The Eyrie: December Issue • 2014

Eden Prairie High School

Vol. 54, No.2 // December 2014

Mary joy Breton

Art spotlight:

Adriana Tan 16

90 year-old EPHS alumni writes memoir

4

Parent Politicians

Sext me back

Students share their unusual home lives

Why sexting should be legal

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25

Facebook ban

you should probably know

How it has changed education

27

How vape changed the cigarette industry

13

Breakin’ it down with

Kyle

Hauschild 30

A controversial word in a sexist world

20

s! r o it d e e h t ello, from

H

Ho ho ho Eagles!

Are you ready for Winter Break? We sure are. This issue is filled with jolly stories and “winterwonderlandish” treats. Open up to view some of our school’s passionate opinions and inspiring news. Remember to go outside and enjoy the white, glittery snow. When you’re too cold, come inside and cuddle up by the crackling fire with a good news magazine (maybe even The Eyrie?). We hope you enjoy this fun-filled issue and have an adventurous winter break!

Xoxo, Luci Bessinger and Hannah Brandser

Staff Editors-in-chief

Hannah Brandser Luci Bessinger

Managing Editor Luci Bessinger

Chief of Photography Trevor Stansberry

Editor of Design Zoë Glenn

Advertising Manger

Policies A & E Editor

Elizabeth Kenyon

Cover Story Editors Hannah Brandser

Feature Editor Sheridan Swee

Profile Editor Gillian Holte

Writers & Photographers

Sports Editor Ally Thorsen

Abbey Mertz Abby Warrick Ally Thorsen Amie Stager Andrew Donohue Anthony Rosa Claire Hassler Dustin Wolf Ellie Barrett Grace Kasbohm Hannah Belongie Kristina Briant Murphy Hullett-Nelson Sara Michael Yasmin Chavez

News Editor

Adviser

Anthony Rosa

Business Manager Andrew Donohue

Website Editors Amie Stager Claire Hassler

Opinion Editor

Jean-Pierre Tossa

Max Chao

Jodie Flolid

Mission Statement

The Eyrie strives to be an accurate, informative and entertaining publication for the students and faculty of EPHS.

Letters

The Eyrie encourages all students and faculty to share their views with the school. All letters must be signed; however, names may be withheld in certain situations. Once received, the Eyrie reserves the right to edit letters for length or content. To submit letters or comments, stop by room 208 during third hour or email comments to theeyrie.ep@gmail.com.

Multi-media

To follow the Eyrie on Twitter, use the Twitter handle the_eyrie.

To find us on facebook, search for the Eyrie. For daily content and school updates, visit theeyrie.com.

Printer

The Eyrie is printed by the Eden Prairie Schools Printing Services, 17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346

Kyle PG. 30

THE Eyrie VOL. 54, NO.2 // DECEMBER 2014

FOOTBA

LL PG. 15

6 11 14 25 36

A & E: Things to do this winter NEWS: STUDENTS WITH PARENTS IN POLITICS SPORTS: SNOWBOARDING FEAture OPINION: Sext me back FEATURE: HOLIDAY PACKAGE

THE EyriE Eden Prairie High School

Vol. 54, No.2 // December 2014

Mary joy dean

Art spotlight:

Adriana Tan 16

90 year old EPHS alumni writes memoir

4

Sext me back

Parent Politians

Why sexting should be legal

Students share their unusual home lives.

11

25

snow TAleS

Winter stories, memories, traditions and celebrations.

36

HABITAT FO

you should probably know

Facebook ban

How it has changed education

27

R HUMANIT

How vape changed the cigarette industry

13

Y PG. 34

Breakin’ it down with

Kyle

Hauschild 30

A controversial word in a sexist world.

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ON THE COVER Covering feminism from the definition to how it effects our society.

COVER BY TREVOR STANSBERRY AND ZOË GLENN

A & E

THROWBACK

The Breton family in 1964.

Left to right: Denise, Jeannine, Ernie, Mary Joy and Leslie.

EPHS ALUM WRITES PROFOUND MEMOIR On November 28, 1924, a then Mary Joy Dean was born. Almost 90 years later, she chronicles her life’s journey, starting in what at the time was an “isolated sleepy settlement on the far fringes of the Twin Cities with a population of 1,000 people” that was the beginning of the Eden Prairie we know today. Starting with her family’s experience through the Great Depression, her story captures the big moments and small moments alike of her long and accomplished life.

BY KRISTINA BRIANT

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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In 1942, Mary Joy Breton graduated from Eden Prairie High School with honors. She was the student council president, and many of the aspects of EPHS that we know today are vastly different than the features Breton knew in her day. Some distinct features she remembers was the big brick building of EPHS and how large the school was. At this time period, EPHS seemed large in size, but

compared to how it is now, the sizes are immensely different.

Some aspects of high school have not changed much within the 70 years of when Breton attended EPHS. Like all of us know, walking into EPHS as a freshman for the first time can be intimidating. Not knowing all of the “cool” hangout spots, or whether all your friends are in your classes or not, being a freshman can be scary.

Breton graduated from EPHS with a class of 23 students.

When seeing my reaction to this number she said laughing and with great pride: “That was the largest graduating class in the history of the school at that time!” Compared to our average graduating class of 800, 23 graduating seniors seems incredibly low to us. But at that time, 23 was an accomplishment for the class of 1942.

Now, Breton is an accomplished writer. She has written three books. One book in particular is called “Recalling Yesterdays,” a memoir of her life story of growing up during the Great Depression and within the midst of World War II. Her stories and life experiences growing up were worth telling and Breton expressed these through her writing. Breton first got an interest in creative writing during her sophomore year in her English composition class, taught by Ruth Leadbeater. She recalled the specific assignments Leadbeater assigned to the class for the year’s curriculum. Having to write eight essays, one play, and one autobiography, Breton bound her collection of work into a booklet and submitted it into the Hennepin County Agriculture Society’s annual fair. Her work won the third place prize.

Breton also was the editor of EPHS’s monthly newsletter, “The Buzzer.” Her experiences with being in the school newspaper were very different than our process today in the Eyrie Newspaper class. Back in the 1940’s, students in “The Buzzer” would have to use one of Thomas Edison’s inventions called the mimeograph machine, dating all the way back to the 1880’s.

To use a mimeograph, you would insert a page of text and the machine would make copies.

Breton and her fellow classmates then would be “Cutting a stencil, correcting mistakes, inking the machine’s cylindrical drum, and hand-cranking the machine,” which were all very laborious and messy jobs.

Besides academics, Breton participated in a handful of extracurricular activities, her favorite being Glee Club. The group would sometimes travel by bus to other schools to present a joint concert with other Glee Clubs. Breton participated in the athletics as well. She played on both the girls softball and basketball teams. In addition, Breton was a dancer, learning all types of dances such as the waltz, polka, foxtrot, and schottische.

Most of us have never even heard of half of those types of dances. We are used to hearing things like jazz, ballet, tap, or hip-hop. This goes to show just how different things were over 70 years ago and how the culture of EPHS has evolved.

Being a published author herself, Breton’s daughter, Denise, understands the process of being a writer and the patience it takes to succeed. When asked to describe her mother, Mary Joy, she said, “She has an incredible sense of fairness and justice, she is extremely generous, and very hard-working.”

