Echo issue 2, Oct. 8

Echo

TOP 10

FEMINISM

Club plans for year of community action PAGE 4

FALAFEL

Best local restaurants to find a fantastic falafel PAGE 12

Boys’ soccer ranks top 10 in state PAGE 8

Monday, October 8, 2018 Volume 92 Issue 2 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426

SLPECHO.COM

Assembly inspires voter registration ACT works to prepare for upcoming elections Dani Orloff & Abby Intveld daniorloff@slpecho.com abbyintveld@slpecho.com

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fter decades of fighting for her right to vote, Civil Rights Leader Dr. Josie Johnson said she urges students to utilize this Fifteenth Amendment right.

According to Stillman, Achieving Change Together (ACT), a social activism and volunteering club, coordinated a voter registration assembly Sept. 27 for seniors to address the significance of voting and how to register to vote. Following the assembly Sept. 27, the club facilitated a voter registration drive with the League of Women Voters to register eligible students.

According to Johnson, who spoke at the assembly, she has been engaged in the effort of voter registration since the age of 14 in 1944, when African Americans were unable to vote without paying a poll tax or reciting the Constitution.

“I went with my father from door to door in the precinct where we lived and collected signatures from the people requesting permission to do away with the poll tax,” Johnson said. “The law allowing African Americans the right to vote was finally passed on a national level in 1965, but remember, the Fifteenth Amendment was passed in 1870.”

Senior Neil Walsh said he felt the featured speakers provided valuable information for incoming voters. “I thought it was interesting to hear the people’s stories, and I

Registration, continued on page 2

Vote: Civil Rights leader Dr. Josie Johnson speaks to senior class at voter registration assembly Sept. 27. Johnson encouraged seniors to keep her legacy alive by voting.

Photo Grace Farley

Bus transportation yields issues

Photo Kaia Myers

Crowded: Because of the shortage of bus drivers, the St. Louis Park and BenildeSt. Margaret’s cross country teams shared a bus to their meet Sept. 25.

Adjustments made to address issue Abby Intveld &Dani Orloff abbyintveld@slpecho.com daniorloff@slpecho.com

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eflecting on her bus ride with the Park freshman and junior varsity football team Sept. 13, senior girls’ tennis captain Sidney Hosfield said the experience was uncomfortable.

“It was really crowded and uncomfortable and it smelled bad,” Hosfield said. “We had a trailer so at least we didn’t have to have our stuff with us, but I mean it was still as hot and stuffy.”

Athletic director Andy Ewald said the schools’s bus company, Park Adam Transportation, has encountered issues with bus driver availability, causing multiple teams to be placed on the same bus.

“If we have the ninth grade football

team and the JV girls tennis team both going to Chanhassen, and the bus company is telling us we’re short, naturally we’re going to put those two teams on a bus together,” Ewald said.

According to freshman counselor Barb Nelson, one of the Sept. 28 respect retreat’s locations had to be altered because of a scarcity of bus drivers.

“It’s not that (bus companies) don’t have equipment, they have enough buses, they just don’t have enough drivers so we had to do a little bit of scrambling and figuring out timing of the retreat and ended up hosting for one site here in the fieldhouse,” Nelson said.

Park Adam Transportation was unavailable for comment at the time of publication. Updates will be available Oct. 10 at slpecho.com.

For more content go to slpecho.com

• $100.9 million referendum passed last November

District renovations to take place

• 81% of people voted in favor of referendum

Planned construction to be completed by 2022

Construction Quick Facts

• District to upgrade all school kitchens • New space for district office created • Administration, counseling offices relocate to district office space • Renovations to take place next summer Infographic Talia Lissauer Source Astein Osei

Dani Orloff & Sophie Olmen daniorloff@slpecho.com sophieolmen@slpecho.com

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ccording to Superintendent Astein Osei, numerous facility improvements were voted on in the referendum passed last November.

“81 percent of the people voted in favor of it.

(It’s) exciting that the community supports our schools at such a high level,” Osei said.

District facilities manager Tom Bravo said these renovations to St. Louis Park Public Schools have begun to take place.

“We have quite a bit of things we need to be doing in the next two to three years,” Bravo said.

“We still have to upgrade all of our kitchens, from middle school, high school and all of the elementary schools.”

Freshman Evie Ordorff said the improvements will aid future students.

“I think it can create new experiences for them when they come to the high school,” Ordorff said.

“I think it’ll just be more exciting and give students more opportunities to learn.”

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NEWS

Echo Monday, October 8, 2018

WEB PREVIEW

Photo Sadie Yarosh

Park Yogurt shuts its doors

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ccording to former employee of Park Yogurt senior Greta Long, the closure of Park Yogurt means there will be fewer opportunities for fundraising for school activities.

“Sadly there’s not going to be frozen yogurt right next door and (the owner) was big into fundraising,” Long said.

Amaia Barajas & Sophie Olmen amaiabarajas@slpecho.com sophieolmen@slpecho.com

Photo Carissa Prestholdt

Tennis courts construction pushed back

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fter an unforeseen discovery, the tennis courts renovation has been pushed back until after the girls’ season, according to coach David Breitenbucher. He said the current tennis courts are in very bad condition with cracks and other issues.

“They have cracks on them and they don’t drain well,” Breitenbucher said.

Kate Schneider kateschneider@slpecho.com

Fair Use from RCA Records

America’s greatest boy band

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fter the nsane feat of recording and producing three albums in the span of one year under the Saturation Trilogy, self-proclaimed boy band shows no signs of slowing down upon the release of “Iridescence.”

Brockhampton is a collective group of 13 artists, spanning a majority of rappers but also consisting of multiple producers, a manager, a designer and more.

David Bryant davidbryant@slpecho.com For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho

I’m disappointed Park Yogurt is closing because it was a nice place to go after school to relax and chill with friends.”

Toby Khabie, freshman

District to reduce suspension disparities Park to resolve discrimination charges Gabe Kaplan & Noah Orloff gabekaplan@slpecho.com noahorloff@slpecho.com

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ccording to Superintendent Astein Osei, the St. Louis Park School District was one of many districts in Minnesota that were notified about discrimination violations by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

“They found St. Louis Park to be one of 43 school districts in the state that had a disproportionate representation of students of color being suspended for things that would be considered subjective in nature,” Osei said. “St. Louis Park and other districts that are named in the complaints have higher numbers of students being suspended for disruptive behavior or insubordination, things that are in many ways in the eye of the adult they are interacting with.”

According to Osei, the St. Louis Park School District received discrimination charges following a miscommunication

Photo Illustration Grace Farley

Students missing: Minnesota Department of Human Rights reached an agreement June 25. The district is fixing suspension disparities within the student body as part of the arrangement. with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR).

The charges were later dropped when the district and the MDHR formed an agreement.

“We were charged based on what we heard from the department, due to a misunderstanding of the school district’s willingness and/or interest to work out an agreement,” Osei said. “(The MDHR) removed the charges and began to get into some problem solving and developing an agreement with the school district.”

The MDHR Commissioner Kevin Lindsey said the district community will be key in producing change.

“It is important for parents, teachers, school officials all to be actively working together so all the agreements have a civic engagement component,” Lindsey said.

