January 2013

page theROYAL

Thursday, Jan. 31 2013 Volume 31 Issue 5

www.royalpage.org

School shooting tragedies affect schools across nation

C-spread C-spread 8-9 8-9

Climate change doesn’t just endanger polar bears. It directly affects people every single day.

-Naomi Borowsky

opinion 4

Nina Rodgers, junior, played for U.S. World U18 team

sports 15

Edina neighborhood attempts to leave District

Advocacy group, Unite Edina 273, loses to School Board and remains in Hopkins

By Brit Stein Staff Reporter On December 20, 2012, the Hopkins School Board voted to keep Parkwood, Knolls, and Walnut Drive properties of the city of Edina within the Hopkins School District.

Property owners were represented by Unite Edina 273, an independent nonpartisan neighborhood group representing over 400 families in the greater Parkwood Knolls neighborhood of northwest Edina. The group asked to leave the Hopkins District because they believed that the Hopkins schools are not in locations that serve their families’ educational

needs.

Despite Unite Edina 273’s efforts, the School Board directors voted unanimously against the detachment, stating that it was within the District’s best interest for the neighborhoods to remain in the Hopkins School District.

“The request would have involved a loss of over $500,000 of resource the District receives from the property taxes of residents requesting to leave,” said Mr. John Schultz, superintendent, “I believe this carried a lot of weight in the School Board denying the request.”

There were other reasons for rejecting the bid. “Honoring the request would have set a

precedent across the metro area for citizens to change boundaries and property tax collection outside of the current boundaries. Open enrollment laws already allow parents and students to attend the school district of their choice in the state,” Schultz said.

Some Edina residents were angered by the School Board’s decision. “Hopkins schools are afraid of losing money and so their Board is protecting the status quo for the sake of their bottom line,” said one commentator, “[Hopkins School Board has] said nothing about there being so few Edina pupils actually attending their schools.”

Currently, 133 of 212 school-aged students in the affected area open enroll in Edina schools, nine attend Hopkins schools and the remaining 70 students attend private schools.

Harrison Robinow, senior, lives in Edina but his address falls within the Hopkins School District.

“It was my parents’ decision for me to go to Hopkins,” Robinow said, “The main reason they decided Hopkins was because we only live two blocks away from the Hopkins pre-school [Harley Hopkins].

As I moved up in grade levels, changing schools was less of an option because of things like friends and familiarity. The dis-

tance doesn’t really make a difference. Most of my friends live within a ten minute drive from my house.”

In an interview with the Hopkins Patch, Matthew McNeil, Hopkins resident and Edina High School grad, compared the situation to that of Vikings owner Zygi Wilf threatening to move the team out of Minnesota if he didn’t get a new stadium.

“It’s a dangerous precedent to set to allow one neighborhood to rip itself out of a school district and put itself in a different school district,” McNeil said. “This comes down to personal accountability. It’s that plain and simple. People

make choices. Every member of Unite Edina 273 knew what school district they were buying into when they purchased their house. Every single one of them.”

Hopkins School District boundaries envelop seven different communities, including Plymouth, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley,and Edina.

The boundaries have been developed through School Board and legislative action over the School District’s history.

“The district boundaries were established over 100 years ago,” -EDINA continued on page 2

Hanson defeats disorder and reflects through art

By Lydia Wilson Editor in Chief *A fake name, Smith,was used for a student to remain anonymous.

At 12 years old, Alexandra Hanson, senior, stood in front of the mirror and did something that would haunt her.

“I remember that moment so clearly,” Hanson said, “The instant I pulled that last eyelash out and saw that my eyes were completely naked, I was flooded with horror and then instantly burst into tears from panic.”

Hanson began struggling with trichotillomania in sixth grade. It was a habit that, for Hanson, seemed to develop out of nowhere.

Trichotillomania is a disorder that affects up to 4 percent of the population, according to the Huffington Post. People

with trichotillomania suffer from compulsive urges to pull or twist their hair until it comes out or breaks off. It can result in hair becoming thinner or complete hair loss.

For Hanson, however, it was simply something she couldn’t control. “It was this uncontrollable urge to pull out my hair and eyelashes and I couldn’t resist it, no matter how much I wanted to stop doing it,” Hanson said.

As Hanson continued to pull, the stress of her disorder overwhelmed her, which only made her want to pull more.

“Over time I developed a tennis ball sized bald spot on the top of my head and pulled out all of my eyelashes,” Hanson said.

Another student, Smith*, has felt the same overwhelming urge as Hanson did to pull.

For Smith, it started as a way to

cope. “I had gotten into fights with a lot of my friends, and my great-grandpa died. It was a hard year. That’s how I dealt with my anxiety and stress,” Smith said.

According to Ms. Bobbi Pointer, school nurse, finding help for disorders such as trichotillomania usually comes from multiple sources. “Like any other mental health disorder, we know that meds work, and we know that counseling works, and putting those two together probably works the best,” Pointer said.

For both Smith and Hanson, getting trichotillomania under control came from the help and support of others.

Hanson found support in her boyfriend Will Phelps, senior. “I was always there for her and helped her through this -HANSON continued on page 10

Top: Alexandra Hanson,senior, removes fake eyelashes to reveal her naked eye. Bottom: Hanson’s eye is without eyelashes, filled with tears and makeup. “Every piece has a great deal of symbolism in it, and my eyes in every piece retain their color to show that even though I felt consumed by my trichotillomania, I never really lost who I was because of it,” Hanson said.

Artwork by Alexandra Hanson

2 news

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RPThursday, Jan. 31, 2013

Edina neighborhood attempts to leave District EDINA continued from page 1 said Jolene Goldade, District Communications and PR Coordinator, “It’s not uncommon for the name of the school district to reach beyond that city’s boundaries. In our research, we could only find two metro school districts that matched the city boundaries: Minneapolis and St. Paul.”

Chaska and Chanhassen schools went through a similar request a decade ago. As a result, the Chaska School District no longer exists. They made a name change in order to better reflect the communities which the schools applied to and the area is being called Eastern Carver

County Schools.

“I live on the border of Plymouth and Golden Valley,” said Margarita Lyadova, sophomore, “I go to Hopkins because it’s close to my house. The suburb doesn’t mean anything, it should be the distance between schools.”

“If this was reversed the Edina School district would be doing the very same thing,” said a commentator on the Patch news website, “Unite Edina should seek a resolution that doesn’t harm the rest of the remaining kids in the Hopkins School District, if that’s possible.”

The only way this appears to be possible, however, is legislatively. Unite Edina 273 can sub-

mit to a consolidation plat process, which requires consent of both boards and a vote by voters, or get the open enrollment law changed.

“Open enrollment is a twoway street, and we are currently attracting more families through open enrollment than are leaving. However, whenever a family leave Hopkins, we ask ourselves what we could be doing better to serve that family,” said Goldade.

“The idea of neighborhood schools has somewhat changed.

Families are looking at many schools and trying to find the best fit for their child,” Goldade said.

This is an outline of the Hopkins School District. The part filled in black is the part that is actually the city of Hopkins. The majority of the District is made up of neighboring communities.

Photo illustration by Brit Stein and Josh Gallop

Student Wellness Committee provides stress relieving activities

By Stefanie Gedan Staff Reporter Instead of rushing home as the bell rang, some students chose to stay after school and participate in a Zumba class in the mall on Wednesday, Jan. 9.

The event was organized by the Student Wellness Committee. “[The Student Wellness Committee tries] to promote health and wellness. We try to talk about personal issues like bullying, drug use, substance abuse, and make students aware of what is happening at our school,” said Malia Elmeer, senior, and member of the club.

The group put up the information in the bathroom stalls regarding drug and alcohol use at HHS. Last year, Student Wellness spent each day during finals week devoted to a different focus such as a sleeping focus and a “Pie a teacher” to relieve stress.

“January was going to be our initiative month, tying it in with New Year’s resolutions and with finals,” said Ms. Jane Kleinman, Health.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 25 percent of teenagers (13-18 years old) have had a case of anxiety during their lifetime. 5.9 percent of the same age group has had a severe case of anxiety.

During the winter months of Minnesota, it becomes harder

to workout due to the snow and ice which often eliminates many popular forms of exercising such as running or playing outside.

In order to promote exercise, Student Wellness organized Zumba and yoga classes in the mall as well as providing free nutritious food on the last day of the semester.

“In December and January, people start getting into these holes. They don’t go [outside] because it’s cold, and they don’t want to exercise outside as much. We’re showing people alternative ways to exercise that are still fun,” Elmeer said.

The class was led by an instructor who taught from the steps near the Media Center.

Music blasted from stereos, while the mall was filled with laughter as students tried to keep up with choreography.

Some students joined in the middle of the event while others simply danced down the hall while walking to their next destination.

According to Kleinman, 40 to 50 students and staff members attended the Zumba class.

Ryley Billiet, senior, was convinced by friends to do zumba that day and said she would do it again given the opportunity.

“Some kids don’t do sports, or they don’t workout on their own. So when the school motivates people to do it the more people actually do it, and once their friends start doing it more,

Photo by Cydney Froehlich

Students and staff are participating in Zumba led by Bobbie Conradt, nutrition and wellness specialist. Zumba was held by the Student Wellness Committee after school on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013.

people will start doing it,” Billiet said.

On Tuesday, Jan. 15, the yoga event took place in the mall. Unlike Zumba, yoga is more relaxing exercise. The morning of the last day of the semester, there was free food provided by the Student Wellness Committee. There were different forms of fruit and fruit water to help students through their finals.

Even though finals were

completed, Student Wellness also organized a Dance Fusion in the mall on Jan. 22, which is a combination of Latin Dance and Modern Hip Hop as well as Tabata/Circuit which was a workout devoted to toning muscles, burning fat and increasing strength on Jan. 30.

Kleinman emphasizes the importance of constantly moving and forming healthy habits.

“I do feel like it now that it is a habit. Getting started, I

never felt like getting up early to exercise, but so much of it is a routine. I exercise every morning at 5:30 a.m. I never feel like it, but once I get there it feels really good, and then eventually it becomes a routine,” Kleinman said.

Kleinman also encourages people to workout with friends.

“If you wait until you’re motivated to [exercise], you’re never going to do it,” Kleinman said.

The Mayo Clinic states that

people with generalized anxiety disorder will need additional help, but there are few simple ways that can help combat anxiety and reduce stress. Lifestyle changes such as exercising on a daily basis, eating a balanced diet, avoiding consuming alcohol and sedatives and getting the necessary sleep requirement, can help someone control their anxiety.