Breton has worked hard all her life to get to where she is today. She grew up in the depth of the Great Depression and World War II so she understands what it is like to lose everything and work your way back up. She said, “I’m not afraid of being poor; I’ve been there so it is better to be generous and do something meaningful.”

A & E

The Dean’s Eden Prairie abode with a yard full of zinnias. The house was on Hwy 169 and sat opposite a Sherwin Willians billboard.

A gradutation photo from 1942, taken the day after Mary Joy graduated high school.

Mary Joy, her father and two of her brothers standing on a snow drift during the famous Armistice Day Blizzard of 1940.

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THINGS TO DO THIS 10 DEC

19 DEC 19 DEC

17 DEC

A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theater Two words “bah humbug”. Take a stroll down memory lane and come enjoy the play, A Christmas Carol once again. Going back to seventh grade English, I think most of us are familiar with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas. This year marks the 40th annual production at the Guthrie Theater.

Bring everyone you know to this holiday play.

Tickets can be purchased at the Guthrie Theater website with prices ranging from $59-$116.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies This December will bring an end to Bilbo Baggins’ epic adventures. After reclaiming their homeland, Bilbo and the Company of Dwarves face yet another challenge. The dragon, Smaug, has been unleashed and is raising havoc across the land. Enjoy the third and last installment of The Hobbit. Tickets cost $10.50 at any theater near you.

The Classic Nutcracker at The O'Shaughnessy On December 19th- December 21st the tale of The Classic Nutcracker come to life at The O’Shaughnessy in Saint Paul. Follow Clara’s dream through the snow-covered forests and the Kingdom of the Sweets. Beginning with the epic battle between the Rat King and the nutcracker with its army of toy soldiers. Enjoy this story has it is becomes unraveled through lively dancing and energetic performances. Tickets range from $16$42 and can be purchased on The O’Shaughnessy website.

23 FEB Annie Annie is back on the big screen this winter and with a whole new remake. The story follows a little foster girl named Annie and her adventures through the streets of New York. It has been a hard life for Annie, especially dealing with her mean foster mom, Miss Hannigan. That all changes when she meets New York mayoral candidate, Will Stacks. Enjoy the movie at your local theater for $10.50.

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BY YASMIN CHAVEZ

FLICKR PHOTOS

Fire & Ice Festival Bring warm clothes and come join the Longfellow neighborhood for their annual Fire and Ice Festival. Enjoy ice-skating at night and other various outdoor activities. When you’re all worn, keep yourself warm by enjoying hot chocolate and sit by the bonfire.

No ticket purchase is needed to attend this event.

December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

W i n t e r 25

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25 DEC 25 DEC A & E

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Holidazzle Village featuring Minneapolis Holiday Market Starting November 28 take a stroll through the Holidazzle village. Enjoy unique events such as petting a reindeer, story time for the kids, and sing along with bands and choirs. While at the village, take a detour and visit the Holiday market as well as take a ride on the Holiday carousel. The Holidazzle Village will require no ticket purchase, but the Holiday Market will require a purchase of a ticket in order to enter. Tickets are $3-$6 and will grant season-long access to the market.

Into the Woods On Christmas day, some of our favorite fairy tales come to life on the big screen with a modern twist.

Watch as the tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel become tied together into one epic story. This is a film in which everyone can enjoy, available at your local theater for around $10.50.

Unbroken From the best-selling book, Unbroken is making its way to theaters this December. This story follows the life of Louis Zamperini, a former Olympic runner, during World War II. Along with his fight to survive a plane crash into the Pacific Ocean and as a prisoner of war. Tickets are available for $10.50 at any theater near you.

26 DEC Cirque du Soleils Varaekai On December 25th through the 28th, the circus comes to the Target Center. The Cirque du Soleil’s performs a story of Icarus and his adventure in the land of Varaekai after flying too close to the sun. Watch as the story unfolds through a series of flips and tricks. Enjoy watching as acrobats fly and soar through the air. Tickets can be purchased at the Target Center website with prices ranging from $42.00 - $152.00.

Ice Castles at Miller Park, Eden Prairie For the first time, a winter wonderland is coming to town. Opening on December 26, visitors can come and check out the extraordinary ice castles. These towering castles are being built by thousands of handcrafted icicles and will be lit up by LED Lights.

You won’t want to miss this rare event, as the castles will have slides and water features. Tickets can be purchased at icecastles.com. Tickets cost $9.95 on Mondays through Thursdays and $11.95 on Fridays through Sundays.

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ONE OF 2014’S BEST NEW RESTAURANTS

BY ELIZABETH KENYON

TONGUE IN CHEEK 989 Payne Ave. St. Paul, Mn 55130 Phone: 651. 888. 6148

A lengthy but pleasant drive to St. Paul led to a little corner restaurant on Payne Street called Tongue in Cheek, which opened its doors on June 20 of this year. The name itself doesn’t exactly elicit appeal, but a quick look at the menu changed my perspective. It included a little side menu that advertised $2 teasers, a concept unknown to me.

Walking in, the dim lighting and lack of space was most apparent—two ingredients, it would seem, for a hip city restaurant. To get to the dining area you must first walk through the bar, with its high tables lining one wall and the actual bar on the other. Adorned on the wall behind the bar are various mirrors of different shape and size.

Charlie, the server for the bar area, had quite a unique look—one you would only see in St. Paul. He had a mustache that seemed like it could have come straight off a man in the 1800s, but the real kicker of his ensemble was the small vintage dagger sheathed at his belt.

I asked Charlie for something nonalcoholic and something sweet to drink, and he delivered.

The potato gnocchi (potato pasta) was the perfect appetizer. There wasn’t too much of it but the taste assured me that the rest of my meal wouldn’t be disappointing. The two teasers I tried were the torched ahi and the goldi-lox, which consisted of salmon roe. I was a little disappointed when I saw how small the teasers were, thinking they weren’t worth the $2. However, after trying them, I changed my mind. They

PHOTOS BY ELIZABETH KENYON

were basically bite-sized bursts of flavor.

The cheeseburger was one unlike any other, mostly due to the fact that there was arugula instead of lettuce. Both the aioli and the house-made pickles also contributed to burger’s fantastic flavors. The fries it came with weren’t anything special, but they were good enough.

For dessert, the Chocolate Ode to the Dome was a hollow chocolate dome that came with a toasted marshmallow. Simply put, it was amazing.

If you don’t mind a lengthy drive, paying a little extra for flavorful food and being surrounded by interesting city people (think Charlie and a woman who sat a table away with tattoos lining her forehead), then this is the place for you. Tongue in Cheek is worth getting out of the comfort zone that is Eden Prairie.

THE FLAMES ARE AS ENTERTAINING AS EVER

Despite the recent outcry over splitting a dystopian’s finale into two parts, people flocked to the theaters opening night to catch “Catching Fire.” Critic reviews vary, but one thing is clear: this is not a movie you want to miss.

FLICKR PHOTO

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BY MURPHY HULLET-NELSON In the third installment of “The Hunger Games”, the viewer learns about the inner workings of revolution. If you’ve seen the other Hunger Games movies, I’m sure you’ve never seen one like this. A meticulously planned suspense film, it keeps fans on the edge of your seat the entire movie. I found myself, often times during the movie, chewing my nails in fear of what would happen next.

