Mitchell High School--known for being the smallest high school in the district and currently holding the reputation for the high school in the “ghetto” area--may finally be in the spotlight. Of course, that’s what I—and five out of six Mitchell students—believe.

Mitchell has a beautiful campus and some very talented people that reside inside our doors. These characteristics have continued to be ignored by the press, and by a hefty portion of Colorado’s residents. Now it seems that our days of living in the criticism of other schools are lightening up. Perhaps it has to do with the devastating events that have taken place in the past at places like Wasson and Doherty. Though we mourn those lives troubled by shootings, suicides, drugs, and fights, Mitchell has surprisingly improved its reputation since then. During those incidents, multiple people had believed Mitchell students were involved; only to find out other schools took part. Everyone seemed shocked that Mitchell had nothing to do with it. It is odd that a school like Mitchell: having had a soiled reputation since my father’s late high school years in 1973 has suddenly risen from its grave to be “just like every other school”.

There is a lot of faith in this place, just as there is faith in everybody in it. Mitchell kids are not bad kids, and have never been bad kids either. For those who think I’m just trying to be nice, I’m not the only one who thinks so. However, I can describe everyone as being a bit rough around the edges, which other schools have always judged us by. Our school grounds, attitudes, and work ethics are not always perfect, but for everyone in Mitchell who has been through tough, outrageous, and even precarious events in their lives, we all know what it’s like to be down below the deepest depths of happiness. Because of our differences, people have surprisingly learned to respect who we are as individuals, and as a school. Of course, it’s the clubs and teams of Mitchell that help our school improve its reputation as well. Our basketball teams this year have had more victories than years I’ve had to live with braces (which happens to be a painfully large amount of years). Mitchell‘s clubs and teams continue to impress comers and goers, like the cheerleaders with their nonstop entertainment and shining smiles, and the dance team with their ability to move in chorus. The drama department holds some of the best singers I have ever heard: Deniz Painter, Sean Moore, Jojo Williams, and Michael Burke amaze families with their aptitude for singing, dancing, and acting. Because of these clubs and teams, onlookers discover how much we are dedicated in Mitchell High School, and how much effort we have put in to making our status better.

Mitchell’s reputation (which seemed to be a never-ending pit of mockery) has broken out and seen the light for the first time. It’s our level-headedness, and the size of our school that people notice the most now. Mitchell is small, but for all of us: safekeeping.