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RP Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013

Students caught cheating on AP Euro quizzes Last year’s AP European History quizzes were shared among this year’s students using Facebook and resulted in the punishment of those involved

By Josh Gallop News Editor *A fake name, Smith, is being used to protect a student’s identity who was involved in the cheating.

Ms. Anne Sateren, social studies, wasn't too sure about the grades she was seeing from her AP European History class.

“We started to get suspicious when kids who consistently hadn’t been doing so well on their reading tests were all of the sudden getting perfect scores,” Sateren said.

Sateren brought her suspicions up to her class, and students immediately admitted

their guilt.

A student was given last year’s tests from a current senior and then shared those tests with students from the class over a Facebook group.

“Some blame but very little [falls to the teachers.] Every teacher in every subject reuses tests, I believe,” Smith* said.

Teachers and administrators weigh the ramifications of reusing and rewriting tests.

“Tests have been changed and tweaked every year but clearly not enough,” Sateren said.

Administrators are not going to mandate teachers to change their tests. “It would take teachers hours and hours every year to

change the tests,” said Ms. Patty Johnson, principal. “I don’t want teachers spending their entire careers ensuring students aren’t cheating. I want them ensuring that students are learning; it’s the students responsibility to understand the importance of what they are learning,” Johnson said.

Johnson compares this sort of cheating to stealing. “Just because something is within reach doesn’t mean you should take it,” Johnson said.

According to a Royal Page survey, many HHS students believe that once tests have been posted on Facebook, it is human nature to look and they are not

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doing anything wrong.

“It might be human nature to be interested, but students have a moral responsibility. And I think a lot of students chose not to look,” Johnson said.

Sateren said it’s hard to know how many students used the tests posted on facebook. “I had a fair amount of kids that came forward, but I’m guessing the number of students involved is higher,” Sateren said.

The school’s Academic Dishonesty Policy classifies this sort of behavior as cheating and states: “The instructor has the right to reduce the grade, schedule a conference with the parent/guard (sic) and/or refer

to administration. Information regarding violations of academic honesty will become part of the student's discipline file.”

Specific to this incident, the students who came forward received zeros on the test, had an email sent home to the parents, and in some cases, the teacher scheduled a meeting with the parents of the student. The issue was handled within the department, and no administrators were involved.

“No matter how it’s done, cheating is cheating and it’s a big deal, but we would like this to serve as a teaching opportunity to the students. Cheating in college and other situations

can call for much worse punishment,” Sateren said.

A cheating scandal at Harvard took place in May of 2012 and the investigation has been ongoing into this school year.

Nearly half of the Government 1310 class (125 students) are suspected of working together on the take home final, which is specifically against the rules.

According to The Crimson, Harvard’s school newspaper, potential punishments include failing the class and one year of forced withdrawal from the school.

As far as the Hopkins scandal, “I think the punishment was fair,” Smith said.

The social media impact of our time

Media keeps becoming a bigger part of society For many people in our generation, Twitter has become a top source of news. #KONY2012, #stopKONY, and #makekonyfamous became top global trends on Twitter after the organization Invisible Children published a 30 minute long video to YouTube on March 6th, 2012 about Joseph Kony, the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army), and the atrocities taking place in Africa.

Almost overnight, it seemed like everyone was updating their Facebook statuses, tweeting, and pledging money to stand behind this cause and “make Kony famous.”

Unfortunately, while the organization succeeded in making Kony famous, they also succeeded in making themselves infamous. Invisible Children’s integrity crashed as it was criticized for its irrelevance, fraud, and inaccuracy, and the cause quickly lost taste.

The infamy that surrounds Kony and Invisible Children masks the truly remarkable feat of 2012: the impact social media had on our generation.

Kony 2012 was the fastest growing viral video of all time. Our generation quickly and strongly united behind the cause by means of social media. The passion and understanding felt by those who supported the cause was incredible. Imagine the difference that could have been made had Invisible Children and Kony’s story been legitimate.

Rather than looking at this incident purely as a scandal, it should be looked at as an exciting possibility. It proved that our generation holds the power through social media to influence and change the world.

The potential impact social media could have on the future of this world is both scary and exhilarating. The power our generation holds in deciding what our world is going to be like was shown in the quick and passionate support for an organization that touched the hearts of so many people.

This impact is seen on a smaller scale at HHS. Part of our community exists online. Over winter break, tweets were sent out with threatening messages concerning our entire student body.

Although school was not in session, it seemed every student had heard rumors of the alleged threats.

The issue was quickly known schoolwide, thanks to Twitter and Facebook, and channelled student discussions and fears about returning to school following winter break.

Students warned each other not to come to school the Monday following break. Some said they would run from class to class. Some simply stayed clear of the mall. No matter what stance students took on the issue, it was definitely on everyone’s radar when school resumed.

While the threats and rumors that reached the screens of a majority of HHS students were tackled by the administration, the remarkable thing about it, again, was the impact social media had on our school and its students and faculty.

No matter your views on Kony 2012 or the negative excitement concerning HHS over winter break, it is obvious that social media presents itself as having great potential in the hands of our generation.

Phoebe Cohen is a staff reporter for the Royal Page

RP Thursday, Jan 31, 2013

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4 opinion

A new coat for the cold walls

Old art throughout the halls needs to be refreshed Older than almost all of the students at HHS, the art at our school is out of date and out of shape.

The art at HHS is way too old for us to be able to relate to it. According to Terry Chamberlin, Art, the murals were painted between 1996-2004. What is the point of having art at our school if it wasn’t created by us?

For art to be seen as meaningful it is important that what’s being drawn is relevant to the students that go to HHS. I have no idea what is going on with the murals that are on the walls of this school.

Being that none of the students at HHS were here when they painted the art, how are we supposed to have any idea what the artist was trying to say when they painted the picture?

“It is important for students to leave their own legacy on the school,” Chamberlin said.

It’s time that we get some of our inspiring young artists to replace the art that’s been on our walls. Instead of only featuring several small pieces of their art by the lunchroom, they should work together to replace the old art of our school.

Not only would this give the art students a great project to complete, but it would also do something to help the community.

“I do support some of the murals being re-painted with input and approval through the art department. We do want quality, original artwork to be displayed,” Chamberlin said.

The art doesn’t have to necessarily be drawn by hand either.

We have many different outlets through which students can have artistic output.

We could have one giant collaboration where artistic students can work together with photographers or web designers to give the old dreary art of HHS a new coat and turn our slowly decaying walls into a cultural utopia.

This art will have many positive externalities. Not only will it provide a brighter look and give students something to be proud of, but it will also provide a service to the school.

Quite often when walking down the hallways, I hear people complain about issues they have that could easily be fixed. One of the most common complaints that I hear is, “this school is a prison.”

HHS is nothing like a prison. At prison they let you go outside for a few hours a day. However, I can see why some students think that.

Sitting in the same building for 9 months a year for 3 years, I’ve started noticing that the white cement walls do have a slight resemblance to that of a penitentiary.

This could very easily be solved. Why not let the students choose what they see every day?

Another thing that catches my attention is that the students that were allowed to paint the murals were allowed to leave their own mark on HHS. Why were those students chosen over anyone else?

This school was made for us. We need to take ownership and leave our own marks on its history.

Roy Grossmann is a staff reporter for the Royal Page

Push for climate change education In Eshowe, South Africa, a mother and her 11-month-old baby were killed when lightning struck their home on Christmas Day. The area they lived in had become prone to lightning strikes.

In Pennsylvania, USA, an 8-year-old boy was crushed to death by a tree when he ran outside to check on his family’s calves and Hurricane Sandy hit. At least 133 people were killed in the storm.

In Kunduchi, Tanzania, a middle aged fisherman has seen the beach near his home being gradually washed away. Increasingly unpredictable tides and weather patterns have caused the sea to destroy many homes in his community.

These tragedies may seem unrelated, but they are symptoms of the same disease - climate change. And it’s time we start seeing the connections.

As we warm the planet, all sorts of disasters ensue. According to climate scientist, Amanda Staudt, every degree warmer the planet becomes brings six percent more lightning strikes - hence the tragedy in South Africa. A warmer planet means warmer oceans, causing more extreme weather related disasters like Hurricane Sandy. Climate change has also created millions of climate refugees, forcing people to leave their homes because of sudden changes in the environment, as seen by the community in Tanzania.

Climate change doesn’t just endanger polar bears. It directly affects people every single day.

How in the world did I not know any of this was happening? We have literally altered the chemistry of our planet, with disastrous results and more yet to come. This is THE issue of our generation, and one that we must solve. Yet, most students graduate high school without grasping the magnitude of the problem.

What could we possibly be learning in school that’s more important than the tools to fight what threatens to cause catastrophic changes to our environment within the next two decades? Learning about the causes, impacts, and solutions to climate change must be a central part of our high school education.

We are lucky to go to a school that offers both Environmental

Studies and AP Environmental Studies (APES). “After people take this course, they usually think it should be required. The majority of people who walk out of this school aren’t going to be scientists, but environmental education applies to regular everyday life,” said John Sammler, APES teacher.

Sammler explained the long lasting impact of the class. “Everyone uses natural resources. Most don’t have negative intentions and want to do the right thing, but are not aware of how to. This course helps people recognize what’s right, and then I think they go and do it,” Sammler said.

Learning about the environment is also extremely relevant to current national and global events. “This issue is linked to so much in politics. It’s almost impossible not to find someone talking about what we discuss in the class on the front page of the newspaper.

Students who take this class will know more about how the earth works than politicians in Washington,” Sammler said.

About 200 students out of the 1,870 students at HHS take an environmental studies course. The reality is that most students don’t have room in their schedules to take the course, and if they do, it’s not until senior year.

Emphasizing environmental education at HHS doesn’t just mean more science classes. The causes and impacts of climate change can and should be studied through many different lenses be it science, math, history, politics, ethics, or communications.

Environmental education can be incorporated into the curriculum of many classes.

And once we are informed, we all can be part of the solutions.

HHS is filled with talented teachers, writers, painters, scientists, musicians, athletes, journalists, activists, and comedians. We all have something valuable to contribute.

This is bigger than school or party politics. Our education must prepare us, students of HHS, to be leaders in solving climate change.

Naomi Borowsky is the feature editor for the Royal Page

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RP Thursday, Jan 31, 2013 Do you feel safe at HHS? Yes 91% No 9%

No “No, because of the threats of shooting.”

- Megan Slattery, sophomore

Yes “Yes, because when a threat is made the school investigates and makes me feel safe.”

- Andrew Levinsohn, senior

No

Yes “Anything can happen, but I expect the very best from HHS students.”

