new semester at Park brings the renewal of parking permits for the student parking lot. However, some are concerned with how the school enforces parking policies. Junior Richie Stoeckel said he’s parked his car in the lot before without a permit. “I have parked in the parking lot without a pass, and I did not get in trouble for that,” Stoeckel said. “It went unnoticed.” Assistant principal Kari Schwietering said 185 parking permits are available for students. Permits cost $50 and the money goes to parking lot maintenance. The student handbook states the first two times a car is found in the student lot without a permit, a warning slip is put on the car. The third time a car violates the policy, the car is towed. “We sell permits by semester, and they’re sold first-come-firstserve, so the first day of the semester, students were coming in and some parents and buying them,” said Schwietering. “First semester, we didn’t run out of them until it was at least a couple of weeks into the semester.” Mary Quinn, who monitors the parking lots, said she checks permits daily. “I usually just drive really slow and check each row, and if there is something I can’t see, I get out of my car and check. I also not only check for permits, but for the safety of the cars for flat tires; lights left on,” Quinn said. Schwietering said parking permits should be enforced to be fair to students who paid. “If we aren’t going (to enforce the permits) then we should just open it up to anybody,” Schwietering said. “It doesn’t seem fair if there are students that are paying and other students who are parking all the time there anyways.” Senior Ketki Hotaling said permits should be tracked. “(With) going to college next year, $50 is really expensive, so those of us who actually spent the money to get the parking passes, it’s only fair that they should get (spots in the lot),” Hotaling said. “While I understand that some people might not be able to afford them, there’s parking spots right over along the roads.”
reshman Deonta Miller looked at the layout for the remodeling of his civics classroom, excited for the opportunity to participate with new equipment and a flexible learning environment. “I became interested when I heard about having more technology,” Miller said. “I think it’ll make working in class much easier for students.” Ninth grade civics teacher Mike Nordean’s classroom, C367, will be the first within St. Louis Park Schools to receive a redesign from a new task force called the Learning Design Team (LDT), according to superintendent Rob Metz.
Metz said the task force will begin fully evaluating district facilities in March, with hopes of bringing a referendum — a direct vote on a single political question — on facility upgrades to taxpayers in November 2017. Nordean said the LDT chose his class because of the full wall already built in, compared to collapsible walls in other C3 rooms. Metz, who helps lead the LDT, said he hopes the remodeling of Nordean’s classroom creates a better class environment. “The idea is more flexibility, so the furniture is all moveable and on wheels,” Metz said. “If a teacher wants rows (of desks), they can have rows. If they want tables, they can have tables.” Nordean said he looks forward to having the added technology and mobility in his classroom, attributing his eagerness to past teaching experience. “I don’t have a problem being
the guinea pig,” Nordean said. “I’ve taught for 20-something years and have been at the junior high and high school, as well as in the district office and a summer school principal. All those things give me a view of things that other teachers don’t have.” Freshman Nechama Buchbinder, a student in Nordean’s class, said she hopes more technology results in more chances for students to finish classwork. “The more technology we have, the more work we’ll be able to get done in class,” Buchbinder said. “I think it’ll help a lot with getting homework done.” Nordean said although the remodeling will present new opportunities, he also understands it may take time to adjust to a completely new classroom. “It’ll be a learning curve because it’s going to present nuances to a classroom where desks sometimes help,” Nordean said.
“This configuration might exacerbate issues like who’s going to sit on the couches, or noise when they’re working in groups.” Nordean said he not only looks forward to being the first classroom with new equipment, but believes the room will be easier to facilitate as a teacher. “I think that there will be less clutter in the room,” Nordean said. “(The new configuration) should streamline or simplify the classroom layout. I can see everything being a cleaner show.” According to Metz, the district plans to create four other task forces, all of which will begin operations in other schools within the district. These task forces handle matters such as evaluating the Gifted & Talented program and improving communications within St. Louis Park schools. Metz said the room will be remodeled during Presidents Day weekend.
ark’s new geometry teacher Meredith Webster helps freshman Laden Omar solve problems in math class Feb. 3. Webster began teaching at Park Jan. 5 after students returned from winter break. She studied math education at the University of Minnesota. Webster said she strives to connect with students and hopes to attend school-sanctioned events, such as sports games.
hen sophomore Annie VanPilsum-Johnson registered for classes last year, she felt overwhelmed. However, by talking to upperclassmen and counselors, she got a better idea about what to register for based on her interests. “Talking to people who have already taken the classes you’re interested in is really helpful,” VanPilsum-Johnson said. “I would think about how much time you are going to have to do homework next year, then based on that, take the classes you can dedicate time to.” Sophomore Carly Livingston said the counseling department is a helpful resource for deciding which classes to take. “Don’t be afraid to talk to your counselor if you want to
enior captain Mara Henderson scans the court, looking for an open teammate during a 39-62 loss on Feb. 5 against Bloomington Kennedy. According to varsity head coach Brian Massie, the team sometimes struggles with balancing basketball and schoolwork. Massie said the team takes measures in learning how to deal with the stress of classes. The team’s next game takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 against Robbinsdale-Cooper at Park.
he “Hypervisible (Invisible)” exhibit at the Hopkins Center for the Arts displays art on the issues faced by people of color. Sophomore Jade LaBelle, who recently visited the exhibit, said the artwork left her with a better understanding of issues different cultures face each day. “(The art) may not look like there is race and identity in it right away, but it’s there as a symbolism and it looks cool and it’s way better when it has meaning to it,” LaBelle said.
