Sept. final

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Volume 29 Issue 1

the

ROYALPAGE

2400 Lindbergh Drive Minnetonka, MN 55305

Cover Story:

The Royal Page explores the religious diversity at HHS. Pg. 6-7

HHS student’s journey from Pakistan.

Pg. 4

Girls make Nike National Track Competition pg. 11

Dressing up for the Renaisannce Festival.

Pg. 9

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Hopkins to vote on referendum

The referendum is in two-parts. The first part would give the district $6.5 million annually for technology and curriculum. The second would provide $3 milliion for security improvements.

Ryan Levi News Editor

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long with selecting a new governor this Election Day, Hopkins voters will choose whether to approve a two part referendum for Hopkins schools.

The first part, a Capital Projects Levy, would provide the district about $6.5 million a year for technology and curriculum. This Levy would replace the current Capital Projects

Terms to know Referendum: A legal vote or election by citizens on any issue.

Capital Projects Levy: Gives district Right to spread out purchases over specified number of years Capital Bond: Seeks voter approval for school districts to sell bonds with proceeds used for infrastructure and building projects, usually spread out over 10 or more years Info from: http://www.hopkinsschools.org/ sites/default/files/Ref_Info_2010_.pdf

Levy which was approved in 2001 and expires in 2012. The current Levy generates about $3.5 million annually.

According to Sid Voss, Director of Educational Technology, Media Services, and Information Systems Sid, this additional money will not be used to purchase lots of new equipment.

Instead, money from the Capital Projects Levy will go towards sustaining, maintaining, and upgrading the equipment the district currently has. Approximately $1.2 million will go towards replacing computers on a four-to-six year cycle. This cycle will keep students from being forced to work on slow and out-of-date computers, according to Voss.

The Levy would also provide over $1 million for textbooks, curriculum, and library books along with more than $1.5 million for technicians and support staff to help install new equipment.

The second part of the referendum is a onetime Capital Bond for $3 million that would provide for security and safety improvements throughout the district.

“Through a comprehensive vulnerability assessment at all of its buildings, the district identified a number of deficiencies that need to be addressed,” said Donna Adams, District Communications Director. The two main problems identified were main entrance security and unsafe traffic patterns.

Money from this Bond will be used to install enhanced video monitoring equipment

and improve school entrance security throughout the District. Bond funds will also be used to increase safety, parking, and traffic flow at Eisenhower Community Center, Tanglen Elementary School, and North Junior High.

Both the Capital Projects Levy and the Capital Bond would be paid for by a property tax increase that amounts to an additional $31 for a house valued at $150,000.

Many in the Hopkins community have mobilized in support of the referendum. Hopkins Vote Yes is an organization that has been set up to “get out the vote” in favor of the referendum.

Hopkins Vote Yes is employing both digital and traditional methods to educate voters about the referendum and gain their support. Digitally, Hopkins Vote Yes has sent out emails along with maintaining a website and Facebook page. They have also used more traditional tactics including flyers, posters, and calling voters.

All involved in the referendum process stress the importance of passing this referendum. “We need to do this,” said Kris Newcomer, Committee Chair for Hopkins Vote Yes. “If we don’t renew the referendum there will be a lot of budget cuts.”

School Board Chair Yvonne Selcer added, “Without community support of the Capital Projects Levy, our ability to provide the curriculum content, delivery, tools, and materials necessary for student learning into the 21st century will be at risk.”

District aims for healthier lunches, students Jack Deutsch Staff Reporter

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rom Tanglen Elementary to NJH and finally at HHS, slow but steady changes have been made to the lunches in order to create a healthier lifestyle.

The Hopkins School District has made some changes in order to decrease and hopefully reduce obesity in the District. One change was to reduce the amount of chocolate milk students were drinking daily. The overall goal was for students to be aware of their drink choices and only have chocolate milk in moderation.

Chocolate milk reduction isn’t the only healthy choice the district is doing; they also changed dressing and sauces. This include ranch dressing which is now low fat. The honey mustard has also been limited because the amount of use. it was being overused. The school cannot completely get rid of the sauce and also can’t control how much per student, the school only can prefer less amounts per

Changes at lunch Photos by Jack Deutsch

lunch.

The cookies have also been made healthier.

Whole wheat cookies are now being served at the schools instead of cookies with a higher fat content. This change took place late last year.

I’m really disappointed,” said Daniel Clemens, junior. “The school lunches seem to be getting worse and worse every year.”

At the Elementary level, students are recommended to bring healthy snacks and are not allowed to bring any birthday treats due the amount of sugar those treats contain. Teachers are not supposed to reward the kids with treats such as a Jolly Rancher or Starburst. Recess has also been moved before lunch. “Teachers pick the students up from lunch which is very different than last year,” said Ms. Lewis Miller, Principal of Tanglen. The goal is to increase the child’s appetite, so that when the kids are done excising they can eat a balanced meal to gain back the energy needed to go about the rest of the day.

Whole wheat cookies

In the future, there are more changes to the deep fryer won’t be present in the lunch room.

There will still be the chicken fingers but they will just be cooked differently.

“The whole reason in doing all of these minor changes are to make sure that the students have a well balanced lunch each and every day. In the long run the purpose is to be the healthiest district, and by doing so creating a great environment for kids to enjoy,” Laura Metzger, the Nutrition Wellness Coordinator for the District said, Metzger has clear goals for the District.

“The major objective is for students of all ages to choose the right foods, adding in more fruits or vegetables, and to have the option for many choices within theschool,” Metzger said.

This challenge has two parts to it. First, the students need to be provided with the education to make better decisions about their diets.

Second, the school needs to provide a variety of different foods to the students.

Chocolate milk only Mon., Wed., and Fri.

HHS students run U of M application gauntlet Jacob Clemen Staff Reporter Uncertainty is an emotion that seems to sum up a college search. Students are unsure where to apply, whether they will be accepted to their favorite school or what they will study when they get there. For Max Stelzner, senior, the story is no different. As deadlines loom and ACT test dates come and go, Stelzner is uncertain where he will go after high school. He is uncertain what he will major in, though he is leaning toward a math or science degree. For him, like many other HHS students the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a top school to consider.

Students applying, however, should be wary of the admissions requirements that are very competitive for a public university. Of five major universities that are commonly applied to by HHS students, the U of M ranked 2nd in average GPA (3.75) and ACT (26) scores to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The other schools include, University of Kansas, the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University. The U of M also had the second lowest acceptance percentage at 57% of HHS applicants being accepted.

The University of Minnesota led all Universities in applications by HHS graduates with 702 applications over the past 3 years including 236 last year although only 141 applicants were accepted. The U of M offers many benefits for HHS students including, a location close to home and the Minneapolis area, in-state tuition costs (nearly $4,000 less a year) and a community of HHS grads already present on campus.

Stelzner appreciates what Minnesota has to offer. “Being close to home is important,” says Stelzner, who adds “I like the in-state tuition too.”

The University of Minnesota offers over 135 undergraduate majors in 19 different schools within the university including, law, liberal arts, medicine and business. The most notable accomplishment of the U of M is its research programs that are regarded as some of the best in the nation with inventions such as the seatbelt they can take credit for. These academic benefits are accompanied by Division 1 athletic programs and many social benefits such as Dinkytown, the area just outside of campus with many restaurants and places for college students to spend time, club sports and the downtown area a stone’s throw away.

Stelzner, who has already made a visit to campus says “I liked the environment. It is cool having the campus split up … but everything is still within walking distance.” Also, the football teams plays in the new TCF Bank football stadium that opened in 2009. For Stelzner and many other students at HHS the University of Minnesota makes sense, but the standards are tough and acceptance there, like much of the college search, is uncertain.