- Mr. Terrall Lewis, Equity and Integration Specialist

“I am really scared to come everyday. I am afraid to get shot and the fire cracker was scary.”

- Diamond Houston, sophomore

T

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10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

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Joel Ratner is the opinion editor and Hillary Donovan is a staff reporter for the Royal Page

Reasons to leave a closed campus

Beans were served for lunch Missing the cut off for yogurt cones Go to Minnetonka’s lunch Avoiding flying milk No more chicken tenders Yoga pants sale at Ridgedale Craving for a mid-morning white chocolate mint condition mocha Fire crackers at school K-9 unit is on the way

Chipotle!!!

Disregard for school resources Every school has its fiascos, but our school has the capacity to prevent the possible chaos.

The resources here are unlimited, and despite this, students continue to immaturely complain about the administration. Rather than appreciating the endless emails and announcements that were sent out regarding the recent threats, I overheard many students state that they wanted to hear more.

“Why don’t they [the administration] just get straight to the point and tell us who got arrested,” was amongst the complaints I overheard. Well, this information cannot be disclosed due to law.

The majority of our students are minors, and the law is that the principal can’t share their names.

If you want the whole background, checks the police reports, and if you want to complain about the administration, think about our community first.

According to Ms. Patty Johnson, Principal, Monday advisory was initially created/brought back to start a connection between students and teachers. In addition to being a means of sharing information, advisory is ten minutes out of the day to connect with a teacher.

Instead of complaining about getting ten minutes away from class, think about your advisor and if you have a relationship with him/her. If you don’t, I’m sure you appreciate a ten-minute break from classes to turn on the iPod or read through

Twitter. Not to mention TASC time, which provides all this on top of extra time to work.

The administration is firstly concerned with our safety. According to Johnson, that is the number one thought that crosses her and the staff ’s minds day in and day out. That is precisely why they do everything they do, but students fail to assess this.

Check out the staff list under Special Services Department on the HHS website. There you’ll find all kinds of specialists, social workers and even a psychologist. All of these staff members exist for the well-being of students.

If you can’t connect with a teacher in your classes, advisory or TASC, there are a number of adults that were hired to help us. This is one of many services our school provides for its students that we choose to ignore. We should be truly thankful we’re a part of such an opportune community.

Maybe complaining about the administration is your way of making petty conversation, but nonetheless, this is the easiest time of your life.

There most likely won’t ever be these many free resources for your health again, so choose to appreciate it.

Take a step back and relax. We’re all safe here.

Ursula Arhart is the editor in chief for the Royal Page

Tragedy changes safety attitude Are schools even safe anymore? Will more staff members. This marked the second bloodiest shootings happen? Everyday life at schools killing in United States history. across the nation has been changed because of Schools across the nation have put full efthe shootings at Sandy Hook. fort to prevent a shooting like this to never hapRecently at HHS, firecrackers were thrown pen again. Lockdown drills have been a standard in the mall. Students were in panic. Many ran school procedure for years. We have them for quickly into classrooms, and some even ran means of practicing preparedness for an intruder outside the building into their cars. or criminal act.

The firecrackers were not taken lightly. The At that point, all students and teachers incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School present at the time of the drill go to a room and made students see this not as a joke or a senior lock all doors and windows tight. prank, but as a reality.

In Sandy Hook, all the right procedures Just last year, students were taken. The students threw firecrackers in the mall. and teachers were preInstead, their reaction to pared and in a lockdown. the firecrackers was almost Unfortunately, Lanza There are certain opposite. Most students took shot through the lock of warning signs that the firecrackers as a joke and the door and was able to the public cannot thought nothing of it. murder the children and afford to ignore.

The students last year felt teachers. like no one would really come I feel that it would not into the school and shoot a be hard for someone to gun. The last year HHS stucome into HHS. dents showed that the thought Anyone can walk in of a shooter the school in the beginning of the day no matter at their school was unimaginable. who you are before the doors are locked.

The firecrackers at HHS brought more than Some students may believe that there five police cars to the school. The seriousness should be metal detectors and others might sugand the attitudes of the teachers and students gest all teachers should have a gun with them. have now changed.

It is important to note that the school does Shootings are not a common occurance, several things to keep us safe. There is always at but according to CNN news, they could be least one policeman in the school, and last year prevented at a younger age. Teachers of Adam the new IDs became more important to get into Lanza believed that he had autism and had the school. trouble in social settings.

No matter what, it would be almost imposI am not saying that whenever a student sible to fully stop a shooting at school. The only has a social anxieties that they are going to be a way to stop a shooting is to help prevent it at an shooter, but there are certain warning signs that early age. the public can not afford to ignore.

Joel Ratner is the opinion editor for the Lanza shot twenty children and six adult Royal Page

6 variety

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Chizek and Hinck strive to illustrate literary talents at HHS Will Chizek and Maddy Hinck, seniors, are working to create and complete a literary arts magazine by the end of the year

By Maddie Shaw Variety Editor Instead of the usual portfolio project students choose to pursue for independent study, seniors Will Chizek and Maddy Hinck chose to compose an end of the year Reflections Art Magazine.

“I really wanted to focus on something different that I was genuinely interested in,” Chizek said.

Many different schools, including St. Paul Academy and Edina, publish literary arts magazines annually. Edina’s, Images, features a variety of photos, while St. Paul Academy’s, Art and Literature, is a journal magazine. These publications have the option to submit their works for judgement in competitions such as the MHSPA (the State High School Journalism Convention that takes place at

the University of Minnesota) each year.

The magazine began in the 1990’s and was composed through an after school, teacher run club. The magazine was successful up until its final issue in 2006 when it ceased due to funding issues.

Years later, Ali Stieglbauer, a 2011 graduate, brought back the magazine by requesting a grant from the HEF. The year following, students were unorganized and never completed the 2012 issue. Both Chizek and Hinck thought it would be a great project to pursue for this school year.

“I knew I was going to be in independent study by the end of my junior year. I talked to Mr. Fuhr (Media Arts) and told him I was interested in bringing back the school lit magazine after speaking to Ali about it. She encouraged me to work on the magazine because she

had a good experience with it,” Chizek said.

In the meantime, Maddy Hinck also approached Mr. Fuhr and wanted to help compose the magazine.

“I was inspired while touring ‘Brown’ in the spring and seeing one of their layouts. It really interested me and got me thinking about starting up the magazine again for my independent study. Mr. Fuhr told me that Will had been interested in working on the magazine so we collaborated and decided to work together,” Hinck said.

The two began working in September and recently released fliers throughout the hallway bulletin boards encouraging students to submit any form of art they wish.

“We’ve received some submissions from AP Photo and some poems. Really anything to do with fine arts will be accepted,” Chizek said.

As of now they have received about ten submissions.

Many of the submissions have been by AP Photo students and more are always welcome. AP Drawing and Painting, AP Ceramics, and any other work that students wish to provide are greatly appreciated.

“Everyone deserves a chance to be published and to have their talents noticed. It’s

rewarding to see your work in print,” Hinck said.

When the process began, the two were given an $800 budget.

They have been working with printing companies and publishers in order to ensure distribution.

“We’ve figured out the printing company we’re going to use , so that has been really exciting.

The whole process overall has been a really great experience.

I’ve learned so much in In Design, and I enjoy spending my

time with Fuhr,” said Chizek.

Mr. Fuhr teaches Media Arts and has a very close relationship with both students. He supports Chizek and Hinck in bringing back the magazine and is excited to see the end result. “[The magazine] is a showcase on students’ work so it’s very important. It’s layed out really well, so Will and Maddy are well on their way. I expect people to be impressed once they see the final product”.

Both Chizek and Hinck are

planning on making a Facebook page for the magazine in order for students to view more information and send submissions.

Submissions can also be sent by email to HHSreflections.com.

“Overall, I’m really excited for the finished product. We’re shooting for May and trying to figure out how much to print.

There is so much talent in our school as far as the literary arts are concerned, and the magazine is a perfect way to display that,” Chizek said.

Photo provided by Will Chizek

Will Chizek and Maddy Hinck, seniors, spend every other day working on the Reflections Art Magazine. The two are close friends and are excited for the magazines release in May.

2013 brings fresh new hits in music

By Will Burnton Staff Reporter Music is rapidly changing, with each year bringing new curves and shifts. One can only guess where the next step in music may go, for music’s future is as unknown as our own. As proud listeners, we have a great privilege to watch it grow before our eyes. I am focusing on two artists that I have been interested in lately, both of which having releases later this year.

Atoms For Peace: A supergroup side project of Thom Yorke (singer of Radiohead), Nigel Godrich (producer of Radiohead, Beck and other artists), and Flea (bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers). They have

released two songs from their upcoming album, “Amok,” that comes out Feb. 25. These songs, “Default” and “Judge Jury and Executioner” feature electronic, complex drum beats and heavy, looping bass lines that drive the song forward. Keyboards play a huge part in the melody, as well as Thom Yorke’s wailing voice carrying the song forward like a ghost. Atoms for Peace may take a few listens to get into them, but they soon after become addictive.

Earl Sweatshirt: Youngest rapper in the obscene rap group, Odd Future, is also arguably the best lyricist of the group. Absent from the group for over a year, Earl returned from Samoa and has made few guest appearances

since coming back. One highlight from his features include his laid-back flowing verse criticizing wealthy kids in the Frank Ocean song “ Super Rich Kids”.

He has released one single,

“Chum,” a dark reflection on his absentee father and hiatus in Samoa. Earl is working on two new albums that are expected to release sometime in 2013, first of which called “Doris.”

Atoms For Peace, the side project for Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, plans to release their newest album “Amok”, Feb. 25.

Earl Sweatshirt proves that age is not a factor in the quality of his new music.

He has recently released the single “Chum” and is scheduled to release his new album sometime this year.

variety7

the

RPThursday, Jan. 31, 2013

The Hobbit hits theatres with mixed reviews The Highly anticipated movie, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” was released into theaters on Dec. 14

By Thomas Heegaard Web Czar The first installment of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, An Unexpected Journey, contains flaws and thrills alike; regardless of critical opinion or public expectation, the film is a journey in every sense of the word.

A critical piece of any fantasy film is the first half hour and its ability to draw viewers into the universe of the story.

However, to new viewers or those who haven’t read Tolkien, the Hobbit’s first act simply doesn’t deliver. Bilbo’s narration and backstory surrounding the company of dwarves sparks interest before the movie slows down considerably for a forty five minute meeting among the company.

An Unexpected Journey is captivating in its latter two thirds, but to many viewers its slow start is unforgivable.

