Octoberfinal

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Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010 Volume 29 Issue 2

we

READ

A look into our lack of school spirit Pg.10

2400 Lindbergh Drive Minnetonka, MN 55305

How are

supposed to with all of these

Commemorating a great career Pg. 11

Silly band craze at HHS Pg. 13

Senior ranks number one bowler in the state Pg. 15

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Students adjust to transportation changes Lissa Martinez Feature and Managing Editor

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hen Paris Ebersviller, junior showed up to school at the end of the summer, right away, she realized the parking lot had been renovated since last

spring.

Inevitably, all staff and students at HHS have noticed the big changes to all forms of transportation. The parking lot is clearly different, but the bus system has changed this year as well.

The revamped parking lot however has caused the most controversy. Although, even though the parking lot situation is something students and staff must get used to, it has actually benefitted the school.

“We went to [the assigned parking] because the parking lot needed a major overhaul. We were going to chip and seal it and sweep it away and get the arrows going the right way. Because for years the arrows have been going in every which direction,” said Anne Campbell, Assistant Principal.

The parking-lot renovation has been good for student body, but it’s not without its faults. “I showed up at school in my car and there was a lady parked in my spot, so I parked in someone else’s spot,” said Ryan Cartwright, senior.

This type of domino-effect situation is somewhat common in the parking lot. However, there is practical solution to this problem. “It’s happened on a few occasions and we knew it

would, so what we’ve told students is to park in daily [parking spaces], come into [the office] and we’ll take care of it,” Campbell said.

She also added that the vehicle parked in the wrong spot will be ticketed, and in the future a wheel lock will be placed on the car, to notify the owner further.

Parking permit prices are also a concern for students at HHS. “As a teenager, I have many other expenses to pay. There are many families that can’t afford to pay and don’t have bus transportation [so they have to drive],” said Amy Zwart, senior.

What students may not know is that the entire $300 parking permit fee is used for parking lot maintenance and upkeep.

That includes the current parking lot renovation including the arrows and signs, snow removal, and the cost of the electricity when the lights are running.

“I did a little research and I found out that Edina charges a little bit more, we’re the same as Minnetonka, and Wayzata charges a little bit less,” Campbell said, in terms of parking permit prices in the HHS area.

These prices seem considerably higher for students who are only at HHS for a few hours a day. As a PSEO student, Zwart only has one class at HHS the whole year, yet she still paid the $300 parking permit fee.

“I have one class at HHS. I have senior release 1st block and I also go to Hennepin Technical College for 3rd and 4th block. I

don’t think it’s fair to have to pay $300 to park at HHS for only 2 hours. I don’t have to pay at HTC for parking,” Zwart said.

But the administration has an answer for that as well. “We don’t have a set fee or anything, but we have cases with those situations and we have made adjustments. We take it case by case and talk to the family about their current situation,” Campbell said.

Students who don’t drive to school have a different, new situation to get used to; the buses. Starting this year, the bus drivers have begun assigning seats to the junior high students.

“The high school kids go to the back and the junior high has assigned seats at the front,” Campbell said. “Age difference has been a barrier there, not that we had a lot of problems, but we’re just being proactive.”

The new busing situation has been nothing but positive for the administration. “The buses get here by 7:30, which is very helpful. So it’s helped our whole building, where now we don’t have those disruptions,” Campbell said. “I know it’s been a very positive impact on the student body.”

Ebersviller, who rides the bus most days, agrees that the assigned seating is probably a good idea however her bus does not enforce the assigned seating rules. “If there were assigned seats [on my bus], it would be a good thing,” Ebersviller said.

Surely the new transportation situation has been noticed by students and the administration.

HHS supports locally owned farms through Farm to School Maddie Rauma Staff Reporter

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opkins is entering its fifth year with Farm to School, a program that contributes fresh food to the cuisine served in the cafeterias here at HHS, other schools in the district, and surrounding districts around the metro.

Farm to school provides fresh, healthy products to schools throughout the country in hopes to change children’s relationship to food.

As of now, Farm to School has spread through all 50 states and has over 2,000 programs spanning the country. The organization’s accomplishments include generating hundreds of press hits, organizing several Farm to Cafeteria conferences, and achieving $40 million in the “Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010”. This bill made the largest investment in children’s nutrition programs to this day.

Ms. Barb Mechura, Director of Royal Cuisine, is thrilled about the buzz it has created throughout our district. “Students have adventurously agreed to try some of the new food items we’ve been purchasing from our local sources, we are very excited,” Mechura said.

After analyzing the program’s success, Mechura doesn’t have many complaints other than the setback of more expensive apples this year. “It is harder to procure local apples at a reasonable price due to the early spring causing pollination problems and then a local hail storm damaging crops,” Mechura explained. Purchasing raw ingredients is helping to reduce the cost because they are far less expensive than manufactured foods.

Benefits, however, are growing and growing as HHS continues to collaborate with the program. “We added the fresh vegetable and fruit bar at HHS last year. We are going through hundreds of pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables on that bar that we were not serving before,” Mechura said. Also, over half of the grain foods

like rice, pasta, bread, buns, and crackers, are whole grain.

Helping support local farmers and utilize their resources has gained popularity while being a part of the program. In the first year of expansion, HHS purchased 22,000 pounds of produce from local farmers.

From Riverbend Farms in Delano, MN, HHS brought in 155 pounds of carrots, 262 pounds of tomatoes, and 2,090 pounds of potatoes among many other items.

Producing higher quality food sources when possible, changing children’s relationship to food, and wanting to be “greener” to help support our local farming industry gave HHS good reasons to collaborate with the organization.

Local farmers place emphasis on the quality of food being produced, thereby protecting the characteristics of the food. Conventional farming focuses on producing highest yield possible and uses chemicals, pesticides and other artificial agents. These reasons add to the benefits of Farm to School and the setbacks of conventional farming.

It is believed by some food directors that children have lost their connection to where their food originates from which results in less knowledge of how much hard work is poured into production. With the Farm to School program, HHS is now able to enjoy foods during the peak of their season. They are abundantly available, and provide better texture, taste, and smell than foods shipped for thousands of miles.

Conventional farming decreases our natural resources like water, soil, and energy. Locally grown foods contain more nutrients and are far healthier than conventionally grown produce. Some chemicals that are used to create unnatural growth rates and prevent pests have been linked to cancers and obesity.

Inevitably, local foods will cost more, but cooking from scratch can help to lessen that problem. It may take longer to produce

these meals, but in the long run students will be consuming healthier, more quality products.

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Hybrid or online learning methods at HHS? Maddie Rauma Staff Reporter

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he combination of online classes and attending HHS for fewer blocks a day is a situation students would jump at the chance to have. However, the complex process of combining online learning with classroom style teaching creates a bit of a problem.

Years ago, HHS attempted to utilize the proposal of online learning, but the popularity and demand by students was too great, and finding available teachers was a struggle. “It requires a person who is not only an excellent teacher, but someone who is very comfortable with using technology, and not every teacher has the starting skill set needed to teach online,” said Ms. Terri Osland, Technological Specialist.

Coming across the resources such as funding, time, and technology was problematic as well. Creating such a complex, integrated learning alternative is very costly to develop. To ensure a quality experience, it will take much research and dedication to be able to provide such an intricate program.

For those students who prefer a more flexible learning environment, hybrid education could be a suitable fit. Hybrid courses are classes where a larger portion of activities are completed online, and time normally spent in the classroom is reduced but not completely eliminated. Courses pair the in-person teaching and the best assets of the program to create a more independent, active learning experience.

Although HHS doesn’t base any online classes through the school, it is a member of Northern Star Online, a collaborative organization that offers online courses to students. This blended learning style and program could potentially come through the

doors of HHS sometime soon after more research and resources become available. “HHS is in the infancy stages of hybrid learning,” Osland said.

Some HHS teachers attended a grant-funded professional developmental experience that included the writing of a curricular unit that was intended to be used by a hybrid learning model. Teachers who participated and will pilot their new curriculum with students are Mr. Anthony Padrnos, Math, and Mr. Ryan Hogan, English.

“I had one regular geometry class and one on-line geometry class that I piloted the first weeks of school. Both styles of teaching seem to be effective. At the end of the unit, the class average was the same on the test between the on-line class and the regular class,” Padrnos said.

Other surrounding schools have experimented with hybrid and online courses. Bloomington Jefferson High School began piloting hybrid classes online years ago. Since then, they have spoken about the positives of using the online learning style.

Some professionals believe that online learning is the future of education in preparation for how web-based college courses will be after graduation from high school.

There are some setbacks, though. “In schools where computer labs are sparse or in high demand, it can be hard for the school to access. If a student wants to access the material or the lesson from outside of school, they need to have the right technology,” Padrnos said.

Questions concerning how hard students will work during an online class compared to an in-person situation continue to circulate by teachers already involved with hybrid learning. Putting trust into the students is just as important as the time teachers are setting aside to help develop alternate teaching methods at HHS.

Teacher shares link with Iranian captive

Mr. Anthony Padrnos, Math, attended high school with Shannon Bauer. Bauer’s brother, Shane, is currently being held in an Iranian prison for crossing the Iraq border illegally into Iran. The Royal Page had the opportunity to have an interview with Shannon Bauer.

Danielle Fink Editor-in-Chief

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he last time I had contact with Shane was through an e-mail that I got the day before they were detained...He explained that he was enjoying his vacation, that he loved me, and would talk to me in a few days when he got home,” said Shannon Bauer.

Unfortunately, she would not hear from her brother, Shane Bauer in the next several months.

Shane Bauer, Minnesotan, his fiancée, Sarah Shourd, and their friend Josh Fattal, went on a hiking trip in the Kurdish region of Iraq, near the Iranian border.

On July 31, 2009, Bauer, Shourd, and Fattal were all taken to an Iranian prison as they were crossing the Iraq, Iran border. The three hikers are being held in the same Tehran prison, but Shourd was separated from Bauer and Fattal. She was allowed to see them everyday.

They are being accused of crossing the border illegaly into Iran.

“They are being put on trail for illegal entry and espionage,” Shannon said.

When the statement came out that they were being put on trial for espionage, U.S. Secretary Hillary Clinton spoke out. “We believe strongly that there is no evidence to support any charge whatsoever,” Clinton said in a CBS article.

