Finals are over and done with, and you’ve never met a more relieved person than myself. It’s time to move on with life and onto other writing topics.Today is the official start of the new semester, and I like to think of it as a clean slate of sorts. The grades are new, the subject matter is new, and the semester stretches before us, much like a desert vista. I said desert for a reason. You see, while I like to think of it as an exciting time, it really isn’t. It only means that we have a whole four months ahead of us, preventing us from utter and complete freedom. Let’s face it folks, it’s the bleak midwinter, no matter how you shake it.-This week is pretty non-eventful, but there are several important meetings and goings-on. Mr. Willey will be conducting a FAFSA meeting tonight for all college-bound seniors and their parents. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the DECA room, and since all college-bound seniors are required to file this horrendous document, it’s a good idea to mark this one in the ol’ date book. Speaking of financial aid, there is a special meeting just for seniors on this topic on Monday, Jan. 27, at 10:45 a.m. in the auditorium.Also, on Wednesday, Jan. 22, there is a Governance Council meeting at 6 p.m. in the library. As for sports this week, I’m definitely feeling the heat. It’s time to kick up that Glenwood Springs/Rifle rivalry, and I’m willing to bet that the gym will be packed for these basketball games. The fan fun begins on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 7:30 p.m with the varsity Lady Demons, and the varsity boys play at 7:30 p.m. Friday. My advice – dress in layers, things are going to heat up fast.-And now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Allow me to introduce our students of the week this week, Audrey Schaiberger and Cody Hillin, both nominated by teacher Wes Burke.Audrey has lived in Glenwood for seven years, and hails from Denver, Sterling and Durango. She lives with her parents, Pete and Jenny Schaiberger, and her younger sister, Alison, who is 12. “I have a wonderful family,” she says.Some of you may recognize Audrey from her recent stint as a playwright. The CMC players performed her 10-minute play, “Old Dishes,” this past Sunday, and when I last talked to Audrey she was very excited about it.Besides writing, Audrey likes to draw and ski as often as she can. She’s also a member of the GSHS girls swim team, Student Council, EPYCS and National Honor Society. And when it comes to music, “I love old-time rock and roll,” she says.”Audrey has well over 100 percent in my FAD class,” Mr. Burke says. “She is also a great example for the other students.”Cody Hillin has lived in the valley for nine years with his mom, Rebecca, his sister, and his two dogs and two cats. Besides being on the football, basketball and track teams, Cody keeps busy with Boy Scouts, Key Club, and HOSA.Despite his involvement in school, Cody can’t wait for summertime, which he spends lifeguarding at the Hot Springs Pool and fly-fishing. “I really enjoy having Cody in class,” Mr. Burke says. “He brings deep understanding and humor to class discussions.” Speaking of humor, Cody would like to quote one of his favorite movie legends. “Got an issue? Here’s a tissue,” says Nigel Powers, and Cody, frequently.Congratulations Cody and Audrey for being this week’s students of the week!Random Disclosure (courtesy Audrey Schaiberger): Michelle McReynolds, a junior, can make the claim of having saved someone’s life. At a swim meet, Michelle saved Audrey’s life by giving her the Heimlich maneuver when she was choking on lemonade.