February 2023

Eagle News Network

policies:

The Eyrieʼs mission statement

The Eyrie strives to be an accurate, informative, and entertaining publication to the students and faculty of Eden Prairie High School, Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Writers

Ikran Abdi

Elizabeth Alexander

Asma Ali

Amelia Dewberry

Leah Gschwendtner

Tamia Hassan

Margaret Holmes

Mariam Jabri

Nora Koehler

Dylan Leung

Harini Senthilkumar

Sophia Yoerks

Advisor

Alex Bauer

Photographers+ Graphics

Al Amundson

Amelia Dewberry

Margaret Holmes

Sophia Yoerks

Page designers

Ikran Abdi

Elizabeth Alexander

Asma Ali

Amelia Dewberry

Leah Gschwendtner

Tamia Hassan

Margaret Holmes

Mariam Jabri

Nora Koehler

Dylan Leung

Harini Senthilkumar

Sophia Yoerks

Letters

Eagle News Network encourages all students and faculty to send a letter to enneagles@gmail.com sharing their views. All letters must be signed; however, names can be withheld in certain situations. Once recieved, Eagle News Network has the right to edit for length and content.

Editorials

Editorials are staf-written and approved by a two-thrids majority of staf. All opinion pieces refect the views of the writer and do not necessarily refect the views of the publication, student body, faculty or administration.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to Issue 2! Our world is full of beauty — from the colorful trees to the shimmering lakes to the very soil we tread, there’s always something gorgeous to look at. We only have one earth, and it’s up to us to care for it. Is it a hefty task? Perhaps, but our generation is more than equipped enough to take it on.

For this issue, we’re taking a look at our planet and the steps we can take to make it last a little longer. From taking up composting to joining an environmental class or club at EPHS, there’s a lot we can do.

Even simply staying informed is an important step in the battle against climate change. Speaking of which, if you have any information you’d like us to know about, please DM us on our Instagram, @enneagles.

Let’s start the semester strong, Eagles!

Your editor,

Elizabeth Alexander (90308973@ep-student.org)

ENN: THE EYRIE | FEBRUARY 2O23

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Course Registration:

BY MARIAM JABRI AND MARGARET HOLMES

It’s course registration season! If you’re looking for some cool classes to satisfy some of your course requirments, below we’ve highlighted new classes you can sign up for. Special shout-out to Mr. Cooper and Ms. Benzine for providing us with information on some of these courses. If you want to learn more about what your options are for course selection, go to https://www.edenpr.org/eden-prairie-highschool/academics/registration-hub for more information.

AP African-American History EPHS will be one of the few schools in the nation to pilot the newest AP class. The course studies the African American experience in the United States beginning with a study of West African kingdoms and transitioning through the rise of slavery, dawn of the United States, and the long struggle for freedom and equality. The course will satisfy the United States History graduation requirement or an elective credit for students who have already completed APUSH or US History.

Civics in Action This is the new capstone course for social studies. This course is designed for juniors/seniors to become active members in their community. Is there something that you want to see changed in EP, Minnesota, or even the United States? Civics in Action will teach students how to make that change happen. From the initial planning stages, to identifying goals, establishing a media/ communication strategy, and engaging partners in a civic plan, the course will allow students to utilize their voice to change their world.

America Through Multimedia This course will study the development of multimedia in the 20th century and its impact on American history. From the radio to television and the dawn of the digital era, what it means to be American has been recorded and transformed through the 20th century. The way we interact with the world was forever changed through technological innovations, and this course will explore those changes and the patterns that still impact us today.

Medical Terminology and Health Careers This course is designed to familiarize students with medical terms and abbreviations used in healthcare settings, including must-know prefxes, root words, sufxes, and acronyms. We will also explore a variety of medical careers to learn how those common words are used, what those jobs look like on a daily basis, and what skills are required. Any student interested in or curious about a job in the medical feld or healthcare (nurse, athletic trainer, occupational therapist, x-ray or ultrasound technician, dental hygienist, doctor, physical therapist, etc) should take this course.

Honor English: Communication in the digital world This course will teach students about diferent forms of digital communication to prepare for our ever changing world. Some of these forms of information might be email, digital advertisement, Zoom/ Google Meet/Microsoft Meet, phone conversation, video, and letters.

Contemporary Young Adult Literature Do you want to read literature that relates to real life? In this class, you will read short stories, poetry, and novels by contemporary young adult writers. This class will provide a forum for reading about, thinking about, and discussing books that confront the issues that teenagers face today.

New Courses at EPHS

GRAPHICS BY AL AMUNDSON

Fiber Arts In Fiber Arts, students will explore hands-on techniques to create original artworks; including hand-sewn art quilts, crocheted and knitted wearables, decorative embroidery, weaving, wet and dry felting, toy-making, garment repair, and abstract combinations of textiles. In this course, we will explore global folk art techniques, and the historical re-emergence of the fber arts movement within the United States. Due to the trending popularity of fber arts, we will fnd inspiration through the work of contemporary artists. We will partner with Twin Cities resources for authentic experiences with subject matter experts. Students will experience the satisfaction of making creative and practical handmade items and will acquire lifelong skills.

Film in Spanish This is an introductory course on the study of cinematography. Students will view flms from Spanish-speaking countries and analyze them from various perspectives. Following the weekly flm screening, students will engage in discussion using vocabulary specifc to flm analysis. Students will also make their own flm as a way to explore how to express ideas, tell a story, and engage audiences “through the lens.”

Gallery Studies & Exhibition Creation In this Visual Arts Capstone course, students will collaborate to fulfll the roles and responsibilities required to produce an exhibition showcasing student artwork. This advanced course is for students who have completed several art courses, and are ready to learn more about the world of preparing and displaying art in galleries and museums. Students will evaluate work in robust critiques, select artwork for the exhibition, learn the hands-on skills necessary to prepare it for display, and carry out all the required administrative tasks to plan an exhibition event. Through on-site visits, guest lecturers and workshops, students will connect with professionals in a variety of art felds within the Twin Cities region. Through this culminating course, students will make connections that will serve them in their postsecondary and professional artistic endeavors.

Poetry Have you ever wondered where the greats got their style? Kendrick Lamar learned his rhythm from somewhere. Well, this class is here to blow your mind. Hip-hop and popular music IS POETRY. So, let’s explore poetry! This class is for students who have the desire to draw connections between forms of poetry and contemporary styles, such as music. In this class, there will be an exploration of the various facets that make up the highly dynamic art of poetry.

Heroes and Heroines Every culture has great tales of heroes and heroines that exemplify the values of these cultures. Students would study characteristics of the epic hero/heroine and compare and contrast how these characteristics appear in diferent cultural contexts.