The hikers are also being accused of being American spies. “I want to be perfectly clear: Sarah, Shane and Josh have never worked for the United States government. They are simply open-minded and adventurous young people who represent the best of America, and of the human spirit,” said Barack Obama in a Reuters article.

In May 2010, all three hiker’s mothers went to visit them for 48 hours. The mothers were required to wear traditional Islamic dress.

Prior to this visit, the mothers had only received one five minute phone call from their children.

This emoitional reunion was brodcasted on Iranian state media.

The mother’s goal was to make an appeal with the Iranian leaders “

for the release of their children. Although that didn’t occur, they got to spend 10 hours with their children.

Shannon Bauer explained that when her mother saw Shane she told him they would not stop fighting until he arrives home.

Until then, the mothers had to say goodbye after a two day trip.

“The pain [of saying goodbye] is almost more than we can bear,” said Nora Shourd, mother of Sarah, in a Fox News article.

But at the same time the mothers were grateful to the Islamic Republic of Iran for granting their visas in order to visit their children. “We know that this is a great humanitarian act that they [Islamic Republic of Iran] have given to us,” said Cindy Hicky, Bauer’s mother.

A few months later, Obama asked the Iranian government for the release of Bauer, Shourd, and Fattal. “Their unjust detention has nothing to do with the issues that continue to divide the United States and the international community from the Iranian government,” Obama said in a Star Tribune article.

Two months later, on Sept. 14, 2010, Shourd was released on humanitarian grounds and a half a million dollar bail after spending 410 days in prison. Although she is home, the suffering is not over for her until Fattal and Bauer are brought home safely.

Shourd said, “I am only 1/3 free.” She also said, “I would really like to thank people and ask them to not slow down, to not wait—put my freedom on pause and wait with me, so that we can all enjoy it together once Shane and Josh are with us,” Shourd said, in a Democracy Now article.

The fight for Bauer and Fattal’s return home is not over.

HHS students can help by going to freethehikers.org to learn more about Bauer, Fattal, and Shourd. “Tell family and friends to go on the website, hold a fundraiser, speak up to politicians about their concerns…” Shannon said.

Students’ thoughts Shelby Ullrich, Sophomore “Online classes would be cool because they are an opportunity to learn if HHS doesnt fit your style.”

Max Mobraten, Junior “Online classes allow you to be more fleixible if you work in addition to school.”

Allison Rolandelli, Junior “If people don’t socialize well, or they learn at a different pace, online classes would be a better fit.”

the ROYAL

page Want to be a writer?

Want to produce work that will be seen by the whole school?

Join the Royal Page for Terms 2, 3, or 4. Talk to your guidance counselor or come see Mr. Kocur in S200 during third or fourth block. Even if you haven’t taken Journalism talk to Mr. Kocur.

Have an opinion? Letters to the editor are always welcome.

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HHS connections on the campaign trail

Terri Bonoff (Democrat) - Minnesota State Senate - District 43 Sonja Muss Staff Reporter

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hether it has been politic-focused family discussions, attending campaign related events, or just showing general support for the party, Alex and Sarah Bonoff, juniors, have been growing up in a household with a passion for politics. However, politics have been an even greater part of their life because Alex and Sarah’s sister, Terri Bonoff, Democrat, is running for re-election as the state Senator from district 43.

“I’ve been brought up in a family with a strong Democratic [party] affiliation,” said Alex, “Even during holiday meals, my family basically talks about politics.”

Alex is even considering a career in politics, but for right now, his focus, along with the rest of his family’s is on Terri’s campaign.

“My entire family is involved in my campaign,” said Terri, “Alex and Sarah…volunteer when they can.” Aside from Alex and Sarah, Terri’s brother, husband, dad, and two sons help

as well.

“I don’t have any direct responsibilities [for the campaign] but if [Terri] needs an extra person…I’ll definitely be there,” Alex said.

Terri Bonoff has been a Minnesota State Representative since 2005. A main focus of hers has been education. “Our students are the key to our future. We must insure the workforce of tomorrow by making sure each and every child leaves our schools prepared to compete in the global marketplace. We must begin by reaching our post secondary grads with the world class education they need and deserve,” Bonoff said.

For the most part, Alex shares Terri’s beliefs, but at the same time feels a little bit of pressure coming from such a strongly Democratic family. “If I was going to step into the voting booth, I would vote based on my own agenda. I would feel some pressure because my family will all be voting the same way,” Alex said, “I usually would agree with them, but if the situation came up where [I didn’t agree], I would feel the pressure.”

Brian Grogan (Republican) - Minnesota State House - District 43B Sonja Muss Staff Reporter

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or most students at HHS, the months preceding Election Day are nothing out of the ordinary, but for Liz Grogan, senior, these months are filled with many activities associated her dad’s campaign.

Liz’s dad, Brian Grogan, Republican, is running for state representative from district 43B, and Liz, has been involved in her dad’s campaign both this election and the last one he ran in. In the past she has stuffed envelopes and, this election, she has gone door to door with information about her dad’s campaign.

Brian has been involved in the community for many years. Running for state representative is just a way of taking community involvement to the next level for Brian, and his family is there for him as he takes this next step.

“My family is involved in a wide range of activities. For instance, they have marched in parades, handed out literature and prepared

lawn signs. It is fun to have my children and their friends involved. I think it is valuable for them to learn about the political process.”

Even though it is valuable for Liz to be involved in the process of her dad’s campaign, she doesn’t want to pursue a career in politics for herself.

“I see how [politics] plays out, you are constantly criticized,” Liz said. She knows the teenage children of other politicians, and they do not want to go into politics either.

Brian and Liz differ on the political topic of abortion, but for the most part, Liz and her dad agree on the major political topics.

“He wants to unite the middle and help fix the economy,” said Liz. Regardless of her views, Liz has been involved in helping with the campaign, not only through her own work, but through attending campaign related events.

“My dad is lenient on making me go [to events related to his campaign], but I have to go to parades, candidate parties, and caucuses,” Liz said.

Maria Ruud (Democrat) - Minnesota State House - District 42A Sam Bumsted Staff Reporter

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hristian Ruud, senior has a better understanding of political issues than most kids. “When I was little, I hadn’t developed my views, but now I have. My dad will help my mom practice for debates and he will play devils advocate and I based my views off of that.”, said Ruud Ruud’s Mom, Maria Ruud, has to practice for debates because she is running for State Legislature District 42A. Maria is the Democratic candidate and has run for legislature before. Maria is running as the incumbent and has been a State Legislature since 2004.

Maria’s main goals are to help the environment and make Minnesota schools even better.

“We have some of the best schools in the nation, but she is committed to making them even better. We have a lot of people in our family that are

teachers”, said Christian. Maria is very close to the issues she cares about most.

Christian does agree with his mom but Maria has never pushed her viewpoints onto him.

Christian veiws have no doubtly been affected by Maria’s political views. Yet, he has come to the same conclusions his own way.

Being a politician does make Maria a very busy women which can sometimes make Christian’s life harder. “I used to be more involved, but now I try to help out around the house because they usually aren’t home”, said Christian. Christian also has to pose for a picture twice a year.

Christian himself does not want to be a politician even though he has been so close to politics his entire life. He also understands why his mom needs to do what she does. “I see politics as something you feel and you aren’t required to do. My mom felt like she needed to get something done, she didn’t go in as I want to be a politician.”

Photos by: Danielle Fink

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Conference shuffle creates uncertainty Michael Larson Staff Reporter

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ollowing a bruising 5-0 loss to Eden Prairie, the girls varsity soccer team processed out of the stadium, keeping their heads high, but also displaying noticeable disappointment. “With Eden Prairie ranked number one, Wayzata two, Edina top five, and Minnetonka top ten, we have struggled this year in the conference even though we’re really not a bad team,” said captain, Bridget Sweeney, senior.

Girls soccer is not the only team finding extremely tough competition within the Lake Conference, which contains Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata, and Hopkins. Each of these schools contains at least 2,200 students in grades 9-12, with Eden Prairie topping out the conference and state at 3,300 students. Critics have stated that huge schools, such as Eden Prairie and Wayzata should split their students into two high schools, but as Mr. Dan Johnson, Hopkins Athletic Director, points out, “Opening a whole new high school is expensive because land needs to be bought, another facility needs to be built, as well as the employment of a second staff.”

With this many students, and therefore possible athletes, having merely an average team in any sport likely results in the squad finishing last in the conference. Even having a good or possibly even great team often isn’t enough in the Lake Conference because of the steep competition. Two examples of this are the boys cross country team and boys hockey team.

The boys cross country team is ranked 12th in the state, but still are currently the last seed in the conference, with Edina number one overall in state, Wayzata two, Eden Prairie three, and Minnetonka nine. So while having the best Hopkins team in several years, the squad still needs a phenomenal section meet in order to advance to state. “We can do it, but we need everyone to step up and run their best times of the season in the section race,” said captain Kyle Rossow, senior.

The boys hockey team has good promise for the upcoming season, but will have their hands full with the preseason state rankings placing Minnetonka first, Edina second, Eden Prairie third, and Wayzata fourth. “A goal for our season is to win nonconfer-

ence games, and when it comes to conference games, give it our all and try to pull off an upset,” said captain, Joey Brettingen, junior.

“We can potentially be a very good hockey Classic Current Lake team.”

In the cases of hockey and cross counLake (Last Year) Lake try, the Lake Conference is so strong that if Conference Conference the rankings play out as expected, the state champion will likely be tested more within (Last Year) the conference than in the state tournaEden Prairie Eden Prairie ment. In fact, of the 28 state championships in Minnesota sports last year, 12 were won Hopkins Hopkins Burnsville by current Lake Conference members. This statistic is incredible, considering there are Minnetonka Minnetonka Apple Valley at least eight sections in Minnesota for each Wayzata Wayzata Rosemount division of high school sport at which Lake Conference teams play at, and often more Edina Edina Eagan sections.

Lakeville North Armstrong The great competition can be seen positively as well as negatively. On the positive Lakeville South side, “The conference is ultracompetitive, we Chaska play the best teams in the state and therefore we learn to play at an extremely high Eastview level,” said Johnson. “There are no ‘should Jefferson win’ games, matches, or meets’, but breezing through a season without competition isn’t Kennedy fun for anyone, the winners or the losers.”

