Issue 2, Oct. 13

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 Volume 95 Issue 2 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd St., St. Louis Park, MN 55426

WHAT’S INSIDE? COVID-19 case? PAGE 5 season? PAGE 11 PAGE 16

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ECHO

NOTE slpecho St. Louis Park Echo The St. Louis Park Echo St. Louis Park Echo Echo Newspaper

STAFF LIST Editors-in-chief !"#$%&'(%)%&$*' (+)),'-./+./%0 Photo editors:'!,%)%0'1$+00&2 Assistant photo editor: 3%"$,' 3&$4%$ Copy editors: !#&5'6742*'8%"97"' 6,&)#&02&":';'<)%"&'=$079>?72/5&" News editor: @&.+A'B/&A7% Features editors: (&$%"'C7)2%,*' B&07%'D%)2+" In-Depth editor: E$,20&)'F7&9 Sports editor: 8+A7&2'B/&A7% Opinion editor: !72/&'3%$27 Entertainment editor: @+/&""&' B&4)&" Multimedia editor: G7),'DH:0%$%"' Business editor: =)7I%$'-570/' Web editor: E+)7"'E&"&#&, '!I&'!2/A,*'!AA,'J&$0)%2+"*' ?7""'J&$+"*'!""7K&'E)%I%)&"#*' -+4/7&'EH$$&">(++$%*'@+$#,"' F%2./&542*'E)&7$%'?7))A$&"#0*' G7)7&'6+"9&)%9*'D+$&'3&))*'(7./&%)' 3+7KK&*'3&$$72'B%%K)%,*'-&5'G7207&K*' !5%)7&'(7.K%)2+"*'@&.+A'1%$29K,*' 1&0$7.7&'G+4%9>(7)7&"*'E/&$'1$7&#K&*' !7#&"'-/&L+"*'F&"7%)'-/+4%*'!I%$,' -0&/)*'(,&'-0&"A%$$,*'6$&.%'-07))5&"*' G&H$%"'8/+"*'G&M"7,&/'8/+$"0+"*' G7&5'C++#N&$# Principal:!G&D72/&'1&##+.K Printer: D+$0/'-0&$'(%#7& Adviser: G+$7'B%%K)%, Awards: NSPA Hall of Fame member; 2011, 2016, 2017 NSPA Print Pacemaker Finalist; 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020 National Print Pacemaker Award recipient; 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 Online Pacemaker Finalist; 2013, 2015, 2016, 2020 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All State.

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s we enter the second month of school, we are happy to present you with the second issue of Echo for the 20212022 school year.

The first week of this cycle was spent exclusively teaching and learning.

We talked about everything from how to interview to how to get the best photos possible.

Returning staffers worked with new staffers to help them put out their first pieces of content, which consequently increased our sports coverage.

In this issue, we hope to demonstrate all the things our staffers have been working and improving on over the past month and inform readers on what is going on at Park.

On page five, you can read about how Park is handling increasing COVID-19 cases and what it would take for Park to return back to distance or hybrid learning. On page seven, you can read about how students' reactions to being back in school with a pandemic still raging among us.

Then, on page 13, you can read our Staff Editorial on mask guidelines during school sporting events and how we believe they impact Park.

For our In-Depth spread this cycle, eight-nine, we chose to explore how social media and the trends that come with it impact students. Followed later by a point-counter-point on page 14 discussing the impacts of Park removing student Wi-Fi network, and instead giving all students their own Chromebooks.

Finally, we close this issue with a review of a new St. Louis Park business, Angel Food Bakery. To see more reviews on other new restaurants including Revival, visit our website.

Below this note you will find a shortened version of Echo's Media Polices. To see our full Media Policies click the About tab on our website.

Finally, we wanted to thank the Park community for its continued support as well as all of our amazing staffers and editors for all the work they have put into this issue.

Photo by Jacob Khabie Park pride: Seniors Andrea Melear and Molly Schochet pose at the senior tailgate. The tailgate was Sept. 24.

POLICIES

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he Echo is the official student-produced news media of St. Louis Park Senior High School. It is published 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS ECHO Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021

Table of

CONTENTS

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Take it to the face: Senior Deontez Ross

NEWS 4 Flu season settles in 5 Reactions and COVID-19 case 6 2021 City Council election preview

FEATURES 7 Students transition into new year

Photo on Cover: photo illustration Photo: Ayelet Prottas

8 In-Depth: Social students’ mental health 10 Westwood Hills Nature Center celebrates 40th anniversary

SPORTS 11 Football trampled by star running back 12 successful season

Your support makes

OPINIONS 13 Staff Editorial: Delta variant raises concerns 14 Point counter point: BYOD-Wi-Fi

ENTERTAINMENT 15 Review: Angel Foods bakery 16 Review: Squid Game

Want to embrace semester!

Scan here to

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NEWS Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 ECHO

WEB PREVIEW

Flu season settles in Nurse emphasizes innoculation Andrea Melear

Photo Ayelet Prottas

Park forced to evacuate Park was evacuated Sept. 30 after fire alarms sounded throughout the building during fifth period. Students and staff remained outside for approximately 20 minutes while the fire department arrived until everyone returned back inside.

Photo Ayelet Prottas

Information As many students start to apply for college, many must navigate tuition prices. Park is hosting a Virtual Financial Aid Information Night to assist these families Oct. 26.

Heather Celdo, senior

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ollowing a yearly family practice, freshman Adam Rosvold has already received his flu shot. Rosvold said he always gets his shot as a precaution for the upcoming flu season. “(Getting the flu shot) can help you every fall and throughout the year to stay safe from the flu,” Rosvold said. “A lot of people die and I don’t want to be one of those people.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the flu season is most prominent during the fall and winter.

School nurse Susanne Otos said since many of the COVID-19 symptoms overlap with the regular flu ones, it is highly recommended for everyone to get their shot.

“Often people don’t know the difference between what could be just a regular A or B stream flu and the actual coronavirus. They’re very similar as far as symptoms go,” Otos said. “If you were to get a regular flu shot, the hope is that it will lessen your symptoms if you should get either the A or B strain or any one of the strains.”

How many cases should there be?