hen freshman Beck Stephens heard mayor Jake Spano seeks to better represent youth in schools, he said he thought it was a long time coming. “The school is part of the city, so whatever it does influences the whole city,” Stephens said. Spano said he hopes to improve communication between the City Council and the school district. According to Spano, the School Board and City Council meet to work on issues related to the city’s schools only about every 12 to 18 months. “I’d like to see a bit more (communication) and perhaps a
working group made of board (and) Council members who can tackle bigger issues on their own,” Spano said. Senior Hibaaq Abdala said the City Council must collaborate with the School Board. “The school is in St. Louis Park, so the (City Council and School Board) need to work together,” Abdala said. Spano said he realizes the importance of youth involvement and participation when the City Council makes decisions. “The City Council makes decisions every week that impact our youth, but I’m never 100 percent sure I know what kids think,” Spano said. Spano said he supports implementing a Youth Council because it would involve students in decision-making. He said the Youth Council would attend meetings and give its opinions on issues facing the city.
change something or want to learn more about a class. They can definitely help you,” Livingston said. According to counseling department head Barb Nelson, starting the week of Feb. 15, students will select courses. “We will meet in a computer lab (and give a full length presentation) so they can register right away,” Nelson said. According to Nelson, the way students register this year differs from the past. “What we found a couple years ago was that when we used to go do in-depth classroom presentations, then bring the kids back to select classes the following week or two weeks later, they wouldn’t have put any thought into what they want to register for. Now, they have the information from the in-depth presentation fresh in their minds the day they pick classes,” Nelson said. Senior Brandon Hanson said he thinks students should talk more about classes they choose
“A shadow council made up of three junior high students and three high school students could read our reports, attend our study sessions and tell us just what they think,” Spano said. According to Spano, the Council members make decisions that affect youth, and he wants to involve young people in the process. “We make a lot of decisions,” Spano said. “We spend a lot of money on (students’) behalf.” Spano said a Youth Council, which is not discussed in the city charter, would depend on commitment from students. Spano also said he hopes to work toward improving racial equity. He mentioned adding an imam to the police department’s staff, which already has a chaplain and a rabbi. Spano said he hopes to hear input from a wider population
so they know their options. “I wish I had known about all the fun classes so I could have thought about my decisions better,” Hanson said. Nelson said students should think about their future goals. “Always keep in mind graduation requirements,” Nelson said. “A lot of times kids take classes because their friends do, but I think in high school you should think about the future and choose your classes based on what you’re interested in.” Nelson said she thinks registering and presenting on the same day will prove more effective because it ensures students have the information they need right in front of them. According to Nelson, there is a parent meeting Feb. 16 to share information and help get parents involved. Nelson said Park TV will film the parent meeting and post it on YouTube, so if students and parents miss the meeting, they can get the information they need there.
because the Council does not reflect the community. “The big thing for me is (getting) more input from people who are traditionally not a part of our decision-making process,” Spano said. “In particular, young people and a more ethnically diverse population — one that represents the demographics of our community.”
ophomore Lillie Albright straightens her arms on her opponent’s neck, illustrating the first step in defending oneself in a choking situation. Albright said she started the four-week self-defense class for women at Midwest Karate & Yoga of St. Louis Park studio in order to better know how to protect herself. “We basically went over how to look confident rather than being an easy target to be taken advantage of,” Albright said. Studio owner Luis Ocampo said the initiative for creating a basic self-defense class came from the desire to increase women’s knowledge about how to protect themselves. “This class really is supposed to inform on the basics of self-defense, giving women options when in danger,” Ocampo said. According to Ocampo, the program begins with education about increasing consciousness about potential dangers. “I start off the training by focusing on awareness and how to identify a possible threat,” Ocampo said. Even though Ocampo said citizens of St. Louis Park rarely need to defend themselves, he stresses the importance of knowing defense strategies. “In general it’s safe around here, but it is important to know the basics on how to fight back,” Ocampo said. Freshman Rosie Maldonado said knowing self-defense may help people protect themselves if they’re in a dangerous situation or environment. “I would be interested in a self-defense class because I think for people to know the basics is very helpful in case they get in trouble,” Maldonado said. Ocampo said the class teaches many different aspects of self-defense in four hour-long sessions. “Although it only lasts about a month, we cover identifying threats, body language, basic defense and more,” Ocampo said. Albright said part of the class focused on how to have a confident voice when confronting a predator. “We practiced using our voices, like if someone tried to touch us tell them ‘no don’t touch me!’ and back away,” Albright said. “After that we focused on more physical contact and how to block someone’s hand when they are trying to choke you.” Maldonado said having the ability to fight off an aggressor helps create a sense of security. “Although it is unlikely that you have to defend yourself, knowing you have the ability to protect yourself acts as insurance all the time,” Maldonado said. Ocampo said along with education on how to use self-defense, he also teaches how to use posture to discourage assailants. “This class emphasizes the use of body language to help perceive a threat and to ward off potential attacks,” Ocampo said. Albright said the class helped to increase her understanding of the importance of appearance when in dangerous situations. “It is important to look strong and confident because many times predators focus on weaker targets that would be less likely to put up a fight,” Albright said. Overall, Albright said she recommends the class for any woman regardless of appearance or athletic ability. “All the methods we have covered work very well and can be used by anyone effectively, regardless of physical shape,” Albright said. The four-week program costs $100 and is available for women middle school-aged and older from 6-7 p.m. Feb. 10, 17 and 24 at Midwest Karate & Yoga of St. Louis Park. The studio also offers classes for Shotokan karate, hatha yoga, functional strengthening and Yoga-Bells.
