Cycle 4 2017

Echo

THEATER PERFORMS SHOW ‘Big Fish’ met with success in opening weekend PAGE 4

PARK FALLS TO BRAINERD

Orioles’ historic season comes to an end PAGE 8

T-SWIFT’S NEW ALBUM Contrasting views on Swift’s ‘Reputation’ PAGE 12

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 Volume 91 Issue 4 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426

SLPECHO.COM

Racial events inspire demonstration

Protest occurs after alleged racial incidents in Champlin Park

Mimi Fhima & Annabella Strathman mimifhima@slpecho.com annabellastrathman@slpecho.com

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pproximately 100 students gathered in the old gym at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 to show support for students affected by recent events in Champlin Park, according to Grade Level Coordinator Derrick Turner.

Photo Abby Intveld

Black power: Some students met in the old gym to protest the events at Champlin Park Nov. 10 during fourth period.

Students rose fists to express Park’s solidarity for Champlin Park.

Taking a stand: Some students protest recent events in the Champlin Park school district.

Seniors Doreen Moranga and Ambriya Reese helped organize the demonstration.

Photo Emma Kempf

According to the Star Tribune, two girls’ volleyball players were suspended for a volleyball game following the release of a video involving Champlin Park students allegedly rapping to a song with derogatory language.

Senior Doreen Moranga said she, along with senior Ambriya Reese, spread word of the event after Grade Level Coordinators (GLCs) Derrick Turner and David Lewis notified them of the events at Champlin Park.

“I didn’t know anything about (the incident) until our GLCs Derrick and David came up to me,” Moranga said. “They thought I’d be a good person to get (a protest) going.”

Turner said the demonstration aimed to raise awareness about and show solidarity for the incidents at Champlin Park.

“We just wanted to let the other school that went through the situation they went through this last week, let them know that they have support from people outside of their school district,” Turner said.

Turner said he thinks the demonstration in Champlin Park went disregarded by the district’s administration.

“I didn’t feel like the students of color at that school district at that school were supported fully by the staff or the people of higher power,” Turner said.

According to Principal Scott Meyers, demonstrations taking place during the school day must be instigated by student leaders.

“There is always some level of staff involved because we are adults here trying to keep students safe. But in terms of organizing, it has to be a student generated idea,” Meyers said.

Reese said she thinks students should continue to think about and discuss the issues brought to light at the demonstration.

“With this situation specifically, a few days shouldn’t pass and then it’s irrelevant. We should still be talking about it and having conversations about it and stuff like that,” Reese said.

Meyers said while the demonstration was not planned by the administration, students displayed attributes represented in the school code.

“The school didn’t plan this as part of the daily activities, it was more of an organic thing that came to be during the day, and I just wanted to acknowledge I think the students exemplified the ‘Oriole code’ by being upstanders,” Meyers said. “What I observed were students that were passionate, they were reflective and above all they came together to advocate for others.”

District prepares for extensive construction Referendum includes new food plan, weight room Mimi Fhima mimifhima@slpecho.com

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fter 18 out of 19 precincts reported in on election night Nov. 7, District Superintendent Astein Osei said he felt a feeling of immense gratitude toward the community.

According to the school district, both the operating levy and the referendum were passed. The operating levy will allow the district to achieve goals set by the strategic plan.

The $100.9 million referendum includes several facility updates to be constructed during three years. Updates include additional

classrooms and a centralized district kitchen.

Osei said the vast support for the schools and students in the district is unique.

“All I could keep saying is, ‘where does it happen? In what part of this state, what part of the country does it happen that a community, at such large percent, support the schools?

Well, it happens here in St. Louis Park,’ this is where it happens,” Osei said.

According to Osei, the goal of the referendum is to accommodate the needs of students through next-century learning designs.

“What we’re really trying to do with the facility enhancement, or improvement, is create spaces that meet the needs of the way that students learn today,” Osei said.

Junior Ellie Meys said she believes the referendum wastes taxpayer’s money.

“I like certain parts of it, but I feel like (the district is) just wasting their time and money on certain things that don’t need to be done,” Meys said.

According to Osei, while upperclassmen are saddened they won’t be able to fully experience the changes, younger district students anticipate the facility updates.

“As I talk to younger students, elementary school age kids, and middle school students, they’re pumped, they’re excited,” Osei said. “I can see the excitement in their face.”

Remodeling at the high school begins spring 2019.

Photo Grace Farley

Every vote counts: Park residents voted on new City Council and School Board members as well as the referendum Nov. 7.

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NEWS

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

WEB PREVIEW

I don’t think (the administration) just should suspend you because what if you have people at home that smoke and maybe not you.

Anna Bauer, freshman

Drug policy confusion draws controversy Assistant principal clarifies rules surrounding substances

Photo Katie Hardie

Instagram account celebrates diversity

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ooking through her social media, senior Malaika Bigirindavyi said they felt inspired by accounts celebrating the expression of one’s identity. Bigirindavyi said she now is doing just that by creating a new outlet for mixed boys and girls. @mixstaslp, the instagram account, was founded this fall by seniors Anna duSaire, Rosa Rut Sigrunardottir, Malaika Bigirindavyi and Olivia Massie. The founders have created the account to promote students who identify as mixed or biracial.

Evelyn Nelson evelynnelson@slpecho.com

Photo Emma Kempf

Commended Scholars recognized

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s senior Savannah Kjaer socializes at the School Board banquet honoring National Merit Commended Scholars Nov. 13, she said she feels very fortunate to have earned such an honor.

“I’m just really excited that I have had the support to accomplish this, and I think my family’s pretty proud, so that’s cool,” Kjaer said. “I’m grateful for this honor, and I’m really excited for sharing this information with my colleges.”

Dani Orloff daniorloff@slpecho.com

Alex Balfour, Hannah Leff & Izzy Leviton alexbalfour@slpecho.com hannahleff@slpecho.com izzyleviton@slpecho.com

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pon returning from a leave for lunch, an unnamed student said he had been greeted by accusations of drug use based on his smell, and then to their further surprise — suspension.

“I went out with my friends at lunch time, and some of them were smoking in the car. I got stopped going into the lunchroom because I guess I had a distinctive smell to me,” the unnamed source said. “They took me in, and I kind of argued with them first, but they basically said I was suspended for three days. They found nothing (in my backpack), it was just the smell.”

According to assistant principal Charles Johnson-Nixon, in order to prove student drug use, faculty first address observable behavior of a suspected student and then proceed with backpack searches. “(Suspicion of drug use) is smell or appearance of students’ eyes. We smell a student’s fingers to see if there has been any use of marijuana,” Johnson-Nixon said. “If we see any erratic behavior, we continue with the investigation (where) we’ll ask you to look through your backpack to see if you have any contraband, any marijuana or any things used in that,” Johnson-Nixon said.

Freshman Mohammad Azem said he thinks suspension is justified if a student smells like marijuana.

“If you smelled like weed then you probably smoked weed. I guess it’s reasonable to get suspended for it,” Azem said.

Johnson-Nixon said Park brings in an agency with search dogs that is allowed to search any vehicle parked on school property and to conduct locker searches.

“We have an agency that comes with a dog that checks the parking lot. When a dog gets a hit on the car, we go to the student and we ask them permission to search their car. We ask because that’s the polite thing to do, we technically don’t need their permission,” Johnson-Nixon said.