Working in a space where sicknesses are easily spread, English teacher Annamarie Wilfahrt said she receives the shot every year as a personal caution.

“It’s just been a habit of mine, more so because of the environment that I work in,” Wilfahrt said. “It just seems like the flu is getting more severe, and I’m of an age where I don’t want it.”

Sophomore Vasily Goponenko said with COVID-19 still being prominent among the community, students should be more cautious if they begin to feel unwell.

“Some kids could think they have one or the other and they could cause a big problem (or) some kind of outbreak or issue,” Goponenko said.

Rosvold said with the guidelines Park is following with COVID-19, he believes mask wearing might have an impact on the spread of the flu.

“It’ll definitely diminish the amount of cases of the flu because of everybody’s masks,” Rosvold said.

Otos said she pleads for students to stay safe and disclose their symptoms to the school.

“Don’t come to school sick, please,” Otos said. “I pray that you don’t come to school sick, and that you let us know if you’ve tested positive and you let us know what your symptoms are.”

To learn more about the flu season, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

shot?

symptoms?

Photo Jacob Perszyk

lunch

As students eat lunch, a police car sits quietly but perceptibly on Edgewood Ave South. School resource officer Maurice Smith said his job during lunch is to supervise traffic near the high school.

According to Smith, people in the community brought up concerns about the speed of vehicles in the area last year.

For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho

Infographic Source

DESIGN BY Jacob Khabie

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NEWS ECHO Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021

I’m kinda nervous (about COVID-19), but at the same time, I’m vaccinated.”

Erin Kozlowksi, senior

Masks

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Quarantine

Infographic Source

Reactions and resolutions Masks, testing, contact tracing strongly enforced Molly Schochet

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DESIGN BY Molly Schochet

s Park settles into the new school year, COVID-19 cases have started growing.

According to assistant principal Jessica Busse, the amount of cases has served as a reality check.

Students and staff are reminded why it is important to monitor mask wearing.

“When a person is identified as a positive case, we contact trace common spaces where masks aren’t worn, so that would be the cafeteria,” Busse said. “If they’re an athlete, and they’re practicing, or if they’re competing we look at buses because we can’t monitor mask wearing on buses.

Park’s first COVID-19 case was reported to families Sept. 24. As of Oct. 8, Park reported two positive cases and three students in quarantine, according to the COVID-19 dashboard located on the St. Louis Park Public Schools website.

Despite feeling as if Park has properly controlled COVID-19 cases so far, senior Ada Turman said the lack of mask wearing by students at Homecoming events concerned her.

“Lots of kids weren’t wearing their masks, and it was a really close environment, so that kind of makes me worried,” Turman said. “But other than that, I feel like so far they’ve done a pretty good job.”

Ava Enn, associate professor in the Division of Health Policy Management at the University of Minnesota, said that because of how contagious the delta variant of COVID-19 is, one of the best things schools can be doing right now is to be regularly testing students and staff for COVID-19.

“You’ll detect a lot of asymptomatic cases if you just test a lot even among vaccinated students or students who have protection from the vaccine,” Enn said.

According to Busse, Park is currently working with the company Vault to help students access testing.

“Students will be able to take those testing kits home and mail them in,” Busse said. “It's called “Vault”, where you can order the kit, they send it to you, take the test on Zoom and then you mail it in.”

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NEWS Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 ECHO

“(I plan on voting) because I feel like it’s important to voice my opinion and vote for people that represent my views and ideals.”

Tommy Tight, senior

ELECTION PREVIEW

Ward 3 hosts only contested race Jacob Khabie Sophia Curran-Moore

As voters prepare to head to the polls for Election Day Nov. 2, only one race is contested according to St. Louis Park's city website. All three candidates for the Ward 3 City Council seat present their arguments for why they should earn Park’s vote.

Photo by Ayelet Prottas

Vote here: A sign outside St. Louis Park City Hall shows early voters where to get their ballots. Early voting for St. Louis Park residents will be open until Nov. 1.

City Council candidate

Sue Budd City Council candidate

What do you think are the most important issues and how do you plan on tackling them?

We have a problem with tax fraud and with wage theft in the construction industry in St. Louis Park. I’ve seen contractors that I know are partially encouraged by the city to have contracts that have questionable practices. That’s really important.

Why are you running for City Council?

I’m running because my City Council member, Rachel Harris, is not running for re-election. I have liked the work that the Council has been doing. I’ve been doing a lot of organizing in the city, and I’m trying to keep some of the momentum moving around affordable housing and climate.

How do you see City Council affecting students?

Walking and biking around parks are very important for high school students, because a lot of you don’t own cars, and you need to walk and bike where you’re going, and use mass transit. Those are all things that I support, and our city supports, that affects high school students.

What do you think are the most important issues and how do you plan on tacking them?

I think there’s a lot of innovation going on in affordable housing, not just in affordable rents, but also in some homeownership programs that are targeted specifically at BIPOC communities, so communities of color, in realizing that the wealth gap is built extensively because of homeownership restrictions and limitations.

What past experiences qualify you for City Council?

I’m a well-educated union carpenter. Being a union carpenter, during the day, I swing a hammer, but I’m a trustee and treasurer in the carpenter’s union. We have about 5,300 members, and when they elect me for the carpenter’s union, they know me well. It’s not some random name and face. All the people who are voting for me know me really well. I’m really proud of that, and I’ve been a union activist for 20 years, fighting for a livable wage.

How do you see City Council affecting students?

It takes the School Board and the City Council working together to address many issues, like school resource officers. The police officers in the school is one area that I think both the Council and the School Board impact. I think it’s important that those two entities collaborate. I believe that that’s done on an annual basis right now, and I would assume that could even be tighter.

City Council candidate

Why are you running for City Council?

I grew up here, and then I spent seven years working around public service and politics. If I’m going to be working in politics, it needs to be for the people who raised me and taught me my values.

What do you think are the most important issues and how do you plan on tacking them?

The pandemic this past year and a half really exposed that internet access is an essential resource. We should treat it like gas or food.

I don’t see how anyone could get a job that pays more than $10 an hour without access to the internet.