Jackson returns to a Middle Earth set 60 years before the events of Lord of the Rings, following the journey of 13 dwarves set on reclaiming their lost fortress city of Erebor from the abominable dragon Smaug.

Set to accompany the dwarves on their journey is none other than the wizard Gandalf who has recommended the dwarves adopt Bilbo, a hobbit with a

disdain for adventure, to be the company’s “Burglar”. Whether or not Bilbo, a petty halfling in contrast to the hardy dwarves, can endure such a perilous adventure remains a key question within the movie.

An Unexpected Journey could be compared in many ways to the first installment of the Star Wars prequel trilogy The Phantom Menace. Dedicated fans of the original Star Wars trilogy were up in arms over the film, criticising the new direction director, George Lucas, took with the backstory behind the Star Wars universe.

The first installment of the Hobbit trilogy is no different; An Unexpected Journey is a good movie in its own right, but by no means lives up to standards of its father triology.

What many fans found most disconcerting was the surface difference in feel and theme between the Lord of the Rings series and An Unexpected Journey. The Hobbit varies slightly from its predecessors, however, in that J.R.R Tolkien (the author of the lord of the rings series) wrote the Hobbit for young adults, and included much of the jokey, childish humor found in Jackson’s interpretation.

Where Lord of the Rings touches on the need for unity among mankind to defeat evil

as well as human weakness, The Hobbit instead focuses on the individual and the idea that the qualities needed to be a “hero” may be found in anyone.

The “prequel” itself is a relatively new creation in the history of cinema, having appeared for the most part in the last twenty years. For many directors, the prequel is a chance to tell a different story in the same universe as its successful parent film, frequently with a different theme or feel, clearly as in the case of the Hobbit.

Despite the menagerie of talented actors aboard the cast of An Unexpected Journey, the 13 dwarves (minus Richard Armitage as Thorin) lacked unity in their performances . It’s not that each dwarf isn’t likeable individually, it’s the solemn authority of the characters in the Lord of the Rings series that is missed the most. Again, the change in tone and theme of An Unexpected Journey in comparison to the Lord of the Rings has come back to bite itself.

A particular scene comes to mind involving Radagast the Brown, a wizard of Gandalf ’s order (who literally has plants growing on his head, and is stained with what appears to be bird poop) that spends the majority of his time taking care of various woodland creatures. Just

when the company of dwarves is seemingly about to engage a pack of rhino-sized man eating wolves being ridden by orcs, Jackson instead begins the scene with Radagast riding a chariot pulled by rabbits in an effort to distract the raiding orcs. Talk about an anti-climax. The worst of the tone change in An Unexpected Journey may be summed up here, bird poop and all.

Viewers who have read The Hobbit will find that Peter Jackson left the younger Bilbo character in good hands with the choice of Martin Freeman as the lead, while audiences new to the Tolkien universe will discover Bilbo as he is meant to be portrayed.

Against the backdrop of the 13 bumbling, slapstick dwarves accompanying Thorin and Gandalf, Freeman provides a genuine likeability and spark on screen as he learns to embrace the hero within himself. Needless to say, Freeman, McKellan, and Armitage’s characters tie the film together from title to credits.

An Unexpected Journey is a struggle, but is for the most part a captivating start to Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy. Prequels have a tendency to improve with time as the story progresses, as in the case with Star Wars series reboot of 1999, and consider-

ing Jackson’s track record, critics and audiences may rest easy on

an improved second and third act.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, was the first film of a trilogy to be directed by Peter Jackson. The movie is the first of three that serve as the prequel to the Lord Of the Rings Trilogy.

Heegaard gives “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, 4 out of 5 stars.

Minnesota winters bring more than just cold

By Elise Christianson Staff Reporter While some see Minnesota winters as harsh, the city of St. Paul has found a way to celebrate winter.

From Jan. 24 to Feb. 3, St. Paul hosts the Saint Paul Winter Carnival.

“I’m not really a winter person, but the Saint Paul Winter Carnival actually really intrigues me,” said Mr. Jarrin Williams, Language Arts.

The carnival started in 1886 by business leaders to celebrate St. Paul’s success as a growing city. It was also started to disprove a New York reporter who described St. Paul as “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation.”

“I think the winter carnival is proving to the world that we embrace our weather, making it into something beautiful,” said Samantha Tigner, senior. “We are known for being a very cold state, but we [do] more than survive, we thrive and make the best of our historically frozen state.”

Tigner is one of the few students that have experienced the carnival. Many students have not attended, let alone heard of the carnival. “[I’ve] never heard of it,” said Nikita Gayday, senior. “But it does sound like something worth visiting.”

While the carnival only lasts 11 days, the carnival takes all year to plan and prepare. Beth

Pinkney is President and CEO of the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation, which is the organization that puts on the carnival.

“We have 70 events [and have to] work with the city of Saint Paul to pull all of the correct permits, [and] we have to raise sponsorship money,” Pinkney said. “We have to recruit 1,500 volunteers, we work on different designs of the park, [and] we network and inform the city, neighborhoods, and business owners.”

Another thing that needs to be done in preparation for the carnival is to pick people to represent characters such as King Boreas, the Fire King and his Vulcan Krewe, the Order of

the Royal Guard, and Klondike Kate.

According to legend, King Boreas was king of the winds and decided to make St. Paul, Minnesota his home. He declared that there would be a carnival. He wanted singing at his carnival which was provided by Klondike Kate.

Vulcanus Rex, the Fire King, did not like King Boreas and his festivities. He and his crew stormed King Boreas’ ice castle on the last day of the carnival and confronted King Boreas.

King Boreas, wanting to keep peace and goodwill, left Minnesota to stay amongst the gods of Olympus.

“You can run [to be chosen] for the Queen of the Snows and

Princesses, [and other characters] are recruited by individuals,” Pinkney said. “[These characters] represent our legend.”

Events such as skiing, snowshoeing, parades, games, a scavenger hunt, and other festivities are included in the carnival. Almost all of these events are free.

“I’ve seen on TV, but never in person, the amazing ice sculptures and things that are created in conjunction with the carnival,” Williams said.

The carnival has an annual scavenger hunt where people try to find a medallion based on 12 clues that the Saint Paul Pioneer Press newspaper puts in 12 of its consecutive newspapers. Whoever finds the medallion and brings it into the Saint

Paul Pioneer Press can win up to $10,000.

“I think it’d be cool if I won the scavenger hunt, but I think it’d be cool if I was [just] a part of it [as well],” Williams said.

The full list of events and dates can be seen on the Saint Paul Winter Carnival’s website.

Even though most of the events are free, the city of St. Paul receives an economic impact of about $3.5 to $5 million because of the estimated 350,000 visitors per year to the carnival. “[The Carnival] is something super Minnesotan, and it is something we should all experience before we head off to college across the country,” Tigner said.

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HHS resources work to make a safer school after nation w

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gunman of the Columbine tragedy wrote in his journal, “I swear -- it’s like I’m an outcast, and everyone is conspiring against me,” according to CNN. While not universal, a popular opinion at the time was that school shooters had often been bullied or ostracized, causing them to lash out. Many, such as Elizabeth Landau for CNN, attributed the Columbine massacre to bullying, saying “Almost all the killers...appeared to lack social support, having no one to turn to when in trouble.”

Whatever the case and whatever the motive, after the Columbine massacre, HHS student government wanted to bring the school together. This started the tradition of student government annually writing the names of each student on colorful mittens and snowflakes which are taped to the walls.

Ms. Shannon Bailey, AVID and former student government staff, feels that the mittens and snowflakes provide an important sense of communication and connection. “Kids like to see their names, that doesn’t change from elementary school. We all like to be acknowledged in some way, and having your name up does that,” Bailey said.

Just after Sandy Hook, and just when the mittens and snowflakes were being put up on the walls, an HHS student lit firecrackers off in the mall. Administration acted quickly, sending out emails and phone calls to inform the community of the incident. “It felt very personal and disrespectful. I couldn’t believe we were dealing with it here after what happened [in CT],” said Ms. Patty Johnson, principal.

Liaison Officer Jason Tait was also responsible for handling the fireworks incident. “The person responsible for lighting the firework was dealt with appropriately. Students should know that any threat against a school or any act that causes fear in the school is a felony and is a serious crime.

There is no tolerance for violence or creating fear in the school.”

HHS was not the only school experiencing difficulties in the days following the tragedy of Sandy Hook. So called “copycat” crimes and threats seemed to be everywhere. Four Minnesota High Schools: Apollo High School, Tech High school, North Junior High School, and Rocori High School, instituted lockdowns after threats had been floating around facebook and twitter, according to the St. Cloud Times.

student thoughts...

Do you feel safe at HHS? “I feel we have enough paras, and the teachers know how to keep us safe. We do have an adequate amount of guards here.”

- Leslea Strauss, junior

Did the tweets regarding rumors at HHS make you feel threatened?

“In the way [the tweets] were presented, not so much. But the underlying fact of the matter, and the circumstances surrounding it, and the fact that it was so close to CT, was unnerving.”

-Josie Karr, senior

Does a heightened police presence at HHS make you feel safer?

“I’m not sure if I should feel safe with all of the police around, or scared because of all the police around.”

-Lily Strehlow, junior

Additionally, a stude School, putting the school in a canceling classes. “This type o common in Minnesota and ac Murphy, CBS. Johnson has noticed this tre

This typ lem is beco common in and across -Esme Mur

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as needing to have an ID to enter HHS. Though some students have expressed complaints about the inconveniences, Johnson believes it to be a necessity. “There are extra safety measures because safety for you is my number one priority...

Even if they’re inconveniences, they’re necessary in order to create a safer environment,” Johnson said.

Additionally, the school has several programs which are in place in order to handle situations or students that have the possibility of becoming threatening.

One of these is the Crisis Team, made up of school nurse Bobbi Pointer, counselors, Dean, Police Liaison, and social worker Lisa Ashley. “When there is an incident that we believe impacts students during the school day, the Crisis Team makes a plan which helps students know where they can go for support - nurse, admin, guidance, etc...We may also be in touch with parents to partner with them in making sure the student has the needed support,” Ashley said.

Bobbi Pointer, school nurse, works along with community resources in order to get appropriate treatment for struggling students. “We do our best to address students with unmet mental needs. We’re doing a lot of preventative work, and that makes for a safer school and a safer commu-

nity,” Pointer said.

HHS also has a Start Team, a group of staff and teachers who are in charge of identifying struggling students.

Things such as attendance, grades, dropping weight, cutting, and chemical use are red flags for the Start Team. The team then contacts counselors who get in touch with the student’s family.