Senior Chloe Schaehrer said she disagrees with pulling kids out of class after car searches because there is often nothing

Photo illustration Devin Raynor

found in the car.

“I think it’s funny when they pull kids out of class and they definitely don’t have anything in their car,” Schaehrer said. “I don’t think you should be pulling kids out of class because that is interrupting their education, and I think they should be sure that they’re car definitely has something in it before they pull a kid out of class.”

The unnamed source said he believes it is unfair how the school’s policies allow suspension solely from observable characteristics.

“I think it’s wrong. I don’t think it’s right that they can suspend me just for a smell, especially if they didn’t find anything,” the unnamed source said.

Johnson-Nixon said once a student returns to school after a suspension, the school works to make further help accessible to improve their future quality of life.

“If the student is going to get high before they come to school or get high while they’re during school too, they have a problem.

They need some type of help,” Johnson-Nixon said.

Johnson-Nixon declined to comment about the unnamed student’s situation.

In-school suspension referral process changed Administration looks to keep students in the classroom Annabella Strathman annabellastrathman@slpecho.com

A Fair use from Walt Disney Studios

‘Thor: Ragnarok’s’ fresh vibe impresses

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n ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, the God of thunder (Chris Hemsworth) embarks on a cosmic journey to escape a deadly gladiatorial competition to prevent the destruction of Asgard at the hands of Hela, the Goddess of death (Cate Blanchett).

Director Taika Waititi creates a unique and entertaining tone that carries the movie from its opening scene to the final roll of the credits.

Sam Birnberg sambirnberg@slpecho.com For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho

fter being closed for the first six weeks of school, the procedure for in-school suspensions has changed, according to assistant principal Charles Johnson-Nixon.

Johnson-Nixon said Grade Level Coordinators (GLCs) now determine if a student requires time in the in-school suspension (ISS) room.

“The only major change to it is teachers cannot send a student directly to the ISS room,” Johnson-Nixon said. “It has to go through the process of calling down to the student office, then the administration determines whether or not the student should be sent.”

Johnson-Nixon said he hopes to remove ISS completely in the future.

“I would like to do away with (ISS), but everything has a purpose for now,” Johnson-Nixon said. “When we look at how we discipline our students we want to make sure we’re giving them every opportunity to be in a classroom.”

Science teacher Pat Hartman said while he handles most issues that arise in his

Photo illustration Grace Farley

All alone: After disuse during the first six weeks of school, the ISS room, A206. will be used less by teachers according to the new policy. classroom, he believes the ISS room is beneficial.

“I try to handle things within the classroom, but I think that there are times where, if you aren’t able to do your job as a teacher or if kids aren’t learning, sometimes if a kid is having a bad day or something like that, it’s nice to have a place for them to go,” Hartman said.

Freshman Grace Kanyinku said her classmates and teacher leaving the classroom during a discipline situation had negative impacts on the rest of the class.

“Half the class was gone because it was a big chunk of people that did it, so a lot of people, whose partners were the people taking out, were deprived of help, so they had to do a lot of the stuff by themselves,” Kanyinku said.

Kanyinku said she thinks the ISS room should be used because it allows students to keep up in their classes.

“Personally I think that administration should (use ISS), because as far as I know,

when you’re in Total in-school ISS all you do is suspensions do your work, you do your 2015-16 207 work all day,” Kanyinku said.

2014-15 208 Johnson2013-14 238 Nixon said teachers should 2012-13 312 aim to interest Infographic Annabella Strathman all students in Source Minnesota Department class in hopes of Education to decrease the number of disciplinary incidents at Park.

“It’s critical for us that when there’s an issue with a student in the classroom, teachers are looking at how the information is presented, how they’re engaging the students and making strategic changes to what they’re doing so the incidents don’t occur,” Johnson-Nixon said. “When a student is engaged in the learning and they are driving the learning, your discipline problems drop significantly.”

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I think (stick and poke tattoos) are pretty cool, but I don’t think that I’d get one because you would have to make sure that it’s more safe.

Maya Lee, freshman

OTHER

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

A sticky legal situation Stick and poke tattoos cause health concerns Evelyn Nelson evelynnelson@slpecho.com

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ccording to the Minnesota Department of Health, stick and poke tattoos have become a dangerous craze for adolescents, who turn to this form of expression despite the risks.

According to Catherine Lloyd, manager of both the Health Occupations Program and Mortuary Science Section of the Minnesota Department of Health, the Body Art Program About stick and poke tattoos regulates the laws surrounding stick and poke tattoo art Possible health concerns and oversees the repercusCannot donate blood for up to a year sions if the procedures are not after receiving a stick and poke. performed by a professional technician in a licensed estabContraction of: lishment.

• Hepatitis B Lloyd said she helps regu• Hepatitis C late these laws and encour• HIV ages their enforcement.

“It is illegal to tattoo Legal concerns anyone under the age of 18, • A misdemeanor on permanent and also persons who provide record tattooing or create body art • Fine of up to $200 should always be licensed by our agency,” Lloyd said.

How to acquire one legally “We as an agency don’t At age 18, go to a licensed recommend these do-itestablishment and technician to get a yourself tattoos because body tattoo done professionally artists should be licensed by us, and it should be done in a Infographic Evelyn Nelson licensed establishment.”

Source Minnesota Department of Health According to the Minnesota Statutes, misdemeanors for underage tattooing without a license include a fi ne of up to $200.

Junior Grace Adams-Maass said although she understands why people get stick and poke tattoos, she believes they are dangerous.

Photo illustration Grace Farley

“If you try hard to keep it clean and sterile then it won’t be that bad, but they don’t always turn out perfectly. People can execute them to make them look good, but other times they fade quickly so they don’t look good for a longer period of time,” Adams-Maass said.

Body Art Program representative at the Department of Health Rishu Garg said he thinks the younger demographic should be informed about possible illnesses arising from do-ityourself tattoos.

“There are bloodborne pathogens that are associated with this procedure if it is not done in a sterile way or in an unsanitary way. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C (and) HIV are among the most deadly infections that a person can receive if the procedure is not done correctly,” Garg said.

Junior Isaak Kimmel said he believes if students wish to get a tattoo, they should wait to get it done professionally.

“If you are going to get a tattoo, you might as well get a tattoo that is cool and high quality,” Kimmel said. “If it is going to be low quality then it is probably not worth it.”

Lloyd said the Department of Health should seek to educate parents about the legality of stick and poke tattoos.

“It is the parents that end up being truly involved when someone under the age of 18 comes home with a tattoo,” Catherine Lloyd Minnesota Department of Health Lloyd said. “We could certainly come up with a communication plan or maybe do some research on how to best provide information to parents and students about this whole body art industry.”

Senior Liam Sivanich said he believes everyone is entitled to their personal expression and hopes they will respect individuals’ choices.

“If your buddy has a tattoo or a stick and poke, that doesn’t necessarily mean he is bad or a rebel, he just has a tattoo,” Sivanich said.

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It is illegal to tattoo anyone under the age of 18, and also persons who provide tattooing or create body art should always be licensed by our agency.

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Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

For what it’s WORTH Hadeal Rizeq hadealrizeq@ slpecho.com

The hijab after four years

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FEATURES

hen I made the shift from showing my hair in public to wearing the hijab four years ago in October 2013, it represented a clearer perspective on my life.

