Echo
THEATER REHEARSES SHOW
‘Big Fish’ highlights father and son relationships PAGE 4
PARKETTES RECRUTING
Team hopes to boost numbers and self-confidence PAGE 8
RENAISSANCE FAIR REVIEW Renfest offers endless entertainment options PAGE 12
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Volume 91 Issue 2 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426
SLPECHO.COM
Photo Anna duSaire
Silent demonstration: Aliviah McClinton, Rosa Sigrunardottir, Malaika Bigirindavyi and Olivia Massie take a knee on the turf during the national anthem of the girls’ soccer game Sept. 25. This act of protest has been performed by more than 50 high schools across the country according to NowThis News.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
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It makes me feel like a stronger human (to take a knee), and that I actually have a voice on the team. Malaika Bigirindavyi, senior It is my Constitutional right and I’m not going to stand for a country that chooses to oppress me.
Olivia Massie, senior
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I took a knee because I don’t stand for a country and a president that doesn’t want to protect black people.” Aliviah McClinton, sophomore Everyone should be equal, we’re all just people trying to get through life. Rosa Sigrunardottir, senior
Athletes take a stand by kneeling down Players inspired by professional athletes Mimi Fhima mimifhima@slpecho.com
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rustrated and teary-eyed after taking a knee during the national anthem at the girls’ soccer game Monday night, senior foreign exchange student and player Rosa Sigrunardottir said she felt this protest was necessary. “Coming to America from Iceland and seeing all of the kids here — it’s hard. Everyone should be equal. We’re all just people trying to get through life,” Sigrunardottir said. “Nobody should feel not welcome in this world. Somebody needs to step up and do something.” Seniors Malaika Bigirindavyi, Olivia Massie and Rosa Sigrunardottir and sophomore Aliviah McClinton knelt on the
home turf during the national anthem at the girls’ soccer game against Southwest High School Sept. 25. This occurred after inspiration from athletes in the NFL, WNBA and MLB who participated in some act of protest during the national anthem. According to Laura Bigirindavyi, parent of senior player Bigirindavyi, the players exemplified a national issue hitting home. “What is relevant in the injustice that is being protested in the NFL is also present in the high school on many levels,” Bigirindavyi said. According to senior goalie Olivia Massie, the action expressed a larger issue. “It’s not a little act,” Massie said. “If we all do this it shows something much bigger than ourselves.”
Although not aware the act would occur, varsity coach Benji Kent said he supports the players’ intentions to exercise their rights. “We haven’t talked about it as a team but I think our team and our school (are) supportive of students’ rights,” Kent said. Sophomore player Aliviah McClinton said she knelt in reaction to issues arising from Trump’s presidency and hopes her action inspires others. “I took a knee because I don’t stand for a country and a president that doesn’t want to protect black people,” McClinton said. “I hope that it sends (the message that) you don’t have to be afraid to take a stand. Don’t be afraid of the consequences.” Echo’s Anna duSaire and Alec Pittman also contributed to this story.
Student Council aims to support Mathews family, faculty Awareness drawn through ribbons, blood drive Mimi Fhima & Atticus Raasch mimifhima@slpecho.com atticusraasch@slpecho.com
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nvisioning a sea of blue and black ribbons in school, Student Council president and senior Sophie Yarosh hopes staff member Shawn Mathews will feel a wave of support following the passing of her husband, Wayzata police officer William Mathews. According to a Hennepin County police report Officer Mathews allegedly was killed in the line of duty by a distracted driver Sept. 8. “We’re going to (give out
ribbons) in honor of Shawn Mathews and her family, and Officer Mathews to show support,” Yarosh said. Yarosh said she hopes these events will create a welcoming environment for Mathews when she returns to school. “It’s important to show support as a community to help Shawn through this difficult time,” Yarosh said. Student Council adviser Sarah Lindenberg said the ribbons’ colors represent a fallen officer. “The black and blue ribbons are the colors (of the) fallen police officer flag and what that commemorates,” Lindenberg said. “The colors are part of that flag.” Senior Sabrina Garcia
said the ribbons will remind students to drive safely. “It’s important to wear the ribbons to honor Officer Mathews,” Garcia said. “It shows if you’re driving you should pay attention to the road.” Lindenberg said the Park community consistently supports those in need. “I think when someone is hurting in the community of St. Louis Park the students and staff are really good about trying to show support,” Lindenberg said. Lindenberg said a blood drive honoring the Mathews family will also occur. “We happened to have a blood drive scheduled and coming up, so we decided to
put that in memory of Officer Mathews,” Lindenberg said. Senior Brenden Donahue said the blood drive is an impactful way to commemorate Officer Mathews. “(The blood drive) is a great idea to (remember) Officer Mathews and honor his name,” Donahue said. Yarosh said it is important for students and community members to support each other. “I think (the commemoration) also helps a lot of teachers in the building who were close to that family and maybe knew Officer Mathews,” Yarosh said. “I think it’s important as a community that we show support in times of tragedy and sadness.”
Photo Illustration Emma Kempf