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It is really important for parents, teachers, school officials all to be actively working together so all the agreements have a civic engagement component to it.

Kevin Lindsey, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commisioner

Sophomore Emmanuel Hawkins said the district should ensure both sides of the story are heard before administrators make substantial disciplinary decisions, such as suspension.

“You should hear out the side of (everyone) who is being suspended because there are some people who actually do bad things,” Hawkins said. “I know a couple students from last year who should have been suspended or expelled, and then I also know a few students

who were suspended for small things.”

Osei said he would like the agreement to eliminate any disproportionate actions within students’ classrooms.

“The number one change (I hope to see) is that St. Louis Park students will not see predictability around which one of their classmates will be suspended or which students will be suspended at a higher rate because of the color of their skin,” Osei said.

Registration, continued from page 1

thought the speakers were good,” Walsh said. “I think it was helpful to the 15 percent of students that it was pointed out to, but I think it was helpful.”

According to Johnson, policy makers are constantly attempting diminish the right to vote by relocating voting stations or establishing new electoral procedures, which makes it imperative that students exercise their Fifteenth Amendment right.

“Those of you who can, vote. I need you to pass along the rights and justice of us as a people, not let it die now. Read carefully what’s written and what’s said,” Johnson said. “Vote for people who will support your right to be who you are and what you are.”

Walsh said he felt students who had previously registered to vote did not benefit from the assembly.

“It was If seniors interesting but I didn’t need any missed the of the informadrive tion because I was • Bring a drivers’ already registered license or state to vote,” Walsh ID said.

• Pick up forms According to Student Office Superintendent Astein Osei, at or register onthis time in the line at the MN United States, all Secretary of of the ConstituState’s Office tional rights that Infographic Isabel Kjaer were set forth Source Carly Kregness are not being

Photo Grace Farley

Registration: Women from the League of Women Voters setup their voter registration booth in the foyer of the high school Sept. 28, after the senior assembly. Students were encouraged to register at the booth if they were 18 by Nov. 6. fully recognized by every citizen, and he feels students are able to change this.

“I fully believe that young leaders in this country will be able to overturn, disrupt, interrupt, influence the things that have impacted our country in a negative way,” Osei said. “I look forward to the impact that students will have on our society.”

Stillman said she believes the assembly succeeded in accomplishing ACT’s objective to inform the senior class about voting.

“I’m proud of my fellow ACT leaders,” Stillman said. “I’m also really pleased with

the seniors for being attentive, listening and taking time out of their day. I think we did achieve our goals to educate the (seniors).”

Johnson said she feels blessed to have had the opportunity to fight for voting rights all over the country and acknowledges that there is still work to be done.

“Voting is critical. I don’t expect to be around much longer, but my legacy goes with you,” Johnson said. “We need to remember that freedom is not free and justice is not there waiting for you, you’ve got to work for it.”

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I think (dress codes are) a cool team bonding opportunity because it’s something different from your everyday clothes. It’s also a great way to be involved with your team.

STUDENT LIFE

Tobyous Davenport, junior

Echo Monday October 8, 2018

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‘Risky’ dress code prompts discussion ‘Risky Business’ inspired dress code catches administration’s attention Abby Intveld & Dani Orloff abbyintveld@slpecho.com daniorloff@slpecho.com

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hen volleyball captain and senior Maddy McIntosh dressed up in “Risky Business” apparel — a white button-down with boxers — she said she didn’t think it would cause any problems.

“We went ahead and did it, we didn’t ask our coach or anything because we didn’t think it’d be an issue since other people do the dress code,” McIntosh said. “But after we did it, our coach said it’s inappropriate because it doesn’t look like we’re wearing pants.”

According to Principal Scott Meyers, after being approached by concerned parents about athletic dress codes, the athletic department reminded coaches and players to be mindful of their clothing before athletic events.

“We just wanted to bring it up since athletes are representing a team and since people were sharing some feedback with us we wanted to make sure that it was getting back to our coaches and captains about what some of the reception was and about some of the dress codes that were selected this year,” Meyers said.

McIntosh said she feels the discussion surrounding “Risky Business” dress codes was surprising.

“We understand why it’s (a concern), but it’s confusing because people have been doing that dress code for a lot of years,” McIntosh said. “Other sports did it this year, so when the volleyball It was kind of team did it, why was it an issue?”

Freshman cross country runner Josie unfair because Mosby said she was disappointed when she people wear much heard her team wouldn’t participate in the more revealing “Risky Business” dress code in the future. clothes in the “That kind of sucks because that’s a big school and ours one that most sports do and when you do it, everyone recognizes it and it’s kind of funny, isn’t that inapproso it’s sad,” Mosby said. priate Athletic director Andy Ewald said the athletic department remains conscious of the Maddy McIntosh, senior impact dress codes may have.

“It’s on our checklist to remind them that much like warm-up music, make sure the dress codes aren’t offensive to anyone, and that will reflect on your program in a positive way,” Ewald said.

Through these conversations, Meyers said he hopes the athletes and coaches gain a clear understanding of their community.

“It’s interesting, poor taste is hard to define, so you have to go deeper than that. That’s why we have to have a conversation about what’s in poor taste amongst the group you’re representing,” Meyers said.

McIntosh said she believes the dress code practice does not remain consistent throughout the school.

“It was kind of unfair because people wear much more revealing clothes in the school and ours isn’t that inappropriate,” McIntosh said.

According to Meyers, the dress code announcement intended to start a conversation between the captains and coaches to create awareness.

“There isn’t a desire to have a firm dress code that’s a list of strict rules, it’s more of a discussion on it,” Meyers said. “It definitely was not intended to be a shaming measure. This is all more of a conversation than a consequence or a punishment.”

Meyers said the administration acknowledges potential gender bias in the dress code policy.

“Our school is aware and the Student Office has been talking about how dress codes often times focus on females which is something we recognize as something we don’t want here at our school,” Meyers said.

According to McIntosh, dress codes allow the volleyball team to publicize its games to the student body.

“For us, dress codes are a fun thing to do before games, and it’s fun to all look the same. People will see us and ask us if we have a game and it promotes the game and makes people think ‘oh maybe I’ll see them play tonight,’” Mcintosh said.

Despite this limitation, Mosby said she is grateful athletes are still able to promote their events with other dress codes.

“There’s a lot of other ones that we can do,” Mosby said. “I’ve loved doing dress codes with my team because they are really fun.”

Ewald said the dress code should be representative of the St. Louis Park School District.

“We just want to make sure if teams are choosing to do dress codes as a form of team bonding that they’re doing it in a tasteful way,” Ewald said. “It should be a positive reflection of their program and of the school.”

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Photo illustration Grace Farley

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FEATURES

Echo Monday, October 8, 2018

WHAT'S THE POINT

Youth trip inspires change in perspective Ruthie Posada ruthieposada@ slpecho.com

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ver the summer I had the amazing opportunity to travel abroad with a youth group called United Synagogue Youth Eastern Europe Israel Pilgrimage.

I was nervous at first because I’d never traveled abroad without my parents, and I would be meeting new people from all across America.

The first part of the trip was in eastern Europe. We visited Poland, where we learned about the Holocaust and visited concentration camps.