Since I started wearing the hijab, it has been easier for me to speak about topics and events going on in the world and establish higher confidence in the actions I do. I have been able to get out of my comfort zone and express myself in ways I never thought I could. Since freshman year, I’ve joined more clubs and allowed myself to stand out in other things that I thought were impossible for a hijabi to do.

The hijab for me has been used as the backbone in a lot of accomplishments, allowing me to stand out in unique ways. My hijab allows me to better understand and sympathize with people of other cultures because I understand what it means to be looked at differently.

When I apply information as a girl wearing a hijab, I feel like I bring something special for hijabis as well as non-hijabis. This reveals a lesson about ability in terms of how having What’s the something POINT? different than the Anything can majorhold meaning ity doesn’t to a person diminand the world ish your chances of being just as successful in life.

When I hear about people being discriminated against, I feel as if I can relate to them because I know what it’s like to feel belittled.

In so many ways, many tragic occurrences I have heard about in the media allowed me to strengthen my character in the following areas: injustice, discrimination and undeserved stereotypes. It is easier for me to admire my passions and strengthen my character, especially since I am used to hearing about all of the heartbreak and discrimination hijabis have gone through in public.

One of the things I have learned from wearing the hijab is that personality is one of the only things you can sincerely cherish, no matter how you look. By wearing the hijab and becoming more involved in both the Muslim and non-Muslim community, people are more likely to listen to what I have to say, which opens up opportunities for others. This makes me feel like a superhero in my hijab because there is nothing better than living in times of positive breakthroughs.

“I know what the play is, and I am very curious to see how the high school will perform (the musical).

Jade Shionoya, freshman

‘Big Fish’ concludes first weekend Cast and crew look to final performances Nicole Sanford nicolesanford@slpecho.com

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alking into the auditorium Sunday afternoon, freshman Lily Strathman said she knew very little about the musical “Big Fish” prior to attending.

“My sister’s in it, (but) I knew nothing about ‘Big Fish.’ I didn’t know anything,” Strathman said. “(The show) was good, I expected it to be good.”

Senior Thomas Bryant said while the first three shows encountered minor technical issues, the cast successfully overcame those obstacles. “(The first shows) went amazingly well,” Bryant said. “There were some little technical things, the scene changes that just kind of had to come together. But it’s theater, everything is spontaneous so sometimes stuff goes wrong, but you just recover.”

According to director Jodi Hatzenbeller, the cast spent its last week of rehearsal perfecting the difficult aspects of the show.

“There’s just a lot of technical elements

Photo Cecil Jacobson

Father & son: “Big Fish” cast members fourth grader Zach Stillman and sophomore Isaac Wahl perform opening number “Be the Hero.” coming together, a lot of scene shifts, a lot of costume changes that until we put them all together, we didn’t really realize how complicated it was going to be,” Hatzenbeller said.

According to Strathman, the show portrayed a variety of themes suitable for any audience. “(The show is) good for everyone of all ages,” Strathman said. “I liked that it was sad and dramatic, but it’s also really funny at the same time.”

Hatzenbeller said the cast accounts for the spontaneity of live performances and the actors and crew respond well to unexpected mishaps. “(The shows have) gone well. There’s always hiccups with things that go wrong, but that’s kind of the excitement of live theater,” Hatzenbeller said. “The cast has done a really good job at (recovering from mistakes).”

Big Fish Information When: 7 p.m. Nov. 17–18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19 Where: Auditorium Cost:

$10 for adults & $7 for students Infographic Maddie Lund Source Jodi Hatzenbeller

Bryant said he looks forward to continuing performances next weekend.

“Just getting to tell the story three more times (is exciting) because it’s just such a fun and amazing show,” Bryant said. “(The audience should) get ready to be amazed.”

“Big Fish”performances will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 17-18 and 2 p.m. Nov. 19 in the auditorium. Admission costs $10 for adults and $7 for students.

Student group becomes Black Student Union African Middle Eastern Association switches name at first meeting Emma Kempf emmakempf@slpecho.com

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fter the first meeting of the group formerly known as the African Middle Eastern Association, sophomore Fahmo Jama said she found a safe space within the club.

“You can talk about your feelings and what’s going on in the world and things you can do to help the environment and the community,” Jama said.

Group adviser Christopher Weaver said the group's purpose is to provide a comfortable environment for students of color. “(The group provides) a safe space for students of color to process what it’s like being in St. Louis Park schools, to process what’s going on in the world (and) to take on some social activism stuff,” Weaver said.

Co-leader of the student group and senior Osman Sheikh said the group changed its name to include a wider range of people.

“I felt the (African Middle Eastern) group was actually a beneficial group, and I wanted to open up not just to Somali people, but to all African Americans, all people who want to be a part of it,” Sheikh said.

According to Sheikh, the group laid out

Photo Abby Intveld

Collaborative discussion: Black Student Union met third hour Oct. 24. Co-leader of the group senior Osman Sheikh and adviser Christopher Weaver led the meeting to discuss the union. a blueprint for this year and discussed the club’s purpose and future plans at the first meeting.

“Since we’re making (the group) more inclusive to everybody, we’re kind of starting anew,” Sheikh said. “There (are) multiple ideas that are going (around), like having this be a support group or have a fundraiser for people in Africa or (raising) black awareness. It’s a place where we can take action.”

Weaver said during the last school year, the group engaged in several letter writing campaigns, including one to the administration after the hijab incident and the presidential election.

“There was no overall, ‘hey folks, we care about everybody’s message’ (from the administration). Everybody wrote to the admin and had them basically voice how they felt about being here,” Weaver said.

Sheikh said he hopes the meeting established the group as a foundation for action.

“We definitely want to plan something

Goals for the year Taking on social activism

Talking about and processing world events

Providing a safe space for students of color Infographic Sam St. Clair and Abby Intveld Source Christopher Weaver

for the school or an event that people can participate in,” Sheikh said. “(With) this meeting, I’m hoping to set a path for people to follow. (I hope) to give (group members) a chance to run something and be a part of something, a group where they can express their voices.”

For more information on how to join the Black Student Union, talk to Christopher Weaver in the Learning Lab.

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Poetry is meaningful to people in general because you can reach any type of audience.

FEATURES

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Samyukta Yenamandra, senior

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In the SPOTLIGHT

Junior expresses himself through poems Adam Kowski promotes his poetry on social media

Adam Kowski, junior When did you start writing poetry?

I started writing poetry when my grandpa died. His death was really big in my life because he’s the one that got me started with bowling, and we’d always hang out on the weekends over the summer. I hadn’t lost any family members before him, so when he died it hit me really, really hard. The first poem I wrote was about him and how it was tough losing someone and that I missed him.

What inspires your poetry?

I want to save the kids that feel like they’re not loved or wanted or feel like they don’t have friends. Hopefully by reading my poems they’ll know I’m here for them and there’s someone there for them, and they aren’t alone and aren’t the only one who is struggling.

What are your poems about?

They’re generally about people feeling alone and struggling with depression and suicide — heavy topics like that, that people nowadays aren’t really comfortable talking about.

Photo Creston Halstead

Expression: Junior Adam Kowski writes a poem during class on Monday, Nov.6. He uploads his poems to his Instagram account dedicated to poetry. Follow him @poems_by_kowski on Instagram.

How often do you write?

I try and write a poem everyday, but with my schedule it’s not that easy. But if I post a poem on Instagram once a day or at least write a poem a day, then I feel like I am doing something productive.