Introduction to College Music Introduction to College Music is a course for students looking to prepare for collegiate music study. This course will provide a sampling of typical college music courses such as music theory, music history, and conducting. We will also spend time preparing for college auditions as well as connecting with college music professors and college music students.

BY ELIZABETH ALEXANDER PHOTOS BY MARGARET HOLMES

On your way into school in the morning, you may have noticed a few new features on the premises. That’s right -our school signs have gotten an upgrade. Keeping in line with the district’s modern

refreshment of its amenities, the signs ofer a fresh view to those driving by the East or South Entrances (on Eden Prairie and Valley View Roads, respectively). At night, the signs light up, ofering an LED view for

motorists and busy students alike. Take a look when you leave the building today!

Eagles stun with new performances

BY:NORA KOEHELR

“It’s like a portal to another dimension,” Vivi Tabor says. Eden Prairie High School drama club put on a one act show this last week, titled Lockdown. The one act follows a classroom of students trying to navigate being on lockdown for an unknown reason. Throughout the show, the students uncover various emotions, and learn more about each other and who they are. Various fghts break out between characters, and it really shows the reality of how people can change during an event such as a lockdown. “My favorite part was probably getting to work with all these people. With such a small cast you really got to know everybody.” Isaac Lubin says. Overall, lockdown was a wonderfully performed and directed one act.

Arsenic and Old lace follows the story of Mortimer Brewster, a drama critic who learns that his family is crazier than he initially thought. Between his delusional aunts, one homicidal brother, and another that is deeply disconnected from reality, secrets are uncovered and trouble is at stake for the Brewster family. Actors at EPHS have put in endless amounts of work and dedication to bring this play to life. The crew put together a visually stunning set that pulled the entire story together. The play ran roughly from 7pm to 9pm, and took place February 2nd-4th. Arsenic and Old lace was a stunning performance, and wonderfully directed and choreographed.

Photography by Sophia Yoerks

Why does Gen Z love astrology so much?

BY ELIZABETH ALEXANDER

For thousands of years, astronomers have analyzed the constellations lighting up our night skies. Several interpretations exist. Some societies even believe the placement of the stars, in relation to our birthdays, determine everything about ourselves. That’s what astrology is all about. But are our personalities truly written in the stars?

According to people our age, they are. Believing in astrology is on the rise in teenagers, as well as Gen Z in general. A 2022 poll from YouGov shows that 37% of young adults (defned as under 30) believe in the practice, with 27% overall

also admitting to it. But why? For one, it has some backing in Gen Z’s online nature. Western astrology -- the one focused on sun, moon, and ascendant signs, think Pisces and Gemini and Scorpio -- is ripe for memes. Entire Instagram accounts, like @astrhology and @astrowonders, are dedicated solely to astrology-related memes. For Gen Z, who report placing a greater emphasis on memes than any other generation, this is key in attaining a large market. It also has some roots tracing not-so-far back to the COVID pandemic. As Gen Z focked to the Internet for comfort in 2020, astrology

accounts like @astrhology began taking of.

Regardless of reasoning, astrology content can be seen in more places than ever before. At the EP Barnes & Noble, there’s an entire stand of spiritual books, including astrology-related works, near the entrance. The same can be said about Patina, whose pretty astrology displays not only include books but crystals and jewelry as well. Other smaller shops across the metro, like the crystal store at the EP Mall or the Minnetonka General Store, sell cute astrology-related trinkets. There’s clearly a niche that’s being flled, and brands will

continue to take advantage of that younger market.

Is astrology real? That’s up for you to debate. But it’s impossible to deny that astrology has a large grip on Gen Z culture, and likely will for years to come.

LEFT: Barnes and Noble has a table dedicated to astrology books

EDEN PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By: Ikran Abdi and Asma Ali

The month of February is a crucial month for Black people. It’s the month we honor the legacy of great African American and Black activists, artists, and pioneers such as Malcolm x, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr, and Maya Angelo.

Black History Month began as a time to celebrate heritage, triumphs, and the Black people who have contributed to where we are today. Although the idea for Black History Month originated with a man by the name of Carter G. Woodson, the frst proposal for its commemoration came from a group of black students and black instructors at Kenn State University. President Gerald Ford ofcially recognized Black History Month in 1976. “Black History Month is also a month to read, to learn, and to bring awareness to the discrimination to the surface because it is important to listen to Black voices.” Nina Abdi, a sophomore at Eden Prairie High School, mentioned. “My favorite Black historian is Malcolm X, a leader in the civil rights movement.”

Many other EPHS students also agreed that Malcolm X is their favorite historical fgure. “I would like to meet Malcolm X, he has just inspired me in so many ways. He’s also sculpted my way of thinking. His words have afected the way I think about the world.” Nasra Jama on the Black History Month Survey. “To be honest I was not educated about Malcolm X in school until High School. When I did my research about him and his movement, I was really inspired by his passion and how he fought for the right thing despite all the obstacles it created. His passion inspired me to take action in things that I fnd interesting and whatnot!” Kidist House submitted to the Black History Month Survey.

The Pan-African Flag was designed to represent and unite people of the African Diaspora.

“If I had to pick one black fgure who inspires me, it would be manda Gorman, who wrote The Hill We Climb. She was someone in the national spotlight.” Eden Prairie High School’s Black Student eader Taslim lad, a 1 th grader, was cited. “Mohamed li inspires me because every one used to mistrust him and his faith, but he never gave them the satisfaction of believing they had won.” Sumaya sman, a senior at Eden Prairie High School, told us about.

The City Council of Eden Prairie sponsored a contest to honor Black History Month, and the Black Student nion of Eden Prairie High School has organized events and planned activities as part of the community’s celebration. ne of the BS ’s leaders, Taslim ld, said that the group’s activities for Black History Month thus far have included hosting a morning caf and a movie night at one of their meetings. “We are attempting to work together with other local Minneapolis activists and branches this month in order to gather money.” She tells us.

Photos credit: Public Domain photo by Marion S. Trikosko, Anthony Barboza/Getty Images, Djeneba Aduayom for TIME, The Stanley Weston Archive/Getty Images, Carte De Visite by James E. Purdy, Alex Wong/Getty Images

“Madam C.J Walker because she was able to start the black hair and beauty industry as well as empower black women both through business as well as confdence and beauty.” Samira Hussein, 12th-grader at Eden Prairie High School

AP Environmental Science

BY ELIZABETH ALEXANDER

If you’re interested in studying the environment one day, there’s a perfect class for you to take: AP Environmental Science (APES for short). Added to the course catalogue for the 2020-21 school year, the science elective provides students with the opportunity to learn about the wonders of the natural world.