Non-deep fried chicken tenders

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Teen Clinic to add new location in Hopkins Lissa Martinez Feature and Managing Editor

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he West Suburban Teen Clinic and HHS have been associates for some time now, with WSTC visiting health classes and making themselves available to HHS students.

Soon, they will be opening a second location closer to HHS students.

“This has been something that our clinic has wanted to do for a long time. We just needed to find the very best place at the right time,” said Nina Jonson, WSTC’s Community Outreach Manager and Youth Advisory Board Supervisor.

The very best time and place happens to be this fall. The clinic is expected to be up and running by late October or early November, however no exact date has been set.

The location, however, is definite. The WSTC Hopkins location will be in downtown Hopkins, just behind Chipotle, at 15 South 8th Ave, a much closer alternative to the Excelsior location which is about 10 miles from HHS, a 20 minute drive.

The WSTC’s original location in Excelsior, has been helping teens ages 12-23 since 1979. Specifically, the WSTC helps nearly 200 HHS students yearly. So, with the opening of a second clinic closer to many clients, it will make it even easier for teens to get the help they need.

Royal Page, writer receive national recognition Each year the Royal Page enters into national competitions and critiques sponsored by the National Scholastic Press Association.

The Royal Page is proud to announce two recognitions this past year.

Amy Gallop, feature editor and 2010 graduate was named as a finalist for story of the year in the feature category for her story on a teenage mother and father raising a child while finishing high school. She is one of six finalists from across the country and the only finalist in any category from the state of Minnesota.

In addition, the newspaper received All-American status for the first time in more than 10 years.

This is the highest ranking given out. Only one school newspaper in the state of Minnesota received a ranking this high in the year 2008-2009, the last year for which data is available.

The Royal Page was specifically recognized for its leadership, coverage and content, layout and design and photography.

And teens can be worry free when getting help. “There is separate filing. So if your parent takes you in for a physical, [WSTC] is not going to be like, ‘oh, you’re daughter is doing this and this.’ It’s very confidential,” said YAB member Alana McQuirter, senior “Since there are both clinics now, in Excelsior and Hopkins, it will be easier for people to get a time [for an appointment] if there are only certain times that work for you,” said YAB member Olivia Mestad, senior.

Also more convenient for teens looking for help, whether they’re closer to the Excelsior location or the Hopkins location, they can call one number, 952-474-3251, to set up an appointment at the location they prefer.

“We will continue to have the same [services] at both clinics; giving tests and treatments for STIs, pelvic exams, contraceptives, pregnancy tests, and basic sports physicals, and vaccines, as well as mental health care,” Jonson said.

Despite the array of services, the controversy of contraceptives and STI treatments has made some community members wary of the new clinic, just as it did in 2008.

HHS was in the process of opening their very own WSTC at the high school, when the plans were stopped due to the com-

munity’s upset. Simply, the controversy was over contraceptives and other services the clinic offers. So, in fall 2008, the plans for a WSTC at HHS were officially cancelled.

“No matter what, if there’s a clinic or not, teens are going to do whatever they’re doing anyways. And having a clinic is just a way to make sure they’re being safe about it and making smart decisions, so [the clinic] is a resource if they need them,” Mestad said, referencing the 50% of HHS seniors who were sexually active in 2007, according to class surveys.

“I believe what WSTC is doing in the community, they’re really advocating for the youth and helping to keep us healthy and making sure we have a safe place to go that we have someplace we’re comfortable to go to if were worried about what were going through with our bodies and our minds. I think that’s one of the most important services that someone could offer us,” said YAB member Skai Plotnick, senior.

YAB member Sani Smaka added, “It’s really empowering to know that we can make a change with teens, with our own generation. [YAB] allows us to make a change in something that affects us.”

For more information, visit www.wstcmn.org.

Sweep policy shows good results Caleb Haussman Staff Reporter

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he 7:47 bell rings and everyone is in their classes, ready for the school day. This was not the case before the implementation of the sweep pass program at HHS last year.

During the 2008-2009 school year, tardy students created interruptions for teachers and prevented them from beginning class at the bell. To combat the issue, a committee met and decided to employ the sweep pass system at the start of the 2009-2010 school year.

The hall sweep program forces tardy students to obtain a sweep pass from the office before they are allowed into class. Three hall sweeps lead to one detention and further violation of the hall sweep or detention policies could lead to a suspension.

A year after its inception, the program has achieved great success in dealing with the epi-

demic of student tardiness. “It had a positive effect on why you’re here-to get an education,” said Assistant Principal Ms. Anne Campbell.

“I want to prepare you for 21st century skills… at a job, you can’t just come in when you want,” said Campbell, who began her tenure as the official assistant principal at the beginning of this year.

Students have adapted well to the hall sweep program, getting to class on time much more often. According to Campbell, the number of hall sweep passes given out in a single block has been as low as two.

The plan has become popular among teachers as well. Mr. Jay Katzenmeyer, Math, said that the problem of students getting to class on time was out of hand before the hall sweep program.

During previous school years he and Mr. Greg Bartz, Math, counted students outside of class after the bell in the South Wing. They

HHS simulates governor, referendum election Maddie Rauma Staff Reporter

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long with the array of changing red, brown, and golden leaves, come the red, white, and blue of Election Day this Nov. 2. For those 18 years old and eligible, it will be the first time they can let their voices be heard.

The 40th Governor of Minnesota will be chosen this day from the choices of Tom Emmer, Republican; Mark Dayton, Democrat; and the Independence Party candidate Tom Horner.

One of these patriotic students is Sara Heegaard, senior, who has been closely following the news and websites of each candidate. “Depending on your schedule, you might not be informed of the election during school,” Heegaard said.

Heegaard believes that raising teen understanding of the world is critical in America’s society. “I think one of the main reasons teens choose not to vote is unawareness,” Heegaard said. “If people were more educated, they might realize that their votes affects them.”

As of now Heegaard is not confident in her selection. “Right now I think we can only judge accurately based on what we have heard the candidates say and do up until this point, I am doing everything possible

to make sure that I vote for the person that I hope will do the best job,” Heegaard said.

The list of problems she wishes to be confronted include healthcare, energy, and education among others. “Sometimes all we can be confident in is recognizing what issues we don’t believe in and don’t want to be associated with. They can be just as powerful as what we do believe in,” Heegaard said.

“With the lowest voting age group being young adults, HHS is going to be hosting a “Hopkins Votes” mock election in hopes to increase awareness and involvement,” said Ms. Kathryn Anderson, Social Studies, who is helping run the event. Each student will be given a ballot, which mirrors an actual one. On this, they will be able to cast their vote for the gubernatorial election and the HHS referendum.

“More information will be provided closer to the date through school wide announcements and advertisements around the school building,” Anderson said. Results will be provided at the end of the day. There is no cost to students, and it will be a great way to have a realistic simulation and raise the importance of voting.

This opportunity will help young people represent themselves as citizens and identify what they want to see change in for the first time in their lives.

calculated if the other three major classroom areas (downstairs in the South Wing and both levels of the West Wing) had a comparable number of students missing the bell, it would translate to 66 percent of the student body being late to class. “[With hall sweeps], classes could start with fewer distractions and fewer disruptions,” said Katzenmeyer.

While some students still feel the the sweep policy is unnecessary, Campbell sees the hall sweep program as a small part of a very successful beginning of the year. “I think we’re off to a really great start…really great sophomore class, juniors have had some time to mature, and we have a fantastic senior class…I’ll be honest, I love coming to work every day and it’s because of you guys.”

Campbell has her eyes set on the big picture for her student body. “I want your experience at HHS to be something you’ll never forget.”

