April 2022 News Shorts

Lake Middle School Student Mural Defaced

A rainbow mural at Lake Middle School was defaced in late March. The mural, which proclaimed “Trans Lives Matter,” was a collaboration between the school’s Gay Straight Alliance, the Latinos in Action class and Lake’s Black Student Council, according to a district spokesperson. Students worked on the project after normal school hours. Principal McDonald shared that families, neighbors, and some local organizations have already contacted her about repainting the mural.

The mural was defaced by someone spray painting “KEEP THIS CRAP OUT OF SCHOOL” and multiple “WTF” messages.

Denver Public Schools sent The Denver North Star the following statement:

Denver Public Schools is proud to be a safe and welcoming school district, and we firmly denounce this type of hateful behavior. We embrace our diverse students, families and communities, and are dedicated to ensuring that our schools are places where every child feels safe, feels welcomed and feels that they can be successful. Equity is everybody’s responsibility. We encourage people who have questions about our efforts to connect with us, ask questions and engage in dialogue with us as we continue to create conditions where all people know that they belong, are included, and are valued.

The Denver Police Department is investigating.

Note: The Denver North Star chose to print a photo of the non defaced mural, courtesy of DPS, and the positive work of students rather than images including the spray painted messages.

At North High School, The Show(s) Must Go On

It felt oddly “normal” on a cold winter night at Nurture, as hundreds of parents and students packed the building for the return of the Jazz Cabaret after a two-year hiatus. The musical program brought together current parents and old-timers who wanted to support the students and faculty. Ally Olson, John Jonas, and Grant Stringham whipped up a beautiful affair with cocktails, food, jazz, and a hilarious teacher auction. All in all, the fundraiser earned the program close to $9,000. 

North’s Black Masque Theatre followed up the “fun-raising” with a Decades Dance and Dress Up Party on April 9 at the Elks Lodge. The event was drama teacher Megen Gilman’s red carpet pre-show for the much-anticipated return to the live stage with Mamma Mia on April 28, 29, and 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/63427 and are sure to sell out, so don’t miss the encore of a live musical performance again!

As if all this jazz isn’t enough, the Senior Showcase will be held at the Little Man Ice Cream Factory on May 9 at 7 p.m. It’s a finale of sorts, featuring the music of graduating seniors who are set to embark on the next phase of their adult life. It’s a perfect opportunity for all of the friends and families in their lives to soak in the last days of their senior glory. 

We have much to applaud as our teachers and students continue to excel in the arts and prove that the show must go on. Bravo!

Sunnyside Winery Has Four Wines Recognized

Bonacquisti Wine has been a local favorite since 2006, but they may be getting more attention after their recent recognition by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Four of their wines were rated 86 points or more, including the 2019 Rosso di Colorado at 90. While one of the four is sold out, the other three are available for tastings or purchase—at least until more people discover them and buy up the rest of the stock.

Bonacquisti Wine is located at 4640 Pecos St, Unit I in the Sunnyside neighborhood.

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