What inspired you to create an instagram account for your poetry?

I struggled with suicidal thoughts a couple years ago and what really helped me was talking with my friends who told me I wasn’t alone, so I want people to know they aren’t alone and that I’ve been through what they are struggling with too. When people read an article or a poem that makes them feel less alone, it can help them, so I wanted

to create a way for people to read my poetry easily so they can feel loved and welcomed.

What do you hope comes from people seeing your poetry?

I hope that when people read my poetry they think good thoughts and try to make the world a better place and just be more productive citizens. Or if there is somebody who is really depressed, or thinking of suicide, maybe I can help them not feel alone and want to be with other people in society and live to tell their story.

Abby Intveld abbyintveld@slpecho.com

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IN-DEPTH

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Ben Klepfer junior

Contraceptives covered by the Affordable Care Act Oral contraceptive pills 94-96% effective

The pill is taken once a day for as long as pregnancy prevention is wanted.

Concerns arise ov Availability of reproductive health resources threatened Maddie Lund & Emma Yarger maddielund@slpecho.com emmayarger@slpecho.com

Test your knowledge

Suspected health care changes

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Which birth control is circular shaped and must be changed once a month?

A) Nuvaring B) IUD C) ‘The Pill’ The Depo shot must be reinjected every 5 months.

A) True B) False

What is the length of the contraceptive implant or Nexplanon rod?

A) 4 in B) 7 mm C) 3 cm How often should the pill be taken?

A) Once a month B) Every day C) 3 times a week What are the side effects of the Ortho Eva or the patch?

A) Reduced acne B) Headaches C) Both

ccording to senior Khyla Bonine, changes to the Affordable Care Act may inhibit her ability to receive birth control.

“I get (birth control) through that state aid insurance so I’m in a low income household. I might not be able to get it anymore at all,” Bonine said. “I might have to pay a ton of money every month just to get it, just to be protected.” innesota Sen. of District 46 Ron Latz said changes to the Affordable Care Act will give employers more liberty to deny coverage for reproductive health services.

“The efforts to allow employers that at least have religious objections to be able to refuse to provide abortion services in connection with reproductive health as a part of their healthcare coverage,” Latz said. “There’s a legal, judicial decision involved in that and the Trump administration has reversed the federal government’s position in that legal case as well.”

According to Bigos, President Trump would like to allow more businesses to opt out of covering birth control for their employees.

“He’s trying to open up the exemptions to allow more religiously affiliated groups to then claim that they are exempt from providing contraception care for patients,” Bigos said.

(Trump is) trying Pieper-Bercham said because many women are on the pill for various to open up the reasons outside of pregnancy prevenexemptions tion she thinks it is unfair the Trump to allow more administration would withhold insurance for birth control. religiously affiliated “Some people are on the pill for groups to then other reasons other than preventing claim that they pregnancy, and to deny somebody are exempt medication that’s going to help them feel better, when in essence it could from providing have nothing to do with pregnancy contraception care prevention, I don’t think is fair,” for patients.

Pieper-Bercham said.

According to Sen. Latz, the effect Matthew Bigos M.D. of these policy changes could increase the amount of young adults

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The IUD is inserted into the uterus.

A) True B) False

Answer A, B, A, C, B, C

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Having a kid is a big decision and it changes people’s lives and I feel like people should be able to control what happens in their lives.

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who won’t “The big will actuall have a lot m to healthca unwanted p rate as a re Junior N control is a governmen “I think (birth contr every wom she needs a choice and

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exual H Djerf sa fordable he “There i school) and the school d they have t able option Accordi teaches stud “Our ju week talkin people have Pieper-Berc and anythin planning m Bonifas services tha of.

“We wil Depo shot. anons,” Bo ted infectio Bigos sa regarding b “We pro able,” Bigo options fro permanent Bonine s cause other “I feel li trol) and ta that everyo

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I think that (women) should have control over their own body and that it shouldn’t be up to a man to decide what a woman does with their body.

IN-DEPTH

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Izzy Kanne sophomore

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Nexplanon

99.9% effective Small implanted rod that goes inside arm, right under the skin.

Injections

97-99% effective Progestin shot that protects against pregnancy for 3 months

Intrauterine device (IUD)

Nuvaring

99.7% effective

98-99% effective

Two types of IUDs inclusing hormonal and copper.

Ring is placed inside vagina for three weeks and taken out during mestration.

Ortho evra

92-99% effective Patch places on the skin to prevent pragnancy.

Infographic Izzy Leviton Source Matthew Bigos Drugs.com, healthywomen.org & everydayhealth.com

ver possible birth control legislature

have access to healthcare. gger problem is that some of these proposed changes ly go through and restrict access,” Latz said. “We will more uninsured young adults who will have less access are. As a direct result, you may well end up with more pregnancies and probably an increase in the abortion esult of that.”

Nyah Johnson said she thinks using any form of birth a woman’s choice and should not be decided by the nt. k it should be a choice whether a woman should get rol) or not. I don’t think it should be illegal or that man should have one,” Johnson said. “If a woman think an IUD or if she wants to be on birth control, it’s her she should be able to.”

Places that offer reproductive health services OGBYN WEST

Birth control services in Park

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t is reproductive health

Health Education Club (SHEC) president senior Philip aid there are many options for students to receive afealthcare. is Central Clinic which is a block away from (the high d (students) can get a pass from a teacher to go during day,” Djerf said. “I don’t want students to think that to go to a store to buy something because there’s affordns right down the street from us.” ing to Pieper-Bercham, the health curriculum at Park dents about contraceptives during their junior year. unior year, one of the weeks of health we spend the ng about the different types of birth control, the options e and the effectiveness of the birth control methods,” cham said. “(We talk about) just really pros and cons ng you would want to know and also of the family method.” said Central Clinic in St. Louis Park provides many at both male and female students can take advantage

ll provide condoms, we have pills and we have the . We can refer people to places to get IUDs or Nexplonifas said. “We offer screenings for sexually transmitons as well. There is a urine test or as a self swab.” aid OBGYN West provides support services to patients birth control options. ovide all of the birth control services that are availos said. “We are happy to counsel patients on any om abstinence, which is one end of the spectrum, to sterilization which is the other end of the spectrum.” said she feels comfortable talking about the issue ber students have similar experiences as her. ike a lot more people are more open about (birth conalking about it,” Bonine said. “I feel like it’s something one does and everyone goes through and it’s a private

thing but everyone goes through it so it’s kind of easier to talk about it with people who are in the same situation.”

According to Johnson, SHEC is another resource for students to go to if they have questions about birth control or sexual health in general.

“I think we have a really good health program with (clubs) like SHEC. I think it’s cool that we have that and that we have students who are like ‘if you need this we can get it for you,’” Johnson said. “They are really helpful in making sure you have safe sex and that you have birth control and IUDs and I think that’s super cool because not a lot of schools have stuff like this.”

Appointment necessary Offer pill, injection, ring, IUD and morning after pill

PLANNED PARENTHOOD

Appointment necessary Offers a multitude of birth control methods and abortion services

CENTRAL CLINIC

No appointment necessary Has birth control pills, condoms, depo shots on site Infographic Hanna Schechter Source Planned Parenthood, OBGYN West & Central Clinic

irth control ranges from the abstinence method to permanent sterilization and everything in between, said OBGYN West doctor Matthew Bigos.