We visWhat’s the ited AuschwitzPOINT? Birkenau, and I Pay found attention to that the camp the world has been around modernyou ized to look like more of a museum. This took away from the feel of actually being in a concentration camp.

Then at Majdanek, a camp I’d never even heard of, almost everyone cried, including me. It shocked me how a concentration camp that was previously unheard of to me made me feel so much more emotion than the ones I had learned about my whole life.

It struck me when we saw a jogger heading on his regular route right around this camp that had taken so many lives.

I realized, 70 years after the event, people are starting to forget the horrors of mass genocide. But it is important that we always remember the Holocaust so that the stories can be passed down to future generations. We should not let the memory of those lost to hatred fade away with time.

Now, back in the United States, I realize we are very lucky today to have the freedom to practice any religion without fear of segregation, oppression or discrimination.

However, this is not the case throughout the rest of the world. In the countries in the Middle East, many people are still oppressed for their religious beliefs.

As a result of this experience, I now believe it is even more important to pay attention to current events and news on television, social media, and in newspapers so that the message of “never forget” can live on.

I agree with (feminism), and I think that women should keep standing up for their rights and what they believe.

Isabella Segal, sophomore

Feminism Club emphasizes new focus Members make change in the community a priority Isabel Kjaer isabelkjaer@slpecho.com

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s co-president of Feminism Club junior Allison Feller looks to the club’s goals for the upcoming year, she said there are many issues that are often overlooked. “(I like) discussing the topics and having people who agree with me and having people who can bring up other things that I never thought about before,” Feller said.

Junior Feminism Club member Lauren Schmelzer said when she first joined this year, she had little exposure to the feminist movement, but she is looking forward to learning more about it.

“I didn’t really know much about feminism, so (I look forward to) learning new things about all the topics that they have to talk about,” Schmelzer said.

According to Feminism Club adviser Annamarie Wilfahrt, she is anticipating helping female students to understand feminism and to work for their rights and equality, just as she has done in the past.

“I 100 percent believe in equality across the board, females using their voice, and just from my own personal experiences where I’ve had to find my own voice, I want to

Photo Carissa Prestholdt

Smiles for All: Juniors Madison Lind and Ally Feller share what they have planned for Feminism club this year. Their first meeting took place 8 a.m. Sept. 20 in B320 classroom.

Feminism Definition 1 : the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes 2 : organized activity on behalf of women's rights and interests Infographic Isaac Wahl Source Merriam Webster

inspire girls to stand up for what’s right,” Wilfahrt said.

Feller said she and co-president Madison Lind have been trying to spread the word about the club through social media, such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as through word of mouth.

“We created a couple social media platforms and tried to add people to those groups,” Feller said. “And then just telling friends about it and other people you think might be interested.”

According to Feller, the club hopes to take action in the community by volunteering and speaking with administration about controversial policies.

Event challenges attendees

ACTIVITIES & AWARDS Yonit Krebs yonitkrebs@slpecho.com

Echo named 2018 Pacemaker finalist Dani Orloff daniorloff@slpecho.com

All-Conference provides learning experiences

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David Bryant davidbryant@slpecho.com

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his year at All-Conference, schools selected students from band, orchestra and choir to prepare a concert in one day, according to the St. Louis Park High School 6425 News.

Guest conductor Kyle Fleming said he enjoys seeing students discover their full musical potential.

“There are fantastic students that bring passion, life and energy who want to do great things,” Fleming said.

“Watching them discover their gifts and engage the music to make great art that hopefully changes people's lives around them is an ‘A+’ all day long for me.”

Senior Estelle Tronson said she liked the ability to get to know different students.

“I like being able to meet kids from other schools that are interested in the same

Photo Grace Farley

Toot your own horn: Senior Lexi Lee plays the clarinet alongside fellow seniors Claudia Stone and Cecilia Brown. Lee was accepted to perform with the Metro West All-Conference Band Sept. 25. things as me and have the same love of music,” Tronson said.

Junior Mitchell VonEschen said he appreciates the opportunity to play percussion with other talented students and directors.

“It's fun to get to play some really cool songs and getting the opportunity to play music all day,” VonEschen said.

VonEschen said his favorite song the band played was “Mother Earth.” He said he enjoyed the difficulty and depth the song presented.

“All the songs had their own unique qualities which I could appreciate in their own way,” VonEschen said. “But I did really like ‘Mother Earth,’ it was very interesting and also

challenging for me and everyone in the band.”

Senior clarinetist Lexi Lee said although she would adjust minor aspects of the day, she had a great experience overall interacting and collaborating with other musicians.

“I would change the song 'Mother Earth,'" Lee said. "I didn't really like it as it was a little odd.”

Lee said she was particularly moved when playing a song called "American Ellegy."

“The song is about the Columbine school shooting in 1999 written by Frank Tekelly to commemorate it,” Lee said. "The song is just a really emotional piece, and I can't get through it without getting teary eyed.”

cho was named a 2018 Pacemaker finalist in the newspaper category by the National Scholastic Press Association Sept. 7.

According to the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), the Echo was one of 67 publications recognized as finalists in the annual Pacemaker competition.

Debate team kicks off the new school year Amaia Barajas amaiabarajas@slpecho.com

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s sophomore Liz Hodges looks forward to the new debate season, she said she hopes to develop skills she has learned from debate.

“I would like to be more articulate and be able to be a better public speaker in general.

As well as improve research skills, writing skills and things like that,” Hodges said.

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I heard about ('Outlines') from my brother, and I was really impressed. It was really good and not what I expected.

FEATURES Echo Monday, October 8, 2018

Anna Bauer, sophomore

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Tune it up: Senior Ben Klepfer listens to senior Marco Giovannelli as he plays the piano, Sept. 15. Klepfer and Giovannelli recently created an album together called "Outlines."

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Seniors compose full-length album Marco Giovannelli, Ben Klepfer exhibit musical talent

Ben Klepfer, senior Marco Giovannelli, senior Photo Emily Ziessman

Klepfer: I’m looking to go into music production and audio engineering. Hopefully I can get a job producing music professionally, writing it, or recording it — however I can get paid to do that.

How can people listen to the album?

Klepfer: You can listen to it on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Google Play and Amazon.

into place and we grinded. I would go to his house for five hours at a time, multiple days a week. That was when we really clicked and thought we could actually do this.

Giovannelli: You can stream it, but you can buy it too on some of the sites that aren’t necessarily streaming. If you don’t have Spotify or Apple Music, it’s available for purchase, and that’s how we really make money.

What was your favorite part of this experience?

Klepfer: My favorite part of the whole process was when we were both in the room and we had that musical moment where we were like ‘this is it,’ and we both would know it at the same time. That’s really special and hard to come by.

What do you want listeners to notice in the album?

Klepfer: It’s a lot harder to make pop music than people realize. It’s not just grabbing a loop from GarageBand and throwing autotune on someone. It’s a lot harder than that.

Giovannelli: It seems like relatively simple music, but there’s a lot going on under the surface, a lot of harmonies that you wouldn’t notice because it’s not in the spotlight.

How did the idea for the album start?

Klepfer: We weren’t necessarily making stuff to put out there to try to make money, we were just making stuff. The reason it’s on Spotify and iTunes isn’t because we want to make money, because we’re really not — it takes 300 plays to make a dollar.

