Echo Issue 6, Feb. 5

Junior Boys writes soccer history-based play

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Girls’ hockey loses to Edina Page 9

Wednesday, February 5, 2020 Volume 93 Issue 6 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426

Vandalism instances increase at Park Uptick in graffiti leads to conflicting opinions Talia Lissauer & Isabel Kjaer talialissauer@slpecho.com isabelkjaer@slpecho.com

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ecent graffiti around the school has left teacher Anson Opara and others frustrated with the negative consequences.

“There’s just a lot more that’s been occurring lately, I don’t know who’s doing it. It’s just kind of frustrating,” Opara said. “They’ve had to lock down bathrooms because of it, which is annoying because then you can’t use the bathroom when you want to.”

Despite the school rule against vandalism, sophomore Tommy Hiemenz said the graffiti found around the school is a way for students to express themselves and even make their voices heard.

“I’ve been seeing a bunch of graffiti and these slap stickers, that’s what they call it. It’s a way of art,” Hiemenz said. “I think they should enjoy it.”

Junior Jamie Enright said she

Photo Isabel Kjaer

Not-so sunny day: According to Principal Scott Meyers, an increase in vandalism leads to more restorative conversations with students who draw graffiti and their families. This piece of graffiti was located in the B1 hallway. doesn’t understand why people vandalize because it forces someone else to clean up unnecessary messes.

“I honestly don’t know (why people do it), maybe to get your opinions out but I don’t understand why they vandalise the bathroom,” Enright said.

According to the student handbook, students are expected to respect other individuals and school property.

Principal Scott Meyers said punishments for vandalism can include suspension or monetary fees for restoration of the school’s property and jobs similar to Park pride tasks.

“It’s usually more of a conversation about it. It’s not a mandate to pay, it’s just like, ‘this is what we will realize, this is what we need to do to restore it,’” Meyers said.

According to Meyers, there have been accounts of hateful graffiti, which is not just treated as normal vandalism in both punishment and speed of response.

“It’s something that is incredibly offensive and can cause questions of safety and so we make sure we get those as a priority first and to take away the impact and the voice from

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It’s important for students to know that our maintenance staff, our custodial staff for buildings and grounds, is here to help maintain the buildings.

Not to really clean up after all of us.

Scott Meyers, Principal

Police department starts use of Vitals app App alerts first responders of disabilities Marta Hill & Talia Lissauer martahill@slpecho.com talialissauer@slpecho.com

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Photo illustration Abby Prestholdt

80 feet out: The new app Vitals allows students to alert first responders with important information about themselves.

SLPECHO.COM

itals, an app that notifies first responders of important information, is now being used by the St. Louis Park Police Department, according to Officer Pamela Gronski. Gronski said St. Louis Park has joined the app to put an emphasis on the police to citizen relationship in the community.

“In St. Louis Park we think it’s very important that we have positive interactions with our community, versus negative interactions when they really just need help,” Gronski said.

Junior Keely Berntsen said the app will offer better communication between students and first responders.

the person,” Meyers said.

Opara said students should think about the consequences of their actions before creating graffiti, as it can actually have more of an impact than some might think.

“Think about the respect of the whole thing and think of how this is creating it so now I can’t use that bathroom,” Opara said. “You’re affecting like 400 people because you want to write stuff on the wall.”

Meyers said students need to know that custodians’ role is to maintain the building and ensure all resources are clean and accessible.

“It’s important for students to know that our maintenance staff, our custodial staff for buildings and grounds, is here to help maintain the buildings. Not to really clean up after all of us,” Meyers said.

According to Meyers, the best action for students to take is reporting any sort of damage to the school through the main office.

“Our best bet is for people when they notice even a soap dispenser that’s open or a trash can that’s tipped over, report some of the lower level stuff,” Meyers said.

“I think it’s a good idea because it’s going to create more of an understanding between police officers and the people who are offering the information and it’s creating more opportunities for them to just better understand people,” Berntsen said.

Vitals allows users to make a profile and input information such as a nickname, height, weight, conditions, de-escalation techniques, behavior triggers and medications.

The app costs $4.99 a month, and users have the option to purchase a separate beacon, or use the app as the locator.

If the user is within 80 feet of a first responder who is using the program, the responder will receive a notification.

Patrol Lieutenant Mike Garland said the app has many possible positive impacts.

“Our view on it is if it leads to even one resolution to a call involving mental health or communication difficulty, and it allows us to resolve it safely and get the person even more quickly the help that they need. That’s worth it to us,” Garland said.

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NEWS

Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

(The ACT change) is good for the 10th grade class and lower because you don’t have to retake a whole test just because you did bad on one section.

Zachary Segal, junior

WEB PREVIEW

Photo Carissa Prestholdt

Parking passes sold online for first time

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lthough there were issues in the beginning with the website, senior Maggie Klein said the office worked hard to help her get her parking pass.

“Initially, I was having trouble when I was ordering it,” Klein said. “I wasn’t going to be able to get a pass, but then we talked to the office and they worked really hard to help us and figure out what went wrong.”

Sofie Geretz sofiegeretz@slpecho.com

Photo Talia Lissauer

Big hearts: Two Letters of Love Gala attendees write cards to hospitalized children. The goal of the event was to give a card, blanket or bracelet to every child. Letters of Love started at Orono High School last year and has spread to several schools since.

Teen community gathers to raise awareness, support Letters of Love Gala engages high school students around state Colin Canaday & Harris Keekley colincanaday@slpecho.com harriskeekley@slpecho.com

Photo Ava Ashby

SLP Mind creates safe space for students

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oticing the societal stigma around mental health, junior Emma Heinzen said she felt passionate about starting a club that provides a space for students to connect and act on mental health issues.

“I feel like a lot of people think that they’re alone in dealing with (mental health), but everyone has a lot in common and it would be beneficial to have a safe space to talk about it with peers,” Heinzen said.

Maddie Schutte maddieschutte@slpecho.com

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s groups of teenagers swarmed through a single door for the Letters of Love Gala, Orono High School senior Grace Berbig walked on stage to remind everyone why they were all brought together that night — to help children in hospitals know they are loved and supported.

Having lost her mother to leukemia, Berbig said she is determined to give children in the hospital the same support her friends, family and strangers gave to her during that tough time.

“When I was 10, my mom died of leukemia. I really wanted to find a way to give back to the community that helped my family so much, and I knew that the biggest thing that helped my mom was the emotional support that she had through-

out all three years of fighting cancer. I really wanted to give the opportunity for students in high school to give more support to those who are fighting cancer and other illnesses,” Berbig said.

President of Park’s branch and senior Maggie Klaers said although the gala was mainly students from Orono, it was nonetheless good to see the collective support.