How To

Find Your Polling Place

1 2 3

Go to http://pollfinder. sos.state.mn.us/ Enter zip code, address, info Maps included if needed

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feature

the ROYAL

The Royal Page 2010-2011

Editor in Chief

An escape from Pakistan to HHS Danielle Fink 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

Hopkins, Minnesota

New York City, New York Karachi, Pakistan

Photos provided by Neyha Raja

Sports Editor Saxon Dorshow Michael Frey

Business Manager Sonja Muus

Back Page Editor Marlee Gotlieb

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

Adviser

Colonel 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.

I

Neyha Raja was born in and lived in Karachi, Pakistani where the country’s religious beliefs differed from those of her family.

n Oct. 2009, Neyha Raja, senior, was relieved to know that she wouldn’t have to fight for her and her brother’s survival against their government for any longer. Raja escaped from her homeland, Pakistan, and came to the United States for a better life.

The turmoil of Neyha’s life didn’t begin until her teenage years. She was born into an educated family; her father was in the military and her mother, Naheed Raja, was a college professor. Neyha learned English and Urdu, a language that is similar to Hindi.

When Neyha’s parents got divorced, she continued to live with her mother and her younger brother, Saad, in Karachi, Pakistan. Her family was never religious but her community became observant over time.

Beliefs in her community started to change after Sept. 11, 2001. Her community became more conservative and believed everyone should study the Koran.

People in her community believed that women should be covered and wear the traditional clothing. There should be no co-ed schools, let alone girls and boys talking to each other.

The community, along with other parts of Pakistan, didn’t want to become westernized. Neyha’s family never conformed to these ideals. “We were seen as bad influences because we didn’t practice and we never went to community meetings,” Neyha Raja said.

Although her community was becoming more conservative, Neyha believes them to be hypocrites.

“They say things like, ‘We are good Muslims, we study the Koran,’ but they will talk about people behind

In 2009, Raja and her family were reunited after the Pakistan Government arrested her mother, and came to New York. their backs,” Neyha said.

There weren’t just problems in the high school classrooms, but in the college classes also. Naheed was teaching her college class one day when there was some sort of argument among two students. The two students were fighting about the Sunnis and Shiite Muslims.

Naheed was not religious but would not allow religious arguments in her classroom. “I don’t want religion in my classroom. Don’t force it upon each other,” Naheed said.

The violent student was asked to leave the classroom. He was the son of a important Imam, which is a leader in the mosque and community, who held a lot of power. He described Naheed as blasphemous.

The Pakistanian government got involved and took Naheed to prison.

The government wanted her to confess that she was racist and that she said discrimanatory comments to the student. “The authorities were so cruel to my mom because they wanted her to confess to a crime she never committed,” Neyha said. “The authorities hated a strong, educated woman.”

The prison treated her in an inhumane manner; she was abused and even peed on for 7 months.

During those months, the government started to look for Neyha and Saad, her brother.

“Hiding from place to place was very stressful.

We would always be careful not to leave our traces behind,” Neyha said. She wasn’t attending school for

Raja and her family are currently residing in the Hopkins area, where they are free from religious conflict. that period of time, yet alone being seen in public.

Throughout that time they had no communication with their mother. “For 4 to 5 months we didn’t know if my mother was alive,” Neyha said. “My brother would lose hope but I would try to act positive in front of him, but when he went to sleep or I was in the shower, I would break down.”

The night before her mother was sentenced to death in a public congregation, Naheed’s lawyer decided to help the Raja family sneak out of Pakistan.

“When my mom came out of that place and we saw her for the first time, we couldn’t recognize her.

It was the happiest and saddest day of my life. I was happy because she was alive and I could hold her and comfort her, but it was also sad because I would never want to see her in that condition again,” Neyha said.

The Pakistani government would kill the Raja family if they ever went back to Pakistan. Neyha shows no desire to ever return there even if they could.

“America gave us protection, freedom, happiness, and restored our family again,” Neyha said. Through Facebook, she is able to keep in contact with friends in Pakistan but has made great friends at HHS. Overcoming many difficult challenges in life, Neyha said, “It is important to remember to stand up for your beliefs and never give into peer pressure. Things seem to be impossible at the time but if you do the right thing and stand firm, it all seems to work out and my family, especially my mother, is a living example of that.”

Meet the Royal Page’s 2010-2011 editors

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

page theROYAL

Danielle Fink Editor-in-Chief

Lissa Martinez Managing Editor and Feature Editor

Jasmine Geschwind Variety Editor

Ryan Levi News Editor

Bill Gregg Opinion Editor

Saxon Dorshow and Michael Frey Sports Editors

Marlee Gotlieb Back Page Editor

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ROYAL

Teachers and students beyond the classroom Michael Moore Staff Reporter gebra Two class.

As some may assume, it was slightly awkward the first few days, but Mr. Youakim adapted.

“The first day I just laid low, but the second day was different,” Mr. Youakim said as he went on to tell about his comedic performance. Like many first day teachers do, Mr. Youakim mispronounced his daughter’s last name during attendance.

As he shouted, “Yooookim, Yookem, Yoakeem,” Madeline reluctantly raised her hand and gave her dad a smile.

The jokes did not end there, Youakim’s fellow math teachers, Mr. Jay Katzenmeyer and Mr. Champ Nelson, had an idea of their own. A few days into the school year Katzenmeyer and Nelson pulled Madeline out of class and told her she was being called down to the office, but they quickly told her it was just a joke.

Even with the harmless harassment from her father and his co-workers, Madeline loves having the opportunity to have her dad as a teacher as she explained, “Having [Youakim] as a teacher has its benefits, I can ask him any question at home.” Also, she said she likes his fast paced class and his teaching methods.

Having a father and daughter in the classroom leads to many questions. Is it even legal? Does Mr. Youakim have bias when grading her assignments? But Madeline receives help by her father, just like any father

and daughter, and receives no special treatment. Just like Mr. Youakim tells all of his math students, “Do all the worksheets and review packets I give out in class, and you will get an A or B. The same applies for Madeline and her experiences in other sophomore classes. Before every exam they sit down together reviewing. Madeline uses her dad’s technique of reviewing all worksheets handed out in class and Mr. Youakim answers any questions he can. Madeline and Youakim’s paths will not part at the end of the semester due to the fact Madeline is enrolled in Pre-Calc later this y e a r, once again taught by her very own dad.

Madeline Youakim works hard in her father, Mr. Jacques Youakim’s, Algebra Two class, meanwhile Mr. Youakim impresses her classmates with jokes.

HHS opens doors for transfer students Lucy Orenstien Staff Reporter

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arah Ungerman, junior, is pleased with her choice to transfer to HHS for a variety of reasons. Ungerman has become extremely optimistic about her future as a college student from attending HHS. ”HHS does a really good job promoting going to college, and getting you excited about your future,” Ungerman said. This is only one of the many reasons that Ungerman chose HHS. Ungerman started out at West Junior High and then transferred to The Minneapolis Jewish Day School after 7th grade. Entering her freshman year, Ungerman transferred to St. Louis Park. She attended St. Louis Park through sophomore year but then came to the conclusion that it was not the right school for her.

Ungerman chose HHS for its variety of classes and because she wanted a challenge.

“Hopkins has a larger range of classes and offers more electives to take,” Ungerman said.

One thing that disappointed her was the lack of the International Baccalaureate program: an academically challenging program that prepares students

for college and helps students apply for a diploma. “The IB program is the only thing I regret not taking at SLP, but HHS has many AP classes that make up for that,” Ungerman said.

Other advantages of going to HHS that Ungerman mentioned are the short commute (“it only takes me five minutes to get to school”), the meals (“I like the food better”), the size of the facility (“the building at HHS is more spacious”), and she has more in common with students at HHS (“most of my Jewish friends are at Hopkins.”)