How do you see City Council affecting students?

I see education and kids intersect with everything. City Council’s job is to make sure kids’ parents make a living wage, and when high schoolers start getting jobs, they are paid enough for their time. The City Council should make sure kids have a roof over their head and food in their bellies.

DESIGN BY Jacob Khabie

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Photo by Mya Stanberry

One month in: mixed feelings surround returning to traditional school week Katie Nelson

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lready one month into the school year, the stark contrast between the current and previous year is evident.

Many students such as junior Emma Kremer never set foot in the building last year, opting for full online learning.

According to Kremer, being back in the building has created a productive environment.

“Being in class everyday is so much better than online,” Kremer said. “You’re able to be more present in class and you’re forced to pay attention.”

During the later months of the 20202021 school year, students were only in the building four days a week, with Wednesday being a flex-time for student support.

According to Business and Marketing teacher Sophia Ross, the transition has been easier than expected.

“Coming back, the learning curve has been pretty easy, just because we’ve been taking it very slow and giving lots of flexibility and making it so that we are able to all kind of catch-up,” Ross said.

DESIGN BY Maren Wilsey

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Micah Davis, junior

Behind the screen: Junior Job Lawrence completes work during class Oct. 11.

Students were given a school issued Chromebook to replace personal devices.

Full in-person brings challenges, normalcy

FEATURES

ECHO

Although the full week schedule promotes personal connection, for sophomore Ayelel Meyen, having a break during the week was useful.

“The Wednesdays were beneficial to keep me from falling behind and just being able to get help when I needed it,” Meyen said.

For Kremer, starting the year off slowly is a positive change, since the chaos of the last school year was challenging for many.

“Students really struggled, especially to get work turned in, and now they are going to have to overcome that and be held accountable,” Kremer said.

Something Ross has taken away from distance learning is the importance of

taking time to understand her students’ emotions.

“I’ve tried queuing into different student’s needs and just checking in with students,” Ross said. “I’ve done that a lot more because it was really easy to do that in an online private message, so I’m really trying to make sure I stay on top of that.”

The schedule changes from last year may be different, but the precautions surrounding COVID-19 remain largely the same. According to Meyen, she feels safer with the guidelines put in place.

“They’re doing their best — obviously they can’t always keep everyone wearing their mask all the time, but they are doing what they can,” Meyen said.

How’s the transition?

Zach Nevinski, sophomore

Carys Searle, sophomore

“(It’s been) easier than I thought, the teachers have it really planned out well so that makes it easy.”

“Last year we had in-person school in the spring so that helped me know what to do going into this year.”

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Athletic department receives new coordinator Athletic Coordinator What was your position before this one?

I was a GLC [Grade Level Coordinator] (at Park) for four or five years. It felt like it was time to try something different.

How has the transition been?

So far, it’s been great. The Athletic Office with Andy and Brittany, they’ve tried to make it as smooth as possible. Our coaches have been extremely helpful in letting me know what they need, what they feel like they haven’t received over the past years they’ve been here (and) just letting me know what things (will) help them out. As the year goes on, I know that we’ll get better at it and it will pick up a little bit more just because there’ll be more of a rhythm to it.

What are some of the responsibilities of the athletic coordinator?

I take care of busing for our teams, I deal with our registration for our students who are getting signed up for sports. I take care of promoting our different sports and trying to get people out, to try to build a better buzz about our athletes and the competitions that we have going on here.

Part of it is more of an outreach to help build our programs across the board, trying to find a place for (students) to feel like they belong. Another part of that is continuing to build our teams to be just as diverse as our school is. That’s another big part for me, and again that starts with, even at the elementary level, making our sports not have any barriers whether it’s financial or just from a comfort standpoint. (I want to make) sure that every student has a chance to play whatever they feel or compete in whatever sport they feel is best for them.

What are some goals you have for this year?

Just to set the foundation. I have to keep reminding myself each day that this isn’t a short-term position. A lot of the goals I’ve set for myself (are) exposure for our different programs that don’t get the exposure like football or basketball do. But to get our community more involved in checking out our tennis team or coming to a boys’ swimming meet in the winter. All of those things are going to take time. This year is really about setting the foundation and figuring out what areas are lacking and so we can start to fill those holes.

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IN-DEPTH Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021 ECHO

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nderstanding the impact of social media can help teens navigate conflicts. Nearly every teen is now involved on social media platforms. Social media stems from a desire to connect with friends and family, but as time progresses, this avenue for creating relationships has instead taken a toll on mental health — as well as encouraging behaviors that harm the community as a whole.

Negative, positive impacts on mental health Last week, Facebook, the parent company of Instagram, came under fire.

Frances Haugen, a whistleblower from Facebook, testified in the Senate on the detrimental impacts that social media, specifically Instagram, has on teens. In her opening statement Oct. 5, Haugen testified Facebook has purposely misled people.

“The documents I have provided to Congress prove that Facebook has repeatedly misled the public about what its own research reveals about the safety of children, the efficacy of its artificial intelligence systems and its role in spreading divisive and extreme messages,” Haugen said.

Social media such as Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram can affect the way people view themselves and wrongfully idealize certain lifestyles and body types over others. According to junior Gwen Rockler-Gladen, the influence of social media can affect the way people act offline too. “(Social media) puts a lot of pressure on people to either look or act a certain way,” Rockler-Gladen said. “There’s a lot of trends that basically are just showing off your body and how it’s the beauty standard.”

According to Marguerite Ohrtman, a licensed clinical counselor, students can feel pressure surrounding social media because many teens use it to portray themselves.

“It is part of your identity, because your social media presence is part of who you’re putting out there for the world to see,” Ohrtman said.

What students see may harmfully affect them, counselor Kjirsten Hanson said. Although devices give the ability to create communities, it can make students feel excluded just as easily.

“I see it really negatively impact their mental health in

terms of both anxiety and depression,” Hanson said. “What students will report to me is that anxiety of needing to check all the time — and that they might miss out.”

Since many teens join social media before high school, an approval seeking mindset has been instilled in them from social media, according to senior Gavin Thoe.