“The event was primarily Orono kids because the Orono club is the biggest (of the) branches, but it was incredible to see that many people who have the same drive to help others, and same interests and love in their hearts for these kids, all in one place trying to do some good together,” Klaers said.

According to Berbig, as Letters of Love has grown, the goals have expanded as well.

“The goal was just to give cards to the hospital, and it was just a generalized goal. But now, our mission is to give emotional support to every single kid in Minnesota who’s battling cancer and illness. That’s a big goal, but it’s our main goal to support every kid in every hospital in Minnesota,” Berbig said.

Photo Talia Lissauer

Tie it off: Letters of Love gala attendees create a tie blanket. The Jan. 31 gala was at the Profile Event Center.

Photo Marta Hill

Celebrate: Confetti is thrown into the crowd of excited participants during the dance party portion of the gala.

New testing policy gives students options Fair use from Hennepin Theatre Trust

Theater gives discount to students

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enior Maddie Lind said the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s student and educator rush program does a great job of offering lower prices, making tickets to shows accessible to students.

“It was super cheap for incredible seats at this Disney show and it was magical,” Lind said.

According to Hennepin Theatre Director of Public Relations and Communications Andrea Cournoyer, this affordability is the basis for the program.

Sam Klepfer samklepfer@slpecho.com For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho

Students able to retake individual ACT subjects Maria Perez Barriga mariaperezbarriga@slpecho.com

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aking effect in the 20202021 school year, the American College Testing company decided to allow students throughout the nation to retake individual portions of the test for a lower price, according to testing coordinator Jami LaPray.

“The company that runs ACT testing has decided that starting next school year, students who want to take individual subject tests can sign up and pay a fee and just take a portion of the test,” LaPray said.

Junior Helen Tefera said if a student performed poorly on a certain section, they could retake the section without having to do the entire test over again.

“It’s a good idea to take the whole test, but if I did good in two or three of them, but I did bad in math, I don’t have to retake the one I did good ... just retake the one I did bad,” Tefera said.

Sophomore Kate Holden said she looks forward to being able to retake portions of the test as it will be helpful in improving her score.

“It’s exciting. I feel like it’s a good thing for me because then it gives me an opportunity to do better without having to retake the whole thing,” Holden said.

According to LaPray, once the new policy is implemented

Photo Isra Mohamed

Working hard: Junior Abdullahi Moalim prepares for the ACT exam. Park will offer all juniors the exam for free Feb. 25.

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It’s exciting. I feel like it’s a good thing for me because then it gives me an opportunity to do better without having to retake the whole thing.

Kate Holden, sophomore

next year, students who want to take a portion of the test will be unable to do so on the school administered ACT. “If people want to sign up and pay through the ACT, they can take individual sections and they’ll have to do that on a Saturday or however they offer it, (but it) would not be here at school,” LaPray said.

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I love TikTok. It’s really funny and I’m on it way too much. It’s a cool environment.

STUDENT LIFE

Lily Johnson, junior

Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

TikTok

makes a meteoric rise to popularity

Dances, unique humor create widespread use Maggie Klaers maggieklaers@slpecho.com

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fter watching several students make TikToks, teacher Bobby Otto said the app enables students to create and share short, vine-like videos.

“From an older perspective, I would consider it kind of like Vine from when I was in school. It’s just short videos that can be created,” Otto said. “What I have seen from TikTok is people recreating dances with songs in the background.”

According to the New York Times, a Beijing-based company called ByteDance bought the popular karaoke app Musical.ly in 2017 and merged it with their own app, TikTok. Sophomore Gavin Thoe said he began using the app in Oct. 2018, before the app gained widespread popularity. Since joining TikTok, Thoe has accumulated 27,700 followers.

“At first, it was like a meme because people were using it as a joke and then all of a sudden it blew up,” Thoe said. “It’s been an app that’s fun to watch videos and create videos.”

Although she does not use TikTok, sophomore Maya Frank said she understands the appeal.

“I think it’s crazy that everyone loves it so much, and I can see why.

I’ve seen TikToks and they’re funny, but it’s crazy how big it’s gotten,” Frank said.

According to Otto, he enjoys when students ask him to make TikToks, although he has yet to accept the offer.

“It’s reaching out and trying to make a connection with another person, which is kind of cool,” Otto said.

“I would say it gets annoying when

It makes me smile, it’s as simple as that.

people are watching them in class because they have other things that they could be doing besides just watching other people dance.”

According to freshman Estelle Fitzgerald, the meme culture of the app allows some users to work through their emotions.

“My favorite TikTok is when people talk about emotional stuff and they turn themselves into memes,” Fitzgerald said. “I like to use it because I think it’s helpful for social media to understand how they feel.”

Frank said she refrains from using any social media, including TikTok. “I don’t have any social media, so I don’t want to post pictures or videos of myself,” Frank said. “I think I would be addicted if I had it. A lot of people I know are addicted to it and love it.”

Otto said he often sees students making TikToks in the hallway outside his classroom.

“Where my room is, there is a great hallway that has great sunlight in the afternoon that I get told about all the time. That makes for an excellent space to create these dances,” Otto said. “It makes me smile, it’s as simple as that.”

According to Thoe, the app’s boom in popularity can be credited I’ve seen to its reputation for TikToks comedic videos.

“It’s a way you can and they’re be creative and it’s just funny, but funny videos,” Thoe said. “A lot of stuff is it’s crazy generalized on social how big it’s media and finding funny videos is something that gotten. would get an app to blow up.”

Maya Frank, Otto said he enjoys sophomore the creativity and happiness involved with making TikToks.

“There’s a lightheartedness to it,”Otto said.

“It’s always about making a dance or making someone laugh or being creative, which always leads to more fun.”

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Renegade: Juniors Rochelle Jackson, Evan Nelson and Raven Wilburn make a TikTok during first lunch Feb. 2 in the foyer. The students created their own dance to a popular TikTok song.

Photos Isabel Kjaer

Bobby Otto, teacher

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FEATURES

Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

WHAT’S THE POINT

Wildlife photography changes perspective Noah Orloff noahorloff@ slpecho.com

Anna McCallon, sophomore

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Holocaust stories inspires theater play Junior writes and directs her own play for production

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take a silent deep breath as I look into my viewfinder — I am in the presence of a great horned owl, an apex predator that just landed on a perch in front of me. The adrenaline rush that proceeds is characteristic of almost all of my wildlife encounters.

For as long as I can remember, I have loved to take pictures. This past year, photography has crossed paths with nature and capturing wildlife has become a strong passion of mine. I am a wildlife photographer, specializing in birds. I use Instagram as a platform to share photos and find inspiration through the work of others.

My time spent in nature serves as a hiatus from the chaos of life during high school. Being able to spend time with only wildlife around me can What’s the foster POINT? reflecTake time to tion appreciate your and creativsurroundings ity.