Though these programs can do a great deal to insure safety at HHS, Johnson believes students themselves can make a huge impact. “The best thing students can do is to not put up with it, ” Johnson said, “It just takes one little tip. This can make a much safer community.”

Tait also believes that students have the power to make HHS safer. “The prevention of future incidents relies heavily on the student population. This school is what you want to make it. Report anything suspicious and be careful about what information is spread in the ‘rumor mill.’”

2.

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April 20th, 1999

mbine High School Massacre

most Americans have looked at you ght, among other things, that—God something like this should ever haps, I hope we would behave as well.” inton on the Columbine massacre

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December 21st, 2012

HHS student sets off fireworks in the mall “This appears to be nothing more than a poor decision made by a student.” Patty Johnson, prinicpal

Bowling for Colum- 2002 “I never thought I bine- a documentary would have to, a released by Michael 2002 decade later, stand Moore explores here and say that the motives bethat film of mine hind the Columdid no good.” bine massacre and -Michael Moore opinions on gun (after Sandy Hook) control in America

5.

Lydia Wilson is the Editor in Chief for the Royal Page

December 14th, 2012

Sandy Hook Shooting

“These tragedies must end, and to end them, we must change.” -President Obama A family participates in a candlelight vigil held for Sandy Hook victims. -photo

by Josalee Thrift, used with Creative Commons

January 2013

Lockdowns are enforced in schools across the state, threats are sent over HHS student twitter accounts

Background: Mr. Trenton Lawson, assistant principal, and a Minnetonka police officer watch over students in the mall.

Photo by Thomas Heegaard, web czar

the

RP Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 10 feature Students join Comedy Sportz High School League

By Joe Greene Business Manager Within seconds, an improvisational comedy performer jumps into a scene in front of a captivated audience. No script, only their intuition, raw humor, a willingness to take a risk and in-sync cooperation with their fellow improvers. The goal is to make unforgettable comedy magic.

The HHS Comedy Club is a part of the Comedy Sportz High School League, an outreach of Comedy Sportz in Minneapolis. Comedy Sportz is an improvisational comedy franchise with performing groups all over the country.

Comedy games are performed like a sport, with two small teams competing against each other. A referee calls fouls and encourages audience participation.

Twelve HHS students comprise the club and each week they work with a coach from Comedy Sportz, learning the games and polishing their skills.

Students perform six times during the year - three performances in the HHS small theater, and three performances at the Comedy Sportz in Minneapolis where high school teams from all over the metro area compete.

Former HHS students Jack Wanderman, Hank Greene and Patrick Genellie established the HHS Comedy Club six years ago as juniors. Ms. Sara Garcia,

AP Coordinator, agreed to support their new club.

“I was drawn into this venture by students excited to build something. They wanted to create an organization for students who loved competitive improvisation - for students, by students,” Garcia said.

Each year, the graduating seniors choose new team captains. “What is most rewarding is to see students learn how to be good leaders. Being a peer leader is tough, but it is an invaluable growing experience,” Garcia said.

The current captains of the HHS Club are Jesse Pedersen and Noah Johnson, seniors, both members of the club since their sophomore year.

“I’ve always enjoyed making people laugh. I feel like I have a knack for comedy,” Pedersen said.

Johnson had his first taste of improvisational comedy at West Junior High when he took an improv class with Mr. Dan Beaubien. Although Johnson admits that comedy is not viewed as a “cool” thing, not like being on the football team – still, he found his place.

“I discovered that I was a lot funnier than I thought I was,” Johnson said.

Improvisational comedy performances are unique because nothing is scripted, and all scenes and dialogues are thought up on the spot. The audience has the opportunity to give specific topics and situations for the performers to improvise.

Photo by Cydney Froehlich

Students in Comedy Club participate in an interactive exercise to improve their improv skills. This year, there are three new students in the club.

“I feel like most of the time in performances the audiences are only spectators. It’s really fun that they get to carry out their ideas,” said Christian Dahl, senior.

“I think you need an incredibly active imagination, and you can’t be afraid socially. You’ve got to be flexible with other people’s reality while you perform,” said Beth Ocar, Language Arts and Theatre Arts teacher.

“This is not stand-up comedy,” Garcia said. “Sometimes people get confused about that.

Group improvisation is more difficult because it’s not just about one person. A team has to learn to work as one, cover for each other, and play to strengths

and weaknesses.”

Johnson sees three important qualities a good improv performer needs to be successful.

“You need to be quick-thinking, outgoing, and up-to-date on what is going on in the world so that you can incorporate those topics into your performances,” Johnson said.

Dahl sees trust as an important asset. “You have to trust your teammates not to reject what you say, and to just take your idea and run with it,” Dahl said.

Both Pedersen and Johnson have seen several students join the Comedy Club, come out of their shells, and reveal a completely different and silly side of

their personalities.

“There are a lot of classclowns, but also quiet kids who show a different side when they perform. I have tried to reach out to different students in my classes who I think are funny and who are a good fit for the club, and I recruit them,” Pedersen said.

“There was one particular moment that stuck out in my mind, when I gave a quiet teammate some advice to be more loud during a performance. Immediately after that, they got on stage screamed, and it was perfect. I could not stop laughing because it was so funny,” Johnson said “I’ve seen some kids reveal

a different side of themselves while performing. I look at some of them and I’m surprised and say, ‘Wow, you are hilarious,’” Dahl said.

Ms. Garcia is proud of what this team has accomplished.

“Each group has different personalities and challenges to overcome. A strong club can change with its members and still remain true to its founding principles,” Garcia said.

“I think the Comedy Club is a good place for the real class clown who can show off their skills. These are students who have this unsaved talent, and they get the chance to shine and be a real theater thespian and improver,” Ocar said.

Hanson defeats disorder and expresses through art HANSON from page 1 difficult process by telling her she was beautiful and perfect, with or without eyelashes.

To this day, she is still the most beautiful woman I have ever laid my eyes on and that will not change,” Phelps said.

Smith found her relief in therapy. “Therapy has helped a lot,” Smith said, “Whether or not they understand it, it’s nice to open up to people who listen, because they have problems of their own.”

Smith and Hanson have both said that they have a goal

of bringing awareness of trich.

“I want people to know what it [trich] is. Because when people see it and don’t know what it is, they judge people for it, and that just makes people want to do it more,” Smith said.

Hanson is working to bring awareness through her AP Drawing and Painting Concentration, which contains 12 pieces centered around her disorder.

“I was very worried about how people would react...my drawing of my hair and bald spot made me feel very vulnerable because I had drawn out my

greatest insecurity for everyone to see,” Hanson said.

There was an overwhelming response of praise and support for Hanson’s work from friends and teachers such as Ms. Randi Rood, art. “Alley has evolved immensely in her creative work.

So much of art is autobiographical...It’s about sharing your internal world. Her art is powerful because it’s so authentically honest,” Rood said.

“However hard it may be for me to focus on my trich for my concentration, I know it will all be worth it when it is complete,” Hanson said.

Photos provided by Alexandra Hanson

Above are the first of 12 pieces of Hanson’s concentration. “I decided to focus my AP Drawing & Painting Concentration on my hair pulling disorder in order to raise awareness,” Hanson said.

the

RP Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 feature11 Yes You Can creates options for minority students Source: U.S. Department

White

Percent of students who graduated from high school in MN in the 2010-11 school year.

52%

84%

ley said. of Education’s graduation rate survey By supporting these parents, Photo by Cydney Froehlich Yes You Can continues to fulfill its slogan: Making College a Reality.

“School is important to me not only for academic reasons, but for The Yes You Can Program my future. was developed to make more Education is resources available to minority families and increase the a real privinumber of minority students lege,” Preswho attend college. ton said.

ELL students

places where they can network with other families,” Bailey said.

Adera Preston, sophomore, goes to nearly every Yes You Can meeting. “My mom says she wants me to have the best opportunities I can possibly have and take advantage of every possibility. Now, I feel like I have a better understanding of the reality and struggle of getting into a college,” Preston said.

Tracking the effects of the program on students has not been possible yet. However, a few students have come back and shared advice and stories about their college experience.

“The parents especially feel a connection that they didn’t feel before. With the Somali group, parents have connections to the school, but they’re not always sure how this place works.

This program has empowered them to have a bigger role in choices for their students,” Bai-

51%

kids,” Fisher said.

A liaison supervises each ethnic group to discuss a new topic each meeting. Ms. Jennifer Heimlich, Social Studies, leads the African American families while Ms. Shannon Bailey, AVID, and Mr. Xeev Xvm Vang, Counselor, lead the Somali and Hmong groups. A translator attends meetings for the Latino, Somali, and Hmong groups.

Heimlich has found working with the African American families to be a success. “It’s been great both years. Making all of this [information] more available is super rewarding,” Heimlich said.

Bailey also shares Heimlich’s sense of reward. “These are families that really want good things for their kids, especially college, but because of language and culture differences, they don’t always feel like they can access the system as easily as other families. They don’t have

Hispanic

Ka Xiong, senior, dreams of being a nurse. “I like to help and work with people to develop great relationships,” Xiong said.

Xiong particularly hopes to help patients who speak Hmong since she is bilingual.

The Yes You Can program is helping Xiong fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse by receiving a college education. From the various Saturday meetings that started on November 10, Xiong and her parents have learned about financial aid, what classes to take, and where to look for scholarships.

“I translate for my parents, so this opportunity has given me a chance to know how to fill out the financial aid forms,” Xiong said. Xiong will be the first in her family to go to college.

Alex Fisher and Scott Endo, ELL (English Language Learn-

ers), started the program three years ago after the success of the ELL Family Advisory Committee. The Hopkins Education Foundation gave the school a grant to start another program for college preparation for Latino families.

In the 2009 to 2010 school year, Sí Se Puede connected with Latino families to help them learn more about college preparation. Now, Yes You Can provides information about the college process for Latino, Hmong, Somali, and African American families.

Seventh through twelfth graders and their parents can attend these meetings to learn about what students should consider when preparing for college.

“Parents explicitly learn about resources in the school for families who haven’t been in the country long and don’t know about opportunities for their

African Am. 49%

By Ellie Maag Staff Reporter

Students gain first-hand experiences at state capitol

By Maggie Abel Staff Reporter After three years, I had become an expert at navigating through the first day of Youth in Government (YIG).

I put my luggage towards the front of the trailer so it would be one of the first bags out. I brought my heels to change into and wore boots so I wouldn’t have to trudge through the snow and ice in four-inch

Photo by Maggie Abel

Abel visited the capitol building with YIG. She spent her weekend along with other aspiring politicians writing bills and reporting the YIG news.

pumps. My roommates and I skillfully guided our luggage onto the escalator ahead of everyone else so we’d be first to get our room keys.