“Birth control works in many different ways and it all depends on which type you are looking at and how it prevents pregnancy.

All types of birth control prevent conception,” Bigos said.

According to Bigos, one effective type of birth control is the intrauterine device (IUD) a contraceptive device inserted into the uterus. Bigos said the devices are not permanent, but they are long-lasting.

“An IUD is a contraceptive device that falls into the category that we call long-acting reversible contraceptives, and we make that an acronym and call them LARC,” Bigos said. “LARCs are very good for use for women in their reproductive years because it is a way for women to use a form of birth control that is exceptionally reliable and is easy to maintain for a long time.”

According to Park Nicollet doctor Amy Bonifas, there are two common types of IUDs. “There is a hormonal (IUD) and there is a non-hormonal (IUD) that contains copper. The hormonal one works by thickening your cervical mucus so sperm can’t get through into the uterus,” Bonifas said. “The copper one works mostly by releasing copper ions, which do make the uterus unfriendly to a pregnancy.”

Health teacher Amy Pieper-Bercham said apart from IUDs, many women choose to take birth control pills not only for contraception, but also for other reproductive health reasons.

“The pill is really common, and a lot of people are on the pill not just for birth control but for cramps and other symptoms of menstruation,” Pieper-Bercham said. “The pill and condoms are the most commonly used forms (of birth control).”

Senior Khyla Bonine said she takes the birth control pill ‘Nikki’ as a contraceptive, as well as to regulate her period. “(I use birth control) so I don’t get pregnant, to balance out my hormones and also my period used to be really irregular all the time and now that I’m on (birth control) I know exactly when it’s going to be,” Bonine said.

8

SPORTS

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Out of the PARK

“

I think it is a big accomplishment and it is really impressive because they have never made it before.

Savannah Kjaer, senior

Adam Johnson adamjohnson@ slpecho.com

The effort others don’t see

A

s I started taking tennis lessons with a new coach, I could tell he was different, but in a great way.

He was not only able to teach me the technique required to become a better player but he also helped me to understand the importance of small details and the right attitude tennis demands.

One conversation last spring, in particular, with my tennis coach abruptly changed my tennis training perspective. During a private tennis lesson with my coach, he told me to toss my racket aside and sit down.

While doing so he posed a rhetorical question to What’s the me, asking POINT? if I wanted the chance to be a truly good, or even great tennis player.

Up until the summer before my senior year I felt as if I was doing what was necessary to become a better athlete and tennis player. I attended summer practice sessions for two and a half hours a day for five days a week, ate a healthy diet and competed in tournaments.

My coach further explained to me how people often dissociate athletes’ hard work as talent when people see athletes effortlessly performing. He told me it’s what the public doesn’t see that defines an athlete.

That one discussion prompted me to take initiative as I began to conceptualize that it wasn’t my coaches or parents job to make me into a successful tennis player, but my own, and I had to seize the opportunity.

This past summer, I continued with the group lessons I had been doing for several years but added a tennis specific strength training regiment three days a week.

In addition, I spent any time I could out on the court practicing my serve or using a ball machine for hours until the tennis facility closed.

Each day seemed to wear on me more than the next, but determined, I continued to put in all my effort. The progress seemed slow but nonetheless I wasn’t going to allow myself to quit.

As I have played practice matches this fall, I have beat opponents I lost to just three months before.

I now realize I am responsible for my growth and each decision I make to go the extra step when my body aches or it’s too cold has defined me as an athlete and ultimately accelerated my growth.

Early mornings and late nights define athletes

Photo Josh Halper

The final minutes: Senior Kai McKee and junior Akili Farris embrace in the last seconds of the State Quarterfinals game against Brainerd. Brainerd defeated Park 24-7 in Park’s first ever State appearance. Park also had their first winning season since 1972.

Park’s historic season ends at St. Cloud Orioles fall to Brainerd in State quarter-finals Sam Birnberg, Adam Johnson & William Phelan sambirnberg@slpecho.com adamjohnson@slpecho.com williamphelan@slpecho.com

P

ark’s historic season came to an end as the football team fell to the Brainerd Warriors in the 5A State Quarter-finals by a score of 7-24. The Orioles finished the regular season with a 7-3 record, the Section 5AAAAA Championship and the State playoff berth.

Head coach Ben Wolfe said despite the final result, he was impressed by the team’s performance both throughout the season and in last Saturday’s game.

“It was an honor to be there. The kids played really hard and overall I am proud of their effort,” Wolfe said.

Senior Skyler Rudelius-Palmer said the team was underestimated from the begin-

ning of the season by others, yet always had high standards for themselves.

“I think the team performed better than expected,” Rudelius-Palmer said, “We were able to execute and finally get (to State).”

Wolfe said he felt the team accomplished its historic feats through hard work, dedication and perseverance, providing the season can provide a foundation for future teams to build upon.

“It was phenomenal for everything to fall in place this season as it did. It really just gives us validation that some of the stuff we are doing is working,” Wolfe said.

Senior Kai Mckee said playing his last game alongside his teammates was bittersweet.

“After our game at State, we returned to the locker room very emotional. The seniors and I said our final goodbyes to everyone as players and as teammates,” Mckee said.

Wolfe said he hopes the team truly recognizes the special things they accomplished this season and its positive effect on the school. He said the team’s historic run will remain prominent in the record books and in their hearts.

“We had a ton of fun with it, and it is definitely something that will stay with these boys for a long time,” Wolfe said.

Wolfe said the coaching staff plans to build upon this season’s success for next year by replicating the same hard work and fight the team had this season.

“We hope this season has made kids more excited about getting involved in football, and bolstering our talent pools for the coming years,” Wolfe said.

Rudelius-Palmer said he was proud to have achieved the team’s goals, including the Section Championship and reaching State for the first time in program history.

“I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else,” Rudelius-Palmer said.

Swimmers qualify for State Hattie Kugler, relay team anticipates meet Maddie Lund & Sophie Yarosh maddielund@slpecho.com, sophieyarosh@ slpecho.com

W

hen junior Lexi Lee touched the wall finishing the 200 yard medley relay and saw her teammates screaming and jumping on the swim deck, she immediately knew the relay qualified for State.

“One thing that was super exciting was we got the exact State cut, and we got to 1:51.26,” Lee said. “That was crazy how we got close to barely getting it, and the whole race was exciting.”

According to coach Joe Yaeger, Lee, junior Claudia Stone and sophomores Franny Bevel and Hattie Kugler qualified for the 200 medley relay.

Yaeger also said after placing first in the preliminaries, Kugler took second place in the 100 breastroke, qualifying for State.

“I’m very proud of (Kugler) and what she did. It’s very hard to be ranked first after day one and then go in there and try

Photo Caroline Green

Pushing each other: Sophomore Hattie Kugler helps a teammate count laps during the 500 freestyle Sep. 7. She qualified for the State meet in the 100 yard breaststroke. to hold it, but she swam fantastically and dropped more time again on Saturday and had an outstanding race,” Yaeger said. “(In) her last 25 (yards) she really closed the gap and made (her opponents) work for it.”

Yaeger said he hopes to see time improvement for all of the swimmers.

“I would love to see this medley relay possibly go after the school record, drop a little bit more time, make day two, and then again with Hattie, the same,” Yaeger said.

Kugler said the team was full of positivity and support for the swimmers who

were participating at Sections.