hopping off 10 inches of hair isn’t much in the grand scheme of things. For me, it’s simply the first real haircut I’ve had since sixth grade. But for someone else, hopefully it means a lot. When I donated my hair after winter break, I didn’t save the world — not even close. Nevertheless, my efforts aren’t for nothing. For the brave person battling cancer who gets my hair, my hope is that their day brightens at least a little bit. Mahatma Gandhi said to be the change we wish to see in the world. While I agree with his core message of “being the change,” he loses me when he alludes to the necessity of it being visible. Too often we get caught up in the idea that making a difference is only possible through extravagant efforts and large-scale campaigns. We tend to think the only change that counts is the change that solves global issues and makes headlines. Unfortunately, this mindset can discourage people trying to do good in the world. If we believe we have to be the next Bill Gates or Ellen Degeneres to influence change, we probably think our efforts as high school students don’t mean much. I don’t think that’s the case, however. We don’t have to individually end world hunger or climate change. We don’t have to be the change we wish to see — we simply have to be the change. Never tell yourself what you have to give isn’t enough, because it is. Donating my hair won’t cure anyone of cancer or save any lives. But, if it can lift someone’s spirits even the smallest amount, that’s what counts. Even the tiniest gestures can change everything. There’s a Jewish teaching that if you save one person’s life, it is as if you have saved the entire world. Saving a life doesn’t just mean keeping someone from dying. It means doing what you can every day to give to others. Whether it be smiling at someone in the hallway, eating lunch with someone sitting alone or donating whatever you can to a charity you believe in, you are saving someone’s life by making it a bit brighter. Don’t judge your impact solely on its visible change. If the world is a little better every day because of something you did for someone else, you can rest assured you have done your duty — even if no one is around to see it.
noDaze might seem even snowier this year, as Student Council embraces a winter-themed dance, according to senior Student Council member Eric Hendricks. Hendricks said he thought the theme would be fun to embrace the winter. “It will be a nice twist to something that we all see day to day, putting it in a different light, or dance lights,” Hendricks said. According to senior Student Council president Jessica Schmidt, the dance will take place at the Medina Ballroom. “It’s a very simple, traditional space but a large area to accommodate a lot of students, which is great,” Schmidt said. Schmidt said other than the venue, the typical events leading up to SnoDaze will be similar to past years. “There isn’t a whole lot that will be new,” Schmidt said. “ We (Student Council) are trying to keep it traditional this year,” Schmidt said. According to adviser Sarah Lindenberg, SnoDaze typically does very well in attendance. “SnoDaze is typically our most successful allschool dance besides Prom,” Lindenberg said. Although junior Eric Manuel attended SnoDaze in previous years, he said this year not even the theme entices him. “The last few years (the dance) was very underwhelming and the music selection they had
ith the annual Black History Month presentation in its beginning stages, according to senior Sharon Moranga, the focus of this year’s presentation is aimed more at students. “We’re going to make a video asking different students about race and cultural issues to get their opinion on the subject,” Moranga said. “The video and other presentations will incorporate current events and connect students to them with popular songs.” The presentation will be the third Moranga has helped plan and organize. She said students and student advocate Chris Weaver, put together the entire presentation. Weaver said he and the students involved plan on putting the pieces of the presentation together as early as this coming week. The video includes spoken word,
was difficult to dance to,” Manuel said. “ I am not going to spend $25 to play card games with my friends.” Sophomore Rebeca Garcia has never attended SnoDaze but said she plans on going for the new experience. “I will go to see what it’s like, have a new experience and socialize with friends,” Garcia said. Hendricks said Student Council takes ideas from students, but keeps some aspects of the evening the same. “We will be getting song suggestions from the student body for the dance,” Hendricks said. Tickets will be sold in the lunch room during all four lunches beginning with early-bird prices for $20 Feb. 10 and 11. Regular ticket sales begin Feb. 16 and continue through Feb. 19 at $25 a ticket. The dance will take place at 8 p.m. Feb. 20. Buses load from the activity doors.
a couple of videos and music in the presentation. The performers are not chosen yet, but are chosen by students involved in the planning of the presentation, according to Weaver. “It’s going to have the same kind of setup (as last year) but the content will be different,” Weaver said. “Last year we really dug into police brutality, and this year we’re going to look at more how do we unify to overcome those issues.” According to Weaver, last year’s presentation included issues still relevant today, and that occur just as often, but the focus for this presentation is turned to how students can unify to solve these problems that exist throughout the nation. “The point we’re trying to make is how do we get together, how do we make things happen, how do we use music to make that happen,” Weaver said.
Moranga said she thinks the main purpose of the presentation relates to celebrating Black History Month by raising cultural awareness. “We want students to understand that regardless of our different races, we’re all the same,” Moranga said. Weaver said he hopes students hear what their peers’ perspectives are on race, racism, whiteness and how all of these issues play out in many students’ daily lives. “Ultimately, I want people to walk away saying, ‘we need to be together,’” Weaver said. “Hopefully people will be able to see the point in that we are the human race and need to be together as people.” The presentation will take place second and fourth hours Feb. 29 in the Auditorium.
I have always been in love with music. Ever since I was little, I have loved Michael Jackson. He is one of my idols; I used to dance to him a lot. I just always was involved in music, and then about four years ago I realized what a DJ was and what they looked like and what they did. I kind of fell in love with that. So for the past year-and-a-half I have been practicing and just trying to be a DJ.
People love different types of music. Sometimes you need to sacrifice things in life to get what you want. It takes hard work and practice to get where you want to be. Even though you’re still learning, always have the mindset that you’re going to succeed.
What I like most about being a
DJ is the music. That is my main thing. Right now I’m a small DJ. I’m a bedroom DJ, basically. If my mom is listening to my music and I see her react to the way I play, and if she dances to it and she likes it, then that means I’m doing good — it gives you a special feeling.
Right now the age of music is different and it is changing and it is always going to be changing. I think it is going to break boundaries and go into different genres and combine, too.
Just do what you want to do. Know what kind of music you want to make, know how you’re going to do it, when you going to do it, if you can afford it. Just start as soon as possible. Do what makes you happy and if that makes you happy then go for it. That is the main goal. It is all for the music. The end goal is the art.
DJ Jazzy Jeff. He is amazing — I love him. I love Jam Master Jay from (RUN D.M.C.) Whatever kind of involvement with hip-hop artists I think is really dope.
The music that I make right now is trap, or heavy bass. Just simple beats. Right now I’m just learning the ropes.