My time in nature also has helped me work on my patience and persistence. I have found myself waiting for hours to find a subject that might not even come.

Wildlife photography has connected me with the nature that surrounds us. My passion has reminded me that the Earth is precious and requires careful treatment in order to protect its inhabitants. Whenever I interact with wildlife I remember that our planet is not only our home, it is theirs as well. This truth has led me to work toward an ethical relationship with wildlife and trying to make environmentally conscious decisions.

Wildlife photography is one way students can develop a bond with the outdoors.

For some, this may be expressed through camping or hiking. No matter what it is, it can help to escape from the stresses of day-to-day life.

After all, you don’t need to be an “outdoors” person to look outside and appreciate the brilliance of life.

Wildlife photography has connected me with a beauty that I never even knew existed. I have found that amazing subjects are all around us but we must look to find them.

Today, our task is ensuring wildlife continues to be a part of our lives.

Teachers always say they support their students but its a good sign that they’re showing it.

Carly Joseph, junior

Why did you decide to write your own play?

I was part of this project freshman year called Witness Theater where you talk to Holocaust survivors and you hear their stories and then you write and perform a show based on their lives. They only had a two-year grant to do it, and I was part of the second year, so I wanted to create my own version.

What is the play about?

The play is called, “The Only Star I Remember.” It is the true story of Holocaust survivors Esther and Israel Beckham and their experiences during the tragedy.

What has been memorable about the experience?

I really like directing. I didn’t know if I was going to because I wrote it, and I’m directing it.

I wrote it with my friend who goes to Wayzata, and it’s her great grandparents’ story, so it is more personal.

What have you learned about directing and writing?

I’ve learned a lot. In directing it’s really interesting because you’re in charge of a lot of people.

When you’re doing that there are so many different people that have so many different ideas, so you get a much better final product when you put in everyone in your cast’s ideas and create one cohesive unit.

How are you going to bring what you’ve learned from this experience into the future?

I haven’t discussed with my co-worker or director yet, but I would love to get the copyright

Photo Emily Ziessman

Directing: Junior Carly Joseph positions her cast for the play she co-wrote and directed, “The Only Star I Remember” Jan. 19. Performances were Jan. 23, 25 and 26. for the show, so that it could be produced in other venues. I would also love to write another show in the future. I think it is really cool.

When was the play?

It was at 7 p.m. Jan. 23, 25 and 26. and at 2 p.m. Jan. 26. We also added another show on Jan. 26 because we were selling so well.

What plans do you have for after this play?

I want to go to college for musical theater. Musical theater is my passion, and for a really long time I thought about finding a more stable career but I won’t be happy so I’m just going to do what makes me happy.

Tamar Gewirtz tamargewirtz@slpecho.com

Teachers support students outside of classroom Some staff attend games to further relationships Izzy Kanne izzykanne@slpecho.com

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enior hockey captain Sarah McCallon took notice when a group of teachers started showing up to more Park sporting events.

“I’ve noticed the science department is always at a lot of the games,” McCallon said. “I think everyone likes it. It’s fun to have more people there than just your parents.”

Teacher Alexander Polk said his reasoning behind attending so many extracurricular activities is to encourage his students outside of the traditional classroom.

“It’s important to support the students beyond just the 50 minutes that they’re in your classroom,” Polk said. “That to me is a relatively easy and also a fun way to get out there and support our students.”

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It’s important that the students know that we see them in class, but we see them outside of class too.

Peter Dangerfield, teacher

Photo Molly Schochet

Cheers: Staff members Alexander Polk, Lindsey Meyer, Jennifer Thomas and Bobby Otto cheer at the girls’ basketball game against Cooper Jan. 30. A group of teachers has made an effort to increase their attendance to sporting events.

According to teacher Peter Dangerfield, building relationships with students in the stands is just as important as supporting athletes.

“My favorite part about attending games is the time to be in a community with my fellow teachers. I can strengthen relationships with kids who are just in the stand,” Dangerfield said. “I don’t know how many kids I’ve met in the stands who I don’t even have in class, who I now have a relationship with.”

McCallon said as an athlete, she appreciates teachers’ attendance.

“It’s really fun when teachers come. It just adds to the people at the game which just adds to the fun atmosphere,” McCallon said. “It’s encouraging for students and it adds to the fact that they think that teachers

care about them and their wellbeing.”

Polk said going to the games is something he considers part of being a teacher.

“It’s not something that just recently started, it’s something a few of us have been doing for a while and it’s something that helps us do our jobs, even though it’s not something required in our jobs,” Polk said.

Dangerfield said he comes to games not only to strengthen his connections with his students, but also to spend time with his family.

“I will 100 percent be attending as many things as I possibly can and soon I hope to start bringing my kids to it,” Dangerfield said. “I have a 7-year old and a 4-year old and I brought them to a couple soccer games this year and they’ll hopefully start to become part of this community as well.”

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If someone was good at math but did bad on the English section they could just study and retake that.

FEATURES Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Maya Frank, sophomore

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Nordic skiers put to work at Theodore Wirth Park Trailhead Athletes contribute to ski community during winter season Sofia Seewald sofiaseewald@slpecho.com

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Photo Sofia Seewald

Brrrr: Sophomore Adam Gips helps a girl off the tow rope at the Theodore Wirth TrailheadPark tubing hill. Gips works at the hill alongside sophomores Tait Myers and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

ith the Nordic team practicing daily at Theodore Wirth Park Trailhead, sophomore Ryan Fitzpatrick said he decided to spend a few extra hours at the tubing hill to make some money.

“Since I’m on the Nordic skiing team, I’m there every single day. It’s an easy commute,” Fitzpatrick said. “I don’t have to take the bus home after practice and I can just ski for two hours, work and then ski again.”

According to sophomore Tait Myers, working on the tubing hill is convenient because he can walk to the hill after Nordic practice.

“It’s fun and it’s not boring like most jobs around my age,” Myers said. “I can go straight from practice and I am already in clothes to work outside because it’s out on the tubing hill.”

With a past experience of working in high school, Theodore Wirth Park Trailhead Facility Manager Ben Bauch said having a job at a young age gives good exposure to a professional atmosphere.

“Being in close proximity to the activities they enjoy and getting to work a few hours and get a paycheck from it as well, there is a huge benefit in that,” Bauch said. “When I was growing up, I worked at a pool and I was a swimmer and being able to be close to that and see

how that world works on a professional level (was) a really cool opportunity.”

According to Bauch, all workers on the tubing hill are necessary to keep the system working.

“Operationally, they are essential to keeping the tubing hill running on a daily basis,” Bauch said. “It requires six or seven people out there and if somebody doesn’t show up and if someone is slacking on the job, the whole thing doesn’t work.”