“It seemed to be an area that was really lacking,” says APES teacher Jayson Sandeen. Students had a desire to learn about the environment, but didn’t have the opportunity to with the then-present course selection. With the impacts of climate change becoming more relevant than ever in our lives, students also felt the urge to learn more about how “to help the state of our Earth and our globe”. This prompted the addition of APES for future classes.

The curriculum has many focuses, ranging from education on our natural resources – think water, soil, and weather – to our land practices, like farming and sustainability. If you’re interested in anything related to the environment, then there’s bound to be a subject in APES that’s right for you. And even if science isn’t your forté, there’s other aspects of APES that might appeal to you. For instance, the class analyzes both econom- ics and legalities, perfect for students whose strengths lie in the social studies department. “You can really be interested [in APES] no matter what kind of student you are,” says APES teacher Bruce Kivimaki.

Worried about the AP test? Don’t fret – you’re not required to take it, just like any other AP course. If you do, the average score APES students receive is quite high, at 3.5 out of 5. Studying is, of course, important, but it shows that the test is less difcult than other AP tests.

Interested? APES is available for sophomores, juniors, and seniors to take. Students are also required to take 1 full year of science courses previously. APES is the perfect course for all future scientists.

From Classes to Careers

FINDING WHAT TO DO AFTER HIGH SCHOOL CAN BE CHALLENGING, BUT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE IS A FIG TREE.

BY SOPHIA YOERKS

In The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, the main character, Esther, proposes her future as a fg tree. A tree branching out in many diferent directions, with larger than life fruits hanging on each end. The fruits signify diferent trajectories ones life can go down. There is an entire grove of fg trees, all proposing diferent roads, trails, and paths of life. For the fg tree rooted in Environmental Science, there are several questions. What can you do with that degree? What are some of your possible life tracks?

There are so many people and things that can help you reach those hanging fgs. Here are some careers, or ‘fgs’, that can help you reach your goals.

1. Agricultural scientist

- Work closely with farmers and processing facilities

- Perform diferent experiments to improve food processes and quality

2. Environmental consultant

- Guide clients on matters that relate to environmental concerns

- It will be your responsibility to make sure that policies align with environmental laws.

3. Air pollution analyst

- Goal is to create sustainable relationships between humans and nature.

4. Natural resource manager

- Reduce the amount of harm that is done to our environment.

5. Environmental educator

- Make the public aware of environmental concerns and issues

- Teach and interpret the natural world.

6. Nature conservation ofcer

- The so-called “law enforcement of the great outdoors”

- Manage and protect wildfre and water resources, you must also have skills in leadership.

7. Meteorologist

- Study weather patterns, climate impacts, and the details of how severe weather might impact our daily lives.

8. Zoologist

- Complete experiment trials of overseeing animals, while also building a relationship with them from afar.

- Make sure animals are safe in their habitats and fnd ways to improve the relationship between animals and humans.

Donʼt HOG the food! Composting at EPHS

BY HARINI SENTHILKUMAR AND DYLAN LEUNG

e moments a er digging into a school lunch are o en the most forgotten parts of our day. However, the discard of lunch waste is a critical issue concerning the Eden Prairie school district.

Composting is an easy, eco-friendly alternative to land ll waste with the added bene ts of preventing soil erosion, conserving water, and growing healthy plants. Eden Prairie has required all trash haulers serving the city to o er curbside organics recycling, excluding multifamily properties with shared waste collection.

Kyle Fisher, the Director of Facilities, Safety, and Grounds in the Eden Prairie district, oversees departments and manages 88 sta members who are responsible for the upkeep of all buildings and grounds. He has been working with Brenda Boehm, our Child Nutrition Services Director, to evaluate the composting practices of EP school lunches.

Currently, Eden Prairie Schools is partnered with Barthold Farms to compost food scraps for hog feed. Barthold Farms collects around 23,000 tons of food waste annually that is fed to their 5,000 hogs. e process starts and begins here at EPHS. Early in the morning, food is produced and sent out to other schools. At the end of lunch periods, food waste is collected from green bins (which can be observed around the cafeteria), gets back on the truck and is sent back to the high school. At the end of the school day, trucks from Barthold Farms pick up all food waste at EPHS.

PHOTO FROM BARTHOLD FARMS, INC. 2022

Waste from school lunches is heated which eliminates bacteria present, allowing the slurry to be used as feed. Fisher describes, “the food waste does not end up in a land ll, which is great. But there’s very little bene t for the schools aside from getting rid of that waste.”

is is why he and Boehm have looked into using an aerobic digester system instead: “It’s all self contained. ere’s no freshwater needed in order for the composting, and there’s very little waste slurry at the end. What comes out is a dry, powdery compost that can be used.”

is le over compost would be used in soil to bene t the ecosystem, or could be used in classrooms. However, there are some challenges with implementing an aerobic digester system. e cost of putting a system in place would be $100,000 per site, with a total cost of systems throughout the school district is $1 million. In addition to cost, the physical parameters stretch beyond space the district can withhold, with each system 10 feet long and 4 feet deep.

ere are other initiatives that the nutrition leadership has implemented to help reduce the amount of lunch waste as a whole. Organizing nutritious meals is no straightforward task on its own, as it requires accommodating for the needs and interests of students along with government-issued standards. In addition to this is the challenge of overproducing food, which is almost always the case on a typical school day. So, our cafeterias have a “share table”. Fischer explains, “for example, if a student is asked to take a milk but chooses not to drink it, they can put it on the share table. Platforms like Eagle Voice allow these student ideas to come into fruition; we encourage mutual and collaborative e ort from both the student body and department leadership.”

When observing the discussions of district leaders and large-scale methods to incorporate compost, it is important that we not forget the everyday matters of school lunch waste. As students, we are responsible for making informed choices about how we discard our waste. Simply composting food scraps and recycling plastic bottles are the foundational steps to achieving sustainable waste management.

Recycle water, soda, juice, etc. bottles

Recycle yogurt, pudding, and fruit cups

Recycle glass jars

Recycle milk cartons, juice boxes, etc.

Recycle metal food and beverage cans

DO NOT recycle plastic bags!

Compost food scraps

“Platforms like Eagle Voice allow these student ideas to come into fruition.”

Live goats and school gardens: EPHSʼ Agriculture Club

BY HARINI SENTHILKUMAR

Agriculture Club is one that spreads awareness, teaming with the University of Minnesota and 4-H about the agricultural industry and sustainable farming practices while engaging students in several ways. Nora Takes, a passionate junior who founded the club after noticing a learning gap about food at the high school, shared her experience and perspectives on agriculture.

Q: What do you typically do at a meeting?

A: We start with a quick introduction, because we usually have diferent speakers at meetings. Then, we’ll do a hands-on lesson or activity, combining the learning we just did for that day. For example, this Tuesday, we literally made butter! Next, we’ll be focusing on hydroponics. So we’re going to be bringing in hydroponic kits to work with.

