I spent a good half an hour trying to determine the most impressive way to introduce myself as the new Rifle High School columnist. I wish I could say that I conquered a world record or did something immensely significant, but, well … there’s nothing really exciting or illustrious about me, so here’s a brief profile. I am senior at RHS; the editor-in-chief of the Blue and Gold Gazette, the RHS student newspaper; and a columnist/correspondent for the Citizen Telegram. I’m involved with many RHS clubs and organizations, but alas, no sports (I barely survived freshman gym).Anyway, on to business.It’s still winter. Christmas break is long over, and winter isn’t such a novelty anymore. RHS students still courageously combat icy roads, freezing temperatures and a renewed case of senioritis for the class of 2003. RHS students are now entering the restless doldrums period of time before spring break.In order to combat the lethargy of the before-spring-break stretch, RHS Student Council put on Winter Fest, a mid-year spirit week comprised of activities, a semi-formal dance (put on in conjunction with National Honor Society) and an assembly. The highlight of Winter Fest was “Singled Out,” the school’s version of the popular TV dating game. The auditorium was nearly sold out, and Student Council is thinking about planning another game for Valentine’s Day. Student Council also did a canned food drive for LIFT-UP in conjunction with Winter Fest.Calling all actors and actresses! Auditions for the RHS spring play (the play has not been decided yet) are this Tuesday and Wednesday after school in the auditorium. Auditions for the Choir Department Variety Show are also this week, on Wednesday and Thursday after school in the choir room. The variety show will be held Jan. 28. Tickets are available from any choir student or choir director Jennifer Calhoun.-This Saturday, the RHS speech team is competing at a festival at Roaring Fork High School. This will be the last competition before the state meet, which is next weekend.-If you find yourself sitting at home, agonizing through the dreary before-spring-break stretch, be sure to come out and support the RHS Bears. Boys and girls basketball teams play at Palisade Tuesday. Girls play at Glenwood on Thursday and boys are at Glenwood on Friday. Freshmen girls and boys play at Moffat on Saturday. Wrestling has a match vs. Steamboat on Friday. RHS wrestling hosts a varsity tournament while JV wrestles at Meeker on Saturday.-Be sure to check out the newest edition of the Blue and Gold Gazette online: http://www.rhsnews.org.-Random thought of the day: Enlist freshmen to shovel the ice off of the path to the senior hall. It’s a health hazard to trek up the frozen terrain each day. Someone’s going to break a fibula.