“There was a lot of cheering and our team really came together on Saturday,” Kugler said. “There (were) a lot of people on the podium, which made it more fun.”

Lee said she looks forward to experiencing the spirit of those competing at the State level.

“I am looking forward to the atmosphere (at State) because it is really exciting and really competitive atmosphere,” Lee said.

The State meet will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 15 and 16 at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center.

“

(eSports is) good for kids who don’t like traditional sports but want to do something after school.

SPORTS

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Ben Bryan, sophomore

9

Meet the ATHLETE

Soccer captain earns high honor Kroeten named to second team All State Jenna Cook jennacook@slpecho.com

Who Cecelia Schemelzle Grade Junior Sport Nordic

J

unior captain Zinedine Kroeten said although being named to Minnesota’s second All State team is an honor, he doesn’t play soccer for the awards.

According to Kroeten, being part of second team All State puts him in the top percentile of high school soccer players.

“Second team All State means that some coaches decided that I was one of the 44 best field players in AA soccer out of around 1,400 athletes,” Kroeten said.

Junior teammate Spencer Enright said the team is proud of Kroeten for earning the honor and that he should be proud of himself.

“The award, to me, means you are one of the best players in Minnesota and that is something to be proud of,” Enright said.

Assistant coach Pat Hartman said the boys’ soccer team has had a few players named to All State teams over the years, but the numbers remain small.

“Some years we have a couple, some years we have one, some years we have none, so it’s always a nice honor for kids to get that,” Hartman said.

Photo Hanna Schecter

Chasing it down: Junior captain Zenedine Kroeten tracks down the ball against Bloomington Jefferson Sep. 26. The Orioles defeated the Jaguars 3-1.

Kroeten said the award could help his future soccer career, but nothing is guaranteed at this point.

“This award will probably help me get into a good soccer school, but it doesn’t automatically get you in,” Kroeten said.

Enright said the All State team helps to honor players who have put substantial effort into their teams and skills.

“This award matters because it shows how good you are. (For) the people who work hard and want to be the best they can be, it is a really great feeling,” Enright said.

Hartman said the team received the news positively, encouraging and supporting Kroeten.

“I think anytime anyone gets honored, it’s not jealousy or anything like that.

They’re all really supportive of each other,” Hartman said.

Kroeten said regardless of the award, he plans to continue to play and will return to the team next year.

“My goal is just to play as much as I can for long as I can,” Kroeten said. “I’ve just been playing my whole life and I play it because I love it.”

Second Team All State What is Second Team All State?

1.

There are 1400 AA athletes

2.

A group of coaches narrow the group down to 44

3.

The groups of 44 are split into 2 groups of 22

4.

Zinedine makes the second team Infographic Katie Hardie Source Zinedine Kroeton

I started skiing in ninth grade.

What made you join Nordic?

I was looking for a winter sport to do because I quit gymnastics, and both of my brothers skied, and the girls’ team was really small so I thought I’d give it a try.

What was your favorite memory from last season?

Last year I went to go watch (Jackson Sokolowski) at State, and we went on a night ski at 11:30 p.m. and it was at Giants Ridge. The sky was really clear and you could see the stars. We were all out there skiing in the dark and it was really fun.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for Nordic?

eSports team created

I rollerski everyday during the summer, and I do lots of different strength training and different running drills.

What would you say to somebody who is considering joining skiing for the first time?

Club opens unique to Minnesota

I would definitely tell them to try it. I had never been on skis before in my life before I joined Nordic and it’s my favorite so it’s awesome.

Jacob Stillman jacobstillman@slpecho.com

W

hen eSports team adviser Jacob Utities heard of other schools that were participating in competitive video gaming, he decided to bring it to Park.

“I came up with it last year, I heard another school had a ‘League of Legends’ team, so then I was going to put it together and turns out there is a new league called the high school eSports league that started this year,” Utities said.

According to Utities, the eSports world is growing significantly and its market is expanding.

“Last year the ‘League of Legends’ world final game had 43 million independent viewers. (eSports) is a gigantic industry now, and it is one that there is a ton of jobs in,” Utities said. “You can go to college and play or go to college to learn about the development side or marketing side.”

Senior eSports team member Ethan Sadler said he enjoys being able to continue his interest in gaming competitively.

“I love video games and doing it to get scholarships is really, really cool. I (also) like doing it against other people,” Sadler said.

Utities said similar to other sports at Park, eSports is a team with events, includ-

How long have you been Nordic skiing?

What’s the hardest part about being in Nordic?

Photo Alexis Machoka

Practice makes perfect: eSports team adviser Jacob Utities addresses the team at their meeting Nov. 9. Each week the team has two games and is required to have five hours of team practice. ing practices and games.

“We have teams, we have practices, we have team captains, that kind of stuff,” Utities said. “(We) have two games a week, one during the week and one on Saturdays, and then we meet every Thursday after school.”

Utities said he believes eSports is a unique opportunity for students who do not participate in other athletics to enjoy a sport.

“It gives students an opportunity to shine at school who typically wouldn’t have that opportunity in the past,” Utities said. “I think it is really misunderstood because people think video games, waste of time, etc., but really this is a sport, we are competing against other teams.”

According to Sadler, eSports is gaining popularity and will continue to grow in the future.

“(eSports) is not a joke. It is something that kids love and enjoy and it even attracts the younger adult audience. It is enormous and it is growing bigger,” Sadler said.

Fun Facts about eSports •

eSports revenue reached half a billion dollars in 2016

•

There are an estimated 131 million eSports enthusiasts

•

61 percent of eSports viewers are under the age of 35.

Infographic Jacob Stillman Source alistdaily.com

Probably finding what kind of training works for you, because there’s lots of different training methods out there and you kind of have to find out what works for your body and where you need to be at.

Who are your role models in Nordic?

Jessie Diggins is my favorite skier.

She’s from Stillwater, Minnesota and this will be her second time at the Olympics. She’s now a world-class skier and she started off just as a high school skier.

Do you have any goals for this season?

I’m hoping to qualify for the Midwest Junior National Team and to qualify for State.

Brooklyn Donelson brooklyndonelson@slpecho.com

“

10 OPINIONS

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Echo

Editors-in-chief: *Mimi Fhima & *Annabella Strathman Managing editors: *Anna duSaire, Alec Pittman, *Dani Orloff & *Atticus Raasch Copy editors: *Alex Balfour, Elise Riley, *Nicole Sanford & *Sophie Yarosh Design editors: Devin Raynor & Sam St. Clair Photo editors: Caroline Green, *Grace Farley & *Emma Kempf Assistant photo editor: Breanna Thompson News editors: Yonit Krebs & Sumaya Mohamed Features editors: Amaia Barajas & Maddie Lund In-Depth editors: *Isabel Leviton & Hanna Schechter Sports editor:s: Sam Birnberg & Jacob Stillman Opinions editors: *Hannah Leff & *Lukas Levin Entertainment editor: *Isaac Wert Web design editors: Josh Halper & Adam Johnson Profile editor: *Ndunzi Kunsunga Staff: Karon Adams, Tjessa Arradondo, Beck Bergland, Malaika Bigirindavyi, David Bryant, Natalia Caraballo, Culver Carden, Jenna Cook, Eli Curran-Moore, Nietzsche Deuel, Brooklyn Donelson, Racquel Fhima, Esther Gendler, Tenzin Gyaldatsang, Katie Hardie, Calvin Hatcher, Marta Hill, Abigail Intveld, Avia Kaner-Roth, Isabel Kjaer, Samantha Klepfer, Alexis Machoka, Kimon Malone, Evelyn Nelson, Sophie Olmen, William Phelan, Carissa Prestholt, Hadeal Rizeq, Mara Zapata, Ruby Stillman, Isaac Wahl, Hayley Westwood &

If no one speaks up (about sexual assault) nothing is going to happen and no one is going to stop it.