And that was all within the first hour.

This year, 1,600 high school students gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Minneapolis for the 59th annual Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government Model Assembly.

YIG is a four day long mock government convention that takes place every January. Students from all over Minnesota attend to participate in various activities.

Delegates have the opportunity to choose what area they participate in. They can choose to be a part of the Legislative branch (House and Senate), Executive branch (Governor and cabinet), Judicial branch (Courts), or Media (Newspaper, Radio, TV, Digital).

Besides the Hilton, delegates meet at the Minnesota State Capitol, or Hamilton University for their program area.

The Legislative branch writes and debates bills. Members of the House and Senate are required to write an origi-

nal bill before Model Assembly.

There are also many elected and appointed positions that can be applied for.

The Judicial branch consists of judges and court members.

Court members are responsible for preparing both sides of their case before Model Assembly begins.

In Media, a variety of small sections work together. The Radio and TV committee broadcasts news, music, and interviews throughout the day and night. Digital, a new section, has Facebook, Twitter, and texting services to update delegates with the latest news. Newspaper delivers news the old fashion way: writing.

The Executive branch includes the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, each with their own cabinet. This year, Emma Schroer, senior, served as Lieutenant Governor.

“It was indescribable. I got to hold press conferences, sign bills, talk to delegates, make speeches, and direct my staff and cabinet,” Schroer said.

Schroer started YIG in eighth grade after learning about it at school. She and a couple friends decided to give

it a try. Five years later, she held one of the highest positions possible.

This year is the second year I participated in the YIG newspaper. We covered everything happening in YIG from bills to the latest YIG gossip. As a reporter, I was responsible for writing two stories per day.

Newspaper is different than many of the other program areas at YIG because there is a lot of freedom, whereas other areas have strict schedules.

For meals, delegates are allowed in the skyways, where there are restaurants and food courts. Delegates at the Capitol and Hamilton eat in that area.

My roommates and I always bring breakfast foods, like bagels and peanut butter, for when we don’t have time for breakfast in the skyways.

Some of the best parts of YIG are the evening activities.

Delegates are allowed to change out of their formal attire and socialize with other delegations.

The second night includes a talent show, karaoke, movies, and an inflatable bouncy house.

Cotton candy and popcorn are included, of course.

The third night is the most

anticipated night: The Governor’s Ball. A DJ comes to the hotel and hosts a huge dance party. This is the highlight of the weekend for most people.

The leaders and staff always say some of the best friendships are made at YIG. This rang true for Schroer.

“I think that what makes YIG so special is the connections you make with people from all over the state and country,” Schroer said.

At the end of Model Assembly, all of the delegates and volunteers gather in the Convention Center in Minneapolis where leaders give speeches and recap that year’s Model Assembly. Everyone can tell that the seniors who won’t be returning the next year will really miss the memories they’ve made throughout their years at YIG. Senior year isn’t always the end for delegates, though. Many come back as Resource Advisors and help new delegates with their YIG experience. This is something Schroer would love to do.

“YIG has had a huge impact on my life and I want to help other students have the experience that I had,” Schroer said.

the

RPThursday, Jan. 31, 2013 12 feature Koza merges Minneapolis music scene with orchestra Annual musical guest is working with orchestra to prepare for the Spotlight Concert

By Rachel Alter Feature Editor At the age of six, Chris Koza, local musician, glanced in awe and curiosity at the piano standing before him and made a promise to himself.

Unlike many other kindergarten children, this promise had nothing to do with becoming a famous movie star or the president of the United States.

Instead, Koza promised himself that one day he would learn to play music.

“When I was younger, I was inspired by music. I was so

amazed that people were able to take a piano and make music out of it,” Koza said.

In order to keep his promise and fulfill his desire to become part of the local Minneapolis music scene, Koza joined bands in high school and college.

Currently, Koza is a member of the band, Rogue Valley, where he writes lyrics and music, plays the guitar and sings.

“I will be reading a book, watching a movie, having a conversation or in a museum and a line strikes me as unusually profound. These are the scenes that I try to convert to music.

We have enough of those sappy love songs. All I need is something as simple as oatmeal and I just go from there,” Koza said.

In college, Koza met a man who opened up a new door to his career. “For probably a year, I went to the same college as Andy Bast. We did a couple shows together,” Koza said.

“I’ve known Chris for quite awhile from playing music through St. Olaf. We’ve been in different groups. When you play music a lot, you get to know other musicians,” said Mr. Andrew Bast, Music.

This year, Koza was invited

to collaborate with the HHS orchestra for the annual Spotlight Concert in which rock professionals are brought to HHS and back up their original songs with the orchestra.

“In the past, there were really mediocre musicians, but Chris is really at the top of the Minneapolis music circuit,” said Billy Lewis, senior.

“Playing with the orchestra gives me a chance to experience my songs from a new objective.

It is fun to revisit the songs and see them in a different light,” Koza said.

Koza hopes to continue to

play with community and school orchestras a few times a year and will work towards playing with the Minnesota Orchestra.

“There is something so powerful about combining efforts of the musicians all for the same goal of making music,” Koza said.

Koza has made many connections both locally and nationally, but he still finds it difficult to keep focused on his love of making and playing music.

“I see these famous musicians that have millions of followers on Twitter and even more friends on Facebook, and

sometimes I will be lying in bed at night and thinking ‘I should be tweeting or posting on Facebook or trying to connect with fans,’” Koza said.

“This should give me energy not take it away. It is a challenge to be patient and let things happen naturally. I can’t think about this venue has that many people... you can’t force it,” Koza said.

Koza is eager to work with the HHS orchestra. “It is such an honor to work with the orchestra. I really appreciate the time and energy they take to work with me,” Koza said.

Photos provided by Joey Grund

Grund took this photo of a street near his new home in Dourdain, France.

He goes to school each day on the northern edge of the city.

Grund stands with his suitcases packed and ready to go for Dourdain, France. Grund is spending one year in Dourdain as an exchange student.

Food is an important part of French culture. Grund has experienced new foods such as foie gras on Christmas and galette des rois on New Year’s.

Bonjour! Seniors studying abroad write to HHS to say hello The third in a series of letters from students studying abroad this term In some ways my senior year is just like everybody else’s. I am stressing over college applications, suffering from severe senior slack and preparing myself for the end of high school as I know it. But unlike others, I wake myself every morning sipping café court and reading Le Monde, thousands of miles away from HHS, in humble, Dourdain, France.

I took on two jobs to cover my half of the tuition, brushed up on my French and prepared myself for a year away from home. On August 29th, I said my goodbyes to the United States, which I had never before left, and began my year-long exchange in France.

I am with the exchange program YFU and live with a host family comprising of two parents and three siblings in a small, country town near Rennes, France. Not being used to countryside life at all, it was quite a transition. However, I make my way to the city every morning

to go to school, a large, science-concentrated lycée on the northern edge of the city. The differences between the American and French school systems are uncountable. In fact, I find myself surprised when something between the two turns out to be the same. I am in the “S” sector (against my will), and study subjects based primarily on science and mathematics.

I am also in a year known as première, a semiequivalent to the American junior year. Although I start school at 8:00 in the morning, days can go as late as 5:30 pm, each class being anywhere from one to two hours. It is a true struggle to succeed in an environment where everyone in the class understands, and you find yourself frantically searching your pocket dictionary for the French words for things like “sickle-cell disease” and feeling dismay when it doesn’t appear.

Although challenging and different, I like the French education system and admit certain as-

pects of it to be superior to ours.

Then there is the holy grail of French culture, the food. Yes, it’s true, the French love to eat. Be it foie gras at Christmas or galette des rois at New Year’s, every meal is a new adventure. There are some things that don’t seem to exist in France like tater tots, pumpkin pie and molasses as well as the opposite.

For those of you who may be considering doing an exchange program, know that it is no easy feat. Making new friends in a new cultures (and especially in a new language) can be difficult, not to mention the exhausting effort to adjust to a foreign culture and language. However, despite all the difficulties, it is incredibly rewarding.

In addition to advancement in a foreign language, you gain new friends, maturity and an outlook at life. It is oh-so cliché, but an exchange truly does open your cultural horizons, so that you may look past stereotypes and see a people from

a new angle.

Finally, I would like to give a shout-out to all of HHS’ exchange students who happen to be reading this article. I also encourage everyone to start a conversation with an exchange student they know and learn about their experience and country. It is part of the reason they came here: to both discover a new country and share theirs with others.

Alas, I shall depart this beloved land in a mere five months, but until that day comes, I shall cherish each day like bites of freshlyglazed crème brûlée. Bon appétit!

Joey Grund

te the power

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the

RPThursday, Jan. 31, 2013

The Hall of Famer that lives next door

By Sam Parker Staff Reporter

The legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden once said, “What comes first is friends, family, and faith.” Hall of Fame basketball player Arild Verner Agerskov (Vern) Mikkelsen has lived his entire life around this motto.

Mikkelsen first picked up a basketball in the small town of Askov, Minnesota at the age of 11, and still resides in Minnesota, in fact Minnetonka, to this day.

From there he went on to enroll at Hamline University as a 16-year-old. Mikkelsen was an All-American during his senior year.

During his senior year, he participated in the College All-Star Game against an East team that was stacked with four All-Americans from Kentucky and was coached by Kentucky coaching legend, Adolph Rupp.

Mikkelsen led all scoring with 17 points, but the East ended up winning by one point.

Mikkelsen went on to be drafted by the hometown Minneapolis Lakers as a territorial pick in 1949.

Mikkelsen had an illustrious career for the Lakers, playing alongside fellow Hall of Famer George Mikan. More than anything else he accomplished though, Mikkelsen helped create the game of basketball we see today.

Mikkelsen was the first recognized power forward in basketball history. John Kundla, the legendary Minneapolis Lakers coach, found himself with a crowded frontcourt after the drafting of Mikkelsen.

Therefore, he created a position where, instead of always having your back to the basket, you would face the basket and still have a major presence down low.

Mikkelsen’s impressive career came to a close in 1959 after four NBA championships, six NBA All-Star game appearances, and four time Second Team All-NBA. He also recorded over 10,000 points for his career.

Even though Mikkelsen achieved all of these accomplishments and was seen by many of his peers as a player deserving of the Hall of Fame, when he got the call from Springfield, Massachusetts, he

was very surprised.

“When I was inducted into the Hall of Fame, I was abso-

lutely floored. I didn’t think that I was ever in that upper echelon of players. I was inducted in the

Photo provided by Minnesota Historical Society

Mikkelsen poses for a photo in 1950. Mikkelsen helped create the power forward position we see in games today.

same class as Kareem AbdulJabbar and so all of his competitors and teammates were there as well. From Larry Bird to Magic Johnson to Julius Erving were walking up to me and congratulating me. I was like a farm kid just looking around amazed.