“People have a need to be liked. Social media is one way where people can see you without you actually being there,” Thoe said. “You’re looked at a certain way (based) on how your social media looks or is.”

Social media dehumanizes communication, according to Hanson, when teens use social media to connect, they miss the full context of the situation.

“It’s become very impersonal. When I have to sit down with somebody one-on-one and have a conversation, that’s vastly different than texting or Snapping or Instagramming,” Hanson said.

Despite the negative aspects, social media has had a positive effect on teens since quarantine, Rockler-Gladen said. It allowed for students to create communities and support systems in ways they would not have been able to without such forms of communication. During the pandemic, social media became the only way teens could connect with each other.

“It’s definitely more connected and helps people make friends and reach out to each other especially during COVID,” Rockler-Gladen said. “People have been able to talk to each other and be connected even while not being able to be together in person.”

Schools have utilized its power to spread helpful information.

When used correctly, social media in a school community can have positive effects, Ohrtman said.

“I see schools using it now more to connect with students, like a Twitter feed being like, ‘don’t forget to do this’ or ‘check in with this.’ I see there’s a lot of benefits to using social media,” Ohrtman said. “It’s all about how it’s handled by the students, staff and the administration, (the) rules, regulations, consequences and follow through … varies by school and school district.”

On TikTok, videos of students stealing or vandalizing school property have gone viral — leading the trend to come to Park.

green?

Elena Oritz-Fishman Katie Nelson Grace Stillman

Noah Gips, freshman

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This phenomenon is credited to “devious licks,” a trend, which spiraled out of control. Students made harmless TikToks about stealing things from school — but, according to counselor Kelsey Milne, trends like these are not all fun and games.

“We need to look at it like this: is it helping our community?

Or is this hurting our community?” Milne said. “If it’s hurting our community, I don’t think that’s who we want to be.”

According to Rockler-Gladen, TikTok has had a large influence on students. From style, to a better sense of community, they said TikTok can have some positives — such as angelic yields, the positive alternative to devious licks.

“TikTok is definitely a good platform for self-expression. A lot of TikTok stuff has been important for me because I’ve been like ´hey, I can express myself.’ And also with the ‘devious licks,’ people have been flipping that on its head with angelic yields,” Rockler-Gladen said.

As a sociology teacher, Emily Rennhak has facilitated class discussions about this trend.

According to Rennhak, social media can have a large outreach on society. “(Social media) comes up in sociology and discussions of how media is socializing us and teaching us to behave in a certain way,” Rennhak said. “It’s teaching us expectations and norms we should or shouldn’t follow.”

One of the biggest targets of the “devious licks” are bathrooms. Milne said staff have been frustrated that these types of messages are given a platform, especially since soap dispensers, and other school facilities have been defaced or stolen.

“Vandalizing bathrooms really takes a lot of resources — you end up spending money in places where you don’t necessarily want to spend money and then it has to come from somewhere,” Milne said. “Ultimately, you kind of are taking away from your fellow students, because truly, we are one community.”

Sophomore Calvin Zimmerman said he was struck with how prevalent the trend was at Park. For Zimmerman, it never seemed like something that would affect his school.

“Teachers, and adults in general, are becoming more aware of how teenagers use social media. I feel like this jump on ‘devious

DESIGN BY Molly Schochet

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It’s harmful. If you see someone else in a better place than you, it can really drag you down.”

IN-DEPTH ECHO Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021

Sam Hudson, senior

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s just them being like, ‘okay, well we got to be prepared ” Zimmerman said. “As a student I was like ‘wait, people g this now?’ I was kind of surprised with it.”

need to connect and feel included by other individuals is force that pushes trends such as “devious licks” to conennhak said. According to Rennhak, students participate s to feel included in a community. ing likes or views and participating in a trend like (‘deks’) is a type of sanction, so when people engage with ent you’re creating, that confirms to humans, ‘yes I am m part of this group,” Rennhak said. rding to Ohrtman, social media may be easily accessible, convenience comes at a cost — one that many teens may realize. ou get older, when you’re in college, you start to see ke ‘oh this has consequences.’ When you’re in the , you want a quick fix — you want to hang out and be because) everyone else is doing it and so it feels good to

pressure social media creates is something that not only tes to trends, but also the overall atmosphere online. ding behind a screen, it’s easy for harmful things to thout real life consequences. For Rennhak, the idealistic ment created has devastating effects. body image and portrayal of self is so skewed on social ilters are always there and now they’ve gotten so subtle can’t quite tell when they’re there and everybody just with this glossy-like magazine airbrushed look, when is not a reality,” Rennhak said. rding to Rockler-Gladen, the “perfect w” lives that ttempt to portray on their social media create a harmful ment for all users. akes people more insecure and less likely to be (themnd be comfortable around each other. It puts pressure on o behave and act certain ways,” Rockler-Gladen said.

DESIGN BY Molly Schochet

Photo illustration Crystal Diaz

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FEATURES ECHO

Ava Kastl,

WHAT’S THE POINT Live theater audiences return Jacob Khabie

W

alking into my first rehearsal of this school year, it was only fitting that we rehearsed a song called “Making Up For Lost Time.”

That rehearsal marked the first time since January 2020 that we rehearsed with the intention of bringing an audience back into our theater. We were quite literally making up for lost time after the pandemic, and we are thrilled to be back.

I remember the concern I felt when I heard theaters around the world were being shut down in March 2020 due to a new, scary virus. It was terrifying to see an art form I love be shut down by a threat no one knew anything about.

What’s the My anxiety grew when POINT? I realized this virus Audiences was going to affect not only large scale breathe life theaters, but smaller into theater theaters like Park.

Over the past year and a half, anyone who has ever felt any attachment to theater felt the emptiness that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to our lives.

As the thespian president of the theater program, I knew one of the biggest challenges I would face was reviving our theater program amid a pandemic. While we successfully put on two productions last year, both had to be done with heavy COVID-19 precautions, including no live audiences. Not only did this present a variety of logistical problems, such as changing our shows to best fit a virtual format, it was emotionally challenging as well. Audiences breathe life into live theater, actors and crew members rely on audience reactions to give us the motivation to get us through grueling performances. Without audiences, it’s hard to dig deep and deliver memorable performances.