I take lessons with a producer in Minneapolis. He is a local artist and he is also a DJ. I look up to him because he has a lot of connections and he knows people, and so I just thought that making music comes hand-in-hand with (being a DJ), so I just want to make music.
hen the Quiz Bowl team qualified for Nationals once again this year by advancing to the playoffs of a sanctioned meet, junior Nick Kasic, a three-year member of the team, was thrilled. “I was really surprised we made it with a first-year team,” Kasic said. “I was excited to have the opportunity to go and try to face other teams from across the country.” Nationals take place in Dallas May 27–29, according to National Academic Quiz Tournaments. Though team members feel hopeful about sending a delegation to the tournament, it can be very expensive and would require a great deal of fundraising on the participants’ part to make it feasible, according to Quiz Bowl adviser Peter Dangerfield. “We do have a couple seniors who are really strong and it would be a bummer not to send them, but it’s down in Dallas and with the amount of money it would cost to send a team, it’s looking pretty prohibitive at this point,” Dangerfield said. The team also qualified for the second seed in the West division for the State meet with a 3-1 win Jan. 28, according
It has helped my skills by being committed to one thing, sticking to it and perfecting whatever it is you’re doing. In some ways I have kind of found what I want to do in life. I have my mind set on that and I’m focused on that.
to Dangerfield. “I figured we were going to be in the top four, and the top four teams go on to the State Tournament, but I was concerned where our ranking was going to be,” Dangerfield said. The State tournament will take place Feb. 18 in Burnsville. Senior Maggie Coleman said it was exciting to qualify for State, especially because it’s her first year on the team. “I didn’t really expect this to go anywhere, so it’s always great to accomplish something like that,” Coleman said. Dangerfield said the team’s progress so far this year is extensive, especially considering the number of new members. “We have got a lot of kids who are either freshmen or were not in the program last year who have come to it,” Dangerfield said. “They have done a really good job of coming together and forming a collective team and learning how to play the game.” The team competes next Feb. 13 in Roseville at the annual Run for the Roses tournament.
hile students stress levels rise and their anxiety heightens, teachers, including English teacher Julianne Herbert, look for ways to help. For Herbert, she uses mindfulness and meditation to help relax and de-stress her students. Herbert said she believes mindfulness helps people learn how to incorporate breathing and meditation into their lives. “I see it as something that you try to incorporate into your life all the time, in breathing exercises and meditation and change in the way you view the world. Those are all important pieces to it,” Herbert said. Sara Stamschror-Lott, the mental health program director at myHealth for Teens & Young Adults, said she thinks mindfulness detaches participants from the world and provides a tranquil feeling. “I think mindfulness is more about being calm and centered and being able to disconnect,” Stamschror-Lott said. Senior Benjamin Freund, who started practicing mindfulness his freshman year, said he considers the practice as being present and acknowledging his surroundings. “I would define mindfulness as being aware of what is happening around you, making note of it, acknowledging that it’s important and calmly accepting it while still being able to focus on what you need to focus on,” Freund said.
ccording to Stamschror-Lott, mindfulness makes a difference in students’ lives by helping them become comfortable with who they are. “I think that mindfulness just helps you to be centered and stay calm, avoid anxiety. Young people that get really good at being mindful I see avoiding drama and just generally being content with themselves,” Stamschror-Lott said. Freund said mindfulness helps students de-stress and concentrate on what they want to achieve. “High school becomes very stressful, especially when you are in honors, AP or IB classes, and sometimes the stress can get to your head and overwhelm you,” Freund said. “Practicing mindfulness helps you calm down and remain focused on what you have to do.” Herbert said she practices mindfulness in her English class because it helps her students succeed. “There’s no respectful place for relaxation and taking time for yourself for high school students, and I thought ‘I can just give them a couple minutes before class starts to ground themselves, breathe and feel their bodies and become more aware,’” Herbert said. “I think it’s going to help them become better students but also just be healthier.”
tamschror-Lott said she recommends starting mindfulness with guided meditations on YouTube, and once that feels comfortable, trying it individually. “There are probably hundreds of different (meditation videos) on YouTube, but one of my favorite ones for if you are a beginner in meditation and mindfulness is called the ‘Butterfly Meditation’ and it’s about seven minutes long and won’t take you all day,” Stamschror-Lott said. “It walks you through experiencing butterflies in the park. In the end you feel super relaxed and chilled.” According to Stamschror-Lott, another form of mindfulness is doodling or coloring, typically with coloring books, which she frequently gives her clients during their sessions. She said coloring books are a way for teenagers and adults to calm themselves and relax their minds. “(Coloring) is a repetitive, easy activity that you don’t have to really to be thinking a lot about. It produces something beautiful at the end,” StamschrorLott said. “Play is proven to calm the mind and (coloring) is a version of being playful for adults. But that repetitive motion where you don’t have to do a lot of thinking — I think that’s probably what it really comes down to.” Stamschror-Lott said coloring and coloring books provide an easy way for students to practice mindfulness. “I think because (coloring) is easy, anyone can do it,” Stamschror-Lott said. “You can find coloring sheets for free and I think it’s fun. It creates something beautiful. Who doesn’t like that?”
reund said practicing mindfulness makes a him more peaceful and pleasant person. “I think that, when I am mindful, I become happier. I become a calmer person on the inside which, in turn, makes me a calmer and happier person on the outside,” Freund said. Mindfulness can be a coping mechanism for people to help them deal with their stress and responsibilities, according to Herbert. “It’s a coping mechanism for our crazy world and it really does add to people’s health benefits. Some students are three-sport athletes, which is great, but you’ve got seven classes and family responsibilities,” Herbert said. “(Mindfulness is) something that I need in my job and something that everybody needs in their life right now.” Stamschror-Lott said practicing mindfulness and meditation can bring people to a state of relaxation and calmness. “When you get really good at meditating and being mindful you can transcend to a realm, sort of going to a different place where you can find yourself being calm, relaxed and chill,” Stamschror-Lott said. According to Stamschror-Lott, mindfulness can aid with managing depression and help people connect with others. “It helps eliminates depression and especially anxiety,” Stamschror-Lott said. “In general, you can connect better with other people because you are not so much in your own head.”