However, a negative to the high level of less game in a season. “It’s not fair to the athletes that they should play is that few nonconference schools have interest in playing play fewer games than everyone else in the state,” said Johnson.

Lake Conference opponents because they don’t want to be beaten This is all not to say that HHS struggles in conference athletics. enormously. As reported by the Star Tribune, other Lake ConferIn nearly every sport, HHS is competitive and in many excellent. ence football programs have paid schools thousands of dollars to Facing brutal competition brings truth to the statement, “to be the play them. best, you’ve got to beat the best”, but in the case of the Lake ConWhat wasn’t portrayed in the Star Tribune article was the alference it often means beating four of the best. ternative to paying money, is not playing at all. For a program like Eden Prairie or Wayzata, that makes thousands of dollars in ticket sales for a home game, the price is worth it rather than playing one

The Conference Shuffle

Annual Homecoming PowderPuff game fun for all

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1. The senior women huddle up for what they hope to be an exciting game of PowderPuff football.

2. The junior girls huddle up around their coach Tavaughn Blair, junior, in hopes of defeating the senior girls.

3. Jill Greenfield, senior, prepares to fire off a pass downfield.

4. Defenders cluster to stop the ball carrier.

Photos by Michael Moore

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Blair remains commited despite injury Ronny Ambers Staff Reporter

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t was all my fault in the first place,” said Tavaughn Blair, junior.

“I was at the free safety position, and they did a play action pass. I heard the sidelines yell ‘run’ so I saw my guy running to the sidelines. I ran after him and when I got there he cut back towards me. Instead of turning my body I turn my knee, a ‘POP’ was all I heard” Blair said, as he ran into the sidelines in pain.

Blair’s injury has affected the whole entire football team. “Its hard when he’s not on the field” said football captain Bill Gregg, senior. Many people say Blair is an all around football player. Being able to play many positions and being able to dominate at them.

“Its just not the same without him” said football captain, Marcus Okplalaeke, senior. Even though Blair can’t be in the game he is still an outstanding team member on and off the field.

“Knew it was going to be a big loss,” said football captain, Mike White, senior. With Blair not on the field it makes the team uneven. Only having three captains in action is hurting the team, but Blair is still a big part of the team holding his own weight on the sidelines.

He is hoping he will make a fast recovery so he is able to jump back into action next football season.

Blair had many colleges that were interested in him.

“I had to cancel meetings with the college people,” Blair said.

Although he is unsure of his football future, he has

been able to lead from the sidelines which shows how much the football team means to him.

At home Blair has a “caring and over protective” family he explained.

“I thought life was over,” Blair said. Even though the great player is on the sidelines, life is nowhere near over for this rising star.

“I’m glad it wasn’t my senior year,” Blair said. Junior year is when colleges start to look at athletes. Blair is grateful this didn’t happen senior year because he wouldn’t be able to finish his high school football career.

Blair explained he is working on getting better and staying humble to get off the crouches. He will have to take it easy for now. That means no more sports until he is all healed. It all depends on how he does with physical therapy.

The whole team feels bad that it happened to Blair.

Something that didn’t look like it would hurt a whole lot turned out to be more devastating.

With many people on his side, hopefully Blair will return to the football team this upcoming year.

Tavaughn Blair, junior, continues to support the football team, despite a season ending injury.

Photo by Allie Rosen

HHS’s Coleman verbally commits to the U of M Michael Larson

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Staff Reporter

t’s no easy task. Following a class where six of the top seven players in terms of playing time graduated, a group where five of these players went on to play college basketball at the Division 1 level, and a team that won the State title. The season was especially intimidating because the students and fans of this team were from Hopkins and therefore expect greatness each year in basketball, even though there are no constant faces on the current starting five compared to the previous year or that there was almost no possibility to field a team with as much talent and depth as the one previous.

This was the situation for the Royals varsity basketball team last season, one that went on to win the state championship, largely thanks to the play of Joe Coleman, senior forward, who has become well known in the Midwest and has recently selected his college destination for the coming years.

Coleman, the number one recruit in Minnesota, verbally accepted a full scholarship to the University of Minnesota and will officially commit on November 10th. He was also offered full scholarships from schools including Seton Hall, Iowa State, Santa Clara, Colorado State, Siena, Creighton, along with others offering partial scholarships. “I’ve grown up watching the Gophers and now I have a pretty good relationship with Coach Tubby Smith too,” said Coleman.

Following in his brother’s footsteps? “Not really, the U is just where I felt comfortable,” Coleman said. His older brother, Dan Coleman, also went to HHS and went on to the University of Minnesota, where he was a standout for the Gophers. Dan Coleman is currently playing professional basketball in France and hopes to come back to the United States to play in the future.

Coleman is known throughout the state as a high flying player, and remembered for tough defense, pro-

found rebounding capabilities, impressive offensive skills and powerful dunks that can get the Lindbergh Center roaring. Even with opponents double teaming him last season, Coleman still found ways to score points in big numbers, averaging 24.2 points per game last season and earning All-Metro Team honors.

Just because Coleman has accepted the offer at the University of Minnesota doesn’t mean the senior forward isn’t concentrated on his senior year at Hopkins.

Coleman spends five or more days per week at the gym shooting and playing with much of the remainder of the team during open gym. He is also spending time in the

weight room three or more times a week.

After leading the team to a state championship a year ago, Coleman remains focused on the team having another successful season.

Coleman said, “Nothing is guaranteed, all we can do is keep preparing and let the season take its own path.”

Coleman’s Career Highlights

1. Averaged 24.2 points per game as a junior 2. Won state with HHS twice 3. Starred at Peach Jam, a prestigious AAU tournament, scoring 21.6 points per game

“Iʼve grown up watching the Gophers...”

-Joe Coleman Photo by Michael Moore

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Coach Rovn to retire after 48 Cross Country seasons Jacob Clemen Sports Editor

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s the HHS cross country season comes to a conclusion, so will the career of a longtime coach and teacher. Jim Rovn, who was the head coach of both boys and girls track and cross country over the course of his career, will retire after 48 years.

For perspective, in the fall of 1962 when Rovn began his lengthy career as a cross country coach, the Soviet Union was sending weapons to Cuba and Johnny Carson took over as the host of The Tonight Show. For Rovn, the quality of athletes he worked with was a determining factor in his return each year. “To me it’s always the quality of people and getting to work with great individuals,” said Rovn.

Not to mention the success of the program. “Success also played a part,” Rovn said, “You have to set goals and improve. You need to see results in order to stick with it.” Rovn saw some great successes in his program. Kevin Constable and Bob Kempainen offered great efforts on the track during the mid 80’s winning a state championship a piece and both setting school records. Constable even went on to be a two time Olympian. In recent years Shannon Bergstedt, a 2004 graduate, was a seven time state track champion.

When asked about his career, Rovn made sure to stress the point that he also taught as a full time and substitute math teacher for 40 years. “I’m a math teacher first and coach second. Teaching was the most important part,” said Rovn.

He hasn’t taught math on a consistent basis for a while but he uses his position as coach to continue instilling life lessons in his athletes. “It’s important to develop work ethic. No doubt about it”

Rovn said.

Coach Rovn will leave on a high note, as he hoped. “My wife asked me how long I would keep coaching track and I told her I’d leave after a state championship,” Rovn said.

Last year, after the state meet, Rovn said to his wife, Carol, “we won” and so she said, “so you’re done.” Rovn is not quite done as he will finish of this cross country season before he hangs up the sneakers.

As far as leaving, coaching Rovn has no regrets. “I’m getting old,” he said with a chuckle, “All good things have to end. It’s that time.” Time will be something Rovn will have more of after retiring and he plans to travel with his wife more often and spend more time babysitting his grandchildren.

He won’t, however, be stepping away from track and cross country completely. “I’ll still be around at meets and helping out at track as a volunteer,” Rovn said.

Coach Rovn instructs runners (from left to right) Selamawit Shannon-Tamrat, senior, Sarah Klecker, sophomore, Kayla Goeman, senior, and Sara Heegaard, semior before a meet this fall. Rovn has been coaching Cross Country and Track at HHS for 48 years. He plans to retire after this track season. In his time at HHS, Rovn has taugh math both full time and as a substitute.

Rovn will continue to work with the teams on a volunteer basis.

Photo courtesy of Terry Goeman

World class athlete comes to HHS to pass on his knowledge Michael Moore Staff Reporter

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s the football team starts off another strong season at four and two, with a near upset to the division rivals Eden Prairie, it is becoming clear they have great strength on both sides of the ball.

In the past two seasons, it has become obvious the offense is strong with quarterback Bill Gregg, senior, throwing a combined 37 touchdowns, but recently the defense has been stepping up as well. This may be due to new talent, but there is also a new talent on the coaching staff, Coach Blake Freese.

With a name like Freese, a six foot three inch body, with the muscles of Superman and the 4.5-second speed of Flash, he is the prototypical superhero. Although he has all of these superpowers, it didn’t start off that way.

No, a radioactive spider did not bite him. He found success the good old fashioned way, constantly working out and pushing himself to the limit.

Freese grew up in Eden Prairie, he played quarterback up until ninth grade when he realized the varsity coach had his eyes on another quarterback. “I decided to play wide receiver but after a season of occasional playing times and no receptions I decided to switch to safety,” said Freese. Freese finally found his spot at safety and was immediately successful, he lead his team in interceptions and received all conference honorable mention.

He now had his sights on college football with only one problem; he had been playing safety for only one year. The struggling Mankato State Mavericks decided to give Freese a chance. Freese had his foot in the door and was not going to allow it to close.

Graduating at 185 pounds and a forty yard dash time of a high 4.8 he was determined to improve his playing. “I started off as a safety and as a sophomore and junior I led [MSU] in tackles and was second on the team in tackles and interceptions as a senior while playing linebacker,” said Freese. Along with the impressive stats, he gained 60 pounds of muscle and dropped his forty-yard dash time to a low 4.5.