Sam Sietsma, sophomore

Our Perspective

Drug policy should be more accessible

A

ccording to the student handbook, “possession, use or being under the influence of any narcotic, drug or controlled substance, alcohol or other mood-altering substance, while on school grounds” is prohibited. However, the Echo editorial board feels students have not been made blatantly aware of the specific practices.

Policies state any signs giving the administration reason to suspect a student of using or distributing drugs, such as a certain smell, allows the administration and staff permission to search a student’s belongings. Students can be suspended from school for up to five days for their first offense if they are found possessing anything implying the use or distribution of prohibited substances.

Anything on school property is liable to be searched, such as lockers as well as cars in the school parking lot. However, the regulations on searches are not in the student handbook and are not easily accessible for students. The handbook being available exclusively online without any physical form makes these policies even

Art Nietzsche Deuel

Blowing smoke: Students need to be aware of the practices in order to avoid suspension, while the school needs to be more apparent of said practices. less accessible to students.

Especially because students are not given physical copies of the handbook, it should still be made as accessible as possible for students. Even though students signed off on the handbook online at the beginning of the year, it’s not as if all the rules can be remembered after one glance especially if not all details are explicitly outlined.

The Echo editorial board believes these policies should be made more apparent and the student handbook should include all the intricacies of the consequences of smelling like marijuana or other narcotics.

Students have not been fairly made aware of these rules and thus are at risk of being accused of drug use even if they do not use narcotics and simply are around people who do. When something as serious as a student’s education is at stake, students should be as informed as possible.

In addition, the Echo editorial board implores the student body to be more aware of Park policies and ensure they are never at risk of suspension or expulsion.

This includes reading the student handbook and ensuring students are aware of other practices to avoid risk of suspension or expulsion.

Emma Yarger Business manager: Yonah Davis 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 Online Pacemaker Finalist; CSPA Gold Medalist; 2013 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014, 2016 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All-State.

National parks to increase admission fee Comment period runs until November Yonit Krebs yonitkrebs@slpecho.com

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ccording to The New York Times, U.S. national parks are considering increasing their admission fees at 17 popular parks to combat record-high numbers of visitors. The revenue from these proposed increases would go to maintenance and infrastructure projects.

According to National Public Radio, the increased fees would only be in place during each park’s busiest season. According to the National Park Service, a 30-day comment period where anyone can give feedback on the proposed fees opened Oct. 24 and will close Nov. 23.

Some parks, including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Zion, would charge $70 per vehicle as opposed to the current $30. According to the statement announcing the decision by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, this increase in admission would address the $11 million backlog in park maintenance.

The Trump administration’s 2018 budget proposal includes a $400 million cut from national parks. When proposing these increased fees, the administration

Photo Cecil Jacobson Grand views: Some national parks, including Grand Canyon, will increase admission from $30 to $70 per vehicle because of the need of $11 million of park maintenance. neglected to mention the National Park Service Legacy Act, a proposed bipartisan bill in Congress, which seeks to redirect $12 million in federal oil and gas royalties toward park maintenance.

Perhaps legislation could be used as a means to provide funds to update park infrastructure, instead of placing the burden on park visitors.

The purpose of national parks is to make nature and its beauty more accessible to the public in sustainable ways.

By raising prices for visitors, traveling to popular national parks becomes a more exclusive enterprise.

According to the National Park Service, the 17 parks the proposed fee affects are the parks that collect 70 percent of total entrance fees.

Summer is a prime time for students to

To the drug policy: Some people just smell bad.

Art Devin Raynor

take road trips and visit these gorgeous national parks, and putting these exorbitant fees in place during the summer means fewer students will be able to benefit from these parks.

Admission fees provide revenue for parks to keep up with infrastructure maintenance, but the public should not be burdened with these costs.

Instead, a budget proposal cutting national parks’ financial resources by the same administration seeking to raise admission prices should be scrutinized, and legislation seeking to alleviate the problem should be considered.

Feedback can be submitted to the National Park Service at the National Park Service website or written to 1849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop: 2346 Washington, DC 20240.

To Taylor Swift: I could be your next boyfriend...

To Edward Bloom in Big Fish: Roses are better

A.R., L.L., C.H.

“

I think the wolves need protection but if they’re harming livestock that can be a major problem.

OPINIONS

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Will Mathews, sophomore

11

#MeToo creates awareness for sexual abuse Social media provides positive place for healing Nietzsche Deuel nietzschedeuel@slpecho.com

T

he #MeToo campaign was designed to show the magnitude of sexual assault toward women.

Women who have faced these issues are encouraged to post on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter “#MeToo” if they were a victim of sexual assault or harassment.

According to The New York Times, on Oct. 15, actress Alyssa Milano started the #MeToo campaign when she asked women on Twitter who had been sexually assaulted or harassed to retweet #MeToo to show the mass number of women who have been sexually assaulted or harassed.

When a woman in a situation of abuse opens her social media and sees the vast amount of other women who have experienced something similar, she may begin to recognize she is not alone.

The campaign may have been started to just bring awareness to this issue, but it can also bring hope.

Victims can see they are not the only ones experiencing awful and sickening acts of violence. #MeToo creates a community that can bring women together to open up and connect.

Although the campaign is used to show how many

women are sexually assaulted, people need to remember it doesn’t just happen to women. According to RAINN, the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the nation, one out of 10 victims of sexual abuse or assault are men.

Men, women and children are all victims of sexual assault or harassment — this is not a small issue.

According to Mental Health America, rape can lead to post traumatic stress disorder and other mental illnesses such as depression, addiction disorders, anxiety and eating disorders. Rape is a grotesque action and it can happen anywhere. According to RAINN, every 98 seconds someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.

Even though so many are writing #MeToo on their timelines, if someone isn’t ready to let people know that someone has violated their body, then they shouldn’t feel pressured to share. However, they should take solace in knowing they are not alone.

The #MeToo campaign is a great way to begin to show the substantial amount of women who are sexually abused or assaulted. For someone to admit to friends and family they have been in a situation where they were sexually assaulted or harassed takes strength and courage. However, if someone has been through something and does not or cannot post #MeToo, it does not mean they are not strong. It simply means they are not ready and that is okay.

Photo illustration Hayley Westwood

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Minnesota to extend funds to trap wolves

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the renewal of funding to help farmers and ranchers control wolves that prey on livestock. The state cited growing population as reason for renewal.

Wolf trapping must be prevented

Capturing wolves necessary Overpopulation needs to be addressed now Atticus Raasch atticusraasch@slpecho.com

T

hough severely endangered in 2011, gray wolves in Minnesota have risen to populations two times the nation’s limit for endangered species.

Continuing to trap wolves is necessary in order to control the damages the wolves pose.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the federal recovery goal for increase in wolf population is 1,400 wolves.

The current population of 2,800 wolves was an unintended number that will only go up without population control efforts.