Myers said he must take people off the tow rope at the top of the hill, along with providing people with tubes and telling them the rules.

“You have to yank people off the tow rope and it’s kind of hard on you because it gets repetitive, but it’s a good experience,” Myers said.

Bauch said working outdoors and conversing with people on the hill makes the job much more rewarding.

“Working on the tubing hill is an opportunity to have some fun, because you’re outside and you’re providing a fun experience for people,” Bauch said.

Park Hours • Wednesday & Thursday: 4–8 p.m.

• Friday: 4–8 p.m.

• Saturday: 10–8 p.m.

• Sunday: 10–6 p.m.

• Tubing hill open during park hours Infographic Molly Schochet Source Loppet Foundation

ACTIVITIES & AWARDS

Photo Ruthie Posada

Honored: Social studies teacher Kara Cisco speaks to her sixth hour class Jan. 31.

Want your voice heard?

Echo is looking for arists, designers, photographers, reporters* and videographers for next year.

Applications are available starting today in C363 and are due Feb. 28. *Reporter applicants who have taken Intro to Journalism are preferred.

Photo Noah Orloff

La-la-la: Choir teacher John Myszkowski introduces the choir winter concert Dec. 17. According to the event’s program, 18 songs were performed during the concert.

Myszkowski candidate for teacher of the year Gabriel Kaplan & Noah Orloff gabrielkaplan@slpecho.com noahorloff@slpecho.com

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hoir teacher John Myszkowski said he was overjoyed upon hearing of his nomination for the Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award and feels incredibly grateful to Park for giving him the opportunity to succeed.

“I’m very moved and touched by the outpouring of people that have said congratulations,” Myszkowski said. “Especially because it’s my 29th year of teaching, so I’ve done this for a long time.

I’ve been super fortunate in the

successes I’ve had with students and within the district.”

Sophomore Sophie Davis, who sings with Concert Choir and Park Singers, said Myszkowski’s classroom helps students to learn.

“It’s a really fun environment where it’s OK to make mistakes and learn from them, and there’s good constructive criticism,” Davis said.

According to Myszkowski, the process to become the official teacher of the year is quite arduous, requiring nominated teachers to partake in several stages of essays, interviews and more.

Cisco wins state award Jayde Claussen jaydeclaussen@slpecho.com

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very year, the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies honors four teachers. This year, social studies teacher Kara Cisco has been named High School Teacher of the Year. Cisco says the award has been a positive form of recognition.

“It’s nice to be recognized as a teacher, because I think it’s not a profession that gets recognized by society on a larger scale, and so that feels really affirming,” Cisco said.

ACT free for juniors Maria Perez-Barriga mariaperezbarriga@slpecho.com

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unior Ella Weinmann said the school offering a free ACT test for all students will create a higher college acceptance at Park.

“You use the ACT to get into different colleges and other kinds of pathways after high school.

It’s nice that it’s For more content go to more accessible slpecho.com to everyone,” twitter.com/slpecho Weinmann said. facebook.com/slpecho

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IN-DEPTH

Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

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I think (dark humor) is a coping mechanism and sometimes it’s better to laugh it off than actually deal with it, so I think it’s good.

Emma Amon, junior

Crash course in h

Following the recent attacks on Iran, social media was engulfed with deflection and humor, a common response from younger generations to serious events.

Memes walk the line of being humorous or offensive Colin Canaday & Tenzin Gyaldatsang colincanaday@slpecho.com tenzingyaldatsang@slpecho.com

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y Jan. 3, the term “World War III” was trending on Google and Twitter, according to Google Trends. Despite the heavy media coverage, many people didn’t originally hear the news from conventional news sites, instead the public received its information from memes.

Senior Rakesh Plantz said he felt confused by the legitimacy of information after seeing memes about the recent tension in Iran.

“When I saw my first World War III meme, I was like ‘hold up, I don’t even know anything about this,” Plantz said. “‘Are we actually fighting, am I about to be drafted?’”

Deflecting through jokes According to psychology teacher Sarah Lindenberg, immediate reliance on humor during traumatic situations is a way for social media users to cope with serious situations.

“It can be a defense mechanism, a way of dealing with it that may not be appropriate, but it is a way that people seem to deal with situations,” Lindenberg said. “At-large, the social media culture that we have these days is just a quick flash of catching people’s attention.”

According to senior Mia Miller, she believes Gen-Z’s responses to serious events are adequate.

“It’s a good way for ( that’s the way we cope, b Lindenberg said the la events is derived from so affects Gen-Z. “A product of social m or reading and rationaliz because they’ve grown u

Generational

According to psycholo and social media are the generational differences.

“It certainly intensifie you’re exposed to everyt intensified way,” Philippe dynamic that social medi experience for generation Lindenberg said there ences in humor and inter “I would say that eve and language and TV sho ence their humor, but som Lindenberg said.

According to Philippe generations are those bas “When I think about not inclined to think that individuals in each gener to,” Philippe said. “Ther and there’s a greater acce acceptable to be open an Lindenberg said she s events from her students might be derived from w shown on social media.

“There’s always a var populations, and it could engaging with the issues, thetic has always been th

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(Memes) don’t go too far because in our society you need to make jokes to move on. If something sad happens, I need to get over it, and then I’ll look back on it and make jokes.

media is a lack of critical thinking zing things that’s plaguing Gen-Z up with it,” Lindenberg said.

l variety

ogist Dan Philippe, technology driving agents behind the growing

es how social norms shift because thing all at once and in a very e said. “There is a very distinct ia brings. That’s a very different ns now, for younger generations.” e will always be generational differrests. ery generation has their own jargon ows and media that might influme things seem to be consistent,”

e, any major differences between sed upon cultural norms. generational (differences), I am t it is something different about ration, but what they are exposed re are differences in cultural norms, eptance of darker themes, as being nd to talk about.” sees mixed responses to major s, and those specific responses what younger generations are

riety of responses within student d be anything from discomfort to ,” Lindenberg said. “Being apahe case, but with so much flashing

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STUDENT VOICES

humor, memes and

(our generation) to cope because by making jokes,” Miller said. ack of understanding of serious ocial media, which particularlly

IN-DEPTH

Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Oliver Smith, sophomore

What are ways Gen-Z deals with difficult topics?

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we shouldn’t.

Fiona Petrie, sophomore

in Gen-Z’s eyes in terms of media, it causes them to be more apathetic.”

Lindenberg said younger generations may be experiencing an overexposure to information, which inhibits their understanding of major events.

“I have a significant number of students that definitely keep up on current news and issues that are going on, but there is always a population that I try to reach that seems less empathetic or make light of certain situations that they may be less familiar with,” Lindenberg said. “I don’t know if that is a generational thing, but there may be some link to just being overloaded on information.”