I believe you should do it every morning and every night, if you have time do it during the day. Especially teenagers, in your day in age you have so many things to stress about. When you use guided meditation in the morning, your brain will latch on to a certain idea or you’ll hear something and will carry with you throughout the day.
I know that sometimes people have an adverse idea about coloring, like “no that’s stupid, I’m not doing that.” But I think that if you try it, you just start, like the mindfulness practice and meditation. Once you start, if you keep doing it, you start to see its impact and its relaxing attributes.
ynchronized swimming used to be my entire life. I would spend two hours every day in the pool working on improving my skills. I never would have guessed my career in synchro would not last. I remember the moment when everything changed. I was doing my signature move, the “baracuda,” where you throw your arms above your head underwater and your legs come out. As my arms were extended above my head, I felt a pop in my shoulder. Immediately, I got out of the water and ran to the locker room. When I looked down, my arm had almost doubled in size from swelling and turned completely purple. After an MRI scan and visits with several different doctors, I was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. This means I have an extra cervical rib in my neck, which has the potential to squeeze the nerves in my neck, preventing blood flow to my arms. My diagnosis is not serious, but it meant I would need to decide between a major surgery near my spinal cord or quitting physical activity, including synchronized swimming. The decision proved to be difficult, but my family and I decided the surgery presented too many risks. Life after synchro consisted of me feeling sorry for myself because I could no longer participate in the sport I loved. I knew I needed a new way to spend my time, which is what led me to join the high school’s theater program. I felt apprehensive at first due to the fact that I didn’t have any friends, but soon I found my place in the group. Now, as a senior, I have just completed my 11th show and I couldn’t be happier with where I am. Making the decision to join theater continues to be the best decision I have made in high school. After synchronized swimming, I thought my life was over. It took time but I ultimately found a different passion. My top-choice interest didn’t work out, but that forced me to find a new love.
enior Chris Trotter pushed through the finish line at the State meet June 5, finishing second to Lucas Trapp of Elk River. Because of this race, Trapp became a friend Trotter looks forward to running with at college. “State was fun because I got to hang out with the guy that beat me. We are best friends now and he also committed to the University of Minnesota,” Trotter said. “It’s nice knowing someone else and also knowing that we are both good.” Trotter committed to track at the University of Minnesota, running at a
Division I level. “I am a middle distance so I will be running primarily 400s, 800s and 1500s,” Trotter said. “But my workout group will be with the sprinters so I will be working out with 100, 200, hurdle, jumper people.” Trotter said he committed because it took pressure off picking a college. “I feel great about it. It feels nice to have already chosen a college. It is nice to know that I will have people I know and a team that I will have for four years — that is a good feeling.”
“It’s not affiliated with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). It’s in this league called NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics),” Froom said. Froom said he has always wanted to keep playing baseball in college. “I’ve always loved baseball ever since I was a kid and I knew if I had the opportunity to play after high school I wanted to take it,” he said.
enior Kyle Froom said one of his favorite memories from his years of baseball was when his team won a tournament in the last inning. “When we were 12 we were playing in a tournament and we were losing by four or five runs into the last inning,” Froom said. “We managed to come back and win with two outs.” Froom, who has played baseball since he was 6, said he will continue playing next year at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa. hen senior Patrick Bordewick was 14, his summer baseball team won two out of three state tournaments. “All of my childhood friends growing up, and during the whole year, hadn’t been all that great and then we started winning,” Bordewick said. “We won the state tournament and we got rings.” Bordewick will continue playing baseball at the Division I level at the University of North Dakota.
“Since I was young, I have always loved baseball and it has been a goal of mine to play in college,” Bordewick said. “They had me out for an official visit there and I stayed the night and saw all of the facilities and met some of the players on the team. I really liked it and I saw it as something I could see myself doing in the future.” Bordewick said he feels relieved to know where he is going to school next year and that he can continue to play baseball.
he crowd rushed the football field during senior Trenton Stafford’s freshman year season, following Stafford’s deflection during the final quarter. “Freshman year it was the last play and it was for the other team to win. They passed a touchdown and I deflected it,” Stafford said. “Everyone rushed the field and it was kind of cool.”
Stafford has played football for seven years and said he looks forward to continuing his sport at Minnesota State University, Mankato, playing for a Division II team. “I have always have wanted to go to the next level to play football so I am just blessed to be able to do that,” Stafford said. Stafford said the program at his school allows him to play at the next level of his football career.
enior Tahyvion Malone has played football since he was 8 and will continue his football career as a cornerback next year at North Dakota State College of Science. “It’s JUCO (junior college). JUCO is not a division — it’s where you go to play to try and get into a higher division,” Malone said. Malone said he feels confident about his decision to play JUCO and thinks it will lead to more
hen senior Emily Hinz was in sixth grade, she stopped the soccer ball with her hands from going into her goal even though she wasn’t the goalie. “I was in front on my own goal and a girl shot it, and I just completely caught it with my hands,” Hinz said. “I wasn’t a goalie but I caught it anyway, but then they got a penalty kick and missed it.” Hinz has been playing
opportunities playing at the college level. “I feel like in a couple years from now I’ll probably be looked at by a Division I school or attending a Division I or Division II school, so I feel great,” Malone said. Because of an injury, Malone was out for some of his senior season and said he is looking forward to playing again next year. “I was injured this year and I didn’t get to play the full season so I’m just really looking forward to playing,” Malone said.
soccer since she was in preschool and will continue her soccer career at the University of Minnesota Duluth, playing at the Division II level. Hinz said she looks forward to her decision and said she feels relieved she already knows where she is going to college. “It’s really exciting,” Hinz said. “I was happy I already had a choice on where I wanted to go and that I already knew where I wanted to go.”