Every year a small number of students transfer to HHS. Their experiences vary. Some, like Ungerman, find that the academic environment at HHS is stimulating, that the social scene is welcoming, and that the amount of homework is challenging.

Jared Allen, sophomore, transferred from Totino-Grace High School. Coming to HHS has been a relief for Allen. He wanted to leave the school uniforms and prestigious classes behind and attend a public

school with a relaxing and easygoing atmosphere.

Allen received at least two or more hours of homework every night at Totino-Grace, but at HHS he has only gotten about 30 minutes of homework for the past couple weeks. The difference in the amount of classes each day also contributed to Allen’s decision to come to HHS. “I didn’t like having eight classes everyday, and I like the four block schedule a lot better,” Allen said.

Other transfer students find that the academic environment at HHS is more stressful. Dani Segelbaum, junior, a transfer student from Armstrong, is one such student.

Segelbaum feels that the rigor of the academic classes is much higher at HHS, particularly in the World Language Department. The academic transition from Armstrong to HHS has definitely shown Segelbaum how demanding many HHS classes can be.

“I have gotten so much more homework at HHS then I did at Armstrong. The pressure is very intense,” Segelbaum said.

Photos by Michael Moore

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HS is known for the great bonds made between our staff and fellow students. For Madeline Youakim, sophomore, her bond extends much further than her fourth block classroom.

Being a student at HHS has been a new experience for Madeline, but the halls of HHS are nothing new. Mr. Jacques Youakim, Math, began working at HHS in 1995, the same year Madeline was born, and after his first year on staff he decided to move his family to the Hopkins School District.

“I love the fact she is coming to a place I am so comfortable with and enjoy so much,” Mr. Youakim said.

Since the move, Madeline and her two younger brothers have been growing up in the halls of HHS. Throughout the years they have spent their weeknights attending a variety of HHS activities and sports with Youakim. Madeline also has recently been called up to the Varsity soccer team and performs in the HHS band, which has given her even more experience at HHS. This school year Madeline is going to experience her fathers teaching first hand in her fourth block Al-

Judaism: “

Coexistence. . .

There are many different sects of Judaism, but we have focused on the main three; Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. Every sect believes in the same God, but at different levels of tradition and observances.

”

I’m not a fan of organized religion in the least, but that doesn’t mean I can’t embrace my

H

annah Borowsky, senior, connects with her inner Reform Judaism differently than most. Although the synagogue is the designated place for Jews to talk and connect with God, this is not where Borowsky feels the spiritual communion. “I find I can be spiritual when I do things like canoe trips in the wilderness, listen to Beatles records, or volunteer,” Borowsky said.

Borowsky’s parents have let her choose her own religious path. “My parents have allowed me to define

Judaism Fast Facts

Origin: Jerusalem Main belief: Believing in one God Major Holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Customary Clothing: Modest skirt

Islam Fast Facts Origin: Saudi Arabia Main belief: One God: Allah Major Holidays: Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr Customary Clothing: Hijab

Islam: “

“ ”

I took observing my religious beliefs to another level... -Jory Shragg, senior Michael Moore Staff Reporter

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or the past year and a half Jory Shragg, senior, has worn a Kippah to show others how he practices his religion.

Outside of school Shragg is on the USY, Jewish youth group board, and attends three hours of Jewish study a week. On board they are required to keep

“

Kosher, and keep Shabbat, which can be challenging due to the fact that there only three Kosher restaurants in Minneapolis.

It can also be very difficult for Shragg to hang out with friends, due to his beliefs; he rarely has a concrete ride to and from a friend’s house since he is not allowed to drive on Shabbat.

”

My Judaism may complicate my life but it’s worth it because of the connection I get with God...

-Mimi Mechache, junior

Sam Bumsted Staff Reporter

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imi Mechache, junior, is similar to many of The Jews at HHS in many ways but is different at the same time.

“Most Jews in this school are of European descent and conservative I’m of North African descent and orthodox we don’t have the same customs,” Mechache said.

Mechache’s family is from Tunisia and culturally

Reform

Lucy Orenstein Staff Reporter

-Hannah Borowsky, senior

The day concluded with a family picnic. “We had a picnic in the orchard, munching on the traditional circular challah with honey and peanut butter,” Borowsky said.

Borowsky proves that there is no right way to practice your religion and every person celebrates his or her religious identity differently. “For some, the rich tradition of going to services at the temple and saying prayers that have been repeated for thousands of years is special. I’m not a fan of organized religion in the least, but that doesn’t mean I can’t embrace my Jewish heritage and pass on family traditions… I just might do it in a bit of an odd way,” Borowsky said.

Conservative

my religion and I’m grateful for this opportunity to make these decisions myself,” Borowsky said.

Borowsky observes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (two of the holiest days on the Jewish calendar) differently than most Jews. “I can’t say I usually look forward to the High Holidays. I find it quite difficult to engage in meaningful reflection as I sit in a crowded synagogue forced to wear a modest skirt and foot-wrangling dress shoes, praying to a God I think might as well be the Boogie Monster,” Borowsky said.

Eating apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah is a very popular tradition and represents entering a sweet new year. Borowsky visited the Minnetonka Apple Orchard with her family to celebrate the holiday.

French. “When all the other Jews are talking about their matzah ball soup and kugel I’ll talk about my cuscus and bourekas,” Mechache said.

Mechache keeps the entire Sabbath and complete kosher. That means that she cannot write, drive, spend money, and use electronics on Friday nights or Saturdays.

“My Judaism may complicate my life but it’s worth it because of the connection I get with my family and God,” Mechache said.

Orthodox

Jewish heritage and pass on my family traditions...

Islam believes in Allah and the prophet Mohammed. Two main sects are Sunni and Shi’ite.

”

Live life with your own hands but remember to use those same hands to give prayer to

Sunni

the God (Allah) that gave it to you... -Nazia Ashraful, senior Sonja Muus Business Manager

N

azia Ashraful, senior, is a practicing Muslim. Muslims believe in one God, and pray multiple times throughout the day. The prayers are reminders of God’s presence in daily life, and are opportunities to seek his guidance and forgiveness.

“I pray five times a day, or I at least try to,” Ashraful said. She prays in the morning when she wakes up, when she gets home from school, around 5 p.m., at sunset, and around 10 p.m.

There are times throughout the school year when Ashraful fasts to honor her religion. “It is difficult to fast and go to school,” Ashraful said, “so I usually don’t.

The universal time for the second prayer of the day is around 1 p.m. However, Ashraful chooses to pray when she gets home from school so it does not interrupt her school day.

Ashraful has been growing up in a religious family that has dictated how she

has practiced her religion, but as she has gotten older, she had been making more independent religious decisions.

“How much I read the Qu’ran has become more of a personal choice, how often I pray, and just overall how much I use religion in my daily life is up to me,” Ashraful said.

However, the holidays are a religious practice that Ashraful still celebrates with her family.

The main holiday in the Muslim religion is Ramadan. During Ramadan, Ashraful fasts every day for one month. This month of fasting is used as an opportunity to reflect on themselves.

Eid al-Fitr is a three day celebration marking the end of Ramadan. During this time, Ashraful and her family pray in the morning, then hear a small speech about the holiday’s meaning. After that, they celebrate with friends. “[My family and I] go to our friends’ houses to eat and just be around eachother,” Ashraful said.

An insider’s look at the big religions at HHS

F

or Lucas Menzies, junior, practicing the Christian denomination of Evangelical during school is difficult. Not because of praying, fasting, or holidays, but because of his internal drive to live out his beliefs. “[I] have an expectation to live the way Jesus lived,” Menzies said, “it is easy [to live this way] at church, but not at

“

Christianity Fast Facts Origin: Jerusalem Major belief: One God Major Holidays: Christmas & Easter

“

”

school.”