This revolutionary film sent chills down my spine and left a lasting impression on me. What I first noticed is Jennifer Lawrence did an amazing job portraying what post-traumatic stress disorder looks like and how deeply her character was affected by the games. Second, the whole film was beautiful to look at. The scenes were beautifully crafted together along with the beautiful soundtrack that held them together.

We hear Katniss’s battle cry half way through the movie: “If we burn, you burn with us” that sparks us to start revolutions in our own lives. We feel the passion of that small saying throughout the movie and it stays with us when we leave the theater. The movie leaves us at a cliffhanger that will make viewers want to see the next instament.

To all the die-hard Hunger Games fans out there, you have wait another year until the next movie. The date has not been released yet but it is said to come out some time in 2015. Until then you can see The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part One in theaters and read all three books by author Suzanne Collins.

CAPTURING EMOTION THROUGH A LENS: ADRIANA TAN

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

“This was taken on the 4th of July, and it was actually the first time that I had ever been to the Bluffs to take photos. I really wanted to embody the freedom that I felt while I was up there looking down on the landscape.”

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BY ELLIE BARRETT

driana Tan received her very own camera when she was in 8th grade.

“Before, I just messed around on my dad’s camera. I didn’t really know how to use it,” said Tan. She started taking pictures of random objects, and two years later, Tan decided to turn this amazing hobby into a substantial business. “The summer before my junior year I did my first senior portrait session. I had about 20 sessions total. This past summer, the numbers have doubled,” Tan said.

However, not all of her business sessions are senior pictures- she also has had experience with family portraits, weddings, and grad parties.

Moving forward, Tan has partnered up with a fashion company where she will take photo proofs

A & E

for her portfolio. The models also benefit from this arrangement, as they will receive the shots for their own portfolio.

Adriana Tan is a girl of many colors. She excels in drawing, digital painting and piano. For the past three years, Tan has also been a part of the marching band playing the flute. However, she plans to expand in her photography for the future.

Her plans as of now include a double major with photography, and she hopes to attend college somewhere along the West or East Coast where the photography business is most demanding. “If my photography could be full-time, I would have already dropped out of high school by now,” Tan said when asked about a future career. Her photo business will continue to be a part-time addition to her life, and that is how she plans to keep it.

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News

District looks to the future after referendum passes

Winter PEP Fest On Friday December 5, EPHS celebrated its fall activities with a pep fest in preperation for the upcoming winter season. The celebration included performances from the Eden Prairie Dance Team, the cast of “Footloose”, the American Sign Language class, and Junior Maya Dengel. Principal Conn McCartan ended the pep fest with one of his famous emotional speeches.

BY ANDREW DONOHUE After selecting all of their candidates for office, voters discovered two questions on their ballots this year. These questions dealt with funding for the Eden Prairie school district.

The first asked voters to renew the existing levy and increase it to adjust for inflation. The second question requested more funds for the schools, an average of $5 per home. Both questions were approved by the voters.

Renee Rushdy, one of the co-chairs of the Vote Yes for EP Schools campaign, was excited about the passage of the referendum: “The entire committee and all our volunteers feel that we have made a positive impact for the future of Eden Prairie Schools and the community as a whole.” Her group organized groups of volunteers to go out and knock on doors to spread awareness about the referendum.

Ken Robinson, the other co-chair of the Vote Yes for EP Schools committee, was enthusiastic about the possibilities the new funds could provide. “The district has committed to decreasing class sizes in kindergarten and first grade and adding reading and math specialists in grade 2 and above, which will help student of all levels,” Robinson said.

Principal Conn McCartan was thrilled about the voters’ response. He touched back on the strong feelings evoked by the boundary changes and was thankful for the parents letting that go. He viewed the referendum as the community’s opportunity to endorse whether the schools are doing a good job. “The universal manner in which the questions were endorsed showed the community has moved past the hard feelings of the past and are looking forward to the future.”

McCartan additionally noted the district’s financial situation after the referendum. “The referendum puts us in a position to guarantee no cuts for at least 5 years, maybe 10.” He talked about how this will help the district build on the progress it has already made by making further investments.

McCartan also said it was unlikely that the district would revisit past cuts like ACE. They plan to focus on other programs, like personalized learning and professional development for teachers. The district wants to lower class sizes in kindergarten and first grade so more teachers will be hired for those grades.

Reading and math are priorities for the district so specialists will be added to assist learning in these areas. There has also been talk about implementation of digital portfolios which would better help students utilize the laptops and iPads given to them by the schools.

“The universal manner in which the questions were endorsed showed the community has moved past the hard feelings of the past and are looking forward to the future.” - Conn McCartan

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Sophomore Jake Anderson preps for the “Footloose” performance

Sophomore Jake Anderson and the cast of “Footloose”

Principal Conn McCartan addresses the crowd PHOTOS BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

EPDT performs their new kick routine

December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

Junior Ryan Jacobus, son of school board chair Ranee Jacobus PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

Senior Rachel Loon and mother, Representative Jenifer Loon PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sophomore Taylor Paulsen, daughter of Representative Erik Paulsen PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

Students with Parents in politics EPHS students share their unique home lives

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BY YASMIN CHAVEZ

ost students are familiar with the names of U.S. Representative Erik Paulsen, state Rep. Jenifer Loon and Chair of the Eden Prairie school board Renee Jacobus. What most aren’t aware of is the fact that their children attend EPHS. A politician’s life can seem very open to the public , but what about their children? Is their life any different than the average teenager? Do they have any privacy?

“Sometimes I feel like it is in the spotlight when people come over to my house to interview my mom,” said senior Rachel Loon. “I try to be myself and not think about it too much. I try to deal with things that are happening in my life.”

There are down sides, according to Loon: “I feel like sometimes people expect me to know more about government than the average teenager should know.”

Loon also mentions that she is not sure whether she wants to follow in her mother’s footsteps. As of right now, Loon is interested in government and law, but is not sure if she wants to enter the world of politics.

As state representative, balancing work and family time can be challenging, according to Jenifer Loon. Loon’s decision to go into politics started with her interest in government as well as working with her uncle, who was a state legislator in South Dakota.

Loon mentions how being a parent is similar to being a politician: “It is

News

important to be a good listener to understand different points of views and learn to say no.” Loon said. “When there are a lot of issues that affect children, I can’t take my mom hat off. I always ask myself if it enhances child safety and opportunities.”

Junior Ryan Jacobus has a similar experience as his mother is on the school board. “I feel like I have to keep my reputation up as a good kid. In the classrooms, the teachers know my mom so if I act up it will be a big deal and my mom won’t get as much respect in her job.” Jacobus said.

Sophomore Taylor Paulsen and her sister have been featured in numerous reelection ads for their father that aired throughout this fall. She also is familiar with the feeling of having her life open to the public. “I don’t find a lot of pressure from it. When we have our ads, people will come up to me and start talking to me. People will mention things, but it is not a big deal” Paulsen said.

Paulsen does not plan to enter the world of politics. At this point, she is interested in other things. According to Paulsen, growing up in the political world you get to see different sides of politics. This has influenced her decision to not go into politics.