Q: Were you the club that brought goats to school at the beginning of the year?

A: Yes. Anya, our 4-H coordinator, raises goats as her children show them for diferent 4-H programs. I wanted to do something fun that would obviously get attention for our club, because who doesn’t love goats? People would be like, “oh, I want to go meet goats”. In turn, they could learn about our club. We had fyers and other information about the club when they got here. We are planning on doing a similar blast about our hydroponics unit.

Q: Do you think that there are any assumptions people make about agriculture, particularly young people?

A: Young people mainly hear what other people are telling them and are quick to believe it. It’s detrimental to the agriculture industry because most people are under the impression that the agriculture industry is abusive, and that it’s unethical. In 10th grade I did a presentation on ethi-

cal farming, because I personally have times two and I know because it’s my uncles that run a cattle farm. They raise beef and crop, and they’re not doing anything wrong, but cows are gonna get messy. They’re in mud all the time because they love it, it helps prevent fies, and it helps cows with heat. But a lot of people think that the agriculture industry is abusive and unethical because they see the big corporations who are just trying to make money and they don’t see the other side of the small town farmers who are supporting local communities.

This in turn runs the people in family farms out of business. The animals are gonna bear the brunt of this greediness.

Q: What are some reasons you think students hesitate to advocate?

A: I think they hesitate to support sustainability because they don’t know how to. It’s much more convenient to buy a machine drink and throw the bottle away.

As for food products, I see so much food wasted in cafeterias. All that food that students buy goes straight into food waste. Sustainability has many more avenues as well that we often forget about. We just think of recycling, but it’s recycling, food waste, how you use your food, your resources and more.

Q: What is your favorite memory of the club from this year?

A: I would say meeting everybody that’s interested in agriculture and putting forth the message that this is available to them. Our big plan for this year is to start a garden on the school campus. We’re going to be building plant boxes, we’re going to be raising our own produce, and hopefully, we’re going to make it big enough that at some point in the future that produce can be used for school lunches.

Agriculture Club meets during Flex on Tuesdays in room 333. For more information, please contact Club Advisor Mr.

PHOTO BY JULIANA ALLEN

Food Coops are the Best Way to Eat Good Food

BY MARGARET HOLMES

The original form of food coops existed in early human societies among hunters and gatherers, the formal idea was implemented in late 18th century Europe. Modern food coops have come a long way from then, however, with many sprinkled about Minnesota and the Twin Cities.

For those who don’t know, food coops are essentially grocery stores owned by people in the community. These stores are completely independent of large chains and have a much closer and better relationship with the farmers in the area.

These coops work with urban farms in Minneapolis, East and South Minnesota and even some farms in Wisconsin. By working with many local farmers, the coops can provide fresher food while giving back to the community.

Although a small proportion of their food is non-organic, coops’ niche is selling organic and healthier food. Most of the fruit and vegetables are grown without use of pesticides and GMOs. The majority of the meats are grass fed and free of growth hormones. These specifcations are especially helpful to people with digestive sensitivities and diet specifcations.

at’s another thing–coops are incredibly allergen and diet-friendly. Aside from the selection of organic food they host host substitutes for harsher ingredients. For example, you can nd almond our cookies, dairy free ice cream, and vegan free almost anything. ere are also hot bars, pizza bars, and even chipotle style Mexican bars at some coops. ese can be a great option for food on the go when you want a healthier alternative to fast food.

PHOTOS BY MARGARET HOLMES

Pro/Con: Veganism

BY MARIAM JABRI

Veganism is a lifestyle choice that has been rapidly gaining in popularity over the past few decades. It involves abstaining from the consumption of all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and honey. While veganism is a compassionate and sustainable way of living, it is important to be aware of both the pros and cons of the lifestyle before committing to it.

e pros of going vegan are numerous. Perhaps the most obvious bene t is the ethical advantage of abstaining from the use of animal products and thus reducing the su ering of animals. Vegans also tend to be healthier than their meat-eating counterparts, as vegan diets are typically low in saturated fat and high in ber-rich plant foods. Research has shown that following a vegan diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Additionally, vegans tend to have lower levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. ey also tend to consume higher concentrations of ber, vitamins, and minerals than meat eaters.

Going vegan can also have a positive impact on the environment, as the livestock industry is a major contributor to global warming and deforestation. Although the environmental impact of veganism is complex and di cult to quantify, it is generally accepted that plant-based diets require less land, water, and energy to produce than diets that include animal products. Additionally, animal agriculture is responsible for a signi cant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, making veganism a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle choice.

While there are many bene ts to a vegan lifestyle, there are also some potential drawbacks. One of the primary disadvantages of veganism is the potential for nutritional de ciencies, as vegan diets can be lacking in certain essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is important for vegans to make sure they are getting enough of these nutrients through forti ed foods or supplements. Additionally, vegan foods can be more expensive than animal products, and it may be di cult to nd vegan options in some restaurants or stores.

It is also important to be aware of the social implications of going vegan, as it may create tension or alienation in relationships with non-vegans. A con of going vegan is the social stigma associated with this lifestyle. Although veganism is becoming increasingly accepted in mainstream culture, there is still a stigma attached to those who choose to follow this lifestyle. is can make it di cult for vegans to nd acceptance in social settings, as well as di culty in nding restaurants and stores that o er vegan options.

Veganism can be a healthy and compassionate way of living. However, it is important to be aware of both the pros and cons before making the decision to go vegan. With the proper planning and nutritional knowledge, vegans can enjoy the health and environmental bene ts of this lifestyle while avoiding the potential drawbacks.

“plant-based diets require less land, water, and energy to produce than diets that include animal products.”

Microtrends and Fast Fashion: how it harms the Environment

BY TAMIA HASSAN

With new trends rising every month, people buy the trendiest clothes for the cheapest price they fnd. Until of course, the trend dies and the clothes are stuck in their closet and never worn again. However, these trends only last so long until society moves onto the next. The fast fashion industry has profted immensely due to these “microtrends”. Yet, although consumers may have not paid that much, the environment has paid tremendously. Fast fashion brands like Shein are responsible for releasing # CO2 emissions yearly. Before jumping onto the next trend, reconsider where you purchase your clothes and the hidden price it has on the environment.

and unrealistic. Yet, making sure you aren't over consuming is possible. Fast fashion has caused large amounts of clothing to

lars for hundreds of clothing items does seem like a dream, yet the dream quickly withers when the clothes rip after two wears. Although purchasing from fast fashion brands is difcult to avoid due to the excessive amount of them, remember to not over consume their clothing. And if you have the choice, buy from ethical and sustainable brands. After all, harm to the environment and consuming clothing made from underpaid workers is not worth it for a small microtrend.