In Minnesota last year, a total

PARK TRAIL

of 157 complaints were lodged regarding wolf-related attacks on livestock and pets, most of which occurred in Northern Minnesota.

This number will only increase if more wolves are roaming free.

Not only do these attacks devastate struggling families, but they tear apart pets and domesticated animals important to many families.

The money for protection of families and livestock will also come at little to no cost to Minnesotans, as all of the money used is provided from grants.

In October, the Department of Natural Resources ran out of funding for the trapping efforts.

New funding was found once again with $120,000 that the Department of Agriculture was able to receive from their annual grants.

Wolf statistics

•

Wolf population in MN has increased by 600 in the past year

•

The average number of MN attacks on domesticated animals is 175 per year

•

$120,000 given to trapping efforts

by Department of Agriculture

Infographic Atticus Raasch and Alec Pittman Source Minnesota DNR

Hunts will only continue the cycle of depopulation Alec Pittman alecpittman@slpecho.com

H

unting wolves should not be allowed until wolf populations reach a healthy number above their current status and are considered a threat to safety.

Those in favor of trapping wolves for the purpose of preventing the death of livestock are incorrect. According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, “the 1977 Minnesota Legislature authorized the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to reimburse livestock owners for losses caused by wolves.”

Although unfortunate for livestock, allowing hunting practices to continue and wolf numbers to

remain unaffected allows nature to take its course.

Not only are wolves the name of one of Minnesota’s professional athletic teams, wolves serve as a favorite of Minnesotans. A survey conducted by the Department of Natural Resources found people look at the wolf “as ecologically important, aesthetically attractive, recreationally appealing and significant for future generations.”

Wolves naturally control populations, such as deer and coyote, helping to sustain order in the Minnesota ecosystem. The trapping of wolves could lead to their return to near extinct levels, thus causing an unsafe increase in the population of their prey.

Wolves should be allowed to naturally hunt and exist unless they pose an issue to the safety of people.

Nietzsche Deuel nietzschedeuel@slpecho.com

Red Woods

Yellowstone

Put your phone away!

I paid an extra 50¢ to be here!

Grand Canyon

Zion

“

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Echo Wednesday, November 15, 2017

I like Taylor Swift because she’s honest and true to herself as an artist.

Grace Wolgemuth, senior

OPPOSING REVIEWS

Swift’s divisive ‘Reputation’

Photo used with fair use from Mert and Marcus

METRO AT A GLANCE Isaac Wert isaacwert@slpecho.com

Photos used with permission from Lionsgate, The Orpheum, Echo File Folder, Disney

Self-aware and melodramatic masterpiece “Reputation” proves Swift is in on the joke

Swift’s new album, “Reputation,” doesn’t ‘belong with me’

Isaac Wert isaacwert@slpecho.com

Hanna Schechter hannaschechter@slpecho.com

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aylor Swift, following the monstrous success of her fifth album, “1989,” intentionally disappeared from the public eye. Now coming out of hibernation, Swift’s new masterpiece “Reputation” unshrouds her industrial synth-pop wonderland, redefining her artistry and personal narrative.

“Reputation’s” sonic pallet, for those familiar with her previous music, sounds like a mix of “Bad Blood’s” trap with “I Knew You Were Trouble’s” dubstep.

“Reputation” is dark, atmospheric and thoroughly electronic.

The album’s lyrical content centers around two themes, love and revenge. While Swift’s lyrics are good, they are by no means her best work. “Reputation’s” libretto grows reductive and repetitive throughout the album’s 55-minute listen. By the album’s closing track, “Reputation” seems to have cycled through not only the same lyrics, but production.

Regardless, the album does host some incredible highlights. “I Did Something Bad” is a manic adrenaline rush, perfect for gearing up for an exercise, followed by “Don’t Blame Me,” a soulful ode to Swift’s love that best demonstrates her vocal and melodic talents. The third member of the trifecta, “Delicate,” is a hauntingly beautiful song that stands out upon first listen. These three tracks, coincidently in a row on the tracklist, are great candidates for future singles.

The worst songs on “Reputation” rely too heavily on production, and in doing so, lose touch with Swift’s unique voice, specifically the noisy “King of My Heart” and Chainsmokers-esque “Dancing With Our Hands Tied.”

Diving into electronic pop, Swift successfully redefines herself as an artist on “Reputation.” But behind the album’s blaring synths and piercing hi-hats lies the “Old Taylor” Swift infamously denounced on lead single “Look What You Made Me Do.” She may don a shield of trendy synthesizers, but the “Old Taylor” is far from “dead.” Swift’s personal narrative is expanding upon, not stomping on, her previous one, outgrowing her teenage heartbreak and settling into mature love. This personal evolution glows on “Reputation.”

The album reminds me of a rainy day. After a few lightning strikes near the beginning of the album, Swift settles into the storm, finding comfort and contentment in her shelter. The darkness of the production casts a cozy shadow over Swift’s romance, effectively contrasting “1989’s” ultraviolent pop.

While “Reputation” isn’t consistently and objectively great like “1989,” it has some undeniable highs that ultimately overshadow its mediocre lows. Swift took a violent stab at the 2017 music scene, and “Reputation” hits the jugular, solidifying her place among pop’s superstars as a multi-talented, multi-faceted artist.

wift’s sixth album “Reputation” doesn’t meet expectations. The album isn’t nearly as interesting or impressive as Swift’s previous albums, “1989” or “Speak Now.” The songs on “Reputation” poorly redefine Swift’s artistry by crafting her music with overproduction and uninspired lyrics.

Throughout the album, Swift’s music sounds defensive, mechanic and emphasizes the beats over her voice.

The album does, however, diversify Swift’s catalogue, with each song providing new perspectives and attitudes towards Swift’s personal and romantic narrative.

“Gorgeous,” “Don’t Blame Me” and “I Did Something Bad” are catchy songs that avoid sounding annoying, but “Gorgeous” required repeated listens to fully digest and appreciate.

Upon listening to the album, “Don’t Blame Me” sounds like it has the most potential to be a successful single. Swift sells the track in the final chorus, when she layers her voice to create a captivating and head-bobbing sound. Although the chorus is repeated too many times throughout the song, it’s still enjoyable to listen to, which can’t be said about many of its neighboring tracks.

Throughout “Reputation,” Swift experiments with various 2017 music trends, which include dubstep and trap sounds. For non-electronic fans, songs like “Delicate” and “Call It What You Want” are instant turn-offs.

On “Delicate,” Swift uses a vocoder on the chorus, creating a synthetic sound that overshadows her real voice and ultimately takes away from the song. Music produced in this way is headache-inducing upon first listen. This robotic vocal production spans many of the tracks on the album, with Swift consistently dressing her voice up in electronic noises that take away from her potential as a human vocalist.

Swift’s “Call It What You Want,” isn’t a bad song at its core, but with its trap-lite production, listeners may struggle to maintain focus. On the song, Swift talks about her relationship with a lover — how he loves her and she loves him back because they’re equals. The song’s unoriginal lyrics and basic chord progression ultimately cause it to fade into background noise.

“Reputation” as a whole doesn’t live up to the hype. Its mechanic production takes away from the album’s potential and by introducing this style into her music, Swift’s new songs simply fade into the background.

I personally wouldn’t recommend wasting money on the album, but it ultimately depends on personal taste. While I can’t appreciate Swift’s new music, listeners who enjoy electronic music might enjoy this album.

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Tickets start at $39.

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