Giovannelli: I sent Ben an instrumental and asked him if he could put lyrics to it. He sent it back two months later and I was like, ‘this is really good, we should do more of this,’ and then we built it out. We had a good selection of songs we could put on the album and the focused vision came

Giovannelli: The coolest thing about this project was that we were both so amazed at what the other person could do.

Outside of jazz band, I’ve never really seen this side of Ben, and I don’t think he’s seen that side of me either. Instead of playing what was on the page, we would both create our own things, which was one of the more amazing things.

What was it like to work together on the songs?

Giovannelli: One of the things I think was interesting about this project is that, of the 10 songs, there were three or four Ben did on his own, four I did on my own and three we did together. Those four that he did on his own he sent to me, and then I was like,‘hey, what if we do this differently or if we add this,’ and then I would send ones that I did to him and he would write lyrics and send it back to me the next day. More and more ideas started to come together. The blend of stuff that we did on our own with the stuff we did together really made the album.

Giovannelli: I think I want to go into jazz piano — as boring as that sounds — to get out of jazz piano, and by that I mean I want to learn all the stuff that I can and then use my knowledge to be able to go do whatever else I can. Even if I’m not writing music professionally, I want to have that foundation and base.

How long have you been interested in music?

Klepfer: For as long as I can remember, really. I’ve been in piano since I was 5-years old. I started playing trumpet as well, in fifth grade or so, and it showed me the world of jazz. In terms of production, I got the software as a gift for my 17th birthday and I’ve been really into that.

Giovannelli: I started piano when I was 4. I took the classical route, but I never really drifted off to anything else until around sophomore year. I used classical music as a way to make me good at other genres. I would play classical with my teacher or for auditions then I would play pop music on my own. I’m trying to do as much jazz as I can because that’s what I want to study. I think jazz and classical have really helped me in the creative process by helping me to understand how different chords work together.

Do you see music as a future career path?

Maggie Klaers maggieklaers@slpecho.com

Mixed-media competition sparks interest within art classes BARR program celebrates anniversary David Bryant davidbryant@slpecho.com

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ccording to mixed-media arts teacher Martha Ortman, her class was asked to design a poster for Building Assets Reducing Risks’ 20th anniversary.

“My class, mixed-media, is creating art that has an urban feel to it, hopefully uses the Building Assets Reducing Risks (BARR) colors and might use the number 20 because it's the 20th anniversary of this program,” Ortman said.

Junior Hattie Kugler said she was designing an invitation for the BARR anniversary using magazine cutouts.

“I am using parts of cut out computers from magazines to use as buildings in my design, and I'm also using tissue paper in it to give it texture,” Kugler said.

Senior Ashley Severson said her design was focused on the rainbow in BARR’s logo.

“I am doing a brick background with mannequins in the front wearing the BARR colors,” Severson said.

Ortman said BARR wanted the poster's aesthetic to have an industrial look to match with the core values of the company.

“Carrie Jennissen, who is the spearhead for creating the artwork for this assignment, said she just wanted something that has an urban feel to it, so it's not in the country and not fluffy or flowery, so things that are in an urban setting like buildings bricks and metal,” Ortman said.

Severson said designing was a fun opportunity.

“The process of trying to find materials is pretty interesting as we try to figure out different textures to put in the piece and see how they can work together,” Severson said.

Ortman said the opportunity is a great creative outlet for anyone who can work well with minimal restrictions.

“The project has a lot of openness and is all their voice instead of an assigned project, so they can choose to do whatever they want,” Ortman said.

Photo Abby Prestholdt

Colorful Crafts: Junior Hattie Kugler glues different colored swatches together to make a collage during her fifth hour mixed media arts on Oct. 3. She is making this project for the invitation to the BARR 20th anniversary in April.

What is BARR?

A program dedicated to building academic, social and emotional skills in high school students to allow them to be successful both inside and outside the classroom.

Key Features

• • •

block classes block teacher meetings I-time

Infographic Samantha Klepfer Source BARR website

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IN-DEPTH

Echo Monday, October 8, 2018

I would probably just hang up on scammers because I would know it was a spam and I wouldn’t want to talk to them.”

Greta Nackerud, senior

OPINION

Scam interruptions elicit concern

23% of scams targeted to 18-24 year olds happen over the phone

Evie Nelson evienelson@slpecho. com

The beginning of this year has made me realize how apparent spam messages from phone calls, text messages and everyday interactions I was truly receiving. I was now having to concentrate on both my everyday tasks and the possibility of having my information stolen from someone in another city or state.

One scamming instance I experienced led back to a stranger in Miami, Florida attempting to steal my credit card information after purchasing coffee at an independent business. An innocent part of my daily routine had now turned into an extremely stressful experience.

This allowed me to realize the true harms of scammers reaching out to anyone, especially people like me who think this kind What’s the of thing POINT? will never happen to Work to inform them.

Through others who these may not be as moments educated on the I have subject of scam- definitely taken away ming, a valuable lesson concerning the abilities of scam artists. Information given over text, phone call, even in person at your local coffee shop can be accessed at any point by those who find loopholes in everyday human interactions. Scams have not been discussed enough, despite adolescents and young adults facing the most backlash.

My story could help individuals in my community and anyone who may face the same struggles. These instances which occur multiple times a day for some are a topic we should address head on throughout Park. Spreading out the resources for others on how to respond and report in order to feel protected. The last thing anyone wants is for their most valuable information to be at the hands of someone they may not even know.

While the scams I have encountered are something I would have been better off without, I am thankful for them making me aware of the truths behind the screen. Plus, I have become even more vigilant about who I communicate with or where I choose give out information.

Everyday living should feel safe for individuals who use their phones or social media regularly. On top of this, the classroom setting should be the last place were students are inhibited from their learning experience thanks to someone across the country.

Top 3 scams to look out for

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“Spoofing” • Scammers change phone numbers that appear on victims’ phone.

• Victim is given false security and picks up, allowing scammer to continue calling victim for information.

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“Friend in distress” • Scammer poses as a friend in distress.

• Scammer tells the victim they are in some kind of trouble and they need money to get out of the problem.

“Financial aid” • Scammer create fake scholarship opportunities, coaxing students to sign up for them.

•While signing up, students give away identity and financial information.

Infographic Kaite Hardie & Ben Sanford Source Lisa Jemtrud

“

$

Because if people click on (spam calls), students could get their information stolen.”

IN-DEPTH

Echo Monday, October 8, 2018

Mimi Knizer, sophomore

7

omeone muffled saying, ‘Can you hear me?’ on the other end of a call may seem like nothing. Yet according the Better Business Bureau and Minnesota Department of Public Safety, students’ information can be stolen the instant they pick up the phone.

How the scam works For senior Anika Christianson, spam phone calls are nothing new in her daily life. Especially with the ongoing distraction it creates throughout the classroom.

“I probably experience phone scamming twice a month, typically over texts. We will be sitting in class and someone will get a message, it becomes a really big distraction,” Christianson said.

Lisa Jemtrud, vice president of community relations and outreach at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) defines scams as a hacker or artist attempting to have you make a quick decision online, accessed through a variety of age demographics.

