Echo
CHANGE
St. Louis Park continues to adjust gun laws PAGE 2
HOMECOMING Learn about Homecoming week PAGE 2
‘SWEETENER’
Ariana Grande’s new album satisfies fans PAGE 4
Tuesday, September 4, 2018 Volume 92 Issue 1 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426
SLPECHO.COM Celebrate: Seniors KJ Preston Pepperell and Rachel Mattson listen to Park band, Dopeamine, at the SLP Nest Street Party Aug. 15. The party raised awareness and fundraised for the Nest space. Other activities at the street party included a dunk tank, a bouncy house and a raffle. There were also performances by Dan Israel, Neb Bekele and Cecelia Brown.
Photo Sam St. Clair
SLP Nest to open its doors after school today New venture for students supported by donations Dani Orloff & Maddie Schutte daniorloff@slpecho.com maddieschutte@slpecho.com
A Photo Sam St. Clair
Make a splash: Senior Maranda Hoogenraad starts to throw a ball at a target to drop Band Teacher Steve Schmitz in the dunk tank at the SLP Nest street party Aug. 15. Volunteers in the tank included Park staff.
Photo Grace Farley
Fresh coat: Juniors Ava Tronson and Isaac Wahl begin to paint a mural on the outside of the Nest building space Aug. 27. The mural will feature Oriole-inspired art.
fter hearing about the stress high school students undergo, founder of the SLP Nest Julia Schmelzer said she felt she had to take action. “There’s really no space for people to figure out who they are and decompress,” Schmelzer said. “I have close friends whose high school students have been suicidal, and have gotten into drugs and have been hospitalized for anxiety and depression, so it’s a personal concern of mine.” According to Schmelzer, the Nest, which is opening today, intends to create a safe environment where students can relax after school or work on assignments. Senior Libby Ramsperger, a member of the Nest student board, said there are very few options for students who have transportation issues after school. “The high school doesn’t allow students to stay after school and wait for their parents to pick them up,” Ramsperger said. “I like the idea of the Nest being there so students can be safe and have somewhere to be.” According to Ramsperger, the goal for the Nest goes beyond
creating a hangout space after the school day ends. “I think having a place that can introduce you to more people and get you out of your shell can help with combatting mental illnesses,” Ramsperger said. Schmelzer said the Next organizers had a vision for each room in the multipurpose space. “There’s one room that’s more of a quieter room for studying and they decided to paint the room a calmer green color. Then there’s another room that will have food and beverages that will feel like a coffee shop,” Schmelzer said. Freshman Andre Barajas said he looks forward to the social opportunities the Nest will generate throughout the school year. “I guess some benefits are getting people to know each other and letting other high schoolers meet new people,” Barajas said. Schmelzer said she believes the future of the Nest should continue to be molded by the students who will reap the benefits of the space. “We have the big dream and the big vision that will evolve over time as you, the students, shape it,” Schmelzer said. “We’re trying to start realistically so we can be financially stable.” The SLP Nest is planned to be open from 3-7 p.m. starting Sept. 4 on weekdays only, with the exception of special events. The Nest can be found in ten minute walking distance from the high school at 3412 Library Lane.
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NEWS
Echo Tuesday, September 4, 2018
WEB PREVIEW
Photo Grace Farley
Student Council prepares for school year start
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enior Student Council copresident Cailey HansenMahoney said she has a variety of aspirations for the upcoming school year. “I want to try some new things,” Hansen-Mahoney said. “I think all officers want to do more events throughout the year to keep people engaged beyond just dances.”
Noah Orloff noahorloff@slpecho.com
Photo Rachel Salzer
Girls’ volleyball wins first match
Sexual assault is taking advantage of people, which isn’t something anyone should experience. Rakesh Plantz, junior
Advocacy group works toward gun reform City Council furthers conversation surrounding firearms Emma Yarger emmayarger@slpecho.com
Photo Grace Farley
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ccording to Mayor Jake Spano, recent conversations between some students and City Council members have pushed for gun reform in St. Louis Park. Spano said he has met with this student group along with Kory Krause, the owner of St. Louis Park’s only gun store, Frontiersman Sports. Spano praised the students’ determination and said he has been participating in efforts to promote gun safety in the city. “I had just left a bunch of kids who want to ban guns from St. Louis Park in a room with a gun store owner,” Spano said. “I wasn’t worried about it going off the rails. I wasn’t worried about a fight or conflict because I really felt that both sides were listening to each other and open to the conversation.”