While I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to do virtual shows, during each show, the silence left by a lack of audience spoke volumes. It served as a constant reminder that we were in a different, uncomfortable, pandemic-focused world. We still may be living in that world.

However, the theater program will reopen its doors to audiences Nov. 7. It will be the first time since Jan. 19. 2020 that we host an audience, and it will serve as a sign that our pandemic-stricken world is slowly starting to fade away.

Photo by Lilia Gonzalez

Curious critters: A Westwood Hills Nature Center naturalist shows an audience member a snake during the live animal show Sept. 19. The Nature Center hosted its 40th anniversary event Sept. 26.

Westwood Nature Center expansion connects community to natural world

Avery Stahl

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fter 40 years of offering services and events, the Westwood Hills Nature Center has brought access to the outdoors to this urban area.

Nature Center manager Mark Oestreich said he is proud of all the Nature Center has accomplished.

“To see the growth of this park over the last 40 years has been great. There’s been changes in the trail system, the docks,

Upcoming events

programs and the new building,” Oestreich said. “I’ve seen it change from a local little nature center to more of an area that serves beyond St. Louis Park.”

Despite the anniversary being June 7, Westwood Hills Nature Center celebrated Sept. 26 with an event at the new building.

This event was delayed because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The new building opened July 2021. It was designed as a teaching tool, allowing bigger and better programs, art shows, displays and increased education.

Sophomore and Nature Center volunteer Modesty Manion said she feels comforted and supported in Westwood’s group.

She said she feels she can connect with nature there in a good environment.

“Westwood is a place of community.

Everyone is so welcoming there,” Manion said. “It’s a place where you can be one with nature and learn about it in your community.”

Sophomore Jack Kottke said he participated in camps and programs at the center since he was young. Now as a volunteer at the Nature Center, Kottke loves it.

“It was a place where my family spent a lot of time. We went to the camps since we were really little,” Kottke said. “I really grew up going to their programs. Once I was old enough, I volunteered there. I think it’s an amazing place.”

Proud of the community he has built, Oestreich said he has seen staff form connections with each other and nature.

“I’ve spent a lot of time here with the resources and staff. The core group of us have 30 plus years here together, so we’ve gone through a lot together,” Oestreich said. “The land here is incredible. It’s amazing to think we’re so close to downtown Minneapolis and can share this resource with everybody.”

DESIGN BY

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SPORTS ECHO Wednesday, Oct.13 2021

We’ve improved because the coaches really came together with us as a team and they’ve got us team bonding and so all the players have good connections."

Thomas Moot, senior

11

OUT OF THE PARK

Rebuilding culture after pandemic

Tackle: Junior Deon Sweharak takes down running back Emmett Johnson JohnsonHoly Angels Sept.

7. Park lost 25-49.

Photo Ayelet Prottas

Football trampled by star running back Team’s tight bond brings strength to its play Molly Schochet

A

s Park students stood watching in construction vests and neon hairspray, the football team fell short in beating Holy Angels Oct. 9, 42-19.

Despite the score showing a devastating loss, head coach Jason Foster said he was proud of the way the team continued to push even when it became clear it would not win.

They put it all the way through, gave up a lot of points, a lot of yards but the morale and kids’ heads were still up high, knowing that we still have a good season with 4-2 and looking to finish (the) last two (games) on a high note,” Foster said.

Throughout the game, Park struggled to contain Holy Angels senior running back Emmett Johnson, ranked as the best running back in Minnesota, according to 247sports. According to senior quarterback Will Dvorak this game served as a good measure of what the team still has to work on.

“Obviously (it wasn’t) the outcome we wanted but we definitely learned something,” Dvorak said. “That's a good team we played so we learned that these teams are a lot better, we're gonna have to play a lot more sharp and not have as many mistakes.”

Despite the loss, junior Henry Bendickson said the team has been much stronger this year than last year and credits his fellow teammates’ commitment for its resilience.

“A lot more people are a lot more focused,” Bendickson said.

“When you're in the locker room before the game or in the basement for the game or even in the walkthroughs, the day before it people are focused, listening, paying attention to what the coaches are saying no matter what.”

The leadership from players and their commitment to each other on and off the field also show the team's desire for success, DESIGN BY Tobias Khabie

Foster said.

“They take care of the details — how important practice is, how captains and leaders like Christian Arteaga and Will Dvorak are making sure that people stay up on their grades,” Foster said.

According to Bendickson, this year the team has shown a lot more passion for the game than in last year’s 1-5 season.

“There's more of a desire to win,” Bendickson said. “Instead of just playing games people are going out (and) they're playing their heart out, they're performing to the best of their abilities, no matter what the outcome is.”

The football team will have a chance to bounce back from the loss when it faces Waconia at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Park.

“Obviously (it wasn’t) the outcome we wanted but thing. That's a good team we

as many mistakes.”

Will Dvorak,

A

Tobias Khabie

s the clock winded down during the Homecoming game, the student section was electric.

We had just beaten our cross-town rival, Benilde St. Margaret’s. At the front of the student section I stood, cheering along with everyone else. Toward the end of the game, when victory was in sight, I turned around to look at the rambunctious student section.

There we were, standing united as one community, cheering on our team. There are no words to describe the sense of unity I felt in that moment.

After a year and a What’s the half of COVID-19 ravPOINT? ishing our high school Sporting experience, the Park community I had longed events build for had returned. Before communities the pandemic, my weeks were oftentimes highlighted by going to support our Park teams. At these events I found a tight-knit community, consisting of people ranging from sports fanatics to people who had no understanding of any sport.

When the pandemic hit in March 2020, this community was snatched from me. Without the thrill of cheering on teams with my best friends, I was lost. There is nothing I could do that would remedy my longing for these events, and my experiences slowly faded into distant memories. Last year’s sports events were of little help, as heavy COVID-19 restrictions either prevented or heavily restricted fan activity.

