ~
Nov 2023
Editor: Braulio v. ‘25 Faculty sponsor: Michayla kelley Writers: Sports: Mei S. ‘25, Phoebe B. ‘25, Maddie s. ‘25, Flynn R. ‘24 News: Victoria A. ‘25 Entertainment: Kai S. ‘25 Opinion: Trayee R. ‘24 Art: Annie W. ‘24 Photography: daniel X. ‘25 Photographers: Matt Marine, daniel x. ‘25, Eva M. ‘25, Annie W. ‘24