Cycle 10

Echo

TEACHER TO SOUTH AFRICA Band director leaves to teach in South Africa PAGE 4

BASEBALL TEAM DEFEATED

‘AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR’

Boys’ baseball team played at CHS field April 30 PAGE 8

40 superheroes unite in the latest Marvel movie PAGE 12

Friday, May 4, 2018 Volume 91 Issue 10 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426

SLPECHO.COM

Photo Sadie Yarosh

House of Sport to shut doors Closing affects community spirit Noah Orloff noahorloff@slpecho.com

Photo Illustration: Grace Farley

Administration pledges to enforce state requirement Old practice reemerges following student advocacy Abby Intveld & Dani Orloff abbyintveld@slpecho.com daniorloff@slpecho.com

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aving not stated the Pledge of Allegiance since elementary school, senior Sam Wooden said he was inspired by the opportunity to honor the United States and its flag at school.

“We haven’t done the Pledge of Allegiance at all even though it’s in the student handbook,” Wooden said. “I think they should do it once a week because it does pay respect to the flag.”

According to School Board Policy 531 and Minnesota Statute 121A.11, St. Louis Park Schools are required to state the Pledge of Allegiance one or more times during the school week within each individual classroom or over the intercom system.

According to Principal Scott Meyers, the high school began reciting the Pledge of Allegiance April 18 during first hour to fulfill the state requirement.

“We (started) on a Wednesday, which (is) a little unconventional, but I wanted to give some time to notify our staff because it will be a change,” Meyers said. “Moving forward it will be every Monday to

start the school day.”

It’s a controversial Meyers said several high school topic so why would students expressed it be added now a desire to begin when we haven’t stating the pledge done it for years? It’ll every week, since it make classes more is one of the weekly Republican versus procedures outlined Democrat. in the Park student handbook.

Navjot Kaur, junior “The students advocated for it and did their homework and said, ‘hey this is something that should be done,’ so we’re starting it up,” Meyers said. “It’s something that should be happening at least once a week, possibly more.”

Junior Navjot Kaur said she feels the implementation of School Board Policy 531 will create unnecessary tension in the current political environment.

“It’s a controversial topic so why would it be added now when we haven’t done it for years? It’ll make classes more Republican versus Democrat,” Kaur said.

According to Meyers, under School Board Policy 531, students who do not feel comfortable reciting the Pledge of Allegiance have the right to not participate and will not be forced to do so.

“Students in school must respect another person’s right to make that choice,” Meyers said.

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fter senior Chava Buchbinder was notified of House of Sport’s closing, she said her first reaction was sadness.

Beth Volker, owner of House of Sport, announced through a Facebook post that the school spirit store located in St. Louis Park would be closing. Over 70 comments and replies followed her post, which declared May 25 as the shop’s final day of business.

Volker said she is closing the store for personal reasons, and said she is grateful for the city of St. Louis Park.

“The community has been very supportive of this shop,” Volker said. “Thanks for all the support and great screen printing ideas and art.”

Freshman Maya Lee said House of Sport’s proximity to the high school makes it unique.

“It’s really convenient just to have it there,” Lee said.

Buchbinder said the shop has had an impact on the community.

“A lot of people who buy their Park swag get it from House of Sport. I thought it was really nice,” Buchbinder said.

Band teacher Steven Schmitz said House of Sport has been very helpful for his program.

“The last couple of years I’ve done almost all of the things the band needs, apparel wise, through House of Sport,” Schmitz said.

According to Volker, the store’s doors will close after having been open for more than six years and she may continue to sell apparel.

“I plan on still doing the custom orders,” Volker said. “I (also will) do the homecoming shirts.”

Updates regarding future apparel ordering will be on the House of Sport Facebook page.

Climate Action Plan aspires to promote change Roots and Shoots launch brings awareness to sustainability Emma Yarger emmayarger@slpecho.com

A Photo Grace Farley

Camaraderie: Senior Lukas Wrede points to his fellow Roots and Shoots members while the crowd applauds them for their work on the Climate Action Plan at their launch party April 22.

s a crowd began to form at the Climate Action Plan launch event, senior Roots and Shoots president Lukas Wrede said he was overwhelmed by the amount of community support the plan was receiving.

“It’s really powerful because everyone came here specifically for that reason, for an opportunity to take action, and they couldn’t have been given the opportunity any better,” Wrede said. “I know that this is

just the beginning. This event is really the kickoff, and that’s what it is, it’s the launch of the Climate Action Plan and for the next 20-30 years.”

Representative Keith Ellison said St. Louis Park is a leader in Minnesota. In his speech, he said he believes the Climate Action Plan will inspire other cities across the state and country to reduce carbon emissions.

“No other city in the state of Minnesota has marked (as) ambitious (of) a plan as you have,” Ellison said. “St. Louis Park leads the way quite all of the time so it’s not that unusual that (St. Louis Park) will be doing it all over again.”

For more information go to slpecho.com

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NEWS

Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

It is important for people to learn that there isn’t one culture out there but hundreds of other cultures.

Charisse Ondara, junior

WEB PREVIEW

Photo Grace Farley Photo Ruby Stillman

IB Hebrew discusses future plans

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ccording to sophomore Yoni Potter, the potential cancellation of the IB Hebrew program may not have an impact on current Park students but will impact incoming grades as the program may be discontinued.

“It won’t affect me because it won’t be cancelled until 2022,” Potter said. “But, it will affect younger people going to St. Louis Park later on.”

Ethan Meisler ethanmeisler@slpecho.com

Photo Malaika Bigirndavyi

Sing it loud: Senior Mario Marin Luna sings and plays a Spanish song on the guitar. Both students and teachers performed their different cultures during the Multicultural Show May 1. The performance included singing, dancing and a fashion show.

Photo Emma Kempf

Softball wins three games in one day

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t the bottom of the eighth inning of their final game April 28, junior Savannah Romero said tensions were high as the team fought to maintain its two-point lead.

“It was stressful, but we kept pushing ourselves more and more because losing was not an option.

Richfield is a team we needed to beat to help our record,” Romero said.

Abby Intveld abbyintveld@slpecho.com

Photo Fahmo Jama

NHS club inducts new members

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ooking at more than 100 students who were inducted into National Honor Society April 27, adviser Jill Merkle said what they all have in common is that they are dedicated to their community.

“They are a group of students that have been just really good community members and are now focusing on giving back to the community,” Merkle said.

Marta Hill martahill@slpecho.com For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho

Annual show promotes diversity Participants showcase their roots

Fashion queen: Spanish teacher Hanna Anderson participates in the multicultural fashion show May 1.

Anderson wore a traditional Peruvain dress and head piece. Anderson is originally from Peru and used the multicultural show to express her heritage to Park students.

Photo Josh Halper

Jenna Cook jennacook@slpecho.com

Flying high: Sophomore Rosilia Lokenye wears her Democratic Republic of the Congo soccer jersey and waves the country’s flag. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second largest country in Africa and represents over 200 ethnic groups.

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ancing around the stage at this year’s multicultural show, senior Erika Wilson said she chose to participate because of her love for dancing and learning about the culture of others.

The multicultural show took place in the auditorium May 1 including a fashion show where students and staff were able to express their culture through traditional garments.

Wilson said the fashion show helped deepen the understanding of each individual’s heritage.

“Most people don’t know about people’s cultures and what they wear, so the fashion show, (helps) everybody understand that everybody’s different,” Wilson said.

Spanish teacher Hanna Anderson said she used the multicultural show as an opportunity to show the school there is more to her Peruvian culture than the language.