Shein, one of the largest online companies, is known for their production of cheap, afordable clothes – People have shown hauls of boxes flled with clothes, yet have paid less than a hundred dollars. However, although the clothes are cheap, they are cheap due to the poor quality. Clothes from brands like Shein and AliExpress are all made of polyester. Not only is the material cheap and of poor quality, but polyester also takes hundreds of years to biodegrade, releasing toxic chemicals in the process. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions. Fast fashion is not only limited to brands that produce cheap clothes, brands like Zara, Aritzia, and Victoria's Secret are all a part of the industry. Attempting to not buy from any fast fashion chain is difcult

Microtrends end quickly, and the clothes purchased get donated and thrown away just as quickly. According to Eco Friendly Habits, 92 million tons of fast fashion produced clothing end up in landflls. Not only that, but the clothing also takes up racks at thrift stores like Goodwill. Filling thrift stores with poor material is only taking up space that could be for actual high quality clothing. Instead of participating in overconsumption, buy high-quality clothing from ethical companies.

Overproduction from the fast fashion industry is also unsustainable. According to the UNEP, the fashion industry used 93 billion cubic meters of water. That's enough to meet the needs of fve million people. The industry is also unethical. Brands like Shein have created poor and dangerous working conditions for employees, violating working laws, and exposing employees to toxic chemicals. Shein’s clothing is often made in sweatshops by underpaid employees.

For the price of emitting 10% of carbon emissions, you can have a crochet top or cow print sweater for less than $20. However, rethink whether the clothing will be worth it when realizing the impact it has on the environment and workers. With trends going in and out, it’s inevitable that microtrends will be temporary, especially when a new one appears every two weeks. Spending hundreds of dol-

“Fast fashion generated more CO2 than aviation and shipping combined” - earth.org

Kentucky bluegrass (no, not the music genre)

BY SOPHIA YOERKS

Monocultures, or the act of growing one species of plant in a designated location, is a widely appropriated practice in our suburban culture. If you have the privilege, like myself, to have a lawn, it’s most probable that you have a monoculture of grass–specifcally, Kentucky bluegrass. Not the music genre, but the actual grass. Much like tall fescue, fne fenscue, and manila grass; kentucky bluegrass is the most common lawn grass in Minnesota and # other states.

I grew up with a lawn; my dad mows it every week and my mom constantly plucking weeds. In the summer, sprinklers would go of almost daily to keep it lush and green. In the fall, leaves would be raked as much as possible in attempts to keep the grass visible yet untouched. I bet you could imagine my shock when I frst learned in middle school that my lawn wasn't good for the environment. What?! It’s nature! Helping the planet! Eco-friendly! Reduce, reuse, recycle! What could possibly be damaging about that?

Well, apparently a lot.

Let’s start out with a brief history of Kentucky bluegrass. The perennial, cool-season lawn grass is not native to the United States. It’s actually native to practically all of Europe, North Asia, and the mountains of Algeria and Morocco. Yet now it’s the keystone of the American dream; white picket fences, and lush, green lawns trying to portray the idea of a higher social status. Even though not native, Kentucky bluegrass has spread throughout the country both intentionally and unintentionally due to its abundantly fertile seeds. This has led to many lawn and turf grasses to become naturalized, meaning they have become so ingrained and invasive in their environment that eradicating them becomes a harder and a more tedious task. It’s not well-known that the average household spends around $500 annually on sustaining their lawn grass. This amount only continues to grow.

Now getting into what is actually wrong with this lawn grass, and not simply the cons of managing it. Like monoculture suggests, Kentucky bluegrass, among other lawn grasses, crowds and halts necessary plant diversity. The grass grows

by forming a thick and dense layer of turf which shows the lush, green grass that most are very fond of. Eventually, that layer of turf becomes a thick layer of thatch. Thatch is a layer of dead roots, shoots, and stems that separates the green zone of vegetation and the soils surface. Because of that, it prevents many other species from germinating and establishing underneath it.

This has been linked to the declining population of pollinators, the decline in biodiversity among butterfy species, lower plant species diversity, and fewer overall species of fowering plants. But nothing directly linked to humans, right?

SOLVE THE ISSUE.

population of 8 billion. By no means is this the only factor to declining populations of pollinators and endangering the human species. Although not the only factor, it is defnitely a huge one. So, what are we supposed to do? Well, the most simple solution is a “bee garden”. Exactly like the name says, it’s tailored for pollinators. Basically, it’s as if you’re letting the earth regain it’s reign and letting our lives fower.

WHAT ARE IN BEE GARDENS?

Flowering weeds, native plants, and normal fowers!

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES:

Wild Indigo - Native through east coast and Midwest

Bee Balm - Native through North and East American

Black-eyed Susan - Native through Eastern and Central North America

Well, by association, lawn grass is on the path to aiding the eradication of the human species. The easiest way to understand is by looking at the food chain. In order to have a stable chain, it needs to start out strongly. The frst part of the food chain is the producer. If pollinators were to stop pollinating, the primary and secondary consumers would falter, thus damaging the the territorial and fnal consumers, what we rely on for meat. So not only will our source of meat die, but vegetables and fruits will go down by half in local supermarkets. This change in production is not enough to support the world’s total

Joe-pye weed - Native through Eastern and Central North America

Wrinkleleaf goldenrod - Native through Eastern and Central North America

And of course native lawn replacements such as clovers, native perennial beds, and moss!

WHAT OUR PRISTINE LAWNS ARE DOING TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP

All

American Liar

In recent years, it has become a very apparent trend to portray activism in movies and tv shows. Whether it’s showing an example of a tone-deaf character trying to be a better person, or handing the average person an unexpected platform, we see activism through a diferent lens when it’s on the big screen.

By Nora Koehler

A perfect example for my point is the 2022 lm, Not Okay. e story follows an ambitious young journalist named Danni Sanders who fakes a writer’s retreat in Paris to impress her coworkers. While faking her trip, a terrorist attack takes place in the location she was meant to be visiting. She decides there is no choice but to lie about being in the bombing, simply because she couldn’t bring herself to come clean. Danni takes advantage of the privileges given to her, so she writes an article about her “experience” and starts the #IAmNotOkay trend, which goes viral. At the end of the movie she gets caught in her lie, and no, she doesn’t get a redemption arc. e activism that this movie portrays is sarcastic and meant to give a good laugh, but also brings up many conversations about what it means to be a performative activist.