“In a 2017 study that the Council of BBB did, they showed that 18-24 year olds are the most susceptible to scams, just reminding us how much of a problem this is. Further, of all the scams that were targeting 18-24 year olds, 23 percent of those scams were conducted over the phone,” Jemtrud said.

According to the Better Business Bureau, they work alongside the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to reinforce action throughout the state. Doing this by having frequent meetings discussing the latest scams. The BBB thinks it’s important to understand the process of media scammers in order to report them properly.

Jemtrud said out of the five main scams conducted over the phone, financial aid and scholarship scams seem to hit students the hardest.

“You really do have to have quite a bit of personal information as part of (the scholarship application) process. Scam artists know this, so there are numerous fake entities trying to get students to apply for scholarships or aid but it’s not real,” Jemtrud said.

Jemtrud mentioned the BBB is involved with looking through all of North America to see where scamming, especially by phone call, is occurring. “(The BBB) is well known for people coming to us to ask if something is legitimate or not. From consumers, just like you guys, saying ‘This is happening to me, this is happening in our area,’” Jemtrud said.

Perspectives at Park Jemtrud said one of the most common tactics scammers use is imitating a victim’s friend, usually them asking for emergency assistance or even direct money.

“Scammers are pretty good about this, they can

picking up the phone and not knowing the number or pick up information from social media and other online places to know their name and how they’re con- person calling.

“Scammers mix with your emotions, they can cloud nected,” Jemtrud said. your judgment so you don’t take the time to make a Jemtrud said she oversees media relations at the decision,” Jemtrud said.

BBB. She talks to reporters and community members in Minnesota and sends out information for the public so they will report these instances.

“If we can give people preventative tips or things Jemtrud said the BBB works closely with the to look out for ahead of time, we are helping serve the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. They meet community,” Jemtrud said. quarterly to discuss recent scam reportings and what Freshman Ella Roether said she frequently receives has been affecting the public most. multiple phone calls from scammers, especially during “We definitely work closely with them so they can class periods. arrest and prosecute properly,” Jemtrud said. “We ex“(The scams) are once or twice a week. I feel that ist to help people answer their questions.”

I’ve always been getting texts and calls like this,” Buxton said she believes educating students on Roether said. the subject of phone scamming may help encourage a Math teacher Keisha Piehl said she’s had personal conversation around experiences with phone scamming. the subject. “(Phone scammers) use scare “Providing informatactics and I can see how some people tion, when (scams and could be completely taken in by thefts) occur. Using that,” Piehl said. “You could lose some kind of step by money but even worse you could step kind of things: have your identity stolen.” don’t answer your St. Louis Park Social worker phone, if a message is Lauren Buxton said phone scamming left, go to an adult,” has happened to her before and can Buxton said. always become a bigger issue.

Jemtrud said she “It certainly could put someone at Lisa Jemtrud, vice president of commuseeks out younger risk, especially if any kind of money nity relations and outreach at the Better audiences, especially was involved,” Buxton said.

Business Bureau whether they have Christensen said when she receives scams over text message, they are misleading and don’t experienced phone scamming or not.

“If someone said, ‘Hey cool I just won a gift card add up. She also frequently hears of friends complainfor Amazon’ then the person is in the know can say ‘I ing about their scam struggles. have heard about this, it isn’t real and we can protect “The links don’t open up to anything so it’s just a each other,’” Jemtrud said. waste of my time,” Christianson said. “I have heard Piehl said she thinks informing the public of phone other people complain about getting them very often.” policies will have positive impact on Minnesotans.

Roether said she feels this problem is only increas“(Minnesotans) just listen to people talk on the ing, but worries there may be no possible solutions to phone. Then (scam artists) can give us more of an earstop the scammer from calling. ful and we might be susceptible for scams,” Piehl said.

“I don’t think that there is anything that can really Overall, Jemtrud encouraged students to be conbe done. All we can do is block numbers like this,” scious of who is calling them at vulnerable moments.

Roether said.

“If you pick up the phone and start talking, your Piehl said she thinks teachers can help educate teens name is on a list and you will get more and more,” on the subject of phone scamming.

Jemtrud said.

“I think teachers could incorporate it into material The Better Business Bureau can be contacted by they teach,” Piehl said. “Just an awareness and a savvy email address ask@thefirstbbb.org or by phone 800about what people try to get away with.”

646-6222 for questions or incident reports.

Jemtrud said there are serious dangers for students

Securing your Identity

“

Scammers mix with your emotions, they can cloud your judgment so you don’t take the time to make a decision.

Solving the scam: what’s on the other end

Better Business Bureau seeks to inform communities Talia Lissauer & Ben Sanford talialissauer@slpecho.com bensanford@slpecho.com

8

“

SPORTS

Echo Monday October 8, 2018

Brianna Davenport, freshman

Boys’ soccer reaches No. 5 ranking

OUT OF THE PARK

Closing down on competitive dance Rachel Salzer rachelsalzer@ slpecho.com

Team advances in class 2A

A

t the age of 2 I went to my first dance class.

I started my dance career at a studio in St. Louis Park called On Your Toes. At first I was only in recreational classes then when I turned 6 I started doing competitive dance.

Being on a competition team meant more hours dancing and competing against other teams at other studios.

Later we moved to a better studio called Victoria Dance Productions.

In seventh and eighth grade, most of my teammates were trying out for their schools’ dance teams. But, because I go to Park, I did not get that chance.

Something my studio preaches is how our dance schedule gives us room to have a balanced life so we can be involved in more things than just studio dance. I do believe they do a good job with giving What’s the us that opportuPOINT? nity to do more.

In high school I joined golf, had a nanny job after school, helped at the studio as an assistant teacher to stay busy.

But I just felt I was missing a lot of sporting events that I really wanted to go to, especially hockey and volleyball games.

Last year as a junior and this year as a senior — my last year I can do studio dance — I was not quite sure how much I actually wanted to continue dancing. I truly still do love dance, but I have already done it for so many years. Since I do not have dance team training and was never exposed to the real high school or college dance team world, there is nothing keeping me in dance past this final year.

Dance has given me many cool opportunities, like traveling to new places in the U.S., getting to be a role model and teacher for the younger kids at the studio, earning the “Dancer of the Year” award, being a golf captain, meeting some lifelong friends. In the end, I am glad I am doing dance this year since I do enjoy it and worked things out so I am able to do more of what I enjoy outside of dance as well.

It’s cool to go to the games and see that we’re a good team and that we can compete with bigger schools.

Claire Bargman clairebargman@slpecho.com

T

he boys’ varsity coach Chato Alvarado said his team is always learning and improving. He said the team is beginning to pull ahead and beat larger teams this season.

Alvarado said he has coached Park teams for 19 years, but he said he wants to make a bigger impact this year. He said he gets the team to assess the week based on where they are physiWe need to work on defend- cally and how many games they have. ing dead balls “We like playing because we’ve day by day dependgotten five balls ing on how things are going and then we scored on us just try to prepare for Zinedine Kroeten, senior the following game,” Alvarado said.

Junior Thomas Salamzadeh, who is a captain, said he wants to make sure the team stays focused throughout the game.

He said it is important to start strong and dominate the game right away.