“When you see me every day you know I’m the Spanish teacher, but to show that I come from Peru, and that besides the language, there are just so many things that are unique to my country,” Anderson said.

Anderson said she enjoyed seeing more staff involvement in this year’s show.

“It was a nice surprise to find that there were two other staff members who participated this year,” Anderson said.

Senior Ari Vlodaver said the show highlights aspects of cultures represented by students at Park.

“It lets everyone see what your culture is about and lets them be represented within their school,” Vlodaver said.

Photo Malaika Bigirndavyi

Strut your stuff: Juniors Tenzin Choeng and Ngawang Chonzee beam as they walk across stage while wearing traditional Tibetan dresses called Chupa. Chupas are ankle-length robes of varying fabrics tied around the waist with a sash.

Photo Grace Farley

Back to roots: Junior Cecilia Brown sings a Bolivian and Mexican song called “Diganle” alongside senior Gigi Contreras. Brown has Bolivian roots and Contreras has Mexican roots. They came together to showcase their backgrounds.

Photo Malaika Bigirndavyi

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I think (dieting) is good in that people want to be healthy, but I think if you’re doing it just to conform to beauty standards, you should just learn to accept yourself and accept your body.

Maddie Olsen, freshman

STUDENT LIFE

Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

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Photos Malaika Bigirindavyi

What’s cookin’: Senior Hannah Wolk prepares a cauliflower shrimp stir fry May 2. Wolk and her family previously participated in the Whole30 challenge, during which participants eliminate sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy and dairy from their diets for 30 days. Although they no longer keep a strict paleo diet, Wolk and her family still eat many paleo foods.

New diets, eating habits grow in popularity with mixed results Whole30, cleanse fads emerge Dani Orloff daniorloff@slpecho.com

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s senior Hannah Wolk reflects on her experience participating in the Whole30 challenge she said she felt electrified after the lifestyle change.

“I definitely felt a lot healthier and not very bloated at all,” Wolk said. “I would normally feel bloated after a big meal or eating a lot of sugar, and I had a lot more energy too.”

According to Wolk, the Whole30 Program restricts participants’ diets for a 30-day period.

“I did 30 days of strictly Whole30 and paleo eating. I did it with my parents, so it was a lot easier because we cooked together and came up with recipes,” Wolk said.

According to registered dietitian nutritionist Lynda Enright, shifting or eliminating foods in one’s diet provides many benefits.

“I help people to use food to heal their bodies to eliminate the symptoms they’ve been living with inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disease, weight management, so I hope to use food for joy,” Enright said.

Enright said she believes temporary diets are less effective than complete lifestyle changes.

“In our culture we have this idea that we are going to do something for a little while and then we’re going to go back to what we were doing, that maybe got us in a position that didn’t work very well for us,” Enright said. “To me a

Diet types Whole30 Challenge What it is: Strips specific food groups such as sugar, dairy and more.

How it helps: • •

Weight loss Better sleep schedule

Paleo Diet What it is: Eat foods like a caveman.

Eliminates prcessed foods, dairy, legumes and more.

How it helps: •

•

Lowers risk of some deseases like Type 2 Diabetes Muscle gain

Cleanses/Detox What it is: Refresh your body by fasting. Typically only drinking certan liquids such as juices

How it helps: • •

Helps the body’s detoxifying process Leaves a healthier liver and kidney

Infographic Creston Halstead Source Whole30, EverydayHealth & BeachBodyonDemand

diet is what you are going to be eating forever.”

Wolk said the positive effects of the Whole30 challenge inspired her to continue a paleo lifestyle, which consists of vegetables, fruits and poultry.

“After the 30 days, I stopped eating strictly paleo, but we still eat a lot of paleo foods,” Wolk said. “You’re not supposed to eat anything with added sugar, corn syrup or canola oil.”

According to Enright, diets are personal and their health impacts vary from one person to the next.

“Some people do food sensitivity testing, so we create a very specific diet for them so they find out what their reactions are until they heal. For some people I do standard elimination diets if they have autoimmune issues going on,” Enright said.

According to junior Alexis Machoka, she attempted a 21-day water-only cleanse after seeing the cleanse on YouTube. After trying the diet for two days, she said she does not suggest the potentially unhealthy diet.

“I wanted to do it because I felt like I needed to cleanse my body and it just felt like a good idea at the time,” Machoka said. “I could not sustain it so I did not finish it.”

Enright said the temporary nature of juice and water cleanses decreases their potential to transform a lifestyle.

“I do food cleanses where people really clean up their diet using food but not simply juicing. I don’t think that is a super healthy option for most people,” Enright said.

Machoka said the cleanse attempt taught her how to effectively live a healthy lifestyle.

“It didn’t help me feel any better at all, it just made me feel more tired and cranky,” Machoka said. “I think when it comes to health, just eating healthy and exercising is the key.”

Freshman Steven Applequist said he believes cleanses are an alternative to typical weight-loss diets, but there are many flaws with the process.

“They’re a good idea in a general concept. They can be improved in ways too,” Applequist said.

Wolk said in addition to the healthy aspect of the program, her Whole30 diet was inexpensive.

“I saved a lot of money because you can’t eat out as much because a lot of the food that we eat out has lots of added sugar, or is made with canola oil, so I saved money for sure,” Wolk said.

Applequist said he feels maintaining a well balanced diet is important.

“I think dieting is a good thing as long as you’re doing it healthily. Instead of starving yourself, eat more things that consist of more waters and whatnot instead of fats,” Applequist said.

Enright said she advises teenagers to discover food’s role in their own lifestyle as they continue to grow older.

“We live in a really bad environment around food and health. We really do all have to make conscious choices everyday to promote good health,” Enright said.

Wolk said the support she recieved during this lifestyle change aided her in completing the Whole30 challenge.

“We made an Instagram food account where we post what we cook,” Wolk said. “It’s been a cool experience to bond with my parents over healthy food.”

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FEATURES

Echo Friday, May 4 2018

I think it is a great opportunity for (Steve) Schmitz because he is such a dedicated person to the program.

Anastasia Armbrecht, junior

For what it’s WORTH Tjessa Arradondo tjessaarrandondo@ slpecho.com

Growing up with naturally curly hair Having really curly hair can be tough, especially when you’ve tried hundreds of hair products specialized in keeping your hair under control.

Even though it’s just natural hair, there's always a sacred story in every braid, lock and curl.

As a kid before school, I would ask my dad to comb through my hair until it was pulled into a tight ponytail.

First, it was because I didn’t like when people touched it, and then it became an insecurity about it getting so big. I didn’t start letting my hair down at school until seventh grade.

Sometimes I let my sister straighten my hair, but after she moved out I didn’t have anyone to help me keep my hair under control.

Instead, my parents took me to Regis to get my hair straightened so I wouldn’t have to go through the pain of combing through the knots.

In eighth grade I hit another obstacle after trying to take a knot out. There was this huge knot and I just let it grow it’s way to my dead ends.

Eventually, What’s the every day I took a brush POINT? and yanked it Sacred through my stories are dry strands stored within (when you have hair every curl. like mine you know that’s something you don’t want to do). Because I didn’t have anyone in my house to teach me how to care for my hair the right way, I thought everything was fine. The knot was getting worse and eventually it turned into a dreadlock. There was no other option but to get my hair cut and fixed.

I went with my mom to the hair salon. The barber made an interesting choice with my hair — the front was longer than the back and the sides were uneven.

I didn’t understand what she was going for and neither did my mom, but we were so determined to get my knot out that we just let her cut it. At least the knot was out, and I learned my lesson.

There's obviously more to having naturally curly hair as a person of color, and that is another story. I think being in high school has allowed me to get used to the fact that my curls have so many different textures and patterns.