He had finally made it and now all he could do was wait for the NFL Draft. From conversations with NFL teams he was expecting to be selected some time in the 5th round. Freese’s hopes quickly vanished, “The big names like Laurinaitis (Ohio

State linebacker) and Rey Maualuga (USC linebacker) dropped to the second round, all the rest of the talent dropped as well and unfortunately dropped off the draft board completely,” said Freese.

Freese did not give up that easily, and spent his offseason practicing with the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints. With the National Football League not working out quite as expected, he decided to approach the United Football Leauge.

He tried out and practiced with the Las Vegas Locomotives and the Omaha Nighthawks.

Freese was also approached by other football leagues such as the Indoor Football League and the Canadian Football League.

After a short stint playing for the Indoor Football League’s La Crosse Spartans, Freese decided to pursue the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Allouettes due to his dislike of the Indoor Football League’s playing field and rules.

Although Freese was not as successful as he hoped for in Coach Blake Freese looks on as the Hopkins Royals defense is out on the field for the 2010 Homecoming game.

Freese brings with him the unique experience of playing in the National Football League as a member of the New Orleans Saints’ preseason roster. Though not heavily recruited out of high school, Freese played football in college at Mankato State. Freese enjoys coaching at HHS and sees it as a viable career path for the future.

Photo by Michael Frey

his professional career, he opened many eyes while playing at Mankato State and has awards to show it. He was named to numerous academic all-region teams, and was invited to the East Coast Bowl and Valero Cactus Bowl as a senior. Along with the various awards, his football class of 2009 brought the two and nine Mankato State Football team of 2005 to their first national rank in 15 years.

In his two years away from football he has been working as a trainer at Gamespeed, the sports training facility, ran by Minnesota Viking, E.J. Henderson. He has also been recently approached by the Arena Football League but he does not see that as a viable career saying, “I only will play football if I can make a living playing football.”

“I definitely see a future for myself on this coaching staff, I am just unsure where my career will take me,” said Freese.

Technology can help us b

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s. Victoria Wilson remembers a time before digital technology.“All of our students are digital natives, while us teachers are digital immigrants,” said Victoria Wilson, Media Center.

HHS is making a push for better MCA test scores using technological resources to reach students.

Two years ago, the math department employed review videos during Royal Links as well as review classes for people who weren’t in a math class at the time. Because of these efforts, the MCA Math test scores improved greatly from 2008 to 2009.

This year, the Reading MCA is the focus. There was a drop off in scores last year and there area number of tactics being used to bring the scores beyond where they were.

How teens communicate

The percentage of teenagers who contact their friends daily by different methods, listed by age.

Text messaging

35%

12

77% 58% 64%

41%

13

57%

14

15

16

17

Ages

Social networking

Jack Deutsch is a staff reporter for the Royal Page

24%

27%

33%

16

17

9% 12

13

“I don’t want the Library to be a museum that no one wants to come to. It is a great environment for kids to pick out books, get their homework done, and even come to for help, if need be,” said Ms. Victoria Wilson, Library Media Specialist.

The Media Center at HHS has made many improvements to help students as quickly and efficiently as possible. On the home page of the HHS website there is a web link made just for the Media Center which offers a variety of resources.

The online research tools help kids find their exact topic, which is found to be more accurate than Google or Wikipedia.

The district pays for the websites, meaning HHS subscribes to each website per month for students to be able to use them daily. Students are able to finish researching at home with a home access sheet that gives the pass codes to those specific web pages.

The online research sites include videos, images, podcasts, and a new feature that allows students to have the articles and written information read back in English or Spanish.

The new titles also can be found on the Media Center’s web link. This link uses Shelfari (online resource) to show the new releases of books from all genres in the Media Center. Students can also walk into the Media Center and use the Active Board to find a certain book of interest.

Not only do students read a lot of books but, teachers read as well. At the Media Center, students can find teacher recommended books. Most of the teachers also have bought t-shirts that have their favorite book on them, so that students can see what teachers enjoy reading.

Another event going on at the media center is Ms. Wilson’s book club. “The book club starting on Thursday October 7th is different than last year. Students are able to choose a book that best interests them; they read it, rate it, and then they talk about it. The Ms. Victoria Wilson book club is a great way to relax, eat some cookies, and enjoy a good book,” Wilson said.

One more useful thing, the Media Center offers is an overnight laptop check out. It allows students to use a laptop from the school overnight and then return it the next day. The only process needed to get a laptop is a parent permission slip.

The Media Center helps students each day with simple tasks such as homework or projects and is always willing to answer questions.

How can technology help reading scores increase?

40% 18%

How can the Media Center help with students’ questions? (Elmo) allow teachers to go over readings and analyze v

14

15

Ages Information provided by Pew Research Center’s Internet & American life. Ages surveyed were 12-17.

As technology reaches new levels in the 21st century, HHS teachers attempt to use new technologies to raise literacy skills around the school.

Ms. Terri Osland is the district’s Technology Integration Specialist and is in charge of helping teachers utilize technology in their classrooms.

This year, Osland and the district as a whole have focused on helping teachers use technology to raise student literacy levels.

Across the school, teachers are attempting to raise reading skills through what Osland calls “reading in content areas.” Reading in content areas involves teachers focusing on reading skills including vocabulary and analytical skills while teaching their normal curriculum. “This could be a Biology teacher going over a selection from the textbook with the class or a Social Studies teacher going over a current events article,” said Osland.

Osland helps teachers accomplish these goals with the help of new Ms. technologies.

Interactive whiteboards (ActiveBoards) and document cameras

Oct.17-23 is National Teen Read Week. Staff members at HHS will be sharing their favorite books. Look for some of them to dress up as their favorite character from a book on Wednesday.

The Royal Page recommends these books to read this weekend.

riculum with the entire class.

Another resource teachers with interactive whiteboa Planet. Promethean Planet is a web-based community interactive whiteboards to share lesson plans.

“Teachers [can] exchange lessons or digital instructi and vocabulary strategies,” Osland said. This allows HH teachers across the country are successfully utilizing t boards.

Another tool some teachers are using is a feature GradeMark. GradeMark allows teachers to grade stu complete with original comments and feedback. Studen to sign in to turnitin.com and access their graded paper.

GradeMark can also be used for students to peer r Osland believes this would be immensely helpful in rais skills.

HHS has also dedicated five of their late start morn on 21st century skills and literacy. The first late start wa the teachers to new trends in teaching and technology. clude teachers demonstrating specific examples of how in their classes.

Osland hopes these new technologies will help stud massive amounts of information available to them. “[W dents to analyze and dissect the overwhelming amount able at a moments notice,” Osland said.

Ryan Levi is the News Ed

What has the Math department done to inc the past?

The Math department has been doing their ute to HHS’ success on the MCA Math test.

One teacher in particular is Mr. Brent Hering past two years, he has used a feature of the Smart Boards that allows him his lecture. He simply wears a phone and the Smart Board rec the markings he makes on the bo pairs it with his speech.

Hering has seen a change in h students deal with missing class. miss class, I tell them to watch th and then come ask questions,” Hering sai have to waste time re-teaching the lecture a dents come to me with better questions.”

Two years ago, Hering started with the Al riculum and last year he started working on A and the Geometry curricula.

It also has proved to be more convenient for s teachers alike. “I haven’t had to re-teach a lesson i a half and it also makes it easier for students w class,” Hering said.

During the 2009 school year, Hering employed record math lessons that were shown during Royal to prep students for the MCA test.

Hering has only heard good things since he st ing. “Parents and students are talking about it, so using it,” he said. “It’s almost like a personal math students.”

Bill Gregg is the Opinion Editor for th

What are teachers doing to improve tes

Terri Osland

Last year, reading scores at HHS fell lower jority of other schools in the Hopkins area. In an once again, the staff has begun to implement the

become better readers

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ion that promote literacy HS teachers to see how their interactive white-

of turnitin.com called udent papers digitally nts would then be able . review each other’s work. sing reading and analytical

nings to educating teachers as dedicated to introducing . The next late start will inw they use new technologies

dents better understand the We are trying to] teach stuts of information now avail-

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only English courses, but in all subjects.

In fact, all departments will be working to incorporate reading practice in the classes, just as last year our goal was to raise the science scores, just as we did with math the year before.

“We work with every department to incorporate more reading and MCA style questions into their curriculum so kids are learning that across their courses, not just in one course. All the teachers in the building are going to work on that because we all value it and we know it’s an important part of college readiness,” said Mrs. Felicia Homberger, Language Arts.

Homberger is a teacher on the leading end of incorporating technology into the curriculum to help students. Homberger uses online tools such as Moodle to help her students succeed in her classes by recording herself reading books in the curriculum aloud, allowing her students to follow along at home, and creating online quizzes.

“Technology is changing students approach to reading. Sitting down, quietly and really concentrating is against our human nature. We are combating the fact that our culture is becoming less of a reading culture. And the irony is that I think technology causes that, but I also think that sometimes we can use technology to address the problem,” Homberger said.

Mrs. Dawn Hansen, Reading, is another teacher who has taken technology Mrs. Dawn Hansen to heart when tryMrs. Felicia Homberger ing to help students understand and retain information.

“It’s so easy for me to demonstrate using things like Elmo and the Active Board so the kids can follow along instead of just hearing me talk about the things we’re doing,” Hansen said.

Hansen is the only Reading teacher at HHS and has therefore had a lot of responsibilities when it comes to helping to raise the reading score. “[Teachers] are going to do a class where we study a book on reading strategies. So teachers in other areas can learn how to incorporate good reading strategies with what they’re already teaching and its stuff that they already do but we’re going to infuse some literacy into it,” Hansen said.

As for the future, Hansen has a bright outlook, which not only includes raising the reading scores, but also to change the way we learn.

“My dream would be that we could have Active Expressions in every classroom. My dream would also be in this classroom that there’s an iPad on every table because that would be such live work that we could use in here,” Hansen said.

Lissa Martinez is the Feature Editor for the Royal Page

tarted recordo they must be h tutor for the

he Royal Page

st scores?

Mr. Brent Herring

than the man effort to raise those scores e usage of technology in not

Extreme Readers at HHS: Many students choose to only read materials that are required in their classes. On the other hand, there are a number of students that read for their own pleasure and enjoyment. It can be hard to focus on sitting down and reading books when there is 21st century technology all around teenagers. The Royal Page has focused on three students that make reading a top priority. The students are considered ‘extreme readers’ because they read two to three books per week!