Menzies was raised in a religious family who has encouraged daily practices like praying and reading the Bible, but as he has gotten older, he has discovered that being an Evangelical is more than the daily practices. “[My] whole family is evangelical, but just going to church and reading [the] Bible doesn’t make [me] Evangelical, it is what [I] feel and believe inside,” Menzies said.

My religion is not my central focus, but I find ways to incorporate it into my life... -Brianna Boileau, junior

Jack Deutsch Staff Reporter

A

s a Catholic some of the practices that Brianna Boileau, junior, participants in are going to church on Sunday, studying religious education on Wednesday nights, and praying before bed.

Boileau was raised in a pretty religious family and continues to practice as her own choice without her parents rules.

Also, being Catholic doesn’t disrupt her schooling because most holidays are during breaks. Major holidays which Boileau

”

celebrates include Christmas, the birth of Christ, and Easter, the death and resurrection of Christ.

Her main belief consists of one God and she believes when reading the Bible that Jesus is her savior. The traditional bread and wine that are passed out during communion is a crucial part of this religion. The meaning for the bread and the wine is the body and blood of Christ.

What I like about being Lutheran is that I am allowed to talk with God whenever and however I want... -Jason Showers, junior

Maddie Rauma Staff Reporter

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s a practicing Lutheran, Jason Showers, junior, follows many traditional aspects of the Christian religion. He does so by praying before bed, volunteering at church, and attending services every Sunday.

Reading the Bible and believing in one God add to the ideas he practices.

These activities help him stay true to his beliefs. When he is not at church,

Hinduism: “

Showers finds it easy to practice during the school day because he can just pray in his head.

He was raised in a Lutheran family and has decided to continue without his parents’ influence. With his family, Showers celebrates major holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world with over a billion followers, most of which live in or are from India. Hinduism can be an extremely diverse religion that is almost 4,000 years old.

”

I have learned to respect every little possible thing existing...

-Keerthana Shankar, senior Sonja Muus Business Manager

K

eerthana Shankar, senior, was born and raised in India. After 5 years of living in the U.S., she and her family still practice the religion most widely practiced in India: Hinduism.

Hindus believe in many humanistic gods, and honor them often. Shankar prays amongst a personal collection of pictures of the gods every morning before school.

Shankar’s religion never interrupts her school day. She does not miss school for holidays, nor does she pray during school. However, when she gets home, she sometimes does.

“My dad works out of state and when he is home we pray in the afternoon,” Shankar said.

Evangelical

Sonja Muus Business Manager

Catholic

”

It is easy to live this way at church, but not at school...

-Lucas Menzies, junior

Lutheran

Christianity: “

The largest religion in the United States is Christianity that includes many different sects. All Christians believe in the same one God, but don’t worship in the same way.

Hinduism Fast Facts Origin: India Main belief: Many humanistic Gods Major Holidays: Diwali & Pongal Customary Clothing: Saris

Shankar has been growing up in a religious family with parents that dictate how she practices her religion. Her and her family celebrate three main holidays: Diwali, Pongal, and the birthdays of different gods.

Diwali is considered the “festival of lights.” On this holiday, Hindus celebrate a man who killed a demon by lighting candles and fireworks.

Pongal is a harvest holiday celebrated with lots of food.

“I think [Pongal] has something to do with being thankful for the gods giving us food because we cook a lot,” Shankar said.

The birthday of each god is celebrated by cooking food and wearing clothes liked by that God.

Brahman

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opinion

8page the ROYAL

New parking pass policy not all that bad

T

his past summer, I awoke one fine August morning to find that one of my confidants had left me a text message that read something like this: “You better get over to the High School. They’re doing assigned parking this year and they’re selling passes now. First come, first serve and there is a huge line!”

Upon reading this I rattled off a stream of expletives, threw on a shirt and shorts of questionable cleanliness, and reached into my wallet to pull out the $275 that the pass was going to cost me.

Needless to say, this did nothing to soothe my quickly deteriorating mood. Money in hand, I hopped in the car and sped angrily off.

On the way to school, I fumed silently at what I perceived to be another stupid rule by administration. First the sweep policy and now this? Why create anoth-

Pros

At a glance...

Cons

-Organized -Efficient -Prevents vandalism -Easier to monitor students -Makes sure everyone parking has Pass and pays

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op 10

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

:

-Assigned Parking, less Freedom -Expensive -Some are Confused -No tricking the system

er rule infringing on students’ already meager freedom?

As I arrived at school and took my place in line, it was clear by the grumblings around me that my opinion was widely shared by my fellow students. When I finally got to the front of the line and purchased my pass, I could scarcely let go of the wad of cash.

However, in the days and weeks after that day, my anger subsided and I began to look objectively at the situation. I talked to friends from other schools, and was surprised to learn that almost every other large school in the metro area already employs a similar assigned parking policy. And the more I thought about, the more it dawned on me that administration was absolutely right to join them.

Indeed, as I rolled into the newly paved and painted parking lot on the first day of school this year, it was hardly recognizable from the asphalt jungle of years past. No longer did seemingly random arrows point in two directions at once. No longer did students fly up and down the aisles seeking that last available spot.

Rather, the HHS parking lot had transformed into an asphalt nirvana. Everyone knew exactly where to go and there was no rushing or scrounging for spots. Students moved in an orderly fashion, following the now clearly marked signs and traffic arrows.

Since then, I have become even more strongly convinced that administration instituted a just and beneficial policy. I get to class now faster then ever before, as there is no need to ever look for a spot;

Ways to mourn Summer’s passing

Wear Hawaiian shirts and sandals to school every day Construct a dome over your yard and heat it to tropical temperatures

Go to bed at 7 p.m. to simulate sleeping in Ignore daylight savings time

Apply bug spray and sunscreen liberally Take frequent trips to California to acquire seasonal fruits Loiter at Dairy Queen

Eat too much late-night fast food Pull a Lebron and take your talents to South Beach Go to Ben Badower’s lake house

I simply get to school, park, and walk in. This allows me to leave later from my house, affording me a precious few minutes of extra sleep.

However, the new policy does more than create an efficient parking lot. It largely tackles the vandalism that has at times been problematic in the lot. If officials know exactly where everyone’s car is, it is easier to protect and monitor the lot.

In this same line of thinking, if your car is dinged by another car, it is more than likely that someone parking around you was responsible. In this way, students who damage their fellow students vehicles will be more accountable for their actions.

It also ensures that everyone who parks in the lot actually has a pass. Believe me, I’m all for free parking, but as a passholder in years past, it was infinitely frustrating to see the lot fill up with many students who never actually paid for their place in the lot. In other words, if some people pay to park at school, shouldn’t everyone?

Of course, there are problems. Many are unsure what to do when others park in their spot. Others complain that athletes can no longer park in Lindbergh.

Even with this in mind, the good caused by the new policy far outweighs the bad. The assigned parking policy is one of the best ideas that administration has had in my time at HHS. Saxon Stone Dorshow is the Sports editor of the Royal Page

Education Jobs Bill not up to par Hopkins stands to receive $1.3 million from the Education Jobs bill, a federally mandated, one year program that allotted $10 billion for the states to help preserve and create jobs in public schools.

More funds for teachers lowers the student to teacher ratio. It also helps to have more adults in the schools to provide guidance and promote a safer environment. It will also alleviate the strain on the salary portion of budget, which will create more money for other school programs and activities.

This bill isn’t related at all to this year’s district referendum.

However this $1.3 million is a one-time deal. Hiring new teachers poses a problem because the next year, there will be no money to keep those teachers employed. Not to mention, because of inflation, it won’t be as if we are $1.3 million short, it’ll be closer to $1.4 or $1.5 million.