A performative activist is someone who talks about social issues and injustice for the sole purpose of personal gain. When Danni came to the realization that being the face of a terrorist attack would make her viral, she took the opportunity to do so. She took others’ trauma and turned it into something that would bring her right to the top. e movie shows how others will jump on any opportunity that has personal bene t, even through others experiences. e plot touches on social media activism, current trends, and raises awareness on how lies are easily spread online. It’s a perfect example of giving the wrong people a platform, and how it can back re into a bigger problem. It’s more than relevant in today’s issues, especially when we see online personalities only speaking on social injustice when it personally bene ts them. Remember, what you say and do online re ects who you are as a person.

Not Okay perfectly demonstrates the kind of person you don’t want to be. So fact check what you read, educate yourself on important issues, and remain checked into reality.

#IAmNotOkay

Environmental Book Review

BY SOPHIA YOERKS

The Overstory

by Richard Powers

A long and heavy book flled to the brim with short stories, experiences, and facts, The Overstory is the perfect book to pick up during chilly winters or long and tiresome car rides. Of course it extends past those situations, but that’s is when I picked it up (and I found it perfect). There were some heavy topics, the circle of life if you will, with all of the short stories coming together in the end simply because of trees.

Marrow of Thieves

by Cherie Dimaline

This is another heavy book (like most environmental books due to our current climate) but what makes this one diferent is that it heavily focuses on indigenous people and how others, named recruiters, are trying to take their bone marrow. The indigenous are rumored to still be able to dream, while most do not. And those who don’t are willing to steal to dream once again. So, not only does this book delve deep into easily digestible environmental science, it also brings up the problem of indigenous racism and treatment. All of this within a gripping plot. Marrow of Thieves is a defnite must-read

The One We’re Meant to Find

by Joan He

If you don’t like super wordy and murky books, this is the perfect book for you. It’s a beautiful blend of YA and fantasy/adventure. It brings up the question of our environmental future, and where our current state can lead to. This is a touching story of sisters separated by the sea and the adventures that come from trying to fnd each other again, even if one doesn’t remember the other.

-Wednesday Addams

A WONDERFULLY WOEFUL REVIEW OF NETFLIXʼS WEDNESDAY

Writing about the masterpiece that is “Wednesday” seems almost irrelevant considering it’s been out for over 2 months. However, this show is still such a huge infuence on pop culture.

First of all, if you haven’t heard of “Wednesday” yet, then I feel bad for that rock you must have been living under for the past few months. And secondly it is honestly so amazing.

If you are unfamiliar with the character, Wednesday is based on the character from the 1990s Addams Family movies, which was originally based on the Addams Family TV show from the 1960s. She has been much younger in the early editions,

but in the Netfix series Wednesday is 15-16 and attends a boarding high school. This show was defnitely not what I expected. I turned it on thinking it would be some Riverdale type series that would be pretty boring and cliche. But boy, was I wrong.

First of all, Wednesday is a VERY refreshing character. I feel like a lot of people try to classify her as ‘not like other girls’. And although I can see where those people are coming from, she doesn’t really ft that stereotype. It’s refreshing to me to see a traditionally feminine protagonist who dresses in more skirts and dresses.

I’m probably in the minority here, but… I thought the plot twist at the end was REALLY good. I’m not going to spoil it, but plot-wise, this series is solid. Is it maybe pre-

BY MARGARET HOLMES

dictable? I guess. Was I still screaming at my TV when all was revealed? Maybe. But what’s really important is that “Wednesday” is just fun. It’s fun to see the titular characters’ kooky ways and personality. It’s fun to see the way Enid and Wednesday’s styles clash. It’s fun to see the Nevermore campus and the nearby town Jericho. It’s fun to see Wednesday’s relationship progress with a certain barista… (If there is no redemption arc next season I swear…)

So if you haven’t watched this show then please do, because it is honestly such a good time. Even if this doesn’t join the list of your top ten favorites, it will at least be a fun way to spend a few Sunday afternoons.

“I’m not sure whose twisted idea it was to put hundreds of adolecents in underfunded schools, run by people whose dreams were crushed years ago, but I admire the sadism.”

“SOS” by SZA: Album Review

BY HARINI SENTHILKUMAR

Solána Imani Rowe, artistically known as SZA, has blossomed into a global R&B/Soul sensation.

Prior to “SOS”, she had only released 2 albums: “Z” (2014) and “Ctrl” (2017). These albums gathered a huge fanbase, who were greatly anticipating the release of “SOS” after a 5-year wait.

Along with winning several other musical awards, SZA achieved 14 Grammy nominations. “SOS” scored her frst win in the 2022 Grammy’s.

Another notable work of SZA was her hit collaboration with Kendrick Lamar “All the Stars”, lead single for the “Black Panther” soundtrack. This song was awarded at the Grammy’s, Academy Awards, and Satellite Awards.

SZA’s musical style is casual yet poetic, combining diverse genres including pop, folk, R&B, soul, electronica, alternative, and indie rock. As her career has grown, so has the depth of her lyricism, production, and overall artistry. This is clear in her phenomenally produced hit album of 2022: “SOS”.

Track 1: “SOS”

Rating: 7/10

As the opening song of the album, this track does a decent job of introducing us to the themes of the album, such as heartbreak, loss, and revenge. The song starts with the sounds of morse code and a gunshot, with vengeful lyrics like “this ain’t no warning shot”.

Track 2: “Kill Bill”

Rating: 8/10

This is one of the most well-received tracks on her album, with over 400 million streams. It describes the bloodthirsty metaphor of killing her ex: “rather be in jail than alone”.

Track 3: “Seek & Destroy”

Rating: 9/10

Both SZA’s clear falsetto voice and deeper pitched vocals are spotlighted in this song, showcasing her incredible range. The song features a catchy melody with more messages about seeking revenge on her ex-lover.

Track 6: “Blind”

Rating: 10/10

This is the most beautiful track on her album. From calming guitar chords to angelic vocals, “Blind” has been a fan-favorite since its unreleased sample on TikTok went viral before the album’s ofcial release.

Track 12: “Ghost in the Machine” ft. Phoebe Bridgers

Rating: 10/10

As the opening song of the album, this track does a decent job of introducing us to the themes of the album, such as heartbreak, loss, and revenge. The song starts with the sounds of morse code and a gunshot, with vengeful lyrics like “this ain’t no warning shot”.

Track 19: “Shirt”

Rating: 7/10

Self-healing is a huge concept in this song, and conveys SZA’s emotions in her journey before producing this album. Her quest for self-love is highlighted in lyrics like “In the dark right now / Feeling lost but I like it”.

Track 20: “Open Arms” ft. Travis Scott

Rating: 6/10

Right of the bat, Travis Scott is the worst choice SZA could have made to be featured on this track. Fan suggestions include artists known for their melodious, soulful styles like Frank Ocean or Omar Apollo. Scott’s vocals do not suit the romantic R&B beats of the song.