Where it all began: During the national high school walkout against gun violence March 14, juniors Ruby Stillman, Anna Wert and Franny Bevel talk to Mayor Jake Spano about actions he would take to support Park students seeking gun reform. Spano said he values the student input. “This is the latest example of students getting organized and articulating their own visions of what they want for their community and their future,” Spano said. Junior Maddie Lind said student involvement is critical in increasing gun safety. “Youth involvement is very important because we as students, (are) some of the people most directly under threat by gun control measures not being enacted,” Lind said. “It’s a very personal issue because our safety is being threatened.” Junior Ellen Poulter, a member of the student advocacy group, said she feels called to
Homecoming week activities
Park pride: Seniors Semaj Mitchell and Milkaso Dedefo lead the football team at last year’s Homecoming Sept. 15.
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ccording to head coach Whitney Meierotto-Simon, winning the first match of the season was great for the team. “I think we did awesome,” Meierotto-Simon said. “Just to start the season winning 3-0 was pretty huge especially since we’re so young. We have freshmen, sophomores and so it was really great to see them come out and compete at a high level tonight.
Monday, Sept. 17 Coronation at 7 p.m. in the auditorium
Tuesday, Sept. 18 Movie on the field at 7 p.m. on the track
Wednesday, Sept. 19 Powderpuff at 7 p.m. at Oak Hill park
Thursday, Sept. 20 Badminton tournament at 7 p.m. in the gym
Friday, Sept. 21 Parade at 5 p.m. outside the high school Football game at 7 p.m. in the stadium
Saturday, Sept. 22 Dance at 7 p.m. in the fieldhouse
Sophie Olmen sophieolmen@slpecho.com
Fair use photo
Nicki Minaj claims the rap throne with new release
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icki Minaj’s third studio album, “Queen” brings out both old and new trap style vibes with tracks that deserve recognition. The Trinidadian-born rapper introduces part of her roots through songs such as “Ganja Burns,” which perfectly combines with Minaj’s traditional rap rhythms. Tjessa Arradondo tjessaarrandondo@slpecho.com For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho
speak out because student voices are often ignored. “It doesn’t seem acceptable to me that history can repeat itself over and over again with gun violence, especially when it is affecting the people who don’t have a voice,” Poulter said. According to Spano, Krause verbally committed to raising the age to buy any type of gun at his store to 21. Spano also said City Council is attempting to configure the zoning in St. Louis Park so Frontiersman Sports will be the only store in the city with the ability to sell guns. Krause was unavailable for comment.
Photo Echo File Photo
Critical information
Local rabbi charged in underage-sex sting
Charged with two felonies
Aryeh Leiv Cohen arrested during Super Bowl weekend
42 other men arrested during sting operation prior to Super Bowl Court date set for Sept. 19 Faces up to six years in prison Infographic Marta Hill Source Forward
Infographic Isabel Kjaer Source St. Louis Park Public Schools
Amaia Barajas & Grace Farley amaiabarajas@slpecho.com gracefarley@slpecho.com
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ark Rabbi Aryeh Leiv Cohen, a prominent figure in the Orthodox Jewish community in St. Louis Park and Minneapolis, was arrested Feb. 1 and charged July 31 with two counts of sexual misconduct in Ramsey County. The Minnesota Human Trafficking Investigations Task Force, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the St. Paul Police apprehended Cohen in an undercover operation, according to the St. Paul Police report. Cohen taught This really doesn’t and studied at mulreflect who tiple synagogues, Jews are and including the Minneapolis Commuwhat the Jewish community is like nity Kollel. Junior David in Minnesota. Khabie said he feels David Khabie, junior it’s unfortunate
Photo Grace Farley
Community: Rabbi Aryeh Leiv Cohen was employed by the Kollel until he was terminated after his July 31 charge. Cohen’s actions were public. “This really doesn’t reflect who Jews are and what the Jewish community is like in Minnesota,” Khabie said. According to a statement released Aug. 2 by the Kollel, they have cut ties with him. “The Kollel relieved Cohen of his duties and he is no longer participating in any Kollel activities. The Kollel is deeply concerned about the health and well-being of our students, staff, and broader community and we hope and pray for healing and wellness for all who have been or For more content go to may be affectslpecho.com ed.”
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I think (the SLP Nest) is a great idea and it’s so cool to see it actually come into action. I hope the school takes advantage of it.