Coming into this year, I was more optimistic I could reinstall the community I had missed so much. As a senior, I also felt it was my responsibility to reestablish this culture within our school, and I saw the perfect opportunity to do so at the Homecoming game. My friends and I, ecstatic to be back at sporting events, led chants throughout the game and ensured everyone was cheering. By the end of the night, pre-pandemic memories of sporting events had rushed back to me as I once again felt the sense of community I had missed so much during the pandemic.

For students who are seeking a community after being deprived of social interaction for so long, I implore you, if you are comfortable, to try going to a sporting event. You will meet some of the most incredible people and will be apart of a community more united then you could ever imagine.

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SPORTS Wednesday, October 13, 2021 ECHO

MEET THE ATHLETE Nick Kent, senior Football and soccer

I’d probably say I started around three or four years old, just playing with my family. I started on an organized soccer team when I was 7.

Everyone is happy. Everyone is picking each other up, and especially since we have new coaches who all really want to be there and show us they want to be there. We all want to actually try hard and have fun."

Ryan Rasmussen, senior

Dribble: Senior Erin Kozlowski dribbles the ball away from defenders in a game against Cooper Oct. 7. The girls’ soccer team will face of sections at 5 p.m. Oct. 11 at Park.

How did you get interested in, or decide to go out for the football team?

One day I saw the football coach in the lunchroom and he called me over and asked if I was interested in football. I told him I played soccer and he invited me to come kick for the team. I started to go to practices over the summer and stuck with it from there.

How do you manage both practices, along with academics and social life?

It’s been a decent amount of time management, but I’m usually busy with soccer anyway, so I’m used to it. I wouldn’t say it’s been that hard, since I don’t go to football everyday, so I have time for soccer, hanging out with friends and homework.

How have both seasons been going so far?

We just finished up the soccer regular season, we had a couple tough last games, but we’re feeling good going into sections. For football, we lost our first game of the season again simply, and then we won four straight games. We had a tough loss last week against Holy Angels, but other than that it’s been going good.

What motivates you when you want to quit?

Just the memories that I make while playing — there are things I’ll probably remember for the rest of my life. I’ve met a ton of people over my years of playing sports, so I’ll always enjoy that aspect of playing.

What’s been the most challenging part of participating in both sports?

There’s a decent amount of pressure kicking for the football game because everybody is watching.

For soccer, there hasn’t been too much. Things like disagreements between coaches and teammates are just things that happen, but it’s been going pretty well this year.

What’s the most important thing you’ve gotten out of this experience?

I’ve learned so many new things from football that aren’t even about football, but just playing sports in general. I’ve learned a lot playing soccer too, like leadership skills, how to work as a team and other things that I've learned playing both sports.

Char Priadka

Girls’ soccer ends regular season with OT win

Photo: Mya Stanberry

Park gears up for sections Tobias Khabie Amelia Mickelson

A

fter capping off the regular season with an overtime win against Washburn Oct. 9, senior and captain Sophia Romero said the desire to finish the season strong propelled the team to the win.

“There was definitely nerves but ultimately we pushed through because we knew we had to win, and a lot of people were motivated to win for the seniors because they knew that it was our last regular season game ever.”

The win resulted in the girls’ team being the fourth seed in the sections tournament, an improvement from ranking eighth seed last season. Junior Jordan Dolinar said the team’s improvement this season can be attributed to its ability to learn from mistakes and adapt for the future.

“We’ve had our ups and downs for sure, but we've been able to learn a lot in practice and improve” Dolinar said.

Head coach Anne Beaton said a big part of the team’s improvement has been the leadership demonstrated during games.

“The players are starting to take on more of a leadership role on the field, and the more that the players can lead from the field, the more we’ve been winning,” Beaton said.

As a goalkeeper and team captain, Romero said she has personally made efforts to become a better leader, and said she has seen positive results because of her leadership.

“I’ve tried to communicate from the back, and I really try to bring a sense of leadership from the back of the field,” Romero said. “My voice and being one of the more experienced soccer players on the team this year has really helped bring up the intensity level (of the team).”

Strong leadership also helped the transition to a new coaching staff this year. According to Beaton, the team has been able to work through the adversity despite challenges with new coaches.

Photo: Mya Stanberry

Group hug: Senior Ella Runyan celebrates with her teammates on Senior Night Oct. 7. Park beat Cooper 3-0.

Soccer sections preview Girls’ and Boys’ soccer both seeded fourth in sections tournament Girls’ game: against Minneapolis Southwest at 5 p.m. Oct. 14 at Park Boys’ game: against Robbinsdale Armstrong at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at Park Infographic Tobias Khabie Source MSHSL

“When you're coaching teenagers, there's always changes that are hard in some instances,” Beaton said. “It's been a challenge but in a good way — any of the bumps in the road are just part of the whole journey.”

As the team heads into sections, Beaton said she is grateful for the experiences coaching brought her this season and she is looking forward to continuing the success of the program.

“I just love coaching this team; the kids are great; Park is an awesome community,” Beaton said. “I'm glad to be a part of it and I'm just thankful for the opportunity. I'm having a lot of fun.”

The team will start its sections run against Southwest at 5 p.m.

Oct. 14 at Park.

DESIGN BY Tobias Khabie

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OPINIONS ECHO Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021

There’s so much close contact at these games and it makes it super easy to spread COVID-19.”

Reem Elbassal, junior

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WHAT’S THE POINT

STAFF ED

Failure to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month unexcuseable Crystal Diaz

H

Photo by Grace Stillman

Cheering: Student section celebrates a touchdown while wearing the all-orange dress code Sept. 24. Park won its Homecoming game against crosstown rival Benilde-St. Margaret's 31-21.

Staff Editorial: Delta variant raises concerns Masks should be required for spectators at outdoor events

T

he highly infectious delta variant of COVID-19 has become the new concern in this pandemic — now representing more than 99 percent of cases tracked in the country.

Large school events, such as sports games, provide an opportunity to transmit the virus amongst students.

Being that Park does not currently have a mask mandate for outdoor events, a question is raised — should there be?

Outdoor sporting events, primarily football games, attract large crowds of students.

Transmission rates are much lower when people are outdoors, but catching COVID-19 is still certainly a possibility.

In fact, Park announced its first official COVID-19 case Sept. 24.