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One way our generation deals with sensitive topics is by making jokes about them.

Kendall Kreifels, freshman

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How far is too far?

According to Plantz, although dark humor can be a helpful coping method, it still can be deemed as inappropriate to certain viewers.

“It can go too far and I think it can offend people.

You’ve seen people in other schools, this school, being called out for doing humorous things that people didn’t find funny, and you can see people online becoming emotional about it,” Plantz said. “If people can understand that it’s a joke, it’s fine.”

Lindenberg said she believes satirical news sources are within the good side of dark humor.

“A lot of politics and social events do get processed through humor. There are a lot of satirical newspapers like ‘The Onion’ and they comment on current issues that seem to be very relevant to people,” Lindenberg said.

According to senior Zakiah Goff, as long as the majority of people think that memes and jokes are funny, then it is OK. “It’s funny. I don’t think comedy ever goes too far. If people think it’s funny, that’s fine,” Goff said.

Miller said dark humor doesn’t bother her, but there is a line that shouldn’t be crossed.

“Usually, (dark humor) doesn’t affect me much. A lot of Gen-Z humor is dark humor. For the most part, I’m OK with it, unless it’s really discriminatory to a race or gender,” Miller said.

We create memes about them to avoid talking about them.

I think we try to take things as a joke when

We just rant about it to our friends. We rant about it to the internet ... basically the internet is our journal or diary.

Rosalyna Sanchez, junior

“ Max Conway, sophomore

A lot of kids in our generation tend to deflect how they legitimately feel through uses of humor and more specifically, memes.

Art Maggie Klaers & Sophie Livingston

8

SPORTS Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

OUT OF THE PARK

Concussions prompt football retirement Adin Zweigbaum adinzweigbaum@ slpecho.com

M

y hand shakes as I click the arrow to send, ending my football career forever.

Many factors played into my decision, however, the primary reason for quitting football was that the risk was far greater than the reward.

As a person who has suffered two traumatic head injuries, I was concerned for my safety when I played football.

I have experienced injuries to the extent of forgetting the order and names of the months for a short period of time.

I don’t want to be at risk of experiencing other significant symptoms later in life.

When I started in third grade, I imagined I would become a professional player, but now I realize this dream is far from reality.

After eight years of playing football, I made the decision to quit the sport and pursue other enWhat’s the deavors.

Playing POINT? football has molded me into the person I am currently.

A lot of my work ethic, team skills and morals have come out of playing football.

There are few sports besides football that teach the importance of teamwork.

At this point in my life, I feel I have a good understanding of the importance of working with a team.

I don’t think football can teach me any more than what it already has.

It is essential that students learn the values taught by sports, but once a sport has given a person everything it has to give, there becomes a point where the negatives outweigh the positives.

After learning how to cooperate with others and how to get past mental barriers, the only thing left for me to gain were concussions or other injuries.

Not everyone is going to be a professional athlete, and once a person figures this out, it is important to scale the benefits and drawbacks of playing.

After taking this all into consideration, I will continue my life with everything football has taught me, but I will no longer play the sport.

“

(Girls’ hockey) hasn’t won as many games as they wanted, but I know that they work really hard to try to put out the best results they can. They’re really motivated to helping the team and they try their best.

Maggie Klein, senior

Park beats Cooper for first time in 14 years Junior scores 1,000th point Sofia Seewald sofiaseewald@slpecho.com

A

fter 14 years of losses, junior and captain Kendall Coley said girls’ basketball battled to break its losing streak to Robbinsdale Cooper.

“We really came out in the second half and they came back on a run (and) tied up the game, but at the end we were the ones who played stronger and pushed through it.

We made history tonight,” Coley said.

Park lost 62-69 against Cooper Jan. 3, and was able to beat them 77-73 Jan. 30.

Park entered the game driven to win, according to coach Arsenio Richardson, “It was basically a battle of who wanted it the most,” Richardson said. “The last time we played them they out-toughed us and we weren’t going to let that happen again.”

Senior and captain Jordyn Turek said communication contributed to the win.

Photo Molly Schochet

Concentration: Junior Raegan Alexander guards the ball from Cooper defender Jan. 30.

Park girls’ basketball won for the first time in 14 years against Robbinsdale Cooper 77-74.

“It was probably our best defensive game this whole season. We were really active and super talkative. On offense, we were strong with the ball,” Turek said.

According to Coley, the work the team put into practices since Jan. 3 led to improvement and helped unite the team.

“We’ve been working hard for the last couple of weeks (to) build up our toughness and work harder,” Coley said. “We’ve been doing our towel drills, our ladder running and we’ve been working really hard as a team. We started playing more together and we’re clicking more.”

On top of the historic win, Coley reached

a milestone, according to Turek. “(Coley) was poised with the ball and she got her 1,000th point. She (was) always open when anybody was trapped — we looked to her to be aggressive,” Turek said.

Richardson said Coley is a key player on the girls’ basketball team and believes she will be missed when she graduates. “(Coley) is a special player. It’s going to be tough to see her go, but I’m very happy to say I am one of the coaches that coached her for her high school career,” Richardson said.

Park’s next game is 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at Bloomington Kennedy High School.

Risk is greater than reward

Photos Ayelet Prottas

Buzzer beater: Junior Paris Johnson celebrates with his team after a three-point shot to win the game Jan. 30. Park boys’ basketball beat Robbinsdale Cooper with a score of 63-61.

Look up: Sophomore Deontez Ross protects the ball against a Cooper defender Jan. 30. Parks’ record as of print time is 5-11 overall and 4-1 in the Metro West conference.

Boys’ basketball pulls off a buzzer beater win Park wins against Cooper 63-61 Sadie Yarosh sadieyarosh@slpecho.com

O

vercome with excitement and joy, senior and captain Aaron Ellingson said he felt hopeful after junior Paris Johnson shot the basketball with the game on the line.

“That was crazy. I knew coming out of his release it looked good. I was just hoping it would go in,” Ellingson said.

According to sophomore Deontez Ross, he had no doubt the shot was going in.

“The shot was actually for me, but my teammate ended up getting it. I trusted him,” Ross said. “He put the shot up. The moment it left his hands, I knew

it was going in. We celebrated and we are enjoying it.”

Coach Dave Breitenbucher said in the first half, the team made some mistakes but still competed up until the end.

“I thought we played an OK game,” Breitenbucher said. “In the first half we turned the ball over too many times, but we never gave up. We gave ourselves a chance to win at the end, which is all you ask for.”

According to Ellingson, Park could have been more relaxed when Cooper’s players were defending.

“We panicked a little bit in the back court when they were flying around and trapping us,” Ellingson said. “We could’ve done a better job of staying calm and slowing it down, but

ultimately it ended up working out.”