Seventh grade.
I started it as an off-season for track, but then I really started to enjoy it. As I got better, I got to go to more meets and more practices. It became a main sport for me.
ports create challenges because of the dedication required, but they also help teach life skills, according to varsity girls’ basketball head coach Brian Massie. Massie said the team encounters challenges such as homework and lack of time to prepare for games. He said the
team continues to learn how to deal with challenges while also performing well in games. “The challenge is to not allow those challenges affect how you play. My challenge is to help them block out the challenges,” he said. “Being OK with handling adversity — that is what you are trying to teach.” Sophomore Grace Wolgemuth said the team atmosphere feels different than last year. “There’s only one senior and four or five juniors, so it’s different,” she said. “There is an
eighth grader on varsity so I feel we will be strong in the next few years if we keep working.” Massie said the team began using different techniques to improve practices. “I have been emphasizing more in practice and even adding consequences,” Massie said. “This is the first time, when you watch film of the games, that all the excuses you say to your coach don’t work.” According to Massie, managing time in practice, which is used for game preparation,
remains a difficulty. “In the season it is difficult to manage your time. You have to prepare for games and you have two games a week,” Massie said. Although fans help, Wolgemuth said the team doesn’t need big crowds at games to succeed. “It would be awesome if more people showed up, but I think our bench is great,” Wolgemuth said. The next game takes place at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at Robbinsdale Cooper.
I like the exercise and that it gets you doing something in the winter, because winter is not very fun. I also like the people that do it. We all get along pretty well.
There is a lot of different techniques to skiing, like going uphill and downhill.
I listen to any kind of music, whatever I’m feeling at that moment.
It helps me do something in the winter and it has also helped me meet a lot of new people that I wouldn’t have hung out with.
irls’ ultimate head coach Seija Stratton said while she enjoys coaching the ultimate players, practice and attendance issues have come up, causing difficulties with the pre-season practice schedule. Stratton said the coaching team faces difficulties scheduling winter practice because of the limited amount of playing areas available. “Some things that (the coaches) have done to prepare for the season are to get together and identify practice days,” Stratton said. “The season is a little restricted in that (ultimate) is typically an outdoor sport, so we have limited access to indoor space within St. Louis Park.”
Junior Ronen Pink said he enjoys playing ultimate, but wishes he saw higher attendance. “I really love ultimate. I love everything about it,” Pink said. “It’s unfortunate that not as many people show up to the practices because they are in the winter, but for me they’ve been going really well.” According to Pink, the winter practices benefit the team and individual players’ strength. “(The practices) help with team dynamic and getting everyone excited for the season, and also to get back into shape and work on throws and fundamentals,” Pink said. According to junior Makayla Jones-Klausing, despite attendance and scheduling issues, the winter practices provide a good way to hone her skills. “Practices have been going pretty well. It’s nice to get back into it because it’s been a couple months since we’ve been practicing and working on our throws,” Jones-Klausing said. After a previously challeng-
I like to hang out with friends and listen to music.
No, not during the season but at meets I try to eat lighter foods.
ing season, Pink said he looks forward to playing with the new team. “Last year was a rebuilding season, so I am hoping this year we do much better,” Pink said. Stratton said she works with a team of three coaches to develop schedules for the girls’ season and they are currently working through scheduling conflicts. “Practices in January and
February are getting to be a little bit sporadic,” Stratton said. “I do have assistant coaches helping me: Audrey Phillips and Callyssa Ozzello. We are a coaching team and something that we have done to prepare for the season is to get together and identify practices days. The next ultimate practice will take place at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Aquila Elementary.
It can seem hard, like you can’t learn how to do it or you should know how to do it before you join, but you really shouldn’t. I learned how to do it in seventh grade, anyone can join whenever.
I would definitely do it as a pastime but I don’t think I will do it competitively.
St. Louis Park Senior High School 6425 West 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426 Hannah Bernstein Kaylee Chamberlain Jackson Eilers, Hannah Goldenberg, Jamie Halper & Shoshi Leviton Jonah Kupritz, Jayne Stevenson & Emily Tifft Sam Orloff, Alec Pittman & Sophie Yarosh Harry Steffenhagen Maggie Bahnson & Lauren VonEschen Alyssa LeMay Harrison Barden, Celene Koller, Julia Nathan & Heather Westwood Mira Swartz Albie Sher & Paige Steward Ethan Brown Emma Dietz, Raphy Gendler & Anna duSaire Sari Hattis & Abby Hickstein Olivia Sieff Polina Pekurovsky : Adah Koivula & Elise Riley Mimi Fhima Makagbe Kuyateh Jane Anderson, Brigid Duffy, Zoë Eilers & Alissa Meredith Mara Bacig, Malaika Bigirindavyi, Max Blackburn, Joe Brandel, Sam Crary, Josh Halper, Kate Huber, Max Kent, Jada Csikos-Monroe, Izzi Gilbert Burke, Sydney Hall, Zack Hatcher,
he district’s new Learning Design Team seeks to build modern, efficient classrooms in the high school to ensure a more advanced and flexible environment for students. From new furniture to the latest technology, the Learning Design Team (LDT) aims to make lessons more interactive. The plan’s prospects are exciting and are a major step for the school. Ninth grade civics teacher Mike Nordean teaches in the first class to receive a makeover during Presidents Day weekend. Nordean’s built-in full wall and his teaching experience make his classroom the perfect candidate to test out new materials and ideas. The school made the right decision in starting small with an individual classroom, but in the future, the LDT should target major spaces in the building. Places like the Library Media Center, At-Large Lab and Learning Lab are accessible to a wider population of students than stand-alone classrooms. The greater student engagement in these areas makes them better
candidates to reach as many students as possible with new technology. Remodeling the high school is a big process and students should be curious to see where this plan will go beyond Nordean’s classroom. We hope the school will have Nordean and his students evaluate the new learning environment after a period of time