In addition, CNNMoney.com is reporting that many governors are electing to reduce state education funding and use the federal money to plug their budget holes, essentially keeping funding flat. The next year, the state will still have to find additional moneys to keep funding at the present level. Rhode Island’s governor plans to pull education funding back by $32.9 million to help cover a predicted $320 million deficit in the next year.

No matter which way the states decide to use the money, the following year, it will have to find enough money to keep services at the same level after accepting these funds from the federal government.

This new program raises a Brett Favre-esque problem. Bringing Favre in for one year (think teachers) to win Minnesota a Super Bowl is a great idea for that year but what about the next year? The Vikings organization (think Hopkins School District) ends up being the ones who have to pay.

But the Vikings did get something right; they brought in one quarterback (teacher) that

could bring them instant success rather than three or four quarterbacks who wouldn’t help the program succeed.

Quantity isn’t necessarily a good thing when it comes to teachers. The district should spend the money on a number of high quality teachers to lower class sizes and let the good teachers have more time with each student.

Then there’s the problem of choosing between teachers to let go the following year. Because of tenure rules in our state and the teachers unions, the tenured teachers would have to be reviewed in order for them to be laid off which creates more work for the district. New teachers that would be hired could serve a better purpose than teachers already employed but the district would be forced to let them go.

The School Board will meet later this month to discuss uses for the funds. Typically, the administration reviews the issues and presents background information and recommendations to the board.

A theoretical solution to this problem is hiring more technology specialists to help instruct current teachers to improve their skills and in turn become better teachers the next year.

Teachers would then possibly be able to teach other about their new technological findings.

This would open up jobs in the schools that wouldn’t necessarily have to be hired back the next year.

Receiving $1.3 million is certainly a blessing but at the cost of time, jobs, and, ironically, money.

This is the opinion of the Royal Page Staff

At a glance...

-$1.3 Million for HHS -Money for 2011-12 -Money used to hire new teachers

variety

9 page the ROYAL

Grab a slice at Pizza Lucé HHS QUIZ P 1. izza Lucé formerly know as Baker Square was the hot spot for senior citizens and a great place to get pies; now the building plays host to a new generation as Pizza Lucé. Pizza Lucé had already existed and succeeded in five other locations in Minnesota, Downtown Minneapoils, Uptown, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Seward University, and Duluth. The Hopkins location is already booming with customers of all ages.

Not only is it a place with quality food, it is also a great place to eat, hang out, and for HHS seniors to work. “I enjoy working at Pizza Lucé and like all the bumpin’ atmosphere,” said Matt Carlson, senior. There are a lot of employees which makes for quick service.

On a Friday night, Pizza Lucé is as happening as any other popular restaurant; expect at least a 45 minute wait to be seated. Although seating takes a while, the service is very fast and a customer’s entrée is served within 15 minutes of ordering. Pizza Lucé provides great service.

Whether one orders the typical entrée of pizza, or any of the other Italian delacatessen, this is sure to be a fantastic meal. Pizza Lucé also has a gluten free menu for people with special diets. If it’s

not convenient to go into the restaurant, one can order by phone or online where the whole menu is avalible.

“I’ve been to the Pizza Lucé in Uptown and I’m glad they have one in Hopkins now,” said Justice Simmons, senior.

Simmons, an HHS students, seems to like their food and the fact that a delicious pizza place is more local. It’s a place for people to have dinner and watch a Twins game with some friends on one of their many flat screen TV’s.

“This place has great ambiance, I love it,” said Corbin Gyswyt, junior. The restaurant is set with dim lighting and an open air bar, also there are Italian phrases and pictures on the walls. It offers the choice to eat inside or outside while weather permits.

“My favorite food at Pizza Lucé is the southwest chicken pizza,” Carlson said.

The chefs at Pizza Lucé carefully prepare each pizza no matter what type. They stack the pepperonis as much as five high and use big hunks of sausages to fill the surface of the pizza.

It’s not just a dinner restaurant, Pizza Lucé has a breakfast and lunch menu as well. Hoagies have been a hot seller at lunch time. They open fairly early and remain open late into the night.

Pizza Lucé caters to all ages and parties. Pizza Lucé is a top of the line local pizza place.

Jasmine Geschwind

Variety Editor

What days does the HHS cafeteria provide chocolate milk and ranch?

2.

Why is there a plane hanging outside of the Media Center in the mall?

3.

4.

What is the name of our Associate principal? Assistant principal?

Photos by Michael Frey

Delivery Hours: 11:00am to 2:00am, daily Phone Number: 952-767-0854 Dining Hours: Mon - Wed : 7am to 1am Thurs - Fri : 7am to 2am Saturday : 8am to 2am Sunday : 8am to 1 am

What two countries flags are on either side of the american flag in the mall?

5.

What hallway at HHS was smoker friendly in the 70’s?

Answers: 1. Mon., Wed., Fri. 2. It’s a model of the Charles Lindbergh plane. 3. Patty Johnson, Anne Campbell 4. Venezuela and Britain 5. The band room hallway

Michael Frey Sports Editor

How To : Dress for the Renaissance Festival Lissa Martinez Feature and Managing Editor

T

he Minnesota Renaissance Festival has been running since 1971, but uses the inspiration of 16th century England to attract many Minnesotans to Shakopee from Aug. 21st - Oct. 3rd.

The Renaissance was a time of rebirth, creation, and cultural expression. Thus, a lot of the clothing was elegant in design, which today is considered heavy and unnecessary. However, during the Renaissance Era, it was quite popular.

Emily Wegner, junior, knows the dress of the Renaissance well. She works at the Renaissance Festival Sundays, throughout festival, at the Pasta and Philly stand, or at the Gelato stand.

Spending half of her weekends at the festival, Wegner has learned a lot about the period’s clothing. She also has to dress up herself, in a peasant dress and apron.

Women during the Renaissance wore anywhere from three to five layers of clothing, although it varied depending on their daily chores, responsibility, and social status.

“They wore corsets, floor length dresses and something covering their heads, with lots of detail,” Wegner said.

Typically, women could be seen wearing clothing like the classic gown, and the color of the gown varied depending on status and mood. For example, green meant love, and darker colors were reserved for the poor or those in mourning.

“The peasant’s clothing isn’t very pret-

ty, but I like the wench’s clothes and the royal clothing,” Wegner said.

The wealthier people usually wore gowns with hoop skirts, which made the dresses appear fuller or puffed out. The hoop skirt made it cooler, allowing the fabric to blow in the breeze instead of being so close to their bodies, trapping in heat.

On their heads instead of tiaras, which were worn by royalty, most women wore what was called a hood. The hoods were nothing like the modern day hood on a sweatshirt, but more like a crown made of fabric and were often a bit larger than your typical crown. The purpose was mostly just to show off accessories and social status. “[Men’s clothing] was very detailed and a little ostentatious,” Wegner said.

Men during the Renaissance typically wore clothing similar to dresses, called tunics.

The tunics wereusually worn with tights or pants. Men could accessorize with capes, belts, and pouches, which they would use to store money or other items.

This is a classic example of a hoop skirt. They were used to allow air to circulate and keep them cool under the thick fabric.

Also, it made the dress look full and elegant.

Women wore hats called hoods. These hoods were crown like and covered in fabric.

-For more information visit: renaissancefest.com.

Photo by Lissa Martinez

This is a common pouch worn by men during the renaissance period to keep money and other valuables safe and in one place.

During the renaissance period young children, both boys and girls, often wore dresses.

sports

10page the

ROYAL

Winkels inspires teammates on and off field Michael Larson Staff Reporter

A

beautifully placed cross from defender Elliot Langaard, junior, soars into the box, where midfielder Jon Groom, senior, rises above the defense and redirects the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. “We should’ve scored a lot earlier than that,” said defender Michael Swanson, senior. “Most games we have a lot of chances, but have a hard time finding a way to put the ball in the net.”