Whether having a parent in the House of Representatives or on the school board, the lives of these three students are not any different than other teenagers.

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Eden Prairie High School’s Impact Lives representatives (from left to right): Juniors Abby Warrick, Jenny Malina, Payton Borg, and Tia Lang PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

IMPACT LIVES becomes a prominant part of ephs Impact Lives comes to EPHS opening up new volunteer opportunities for students.

BY MURPHY HULLET In the past years, the transformational learning experience called, “Impact Lives” has gone to schools all around the metro area and has made a statement of helping others with community service. It is Impact Lives first year being connected to Eden Prairie.

Impact Lives has worked in the cities to bring social justice to communities.

Student Abby Warrick says she joined because “she wanted to give back to the community and help with others who aren’t as fortunate”.

Started in 2007 by Dr. Ramón A. Pastrano IV, the non-profit organization works with over 18 schools in the southwest metro area.

Impact lives at Eden Prairie High School has reached students and brought a new community building process. They believe in learning about different cultures and looking at the lives of others around you.

The president of the non-profit Dr. Ramon A. Pastrano IV’s statement regarding the up and coming community builder is “what are you going to do about it?”. This statement fuels the driving force behind Impact Lives.

If anyone wants to join the EPHS branch of Impact lives, the meetings are at the Imapct Lives Headquarters in St. Louis Park.

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volunteer opportunities for ephs students: • food packing event • Service trip to the Dominican Republic in the summer

December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

you should probably know: E-CIGS News for the teenagers, by the teenagers: Breaking down current events in ways you’ll understand. Meet the new Eyrie Explains.

BY ELIZABETH KENYON

GRAPHIC BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

But why have teenagers adopted this method of nicotine consumption? Are they worried about their health, too?

Tobacco use is down among teenagers. In fact, the If so, there are more things to consider than to smoke or percentage of teens that smoke is the lowest it’s been to vapor. It’s all about the nicotine. in the last 22 years. That’s good news! (Don’t get too On the one hand, some people are saying that excited—there’s a “but” coming). Statistics from the last e-cigarettes are a gateway to regular cigarettes. This couple of years show that the percentage of teens that would be the case for teenagers who want to try smoke lowered to 15.7% in 2013 from 18.1% in 2012. smoking but don’t want to suffer the consequences What debatably isn’t good news (really, really (cough, lung cancer, cough), but just end up turning to debatably) is the fact that e-cigarette use is rising among the harder stuff later on in life.

U.S. high school students.

On the other hand, people see e-cigarettes as a way In case you were wondering (and you were probably to possibly reduce the tobacco problem. And then there wondering), minors cannot purchase these electronic are the people who say it has the potential to do both cigarettes. It is still a nicotine product, and nicotine is (help or harm), but only time will tell. Jolly good. These still a drug that is not legal to people under the age of are only three sides of the many, many arguments that 18. However, like in so many other cases, teenagers find have plagued the internet since the very beginning of a way to get their hands on another not-intended-fore-cigarettes (back when they were obscure) them product. This was especially clear between 2011 Last month, “vape” became the word of the year. and 2012 when e-cigarette use increased from 3.3% Just to clarify, to “vape” is to inhale vapor from an to 6.8%. Now, a reportedly 4.5% of U.S. high school electronic cigarette. Unsurprisingly, many people students use e-cigs on a regular basis and a whopping believe that this popularity-contest-winning word will 12% have tried them at least once. only have a negative affect on the growing percentage of So why e-cigarettes anyway? Yes, it’s common teens using e-cigarettes. knowledge that it’s a significantly-less harmful This word beat out “bae,” people. If it wasn’t a big alternative to regular cigarettes. Ditch the cancer keep deal before, it certainly is now. the street cred, right?

COLIN DICKEL GIVES BACK TO CONN

BY ALLY THORSEN Although many people are aware that principal Conn McCartan wears a button that reads, “I have the best job ever,” it is not well known where it originated.

Senior Colin Dickel made these buttons for a choir project that started last year. The choir project was to advance your own musical learning or to serve the choir. Dickel decided to serve the choir by making smaller buttons for the Concert Choir, Women’s Concert Chorale and Men’s Concert Chorale.

This year he expanded the production of the buttons and gave them to choir teachers and McCartan. It was suggested for Dickel to give one to McCartan after he gave it to the choir teachers, so Dickel randomly approached McCartan in the new commons to give him the button.

McCartan recalls that he received it because Dickel “made a few for people who act like this.” When he received the button McCartan was flattered to think that someone thinks about him when he’s not around.

This has had the most impact on choir directors Julie Kanthank, Ellen Meier and Jill Boyd. Kanthank feels proud everytime she wears it and is “honored to work with a human being like that.” Meier was “touched by his thoughtfulness” and “touched that he saw that in us.”

As of now, Dickel “does not have any plans to further the production of the buttons”, but has sure made a big impact on our staff.

“I have the best job ever.”

Principal Conn McCartan displays Dickel’s button PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

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Sports

the cold never bothered him anyway

All throughout the year George McDowall hits the slopes working towards achieving his dream

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BY GRACE KASBOHM

iving in Minnesota, winter can get really snowy and long. Some may hate it, but others, like junior George McDowall love it, all because of the one thing winter allows them to do: snowboard.

McDowall’s cousin taught him how to snowboard at the age of 8 at Afton Alps, a ski resort in Hastings, Minnesota. He has found snowboarding to be one of his favorite things to do. McDowall says, “It’s fun and it makes me happy.”

On average, McDowall will be at the slopes six or seven times a week. He is a part of the G Team at Hyland Hills, which gives him the chance to compete in local, regional and even national competitions. A cool opportunity students at Eden Prairie have is the chance to letter in G Team. McDowall lettered in G Team his freshman year.

Since there isn’t snow in Minnesota during the summer, McDowall travels to the slopes of Mountain Hood in Oregon to train at a snowboarding camp. When he is not snowboarding he runs to stay in shape and prepare for the season. “Along with running I enjoy practicing my skills on a trampoline to simulate doing tricks off a jump.” says McDowall.

One of McDowall’s favorite parts of snowboarding, next to being able to hang out with some “really cool people”, is getting the opportunity to travel. He has traveled all the way from California, to Colorado, to Pennsylvania.

Every year, after qualifying through the regional competitions around Minnesota, he travels to Colorado to compete at a national level. Last year at Nationals, McDowall placed 9th out of 100 other kids.

There are some different ways an individual can compete in snowboarding, but McDowall does slopestyle. “In slopestyle you go down the hill one by one, trying to impress the judges. Some things I do include, spins and flips with grabs and rail grinding,” said McDowall. Each time you compete, you get the chance to go down the hill twice.

“I hope to continue snowboarding after high school. I would like to attend college in Utah at Westminster University and be a part of the snowboarding team there,” said McDowall. After college his dream is to go pro and hopefully make it to the Olympics. After his snowboarding career ends, “I would love to either coach a team, or open a snowboarding company.”

George McDowall putting his skills into action PHOTO SUBMITTED BY GEORGE MCDOWALL

oops, i did it again Injured athletes keep returning to the sport they have grown to love

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BY ALLY THORSEN The world of high school, even club sports, can be very competitive. It can be so competitive that when athletes get injured they are so pressured into going back that there is no chance to fully recover. Senior Phoebe Elliott has a first-hand experience with this in her soccer career.