“

STUDENT VOICES

Change opens doors

“

Photo Grace Farley

Eye on the ball: Junior Andrew Kniser chases after the ball alongside Cooper player in order to maintain possession. The Park boys’ team is currently fifth in the State.

“We didn’t do that too well against Jefferson, and the game was close,” Salamzadeh said. “In the second half we kind of took care of it but if we can finish the game off right away it’ll just make it a lot easier for us.”

According to Salamzadeh, the stakes were high for the game against Jefferson as they were the next best team in the conference.

Park beat Jefferson 1-0 with a last minute goal by sophomore Alex Ruiz-Shimada.

The teams played at 5 p.m. Sept. 21 at Jefferson stadium.

Another captain, senior Zinedine Kroeten, said many of the upcoming games

It’s no different we tied Wayzata, and now they are not even in the top 10 so frankly the rating is just a number.

David Benjamin, senior

will require strong showing by his teammates.

They need to keep corner kicks and throw-ins out of the net to win against teams like Washburn who is ranked No. 1 in the state in the class 2A. “We need to work on defending dead balls because we’ve gotten five balls scored on us” Kroeten said.

Playing consistently well against top teams like Washburn is key to having a successful season, according to Kroeten.

“We just plan to go at those games like any other and play how we normally play and if we do that we will come out with a win” Kroeten said.

“

I think it’s good to be ranked, but we still have to play well. There’s more pressure now and expectations. Every team wants to beat us because we are ranked so high, but we just got to keep winning.

Nick Riley, junior

Girls’ cross country places first at Griak Team achieves record placement Talia Lissauer talialissauer@slpecho.com

A

s racers sprinted across the finish line and their names flashed across the scoreboard cross country head coach Chris Nordstrom said he had a feeling that was difficult to describe.

“As the race unfolded, I knew we were running well, and we had a shot.

When I saw the scoreboard out on the course, however, it kind of set in that we had done it. A rush of joy and excitement had definitely hit me,” Nordstrom said.

Sophomore Erin Brousseau said going into this race each runner has an individual goal to beat their personal best and a team goal to beat Bloomington Jefferson.

“The team killed it overall. We beat the team that we really wanted to,” Brousseau said. “A lot of people broke their records. I didn’t, but I still had a fine race.”

Photo Isabel Kjaer

Pace yourself: Freshman Josie Mosby attempts to push past her opponents during the Griak meet. It took place Sept. 29.

Photo Isabel Kjaer

Top 5 park runners at Griak

Josie Mosby, first Jersey Miller, 14 Kaia Meyers, 41 Ruby Massie, 45 Erin Brousseau, 100 Infographic Sophie Olmen Source gopark.org

Going into the meet, Nordstrom said he was excited to see how the runners would do.

“It is a special meet and we always try and be at our best for it. I think both guys’ and girls’ teams are ready to go battle in the difficult field and the difficult course,” Nordstrom said.

According to gopark.org out of the 10 varsity runners at Park, six finished in the top 100.

“

(SLP superfans) gets the school involved and it makes our school spirit strong and together and it’s fun.

SPORTS

Echo Monday October 8, 2018

Gabby McCaa, senior

9

MEET THE ATHLETE

Who Olivia Mosby Grade Senior Sport Soccer and cross country How long have you played soccer?

I have played soccer since I was 6.

Photo Grace Farley

Sea of orange: The senior class cheers on the football players as they run onto the field during the Homecoming game Sept 21. The Park football team beat the Richfield Spartans with a final score of 41-14, breaking their two-year losing streak.

Three seniors unite to create superfans Game times, dress codes communicated through social media Jenna Cook jennacook@slpecho.com

S

enior Aidan Henry said he enjoys running Park pride social media accounts intended to get students to attend school sporting events.

“There’s a lot of glory involved. It’s fun, I enjoy it. I like making jokes. I’ll make videos sometimes for sports to get people to come,” Henry said.

According to Henry, seniors Milkaso Dedefo and Rachel Salzer co-administer the accounts with him. Dedefo said he appreciates the breadth of impact the Twitter account has had so far. “(I like) that more people are following

the account. Other student sections from different schools are following us too,” Dedefo said.

Varsity girls’ soccer captain senior Ellie Kent said although there are a few flaws in the system the admins have put together, she supports the overall idea.

“I think that it’s kind of controversial only because there’s limited people that look at the Twitter account,” Kent said. “I think they’re trying to accomplish unity between the student body and trying to get everyone involved in school spirit and school culture.”

According to Dedefo, he and the other admins want as many people to follow the accounts as possible to help spread the information.

“It’s for students to know what the dress codes are for and to get more people to come to the games,” Dedefo said.

Henry said he and the other admins try to keep the event updates on the Snapchat

Park sports social media Snapchat- slpsuperfans19 Twitter- SLPSUPERFANS191

Infographic Isabel Kjaer Source Snapchat & Twitter

and Twitter accounts as entertaining as possible.

“If someone scores, we’ll say that they scored and then make a joke about it, like something ridiculous that they didn’t do, like they did a backflip and then ran all the way to the parking lot,” Henry said.

Henry said he thinks the accounts help unify, not only the senior class, but any student who has interest in attending a sporting event.

“I just think it works because it’s an easy way to get people to know where games are and it’s kind of a fun way to include everyone with dress codes and stuff, no matter what grade or their interests,” Henry said.

Why did you decide to play soccer and run cross country this fall?

I really wanted to run cross country because I run distance for track and I really like the coaches and (the coaches) really wanted me to. They have been trying to get me to do it since my sophomore year when I started track, but I just really didn’t want to let go of soccer because I love the sport and the people.

What do you enjoy most about soccer?

I really just like the feeling of being on the field and the team working together.

When you do something that helps the team on the field, you just get that feeling that you’re contributing.

What do you enjoy most about cross country?

Almost kind of the opposite (of soccer). I really like how it’s kind of just me and I am racing against myself. The feeling after (a race) is probably the best part. It is just so rewarding knowing that you just ran that far and that fast.

Volleyball prepares to face opposition Team practices for match against Hopkins, future games Dahlia Krebs & Ruthie Posada dahliakrebs@slpecho.com ruthieposada@slpecho.com

What is your favorite soccer memory?

Last season when we played Cretin-Derham Hall. It was the first game on varsity that I got a lot of playing time and the first time I really felt good about my playing time. Even though we tied the game, we played really hard.

A

ccording to junior Ivy Jones, preparing for matches involves knowing ahead of time the skills needed to face that particular opponent.

“We can know what kind of skills they’ll be doing and be able to play against them and have a feel of how they play,” Jones said.

“We film our matches so we can watch it later and get feedback from our coaches about what we can be doing better.”

Captain and senior Maddy McIntosh said they are preparing for their upcoming matches by doing drills specific to the teams they are facing. As of Oct. 3, the team’s record is 5-4.

“We prepare for games by doing drills in practice based on the specific tendencies of the teams that are coming up, if there’s a really good outside hitter we practice a lot of defense,” McIntosh said.

Coach Whitney Meierotto-Simon said she believes the team has to work hard from the start to avoid getting moved down to the bottom bracket.

“Basically we have to win in order to stay in the top half of the bracket. If we lose in our first match we will go down to the losers’ bracket,” Meierotto-Simon said. “So it is really important for us to play hard.”