The Hopkins boys soccer team has struggled to put numbers up on the scoreboard this season, scoring only three goals in their first four games. It says something about their good defense that they have won two important games this season with such little scoring, defeating Eden Prairie 1-0 and Cooper 2-1 in extra time.

One reason for this lack of offense is midfielder and captain Pat Winkels, senior, being forced to sit out the season with a torn ACL. The injury occurred mid-summer while playing with the Hopkins summer club team. “I was juking some guy’s socks off, but when I went to make a cut, my knee got twisted just the wrong way.”

Senior keeper Michael Fields explains that “The injury could have happened to anyone; it just really hurt the team to lose such a vital player.” Winkels’ recovery time was estimated at six to eight months, and while he goes through physical therapy several times a week, Winkels says “my leg feels like jelly”, and expects a long recovery process.

The captain played on the varsity team last season and was a force at the midfield position. “He’s fast, quick, controls the ball like no one I’ve met, and is a great passer, seeing the field with experienced eyes, a great all around player.” says defender David Abel, senior. “Pat doesn’t score that often, but he creates great opportunities for teammates to score, which is what we really miss.”

While Winkels is unable to create opportunities for his team on the field, his unselfish personality and style of play transfer off the field as well. Winkels will not see a minute of playing time this season, but “he comes to every practice, game, and team event, just like every other player on the team.” Fields said. “He’s great for us goalies, peppering us with shots at practice and before games. He’s still got a good shot, especially for a guy on one leg.”

His teammates appreciate his presence and praise his personality, making this story exceptional. From “He’s the ultimate team player” to “no one is more positive” to “he’s my favorite guy on the team”, Winkels’ teammates had nothing but praise for the captain.

Winkels’ charisma was displayed during a close game versus Edina early this season that would result in a 2-1 loss. Winkels sat near the end of the bench, surrounded by other players, mostly underclassmen. By the way the young players’ heads kept turning to face Winkels, it appeared he was receiving more attention than the game at hand, which was by no means out of reach or unentertaining. This simple scene showed just a sampling of the leadership

Above: Jon Groom, senior, soars for a header as teammates Austin Salargo, junior, Juan Montero, junior, and Reid Kopesky, senior, look on. Groom’s effort was not enough, however, as the soccer team lost to Minnetonka, 1-0 on Sep. 14

Left: Pat Winkels, senior supports his team from the bench. Winkels continues to support his team even after an injury madie it impossible for him to play his senior season Photos by Mike Larson

Winkels possesses, making him a great mentor for the developing players.

Just leading the team from the bench is difficult though, especially for Winkels, who sees the field “better than anyone”, according to Abel. It became obvious, sitting near Winkels and listening to him comment for only several minutes, that he is a player who understands the game at a truly high level, recognizing opponents’ weaknesses instantly and seeing passing lanes before they open.

Having such an advanced understanding of the game, yet being designated to the bench, is frustrating for Winkels as he sees opportunities he could have taken advantage of. “It’s awful sitting on the bench, I really just want to get out there and play a game again.” Winkels said, explaining the demoralizing realization he’s made, knowing he won’t play in a game his senior year.

“Pat has handled the situation a lot better than most people would” Abel said. “He’s always positive and doesn’t pity himself or look for someone to feel sorry for him.”

A tough reality Winkels has to face is that there was a good chance for college soccer, possibly at the D-1 level, had he stayed healthy. “Missing his senior year, he’s working from behind now, but I think he will play soccer somewhere in college.” Abel said.

Whatever path Winkels takes, whether it involve soccer or not, he brings attributes of a leader, whether by words or by example, and is someone who has made the Hopkins soccer team better this season without once stepping on the field.

HHS not just cheering for the hometown Vikings Jacob Clemen Staff Reporter

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he National Football League has returned for the 2010 season. That means New Meadowland Stadium has opened, the Saints have begun their title defense and even Brett Favre has made his decision to play. This season is highly anticipated with the movement of several big- name players such as Terrell Owens, Donovan McNabb and Julius Peppers and the anticipation of a possible holdout next season. Here in Minnesota, the Vikings are coming off of a 31-28 overtime loss to the Saints in the NFC Championship Game and Viking’s fans hope for a return to the postseason. However, not everyone here at Hopkins cheers for the purple and gold. Here’s a look at some other teams being represented in our hallways.

Cornelious Baxter- Mr. Baxter has been supporting the New York Football Giants since the 80’s and has stuck with them. “I identified with their style of not being flashy, but still getting the job done,” Baxter, said “You find your team and stick with ‘em.”

The team was harder to follow last year as they had a disappointing 8-8 season and missed the playoffs. It was “frustrating to watch

them. Historically they’ve been built on pride and they were totally fine with being average,” Baxter said, adding, “the showed a lack of leadership.” Baxter likes the defensive style of play that the Giants bring and they’ll need a strong defense to compete in the tough NFC North with the explosive offenses of the Eagles and Cowboys.

Kyle Dalton, Senior- Since his early days Dalton has been cheering on the Tennessee Titans alongside his dad who bestowed the title of Titan fan on him. “My dad and his brothers all cheered for different teams and for my dad it was the Titans. When I was little he made sure to put the Tennessee cap on my head and I learned to be a fan from him,” Dalton said. The Titans disappointed last season early, starting 0-6 before winning 8 of their last 10 to finish 8-8. The Titans look to reach the playoffs behind explosive running back Chris Johnson, whom Dalton affectionately called “CJ2K” (Chris Johnson, 2000 yards) and is widely regarded as one of the best backs in the league.

Sam Falk, Senior- The Packer franchise is one of the most

storied franchises in the league, beloved by just about everyone in the state of Wisconsin, and their presence is felt at Hopkins in the form of Sam Falk and others. For Falk, being a Packer fan runs in the family. “My dad’s side of the family is all Packer fans so I grew up around it,” Falk said. Keeping him interested is their defense which features Clay Mathews and A.J Hawk. There’s also a certain quarterback that plays for our neighbors to the east. “Last season showed Aaron Rodgers is a top QB,” Falk said, adding, “Brett Favre is a memory to Green Bay.” The Packers will have to get through the aforementioned Favre if they hope to reach the Superbowl as they play the Favre led Vikings twice in the regular season and could meet them again in the postseason. The Packers dropped both games against the Vikings last year.

After all is said and done, only one team will be crowned Superbowl Champion but at the dawn of the season every supporter of every team is blessed with the one great thing that keeps fans coming back. Hope.

sports

11page

the ROYAL

Girls track shines on national stage Sam Bumsted Staff Reporter

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his summer on Kayward field in Eugene, Oregon, Bridget Sweeney, senior, nervously prepared for the most important race of the year. “The entire experience was extremely nervous especially racing on the same field as the U.S. Olympic trials are held,” said Sweeney.

Sweeney was used to the pressure after performing extremely well at state a month earlier, as did the whole team shown by their first place finish. They had to perform under the pressure otherwise they wouldn’t have had the points to make it to nationals.

“We were really just happy to make it, getting fifth was just icing on the cake,” said Sweeney. On the trip to the Nike National track competition was Bridget Sweeney, Taylor Anderson, sophmore, Kayla Goeman, senior, Grace Gerring, graduate, Lindsey Kaufmann, graduate, and Therese Bredemus, senior. The team ended up with an over all finish of fifth.

Sweeney had the best finish of the team getting third in the 400 meter. Anderson got fifth in the 100 meter and eighth in the high jump, Goeman got eight in the 800 meter, Gerring got sixth in the 100 hurdles and seventh in the long jump, Bredemus got eighth in the pole vault, Kaufman got sixth in shot put and ninth in discus.