Track 21: “I Hate U”

Rating: 5/10

Hot take: this is the worst song on SZA’s album. Though it went viral with almost 290 million streams, it is a typical example of ‘girlboss’ lyrics that does not do justice to SZA’s complex and intelligent lyrical choices. It contains a typical pop beat and limited melodic variation.

Track 22: “Good Days”

Rating: 10/10

As the opening song of the album, this track does a decent job of introducing us to the themes of the album, such as heartbreak, loss, and revenge. The song starts with the sounds of morse code and a gunshot, with vengeful lyrics like “this ain’t no warning shot”.

More than just grandmas: crochet is in

BY AMELIA DEWBERRY

A seemingly grandma-like hobby is reemerging for a younger generation. Fueled by the Internet, more people have picked up crochet in the past few years, sharing ideas and tutorials online. Many people use the online community for project inspiration, while others merely watch crochet videos, finding them cozy and soothing. Crochet is a great entry-level hobby because the only essential supplies are yarn and a hook.

For seniors Edie Berggren and Lillian Ekness, crochet started long before it became a craze. Both girls were taught the basics by their grandmas when they were younger and felt inspired to pick up the hobby. Ekness says she “saw things in the store and [she’d] be like ‘[she] could totally crochet that!’” Not knowing more than the basics, she “forced [herself] to learn so [she] can make stuff on [her] own. Berggren, a self-described “hobby girl,” was “bored during COVID”, so she taught herself crochet after spotting the yarn at Michaels. Already knowing the basic stitches, Ekness and Berggren turned to YouTube and TikTok for instruction. “I watched a lot of TikToks on it. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and I finally learned how [to make a granny square],” recalls Ekness.

There’s a wide variety of projects that can be made. “I’ve made a whole bunch of summer tank tops and hats, mittens,

scarves” listed Berggren. Other items include shorts, pillowcases, sweaters, bags, and blankets. A machine cannot crochet, so every item is unique and handmade. One creation can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to complete. Berggren likes to finish projects before she loses motivation: “I’m not a fast crocheter, but I’m a dedicated crocheter. So I sit down, boom–it’s done.” The pride and sense of accomplishment of being able to make something yourself motivates crocheters. This inspires Ekness: “I want to wear something to school that I’m super proud of.” Finding complicated projects on Pinterest to try is a fun challenge and very rewarding.

The main reason this hobby is falling into a new demographic is that like Ekness and Berggren, many crocheters draw inspiration from Pinterest and TikTok. Constant uploads and new ideas keep the hobby fresh and alive. The online presence also forms a community, challenging the notion that crochet is anti-social. With more teens crocheting, it’s become an activity to do with friends. Although crochet is still not entirely mainstream, COVID boredom and social media have shifted the pastime from grandmas to younger people.

Edie Berggren’s projects

OVER HEATED

HOW BILLIE EILISH IS FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE ON TOUR

By: Nora Koehler

Billie Eilish is one of the most popular and beloved music artists of the 21st century. She debuted her frst hit single “Ocean Eyes’’ in 2015, and has been stealing hearts ever since. Between being extremely relatable and also a positive role model for all ages, Eilish has outdone herself with her 2022 eco-friendly, Happier Than Ever world tour. In great eforts to reduce her carbon footprint between fights, bus rides, hotels, and venues- she partnered up with REVERB to create the most environmentally safe tour the industry has ever seen. Eilish provided reusable water bottles for fans and crew, vegan and other sustainable foods at venues for the same price as non-vegan options, and 100% upcycled merchandise. There were 52 non-proft organizations hosted at the venues, and 216 total non-proft fan activations across the tour. 3,322 fans pledged to eat one plant-based meal a day, and 8,025 animals were saved during her 2022 tour. Eilish has donated a large portion of ticket sales to help fund initiatives that reduce greenhouse gasses, and also support projects that fght climate change. At the Eco-Villages hosted at the show venues, fans altogether raised 104,000$ to fght

Eilish’s frst album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? has received over 307 million streams since 2019. It features the song ‘all the good girls go to hell’, which is written as a tribute to the climate crises the world is currently facing. During her live performances of ‘all the good girls go to hell’, footage of natural disasters play on the backdrop of the stage. Eilish says “I cried like fve times during rehearsal, but it’s important to know what the **** is going on.”

In June of 2022, Eilish released her documentary Overheated directed by Yassa Khan, with commentary on climate crises with other Gen Z activists speaking out on the issue. “This project saw us create a raft of content to keep conversations alive and help the Overheated team drive audiences to take action - basically, doing what we do best!” Khan says.

The harm of BookTok

BY TAMIA HASSAN

The best-selling author Colleen Hoover is a name that almost all readers have heard at some point in the past two years — whether her name is being praised or criticized. The countless shelves and stands dedicated to her novels are all due to only one community: Booktok. Booktok refers to the subcommunity on TikTok and is a main factor for the re emerging popularity of reading. However, the books that are recommended can be controversial, especially when they are marketed as something they aren't. Authors like Colleen Hoover have surged on the app, being known for writing ‘romance.’ Yet, having these books being advertised as a romance is only doing harm, especially when they are marketed toward teenagers. Books like It Ends with Us and Ugly Love are both books that are marketed as romances. Yet, when actually analyzing the stories, it's clear that neither of the books portray healthy relationships and are instead severely romanticizing poor behavior.

When an author outsells the Bible, it's expected that the books are enjoyable – or at least well written. However, Colleen Hoover's books have neither been flled with cliches and awkward writing. Although this is enough for someone to not pick up her books, the worst part of Hoover's books is her glorifcation of abuse. After fnishing It Ends with Us a year ago, my frst thought was, “why was I told this is a romance?” While Booktok recommends this as a love story, its main point was to spread awareness on unhealthy relationships. The book being marketed as a romance instead of domestic violence is showcasing abuse as something that's a part of romance, completely

month, publishers attempted to announce a It Ends with Us coloring book, designed to let readers “experience this phenomenal novel's iconic scenes.” When they refer to ‘iconic scenes,’ note that they are saying this about a book about domestic abuse. As Colleen Hoover insists that the book was written to spread awareness of domestic abuse, it's becoming harder to actually believe her when she creates a coloring book simply to proft of of.

The issue with Colleen Hoover is that this isn't her only novel that deals with toxic relationships. The novel Ugly Love mains issue is it being marketed as a romance. The male love interest treats the main character terribly the entire time. And even though the love interest continues to act toxic, the main character excuses the poor behavior and never stands up for herself, setting feminism back about 60 years. The relationship in the novel is unhealthy and gives girls a misinterpreted view on how men are allowed to treat women. With the mental abuse, sexism, and toxicity, Colleen Hoover is setting a poor model for girls on the app and glori-

marketed them as a romance. Colleen Hoover's books have created a distorted view on relationships and have both profted of romanticizing abuse. With TikTok being a majority of teenagers,

misleading others. And now, it’s not just Booktok romanticizing the novel, but also the publishers. In the beginning of the

fying unhealthy relationships by calling it a romance.