Ross said the team worked hard throughout the entire game and didn’t let the opposing team affect their game.

“We never let the other team get in our head. We just stayed in the game and fought until the end,” Ross said.

According to Breitenbucher, the team did great at driving to the basket and pushing the defenders out, preventing rebounds.

“We attacked the basket (and) boxed out well,” Breitenbucher said. “Cooper is a really aggressive team we had to be prepared. We never gave up.”

Park will face Chanhassen 7 p.m. Feb. 7 at Chanhassen High School.

Upcoming games • 7 p.m. Feb. 7 against Chanhassen at Chanhassen High School • 7 p.m. Feb. 11 against Bloomington Jefferson at Home • 7 p.m. Feb. 14 against Minnehaha Academy at home Infographic Sadie Yarosh Source gopark.org

“

I love boys’ swimming. I am a swimmer myself, so I think it’s really fun to go to meets and see how they’re doing. Their season is going really well. They have a really good team this year, a lot of the juniors are really good.

SPORTS Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Gabbie Kruse, junior

9

MEET THE ATHLETE

Who Jordan Dolinar Grade Freshman Sport Gymnastics

Photo Ava Ashby

Strong stroke: Junior Jason Chu swims the 200 yard medley relay Jan 30. The meet against Jefferson concluded the boys’ swimming regular season. The team will now prepare for Varsity Sections Feb. 20 at Art Downey Aquatic Center/South View.

Boys’ swimming finishes regular conference season undefeated Park defeats Jefferson 53-38 on senior night Tobias Khabie tobiaskhabie@slpecho.com

W

hile finishing the regular season undefeated brings excitement to the boys’ swim team, senior Brandon Bohanon said he experienced some sadness as this marks the seniors’ final regular season meet.

“I feel sad that it’s all over now, and I’m not going to be able to swim with these guys anymore,” Bohanon said.

One of the major moments for some of the seniors during the meet was swimming in an all-senior 400-yard relay at the end of the meet, in which senior and captain Will Mathews cramped in the middle of the

event, but was able to finish because of the support from his team.

“I couldn’t use my legs,” Mathews said.

“But sometimes, it’s just how it goes. We did it together because we’re the boys.”

According to senior and captain Zachary Weiser, the relay was the perfect way to finish their final regular-season meet.

“We really wanted to show we could put it all out there for our last race in our own pool,” Weiser said. “We wanted to make sure that we are proud of the race.”

Another seemingly reoccurring achievement at the meet was junior Hayden Zheng setting two pool records.

According to coach Amanda Forsberg, Zheng is aiming for the pool record in every event.

“I think his goal is to try to take down the board, so he is getting close, but he doesn’t get too many chances to swim every (event) in the pool,” Forsberg said.

According to sophomore Tenzin Gyaltso,

new records for Zheng have become normal for the team to see.

“It’s pretty cool seeing Hayden (Zheng) swim, and to see him break two pool records in one meet,” Gyaltso said. “It’s getting kind of normal because every meet We really wanthe’s going to break a ed to show we new record or pool could put it all record.”

Now the team will out there for start to focus on Varour last race in sity Sections, which our own pool. begin Feb. 20. According to Bohanon, the Zachary Weiser, team will sharpen its senior skills to prepare for

“

the competition.

“I think we’re just going to keep working and trying to improve on our dives, turns and just swimming in general,” Bohanon said. “Then, you know, kick butt at Sections.”

Hopkins/ Park ends regular season

S

•

Period 1: 0-4

•

Period 2: 0-5

•

Period 3: 0-8 Infographic Emmy Pearson Source mngirls’hockeyhub

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?

It’s really hard to get over mental blocks. When you’re doing things with high risk, you’re mind is telling you no, even though you know that you’ll be OK. Even if I know I can do a skill, it’s hard to mentally push myself sometimes. It’s really important to be confident.

What is the team environment like?

Before meets, we all listen to music and hype each other up. The team is super nice and inviting.

Are you proud of your team?

Yes, I’m very proud of my team. I’m proud that we pulled ourselves together, especially because it’s the end of the season. We’re all in some pain. We pushed through and stuck by each other.

Anna Benishek annabenishek@slpecho.com

Scores by period

What are your goals?

I want to improve my skills, and make adjustments to my technique when needed. I also want to learn more challenging skills to make my routines more difficult.

How long have you been a gymnast?

I started doing rec classes when I was 4. I really grew to love the sport as I got older.

Girls’ hockey loses 0-8 to Edina

enior and captain Sarah McCallon said her team put in a lot of effort during the final game of the regular season, finishing with a record of 6-18-1.

“Although it may not have reflected on the scoreboard, overall it was a hard-fought battle,” McCallon said.

Junior and captain Erin Brousseau said the team per-

What’s it like being on the gymnastics team as a freshman?

It’s a lot of fun, I really enjoy the sport. It’s nice seeing all the girls from the team at school. I was on a team in middle school, and I didn’t get to see my teammates at school. The older girls are inspiring, so it’s nice to have someone to look up to.

Photo Emmy Pearson

Watch out: Junior captain Erin Brousseau battles Edina goalie junior Sarah Swann Feb. 1. Brousseau has scored 15 goals and made four assists in the regular 2019-2020 season, with a total of 19 points. formed strongly throughout the second period, while the first and third periods lacked energy from the team.

“In the second period, we definitely worked together the best. It got away from us in the first and in the third,” Brousseau said. “We weren’t as cohesive as we could have been.”

According to coach Ryan St. Martin, the start of the game

was rough, but throughout the last two periods, he was satisfied with the performance of the team.

“We could have started a lot better, but I was happy with some stretches of the game especially the second and third periods,” St. Martin said.

McCallon said the team’s previous practice was meant to lift the energy of the players so

the team could be optimistic coming into the game.

“Yesterday we had a fun practice,” McCallon said. “I think the coaches were hoping that people would go into this game with a fun attitude and a willingness to work hard.”

Sections will be 2 p.m. Feb. 8 against Blake at Blake Ice Arena, according to MN Girls’ Hockey Hub.

How are you preparing for your last meet before Sections?

We are all trying to have fun and stay positive. Sections is a fun meet. I’m going to try and make sure I’m confident in all my skills.

What impact has gymnastics had on your life?

It’s had a really positive effect on my life. I’ve made a ton of new friends. I get to see my teammates at schools, which is really fun.

Grace Schultz graceschultz@slpecho.com

!