My experiences with my natural hair have helped me realize the curls on my head are more than just frizzy flyaways. Each day I begin to gain confidence in my curls just a little bit more. I learn to accept the knots and struggles that come with them.

Band director to teach in South Africa

Photo Grace Farley

Rhythm: Band teacher Steven Schmitz instructs students during a run-through of their songs during first hour Band April 27.

Schmitz leaves for his teaching trip in South Africa May 13 and returns June 6.

Steven Schmitz to volunteer at music school Hannah Leff Hannahleff@slpecho.com

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ccording to Band director Steven Schmitz, he feels being a volunteer teacher in Cape Town, South Africa will be an opportunity of a lifetime.

“I got this offer, that is probably once in a lifetime, to volunteer teach in Cape Town, South Africa.

The school is a music school, and I would be teaching saxophone lessons which is my main instrument,” Schmitz said. “I’ll also help

with the junior and senior wind ensemble.”

Schmitz said he wanted to travel somewhere exciting with his husband in order to celebrate his husband’s 40th birthday.

“My husband is turning 40, and we started talking about how do we celebrate this, that is not just a party or a trip to Chicago. We wanted something that seemed like an advantage and worthy of 40 years,” Schmitz said.

According the Schmitz, he was going to teach music last summer, but was turned down because of his sexuality.

“I was going to teach in Haiti last summer with a church group.

But they ended up pulling the plug

on it because this particular church group said ‘because you are gay, we are not going to endorse that or be seen as endorsing that,’” Schmitz said.

Junior Lexi Lee said the band will miss Schmitz, but he is deserving of the experience.

“I was really excited to hear about it. I’ll think we will miss some of his leadership, but I am glad he has this opportunity,” Lee said.

Schmitz said he would be missing the last 20 days of school along with the seniors' Graduation to teach in Cape Town, South Africa.

National Day of Silence increases in participation Participants honor members of the LGBTQ+ community Annabella Strathman & Alex Balfour annabellastrathman@slpecho.com alexbalfour@slpecho.com

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onfining his voice to a whiteboard, sophomore Ben Bryan said he joined the Day of Silence to show his support for the LGBTQ+ community.

“I chose to participate because I understand what it’s like to feel as though you don’t have a voice in terms of your sexuality,” Bryan said. “I wanted to show everyone that this is an important cause.”

Art teacher Martha Ortman said she noticed multiple students in her classes take a vow of silence, leading her to ask about the Day of Silence April 27.

“I had six students today (who) were doing it,” Ortman said. “I asked a couple questions like, ‘could I do it?’ or, ‘do I have to be a member of the LBGTQ+?’ and they were like ‘no, anybody can do it.’”

Day of Silence What is the Day of Silence?

Student-led day of action which shows support for the LGBTQ+ community by remaining silent the entire day

How did it start?

Began in 1996 at the University of Virginia as a group project

Why is there a need?

“LGBT students don’t get much representation in school," GSA co-president Dayna Krause Infographic Creston Halstead Source G Safe

For more content go to slpecho.com

About the program When May 13June 6

Where Cape Town, South Africa

What Teaching saxophone Infographic Marta Hill Source Steven Schmitz

GSA co-president Dayna Krause said students were silent in memory of LGBTQ+ students who are lacking representation.

“It’s a national movement of students staying silent because LGBT students don’t get much representation in school," Krause said. "Many of them deal with verbal harassment.”

According to Krause, the Gender Sexual Alliance (GSA) recently met to discuss the Day of Silence and inform members about the logistics of taking a vow of silence for a day.

“Recently in GSA we spoke about Day of Silence, what it is, why we do it and how we participate,” Krause said. “We also had to prepare for people attempting to get us to speak and we had to advise our teachers beforehand that we wouldn’t be speaking.”

Ortman said she hopes more students participate in a vow of silence in the future to create more conversation about the transgender community.

“I think more students should do it, so it’s more widely recognized," Ortman said.

"If more students would do it, more attention would be brought to it and then more people would be talking about it."

Bryan said he recommends joining in Day of Silence or being mindful of queer and transgender peoples’ experiences.

“If anyone were to consider participating in the Day of Silence, I would definitely recommend,” Bryan said. “It’s a powerful message and shows strength and restraint. Even if you don’t participate, you must understand what’s happening to queer and trans people.”

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I think the senior party sounds interesting. It sounds really fun to be with your friends for one last time before we all go our separate ways.

FEATURES Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

Eleanor Kline-Olson, senior

In the SPOTLIGHT

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Works by Alex Monson

Senior designs art for rappers Alex Monson expresses passion, artistic talent through graphic design

Alex Monson senior

Photo Ruby Stillman

What kind of art do you do?

I like to draw, but what I’m trying to pursue is graphic design.

How long does it take to make each graphic?

It can be anywhere from an hour to 5 hours.

Which programs do you use?

I do Photoshop and then I use InDesign.

Do you see yourself pursuing this as a career after high school?

Yes, certainly. That’s why right now I’m trying to get my foot in the door because I want to make this a career when I leave high school and leave college.

What got you interested in art or this type of art in particular?

I had a teacher (Erin) Foley — this was when I took graphic design with her. She was the one that kind of pushed me, told me that I really could make a career out of it, if I really wanted to. The fact that she said, I could be making a portfolio in high school, really interested me.

Sketching: Senior Alex Monson works on a graphic design project in Martha Ortman's room. The illustration was commissioned by Cocaine Carii and featured on her Instagram account. Photos used with Monson's permission.

When did you start graphic designing?

I started last year, in the graphic design class that (Erin) Foley had, but I wasn’t really using Photoshop that much.

Once I took Photo 2 with (Martha) Ortman, I just started to figure things out on my own and then I would start staying after class and I would sit in the lab all day, while all of her other classes rotated through, and I would just experiment on Photoshop.

On your Instagram account you do graphics for rappers. How do you communicate with them?

If I do a piece of work, and if it looks really good and if it looks like it could be up to par, I post it on my account.

Then I tag whoever is involved in the graphic, and I try to see if maybe they’ll show some interest. Or you know, there’s always the networking route, where you just know people. To some degree, that’s what happened to me, too. I just know a couple people, and from there you make your way through and start networking. It’s a lot of word-ofmouth. If you do work for one person and they say, "Oh, this was really high quality work. I’m going to put you on with so-and-so, and they're going to ask if you can do a

cover for them." It’s kind of like that deal. Just getting your foot in the door basically.

Who have you made graphics for so far?

There’s Coolie Waves — he’s local. I did work for a photographer in Texas, so that was cool. He shot Post Malone, so I got to work with the photographer — not so much Post Malone himself — but I was able to edit a picture with Post Malone on it, which the photographer took of Post Malone. I just recently did something for these two rappers, Curly Savv and Dada, which are Brooklyn rappers.

Once I tagged them in my work, they noticed, and that was when they hit me up and were like, "Ok, would you like to work together?" and I was like, "Of course."

Have any rappers reached out to you specifically?

Most local rappers reach out to me, but I’m the one who has to reach out to people out-of-state. Like I said, I’m not big at all so people don’t know who I am. So it’s a lot of me trying to going out and drum up business.

Maggie Klaers maggieklaers@slpecho.com

Senior All Night Party looks to bring peers together Parent volunteers prepare for postGraduation event Isabel Kjaer isabelkjaer@slpecho.com

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ccording to senior Tommy Guddal, the Senior All Night Party will provide an opportunity for students to celebrate their graduation and spend time with their classmates.

“I’m planning to attend because it’s a very good opportunity for students,” Guddal said. “It’s a great last ‘hoorah’ to celebrate graduation with all your peers who you’ve spent four years with and gotten to know,” he said.