Meierotto-Simon said she was excited for the team to play schools they have never played before at the Hopkins invitational Oct. 6.

How long have you run cross country?

I went to cross country captains’ practice last summer, but this is my first season competing.

Photo Ruthie Posada

Up in the air: Sophomore Olivia Lainsbury sets the ball to one of her teammates during the match against Coon Rapids Sept. 17.

“I am really excited for the girls to see teams we don’t normally see. We are going to play Rogers, we never played Rogers before, and it is a high level volleyball tournament so there are going to be a lot of other good teams there,” Meierotto-Simon said.

The volleyball team played a tournament this past weekend at Hopkins High School and will return to play its next game at 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 against the Hopkins Royals.

Who is your sports role model and why?

Meghan Klingenberg comes to mind because she’s an outside defender like me, and she doesn’t seem very flashy, but her stats were actually the best on the (United States Women’s National Team).

Emma Leff emmaleff@slpecho.com

“

10 OPINIONS

Echo Monday, October 8, 2018

Echo Editor-in-chief: *Dani Orloff Managing editors: Amaia Barajas, *Grace Farley, Abby Inveld, Yonit Krebs, Sam St. Clair Web editor: *Marta Hill Photo editors: Ella Hammerstrand & *Carissa Prestholdt Design editors: Creston Halstead, *Isabel Kjaer & Isaac Wahl Copy editors: Jenna Cook & Emma Yarger Assistant copy editor: Sofie Geretz Social media editor: 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 Buisiness editor: Anika Hanson Staff: Claire Bargman, Tamar Gewirtz, Emmanuel Hawkins, Isabella Kanne, Gabriel Kaplan, Nolan Kelly, Maggie Klaers, Dahlia Krebs, Emma Leff, Talia Lissauer, Sophia Livingston, Mira Malka, Ethan Meisler, Samiya Mohamed Kaia Myers, *Noah Orloff, Maria Perez-Barriga, Ruth Posada, Abigail Prestholdt, Megan Raatz, Rachel Salzer, Ben Sanford, Kate Schneider, Madeleine Schutte, Sadie Yarosh, Emily Ziessman, Lucy Zumbrunnen Principal: Scott Meyers Printer: ECM Inc.

Discrimination lawsuit needs more attention, student input

STUDENT HANDBOOK

L

ast fall, the district was charged by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights for discrimination against students of color and disabled students for disciplinary action. Suspensions and expulsions of these groups were found to be higher than white and non-disabled students at Park.

According to the St. Louis Park Public Schools Strategies for Reducing Suspensions, the plan included a new initiative to increase minority representation in curriculum and eradicate implicit biases found in the schools. It looked to change the suspension policy to make punishments fair across the board.

The Echo Editorial Board sees the plan as too superficial, as it does not actually change any policies or guidelines in the handbook. Without any concrete change in the near future, the plan will not be effective.

Art Maggie Klaers

Additionally, we understand how the school may not want to publicize the details of the violation, however, we believe that in order to solve the problem, the administration must be open to students and parents about what went wrong and how they should fix it.

The Editorial Board thinks there should be a meeting between families and the administration to discuss these issues together to come up with a new solution.

It is necessary for these conversations to occur before the district can move on and grow as one.

We believe the diversity in our community makes us stronger. However, we

cannot continue to claim this with such injustices in our school.

Students should be aware of these violations because their classmates have been affected by possible unfair discipline practices.

We implore students to educate themselves on their rights in this district.

Students and staff should also work to discuss these issues within school walls.

Community members should be able to tell the administration what they want to see in new policies.

If families are unaware of the issues to begin with, they cannot have a voice in a new system.

STUDENT VOICES “I think (the ad) is going to bring more awareness to more people than just his fans.”

*Denotes editorial board member

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

Joey Mack, junior

OUR PERSPECTIVE

Adviser: Lori Keekley 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.

(The discrimination charges) are not of my interest. I really don’t care about anyone else. So I’m more self-centered.

Badhasa Wako, sophomore

“Nike is smart because they are going to use someone who’s been through something, and it’s helping them get money. So I think that’s wrong.”

Rakeen Jones, junior

“I think the ad will help Kaepernick’s movement.

(But) for the company, maybe it wasn’t the best idea, it could go both ways.”

Hannah Lyubeznik, sophomore

Nike ad with Kaepernick receives unnecessary backlash Sales continue to rise despite controversy Maddie Schutte maddieschutte@slpecho.com

T

he new Nike ad with Colin Kaepernick shows bravery and dedication to a relavant movement.

Kaepernick first tweeted the ad Sept.

3, alluding to his controversial protesting during the 2016 and 2017 football season.

The former 49ers quarterback is known for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice in the United States, inspiring numerous other athletes to join him.

The ad was followed with immediate controversy from those who find his protesting offensive.

Posts began to circulate social media of people vowing to never buy Nike products again, and some even burning the products they already own.

Nike’s support of Kaepernick is a push in the right direction.

It is comforting to know a brand as

popular as Nike would put their reputation on the line to support what they believe in.

Knowing the extent of the controversy over Kaepernick’s actions, backlash from the ad could have been detrimental to Nike, but it was a risk the brand was willing to take.

Those who doubt Kaepernick’s need to protest are part of the problem.

Many pretend to have overcome the racism in our country, but turning our backs to it prevents us from progressing.

Even if you find his kneeling offensive, Kaepernick’s need to protest is valid.

There is no stopping this movement now that one of the most powerful brands has given them a broader platform to kneel on.

We can never fix the problems in our country if we don’t step up and speak up for what we want, which is exactly what Kaepernick and Nike are doing.

The ad is inspiring to those who are afraid to use their voice and is a perfect example of utilizing our First Amendment rights.

To Falafel King: I fala-fell in love with these falafels.

Art Maggie Klaers

Fair use from Nike

Just do it: According to Vox, this ad featuring Colin Kaepernick has earned a $6 billion in sales increase for Nike.

To Phone Scamming: Wait, I’m not winning a million dollars?

Up to student albums: I’ll play your song on repeat so you can make 90 cents.

R.S., J.C., E.Y.

“

(The Boundary Waters) should be protected in its own way. Especially if it’s important to people or significant.

OPINIONS

Echo Monday, October 8, 2018

Kristena Woods, senior

11

Mining projects approved near Boundary Waters Photo Claire Bargman

Minnesotan beauty: Water reflects the cloud filled sky on Sucker Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. This region is one of the areas of concern if the mines are approved.

Economy, environment at risk Emma Yarger emmayarger@slpecho.com

P

icture the most beautiful nature landscape possible. Imagine lakes, trees and sky that is untouched by light, sound and air pollution. Visualize lakes so pristine when you canoe across them you can drink the water straight from beneath you. There is a small section of our Earth that has been preserved and untouched by a harmful human hand. If you are not already familiar, it is called the

Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is located in northern Minnesota and is currently preserved by the U.S. Forest Service. Unfortunately, the federal government decided Sept. 6 to allow a copper mine to be opened. The mine would be located right on the edge of this protected land.

Both Twin Metals and PolyMet mining companies, two of the groups that are a part of the new agreement, pose serious threats to the BWCA. The potential damage done to the lakes in the canoe area would be irreversible.