10

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!"#$

OPINIONS

Echo Wednesday, February, 5 2020

!"#$

Editors-in-chief: Marta Hill* & Isabel Kjaer* Managing editors: Gabriel Kaplan*, Kaia Myers, Noah Orloff, Carissa Prestholdt & Sofia Seewald* Photo editor: Emily Ziessman Assistant photo editor: Anna Benishek Design editors: Maggie Klaers, Sophie Livingston Assiant Design Editors: Ryan Barnett & Grace Schultz Copy editors: Ruth Posada, Sofie Geretz & Tobias Khabie Assistant copy editors: Tenzin Gyaldatsang News editor: Talia Lissauer Features editor: Molly Schochet In-Depth editor: Maddie Schutte Sports editor: Sadie Yarosh Opinions editors: Maria Perez-Barriga* Entertainment editor: Ben Sanford Video/Broadcast editors: Isabella Kanne & Lilly Strathman Staff: Ava Ashby, Neb Bekele, Svea Bleske, Colin Canaday, Jayde Claussen, Tennam Gyaldatsang, Megan Hoenie, Harris Keekley, Isra Mohamed*, Emelia Pearson, Ayelet Prottas, Jane Pupeza, Samuel Swisher Principal: Scott Meyers Printer: North Star Media Adviser: Lori Keekley *Denotes editorial board member MEDIA POLICIES

The Echo is the official studentproduced newspaper of St. Louis Park High School. It is published triweekly for the school’s students, staff and community.

The Echo is a designated forum for student expression in which students make all decisions of content without prior review from school officials. The adviser will not act as a censor, but will advise students. Students have the final decision on all content.

The Echo will work to avoid bias and/ or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful and interesting to all our readers.

We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy.

We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph unless clearly labeled as a photo illustration.

Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined. Bylined articles are the opinion of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Echo staff or administration as a whole.

The Echo welcomes reader input.

Letters to the editor and suggestions must be signed and should be no longer than 250 words and may be emailed to slpecho@gmail.com or submitted in room C275.

Emailed letters must be verified prior to publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to ask the writer to edit for length and clarity.

Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Advertisements will be sought from local businesses and school clubs and sports. We maintain the right to reject any ads we believe to be false, misleading, inappropriate or harmful. The Echo does not necessarily endorse the products or services offered in these advertisements.

NSPA Hall of Fame member; 2011, 2016, 2017, 2019 NSPA Print Pacemaker Finalist; 2013, 2014, 2015. 2018 National Print Pacemaker Award Recipient; 2014, 2015, 2017 National Online Pacemaker Finalist; 2018, 2019 National Online Pacemaker Award Recipient; 2017 CSPA Hybrid Crown Finalist; 2013 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All-State.

These so-called benefits that the Trump administration is taking away are the benefits of being able to support your entire family with food.

Anna Haen, sophomore

OUR PERSPECTIVE

Individual ACT sections could harm students

T

he decision to allow students to retake individual sections of the ACT will only benefit students who have the money and the time to take multiple tests while putting students who struggle economically with testing at an even larger disadvantage.

This system change will likely make testing even more competitive because targeted testing allows for targeted studying on specific sections, raising scores. As students retake sections and raise their composite scores, averages will likely increase, putting even more pressure on students to do better in the first place or to retake the test multiple times.

This increased competition serves no one. Regardless of an individual’s intelligence, wealth or any other factor, higher averages will be accompanied by higher expectations.

Individuals will likely have to study and test more to reach the same percentile, as individuals get more and more questions correct through this increased studying and targeted testing.

Students who have done well in the

Photo Illustration by Ayelet Prottas

Bookworm: The option to allow students to retake individual sections of the ACT is going into effect next school year. This change may make testing more competitive and widen the gap between income levels and college accessibility. past — those with money for tutors and retakes, and those with time to take tests multiple times — will have an advantage in the face of this increased competition.

Although Park offers all juniors a single free ACT, privileged students often are able to test several more times for upwards of $50 a test.

In addition, even if the school or other organizations subsidize this price for low-income students, many may not have access to transportation or have the ability to take time away from work or family for testing.

This puts even more pressure on low-income students to do well on their

first test, as their affluent peers will have multiple occasions to increase their scores.

The rule change is going to happen regardless of what students, teachers or administration say, however, that does not mean Park cannot do its best to support students hurt by this decision.

Administration should do its best to subsidize the price of retaking the entire ACT or individual sections for lowincome students. In addition, students should organize through Student Council or another organization to offer rides to ACT testing for those who cannot find transportation on their own.

Limitations to SNAP program cause food inaccessibility Trump administration creates hunger crisis Isra Mohamed isramohamed@slpecho.com

P

resident Trump’s administration recently announced that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program would be limited to adults ages 18–49 without dependents, according to CBS Minnesota. This could potentially leave many Minnesotans without food.

The new rule states that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is going to be cut from people who are unemployed, but are able to work.

They also need to work

20 hours a week to continue to receiving benefits, which can be really difficult because some people lack job opportunities or don’t receive more than 20 hours of work at their current job.

This is very upsetting to me because many of my family members get food stamps in order to provide for their families.

They could get those benefits of earning food stamps taken away, which will make it difficult for them to pay for food.

It’s even more frustrating to know that food stamps only provides for food, so families that already have to worry about clothes, shoes and gas are going to be overwhelmed with food costs.

Being unemployed isn’t necessarily

the person’s fault, and usually living off one person who earns the income isn’t enough to support an entire family.

The SNAP program is a great way to remove the stress of having to pay for food for people who are unemployed, the same way it is for the eldery and disabled people.

There should not be a stricter law on the unemployed.

Limiting this program means the hunger percentage will rise since unemployed people aren’t making any income and they can’t buy food for themselves.

The SNAP program is a great asset to many families and cutting it will only make the hunger percentage increase.

A horn of plenty left empty

688,000

adults expected to lose food stamps.

Art Maggie Klaers Infographic Ayelet Prottas Source National Public Radio

To mac & cheese: You are too cheesy.

To World War III: Don’t draft me. Please.

Up to Tik Tok: Tik Tok on the clock.

Art Maggie Klaers

E.P., M.P., A.P.

“

It’s a very good idea, especially because there is such a gap between race and higher classes. I think that it’s very important that they are bringing that change.

OPINIONS

Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Alyscia Thomas, senior

11

Amendment has ability to close achievement gap, improve learning New proposal aims to amend state Constitution in order to ensure equal education Tobias Khabie tobiaskhabie@slpecho.com

F

or years, Minnesota’s education system has been plagued by the racial achievement gap in K-12 schools, meaning race and success in school are correlated.

However, former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page, along with Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari have initiated a long overdue plan to amend the state’s Constitution to minimize the troublesome gap, according to the Star Tribune.

The new amendment focuses on the education of students, ensuring they all have the same opportunity to succeed.

The current wording of the Constitution is not sufficient, because it only ensures the bare minimum of an education.

Research done by the Minneapolis Federal Reserve Bank shows the wording has lead to a larger achievement gap, because

both low-income white students and students of color have worse educational outcomes than highincome families.