Senior All Night Party Parent Committee prize co-chair Kirsten Brekke Albright said graduates can participate in any activity at the Rec Center provides.

“They have access to the ice skating, they can play broomball. Basically, they have access to the full Rec Center, and then we bring in a lot of professional entertainment,” Brekke Albright said. “It’s a big production.”

Guddal said there will be assorted prizes, activities and food to keep the graduates occupied.

“They give away a lot of stuff, which is

exciting. I hear they’re good prizes,” Guddal said. “That’s all I really know that they do. I know they do have other activities and a ton of food.”

According to Brekke Albright, the committee encourages donations and holds fundraisers to buy prizes for each graduate attending, and a number of larger prizes.

“We probably end up with 20-30 pretty big prizes, and then we try to get, depending on how our donations and fundraising goes, enough prizes so that every student that attends goes home with something of significance,” Brekke Albright said.

According to Brekke Albright, with the price at $75, some students cannot afford to pay the full price.

Instead, she said graduates pay whatever price they can afford and others have the option to donate any amount of another students' ticket while purchasing their own.

“If anybody’s in a hardship situation or they’re just really struggling to pay for the ticket, we say, ‘What can you pay?’ And if it’s $10, if that’s all you can pay, that’s just fine,” Brekke Albright said. “Obviously for those that can afford it, we want them to pay the full amount, but it’s really our number one goal to have the highest attendance possible.”

Guddal said the steep price could decrease attendance for students who cannot afford the ticket cost.

“That’s a lot. That might bring (atten-

Photo Grace Farley

Meeting: Seniors started the year with the Day One pep fest celebrating the start of their senior year Sept. 5. Students will end their High School careers by celebrating at the Senior All Night Party June 5, at the Rec Center. dance) down for a lot of kids.

That’s a lot of money for a lot of people, including myself,” Guddal said.

According to senior Sarah Green, the party’s cost is logical, particularly considering all the expenses the party entails.

“I think it’s a little expensive, but I understand why, to rent out the space and to have prizes,” Green said.

Brekke Albright said parent volunteers have noticed in the past that at the party graduates spend time with each other as one united class.

Quick Facts Held at the Rec Center Costs $75 with scholarships available Prohibits drugs and alcohol Infographic Marta Hill & Isabel Kjaer Source Kirsten Brekke Abright

“We definitely find that on that night, everyone is just enjoying their time together,” Brekke Albright said. “It’s not just little groups of cliques of kids. It’s just everyone all together.”

According to Green, the party gives seniors one last chance to bond with their peers.

“It’s a good way to have all of the seniors together and have fun all night for one last time,” Green said.

According to the St. Louis Park high school website, the Senior All Night Party will be June 5 at the Rec Center.

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IN-DEPTH

Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

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(Online safety) is really important because something bad could happen to you. If you don’t know ahead of time it could be too late.

Ami Kuyateh, junior

11 0 0 11 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 00 1 1 00 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 01 1 1 11 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 Dimin 11 0 0 00 01 00 0 0 0 0 11 1 1 11 1 11 1 11 1 privac 00 1 1 11 111 1 1 1 11 0 0 00 00 0 0 0 00 1 1 111 1 1 1 00 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 11 1 1 00 0 0 11 0 0 11 1 00 1 0 11 101 01 0 0 11 1 1 10 10 01 1 00 0 1 11 01 1 1 A 11 1 0 00 11 0 0 00 0 1 11 10 1 1 01 1 1 10 01 1 1 10 0 0 0 1 11 0 0 00 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 11 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 11 1 0 0 0 0 1 01 0 1 1 1 1 0 00 1 1 1 1 0 1

Photo Iluustration Brooklyn Donelson

Zuckerberg hear elicits cybersecu concerns

Atticus Raasch, Annabella Strat Mimi Fhima atticusraasch@slpecho.com annabellastrathman@slpecho.com mimifhima@slpecho.com

n top of a recent sca with data collection pany Cambridge An senior Austin Patterson sa was easy to see a strange in Facebook advertisemen “You’ll just be surprised w ommendations from other traffic or you’ll be two bloc away from a place and you look at Facebook and they be an ad for it,” Patterson (This happens) because th know where you are, what like who you talk to.”

Cybersecurity explained

ccording to Michael Johnso from the Technological Lea ship Institute at the University o Minnesota, cybersecurity is clas as the protection of online data.

“Cybersecurity is the protect any asset, including data or syst that’s accessible through a conn device or a network connected d typically the internet,” Johnson “(Protection of) the computers t selves, the databases, the data it the bank accounts, all of the thi and most of those things are act data-oriented.”

According to Information Co munication Literacy (ICL) teach Jacob Utities, concerns derive fr Google’s methods of data collec for advertisements.

“Now, the problem is when t are collecting data when you do know, and that’s a big deal with Google,” Utities said. “Google i basically,

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I feel like some people nowadays are not as safe as they should be (online) or they don’t take the precautions for dangerous people online.

IN-DEPTH

Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

Amber Tran, junior

OPINION Emma Yarger emmayarger@ slpecho.com

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6 Tips to stay safe online complex 1 Create passwords • Don’t reuse passwords • Use multi-factor authentication

network 2 Boost security

• Avoid free/public Wi-Fi • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

3 Click smart

• Use websites starting with “https,” not just “http” • Avoid websites with misspellings or bad grammar in their addresses

selectively 4 Share • Avoid sharing personal information to strangers

mobile 5 Protect devices • Watch for dangerous links sent in messages • Only download apps from official app stores

6 Keep up to date

• Keep software updated • Turn on automatic updates • Have security software set to run regular scans Infographic Devin Raynor Source McAfee

microphones are on at all times listening to what you’re saying, and trying to give you ads on it.”

Utities said companies such as Google use many different applications to collect data on users.

“Through other apps that connect, Google knows every single app that you have on your phone, it knows where you’ve been at all times, your location, if you have a Fitbit it knows your workout routine, when you work out, that kind of stuff. That’s shared across multiple apps,” Utities said.

Johnson said with the increasing reliance on technology comes an increased need for security.

“Technology is coming along, you pay your food, you pay your friends, everything online. You can’t really not participate,” Johnson said. “So you just always have to make good decisions and think about what’s the risk.”

Decreasing privacy

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ccording to Utities, many conversations emerged following the recent senate trial with Mark Zuckerberg, involving Facebook and data collection company Cambridge Analytica.

“Facebook trusted people to not abuse their system and they should’ve done that because of course people are going to abuse their system and they did,” Utities said. “Cambridge Analytica was able to access data from tons of Facebook users.”

Johnson said following the Zuckerberg hearing, many began realizing the implications of this sharing of private data.

“Right now, people are finally starting to think ‘oh my gosh, what does this mean’,” Johnson said.

“We’ve been trying to educate consumers and everyone for quite awhile that, especially young people, you need to protect your privacy because it’s worth more than anything else you own.”

Johnson said a primary concern is the loss of privacy for upcoming generations.

“When I look to the future, what is the biggest risks to your generation, you are at risk of losing your ability to be a private person,” Johnson said.

Freshman Evelyn Chlebeck said there are some aspects of cybersecurity are overstated, however online privacy is still important to consider.

“It might be a bit exaggerated when your parents are like ‘don’t trust

Facebook hacks inconvenience students

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anyone online,’ but it is important to not disclose super personal information and to be careful of who you’re talking to,” Chiebeck said.

Utities said the data collection system created also comes with positive aspects.

“There are some benefits to that.

If you’ve ever deleted a Google Drive assignment, download your data and get that back. If you deleted a photo you want to get back you can do that technically,” Utities said.