The team was extremely close knit the entire year. During the meets the team would huddle together braiding each others hair or painting each others’ nails black. Only being able to bring those six girls hurt the teams chemistry, and didn’t allow girls that contributed heavily at state contribute here.

“Not having the relays hurt our team at nationals because that was one of our greatest strengths,” said Sweeney. One of the things that helped the team win state was winning the 4×100 meter, the 4×200 meter, and the 4×800 meter.

We didn’t even know we were going we ended up just lowering our times enough to get out of the Midwest region,” said Sweeney.

Nick Lovas, the head coach of the girls track team, was the driving force of the team the entire season. He helped them train a month deep into the summer, and pushed them to shave off those few extra seconds at state.

The team is losing two of the six girls that went to nationals, but Kaufman and Gerring covered four of the ten events.

From left: Therese Bredamus, senior, Kayla Goeman, senior, Grace Gerring, graduate, Taylor Anderson, sophomore, Bridget Sweeney, senior, and Lindsey Kaufmann, graduate. These girls took fifth place at the Girls Nike track National meet.

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Kaufmann

New field has baseball team excited, thankful Jack Deutsch

T

Staff Reporter

he fall has a new taste to it this year. It isn’t normally the time for baseball, but from the end of last summer to now, work has been done to the once worn down varsity field.

After fundraising for three long years, HHS Baseball acquired the money needed to accomplish the task of redoing the problems that caused trouble during the baseball season. In the past, as rain poured during games, the field would flood because it wouldn’t drain and subsequently, cancellations had to be made.

During the construction, workers began digging drain tile trenches throughout the infield, and placed drain tile in the trenches. “This may not seem important, but it’s a huge addition because it will allow the field to drain faster and more efficiently, plus play will resume earlier than before,” said Patrick Burger, Varsity pitching coach.

Another improvement, which was crucial to better the field, has

been the infield and outfield surfaces, which have caused many difficult hops or bumps that led players to become frustrated during Varsity games and practices. “No more bad hops on this beautiful new infield, it’s now going to be a field that we have dreamed of playing on,” said Joey Brettingen, junior, infield/outfielder for varsity.

The infield was re-leveled and covered with a mix of dirt and sand. The outfield and the rest of the areas, which had previously been covered by the sickly grass, had been redone with new sod looking newer than ever before.

“The new field is super sick, and I’m interested to see how it turns out in the spring,” said Andrew Glover, junior, pitcher.

The last repair will be made to the mound and home plate, which will be fixed this fall. This includes replacing the existing dirt with clay to create a comfortable atmosphere for both the batter and pitcher for the upcoming 2010-2011season. “I am very excited to see the new mound go in, it’ll help me improve on my

last years record, plus it helps out the rest of the team,” said Tim Shannon, junior, pitcher.

Even with the improvements, HHS still falls behind. In the Lake Conference there is Veterans field of Minnetonka, the only turf field in the state, which has professional style seating. The Round-Lake stadium of Eden Prairie resembles Minnetonka’s mainly because of the seating, and was built only a few years ago.

Courtney Fields in Edina is constructed, with a location that has provided baseball ambiance for the fans arriving to the varsity field. Wayzata can be compared to HHS in many ways and their baseball fields are extremely similar. HHS and Wayzata both have not built a new stadium and are not planning on doing so for the time being, but renovations have acquired between seasons for a few years.

In the end, the HHS baseball team is now ready to play on one of the best looking fields in the Conference.

The newly renovated HHS Varsity baseball field, shown here, features many noteworthy upgrades. It has new drain tile to increase drainage on rainy days, new sod on the infield, a new pitcher’s mound, and the outfield has been aerated. The renovation was costly but worthwhile, say the players.

Photo by Jack Deutsch

All about

SLEEP

A look at the importance of sleep and how it affects the lives of HHS students and staff Marlee Gotlieb

A

1:30 a.m.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 100,000 auto crashes annually are related to fatigue. This problem has been found to affect drivers aged 25 or under more than any other age group.

Backpage Editor

lmost every student knows it is important to get a goodnight’s sleep the night before a major test, but for many students, that is easier said than done.

According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), teens (ages 10 to 17) should be getting eight and a half to nine hours of sleep every night. Allie Rosen, junior, is among the multitude of high school students that fail to reach this standard.

“On a good night, I get about five hours of sleep,” said Rosen. “My worries and stress [keep me awake]. When I worry about things, it is hard for me to fall asleep.”

Similar to Rosen, stress is a part of many high school students’ lives. It is considered by sleep experts to be the number one cause of short-term sleep difficulties, and is also affecting the sleep of HHS staff members.

“Some of the staff at HHS experience sleep deprivation like the students, but often for reasons beyond the distraction of technology. Adult sleep loss is often due to work and family stress, hormonal changes, or tending to infants or young children in the middle of the night,” said Ms. Jane Kleinman, Health Science.

One widely known and suggested solution to the sleep problem is starting school later. This would better fit the sleep needs of students, as their bodies are naturally inclined to go to bed and wake up late.

“We used to start school at HHS at 7:25, but changed it to 7:47 when districts like Mineapolis and Edina pushed their start times for high school students to after 8:30 am. Research coming from the University of MN and follow up studies on students in those districts found that the later start times improved attendance, student learning, and mental health. Our 22 minute change was not enough to make a difference in those factors,” Kleinman said.

According to the NSF, more time to sleep would also improve student performance.

How to

11:30 p.m.

11 12

1 2

10 9

8:30 a.m.

Time Edina High School starts school

3 8

7:25 a.m.

4 7

Time HHS used to start school at.

5

6

6:30 a.m.

Average time Rachel Alter, sophomore, wakes up at.

“When I wake up at 6:30 I have enough time to get ready, eat breakfast, and get to school on time,” said Alter.

While a person sleeps, the body repairs muscles, consolidates the memory, and releases hormones that regulate growth and appetite. When the body doesn’t get the amount of sleep it needs on a regular basis, a students’ concentration, decision-making, and ability to engage in activities are all damaged. Sleep loss has also been found to impair the ability to perform tasks involving memory, learning, and logical reasoning.

Additionally, lack of sleep puts a student’s health in jeopardy. “I see a lot of sleep related problems during the day. These are often vague complaints such as a stomach ache or headache,”

ep le s ts h ig n r e tt e b a get

Establish consistent sleep and wake schedules. This means going to bed and waking up around the same time on both weekend and school days.

Average time Allie Rosen, junior, goes to bed

said Ms. Bobbi Pointer, School Nurse at HHS. Even on the nights when a student doesn’t have lots of homework to do, there are many other distractions keeping him or her from going to bed such as computers, TVs, or phones.

“Recently, I’ve been turning my phone and computer off every night at ten. It takes away the distractions so hopefully I’ll be able to get to bed sooner,” Rosen said, “I know that I probably should be getting more sleep now than in the summer, especially before a test, but it’s harder than that. There are too many things keeping me awake.”

Keep your room at a comfortable temperature. Generally this is between 54 and 75 degrees Farenheit.

Finish eating at least two to three hours before you are going to bed.

4: 30 p.m.

According to Ms. Bobbi Pointer, Nurse, “A good nap is 20 to 30 minutes.

This is a power nap.

If you sleep more than that you go too far into the sleep cycle and it is more difficult to wake up.”

Average Amount of sleep HHS students get a night 0 to 5 hours - 10.81% 5 to 7 hours - 42.34% 7 to 8 1/2 hours - 35.14% 8 1/2 to 9 1/4 hours - 9.91% 9 1/4 or more hours - 1.8%

survey taken of 111 HHS students

Finish exercising a few hours before going to bed.

Don’t have too many lights on while sleeping. Find a good combination between light and darkness.