250,000 people visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness every year, according to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. But as a result of proposed sulfides mines, this may soon change. The highly visited area faces the threat of unacceptable destruction and pollution from this mining. Besides causing vast amounts of pollution and human health risks, the mining will hinder Northeastern Minnesota tourism, which in 2009 alone provided 18,000 jobs and $800 million in sales, according to Earthworks. Sulfide minerals create sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water, according to Earthworks, When uncontrolled, the acid causes harm to fish and other aquatic life. According to Save the Wild U.P., an organization protecting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the process may contaminate water for 2,500 years or more. The detriment caused by unsustainable decisions would affect humans today, but would
also leave generations to come with the responsibility of dealing with the repercussions. According to Save the Boundary Waters, sulfide mining would cause forest and native biodiversity loss and impair the connection between water and forest in the Boundary Waters. Sulfide mines also increase the acidity of water, preventing certain species from surviving. Just one mine alone would pollute the watershed of the Boundary Waters for at least 500 years. According to a report conducted by Conservation Minnesota, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness and Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, arsenic, manganese and thallium are all possible byproducts of acid mine drainage. These by-products can cause humans to face a higher risk of cancer and other illnesses when present in high levels. Although sulfide mines create employment opportunities, they would negatively affect the economy of Northeastern Minnesota. According to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, taxpayers often face the burden of paying the costs if mining companies go bankrupt, which they often do. According to Earthworks,
to judge its effectiveness before continuing with other projects. Additionally, taxpayer dollars are needed to make this project a reality. Every so often voters must re-approve the School Board’s budget and next year’s ballot may ask for additional money for a redesign of the school and other facilities in the district. Within reason, these tax increases are
necessary to ensure the continued quality of education. We are curious to see how productive the redesign of the school environment is in affecting students’ learning. The district should evaluate progress within the year. Students should be hopeful that development in the classroom can grow into a change throughout the school.
Ruthie Hope, Will Huyck, Adam Johnson, Ndunzi Kunsunga, Katie Orton, Devin Raynor, Hanna Schechter, Peter Sherno & Hannah Wolk Genesis Buckhalton Scott Meyers Quad Graphics Lori Keekley
The Echo is the official student-produced newspaper of St. Louis Park Senior High School. It is published triweekly for the school’s students, staff and community. The Echo is a designated forum for student expression in which students make all decisions of content without prior review from school officials. The adviser will not act as a censor, but will advise students. Students have the final decision on all content. The Echo will work to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful and interesting to all our readers. We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy. We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph unless clearly labeled as a photo illustration. Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined. Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Echo staff or administration as a whole. The Echo welcomes reader input. Letters to the editor and suggestions must be signed and should be no longer than 250 words and may be emailed to slpecho@gmail.com or submitted in room C275. Emailed letters must be verified prior to publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right 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
in 2012 tourism provided 12 percent of northeastern Minnesota’s jobs, while mining only provided 3.3 percent. Compared to mining, tourism holds a higher importance in the economy of the Boundary Waters area by a significant amount. The Boundary Waters would not continue to receive 250,000 visitors every year in the presence of sulfide mines. Mining would damage the tourism and economy of the area. Any benefits of sulfide mining do not justify the consequences. Instead of misusing time and money developing environmentally degrading processes, innovations in sustainable and green practices must be explored. Eco-friendly processes must exist to meet the wants and needs of humans, otherwise Minnesotans will see one of the state’s great wonders get destroyed. Along with more sustainable developments, students have the power to make a change in the communities they care about. Young adults must get involved by signing the petition to prevent sulfide ore mining from taking place in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Watershed. Students must take action and make their voices heard in order to give the Boundary Waters the respect it deserves.
believe to be false, misleading, inappropriate or harmful. The Echo does not necessarily endorse the products or services offered in these advertisements. NSPA All-American and Hall of Fame member; 2011 NSPA Print Pacemaker Finalist; 2013, 2014, 2015 National Print Pacemaker Award Recipient; 2014, 2015 Online Pacemaker Finalist; CSPA Gold Medalist; 2013 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All-State.
To SnoDaze: Will this dance be canceled too?
To Polar Plunge: At least I’m nippin’ for a good cause.
To defense lessons: I thought we were supposed to keep our hands to ourselves.
egan Powell, director of the Polar Bear Plunge, watches the faces of participants as they leap into the cold water. Powell said the Polar Plunge, or Plunge, collects donations to support Special Olympics Minnesota. “Special Olympics Minnesota provides year-round sports training and competitions for people with intellectual disabilities,” Powell said. “Participants must raise a minimum of $75 to take the Plunge, but the average participant raises over $200. The average donation last year was $40, but donations come in all sizes and they all matter.” Junior Anya Lindell Paulson said the Polar Plunge supports a great cause. “I think that it’s super cool. It helps create funding in those departments that might otherwise not be funded,” Lindell Paulson said. “It’s also a fun way to raise money.” Powell said students should get involved with the Polar Plunge by spreading the word and encouraging others to participate. “Students should sign up their school, get competitive and challenge other groups within your school, or challenge a neighboring school,” Powell said. “We also have some schools who have set it up that if they hit their fundraising or participation goal, then the principal has to Plunge too.” Lindell Paulson said her heart would race as she stared at the cold water, but she would end up jumping in. “I would be terrified but pretty excited because
The Form + Content Gallery presents ‘Illustrator’s Studio: The Art of Illustration.’ This exhibit focuses on the personal art of seven illustrators with varying techniques. Admission is free.