Sabira Ibrahim sophomore

Reads two books per week Favorite book: Twilight series

Aneisha Gholston senior

Reads two or three books per week Favorite book: Vampire Academy

Melaina Johnson sophomore

Reads two or three books per week Favorite books: Wizards First Rule & Kite Runner

opinion

10page the ROYAL

Grinding vs. Winding: the war on the dance floor

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race yourselves administration. What I’m about to say may offend your wizened and seasoned ears. Rather than sweeping it under the rug, as it has been before, the issue of grinding versus winding needs to be addressed.

The first step to understanding these sacred rights is agreeing upon their nature.

Grinding is loosely described as sexual dancing with choice male and female body parts coming in contact with the intent to stimulate said body parts.

At the 2009 Homecoming Dance, the administration ruled that grinding was the preferred form of movement and that it was too sexual an act to be allowed at school functions.

At a glance...

Grinding: sexual dancing with stimulation of choice body parts

Winding: A less sexual form of grind-

ing with a more light-hearted nature

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op 10

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

:

At the 2010 Black Light Dance, the chaperones cracked down on the unspeakable act and many dance-goers were kicked out.

This started a feud between the students who wanted to have their kind of fun at the dance and the teachers and staff that wanted to keep the integrity of school events.

In response to the crackdown, a movement emerged among the students to devise an alternative prom where grinding would be allowed. A Facebook group was created to gain support until the administration came up with an alternative to grinding that was accepted by the students.

The 2010 Homecoming dance, the most recent dance to date, was a success for students and faculty alike. Thanks to the boom in winding, the chaperones didn’t have much to crack down on and the students were still enjoying themselves from what I could see.

Winding would be the accepted form of entertainment allowed at the 2010 Prom. Winding is similar to grinding but less sexual and the intent is to have fun and be merry while still dancing the way we want to.

As I see it, winding is the way to go in most situations. While grinding may be fun, what would my grandma say? Being a nice Catholic boy, my mother always tells me, to leave enough room for the Holy Spirit when I dance with the opposite sex.

I understand that students want to find their groove and grind

Least scary Halloween costumes

You and four of your best guy friends dressing as ‘NSync Dressing as a Media Arts assignment Dressing as Ranch dressing but only on a Monday, Wednesday, or a Friday Dressing as Leprechaun from “Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha Hood” Dressing as Ice Cube post-Are We There Yet? Dressing as Karate Master Jack Deutsch Dressing as anything “naughty” i.e. Cop, School Teacher, Milk Man Dressing as a Furby who hasn’t been taught profanity Dressing wolves

as

Wayne Brady

the

Minnesota

Timber-

at the dances but the line needs to be drawn somewhere. At what point does harmless fun (winding) become far too sexual (grinding)?

Don’t get me wrong; I love dancing. I like moving to the beat with all my lady friends, but not at the expense of my integrity.

There is a time and a place for grinding and likewise for winding: When mommy and a daddy love each other very much, they should choose grinding. When at a school dance or a Bar Mitzvah party, choose winding. However if you’re hanging out with your grandparents, choose the waltz or swing dancing.

Don’t get these confused with the actual intended use of the words. If you’re trying to have a cup of coffee, grinding the beans is the way to go. If your pocket watch won’t run anymore, definitely choose winding. Both of those acts, when used the right way, can be done in plain view of your elders.

From here on out, take this as a guide to all things grinding and winding. Be respectful to the staff and the rest of the students and make the right choice. For the sake of your peers, leave the grinding for at home so we don’t all lose our winding privileges.

William Foley Gregg is the Opinion editor of the Royal Page

School spirit needs a refresher In his famed essay “Bowling Alone,” Robert Putnam theorized that human relationships have intrinsic and palpable value in that said relationships have a distinct effect on the productivity, happiness, and contentedness of a population of people. Also, people get more out of doing things in a group than alone. Simply, the relationships formed within a group of people add to the general fulfillment of the individual and the larger group.

Putnam measured this phenomenon in what he called “social capital.” The more interconnected a society, the more social capital that society possesses. In short, more interpersonal relationships equals more social capital which in turn equals a happier and healthier populace.

This is evident in countless situations. In Putnam’s book, the example of bowling is used.

When people bowl alone, they get little out of it except for a game of bowling. However, when people bowl in groups and leagues, it turns into a social event and builds bonds within the community, giving all involved a more meaningful and beneficial experience.

In a high school setting, social capital within the school community as a whole is accrued through various forums. Be it student clubs, classroom group projects, or participation in sports, students have many opportunities to interact and build relationships in groups.

However, the single biggest way to build social capital in a high school is through school spirit. Sharing school pride is an easy way for many people to feel included in the same group, creating a foundation for more relationships to form within the school population and for people to become more invested in one another. And, as stated, when this happens, everyone gets more out of their high school experience.

With this in mind, it must be said that the current sad state of school spirit at HHS cannot be tolerated.

During homecoming week, the student body, for the most part, did not participate in any of the spirit days. And, while spirit was

high on the actual day of homecoming, there is no reason that that attitude cannot be prevalent on other school days.

Our lack of pride was evident at football games this fall, where the Hopkins student section was undermanned, to say the least. At sporting events in general, student turnout appears to be low.

Many students here see HHS simply as the place where they go to school. No more, no less.

The reasons for this lack of spirit are obviously many and varied. However, it appears that many students at HHS feel that they are, for lack of a better term, “too cool” to embrace school pride. It seems that they find school spirit “nerdy” and “below them.”

Solutions to this problem may be simple and obvious. Instead of tired, worn out ideas like “tie-dye day,” why not try somthing new and fresh? And instead of ideas such as “Pirate vs. Ninja day,” which are cumbersome and difficult to execute, why not try things that are easier for students?

For the benefit of our school as a whole, we must work to change the pervasive attitude of nonchalance common at HHS and embrace school pride to better our collective high school experience. If we all just adopt this attitude, we will all surely find our school and ourselves enriched.

Saxon Stone Dorshow is the Sports editor of the Royal Page

At a glance...

-Social Capital: The idea that things are more enriching when done in a group -New fresh ideas to promote community

opinion

Point: Homework is unnecessary Homework is often seen as a waste of time and unimportant in the development highschool age students. Some of those students suggest elimnating the busy work and focusing on projects and exams as grading criteria.

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he homework load in American schools is higher than it has ever work, the still performed well on the test. been. According to a survey conducted by the University of Michigan, In my life and in the lives of many other students much of their stress is homework loads have risen 51% since 1981. The majority of which is caused by high amounts of homework.

Some homework is necessary. I agree with the assignment of projects and only busy work for the sake of practice. papers. Projects and papers both help teach When a kid is able to understand the rules of and measure the growth of a student in a a math problem in precalc or how to conjugate a verb, assigning twenty more problems is a waste certain subject.

My understanding of most homework of time, energy and resources. is that it is just a crutch for people to lean My solution is to eliminate graded homework for the sake of practice, but still give out My understanding of most homework is on when test scores are low. My predicthe same homework sheets or bookwork or what that it is just a crutch for people to lean tion is with the elimination of homework most students would actually have a better have you. The kids that need the extra help can on when test scores are low.... do the problems and get extra help until they understanding of the subject because they would understand how important the tests understand the problems. There grade would be have become and how much they need to completely test based and would be a direct corbe prepared. relation on how well they knew the material.

Homework has also congested schools I understand that many people may think this will stop some kids from succeeding in school by getting rid of the motiva- with too many students who have achieved 3.5 GPAs, thus making colleges tion to practice the material. My experiences in the school system would show such as The University of Minnesota ultra competitive.

Homework has turned school into less of a place of learning and more into otherwise.

For example, in math we would get a review packet or practice test not a system you need to learn to beat, something that has no relevance in later life. worth points. The same kids that did their homework would do the review Isn’t the most important part of school to learn the tools and knowledge to packet or practice test because they had the same amount of motivation to do become better adults? Those tools are not filling in a word-find with science their homework as they did to do well on the tests. words, drawing a picture of a house and naming all the parts in German, or doMy old math teacher Mr. Youakim already performed a pseudo-test on his ing 20 math problems to find out why the chicken crossed the road.

Pre Calculus students. He eliminated all of the bookwork in his classes, which Samuel Jacob Bumsted is a staff reporter of the Royal Page was the majority of the homework. Although his students had much less home-

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Counterpoint: Homework is vital for education Most students would agree that homework is an annoyance and that they could find better ways to spend their time. However, receiving grades for homework helps students do better in school and achieve better grades.

H

omework is good. I know, this may sound ludicrous coming from a vince themselves that they understand the material even though they don’t. high school student but hear me out.

Instead of getting extra help, they would coast through class half-understanding From our first take-home assignment in elementary school there the concepts being taught. This could lead to poor test scores and, especially in is little in a kid’s life that is as hated and despised as homework. It takes away classes with weighted test scores, poor overall grades. from our precious free time, keeps us up late into the night, and is often very Graded homework can also help students keep their grades up in spite of difficult. poor test scores. Many at HHS would describe themselves as poor test takers.

Some argue that homework should be offered as an option but should not These are otherwise good students who for whatever reason struggle when it be required nor graded. People of this mindset believe that homework can be comes to test time. useful for some but should not be mandated for all.

By getting credit for their homework, these good students, and all students While I agree that homework is one of the more unsavory parts of school, I for that matter, can still get good grades without performing remarkably on believe that doing homework and getting credit for it their tests. is far more beneficial than many students realize.

Homework for many classes is Homework provides valuable practice for skills graded for completion essentially prolearned during class. In world language, the repetition viding students free points to boost gained through homework is necessary to mastering their grade. If homework wasn’t graded, Requiring and grading homework pro- test scores would become much more a foreign tongue. Math homework is important because it provides invaluable practice for often confusimportant in calculating a student’s fivides kids with critical practice many ing concepts. wouldn’t choose to do on their own... nal grade.