OPINIONS Echo Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Rachel Young, senior
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 & Tjessa Arradondo Social media editor: Bre Thompson & Hayley Westwood News editor: Sofia Seewald Features editor: *Samantha Klepfer In-Depth editor: Evelyn Nelson Sports editor: Sophie Olmen Opinions editors: *Ruby Stillman Entertainment editor: *David Bryant Broadcast editor: Yonah Davis Assistant web editor: Tenzin Gyaldatsang Multimedia editor: Katie Hardie Staff: Amira Ali, Muna Ali, Claire Bargman, Dylan Carlson, Tamar Gewirtz, Anika Hanson, Fahmo Jama, Isabella Kanne, *Gabriel Kaplan, *Maggie Klaers, Emma Leff, Talia Lissauer, Sophia Livingston, Ethan Meisler, Kaia Myers, *Noah Orloff, Maria Perez-Barriga, Ruth Posada, Abigail Prestholdt, Justin Rutland, Rachel Salzer, Kate Schneider, Madeleine Schutte, Addison Warg, Sadie 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 studentproduced 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; CSPA Gold Medalist; 2017 CSPA Hybrid Crown Finalist; 2013 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All-State.
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OUR PERSPECTIVE
SLP Nest will benefit community
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hen the school day ends, students who do not participate in a club or sport have nowhere to go. Because of this, students should support the SLP Nest, which opened today. From conception to reality, SLP Nest board members have worked to address concerns that reflect community needs. Organizers said the Nest will provide healthier food options, a safe place for students to meet and study. According to Tami Cabrera, the owner of Muddy Paws and one of the founding members of the SLP Nest, the menu will include various nutritious items. The healthy options will consist of hummus and veggies, vegetable platters, individual fruit trays and sandwich wraps. This is important since options are limited when it comes to healthy food choices around the high school. Another way to support The board has done the Nest is by its part, and now it studying there is up to the commuas opposed to nity to invest in their the high school. own city’s future and This will provide support the SLP students a safe Nest.
OUR VIEW
Photo Sam St. Clair
Buy them all: Senior and SLP Nest board member Lexi Lee sells raffle tickets to a community member at the SLP Nest street party Aug. 15. All money and donations collected at the event will be used support and run the SLP Nest. alternative to studying alone in a hallway. Underclassmen who do not have their licenses yet will benefit from the gathering place because it is within walking distance of the high school. In addition, students often find it inconvenient to go home in between activities, so the SLP Nest is an appropriate place for students to congregate and collaborate for group projects. Although Park strives to provide a welcoming environment, it will be helpful for students to have an additional location where they can be themselves. For example, the Nest will feature student art and organizers plan to host student performers at events.
Additionally, the SLP Nest provides a place where students can meet each other and branch out to form connections with people they might not otherwise communicate with. The editorial board believes the Nest’s success lies in the hands of the students and encourages students to take advantage of this opportunity in the community by visiting the Nest. The board has done its part, and now it is up to the community to invest in their own city’s future and support the SLP Nest. Students should consider the positive effects of their support, the impact it will have on the community and the work their peers have done in order to create the SLP Nest.
St. Louis Park Echo Media Policies 2018-2019 Who’s in charge of the Echo? The Echo is the official student-produced newspaper of St. Louis Park Senior High School. Students make all decisions of content without prior review from school officials or censorship from the adviser. Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board, consisting of the Echo staffers. Additionally, the editorial board should discuss coverage concerns, ensure their voice represents the student body and should be mindful of creating an inclusive environment for all staff members. Because students learn more when they make publication choices, prior review or restraint does not teach students to produce higher quality journalism. The only way to teach students to take responsibility for their decisions is to empower them to make those decisions freely. Additionally, democracy depends on students understanding all voices have a right to be heard and knowing they have a voice in their school and community.
perceived conflict of interest as well. The publications will not shy away from covering newsworthy controversial issues of importance to students. Journalists should work to cover these topics robustly. Reporting in scholastic media that omits essential pieces of information because of review or restraint is an indirect form of fabrication. It destroys not only truth but credibility and reliability.
What happens if we make a mistake? While journalists strive for accuracy, we know errors can occur. In the event if an error being reported by readers or noticed by staffers, students should first check to see if the information is erroneous. If students deem the material to be incorrect, they should alter any online content to reflect the correction and then print a correction in the next edition. Students should be careful not to restate the error, but to correct the erroneous information. In regard to material appearing on the website, nothing will be taken down unless it’s proven factually false or otherwise legally deficient as of the time it was published.