I still have trouble believing it,” Mikkelsen said.

This humble attitude was always a large part of Mikkelsen’s playing career. He always thought of the team before any personal statistics.

In retirement, Mikkelsen was offered a chance to buy the soon-to-be Los Angeles Lakers, but he declined because he preferred to reside in Minnesota instead of Los Angeles. Vern truly is a Minnesotan through and through. He would go on to have two kids, Tom and John, with his wife, Jean.

John has moved back to Minnesota from his previous home in Los Angeles to be with his father, who is a stroke survivor. John shared some of his memories of growing up with a Hall of Fame basketball player as a dad.

“It was certainly fun having a dad that was a pro and was a celebrity. The challenge I had was

living in the shadow of an NBA Hall of Famer wasn’t easy when I went out to play basketball.

Everybody expected something out of me that I may or may not have been capable of, but I truly always enjoyed it. Even into my adult life it has been a blast,” John Mikkelsen said.

Although many children of NBA stars probably feel this way, John went on to say how great a father Vern truly was.

“More than just being raised by a Hall of Fame basketball player, he was just a great dad to me. I never really saw him as a basketball player. I saw trophies up in his den and knew that he played, but he was always just my dad,” John said.

Vern now watches many NBA games and remarks at how different the game has become.

“The size and mobility of the players today is far superior to the size and mobility of the players from when I played,” Vern said.

Vern has learned to appreciate every day of life after suffering through the stroke, and now has a new motto that everyone can appreciate.

“One day at a time,” Vern said.

Freshman breaks into the HHS basketball starting five

By Eli Badower Sports Editor Amir Coffey, freshman, has become the first freshman to start on the HHS varsity boys basketball team since 1993, according to Ken Novak Jr., head coach and Social Studies.

“We’ve played a few freshmen on varsity, but it’s been awhile since any freshman has started on varsity. Joe Coleman (now playing at the University of Minnesota) played but didn’t start and Kris Humphries (now playing for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA) didn’t even play,” Novak said.

Coffey has had to make the transition to varsity that few before him have had to make. His teammates have tried to help him make this transition.

“I just tried to teach him some ins-and-outs, some little things that I learned as a young guy. I try to teach him the little things that go unsaid but are

still important,” said Kamali Chambers, junior.

While he is still young, Coffey has taken advantage of his strengths at the varsity level.

“He does a little bit of everything. I think his best skills are his shooting ability and his ability to pass. He has good length and is also a very good team player. He has work to do, but so does everyone,” Novak said.

Coffey’s strengths are numerous, but being only a freshman, he still has room for improvement.

“He just has to get stronger.

He also has to get more aggressive offensively. He has a tendency to stand back and wait for opportunities instead of taking them,” Novak said.

The Coffeys are a basketball family through-and-through.

Coffey has two sisters, Nia Coffey, senior, and Sydney, that both play basketball. Nia is committed to play at Northwestern University, while Sydney is a

freshman at Marist College.

“My sisters are both very good basketball players, but I can beat them both in one-onone, no doubt,” Amir said.

In addition to that, Amir’s father, Mr. Richard Coffey, played for the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Richard has tried to use his basketball experience to help Amir.

“I know what I did as a kid and the mistakes that I made as a basketball player, and I try to work on those things with Amir.

I make sure he is constantly working on his fundamentals,” Richard said.

Amir attended the U.S. National Development Camp this past summer for the top young players from all across the country. He competed against some of the other top players in his age group.

“There were a lot of talented players there. It made me realize how hard I have to work to keep

improving my game,” Amir said.

Even though Amir was surprised to hear he was going to start for the varsity team, his father was not.

“Amir has worked really hard and grew to 6’5” this summer. I knew with the team they had this year that he would have the opportunity to start,” Richard said.

Amir has had to change his game a little bit to be successful, but it really was not anything new for him to play against older players.

“I have always played up since I was little, so the transition wasn’t that hard, but being a freshman playing against seniors is tough so I’m working on getting stronger,” Amir said.

While Amir is starting, there is still a long road ahead for him in high school. As a freshman, the possibilities are endless.

“Amir can be the best player in the state when his time comes,” Chambers said.

Photo by Jarrin Williams

Amir Coffey, freshman, drives the lane against Eastview. The last time a freshman strarted for the Royals was in 1993.

the

RP Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013 14 sports Ellingsons show commitment to HHS athletics

By Alex Felemovicius Staff Reporter Just three years ago, Jakob Ellingson, senior, and Siena Ellingson, sophomore, put on their first pair of booster-clubprovided rental skis, and they haven’t looked back.

Jakob and Siena both joined the HHS Nordic team three years ago. Because they are homeschooled, much of their time and dedication is directed towards the sport, as they both hope to one day wear the USA uniform at the olympics.

Jakob and Siena have been homeschooled their entire lives, and their daily schedule differs from many students at HHS. They generally wake up at around seven, and then start their schoolwork. Usually, they finish their work by around 2:15. Then they quickly grab a snack and head to HHS for Nordic practice.

“The Ellingsons have a little more opportunity to train during the ski season based on their flexible home school schedule,” said Mr. Rob Fuhr, head coach and Media Arts. “They have chosen to pursue the sport of biathalon, and to be equally devoted to the Hopkins Nordic ski team.”

The sense of community is very different for Jakob and Siena as they switch from a school of four to a school sport that contains over 100 kids.

“Community wise, it’s a big jump. When I’m doing my school at home I spend a lot of time with my little brother and sister, but at the school practices and stuff there’s a lot more people all over the place,” Jakob said. “I know most of them, and am friends with a lot, but at first it was a little overwhelming.”

Students on the HHS Nordic team, including seniors Harris Dirnberger, Will Jones, and Sarah Benton, have noticed many developments with these athletes throughout the years.

Some of these developments have personally affected and influenced the performances of these students.

“I learn from her attitude.

Siena teaches me to not always think about the results, but rather the progress I am making. That is a very important skill to have in life,” Benton

said.

“Jakob always helps me with my technique and demonstrates a good work ethic that has a lasting impact on the team,” Jones said.

Dirnberger and Jakob are very close in their successes and technique of the sport.

This causes them both to push eachother harder.

“I know that if I let myself fall back that he will be good competition, so it pushes me to make sure I’m competing well and not slacking,” Dirnberger said.

Aside from just Nordic, both Jakob and Siena train for biathlons. A biathlon is a race that includes cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

“Twice a week my brother Jake and I get up at 6:00 a.m. and drive to Elk River and the shooting range that is there. We do a shooting/skiing workout there and then go home and do school and ski practice in the afternoon,” Siena said.

This year, Jakob received the opportunity to compete at the Junior World Championships in Austria and represent the U.S.A for biathlons. A lot of his focus and training this year has gone towards that, because he says it’s going to be more difficult than any of the other races he has ever done. Siena wishes to one day follow her brother’s path and compete in Europe.

“I expect to run into some really tough competition in Austria, but hopefully when I see that level of athletes, I’m really fueled to come home and train hard enough and smart enough to go places with this skiing and biathlon, maybe the Olympic team someday,” Jakob said.

Jakob and Siena train yearround, skiing in the winter and roller skiing during the spring and summer.

Last spring, the Ellingson family drove out to Montana for the Biathlon nationals, training for a week and competing the next. Following that, they drove out to Utah for a biathlon training camp in October, and then, in November, they went to Montana for an altitude training camp on snow. After this, they finally came back to Minnesota, where they began their HHS Nordic season.

Both Ellingson children set their hopes high, and have dreamed of one day being in the

Olympics ever since the days they put on their first pair of HHS rental ski’s.

“Even if we don’t have practice, they are probably still out and about training somewhere

else,” Jones said. “I think if every kid was like that, we would have a really strong team.”

Photos by Jim Arneson

Top: Siena Ellingson, sophomore, warming up at a conference meet at Elm Creek. Siena has been on the top girls skiers all year for the nordic team.

Bottom: Jakob Ellingson, senior, skiing at a conference meet at Elm Creek. Jakob has been training for a biathlon in Austria, where he will represent the U.S..

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RP Thursday, Jan. 31, 2012

Boys hockey skates to an improved season

By Sam Bloomfield Sports Editor After finishing the regular season at 10-15 last year, followed by a first round exit in the section playoffs, nobody could quite anticipate the way the boys hockey team has kicked off the 2012-2013 season.

“The success we’ve had this year came as a surprise to me, but now I know what our potential is, and that we really can do something special this year,” said Josh Laven, sophomore.

After a disappointing 20112012 season, the Royals have come out of the gate strong, boasting a 9-9-1 record, including a marquee 5-3 victory against Cloquet.

“I think our team has finally gelled, and we have three or four lines that want to go every shift of the game, and when our lines are rolling, we can have success in any game,” Laven said. “It’s just a matter of us wanting to come out with the ‘W,’ and our team has enough talent to reach that goal.”

The early success of the Royals seemed to come out of the blue, but it hasn’t come without the players putting in their share of hard work. After a summer full of workouts and practices, the team came prepared and ready to skate from day one.

“We just started at a higher point than we did last year,” said Austin Bizal, senior. “We have come out as a team and made a lot more progress than we did last year.”

After the loss of a large group of outgoing seniors last year, the Royals have had to fill a significant gap on the roster, and this young group, including leading point scorers (which is a combination of assists and goals) Laven and Jimmy Copouls, junior, have really stepped up to the challenge.

Copouls leads the team in goals (14) as well as in points (23). Laven, in just his first year on the varsity team, is leading the team in assists (13), as well as second in points (21).

Spotlight Athlete

“The younger kids have definitely stepped up and filled the role that we kind of lost last year, but I would say that everyone contributes and plays some role in the game,” Bizal said.

This young core has contributed to the Royals’ success, however, the 10 seniors on the team have really stepped up, not only as athletes, but as leaders.

“Hockey is not that different from other high school sports, where you really need your seniors to lead the team and the direction the season will take, and ours this year have done a nice job of doing just that,” said Mr. Rolf Ulvin, head coach.

With a mixed group of young talent and veteran leadership, the Royals hockey program seems to be on the rise.

“It would be great to go .500 in conference play, put us in a good place for sections, and see how it goes from there,” Bizal said.

With the beginning of sections coming up on February 19, the Royals have a tough road

The month in review @ Girls Basketball 01/10/13 The Royals crushed DeLaSalle 90-64.