Utities said in the current state of technology, it is difficult to keep all data private online.

“There’s no such thing as privacy online,” Utities said. “With companies gathering data and the NSA gathering data basically there’s nothing that’s private.”

Student action

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hlebeck said to preserve online safety she deters from friending or following strangers.

“I usually only friend people that I know if it’s on a social media that has my face on it or discloses my name,” Chlebeck said. “I try not to say a lot of personal things just because I don’t know who might be following me.”

According to Johnson, upcoming generations are responsible for ensuring continued cybersecurity.

“I used to do the protecting but I only have 10, 15 years left,” Johnson said. “This problem is going to go on a lot longer than that and there are enough people that understand the risks, there aren’t enough people to secure all the data, and so you guys are going to have to become technology experts.”

Johnson said internet users should change their privacy settings to increase security.

“Protect your privacy as best you can and along with that, if you do decide to share something, make sure your settings are set correctly,” Johnson said. “That’s not going to protect you ultimately, but it might limit the accidental sharing.”

Patterson said being aware of what you sign up for is key in becoming more secure on the internet.

“If you’re really concerned for your safety maybe read those privacy agreements, say no to a lot of things, start blocking those permissions,” Patterson said. “It’ll cost you in the sense that you won’t have as much functionality out of the things you use but if you’re concerned for cyber safety it’s definitely worth it.”

nternet security has never been a concern of mine. I use the Internet and social media freely and have never given it much thought.

That is, until a message encoded with a virus was sent from my Facebook account to all of my friends on that network.

I was forced to explain to my parents, extended family and old classmates they should not open the odd message sent from my account. Messaging these people in an attempt to explain what had occurred was awkward and uncomfortable.

Not only was it embarrassing to try to explain to friends and family that my account had been hacked, it made me nervous about the security of my social media accounts.

I use Facebook to connect with groups and school clubs I participate in. I post the occasional photo from a school dance.

I use the platform so casually that the risks of having What’s the an account POINT? never occured to me Students often before I got take internet ‘hacked.’ security for If it was so easy to granted. access my account, what other information could be accessed by complete strangers? Everyone is entitled to privacy whether in real life or on the Internet. This event made me wonder whether anything truly was private.

I don’t want to worry about personal internet security every time I pick up my phone or open my laptop.

Although internet access is a privilege, I believe it should be a right, and people should not need to worry about the security of their profiles.

Unfortunately, use of Facebook and other social medias feels necessary in the world I live in.

The ability to connect with people or receive updates about events has more value than online safety.

This may not be very responsible, society has become dependant on media connection.

Although getting ‘hacked’ could have greater meaning, it was merely annoying to me. Because I have grown up with modern technology, I don’t understand what a privilege it is to have the Internet at my fingertips.

Due to this, the safety of having a social media presence is taken for granted, everyone should be aware of its consequences.

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SPORTS

Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

It’s pretty sick. It’s a good experience to play on a professional field.

William Pinney, sophomore

Out of the PARK Breanna Thompson breannathompson@ slpecho.com

Kicking the set gender roles

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n “The Karate Kid,” like with many movies about martial arts, the main character and hero is male. Rarely are female martial artists depicted in the biggest blockbusters.

When I first started karate nine years ago, I didn’t notice the gender disparity in the martial arts as I still had female partners with whom I would practice. However, as I got older, the girls in my class started to drop out one by one.

I was left alone with only male peers.

As the only girl in the class, I still participated in all the activities, but my height became a physical disadvantage. The boys I partnered with began to treat me differently.

They would kick me softly and punch me with less force.

I was strong What’s the enough to take anything they POINT? could throw at me, but they refused to believe in my capabilities. I continuously told them that it was OK to hit harder. I was constantly reminded that, as a girl, I was expected to be weaker even though I was at the same karate level as my male competitors.

Resistant to receiving different treatment, I pushed harder and harder. I would punch and kick with as much force as I could, surprising my male partners with my strength. After six years of karate, I received my second-degree black belt, which I still hold today.

Competitions were a big part of my life and kept me motivated.

I enjoyed representing my karate school and being tested to see how my skills compared to other kids my age. Since I only fought boys, I competed in an equal environment, giving me an upper hand. Being able to show off my accomplishments back at the karate school proved that I earned my spot.

Karate is a male-dominated sport which, as a girl, is not without its challenges. However, my determination and persistence allows me to change expectations.

Many sports do not welcome both genders equally, but it is important to encourage athletes to follow their passions no matter the sport. Too often do girls quit something they really care about because they feel uncomfortable in a room of boys.

However, we can only encourage girls if they have more role models to look up to. Let’s start making more movies about female karate heros.

Change the preconceived opinion

Photo Josh Halper

Pitch perfect: Junior Anthony Odens pitches the ball toward home plate during Park’s game April 30 against Benilde-St. Margaret’s. The game was held at the CHS field, home of the St. Paul Saints and resulted in a 5-6 loss.

CHS Field game ends in disappointment Park loses in extra innings to Benilde St. Margaret’s Mimi Fhima & Izzy Leviton mimifhima@slpecho.com izzyleviton@slpecho.com

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enior Liam Sivanich said although the team lost, the game on the CHS field was a great opportunity to play on a professional field.

Park lost 5-6 after the ninth inning against Benilde-St. Margaret’s April 30, creating a 2-2 conference record.

“It would have been very uplifting to get a dub against Benilde at a nice field like this,” Sivanich said. “It was a fun experience despite some tough plays and a tough loss.”

According to baseball head coach Brian Kelly, the team played well, but lost due to Benilde’s strong ninth inning.

“The game at CHS we played a really good baseball game outside of two or three plays in that one inning,” Kelly said.

Kelly said after the loss he discussed going into the game against Bloomington Kennedy May 2 with more confidence.

“We talked a little bit about having more of an edge today, a little chip on

your shoulder, we’re all about the process but it’s a baseball game, get a little grit going,” Kelly said.

Sivanich said the team needs to work on fundamentals in practice to prepare for their next games.

“It’s not OK we gave up so many bundts and made so many errors. Those are simple plays that we shouldn’t be screwing up and we are screwing them up,” Sivanich said.

Park won 2-1 against Bloomington Kennedy May 2 at Derrick Keller Field.

Park plays a double-header at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m May 4 against Bloomington Jefferson at Derrick Keller Field.

Tennis courts to be updated Summer reconstruction to improve facility Emma Kempf emmakempf@slpecho.com

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he tennis courts at the high school are currently a mute shade of yellow, but according to Athletic Director Andrew Ewald, they used to be orange.

“When that paint first got applied it was orange, and it was supposed to be orange,” Ewald said. “Obviously the colors weren’t either applied correctly or it was the wrong product because it was never supposed to fade the way it faded.”

In addition to the court’s colors being updated, Ewald said the tennis courts will be redone this summer to replace the 20-year-old facility with repairs.

“They’re doing some borings into the soil to see what the soil quality underneath is,” Ewald said. “Hopefully it’s just redoing the asphalt, redoing the fencing, redoing the painting job and the sealing job on it.”

Junior tennis captain Susanna Hu said she is excited about the courts’ reconstruction because of their color and age.

“The yellow reflects the sun. It’s really hard for our team and teams that come and compete with us to see the balls, so a lot of times our line calls are off,” Hu said.

Photo Anika Hanson

Smash-it: Freshman Evelyn Gutzke hits a backhand during gym class at the Park tennis courts May 1. Gutzke was a member of Park’s tennis team this past fall.

“Everybody complains about our courts, so it’s nice that we get decent courts now.”