If these assignments were optional few students All these reasons are part of the one would do them. Requiring and grading homework big reason why students should appreprovides kids with critical practice many wouldn’t ciate graded homework: it helps kids choose to do on their own. get good grades. As simple as it sounds Critics of graded homework may say that the onus this fact often gets lost as students beof students working hard enough to learn the material falls on the students moan the homework they have been assigned. themselves. Unfortunately, not all students have this amount of motivation and Think about it: practicing skills helps students understand concepts better discipline.I believe that it is the school’s responsibility to help all students suc- and do better on tests. Using homework as a comprehension check makes sure ceed not just a few. kids understand the material and lets them know if they need extra help which Homework also provides a great opportunity for students to check their helps them do better on tests. Doing homework and getting easy points helps understanding of the material they learn in class. keep grades up if students don’t do so well on a test.

If someone struggles to complete their math homework because they don’t Doing homework and getting credit for that homework helps students get understand how to do certain problems, they know they need to work harder good grades. It’s as simple as that. or go in for extra help with their teacher. The same is true in science and world Ryan Benjamin Levi is the News editor of the Royal Page language. If homework was optional many students would miss an important chance to see if they understand the class material.

Without the comprehension check of homework many students would con-

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1 1 page the ROYAL

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Peterson leaves her mark

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s. Pat Peterson was, as many seniors, juniors, and staff at HHS know, a very dedicated and brilliant teacher. However, many may not know that she retired at the end of last year. She left on the last day of school without any hype; she simply walked out and went home like it was any other day.

The more I think about her unannounced retirement, the more it seems to reflect her personality. She was a subtly amazing person, what I mean by that is she wasn’t the type of person who would expect or perhaps want a big party commemorating her time spent at HHS. However, she was definitely a person who deserved one.

Peterson has her B.A. in English and two M.A. degrees one in reading and the other in special education. She also had additional training from St. Thomas, Hamline, and Carleton. She is clearly a very well educated woman, and that is reflected in her teaching style and personality.

When I had her for Advanced American and Advanced Global Literature I was surprised and fascinated by her intellect. The way she would make us read a book, a short story, or play and really analyze it was a different experience compared to English classes I had in the past.

I felt that we discovered hidden meanings and life lessons in the books we read instead of just reading them and being quizzed on the content.

I remember a specific play we analyzed. The play was part of Sophocles’ Oedipus plays about Antigone and her sister Ismene. It is a classic Greek drama about two sisters who had opposing views on what they must do with their deceased brother’s body.

Peterson assigned people to read different characters parts. Somehow reading the play out loud added more depth and meaning to the experience. Also, it made the play seem more real, it was easier to understand the emotion and comprehend what was happening.

Besides her unique teaching tactics and passion for literature and English, she related to her students and showed a level of care and strictness that went above and beyond. She also had a wonderful sarcastic sense of humor that always lightened the mood and made her students, myself included, laugh on a daily basis.

Peterson has now retired from teaching at HHS but she will always be remembered by the students and staff members, many of whom’s lives were impacted by her. Although it is sad that future HHS students won’t be able to experience her teaching she has put in many great years, she has been a great teacher to hundreds of students, and her legacy will never be forgotten.

Jasmine Symone Geshwind is the Variety editor of the Royal Page

variety

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the ROYAL

It’s kind of a funny story Boulevard heats up Don Pablos space I Marlee Gotleib and Lucy Orienstein Backpage Editor and Staff Reporter

W

hen the Boulevard Kitchen and Bar served its first customers last month it took the term “grand opening” to heart. Not only did a new restaurant open, but the building, which formerly housed Don Pablo’s, was also drastically opened.

The Boulevard, which opened on September 13th, features an open bar in the middle of the restaurant and an open kitchen that reveals the preparation of delicious meals. The open nature of the restaurant creates a sense of controlled clutter and provides a friendly and conversational ambience.

For those working at The Boulevard, the frantic pace of a cluttered work space is welcomed. HHS student and hostess at The Boulevard, Christie Lipari, senior, enjoys being a part of the new business. “Everyone is still learning and trying to perfect everything,” said Lipari, adding, “It gets pretty chaotic, but we manage.”

Managing is tough as perfection is the goal at The Boulevard from start to finish. From the wood floors to the art on the walls, each aspect of the restaurant was hand picked by owner Dean Vlahos who also owns Champps and Redstone, popular local eateries. The goal for the restaurant, according to Lipari, is “Perfection.

We like to think of ourselves as the Harvard of restaurants. We have very high standards.”

Often, the first measure of a restaurant is the service and The Boulevard offers a very good experience with the servers. Lipari attributes the experience to teamwork and attitude, saying, “We all work together to get the job done, we try and help each other deliver service with a smile.”

The smile is especially effective when complimented with good conversation which is offered in abundance through the meal.

Food options were a little on the pricey side as a meal reached toward thirty dollars but for those looking for a cheaper option there are items between five and ten dollars that can still satisfy an appetite. For those hesitant about spending hard earned money, be reassured the quality of food matches the pricetag and is well

worth the splurge.

The Boulevard menu features an interesting array of options. Many classic favorites, like burgers and fries, can be found, while more adventurous diners can enjoy more uncommon meals such as the Gold Coast Club sandwich. The sandwich features chicken, bacon, tomato and lettuce which are typical sandwich ingredients but the contents are topped with a fried egg and served with sea salt chips as a side.

Desserts are a great compliment to any meal and The Boulevard offers several enjoyable endings to a repast including Lemon Bread Pudding with Fresh Fruit and Seasonal Crisp with fruits that change with the seasons. Lipari, who has tried every item on the menu claims that the Lemon Bread Pudding is the best dessert.

However, that is a matter of opinion which can only be confirmed upon trying for one’s self.

Galifianakis’ fits the role of Bobby, one of the ward’s adult patients, perfectly, from his appearance to his delivery of lines. He serves as a companion and somewhat of a mentor to Craig, dubbing him “Cool Craig” and coaching him on asking a girl out.

The other characters satisfied their roles as well, with Emma Roberts as Noelle, (Craig’s romantic interest) and of course Glichrist’s performance too. Gilchrist was serious when he needed to be and quirky at the same time.

His performance of Craig was phenomenal.

Some aspects of the film were somewhat unrealistic.

Craig’s parents were completely unaware of his serious depression, and when they were informed that Craig had checked himself into a psychiatric ward, they were almost too casual and calm. Also, the doctor at the psychiatric ward admitted Craig immediately without parental consent.

A wide range of viewers can relate to Its Kind of a Funny Story. Both adults and teens can enjoy this film as the humor is fitting for both groups, and the characters problems are easily relatable to both.

Although most viewers won’t ever have been in a psychiatric ward, Craig’s character exposes many of the stresses that everyone feels, and as he said about what he was feeling, “I’m not sure what it is exactly, but it feels big.”

The movie exposes truth; sometimes life can just get the best of you. But as Galifanakis says with Bob Dylan in mind, “Live like your being born, not like your dying.”

Its Kind of a Funny Story gives the viewer a “feel good” ending and most definitely gets across its message and last word of the movie: live.

Easy-A brings the Scarlet Letter into the 21st Century Maddie Rauma Staff Reporter

T

Photo by: Jacob Clemen

Jacob Clemen Staff Reporter

ts Kind of a Funny Story is about Craig (Keir Glichrist), a depressed, suicidal 16-year-old boy dealing with the stress of school, girls, parents, and college. When Craig insists that “something” is done to help him after he brings himself into the hospital, he is checked into the adult psychiatric ward (the teen ward is under renovations).

The movie takes the viewer through Craig’s five-day stay in the ward, with a touch of everything from humor, romance, truths of teen and adult life, and a good soundtrack to accompany it all.

Its Kind of a Funny Story isn’t one of those movies that leaves you depressed and deep in thought at its end.

Many of the film’s main characters are deeply troubled, but it does a good job of getting its point across and making you feel good about what you saw when it’s done.

The movie leaves you wanting more, making the viewer feel hopeful by focusing on the future and not the past.

While movies such as “Easy A” and “Juno” have some what of a “woe is me” feel to it by focusing on what’s going wrong, Its Kind of a Funny Story stays positive throughout, which may not be inferred from its trailer or other previews. Although Craig clearly has some troubles he needs to work out, not once does he complain about what’s going wrong for him.

Part of the film’s good attitude needs to be attributed to the humor included. The film keeps you laughing with the outrageousness of some of the ward’s patients including Solomon, a Hasidic Jew who has “sensitive hearing” from taking too much acid one night to Dr. Mahmoud, an Egyptian man who hasn’t left his room in weeks. If that isn’t enough, Bobby (played by Zack Galifianakis) adds enough one-liners to the film to make it entertaining enough on its own.

he growing epidemic of teen pregnancy and the harsh high school life that students battle to face is being glamorized quite often in the entertainment world today. Movies such as Mean Girls, Juno, and the recently premiered Easy-A are all part of these influences that surround students and their decision-making.

Earlier this September, various HHS coaches received emails from organizations that were offering them free passes to the sneak peek of Easy-A before it premiered in the rest of the country.

The film, which modernizes “The Scarlet Letter”, confronts the issue of rumors about sex and how the main character, Olive Penderghast, played by Emma Stone, pretends to sleep with people in order to gain attention. After many of these lies are told, Penderghast’s life soon beings to turn into something far from normal. Before it gets any worse, she must find a way to save herself and her reputation.

Teachers thought this film would be applicable with students and pressures that they feel. Ms. Jane Kleinman, Health, did not agree. “It was a stretch,” she said. “People I was with thought it was relatable, but I

just can’t believe that’s what students’ lives are like.”

Kleinman attended the screening and found both negative and positive aspects to the movie. “After seeing the movie, I would hope that students realize their reputations are important and remind them to be careful with social media,” Kleinman said. Communication devices such as Facebook, texting, and emailing contribute to the rumors spread and struggles that today’s teenagers must confront.

The double standard shown in the movie is evident. “Sex raises the male’s status and improves how people view them, it is demeaning to her and lowers her status,” Kleinman said.

This is relevant at HHS, too. “I would hope that people will be more comfortable being themselves, and careful with issues such as cyber bullying and not rely on gossip to make their lives more interesting,” Kleinman said.

Although the movie had its’ redeeming messages, Kleinman can connect her classes, like Psychology of Esteem, better with Mean Girls.

“I would be able to reference Easy-A for some issues once it becomes more popular. Now, however, I don’t have the time to spend pre-

senting this movie,” Kleinman said.