Nia Coffey, senior, scored 22 points, with 15 in the second half. Erin O’Toole and Taylor Anderson, seniors, also scored in double digits with 17 and 16 points, respectively.

@

Name: Jamal Davis

Boys Basketball 01/19/13 HHS dominated St. Paul Central 82-66, recording coach Ken Novak Jr.’s 700th career victory. Four Royals scored in double figures, including 19 points from Jake Wright, junior. Novak Jr. joined three other coaches in the prestigious 700 club.

Grade: 12

The month to come

Sport: Basketball Athletic Idol: Jamal Crawford Favorite Memory: “Being a part of the threepeat.”

@ Girls Hockey 01/31/13 HHS goes to Breck tonight for the last game of the regular season. Corbin Boyd, sophomore, leads the team in points and assists with Nina Rodgers, junior, leading the team in goals.

Player to watch: Katie Schipper, senior, leads the Mustangs in goals, assists, and points.

ahead in order to give themselves a shot at advancing to State. However, there appears to be success on the horizon not only for this year, but for many

years to come.

“We have some numbers coming up next year and the following year, and it looks like we could have a great team in the

next few years,” Laven said. “I do feel, however, that this year could really be our year to do something special and make a statement.”

Photos by Cydney Froehlich Max Ostenso, senior, wrestles for the puck against an Armstrong player. The HHS boys hockey team has played strong during the non-conference schedule this season.

Rodgers goes international

By Hillary Donovan Staff Reporter For most student-athletes, playing their sports competitively outside of the metro area is a pipe dream. But for Nina Rodgers, junior, the HHS girls hockey team is just the beginning.

Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) rules state that students can receive private training and lessons from someone other than the sport’s coach at the high school.

Not many kids get the opportunity to get coached from the US Worlds U18’s coach.

Rodgers has not only played for the HHS girls hockey team this school year, but for two other teams.

In the fall, Rodgers played in the Girls Upper Midwest High School Elite League. Although they only played for about a month, Rodgers got to play with some of the best hockey players in the midwest region.

Then, HHS hockey started.

So far this season, Rodgers is the second leading scorer on the team behind Corbin Boyd.

Rodgers is now the number two leading scorer in the metro area,

according to the Sun Sailor.

Rodgers also played for the US Worlds U18 team over winter break.

“It’s indescribable to be able to play for the US Worlds team.

Just putting on that USA jersey is amazing,” Rodgers said.

Playing on three teams takes up a lot of time as well as commitment.

“I’ve put in more time than people think, I can’t put it in hours. I’ve played for days. It’s a lot to handle and it can get confusing, but I make it work,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers has already beat her scoring record from the 2011-2012 season. Last year, she finished with 38 points.

With another month left, and at the rate she is going, Rodgers is expected to get at least 45 goals by the end of the season.

With all the experience Rodgers has gained, she tries to bring some back to the team and help all the players.

“I’m playing with better people and bringing my expericnce back to Hopkins, and trying to help make everyone else better,” Rodgers said.

Although the commitment seems like a lot, Rodgers is very dedicated to the game and enjoys playing, no matter what team she is on.

“I just try to make everything fun, and I can handle it all pretty well,” Rodgers said.

sports 15

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RP Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013

Boys hockey skates to an improved season

By Sam Bloomfield Sports Editor After finishing the regular season at 10-15 last year, followed by a first round exit in the section playoffs, nobody could quite anticipate the way the boys hockey team has kicked off the 2012-2013 season.

“The success we’ve had this year came as a surprise to me, but now I know what our potential is, and that we really can do something special this year,” said Josh Laven, sophomore.

After a disappointing 20112012 season, the Royals have come out of the gate strong, boasting a 9-9-1 record, including a marquee 5-3 victory against Cloquet.

“I think our team has finally gelled, and we have three or four lines that want to go every shift of the game, and when our lines are rolling, we can have success in any game,” Laven said. “It’s just a matter of us wanting to come out with the ‘W,’ and our team has enough talent to reach that goal.”

The early success of the Royals seemed to come out of the blue, but it hasn’t come without the players putting in their share of hard work. After a summer full of workouts and practices, the team came prepared and ready to skate from day one.

“We just started at a higher point than we did last year,” said Austin Bizal, senior. “We have come out as a team and made a lot more progress than we did last year.”

After the loss of a large group of outgoing seniors last year, the Royals have had to fill a significant gap on the roster, and this young group, including leading point scorers (which is a combination of assists and goals) Laven and Jimmy Copouls, junior, have really stepped up to the challenge.

Copouls leads the team in goals (14) as well as in points (23). Laven, in just his first year on the varsity team, is leading the team in assists (13), as well as second in points (21).

Spotlight Athlete

“The younger kids have definitely stepped up and filled the role that we kind of lost last year, but I would say that everyone contributes and plays some role in the game,” Bizal said.

This young core has contributed to the Royals’ success, however, the 10 seniors on the team have really stepped up, not only as athletes, but as leaders.

“Hockey is not that different from other high school sports, where you really need your seniors to lead the team and the direction the season will take, and ours this year have done a nice job of doing just that,” said Mr. Rolf Ulvin, head coach.

With a mixed group of young talent and veteran leadership, the Royals hockey program seems to be on the rise.

“It would be great to go .500 in conference play, put us in a good place for sections, and see how it goes from there,” Bizal said.

With the beginning of sections coming up on February 19, the Royals have a tough road

The month in review @ Girls Basketball 01/10/13 The Royals crushed DeLaSalle 90-64.

Nia Coffey, senior, scored 22 points, with 15 in the second half. Erin O’Toole and Taylor Anderson, seniors, also scored in double digits with 17 and 16 points, respectively.

@

Name: Jamal Davis

Boys Basketball 01/19/13 HHS dominated St. Paul Central 82-66, recording coach Ken Novak Jr.’s 700th career victory. Four Royals scored in double figures, including 19 points from Jake Wright, junior. Novak Jr. joined three other coaches in the prestigious 700 club.

Grade: 12

The month to come

Sport: Basketball Athletic Idol: Jamal Crawford Favorite Memory: “Being a part of the threepeat.”

@ Girls Hockey 01/31/13 HHS goes to Breck tonight for the last game of the regular season. Corbin Boyd, sophomore, leads the team in points and assists with Nina Rodgers, junior, leading the team in goals.

Player to watch: Katie Schipper, senior, leads the Mustangs in goals, assists, and points.

ahead in order to give themselves a shot at advancing to State. However, there appears to be success on the horizon not only for this year, but for many

years to come.

“We have some numbers coming up next year and the following year, and it looks like we could have a great team in the

next few years,” Laven said. “I do feel, however, that this year could really be our year to do something special and make a statement.”

Photo by Cydney Froehlich

Max Ostenso, senior, wrestles for the puck against an Armstrong player. The boys hocket team has played strong during the non-conference schedule this season.

Rodgers goes international

By Hillary Donovan Staff Reporter For most student-athletes, playing their sports competitively outside of the metro area is a pipe dream. But for Nina Rodgers, junior, the HHS girls hockey team is just the beginning.

Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) rules state that students can receive private training and lessons from someone other than the sport’s coach at the high school.

Not many kids get the opportunity to get coached from the US Worlds U18’s coach.

Rodgers has not only played for the HHS girls hockey team this school year, but for two other teams.

In the fall, Rodgers played in the Girls Upper Midwest High School Elite League. Although they only played for about a month, Rodgers got to play with some of the best hockey players in the midwest region.

Then, HHS hockey started.

So far this season, Rodgers is the second leading scorer on the team behind Corbin Boyd.

Rodgers is now the number two leading scorer in the metro area,

according to the Sun Sailor.

Rodgers also played for the US Worlds U18 team over winter break.

“It’s indescribable to be able to play for the US Worlds team.

Just putting on that USA jersey is amazing,” Rodgers said.

Playing on three teams takes up a lot of time as well as commitment.

“I’ve put in more time than people think, I can’t put it in hours. I’ve played for days. It’s a lot to handle and it can get confusing, but I make it work,” Rodgers said.

Rodgers has already beat her scoring record from the 2011-2012 season. Last year, she finished with 38 points.

With another month left, and at the rate she is going, Rodgers is expected to get at least 45 goals by the end of the season.

With all the experience Rodgers has gained, she tries to bring some back to the team and help all the players.

“I’m playing with better people and bringing my expericnce back to Hopkins, and trying to help make everyone else better,” Rodgers said.

Although the commitment seems like a lot, Rodgers is very dedicated to the game and enjoys playing, no matter what team she is on.

“I just try to make everything fun, and I can handle it all pretty well,” Rodgers said.

16 back page

the

RPThursday, Jan. 31, 2013

1. Raleigh Heath, senior, focuses on form while instructed by Miller.

2. Miller supervises Jared Allen, senior, practice his clean.

3. Miller and Heath look on as Allen lifts the barbell.

4. Miller demonstrates a proper clean.

2 3

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New strength coach lifts spirits in weight room Casey Pasko Back Page Editor Tommy Miller, Hopkins High School strength coach, arrives at the Lindbergh Center weight room every afternoon at 1:30. After checking in at the athletic office, Miller unlocks the weight room doors, digs into his carefully portioned meal, and starts handing out workouts.

It is Miller’s first year with HHS, where he works with sports teams to reduce injuries and increase athleticism. His focus is not just on how much one can bench press, but on making them a better athlete.

Miller began weightlifting as a fourth grader, when he went along to work with his father. It quickly turned into his passion, and by sixth

grade Miller was able to squat 135 lbs. Today, Miller takes his passion beyond HHS by participating in local Power Lifting contests, as well as international Strongman competitions.

“I took a tour of the Nebraska [Lincoln] football strength and conditioning facilities, and I’ve known ever since that was what I wanted to do,” said Miller.

Miller spent three years at the University of Minnesota where he worked with men’s track, baseball, men and women’s hockey, men’s basketball, and men and women’s golf. He took his passion beyond the weight room and just last year, Miller, a member of the Minnesota National Guard, was deployed to Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

In addition to working with the many sports teams at HHS, Miller’s knowledge is also avail-

able to individual athletes. Raleigh Heath, senior, takes advantage of Miller’s expertise.

“I see Miller to get healthier, as well as training for track,” said Heath, who participates in throwing events for the Track & Field team.

Heath began weightlifting out of pure curiosity.

“I saw that there were people in the weight room and then heard about it from Jared [Allen], senior, and asked if Tommy would take me on too,” Heath said.

Heath often has fourth block open this semester because his ProPEL class does not meet Tuesday through Friday.

“Tommy makes an individualized plan; he knows exactly what I need as a track athlete to be better at my sport,”Heath said.

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