According to Ewald, the construction schedule aims to avoid interfering with both the boys’ and girls’ tennis seasons.

“Boys’ tennis finishes up this spring and girls’ tennis will start up the second week of August, so ideally there’s June, July and a couple weeks in August where they would have to get this project done and not disrupt any of the programming,” Ewald said.

Tennis coach David Breitenbucher said he looks forward to the reconstruction because Park has seven tennis courts.

“It’s kind of a luxury, and I’m super excited about it, and I think we’re lucky to have the financial ability to do it,” Breitenbucher said. “It’s pretty nice that other

teams see our courts and our facilities and it’s first class. It’s kind of nice to be that school in a conference that we’re in, and show we care about our facilities.”

Tennis court updates Fast facts •

20-year-old facilities

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Paint was originally orange, but turned yellow with time

•

Updates to be finished by August

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Construction to begin this summer

Infographic Isabel Kjaer Source Andrew Ewald

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We have good talent this year, so that’s good. We have been doing good in meets and we are going to improve.

SPORTS

Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

Anna Keith, sophomore

Girls’ track looks to improve after meet Second competition of season held Breanna Thompson & Yonit Krebs breannathompson@slpecho.com yonitkrebs@slpecho.com

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Photo Noah Deetz

Zoom: Sophomore Stephanie Perez ran the 200 meter sprint event for Park April 26.

ccording to junior girls’ track captain Olivia Mosby, the team is still adjusting to the track as a result of limited outdoor practices and young team members.

“Everyone is kind of getting back into the groove, and we have a lot of new runners this year,” Mosby said.

“It’s fun to see everyone doing so well so early in the season even with so little experience.”

According to coach Kelly Snyder, the team did well for its second meet this season, she said there is still room to improve.

“The kids need to get some really essential training underneath them like cardiovascular training and some skills in specific events, especially for field events,” Snyder said.

Snyder said after the meet April 26, the team plans to continue preparing for future meets with separate types of training on different days.

“We will take it a little easier and recover from the meet. We have had a pretty hard week because we have been able to get outside again this week, so we have been able to turn

it up a little this week. So we will generally do a short sprint day and a recovery day and my group — the vaulters — will be doing a recovering day,” Snyder said.

According to sophomore hurdler Molly Miller, the differences between the gym and outdoor track limits the team’s ability to prepare for meets.

“In the gym we don’t have as much room to run and practice, and it’s just harder because the gym floor is hard, but the track is more bouncy,” Miller said.

According to Mosby, there are still many things to prepare for and improve, especially as a team.

“I think we can definitely get more time on the track. I think that would help us a lot, and I think our team unity is very good for how early in the season it is,” Mosby said. “I think we can do more things together like prep workouts. It’s a very divided sport because everyone is doing their own stuff, but when we are on the track I feel like it will be more cohesive.”

According to Miller, the coaches have canceled multiple meets without plans for rescheduled competitions and by the April 26 meet, some events had not yet competed this season.

Park’s girls’ track team’s next meet will be 4 p.m. May 8 at Robbinsdale Cooper High School against Robbinsdale Cooper and Chanhassen.

Meet the ATHLETE

Who Annie Breyak Grade Sophomore Sport Synchronized Swimming How long have you been doing synchronized swimming?

I started synchro in second grade, but I’ve been swimming with the high school since seventh grade.

What’s your favorite thing about synchro?

I really like all the people in this sport. It’s like the community is kind of like a little family, and we all support each other.

How do you prepare yourself before events?

We do something called decking which is like drilling the routine you have on land, and then we all listen to music and get pumped up.

What made you interested in doing synchro?

My sister did it when she was little so I kind of followed in her footsteps.

What are your favorite synchro memories?

Girls’ lacrosse defeated by Holy Family Catholic

Definitely the team’s sleepovers are really fun because you get to meet new friends, hang out and have a good time.

What is the hardest thing about synchro?

Team stays positive in second half

Honestly, all of it’s really hard because you have to be able to hold your breath all the time, and hold your body underwater because you can’t touch the bottom, so it’s a very big challenge.

Hayley Westwood & Sophie Olmen hayleywestwood@slpecho.com sophieolmen@slpecho.com

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lthough girls’ lacrosse lost to Holy Family Catholic 3-18, according to assistant coach Lauren BruunBryant, the team has improved on certain skills after beginning its outdoor practices, reaching an overall record of 2-3.

“They now know how to transition, which is the whole point of the game.

Their draws have excelled exponentially,” Bruun-Bryant said.

Sophomore Aliviah McClinton said goals and self-esteem proved their biggest challenges during the game.

“The effect of all the goals scored on us had an emotional impact on the team,” McClinton said.

Senior Katie Fredrickson said despite the disappointing results, one of the team’s strengths at the April 30 competition was its mental game.

“I think (the game) was pretty rough especially in the first half, but I think we really stepped it up in the second half,” Fredrickson said. “We had a good positive attitude throughout the game which is not easy to do especially when you’re losing

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Do you plan on doing synchro after high school?

Photo Katie Hardie

Cradle it: Freshman Jarielyz Lopez maneuvers around the opposing team so she can effectively get the ball away from the goal. Park went up against Holy Family Academy April 30. The team’s next game is home against Chaska at 6 p.m. May 8. by 15 goals, so I think that was a good thing.”

McClinton said the team’s scores improved dramatically as the game progressed.

“From the first half to the second half we definitely improved a lot with defense,” McClinton said.

Bruun-Bryant said the team’s defense excelled and they stayed mentally involved in the game.

“The defense did not give up which is important especially with high-scoring

games, and it kind of seems like nothing is going your way,” Bruun-Bryant said.

Fredrickson said the team has been taking advantage of its opportunities to be outside.

“We haven’t had a lot of practice time outside, but I think that it is a really good sort of preseason play before we get into our real conference games,” Fredrickson said.

The next girls’ lacrosse game is home against Chaska at 6 p.m. May 8 at the stadium.

If the college I choose to go to has synchro I’ll definitely do it, or I would look into starting it there, but I’m not going to make my decision based off if they have synchro because not a lot of schools have that.

What are you looking forward to this season?

I would say probably State because we go to State every year and that’s a really fun experience because it’s all day for two days, and you get to see a bunch of other teams and meet new people.

Rodolfo Zarate rodolfozarate@slpecho.com

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10 OPINIONS

Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

Echo Editor-in-chief: Dani Orloff Managing editors: Amaia Barajas, *Grace Farley, Abby Inveld, Yonit Krebs, *Sam St. Clair Web editor: Marta Hill Photo editors: Ella Hammerstrand & Carissa Prestholdt Design editors: Creston Halstead, Isabel Kjaer & Isaac Wahl Copy editors: Jenna Cook & *Emma Yarger Assistant copy editor: Sofie Geretz Video editor: Mara Zapata Social media editor: Bre Thompson News editor: Sofia Seewald Features editor: Samantha Klepfer In-Depth editor: Evelyn Nelson Sports editor: Sophie Olmen Opinions editors: *Aisha Abdi & *Ruby Stillman Entertainment editor: David Bryant Broadcast ditor: Yonah Davis Assistant web editor: Tenzin Gyaldatsang Multimedia editor: Katie Hardie Staff: Amira Ali, Muna Ali, Tjessa Arradondo, Alex Balfour, Claire Bargman, Malaika Bigirindavyi, Sam Birnberg, Kiyonna Brooks, Culver Carden, Dylan Carlson, Eli CurranMoore, Noah Deetz, Nietzsche Deuel, Brooklyn Donelson, Anna DuSaire, Mimi Fhima, Tamar Gewirtz, Caroline Green, David Gutierrez, Josh Halper, Anika Hanson, Fahmo Jama, Avia Kaner-Roth, Isabella Kanne, Gabriel Kaplan, *Emma Kempf, Maggie Klaers, Ndunzi

I think if enough kids like (IB Hebrew) and they want to do it, then they should continue it.