The proposal ensures the closing of the education gap, because it focuses on the rights of all students in public The amendment schools to be fully equipped to should not be participate in society. looked at as While passing this amendment is an important part of the solution, ending the achievement gap, but rather part in no way does this provide a of a bigger full, adequate solution to the plan to make problem. Students don’t only sure all people learn at school, but also at home and in their communihave equal ties. opportunites.

The government should continue to work on the issue of closing the achievement gap, not only by legislation but also by being more involved and aware of issues in communities with larger achievement gaps.

While the initiative by Page and Kashkari should be applauded, there is much more action needed to significantly minimize the gap. The amendment should not be looked at as the solution, but rather part of a bigger plan to make sure all people have equal opportunities.

Photo Carissa Prestholdt

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Ban on vaping products and e-cigerattes impact Park residents The City Council voted 6-1 to prohibit vaping products and e-cigerattes from being sold at stores in St. Louis Park, going into effect Feb. 1, according to the Star Tribune.

Ban is necessary, freedom is secondary to safety City moves in the right direction Svea Bleske sveableske@slpecho.com

F

reedom is important and while students and citizens should be able to exercise freedoms, a line has to be drawn.

With the ban I feel as though one of the biggest problems in our country is finally beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

In high school, the majority of students are minors. This would technically classify any students possessing a vape or e-cigarette as illegal.

Some may argue that teenagers have rights and it is their own body

PARK TRAIL

so they can do what they please, and they are correct.

However, I argue that we as teenagers have rights to an extent.

There is a limit and we must abide by the law or there will be consequences.

As of Jan. 21, the Centers for Disease control has reported 60 vaping-related deaths.

As someone who has witnessed the effects vaping had on my friends, I believe this ban will be a positive change for our community.

I do recognize that there will always be some kind of loophole when it comes to gaining access to vaping products, but St. Louis Park is doing the right thing by taking action.

STUDENT VOICES What do you think about the ban on the sale of vaping products in St. Louis Park?

“Vaping is a gateway to other more dangerous drugs.”

Ada Turman, sophomore

“I don’t like vaping, I think it is a bad thing and people use it to look cool.”

Isabel Wright, sophomore

Legislation fails to address the problem of underage abuse Ban will restrict freedom Tennam Gyaldatsang tennamgyaldatsang@slpecho.com

I

don’t understand the point of ending the sale of legal products that citizens may use legally.

I don’t think the city believes it is fixing the problem of underage vaping when most underage vapers purchase their vapes illegally. This ban just forces legal vapers to leave the city to find vapes.

When I first found out about the ban on the sale of vaping products, I had to take a second look at it.

Why would the city bar citizens from making personal decisions?

I understand the problem of hav-

Alenea Green aleneagreen@slpecho.com

Hahaha. That could never happen.

WWIII is coming.

* Messages: President Trump Yeah... About that...

ing underage kids vaping while at school and in their free time, but the full ban of all vaping products makes no sense.

If we can compare vaping with alcohol, this could be much like prohibition in the United States.

The popularity of vaping will most likely skyrocket after the banning of sales in St. Louis Park It’s not right to force people who are attempting to stop smoking cigarettes to have to go to another city to find their cure.

The idea that the government can end the sale of a product due to a problem that stems from a different source is absurd in my eyes.

The ban is going to be ineffective and takes away citizens freedoms.

“

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Echo Wednesday, February 5, 2020

(I like mac & cheese from) Noodles because it is really good and they sprinkle cheese on top and it’s not like Kraft mac & cheese.

Kathryn Haertzen, sophomore

Mac & cheese that will make you melt Various dish options dissatisfy Talia Lissauer talialissauer@slpecho.com

T

raditional mac & cheese is packed with gluten and dairy, excluding vegan and gluten-sensitive diets. I visited three restaurants that served different types of mac & cheese, and found some cheesy goodness.

Noodles & Company Noodles & Company’s glutensensitive mac & cheese was my first encounter with this type of noodles.

I was expecting them to be dry and odd-tasting, but surprisingly, they had the same texture as regular noodles.

They were a little chewy, but did not stand out from the sauce, having very little flavor.

The sauce struggled to hold on to the noodles and sunk to the bottom of the bowl, which required extra work for a flavorful bite. The shredded cheese on top did not melt throughout the dish, which left some noodles lacking the cheese flavor.

Noodles & Company $7.50

The Reverie

big difference.

The noodles on top had the perfect amount of sauce complemented the breadcrumbs nicely.

However, it was unfortunate that the bacon flavor took over so much of the dish and the bottom noodles had so much sauce.

yum! Kitchen and Bakery

The Reverie’s vegan mac & cheese was already at a disadvantage due to its lack of key ingredients like traditional cheese and milk, but the pleasing presentation of the dish made me excited to take my first bite. However, it did not taste as good as it looked.

While the noodles were cooked perfectly, they were drowning in a sauce that had an overwhelming bacon flavor. In the middle of the bowl was “shiitake bacon,” or mushrooms that were cooked in a bacon sauce until the mushroom flavor was practically gone.

It was topped with a few breadcrumbs that saved the plate. The breadcrumbs added a nice simple flavor and a bit of a crunch that made a

The Reverie $11

yum! Kitchen and Bakery $9.95

Photos Ben Sanford

yum! Kitchen and Bakery’s mac & cheese is the best mac & cheese I have ever tasted. It’s a simple plate with no garnishes, but still satisfies.

The one thing missing is originality. However, every aspect of the meal is perfection, making it unique.

The noodles are cooked wonderfully, soft but still a little chewy.

Since it’s served piping hot, the sauce is very thin and it sinks to the bottom of the plate.

As it cools, it coats the noodles, giving it the perfect cheese to noodle ratio. yum! Kitchen and Bakery’s mac & cheese is definitely my favorite of the three restaurants.

That’s grate: This mac & cheese is from yum!

Kitchen and Bakery.

Photo Illustration Grace Schultz

METRO AT A GLANCE Ben Sanford bensanford@slpecho.com Fair use from Minneapolis Institute of Art, Sony Pictures, Universal Music Group, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Feb. 9

Feb. 14

Feb. 14

March 1—Feb. 22

The Minneapolis Institute of Art is hosting a free family jazz event where children and parents can come together to listen to live music and make arts and crafts.

Film adaptation of the ’70s TV show “Fantasy Island” takes place on an island where your wildest dreams are supposed to come true, but with a horror twist.

Justin Bieber’s fifth studio album “Changes,” marks almost five years since his last album release. “Changes” includes infamous single “Yummy.”

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres closes its nearly year-long run of hit musical “Mamma Mia.” The jukebox musical’s run got extended due to popular demand.