With having a total of eight concussions, Elliott is no longer cleared to play contact sports. When she was still able to play, even though she had a history of many concussions, this never stopped her from playing to her full potential. Elliott started playing soccer when she was very young. Starting this young taught her resilience and perseverance, which added to her wanting to keep going back so quickly. Elliott says she “honestly never thought about quitting” and even when she couldn’t play she went to all of the practices and games and was still a part of the team.

Now, Elliott goes to a neurologist after never fully recovering from her eighth

December

another year, another championship PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

O

BY HANNAH BRANDSER

nce again, the Eagles did it. The Eden Prairie Football Team took the fourth state championship in a row on Friday, November 21 at TCF Bank Stadium. Not only did they win a state championship, but they also are the first high school team to ever win four consecutive state championships.

Students made a Twitter hashtag called “#RT4,” meaning “Road To 4.” This hashtag became popular among many student, especially when it became true.

Now students have already started a “#RT5” hashtag.

Senior Matt Carson shared his experience playing at TCF with us. “The experience at TCF stadium is something that I will cherish forever,” said Carson.

“Being down 14 points at half, we had to come together and face adversity to win the game.”

“There was nothing more emotional than the moment when I looked up at the clock, with the final score of 28-27,” said Carson regarding the final outcome of the game. “Overall, I am truly blessed to have been a player on the 2014 Eagles Football Team.

It is a memory that will last forever.”

Winning the state championship was meaningful even for the players who couldn’t be on the field.. “It was awesome to be on the sidelines to support my team,” said senior Belal Omar who unfortunately tore his ACL prior to the state game. “I was really sad I wasn’t able to play in the state game, but I was really proud of how my boys played.”

Many seniors were ecstatic about the win. “It was an honor to be a spirit leader while our team was trying to make history,” said senior Sean Bernabo.

The student section was large and everyone was there for the same reason, to see the Eagles take the

concussion. Looking back, Elliott feels she could have prevented having repeated concussions by taking more time off after she got a concussion to make sure she was fully recovered. Elliott said, “There was a time that I got two concussions in two weeks”. Elliott knew that she needed to take it easy when coming back after a concussion, but during a game she never ducked, just got into the game and played all with instinct, like she had been taught to do from a young age.

Another dedicated soccer player is Junior Mollie Francis who is currently recovering from her third anterior cruciate ligament tear. Even though she has had one ACL tear in every year of her high school career, she still hopes to come back for her final season in high school and “wouldn’t want to miss it for the world.”

Although most people would think that having a history of ACL tears would make an athlete tentative to play to their full potential, Francis thinks that this actually motivates her to play beyond her full potential. Francis said “Watching your team from the bench for six months is one of the hardest things about this injury, but it made me realize that I should never take a single game or practice for

Sports

championship again. “It was so fun to pump up the boys when they were down,” Bernabo said. “Us eight spirit leaders did our best to keep the student section lively and the student section did a great job. They made our job as spirit leaders easy!”

The student spirit leaders coordinated this game to be a black out. It has been a tradition for the state games to be white out, then red out, and then black out. The spirit leaders have been coordinating these themes for years, so clearly these spirit themes brought good luck to the Eagles.

EPHS is one of a kind. Not only did the Eagles win because of the talent of the team, but because of school spirit. “It is amazing to think that our seniors have never experienced things except state championships in football,” said Principal Conn McCartan. “I hope everyone realizes how historically rare that is.”

granted. It is a gift that could go away at any point in time.”

Like Elliott, Francis has had a passion for soccer ever since she was a little girl and that is part of what keeps her motivated. Another motivator is her high school soccer team. Francis said her team was “so supportive and it was one of the greatest experiences I had ever been a part of.”

Athletic Trainer Gary Schmitt has had a lot of experience dealing with motivated high school kids who have been sidelined by injuries. In Schmitt’s experience he has found that some kids “want to be out” and are happy when they are told they have an injury. Then there are other kids who are seriously disappointed and are motivated and eager to come back. These kids then have to make a decision with their parents on whether or not it is best to come back.

Many kids will come back and in Francis’ case Schmitt said that she “should be able to overcome if she wants to play.” Which if someone has a passion for soccer, and is dedicated to their sport like Francis and Elliott, they will obviously want to play.

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Winter Sports Preview Check out theeyrie.org for more sports pictures

Girls Hockey

BY SARA MICHAEL Interview with Senior Ashley Astor

Q: What is your pre-game ritual?

A: We do team goals, listen to music and dance with the team.

Q: Who’s your biggest competition?

A: For sure, Hill Murray.

Q: What do you do to bond as a team?

A: Pasta dinners, go to Applebees and have team sleepovers.

Q: What separates your team from other teams in your league?

A: We only lost two players last season, and everyone who was on Varsity last year is on it this year as well. So we’re an old team with a great bond.

Captains: Angie Heppelmann, Lauren Boyle, Ashley Astor, Charly Dahlquist

Senior Isabelle Brosseau goes for the goal PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

Boys HockeY

BY SARA MICHAEL Interview with Senior Brady Schoo

Q: What is your pre-game ritual?

A: We watch the Junior Varsity team, play dust, warm up as a team, and get focused for the game.

Q: Who is your biggest competition?

A: Edina and Lakeville North.

Q: What do you do to bond as a team?

A: We hang out whenever we have time. After practice we usually go to Chipotle and after games we go to Applebee’s.

Q: What separates your team from other teams in the league?

A: We all have great chemistry, everyone knows their role. It’s just an all around great team.

Captains: Brady Schoo, Andy Aguilar, Michael Grahm

Sophomore Nolan Sullivan working hard on the ice PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

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December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

Boys Swim and Dive

BY KRISTINA BRIANT Interview with Senior Nick Remmes

Q: What is your pre-game/match ritual?

A: The captains give us a pep talk in the locker room.

Q: Who is your biggest competition?

A: Minnetonka.

Q: What do you do to bond as a team?

A: We have pasta dinners the night before meets and we go to Perkins after practice on Saturdays.

Q: What separates the EPHS boys/girls variety team from other teams in the league, like what makes you guys special as a team?

A: We keep it classy and have good sportsmanship.

Captains: Nick Remmes, Lenny Haung, Patrik Baandal, Sam Hansen

Sophomore Parket Hewitt executing his front crawl PHOTO BY ELLIE BARRETT

Gymnastics

BY CHRISTINA BRIANT Interview with Junior Piper Lincoln

Q:What is your pre-game/match ritual?

A: We have a pep talk and huddle up before our march to start the meet. And then after the march is over we huddle up and do a cheer.

Q: Who is your biggest competition?

A: Wayzata and Minnetonka for sure are our biggest competition.

Q: What do you do to bond as a team?

A. We are going to have probably two team sleepovers.

And we are also going to have this thing called gym buddies where an older girl will usually be paired up with a girl who is new on the team. They will talk to you and be your friend and show you how the practices work, sort of like a mentor. As an entire team, we will hang out together in the back room before a meet. We also want to go ice skating over winter break as a team.

Q: What separates the EPHS boys/girls variety team from other teams in the league, like what makes you guys special as a team?