What are our ethical guidelines?
What do we do with reader input?
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. In order to strive for objectivity, journalists should avoid covering stories of which they are involved. Journalists should avoid a real or
The publications welcome reader input. Letters must be signed and should be no longer than 250 words and may be e-mailed to slpecho@gmail.com or submitted in room C275. E-mailed 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 publication name does not know the identity of the writer will not be printed.
PARK TRAIL
Maggie Klaers maggieklaers@slpecho.com
Additional policies can be found at slpecho.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
Echo Tuesday, September 4, 2018
I like (“Sweetener”) because I think it is something very different from what she has put out before. Cailee Byrd, sophomore
‘Sweetener’
delivers reinvented sound Ariana Grande sweetens the final days of summer
Jenna Cook jennacook@slpecho.com
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‘Sweetener’s’ top 5 songs 1. “goodnight n go” 2. “breathin” 3. “R.E.M.” 4. “better off” 5. “pete davidson”
Infographic Evelyn Nelson Source Jenna Cook
METRO AT A GLANCE
David Bryant davidbryant@slpecho.com
Photos used with permission from Atlantic Records, St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, Universal Pictures, Walker Art Center
ollowing the tragic suicide bombing at one of her concerts last May 22, Ariana Grande put on a charity concert in memoriam of the victims. She has also performed at political events such as the March for Our Lives. Despite the traumatic experience, Grande has been hard at work on new music. “Sweetener” gives listeners a wide range of music from suave floaty tunes to more edgy, gritty rap-style songs, appealing to a large audience. “Sweetener” opens with “raindrops (an angel cried),” reaching the audience with a minimalist track showing off Grande’s raw talent as a singer. Grande has obviously taken a shot at reinventing her sound with dreamy nostalgic vibes in many of her new songs. “R.E.M.” is a bassy, slow-paced song with simple harmonies giving light and enjoyable sound reminiscent of some slower songs from past albums. Similarly, “everytime” gives a slower beat that makes listeners want to move, and is one of the tracks that works best with her vocals. “everytime” also invokes nostalgia with early an 2000’s-esque bassline and main chorus. One track that will find its way into my regular rotation is “goodnight n go.” With simple lyrics, the song offers a good balance of production and vocals, which cannot be said for every track on the album. It showcases Grande’s vocals without overshadowing her with synth and electronic sounds. “goodnight n go” makes me want to take a spontaneous cross country road trip with nothing but this song on repeat. Also “breathin” allows Grande to shine through on her own, the accompaniment compliments her voice nicely, making it one of the better songs. Grande also named a track, “pete davidson,” after her fiance.The enticing harmonies of the song give a playful feel that prompts hope for their future. Additionally, Grande added 40 extra seconds of silence to the final song on the album, “get well soon,” as a dedication to the victims killed at Manchester. The added silence makes the song five minutes and 22 seconds for May 22, the date of the bombing. This is a thoughtful and emotional addition to the track, and a powerful reminder of pain in the world. The album includes three features, most of which rubbed me the wrong way. “blazed,” features Pharrell Williams, and the artists’ voices and opposite styles clash unpleasantly. They throw off the vibe of the song instead of creating one cohesive piece of art. Previous collaborator Nicki Minaj with whom Grande has worked in the past on fun projects such as Grande’s “Side to Side.” is featured on“the light is coming.” However, this song makes me want to do nothing but skip it. Grande has decided to take her music in an interesting direction. “Sweetener” holds promise for the future of Grande’s career, proving she knows how to stay relevant. Giving her fans some impressive new tracks, she will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion for weeks to come.
Sept. 11-12
Sept. 7-9
Sept. 14
Open until Sept. 30
The Bruno Mars 24k Magic World Tour approaches Minneapolis at the Xcel Energy Center in dual performances. Tickets start at $60.
Taste of Greece returns to St. Mary’s Orthodox Church. The Minneapolis Greek Festival offers music, traditional food and dance. Admission is free.
War thriller “Unbroken: Path of Redemption” hits theaters Sept. 14. The film follows protagonist Loui Zamperini’s personal battles post WWII.
The Walker Art Center offers an abstract approach to minigolf through 10 artist designed holes. Tickets start at $8 for members and $10 general admission.