Aminah Ali, freshman

Our Perspective

School now enforcing Pledge of Allegiance law

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ark administrators began enforcing Minnesota Statute 121A.11 on April 18, which mandates a weekly recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance school-wide.

Despite dissenting reactions from students, the editorial board believes the administration’s action is justified.

As established in West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, students have every right to opt out of reciting the pledge for any reason they feel necessary.

The school district is legally bound to carry out the Pledge of Allegiance each week, so it is only right that students are given an option to honor the flag if they so choose.

However, the issue the editorial board takes with the action of administration on this issue is they have not educated students about the pledge. This is prominently seen with many students who attended elementary school at Park Spanish Immersion. Here, students learned the pledge in Spanish and may not have fully understood it in English.

Photo Illustration Grace Farley

To combat this, staff should both help students memorize the words of the pledge as well as teach students where the pledge originated and why it is still recited in schools today.

Because many students have not recited the pledge since elementary school, if ever, the new practice has little impact.

Helping students learn the Pledge of Allegiance would make the practice more efficient and allow for an understanding as to why it is recited.

To mitigate this, the editorial staff recommends teaching students the words, significance and history of the Pledge of Allegiance during their civics class as ninth graders.

This will enable all students to recite the pledge, as well as give them the tools to form their own informed decision on whether or not they choose to participate in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance each Monday.

While this is the opinion, the potential for conflict between students for and against this policy during a divisive time in the country is also recognized.

However, the board believes with increased education about the Pledge of Allegiance and by including the option for students to decline participation, the practice proves to be minimally controversial and allows students a chance to express their patriotism if they wish.

Kunsunga, Emma Leff, Hannah Leff, *Lukas Levin, Isabel Leviton, Talia Lissauer, Sophia Livingston, Maddie Lund, Ethan Meisler, Sumaya Mohamed, Kaia Myers, Noah Orloff, Maria Perez-Barriga, *William Phelan, Alec Pitman, Ruth Posada, Abigail Prestholdt, *Atticus Raasch, Devin Raynor, *Hadeal Riquez, Justin Rutland, Rachel Salzer, Nicole Sanford, Hanna Schechter, Kate Schneider, Madeleine Schutte, Jacob Stillman, *Anabella Strathman, Addison Warg, Isaac Wert, Hayley Westwood, Sadie Yarosh, Sophie Yarosh Rodolfo Zarate, Emily Ziessman, Lucy Zumbrunnen Principal: Scott Meyers Printer: ECM Inc. Adviser: Lori Keekley *Denotes editorial board member

MEDIA POLICIES The Echo is the official student-produced newspaper of St. Louis Park Senior High School.

It is published triweekly for the school’s students, staff and community.

The Echo is a designated forum for student expression in which students make all decisions of content without prior review from school officials. The adviser will not act as a censor, but will advise students. Students have the final decision on all content.

The Echo will work to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful and interesting to all our readers.

We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy.

We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph unless clearly labeled as a photo illustration.

Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined. Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Echo staff or administration as a whole.

The Echo welcomes reader input. Letters to the editor and suggestions must be signed and should be no longer than 250 words and may be emailed to slpecho@gmail.com or submitted in room C275.

Emailed letters must be verified prior to publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to ask the writer to edit for length and clarity.

Anonymous letters wherein the Echo does not know the identity of the writer will not be printed.

Advertisements will be sought from local businesses and school clubs and sports.

We maintain the right to reject any ads we believe to be false, misleading, inappropriate or harmful. The Echo does not necessarily endorse the products or services offered in these advertisements.

NSPA All-American and Hall of Fame member; 2011, 2016, 2017 NSPA Print Pacemaker Finalist; 2013, 2014, 2015 National Print Pacemaker Award Recipient; 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Online Pacemaker Finalist; 2018 NSPA Online Pacemaker, CSPA Gold Medalist; 2013 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All-State.

Potential IB Hebrew termination Global efforts to recruit could prove beneficial Yonit Krebs yonitkrebs@slpecho.com

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ince kindergarten, I have been taking formal Hebrew classes. When I first heard that International Baccalaureate (IB) would potentially be terminating its IB Hebrew B Standard Level course, I felt disappointed.

Last year, Hebrew’s biggest worry was its three sections becoming two. To avoid combining so many levels into one class, the number of Hebrew classes per week was cut from five to four.

Nothing will be decided until 2019, according to the letter IB sent to all families with children in the Hebrew program. Additionally, the cancellation of the program is motivated by a global phenomenon — around the world, there are currently only eight schools, including Park, that offer IB Hebrew B SL. It would seem a shortage of students is a recurring issue, as the program was also deemed “at risk” in 2012. If the program makes it through the 2019 cut, there is no guarantee that it would not be “at risk” in future years. Understanding this as a

Photo Grace Farley

Shalom: Junior IB Hebrew students Anthony David and Yonah Davis work together to prepare for the upcoming IB Hebrew exam May 1. global issue and not Park’s decision does not change that an end to the IB Hebrew program at Park would be a shame.

As we move to a more globalized world, there is even greater value in developing language skills. Many language students at Park do not actively use their knowledge in their daily life. However, I find, with Hebrew, this is not the case. I can honestly say that I have been in situations where my Hebrew knowledge has really enhanced by understanding and communication.

The only other course IB offers in Hebrew is as a fluent language, and it would not be realistic for Park to offer a bilingual Hebrew program for the majority of its Hebrew students. This would most likely

To Earth Day: Nobody cared this much about my birthday.

Art Devin Raynor

result in even smaller class sizes as many current Hebrew students are not capable of becoming fluent in a few short years.

For many students from Jewish elementary schools, Park’s Hebrew program makes the school a more attractive option.

Although there are only four Park students enrolled to take the IB exam this year, the current intermediate class has 17 students.

According to IB, in order to keep Hebrew as a second language at Park, there would need to be five schools globally with 75-100 students enrolled to take the IB test. If Park were to focus efforts on recruiting students from the Hebrew program’s main feeder schools, and other schools globally did the same, it would be possible to keep IB Hebrew at Park.

To IB Hebrew: It’s not like I knew what I was saying during my Bar Mitzvah anyway.

To Cybersecurity: Don’t worry, my Instagram is private.

R.S., L.L., A.R.

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I think (the Senior All Night Party) should be fun, I’m excited. (The $75 price) is fine because of all the gifts they are going to get with the money.

OPINIONS

Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

Grace Litwiller, senior

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Echo

Congressional testimony, scandal elicits controversy Facebook scandal raises questions over user data Gabe Kaplan gabekaplan@slpecho.com

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ocial media site Facebook has failed its nearly two billion users by not only collecting copious amounts of personal information, but also by allowing third parties to access private user data.

Starting in 2014 and lasting through the 2016 presidential election, U.K.-based political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica improperly mined data from up to 87 million Facebook users in order to aid the 2016 Trump campaign, according to the New York Times.

Following the scandal, Facebook found itself in jeopardy for collecting private information without express permission and for allowing third parties to

access personal data.

The fact that Facebook collects mounds of private information is alarming, but not as horrifying as the idea that they are unable to guard that data from external organizations, such as Cambridge Analytica.

Such mass data collection is unacceptable. A social network should not be allowed to collect so much information with so little consent, especially when that data is then used for profit.

As a result of this scandal, Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg was called to testify before a number of congressional committees.

