Cherry Creek High School - Yearbook (Englewood, CO)

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's--.., Influencing an institution by expanding on a belief is a unique ability that Henry Cotton possesses, he creates a free environ- l ment that allows people to work and study in their own fashion, I with their own style. When Hank first came here, the school wasn't an embarrassment, but it wasn't nationally recognized as outstanding. He organized it and hired strong, varied teachers and let them go about their business, he let them teach without his interference. commented one Faculty member. He gives us freedom and lets us be our own person, yet he is such a friendly man that we don't feel cut off from him or from other kids, so we act responsibly. said senior, Pat Brinker. Even though Mr. Cotton has been controversial in his beliefs and policies, he runs a high school that continues to produce. Cherry Creek consistently scores higher than the national and district averages on tests, i.e. the 11th grade test results we received this fall. Over 80 percent of our students continue on to college after graduation, and the list of Creek's accomplishments since Mr. Cotton's arrival, goes on and on. The achievements are evidence of Henry Cotton's dedication to his craft and staff. lt's hard to separate Henry as a person from Henry as a principal because of his caring attitude, he's always there when we need him. We the class of 1987 proudly and enthusias- tically dedicate our yearbook to you, for, whether winter, spring, summer or fall, you make a difference. I

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The Seniors Dedicate Their Yearbook To Henry Cotton 'Write ll One Tuesday afternoon at 3:15, a tall, somber senior was walking through the West Lobby and inter- cepted Mr. Cotton. The two of them began an intense conversation about business law, various other classes, school in general, and gradually expanded the topic to ado- lescence, then life itself. Our principal didn't lecture the boy, he discussed the various points with him. Animating Henry Cotton's face were smiles, laughter, looks of surprise and seriousness. He is as diverse as the solstices, tender yet determined, possessing both a somber side and a sense of humor, thriving on controver- sy while keeping the state's largest high school unified, granting freedom yet exercising control. Mr. Cotton truly is a man for all seasons. Exelmplifying how a man can, with talent and determination, mold his environment is Henry Cotton and the reputation he's built for Cherry Creek High School. If this school is a successful molding of many beliefs, strengths, and personalities, it is because Mr. Cotton feels that great strength lies in the blending of differences into a unified, but well-rounded whole. What l like best about this school, he confessed, is its diversity. We have all kinds of students, and the differences apply to the faculty too. We have teachers everywhere on the spectrum, from an instructor who's methods may be a little unconventional to someone more traditional ...

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Creek's Campus As Summer turns to Fall, Creek once again is teaming with students. These students are quick to make use of, but don't really notice, the improvements that were made over the summer. The addition of 2,700 new seats in the Stutler Bowl makes it easier to find a seat among the cheering crowd at Creek's football games, and combined 'with the rebuilt press box, puts in it direct competition with Mile High. Work was begun on a new weight room adjacent to the South Gym. The new 2100 sq. foot weight room, 700 sq. feet more than the old one, will provide a more comfortable and safer training environment. Also planned is a new hall- way along the south side of the gym, a new concessions stand and a new restroom with handicapped facilities. Many students had the joy of participating in a mad scramble for the last twelve parking spaces not occupied by cranes, ., ,,., MQ trucks and other various pieces of construction equipment while West parking lot was being resurfaced. The new sidewalks that run along Fine Arts and l.A. shorten the jaunt from East to West. While ambling through amber trees and fallen leaves, the students notice that the traditional smoking section is completely devoid of human life. This and the barrage of NO SMOKING signs decorating every available space are evidence of the new no smok- ing policy. Another new decoration at Creek is the metal sculpture outside of Fine Arts. Every day students can be observed stopping and silently pondering its signifi- cance and meaning - it's a Viking ship. Whether the students find the sculpture enlightening or obtrusive, all say that it adds character to the campus. lt is the char- acter of the campus along with characters of the stu- dents and faculty of Creek that make Creek what it is -- the 4151 high school in Colorado. wh' '