According to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, the mines would drain

Mining Environmental Repercussions • Acid mine drainage • Metal contamination • Increased sediment levels in streams Infographic Sam St. Clair Source polutionissues

acid and sulfide into the groundwater. All of the lakes in BWCA are connected, so eventually every lake would be polluted and incapable of sustaining life.

This type of unaltered wilderness is rare in our world today, yet the Department of Agriculture has decided that copper mining and creating jobs is more valuable than a

priceless landscape. However, they fail to realize the economic boost the mines might provide would not be enough to counteract the hit the tourism industry would take once these mines are open, according to a Harvard study.

The BWCA is a treasure to Minnesota.

It creates jobs and contributes to the state’s tourism economy. It is something that Minnesotans should be proud to have within their borders.

I am outraged at the lack of concern our current government has for wilderness areas like the BWCA. Not only should environmental conservators be distraught, but anyone concerned with Minnesota’s economy should be seriously concerned.

POINT COUNTERPOINT

President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh creates division Christine Blasey Ford has come forward with allegations of being sexually assaulted by Kavanaugh at a party in high school in 1982. She has testified her story as part of Kavanaugh’s senate confirmation hearings.

Kavanaugh deserves benefit of doubt Nominee should have a chance Tenzin Gyaldatsang tenzingyaldatsang@slpecho.com

P

resident Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has been under heavy scrutiny for the alleged assault of Christine Blasey Ford, a professor from California.

Kavanaugh has sworn under oath that the allegations of sexual assault never happened. “I swear today — under oath, before the Senate and the nation; before my family and God — I am innocent of this charge.”

One of Kavanaugh’s best friends in college, Chris Dudley, said in a statement to the White

PARK TRAIL

House, “in all the years I have known him, I have never seen him to be disrespectful or inappropriate with women.”

Kavanaugh deserves to be angry and emotional at the allegations thrown at him.

How would you feel if allegations of sexual assault were thrown against you while you have a chance of serving in the highest court of the U.S. government?

Even if he is innocent, his family name and more than 10 years of legal expertise is thrown in the trash.

I acknowledge that Ford’s allegations against Kavanaugh may have happened, but I also believe that Kavanaugh deserves due process.

Maggie Klaers maggieklaers@slpecho.com

Kavanaugh would be a disgrace to the Court STUDENT VOICES

Treatment of victim unacceptable Amaia Barajas amaiabarajas@slpecho.com

“I think he should not be confirmed because we are not sure where he stands. It’s confusing if he is guilty or not. I think he should step down.”

Nebyu Bekele, junior

“It’s a very debatable subject obviously I side with Dr. Ford.

I think both sides could be argued but Ford wouldn’t say that if it wasn’t true.”

Erin Brousseau, sophomore

E

ver since President Trump announced Brett Kavanaugh as his Supreme Court nominee to replace Anthony Kennedy, he has been under scrutiny.

The concerns multiplied when Christine Blasey Ford came forward with her allegation.

Representatives, such as Ashley Graham, have vehemently defended Kavanaugh and said that it is not fair to judge or “destroy” Kavanaugh’s life and career for something he did in high school.

Since an assault can affect a victim’s life well into adulthood,

the perpetrator should be held accountable.

Someone like Kavanaugh who has denied all of his allegations and won’t own up to his past actions should not be confirmed.

It took incredible courage for Ford to come forward against a SCOTUS nominee, even during the era of the #MeToo movement.

The fact that the elected officials of the United States can be so cruel to a victim of sexual assault is disgusting.

Some Kavanaugh supporters try to make the alleged assault seem like it was Ford’s fault, questioning her sobriety or if she could even remember the events because it was so long ago. I personally believe Ford no matter her sobriety or how much time has past.

“

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Echo Monday, October 8, 2018

Falafels are great if you make it really well but if you don’t then it’s absolutely terrible Shira Hanovich, freshman

Photo Noah Orloff

Three more locations

Falafel King reigns supreme

Ariana Kabob & Gyro Bistro 7115 Cedar Lake Rd., St. Louis Park

$8

T

he falafel at Ariana Kabob & Gyro Bistro did not offer a pita pocket, but instead a whole piece of pita wrapped around the falafel. The falafel was warm and broke apart, exactly the way it should. It had a nice outer shell and was not hard to bite through. The falafel was everything I wanted.

The sandwich did not have hummus but did have a generous amount of tahini. The tahini sauce was slightly strong and thick sauce with a hint of lemon. However, it was not very smooth. I was left with a falafel that had few flaws. The tahini was the only area that kept the sandwich from perfection.

Local sandwich spot worth a shot Photo Noah Orloff

Noah Orloff noahorloff@slpecho.com

Foxy Falafel 791 Raymond Ave., St. Paul

3238 W Lake St., Minneapolis

$6.99

$9

F

oxy Falafel offered a pita that was thin and dry, making it not my favorite. I ordered the Foxy Falafel dish, which is described as a traditional falafel on their menu. The Foxy Falafel was the most inclusive option because it is gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian. The falafel balls had an inside with a couple big chunks of chickpeas. The thick interior made it harder to eat. The tahini at Foxy Falafel was unique in both flavor and presentation. The tahini was green, which looked and tasted great when poured on the falafel. It had an enjoyable mild sesame flavor in addition to the hummus. Overall, I felt like the pita and falafel fell short at Foxy Falafel.

T

he pita at Falafel King was nice and warm. It offered a hard outside that lead to a softer inside. The large falafel had a crunch all the way through every bite, which was served with tomatoes and cucumber.

The full rich flavor of the falafel was flowing with oil, a good sign that it had been recently fried. Also the mild tahini gave a pleasant addition to the taste of the falafel balls.

The thin sauce dispersed throughout the pocket of the pita, just the way I like it. The sandwich was paired nicely with a delicious textured hummus.

Everything about the sandwich at Falafel King was positive. The falafel’s phenomenal flavor left me in awe, making a great culinary experience, that truly displayed their royalty.

Photo Noah Orloff

Roti Modern Mediterranean 1620 Park Place Blvd., St. Louis Park

$8

I

was not a big fan of the pita at the recently opened St. Louis Park location. The falafel was mushy and the external portion of the falafel lacked a nice crunch. It seemed like it had been fried hours ago and did not meet my expectations.

Despite the shortcomings of the falafel, the hummus was delicious. Smokiness was identifiable but the surplus of hummus made it hard to taste the tahini. Other than the hummus, all elements of the food I ate at Roti were mediocre at best.

Photo Noah Orloff

METRO METRO AT A GLANCE David Bryant davidbryant@slpecho.com

Photos used with permission from Minnesota Zoo, Netflix, Republic Records, Xcel Energy Center.

Oct. 4-31

Oct. 19

Oct. 19

Oct. 20

Witness more than 5,000 decorative pumpkins at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo from 7-11 p.m.

Netflix prepares to release season three of Marvel original “Daredevil,” following blind superhuman, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox).

Rock band Greta Van Fleet is set to release album “Anthem of the Peaceful Army.” Pre-order is available on iTunes and Spotify for $12.

Ed Sheeran hosts a concert at U.S. Bank Stadium as a part of The ÷ Tour. Tickets are presale on StubHub and Ticketmaster for around $50.