A: We have a ton of depth. We have so many JV girls who are right now the edge of making varsity and they just need a little more time and a little more push and then our team will be really good in a couple of years because they will have moved up and taken all our spots.

Freshman Sara Mehlhaus performing on the high beam

Captains: Piper Lincoln, Heather Sarahan, Edda Perry

PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

Sports

17

Senior Elise Birkle skate skiing PHOTO BY ANTHONY ROSA

Junior Brady Rudrud guarding

Freshman Christianna Carr driving

PHOTO BY ELLIE BARRETT

PHOTO BY HANNAH BELONGIE

Boys Basketball Girls Basketball

NORDIC

BY DUSTIN WOLF

BY: KRISTINA BRIANT

BY MURPHY HULLETT-NELSON

Interview with Senior Blake Cashman

Interview with Senior Emma Boehm

Interview with Senior Marcus Russell

Q: What is your pre-game ritual?

A: Go home, get something to eat, watch the JV game and tune everything out with music.

Q: What do you think your schedule will look like this year?

A: We’re going to have a tough schedule this year and be challenged by teams with a lot of talent.

Q: Who is your biggest competition?

A: Hopkins, they’re always a solid team and they’re in our section, which means we have to beat them first in the playoffs Q: What do you do to bond as a team?

A: We have team dinners, do service projects like packing food and we have a night where we go see a basketball game.

Q:What is your pre-game ritual?

A: “If it is a home game, we do chapel which is where we have a pastor or youth leader come in and talk about God. Otherwise we all just listen to music and read the scouting reports Q:Did you have any big wins this season?

A:“Last season we beat Hopkins, the three time returning state champions in section semifinals and then we beat Minnetonka to win our section.”

Q:Who is your biggest competition?

A:“Our biggest rival this season is Eastview, they beat is in state semis last year. But, our biggest competition will probably be Hopkins.”

Q:What do you do to bond as a team?

A:“We have team sleepovers with lots of traditions that take place. We have pasta dinners, and we are doing team bonding activities this year like volunteering.”

Q: Who is your biggest rival this season?

A: Wayzta, but we’re gaining on them each race.

Q: What is your pre-ga,me ritual?

A: We always ski the course and get together with the team for a quick pep talk. The real ritual is after the reace when we discussed our performances and hang out on the bus ride home.

Q: How do you bond as a team?

A: We have an awesome bond on the team because we’re all friends outside of school. People say Nordic is kind of like a cult because we’re with each other almost all the time.

Captain: Blake Cashman

Captain: Marcus Russell

Captains: Emma Bohem, Alyssa Splittgerber and Andrea Jirele

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December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

Varsity jazz performing their routine PHOTO BY HANNAH BRANDSER

Senior Nick Schneider trying to pin down Senior Ben Branclae PHOTO BY ELLIE BARRETT

Junior Michael Richter downhill skiing PHOTO BY ANTHONY ROSA

Dance Team

Wrestling

Alpine Ski

BY: ABBY WARRICK

BY: ELLIE BARRETT

BY: ANTHONY ROSA

Interview with Senior Morgan Staloch

Interview with Senior Nick Schneider

Interview with Junior Colin Vehmeier

Q: What is you pre-performing ritual?

A: Our pre-performing ritual is eating “swag bursts” which is eating starbursts before every performance to help us get our style.

Q: What makes you different from other teams?

A: What makes us different is that even though we have varsity and J.V., we are all one team.

Q: Who is your biggest competition?

A: In our conference our biggest competition is Wayzata. At state our biggest competition is Eastview.

Q: What do you do to bond as a team?

A: In the beginning of practice we stretch together and we also bond at pasta D’s and team parties.

Q: How do you think the team will be this season?

A: We will probably have one of our best teams this year. Last year’s team was the best so far, but this year we have a really good senior class. There are also some good freshmen.

Q: Do you have any pre-match rituals?

A: I usually listen to pump-up music, drill with Ben to get a sweat going, stretch, and sometimes jump rope.

Q: What do you do to bond as a team?

A: Well for the senior class, we’re all best friends. All of us usually go out to McDonald’s or somewhere else after meets. At the end of the year, we have a big team party at Chris Timm’s house.

Q: Who is your biggest competition?

A: Wayzata is our biggest competition in the conference. Shakopee too.

Q. What do you do for team bonding?

A. We go to Lutsen, Minnesota together and play basketball.

Q. What is your pre-game ritual?

A. The team always sings “hard in the paint” together.

Q. What is the teams most difficult race expected to be this year?

A. The Buck invitational always proves to be challenging because a lot of good schools go there.

Q. Who is your biggest competition this season?

A. Probably Chanhassen. They are super fast and are really good going through the gates. They also have a state champion on their team.

Captains: Morgan Staloch, Kara Kroschell and Calley Hagen

Captains: Jackie Bellefeuille, Josh Liberko, Jack Nermyr, Julia Olson and Ali Sauer

Captains: TBD

Sports

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Cover Story

GRAPHIC BY TREVOR STANSBERRY AND ZOË GLENN

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December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

F•e•m•i•n•i•s•m A controversial word in a sexist world

BY SHERIDAN SWEE AND ZOË GLENN Zoë’s story: I never really thought I was a feminist. That word always had bad connotations.

My mom was a “feminist” in college, but then she married my dad. In my mind, she fell in love and stopped man-hating. I pictured her thinking, “Sure, I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with men but, obviously those things aren’t true of every man.” There and then, her short-lived feminism phase came to a screeching halt.

Thankfully, my imagination is -- and never was -- her reality.

Sheridan’s story: Growing up, I didn’t know that such a thing as sexism existed, let alone feminism. I lived in this ideal bubble where it was perfectly acceptable for my brother and I to play Polly Pockets and G.I. Joes together. In my mind, everyone lived the way we did. One day, I was reading a news story when this word I had never heard before appeared. “What does feminism mean?” I asked my dad. “It doesn’t matter,” was his reply. I couldn’t understand how something that seemed to pertain to myself didn’t matter to my own father.

Definition & History: Feminism is one of the hardest things to define because of the level of controversy, the number of misconceptions and the fast changing pace of its meaning. That being said, it is imperative that we, as a school, a country, and a human race, understand what feminism is in a world full of inequality. “There’s a lot of people in our school who think that feminism is a joke,” said senior Katherine Gao. “They just don’t understand it’s true meaning.”

Over the decades the picture of what a feminist looks like has changed from bra burning to disowning a feminine appearance to an anyone-can-be-a-feminist mindset. In 1840, with the beginnings of women’s suffrage to the 50s, women were advised to leave college early or not attend at all in order to fully embrace the popular suburban lifestyle.

Then in 1963 Betty Friedan wrote a book called “The Feminine Mystique” that asked a question that most women couldn’t yet articulate: Would being a housewife and mother provide them with a meaningful life? It started a second movement in feminism and the way women began to think about themselves. In the 1970s feminists fought for the Equal Rights Amendment guaranteeing that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” It ultimately failed.

IN THE NEWS: More recently, the movement has continued primarily in the world of social media. Beginning with the hashtag #YesAllWomen last spring, people expressed their thoughts on the unspoken reality of women and abuse. This campaign began in response to #NotAllMen and became an outlet for people to discuss their own stories of sexism. This trend’s goal was to shed light on harassment and other issues women face on a daily basis.