After the popularity of Booktok, the community has all given platforms to books about domestic violence, unhealthy relationships, and age gaps and have

marketing these books as romances are only glorifying unhealthy relationships and misleading readers. With thousands of videos dedicated to boosting books like It Ends with Us and Ugly Love as romances, Booktok has given a platform to authors who exploit poor relationships simply to proft.

“There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.”

- It Ends With Us, Colleen Hoover

SUPER BOWL LVII

BY LEAH GSCHWENDTNER

As January closes, we prepare for the biggest game in football of the year: the Super Bowl. Before any team can make it to the fnal stage, they must go through a series of games called the playofs. Seven teams from each of the league’s two conferences, the NFC and AFC, compete to be the best in their division, ending with one AFC team and one NFC team. It is every football player’s dream to win the Super Bowl, but only some make it that far. According to Adam Schien, the Bufalo Bills are most likely to win the super bowl. Although they lost their playof game, they went through a hard season as they faced major ups and downs. The biggest being the Damar Hamlin scare in early January. Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Bufalo Bills, collapsed on the feld during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He went into cardiac arrest, but received CPR on the feld and was then rushed to the hospital. He spent days in the ICU as he made a slow but positive recovery.

At the end of January, the super bowl teams were decided. Jalen Hurts and The Philadelphia Eagles will be playing against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. According to ESPN, the Philadelphia Eagles are 2-point favorites to win the big game!

The Super Bowl is also known for the commercials and halftime show. This year, Rihanna will be performing on the big stage. Rihanna published a teaser video, giving hints as to what the halftime show may look like. She was featured wearing a green furry coat, a black outft underneath and thick silver jewelry. She then motions for silence before her 2016 track “Needed Me” begins to play. Some commercials to keep an eye out for are Squarespace and Doritos, who have given hints for their commercials. Doritos will be a funny one as Jack Harlow gets involved in a “love triangle” with these pointy chips. The price of these commercials have risen exponentially over the years, and according to USA today, a 30-second commercial will cost 7 million dollars.

The super bowl game will be available to watch on TV through Fox Sports or you can stream it through FuboTV. The game, taking place in Glendale, Arizona, will kick of at 5:30 on February 12th.

SKOL VIKINGS

The Minnesota Vikings came to surprise many of their fans this season, as they fnished the regular season with 13 wins and 4 losses. The Vikings play the Giants in their frst game of the postseason and hope for their frst playof game win since 2019. If the vikings make it to the NFC championship and win, it would be their frst NFC championship win since 1976. Because the vikings fell short to the giants, their season is sadly over. Justin Jeferson, Kirk Cousins, Za’ Darius Smith, T.J Hockenson, and Andrew De Paola will be performing in the Pro Bowl game. The pro bowl game is a selection of the best Nfc and AFC players. The players will compete in skill challenges and be challenged against the opposing division in a game of feld football. These games were played in Las Vegas this year, and the NFC came on top with a win over the AFC 35-33.

PHOTOS BY BILLBOARD.COM

PHOTO BY NFL.COM

PHOTO BY BRUCE KLUCKHOHN

ALPINE SKIING TAKES ON LUTSEN

BY AMELIA DEWBERRY

The Eagles Alpine Ski team kicked of their season with a training trip to Lutsen, Minnesota, for a weekend of quality skiing and team building.

Any skier was welcome to join the team for a weekend up north on the slopes. The team headed up on a Friday, making a stop at Bentleyville holiday light show in Duluth. Saturday and Sunday were training days at Lutsen Mountains. Skier Emma Martin, junior, explains that “on Sunday, we did training with Canada.” EP skiers spent the day doing gates with a Canadian team because of an MSHSL rule prohibiting coached practices on Sundays.

Lutsen Mountains receives more snowfall than the Twin Cities, so it allows for better training during the early season. The slopes are also signifcantly taller than the typical

practice location of Hyland Hills. The height prepares them to ski on bigger hills in races such as at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Mount Kato in Mankato, and Trollhaugen in Dresser, Wisconsin.

During of time from training, the team hung out and swam at the hotel. Martin’s highlight of the trip was “being able to meet everyone on the team since it’s the frst team event.” The trip is important for constructing a good team dynamic, something the program prides itself on. Captain Jaclyn Ianfolla, junior, fnds that it’s special that “it doesn’t matter if you’re on JV or Varsity [. . .] everybody knows each other. We’re spending every day with each other.” Pasta dinners and burger Fridays after races are important traditions in the team culture.

The Eagles have been improving throughout the season. The girls placed 2nd and the boys took 5th at the

Gitchi Gummi Invite in Duluth. Lucy Rogers led the girls, taking 8th of 59. Tate Wilker and Noah Braton carry the boys team, placing 4th and 11th in the conference, respectively. The athletes look ahead to the upcoming State Meet at Giant’s Ridge.

Q and A with Wrestling Captain Jacory Bates

BY DYLAN LEUNG

Q: What do you do during practice?

A: During practice we usually practice moves and then wrestle real simulated matches.

Q: How often is practice?

A: We practice or compete every day except Sunday.

Q: What makes a good wrestler?

A: I believe that strength, speed, mental toughness, technique and overall being aggressive make somebody a good wrestler.

Q: What do you wish people knew about wrestling?

A: I wish people knew that it can help a lot with other sports like football.

Q: When did you start wrestling?

A: I started wrestling in 2nd grade.

PHOTO BY LYDIA SCHWIETERS

PHOTO BY AMELIA DEWBERRY

EAGLE PROCRASTI-NATION

DEION KATIE MARA HARINI

NORA

LYDIA

Eagle Riddles:

There are four days which start with the letter T, Two of them are Tuesday and Thursday. What are the other two?

It has a tongue, but never talks. Has no legs, but sometimes walks. What is it?

3

What must take a bow before it can speak?

I can only live where there is light, but I die if the light shines on me... What am I? 1 2 4

EAGLE RIDDLES ANSWERS

1. Today and Tomorrow

A shoe

A shadow

A violin

You can lm and broadcast your own stories on our school’s network, gain experience working with tech behind the camera, and get more involved in our school.

Write to infrom the student body on relevent issues in pop culutre, the news, and within our school community. ENN gives students the opportunity to become stronger and more creative writers.

You can sign up for Advanced Broadcast Jounalism - ENN as many times as you want. is course will count as a credit towards a Communication and Arts Capstone!

*Prerequisite for this is Intro to 21st Century Journalism