“It didn’t hit me over the head as usable or something I would personally recommend,” Kleinman concluded.

Most students that attended the movie through the various sports teams had a recurring opinion. “I thought it was funny, and I would recommend it to teen girls,” said Maddie Bolatto, sophomore.

“It was really good… The concept was creative and provided a good message about regretting things,” said Taylor Lockett, junior.

variety

13 page A very ‘Silly’ craze at Hopkins the ROYAL

ere

of America has a kiosk where a wide variety of Silly Bandz rings and bracelets are avalible.

*Dicks

Sporting Goods offers Vikings and other sports themed Silly Bandz.

ds

Wh

*Mall

n ba

find the bes t silly to

“I give Silly Bandz to kids at my work be-use it makes them smile which makes me happy.”

-Brittany Peterson

*Silly Bandz are avalible online at www.sillybandz.com.

When buying them online there are many bands not avalible in most stores.

*Every day stores such as Target and Walmart also provide Silly Bandz.

“I love Silly Bandz because they make me feel like a kid again.”

-Rachel McQuiston

Jasmine Geschwind Variety Editor

O

ne question that might be asked about the Silly Bandz craze hitting the Hopkins School District and other schools across the world is… what makes them so special? Many kids, teenagers, and even adults wear and trade Silly Bandz. They are essentially just rubber bands, however they form shapes that resemble almost anything you can imagine.

On the Silly Bandz website there are handwritten letters where people express their love for Silly Bandz. Many of them drew pictures or offered suggestions for new sillybandz. There were also many pictures posted on the website of people with their gigantic Silly Bandz collections.

Also available on the website are many packages containing bands relating to different themes. They are available to order for around five to seven dollars.

Some examples of these themes are Justin Bieber, Rudolph, beach, and Save the Gulf. The beach Silly Bandz packages are unique because UV rays activate them. After spending a day in the sun, they glow in the dark.

The Silly Bandz Company also uses their product to give back to the Gulf of Mexico. A portion of all their “Save the Gulf ” Silly Bandz goes for both the

National Wildlife Federation and the Greater New Orleans Foundation. These organizations help to save wildlife, rebuild communities, and prevent further damage to shore lines.

To represent this aquatic theme, they added a special feature to this pack. When placed in water, the bands change colors.

After they dry, they go back to their original color.

The Silly Bandz company has also teamed up with Quiznos Subs. They are including a pack of four Silly Bandz with each kids meal. There are four themes available in these meals including sports, space, rock, and Dinosaurs.

Custom Silly Bandz are available for a minimum order of 5,000 bands, which ends up being 16 cents a band. There is also an additional $45 artist fee for bringing the design idea to life. The total for these custom bands would be around $850.

They company has a special edition of Silly Bandz for Halloween. They also are on Twitter, Facebook, and have a Silly Bandz blog.

Halloween hot spots around the Twin Cities Michael Frey Sports Editor and anyone that wants to join

I

t’s officially fall; leaves are spread throughout the streets and yards, temperatures are dropping and Halloween festivities are happening all over. One place in particular with annual Halloween events is Anoka, Minnesota, the Halloween capital of the world.

Most towns celebrate Halloween in some way, but Anoka celebrates it with 23 Halloween themed events in 11 days, from Oct. 20 until Oct. 30. With Anoka just a mere 20 miles from Hopkins, Anoka is a great alternative for celebrating Halloween.

Ever since 1920, Anoka has put on Halloween celebrations every year (except for 1942 and 1943 because of World War II) to divert the teenagers from Halloween pranks. The citizens of Anoka put together a Halloween committee in order to organize events not to just distract teenagers, but also to entertain the young kids and people of all ages.

Halloween is a time of celebration of all sorts for Anoka

in the festivities. The first event to kick off this Halloween season is the Pumpkin Bowl football game between the Anoka Tornadoes and the Park Center Pirates. The people of Anoka always look forward to this day because not only do they support their local high school football team, but because this marks the first day of Halloween celebrations.

From this day until Halloween, Anoka will be booming with Halloween spirit. The next day is for the good folks that protect the city of Anoka, the Police and Fire chili cookoff. This is a free and friendly cook-off between the Anoka police force and the fire fighters.

Judges as well as the people of Anoka judge the chili. The rest of the events are just for fun and anyone in the city can participate. There are three different parades before Halloween: Light Up the Night Parade, Big Parade of Little People, and then the Grand Day Parade down main street.

The Grand Day Parade is

the largest hometown parade in the state. Just like many people do, Anoka, Ramsey and Andover residents can participate in a House Decoration contest.

They are allowed to start decorating from Oct. 1 and will be judged on Oct. 27.

These houses are always a big attraction for families to go see and show their kids. There are three dinner celebrations including the Orange Tie Ball on Oct. 22, which consists of dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. This year is the first year there is the Movie and Meal Night.

This is a free event and the dinner is donated by The Anoka County Brotherhood Council food shelf and the movie is “Wizard of Oz.” Aside from the celebrations, food and parades, this is just a time for the city of Anoka to get together and have fun during Halloween.

Nearly the whole city gets in on the festivities every year.

Anoka is the Halloween capital of the world and is open to anyone who wants to celebrate with them.

Photos provided by: Valley Fair

Tickets:

-All-Day Regular Admission: $39.99 -Regular Starlight Admission (Fridays at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 6:00): $28.95 -Jr./Senior Admission: 9.99

Attractions:

-Mazes -Scare zones -Outdoor mazes -Family fun -Shows -Rides -Renegade, Wild Thing, and Power Tower are all

open

Hours(Sept.Oct.):

-Fridays: 7pm–midnight -Saturday: noon– midnight -Sunday: 6pm–11pm -October 20 and 21: 7pm–midnight

14page

feature

the ROYAL

The Royal Page 2010-2011

HHS’ most likeable group

Learning the family business

Editor in Chief Danielle Fink

Managing Editor Lissa Martinez

News Editors Ryan Levi

Opinion Editor Bill Gregg

Feature Editor Lissa Martinez

Variety Editor

Jasmine Geschwind

Sports Editor Saxon Dorshow Michael Frey

Business Manager Sonja Muus

Photo by Lucy Orenstein

Back Page Editor Marlee Gotlieb

Staff Reporters Ronny Ambers Sam Bumsted Jacob Clemen Jack Deutsch Michael Larson Michael Moore Lucy Orenstein Maddie Rauma

Adviser

Mr. Kocur

The editorial represtents the opinion of the newspaper staff. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the administration, the student body or the advisor. Signed viewpoints represent the view of the writer. The Royal Page operates as an open forum student publication, and student editors make editorial decisions regarding content.

Advertising information available by mail, fax and phone Annual Subscriptions are available for $20.

The Royal Page encourages letters to the editor. Letters are not guaranteed publication, are subject to editing for content and length, must be signed and meet deadlines. Compliments and suggestions are also welcome.

page theROYAL

Sam Wayne, P.J. Roets, Eli Fhima, and Riley Kuderko , juniorsthat make up the group Kids Like Us describes their style as a melting pot, alternative hip-hop rap style music.

Lucy Orenstein Staff Reporter

O

n Sept. 1, Kids Like Us took the stage for the first time. 95 students gathered at The Depot to watch this rap group perform. Sam Wayne, P.J. Roets, Eli Fhima, and Riley Kuderko, juniors at HHS, all came together to create Kids Like Us. Kids Like Us is an alternative hip-hop rap group. “We’ve always had a dream to make music, so we got together, put our dreams together, and formed Kids Like Us,” Fhima said. Wayne, Roets, and Fhima are the rappers and Kuderko, the DJ, accompanies them.

Kids Like Us represents a melting pot.

“We each bring our own style to the group,” Wayne said. Roets, Fhima, Kuderko, and Wayne have been very close friends for a number of years. They criticize each other, help each other improve, and most importantly support one another.

Wayne, Roets, Fhima, and Kuderko are extremely dedicated to the group. They have written two songs called H-Town and I’m Ill. “We each write verses every night and try to freestyle as much as possible,” Wayne said.

Kids Like Us writes about real experiences. They come up with the chorus together and write the verses individually. “All of my lyrics that I write come from actual experiences with people in my everyday life,” Fhima said.

There is a studio in Fhima’s basement, where Kids Like Us practice as often as they can to improve their sound. “We teach people through our music, that’s why we’re called “Kids Like Us” because we try to relate to kids like us,” Kuderko and Fhima said.

Although the members of Kids Like Us have been best friends for a long time, but they still face challenges. “We have as much

drama as a typical boy band,” Kuderko said.

Kids Like Us has held two performances at The Depot, a coffee house, and Fifth Element, an independent hip-hop retail store.

Fifth Element has open microphone night and welcomes any performers. Kids Like Us takes advantage of any opportunity to perform in front of an audience, and they will also be performing for the third time on Nov. 19 at The Depot.

Facebook and YouTube play a large role in popularizing the rap group. In only three weeks, Kids Like Us already had 700 fans on Facebook and had 2000 views on YouTube.

“This shows that people care and appreciate our music,” Wayne said.

“The first time I heard “I’m Ill” I thought it sounded like it was done by a professional record label,” said Charlie Bank, junior.

Recently, a production company, called Team Shells Production, has contacted Kids Like Us and has agreed to associate them with their production company. “Kids Like Us is now exposed to all bloggers,” Fhima said.

Biggie Smalls, The Grouch, Buddha, Slug, and Rhymesayers are musicians that influence and inspire members of Kids Like Us. “If I could dedicate my life to music I would,” Kuderko said.

“We have all came from rough beginnings, but I believe that this has influenced our rap in a positive way and helps spark ideas for new lyrics,” Kuderko said.

Kids Like Us appreciates eveyone’s musical talent. “ Making music takes time, focus, and dedication,” Fhima said. They don’t know how much longer they will be performing, but they are thankful for where they are now.

Photo Provided by Megan Shaw

Megan Shaw, senior, has been working at her parent’s store since it opened six years ago in Edina. Shaw hopes to open a store similar to Live, Laugh, Love in the future.

Danielle Fink

A

Although it is a family business, there are other employees that work at the store. “My parents really do all the behind the scenes work and they have other people do things like the cash register,” Shaw said.