Even here at EPHS, feminism has recently found an outlet. Last year, seniors Katie Pudas and Katherine Gao formed Women’s Rights Club, a group dedicated to discussing obstacles women have both globally and locally. “I think it’s important because gender inequality is the common denominator of all other inequalities,” said Gao. “It is something so entrenched in social institutions that some people don’t even notice it.”

When students were asked where they learned the most about feminism, one sophomore girl answered, “I learned most of what I know from Emma Watsons speech to the UN.” Watsons speech addressing a new campaign, called #HeforShe that is working to rename feminism. Launched at the United Nations in late September, #HeforShe invites men as well as women to face the issues of sexism and gender inequality together. It focuses on the fact that women’s rights is not

Cover Story

exclusively a woman’s issue. “I have realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop,” Watson said.

As a society, particularly via social media, there is a tendency to say things out of ignorance and a desire to boost one’s self-esteem. If you google search the word “feminism,” one of the first sites found is a Tumblr page entitled, “Women Against Feminism.” When you click on the link, a photo will pop up on your screen of a woman’s face. She holds a piece of paper that reads, “I don’t need feminism because: I am not a delusional, disgusting, hypocritical man-hater! I respect men and they respect me!” These posts contradict the dictionary definition of feminism which is “the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.”

VIEWPOINTS: Feminism has often been maligned by the bombastic view of ignorant and angry people. As these views overwhelm social media, it can be difficult to learn the truth about feminism. Understanding what is true about Feminism will allow educated people to form their opinions.

Over the years certain assumptions have controlled the societal view of gender roles. It is the assumption that a woman will not go as far because some day she may have a child. The assumption that a woman is better off as a caretaker. It is the belief that the girl who looks more appealing to the societal eye will go farther in life. It is the 7 year old boy who is taunted with, “you throw like a girl.” It is the child who begs her dad to let her try out for the football team. The nine year old who is told she is ‘bossy’ for honing her leadership skills. It is the teenage boy who holds his tears in because he isn’t manly. It’s when your 6-year-old brother is laughed at for wanting to learn to knit. These are some of the roles that have been assigned to a particular gender which has widened the gap between men and women.

Sexism has become a desensitized subject because it is so normal. Senior Ellen Becker said, “Gender equality is probably a problem here at Eden Prairie High School, but I am so used to it, I don’t even notice it anymore.” Feminism isn’t being talked about on a school wide level because students are uneducated on gender inequalities, Emmett Dysart, a senior, says that feminism “is something we should pay more attention to because as a community we don’t put enough emphasis on the fact that all the rights I have as a man she doesn’t have as a woman.”

Women’s rights have come a long way in the last 100 years, and that shouldn’t be discredited. Women couldn’t vote less than a hundred years ago, and their roles in society have shifted from the domestic homemaker to an equal force in the work field. Needless to say, there has been major changes regarding gender equality.

A major achievement, passed during the 70s, is Title IX. This disallowed discrimination in school activities based on gender. “Before that time, all we had was GAA(Girl’s Athletic Association),” said social studies teacher Pam SkaarMeier. “We were ‘invited’ to come up to school 2 nights a week and ‘play’ on the gymnastic equipment, swim in the pool or play basketball or volleyball.”

Fortunately, this changed. “I had two friends that petitioned the MSHSL to practice with the boy’s swimming and golf teams,” Skaar-Meier said. “They were allowed to be there but couldn’t compete unless it was for an ‘exhibition’ event.

Now our girls don’t give a second thought to equal access to sports, careers or colleges.”

In an ever changing world, humans have always adapted and become enlightened to new ideas. Definitions and beliefs have changed with the views of many. Feminism has been a part of these changes for decades and will continue to evolve.

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Quotes from high school students regarding feminism: “Women’s rights.”

“We don’t put enough emphasis on feminism and everything that comes along with it, especially in our community.”

“Feminism is a problem with society in general, especially with rape.”

“A girl can say a little guy is cute, but then if a guy said a little girl was cute he would be a pedophile.”

“People get jobs just because they are men.”

“We (men) believe females are humans too.”

“No comment.”

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Feminism: from a guy’s point of view

I

BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

n the third grade, recess was the epitome of joy for all of the students at Holly Elementary School, not excluding myself. The boys of the grade would always get together to play football on the field; the girls would sit on the gymnastics bars and talk. This was set in stone just as the bell rang at 3:30 everyday without exception.

Often times you would have a boy join the girls, which was great because this particular boy was sincerely a ladies man, a little Johnny Rocket. But these anomalies of third grade law were not appreciated when reciprocated by the girls. A girl courageous enough to offer her talents to the teams were often ridiculed and scorned by the ranks of muddied prepubescent football stars. Girls were not meant to run. They were meant to stay clean and pretty because they were fragile. It was a truth instilled within our minds by our parents, our parent’s parents, and the basic principles of physics and the chemistry of nature.

As the sixth grade rolled on in with pimples and voice-cracks, the girls of our grade were told to “stay in the kitchen” and often told with the force and hubris of the dominant male growing within these misguided children to “make sandwiches.” Misogynistic, gender-role supporting comments like this were made throughout the school-day, often not even in the presence of girls.

These more serious insults created a moral crossroads: As a boy growing up, does one follow the path of most of my classmates or does one choose to abstain and rise above these pointless comments? Many boys did rise above. They saw that while these insults and slurs were pointless for themselves, they were meaningful and hurtful to the girls that they were directed at. This battle was subconscious of course, because at the time most of the comments were rooted in the unwavering truth: A sixth grade girl will, without fail, intimidate a sixth grade boy.

Most of the learning we do about each other and our species takes place in schools.

This being said, many people’s vocabulary and beliefs are influenced by people or figures that they idolize for being “cool.” Insults and sayings travel through the grapevine of peer pressure, which leads to the permeation of an expression into the growing minds of the youth. The word “bitch” is as slang for complaining, but is more often used by guys as an insult to either a.) denounce a woman for having assumed woman-like qualities, or b.) to say that a boy has these qualities, suggesting that they are feminine. As we all know this word means “female dog.” Sorry boys, but women are in fact human.

As a member of the same species, it would seem natural to support and respect all members of the human race. Historically speaking, this has not been the case. One of the reasons that men were revered as scientists and heroes in the past was because the woman were consistently pushed under the boots of men with the oppressive force of alleged inequality. Woman are in fact equal with men—after all, the only difference between the sexes is a “Y” chromosome, some hormones, and genitals.

Once all of the males on this planet realize that their ego can be dropped without penalty, we can begin to move towards a world where true equality exists: World peace is out of the question if we are consistently divided in half. After all, what’s so bad about girls?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but our birth mothers are female, and it can be concluded that our daughters will also be born female. The fact that my daughters will be treated the way women are today is the reason I’m a feminist. What’s yours?

December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

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23

Opinion

STAFF EDITORIAL: Ignorance of Misogyny

BY EYRIE STAFF

They say that ignorance is bliss. This could not ring truer than for the unconscious, prejudiced treatment of females in our school.

Many people understand that misogyny is still persistently existing. However people also assume that as a society humans have become more accepting of women in “nontraditional” roles.