High school students will sometimes

DESIGN BY Aisha Hersi

assume they are in the clear when it comes to contracting the virus, but this is not true.

In reality, COVID-19 can harm anybody no matter their age.

Masks can be an effective solution to stop the spread.

In a lot of situations, masks are said to be “recommended.”

For example, when going to a store, there are often signs that recommend customers to wear a facial covering, like a mask.

Whenever this is the case, few people will go out of their way to grab a mask.

For most people, masks need to be explicitly required for them to comply.

For this reason, the Echo Editorial Board believes that masks should be required for spectators at outdoor events.

Although student compliance may be low, mask mitigation should still limit the amount of exposure — even when outside.

When masks are explicitly required,

more people will wear them in fear of being the odd one out.

For players on the field, keeping a mask on properly during the game is near impossible with all the movement.

This was never an expectation for them.

But for spectators in the crowd, masks are more convenient to wear.

Additionally, anybody in a position of authority, such as administrators and coaches, has a social responsibility to set an example by wearing their masks.

If students see others doing this, it is likely they will follow suit.

Overall, the delta variant poses a threat to students and administration alike.

Transmission can occur anywhere, anytime — sports games are no exception.

The Echo Editorial Board feels the best way to proceed is to require spectators to mask up at outdoor events and continue regular mask wearing throughout all school-sponsored events.

ispanic Heritage Month began Sept.

15, and I was so excited to celebrate my heritage because I am proud of my culture. However, I was disappointed to see Park do nothing to celebrate students and staff who are Hispanic.

Hispanics make up 13 percent of Park’s student body. It is surprising for them not to be acknowledged and honored this month. I believe there are many ways to incorporate celebrating this month into our school life, whether that is learning about an important historical Hispanic figures like Selena Quintanilla or traditions and dances.

It may sound odd that Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September, but it kicks off with What’s the the first IndepenPOINT? dence day in Latin America. It holds Perspective importance because needed those countries due to fought for their lack of independence and deserve to be celerecognition brated.

Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1988. Two years before that, it originally started off as Hispanic Heritage Week.

I’ve grown up loving my culture. All the food, music and traditions are so unique. I believe Park needs to include more Hispanics, and represent us and all people of color. A great way to do this is to paint a mural; it could be a constant reminder of what this school is built of.

Hispanic Heritage Month to me is a reminder of my culture and people. Language is a big part of my culture. English isn’t my first language, and going to this school and not being represented during this month terrifies me that I’ll lose the connection I have to my culture.

I am a Mexican American with immigrant parents who have hustled to give me everything they couldn’t get. I recognize that, and I’m grateful to have such hardworking parents. They have taught me about my culture, language, music and food. Park is a predominately white school, and I’m scared I will lose my language.

Hispanic Heritage Month ends Oct. 15, and I will continue to hope for Park to give adequate recognition to Hispanic students and staff.

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OPINIONS Wednesday Oct. 13, 2021 ECHO

WEB PREVIEW

It's not bad to use a school computer but it's better to be able to bring your own and use the Wi-Fi."

sophomore

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Removal of Bring Your Own Device Wi-Fi spurs discussion Lack of access to internet for personal devices problematic for some Removal of BYOD Wi-Fi creates unecessary complications Photo: Lauren Thon

Staff Editorial: Park Connections called into question

The schedule for the 2021-2022 school year includes a unique period that was added last year to combat issues during distance learning: Park Connections. Although the class proved its worth during distance learning, the same cannot be said for in-person learning.

Photo: Nora Hall

Impact and outcomes of blindly following social media trends TikTok has been a huge social media platform since it went from Musical.ly to TikTok August 2018. Prior to the change, many teens came with it and so did the trends. These trends can impact students’ lives in a positive way but also in a negative way.

Colin Canaday

T

he aftermath of the decision to remove the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) network is clear: even less student control.

Yet, the decision is being marketed under the guise of equality and efficiency and students are left to question if it achieves its goal or simply creates more headaches down the line.

The idea behind these laptops is not a bad one — they create a baseline of connectivity, ensuring that in an ideal world, everyone is able to access their assignments and complete their required work.

The points at which this plan fails are the edge-cases: people will forget to charge their laptops, people will leave their laptops at home — technology issues will occur.

This doesn’t even touch on the underwhelming capabilities of the school-issued devices that students are now relegated to.

Devices are under seemingly draconian rule, with extensions like “Lastpass” and even Google created and verified “Google Docs Offline” being completely blocked. These computers are designed and set up for cheap, energy-efficient work and nothing more.

There will always be more issues to deal with (connectivity, security, network speed). The BYOD network all but proved this, but they can all be fixed with time. Having that infrastructure in place, first, is key.

STUDENT VOICES How did the removal of BYOD-

“My messages don’t get through until I’m in the cafeteria. What if there’s an emergency, and I’m

junior “It’s nice that they gave us the Chromebook because we can use one if we don’t have

junior

Tenzin Gyaldatsang

T

he decision to remove the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Wi-Fi, otherwise known as the student Wi-Fi, was a positive decision that reduces complications.

One issue that arose during distance learning last year was technology. Some students didn’t have a stable internet connection and weren’t able to join Zoom calls or work on assignments.

Now that all students have been given brandnew Chromebooks, it allows for them to not have to worry about tech complications.

There isn’t a significant need for the student Wi-Fi due to all the Chrombooks being automatically set up with Park’s Wi-Fi, which has been strengthened to meet the needs of students and staff.

The removal of the student Wi-Fi also stabilized the technology issues, in which students without solid technology and students with technology have been put on the same platform.

Although keeping the student Wi-Fi is a good idea, there have been instances where it was too weak or it was down, which at times made it pointless and impractical. By putting all students on the same Wi-Fi platform, it removes the extra stressors associated with connection problems.

Even though there have been times where the student wifi has been reliable, this isn’t enough to keep Wi-Fi running.

PARK TRAIL Aisha Hersi Photo: Jordyn Deschamps

Athletes’ mental health is as important as physical health While athletes are strengthening their muscles and preparing for the season, it is also important they nourish their minds as well — mental health should be athletes’ number one priority.