my adrenaline would be going. I would still be scared but it would be fun,” Lindell Paulson said. “Support from friends would be really great to have, too.” According to Powell, the Plunge represents a unusual experience because it isn’t something done every day. “It’s a ton of fun — definitely cold — but it’s a short amount of time that you are in the water. There is tons of camaraderie amongst team members, and tons of excitement and anticipation for the big jump,” Powell said. “It’s a one-of-a-kind event and a bucket list for many.” Junior Hannah Ellingson said she would attempt to influence fellow students to take part in the Plunge with her. “I would do it with close friends and family members. I would call out my cousins to do it with me,” Ellingson said. “I would challenge more people to do it in order to raise money for a great cause.” Powell said the location and amount of people determines the outcome of the Plunge. “Each event varies. We have events as small as 100 plungers in Warroad, all the way up to Minneapolis that has 5,000 plungers,” Powell said. “If you aren’t sure about it, just give it a try — it’s not nearly as tough as you think, and you’ll have so much fun.” The next Polar Plunge in Minnesota takes place at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in Rochester. Students can sign up on the Minnesota Polar Plunge website at www. plungemn.org, arrive for the Pre-Plunge sign up or register the day of the Plunge. Fundraising money and a signed waiver are required for all participants.
Omnifest, located at the William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater, features five films shown by the Science Museum of Minnesota. Tickets are free for members, $7 for ages 4-12 and $8 for adults.
The Ice Castles LLC, located in Eden Prairie, is a Utah-based event that showcases large-scale winter ice sculptures featuring thousands of icicles. Admission into the event varies in price.
The Guerrilla Girls exhibition takes over the Minneapolis Institute of Arts with controversial art surrounding social discourses. Admission to the exhibition is free to the public.
t doesn’t take an expert to compare the United States’ gunrelated murder rate with any developed nation in the world — or, say, Israel, Australia, Poland and Hungary combined — and notice that the land of stars and stripes always comes out on top. Almost daily, we must open our newspapers to the tellings of tragedies fitting for a horror movie: nine benevolent churchgoers in Charleston, four marines and a navy sailor in Chattanooga, 27 first-graders and the people who taught them in Newtown — the list goes on. In this context, and amid the repeated Second Amendment cries of uncompromising conservatives, President Obama did what legislators should have done long ago — set in motion a new effort to, according to his executive order, “reduce gun violence and make our communities safer.”
Key provisions of the Jan. 4 executive order include honing licensure requirements and closing the loophole that allows unlicensed individuals to purchase guns through trusts and corporations. It also intends to revise the background check system and put $500 million toward providing care to individuals with serious mental illnesses. The idea that these reasonable provisions represent an attack on the Constitution demonstrates a misguided line of thought. It demonstrates the uncompromising nature of a political system in which no amount of slaughter can justify lasting changes. Obama’s gun control executive order in no way violates the Constitution. The “grant of power” in Article II has allowed every president from George Washington to Obama to issue these orders, according to CNBC. As demonstrated by this directive, executive orders allow practical action. These orders allow the President of the United States to go forward alone when unbending, stuck-in-the-past politicians disfigure the legislative process and allow for preventable tragedy.
hile many liberals believe slowly phasing guns out of the picture is the right way to deal with gun violence, they are far from the truth. Limiting the Second Amendment rights of Americans will do more harm than good. Barring access to firearms weakens America and infringes on Second Amendment rights. Banning or severely inhibiting access to items deemed unsafe for public use rarely works, as criminals always find ways to get what they want. For example, during Prohibition organized crime rose as the mob brought in alcohol, corruption and violent crime according to PBS historian Michael Lerner. According to the FBI the overall rate of homicide has stayed at an all-time low since the late 1960s, even with the increase of gun sales in the United States. The
his year’s selection of nominees for the Oscars wrongfully lacks actors and actresses of color, and neglects some of the wonderful talent working in Hollywood. The nominations consist entirely of white actors. The idea of someone’s name having value comes into play when choosing the nominations, especially with famous white actors. These actors with big names, such as Matt Damon, receive recognition all the time. However, this fame puts these white actors on many top 100 lists. This blurs their image because their past performances create an expectation of greatness. Damon’s performance in “The Martian” shows through so well because of all the excellent work he created in the past. However, Donald Glover, the African-American who plays the astrophysicist who comes up with the plan to return the stranded astronaut home safely, also played a large role in the
movie. Glover’s performance showed prominently, even compared to Damon’s. However, Glover received no recognition from the academy for his acting. Samuel L. Jackson performed exquisitely as Major Marquis Warren in “Hateful 8.” Compared to the work of Leonardo DiCaprio, this begs the question of why DiCaprio was nominated, instead of Jackson when he outperformed DiCaprio on all levels? The cast of “Straight Outta Compton” consists almost entirely of black actors. Specifically, O’Shea Jackson Jr., who played his father, Ice Cube, perfectly. Yet, not one member of the cast received a nomination for an Oscar. In its earliest years, Hollywood allowed no actors of color to participate in most of its productions. It still exists in a similar mental era where white faces receive more praise, even if their performances lack appeal. According to The Atlantic Magazine, the Oscar Academy consists of 94 percent white people, primarily men, and the average age of all voters
president’s order will only serve as a waste of resources as the issue slowly becomes less pressing when priorities shift. The executive order also supports the increase in government spending to “fix” an already working background check system. Overhauling the system will only slow down law-abiding citizens, not criminals, from purchasing guns. According to the National Rifle Association, gun safety in households has developed greatly, as the fatal gun accident rate has declined 94 percent since 1904. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 99 percent of all guns in the United States are never involved in a crime. While gun violence still exists, most of the problems stem from gang violence and illegally acquired weapons in Chicago, Los Angeles and New Orleans, according to the FBI. While executive orders often bring about necessary change in a gridlocked Congress, Obama’s recent executive order on gun control shows a clear violation of the Second Amendment rights of all Americans.
sits at 67 years. The performances this year by all the talented actors of color received no recognition to any extent from the academy because the idea of a racial hierarchy remains. This serious issue comes from a source of racist ideals about who the face of true talent should be instead of measuring talent without a racial bias.