Shaw explains that it can get stressful at times to work with her family. On the other hand, she explains it can be fun at times because she learns how to work with other people, including her parents. With all her experience, Shaw really understands the environment of owning a family business.

Shaw hopes to follow in her parent’s footsteps. She would like to open a store similar to Live, Laugh, Love, but she wants to design her own store one day.

“I would want something like it [Live, Laugh, Love] so I could put my own creativity into it,” Shaw said.

Editor-In-Chief

s many HHS students work for different managers and owners, Megan Shaw, senior, works for her parents at their family store. Her parents, Kary and Kevin Shaw, are the original owners of Live, Laugh, Love, located on 50th and France in Edina.

Before the Shaws started Live, Laugh, Love, they owned four convenience stores around Minneapolis. Six years ago they decided to open a store that sells all different kinds of gifts.

“The store is great because we have gifts that range in different price points so everyone can find something to buy,” Shaw said.

Live, Laugh, Love sells all different brands of jewelry like Pandora, Peggy Karr Glass, and Lampe Berger. Their products don’t stop at jewelry, they also sell purses, cards, kitchen appliances, shoes, and home decorations.

With all the products Live, Laugh, Love offers, Shaw has seen all the items go on stock and being bought. She has been around the store since it has opened. “I remember setting it up before it opened,” Shaw said.

Unlike her sibilings, Shaw works twice a month at her family’s store. “I run the cash register and do inventory,” Shaw said.

Live, Laugh, Love store times Monday - Saturday: 10AM - 6PM Sunday: 11AM - 4PM 5019 France Ave. South Edina, MN. 55410

feature

15 page Geoff Weiss rolls into first place the

of five perfect games, his most recent being only two weeks ago.

He received the top bowler in Minn. award last November “after all of the conference matches were over and the stats were official.”

“Some company gave my coach a plaque and my coach presented it to me at a high school banquet,” Weiss said.

Weiss’ stats were tallied by looking at the scores of his games, including the number of strikes and spares he bowled.

And so far, he’s keeping his title again this year.

As of Oct. 8th, he’s at a standing of 59 strikes and 23 spares, with his fill percentage reaching 96.47%, over three percent higher than the second place scorer.

This score is what bumped him over the top, making him the number one ranked bowler among over 1850 other high school bowlers.

Weiss is currently helping out the HHS bowling team, which consists of only about 6 bowlers. “Right now this is probably our best year, we’re averaging 193 as a team, which is pretty good among all the other teams,” Weiss said.

The HHS league is currently on a 6-0 winning streak. “We’re probably going to go to the state tournament because we’re killing every other team,” Weiss said.

ROYAL

Lissa Martinez Feature and Managing Editor

A

fter 15 years of perfecting his skill, Geoff Weiss, senior, was finally granted the recognition he deserved; the number one ranking of all high school bowlers in the state.

For Weiss, it started at age three when he first began bowling. He was following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and brother who were all bowlers at some level. However, it wasn’t until age ten when Weiss started becoming truly passionate about the game.

Within the last several years, Weiss has joined a junior league that meets on Saturdays. He also often competes on his own against other individual bowlers in tournaments called the Minnesota Junior Bowlers Tour.

And of course, he is a member of the HHS bowling team, which meets on Mondays and Thursday, having their matches on Fridays.

“We just kind of go over fundamentals and strategies in practice,” Weiss said. But clearly, the fundamentals are just what the number one bowler needs.

Weiss bowled his first 300, a perfect score, when he was only in 8th grade. “I thought I’d never bowl a 300 I thought I’d just grow old and never bowl a 300, but then I finally did and it brought a lot of confidence,” Weiss said.

Since then, Weiss has bowled a total

Photos provided by Geoff Weiss

Geoff Weiss’ current fill percentage is 96.47%. He also has 59 strikes and 23 spares this season.

Bettering the world, one club at a time mouth over the years, but this year the club tried something new.

“We had a booth set up at Sophomore Orientation this year, and we ended up recruiting about 10 to 15 kids who all seemed really excited about the club and its cause,” Pointer said.

Aside from the number of people involved, the members’ investment in this club had also made it successful.

“The kids that are [part of Operation Smile] really believe in the cause,” Pointer said.

Another club at HHS that is successful due to the members’ dedication is Earth Club.

“There’s always a group of people that are concerned about the environment and are committed to helping the world around them” said Rob Fuhr, Technology Education teacher and Earth Club Advisor.

Similarly to Operation Smile, Earth Club draws its members by word of mouth as well as signs posted around the school. The club usually starts out the school year small but gains members as the year goes on.

The club currently has about thirty

Sonja Muus Busniess Manager

E

very other Friday at 7:15 am, a group of committed HHS students, determined to make a difference, meet in the technical presentation room.

With around 45 members and a mission to help kids with cleft lips, Operation Smile is one of the most successful clubs at HHS. “About four or five years ago, two students came to me and said they had a really cool idea for a club and they wanted me to be their advisor,” said Bobbi Pointer, nurse, “They were really excited about it.”

Ever since then, Operation Smile has been gaining in popularity.

One indication of the club’s success was the t-shirt sale they host every year for spirit week. This year, the club sold t-shirts depicting its cause, and students wore them on Tuesday for spirit the week before homecoming. Operation Smile raised around $300 from a fundraiser similar to this one that they hosted last year.

Information about Operation Smile has spread through word of

core members.

Aside from those members, there are some people that are a part of Earth Club’s cause, but are less dedicated.

“There are different levels of involvement in Earth Club just like every other activity in the school. Some members do earth clubs things every day, while others just show up [to the meetings],” Fuhr said.

Yet another club at HHS has found success in a slightly different way. Better Ways is a club that promotes drug and alcohol free activities, and it is relatively new to HHS. It has already doubled in size after one year at HHS. With seven members last year, and 15 to 20 this year, Better Ways is well on its way to becoming a long time successful club, and one way it does this is by making recruitment a central focus. There is a member designated as the recruiter, and at each meeting, some time is spent discussing ways to draw new members.

“Anytime you can put the name [of a club] out there, it is a form of recruitment” said Marit Dohse, Heath teacher and Better Ways advisor.

Clubs at a Glance Running Since: 2005 Advisor: Bobbie Pointer, Nurse.

Meets: Every other Friday at 7:15 am

Running Since: 2009 Advisor: Marit Dohse, Health Teacher.

Meets: Every other Friday at 7:10 am

Running Since: 1998 Advisor: Rob Fuhr, Tech Ed Teacher.

Meets: Thursdays at 7:10 am

HHS Extras -The menu of extra costs of student life-

From the moment a student begins HHS as a tenth grader until graduation senior year, there are a multitude of costs being thrown at him or her.

With a $300 parking pass, a possible three seasons worth of sports, the expenses of joining clubs, $2.95 for school lunch every day, the occasional option of a fieldtrip, and more, the potential extra costs of being a student can run high.

In the academic category alone, students must obtain a variety of school supplies each year ranging from the basic notebook and folder to the more complex (and expensive) graphing calculator. With all the pressures students have, added costs of school activities and supplies is just another added element.

Because none of these expenses are mandatory, every student’s approach to them is slightly different. Whether it is through scholarship, paying on the spot, limiting themselves to certain activities, or avoiding extra expenses all together, each student has their own way of working with the menu of expenses.

Food Expenses

School lunch Second Entree Fruit and Dip Cups Bagel w/ Spread Milk, 8 oz carton Bottle Water, 20 oz Frozen Yogurt Cones

$2.95 $3.60 $2.25 $2.00 $0.50 $1.00 $1.25

**free and reduced meals avaibable for eligible students (eligibility based on total household income)

Appetizers: Athletics

One Season JV/Varsity Sport $230.00 **Many sports require the purchase of equipment or uniforms by athletes.

Students on free and reduced lunch have either free or half off sports prices.

Main Course: Academic Expenses

(varies depending on place of purchase and quality) Dixon Ticonderoga Pencils, #2 soft BIC Cristal Ballpoint stick pens, medium, black Staples Wide Ruled Filler Ppaer, 8 x 10.5 inch, 120/pack 1 inch Avery Heavy-Duty View Binder Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphing Calculator Mead Five Star 8.5 x 11 inch, one subject notebook

Parking passes

Dessert: Miscellaneous

$300.00/year (full price) $65.00 (if bought early) $40.00 for students $160.00 for whole family $6.00 $3.00/year $100/musical $200/year $20 $110

Yearbook 2010-2011 Athletic Event Pass Homecoming Dance Locker Drama Debate Tri-M (Music Honors Society) LMPM (School Pep Band)

Sides: Music Expenses

$2.49/dozen $2.49/dozen $1.99 $7.99 each $119.99 $6.29

Band Instrument Renting School Instrument/year Uniform Fee

about $600-2500 $110.00 $25.00

**According to Mr. Kyle Miller, Associate Director of Bands, they are able to find money for students who can’t afford things.

**Prices are from products bought at Staples.

Savings: Scholarships

One way students pay for many of the costs necessary to their learning experience is through Random Acts of Kindness, a scholarship program funded by a grant form the Kopp Family Foundation. The program covers items that if not paid for, a student would be disadvantaged educationally. Expenses that the program has covered in past years include materials for homeless students, senior party fees for students who can not afford to attend, food for needy students, clothing for winter, and more.

In order to receive money, a request is made (by either a student, parent, or teacher) to Ms. Lisa Ashley, school social worker and contact person for the program, who determines whether or not it is an eligible request based on a certain criteria. The program also funds items outside of school (such as a Cub gift card for food, clothing, or shelter) with the rationale that students need these things to function well at school.

HHS Art Electives Bill

Bill r Grade Junio

HHS Food

Art Instructor

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Photos By Jack Deutsch and Maddie Rauma

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“There is always scholarship money available for students who may not have the art fee in their budget; we never turn people away if they can’t pay the fee. The fee is charged for supplies which students use and we have to charge that because our budget went down, class sizes went up, and the cost of supplies increased due to inflation.”

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Ms. Randi Rood

HHS Ath

letics Bill

Grade Ju nior “My sis ter, Lea h (soph more), oand I b oth pla soccer y and ho ckey.

There a re a lo t penses for equ of exipment ice tim , e, and traveling for o tourna ut of town ments. this pra All of ct become ice helps us to better a th for var sity spo letes rts.”

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