For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho

DESIGN BY Aisha Hersi

“

“I feel like it will bring more younger kids over there because all kids love sweets”

ECHO

Miles Johnson, freshman

ENTERTAINMENT Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021

REVIEW Sweet stuff: New bakery in Texa-Tonka attracts customers of all ages. Angel Food Bakery provides a variety of sweet treats and beverages to cater to the community. options, including specialty doughnuts and cupcakes.

Photos by Ayelet Prottas

Sweet new addition opens at Texa-Tonka Angel Food Bakery brings variety of treats Abby Bartleson

Location

Angel Foods Bakery & Donut Bar 8100 Minnetonka Blvd.

St Louis Park, MN 55426

Hours

Monday - Sunday: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday & Wednesday: Currently closed

Things to try out

Pretty in Pink doughnut Maple Bacon doughnut Folly cold press Iced oat milk latte Pretzel with beer cheese Irish sausage roll

DESIGN BY Johanna Kaplan

A

s summer winds down and the school year starts up again, good coffee is a staple for me.

Luckily, Angel Food Bakery and Coffee Bar opened Sept. 24 at Texa-Tonka.

Texa-Tonka is this bakery's brand new home, previously in downtown Minneapolis.

Known for its fancy cupcakes and doughnuts, this location is slowly working on incorporating more sweet treats from its downtown location.

I arrived at Angel Food at around 11:30 a.m., and I immediately saw a crowd.

Walking into the bakery, a line wrapped all throughout the store to the back.

It was packed with a lively crowd waiting their turn to pick out sweets.

Because of the bakery’s popularity, many of the items sell out early in the morning.

Customers who want to have a wider variety should arrive as early as possible.

Although many of the baked goods

were sold out, coffee was still an option.

The bakery features Folly Coffee as well as espresso, tea, cold press and kombucha.

For the more adventurous coffee drinkers, they sell a coffee hot sauce.

After standing in line for 25 minutes, friendly staff greeted me and helped me pick out doughnuts.

Not only are there doughnuts, but a wide variety of other foods like cookies, cupcakes, pretzels and muffins.

I decided to try three different kinds of doughnuts and an iced latte.

The food is incredible.

Although a lot of doughnut flavors were sold out, there were still so many funky flavors to try.

I stuck with a chocolate theme — including an iced raised doughnut, a chocolate-coconut doughnut and a Cocoa Pebbles doughnut.

The doughnuts are very fluffy and have a good flavor.

My favorite out of all the doughnuts was the Cocoa Pebbles doughnut because of the crunch that the cereal on top makes when you eat it.

The coffee is smooth and it also doesn’t carry a bitter aftertaste, so it went very well with the doughnuts. I recommend getting an iced oat milk latte.

In addition, the bakery’s ambiance is inviting and comfortable.

It’s filled with natural light and staff are there to help if you need anything.

Sitting down and actually eating was a great experience as well.

There’s a counter facing the kitchen where you can watch the sweets being made, and there is a nice outdoor seating area that connects to Revival.

Harry Styles played over the speakers so that was a plus.

The color scheme remains similar to the Minneapolis location, which highlights black and white with splashes of bright colors.

From the environment to the food, Angel Food Bakery is such a great place to visit.

Comparing this bakery to other bakeries I've been to, this one comes in at number one.

I would recommend this to anyone and all ages can enjoy their sweets.

Overall, I think Angel Food Bakery is such a great, new addition to Texa-Tonka, by the line I stood in and the fact that they ran out of ingredients tells me others agree as well.

Angel Food Bakery is open 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday but closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

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ENTERTAINMENT ECHO Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021

“If you can watch it just to watch it, it’ll be good, or you can watch it and understand the deeper meaning”

Unique Nolan, junior

SQUID GAME IS WORTH THE HYPE Show uses childhood games for engaging, yet brutal plot Amelia Mickelson

A

fter seeing the show “Squid Game” on Netflix’s top 10, I decided I had to watch it.

I went into it a little skeptical. I heard it had a lot of killing and wasn’t sure if it would be too violent. But in the end, the characters’ stories pulled me in, and I became excited for the next season.

This show is filled with death, betrayal and many tears. Although it might be tempting to look away at some parts, it is worth it to watch until the end.

“Squid Game” is a South-Korean drama series about a group of people who are millions of dollars in debt. They get invited to a competition that adds a twist to childhood games.

The person who wins all the games gets a large sum of money, but if they lose any of the games they are eliminated. Games include red-light green-light and tug of war.

Squid Game fast facts Cast Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-Hun Park Hae-Soo as Cho Sang-Woo HoYeon Jung as Sae-Byeyok Heo Sung-tae as Jang Deok-su

Where to watch

Hundreds of people play the game, so they are all referred to by numbers, which provides some anonymity for the players.

The show mostly follows Seong Gi-Hun, who owes millions of won and is fighting to spend time with his daughter, but can’t because of his financial problems.

He constantly struggles with trying to be a good father and this ultimately pushes him to join the game.

The most interesting backstory was player “067.”

She is a North Korean defector who plays the game to provide for her brother and to raise money to get her mother to South Korea.

In the beginning, she seems hardcore, but as the games continue, she starts to open up, and we are able to see how she really cares about her family and others.

The nine episodes in “Squid Game” had twists and turns that made it exciting to watch and was an emotional roller-coaster. The character development was amazing and gave each episode an unexpected turn.

Johanna Kaplan Fair use from Parlophone Records, Warner Bros., Searchlight Pictures, Minneapolis Institute of Art DESIGN BY Johanna Kaplan

Oct. 15

Oct. 22

Oct. 22

Now-April 3

Coldplay’s ninth studio album, “Music of the Spheres,” will be released Oct. 15.

Containing 12 tracks, this album was produced by the acclaimed Max Martin.

The highly anticipated film, “Dune,” makes its long awaited debut Oct. 22. Denis Villeneuve’s adaption of the science fiction novel will be sure to catch attention.

Written and directed by Wes Anderson, “The French Dispatch” displays a quirky comedy-drama set in a fictional French town.

The Parska/Shada exhibit showcases the out of Native Pueblo people. With themes of family, kinship and memories, Parska/Shada is a culturally significant collection.