Zuckerberg was criticized by senators and congressmen alike for the Cambridge Analytica scandal and for breaching user privacy.

During his testimony, Zuckerberg was questioned heavily about Facebook users’ right to privacy. In one of his responses, the CEO referred to Facebook’s mass storage of personal information, according to the New York Times.

“Yes, we store data . . . some of that content with

people’s permission,” Zuckerberg said in response to a question about whether Facebook sells personal information to advertisers.

Zuckerberg seems to suggest only some of the personal information Facebook collects is gathered with permission, which is outrageous considering this information is used to make advertising sales.

The rest of the information Facebook stores is supposedly held with user consent, but in actuality, very few patrons know what data is collected about them.

In 2017 alone, Facebook made nearly $12.8 billion selling ads, many of which were targeted based on personal information users did not agree to give, according to Bloomberg.

Without the consent of the user, it is disturbing to hear these large corporations are utilizing personal information for profit.

The law must be changed in order to prevent Facebook and companies like it, from using mass exploitation as a business model.

Senior after-graduation celebration causes controversy over price Every year, senior parent volunteers plan an all night party with the goal of providing the new grads a safe alcohol, drug, and smoke-free place to celebrate after graduation. This year’s party costs $75 without aid.

Senior All Night Party flawed

Senior All Night Party in best interest Seniors ultimately safer William Phelan williamphelan@slpecho.com

or many high school seniors, graduation is one of the most exciting days of their lives.

It is the culmination of four years of tedious schoolwork and exhaustive social norms.

As you might expect, this translates to graduation being the perfect excuse to let loose to celebrate the end of a high school career.

For eighteen year olds in this country, however, partying often is not simply limited to listening to loud music and playing group games.

In Minnesota, 48 percent of seniors claimed they had consumed alcohol in the last 30 days alone.

With such high proportions, paired with the dangerous effects

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PARK TRAIL

of alcohol on underage consumers, it is clear that an occasion such as graduation presents a risk to students.

One issue many have cited about the party is the high ticket price. However, as a result of the plethora of fundraising efforts by engaged parents and students there is sufficient financial relief for any student who would otherwise be prevented from attending because of a lack of financial resources.

With this in mind, the Senior All Night Party is a perfect solution to the issue of binge-drinking after graduation.

Seniors get to attend an inclusive party, and parents do not have to worry about their children over underage consumption of alcohol.

Students have the opportunity for a fun night that proves to be affordable, without the pressure of consuming illicit and potentially lethal substances.

Senior All Night Party

Cost prevents a good time Eli Curran-Moore elicurran-moore@slpecho.com

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When: June 5 after graduation ceremony Where: Rec Center in St. Louis Park Price: $75 per ticket Activities: Professional entertainment and parentorganized games for prizes Infographic Isaac Wahl Source SLP Senior All Night Party

he premise of an all-inclusive safe party put on by the local Park community is good, and the party has the potential to be a lot of fun. Unfortunately, there are a few problems.

The $75 cost of attendance is just too high. Fundraising efforts are great, they offer scholarships and sufficient financial relief for students who could otherwise not afford to go, but for the majority of families at Park, $75 is enough to make kids and their families question if the cost of the party is really worth it. “All-inclusive” implies a much lower, accessible cost.

Additionally, party planners should not come in with the expectation in order to entice kids

to attend, they need to crowdfund $10,000 plus to spend on giving away a ridiculous $15,000 worth of one-off prizes.

Students don’t need some kind of ‘chance to win’ casino-esque experience.

More money can translate into more fun. If the community can raise $10,000 for a party, we should be able to raise and use the money for much more important things, such as scholarships.

If party planners really take pride in supporting Park students, they should cater the party (and use party funds) to fit this idea, not winning some prize. Kids just want to have a good time with their friends more than anything.

The party should only work to be the best it can be and as fun as possible, seeking more input from seniors and what they actually want and standing alone as a Park tradition. That’s the best way of getting kids to attend, have fun and stay safe after graduation.

Maggie Klaers maggieklaers@slpecho.com

She really likes cats...

How did they know I like cats? cats cats cats cats

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12 ENTERTAINMENT

Echo Friday, May 4, 2018

It’s a lot different than the other movies before. I like how it’s not the typical ‘hero beats villain.’

Drake McDonald, sophomore

‘Avengers: Infinity War’ leaves questions unanswered Third installment proves dark, unique Atticus Raasch atticusraasch@slpecho.com

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oming off their massive success in “Black Panther,” hopes were high for the next installment of Marvel’s “Avengers” series.

Teased in several of Marvel’s infamous post-credit scenes, the film highlights a new central villain, the Mad Titan Thanos, on his quest to gather and collect all six of the universe’s most powerful relics, the Infinity Stones. With the power to take out half the world with a “snap of his fingers,” the Avengers and other superheroes work to stop the Mad Titan at any cost.

A culmination of 18 previous Marvel films, deep ties are revealed and connected across the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film features more than 40 of the MCU superheroes across eight different franchises, allowing fans to see certain characters interact in ways never thought possible.

Josh Brolin as Thanos was easily one of the most remarkable pieces of the film. His depiction of the Mad Titan encompassed a perfect blend of power and horror allowing for one of the better portrayals in any Marvel film seen to date.

Returning actors such as Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man), Chris Evans (Captain America) and Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange) step right back into their roles to bring wisdom to the cast.

Their portrayals of the franchise heroes only elevate that of new characters such as Tom Holland (Spider-Man) for

an experienced but new feel.

With films in the MCU often being lighthearted in nature, “Infinity War” takes a personality of its own with a dark tone throughout the entire film.

This tone causes viewers to hold their breath through the entirety of the film and causes chests to tighten in fear or suspense.

The film spent weeks publicizing with trailers and interviews in what has been commonly referred to as the “most ambitious crossover event in history.”

These attempts were beautifully done as it is revealed that most of the clips released before the film occur in the first hour of the movie, leaving a great bulk of the film completely unknown.

The publicity paid off as the film quickly broke all-time box office opening weekend records by pulling in over $261 million in its first four days of release.

The movie wastes no time moving the plot along as the first 10 minutes of the film introduce plenty of new characters as well as give a heavy motivation for the central plot of the film. Despite Marvel’s history of wasting time with useless plot points, “Infinity War” does a miraculous job of keeping viewers engaged throughout the entire film.

With a film attempting to wrap up 10 years of development, endless questions were begging to be answered. However, an obscure and even frustrating ending leaves viewers hungry for answers they won’t get for the next full year.

In hopes to bring in viewers for the next movie, the ending was obscure, leaving low expectations for the next installment, “Infinity War” part two, to answer every question in only a three hour time slot next year.

Overall, this film brings a new twist on the classic MCU movie allowing both the die-hard fan and the casual viewer to connect over excitement and even frustration.

METRO

AT A GLANCE

David Bryant davidbryant@slpecho.com Photos used with permission from Fx Networks, Warner Bros. Records, 20th Century Fox

May 6

May 9

May 11

May 18

The annual MayDay Parade arrives along Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis with dancing, music and various other festivities. The festival is free of charge but donations are recommended to support local Minneapolis artists.

“Archer” brings a comedic take on the classic secret agent genre in a cartoon fashion. Season nine holds a theme of “Danger Island.” New episodes are released weekly on FX or can be rented on various streaming platforms.

English rock band Arctic Monkeys prepares to release its sixth studio album “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” after a five-year hiatus. The long-awaited 11 track album is available for pre-order for $10.

“Deadpool 2” continues with the sequel to the alternative take on the superhero genre full of action packed moments and hard hitting jokes. Tickets will be for sale in theaters near you around the metro area for $8.