There is also an assumption that males and females are close to being treated completely equally.

Just like with racism, this is not the case.

Misogyny is the dislike, contempt of, or ingrained prejudice against women. With such a harsh definition, one might think that modern human society is not capable of such actions. Few people realize that this ingrained prejudice against women didn’t disappear as society advanced, nor did discriminatory individuals become rarer. The people who perpetuate such treatment of females just became more clever.

Rather than bluntly stating that women belong

in the kitchen, people now issue more subdued statements. Things like “you throw or fight like a girl” are shining examples of this stealth sexism.

Due to the fact that misogyny has gone underground, people tend to believe that certain things they say are “just a phrase.” This ignorance even drives females to believe that something obviously sexist is just a phrase. The sexism in a human’s vernacular does not make them any better than a professed misogynist.

The professional world is another place where stealth misogyny thrives. From sexual harassment in the work environment, to being overlooked for promotions, women face constant discrimination as part of the work force. The most egregious example is the gender wage gap. This well-documented discrimination is ridiculous. Sexist bosses who think that a woman can’t handle a “man’s” job aside, this very practice has no actual foundation to stand on. Yet it persists to exist.

On average, male members of the workforce tend to earn 19% higher than female workers for

the same job.

Females also get covertly discriminated against in terms of behavior. The phrase “act like a girl” exemplifies this sentiment. Society has placed numerous, absurd standards for female behavior.

Scientifically speaking, about 100% of people are humans. Humans tend to vary in personality.

Despite this, society continually decides that half of the human population needs to conform to single standard of behavior. While many people complain about this practice, most decide that at least part of this absurd “law of the land” should be adhered to. This is not very solid proof of a supposedly progressive society.

Human beings are flawed creatures. However, one of the gifts we have is the ability to better ourselves. This means that being ignorant of your own misogyny does not excuse you from the things you say or do. You may think like a sexist, but it does not mean you have to act like one. Its the deeds and behavior of a society’s people that decide its perspective.

Drug use funds mexican civil war

BY JEAN-PIERRE TOSSA The more illegal drugs people buy in America, the more blood is spilled in Mexico.

American citizens, due to their obsession with illegal addictive substances and recreational drugs, continually fund the drug cartels that are responsible for more than 111,000 deaths in Mexico. This despicable disregard for human life has no excuse.

Due to the fact that it is wedged between North and South America, Mexico has been used as a transportation point for narcotics and other contraband since the 1920s. During the Prohibition era, Mexican bootleggers supplied the American populace with illegal alcohol. This opened the door for an increased illegal drug trade, and by the 1960s Mexico became a major drug trafficking area. This commerce led to the rise of powerful drug cartels that attempted to gain a cut of the booming trade.

With this competition comes violence. Due to the lucrative drug market in the United States, the drug cartels continually attempt to consolidate power. This has led to unceasing gang wars. This brutal violence encompasses everything from mass beheadings to kidnapping and execution of children, all to force other cartels to surrender their drug producing properties. This also serves to strike fear into the Mexican government and civilians, leaving them too scared of the consequences to attempt to improve their situation.

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Mexican Army soldiers in trucks patrol the streets of a Mexican town.

CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTO

In addition to Americans financing the drug war for the cartels, the United States is also one of the sources of firearms for Mexican gangs. Mexico has one gun shop for the entire country, making it very difficult to gain access to guns for most people. Thus the drug cartels utilize American and Guatemalan smugglers to gain their armaments. The cartels then use the American guns to kill Mexican police officers and soldiers, stealing their higher quality gear. This

has led to the Mexican gangs’ possession of military grade weapons, such as assault rifles and grenade launchers.

Eight years have passed since the start of the Mexican Drug War. With no end in sight, the 111,000 death toll increases by approximately 10,000 each year. Every time a drug dealer is paid, the money flows into funding someone’s death. So is that few hours of pleasure worth ending another human’s life?

December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

Sext me back Why Sexting Is Normal and Should Not Be Illegal Among Teenagers

BY ANTHONY ROSA

In 2009, approximately 3500 minors were liberties such as the first amendment is to protect arrested for sexting. Many of these minors individuals from being forced to adhere to others’ were charged with felonies such as creation, bizarre morals. possession, and dissemination of child Furthermore, laws are designed to protect pornography. In addition to these charges, sexting victims from offenders, but in a mutually can also constitute as eight misdemeanors. This is consensual act such as sexting, there is no ridiculous. Sexting is not unethical and it should victim and therefore there should be no law. not be illegal for kids to sext.

However, a common argument in support of the The Minnesota Department of Corrections criminalization of sexting is that many times the has stated that sexting becomes a prominent explicit image is unwillingly sent to third parties “problem” among teens from the ages 16-18. By that were not originally intended recipients. This the age of 16, one has most is fairly feeble as “People need to spend argument certainly reached the age there are specific legal avenues of reason and is completely a lot less time worrying such as tort law to address intelligible about their actions. sharing private photos against about a couple of Kids also have their first someone’s wishes. So, sexting amendment right to free aroused minors sending laws don’t protect anyone and speech, and text messaging is only subject the “sexters” to a petty pictures to considered speech. So, if teens lifetime of strife trying to find a have a right to free speech each other and more job as a registered sex offender. and are fully conscious of the Lastly, according to the time worrying about American decisions they are making, why Civil Liberties should sexting be regulated?

Union over half of all teens themselves.”

This is just another example of admit engaging in some type the government overstepping of sexting. This indicates that sexting is not a its bounds and unjustly intervening in the social disturbing act that creepy perverts engage in, affairs of its denizens. but rather an instinctive act that arises from the People need to spend a lot less time worrying natural hormonal changes in teens. about a couple of aroused minors sending petty People have a right, both constitutionally and pictures to each other and more time worrying inherently, to control what they do with their about themselves. Seriously, it’s just a picture own bodies and this basic right should stop being of genitalia. Stop acting like five year olds and infringed upon for something as trivial as sexting. grow up. The entire point behind individual GRAPHIC BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

Bullying Will never go away

BY HANNAH BELONGIE The concepts and understanding of bullying have been incorporated into our school environment ever since we were little kids. When I was younger, I remember all of the speeches we were given for bullying awareness telling us to always stand up for kids that were being victimized.

If you could not stand up to the bully, we then were supposed to tell a teacher or an adult. For most of these incidents, none of those two things happened. The kids who were bullied continued to get bullied and the kids who were bullying continued to bully. Why do people bully? It is a question I ask myself constantly and can only come to a few conclusions.

In all of the movies, there is usually a classic plot of the popular kids picking on the nerdy misfits. But in reality, that is not how it is for every case. I have now started to assume that it is always the popular students doing the bullying. This is not an accurate perception of society anymore.

The bullying comes from students who are not necessarily popular but possibly have low confidence. These people who are putting others down are constantly troubled by their self-esteem. So in short, bullies feeds off another person’s hurt and low self-esteem in order to help themselves feel better.

Although schools are always trying to spread bully awareness to all of the students, there will always be people who struggle with their self-esteem. Because of this, it is impossible to completely rid the schools of bullying.

Opinion

25

Point/Counterpoint: Im

Keep the dream alive: Immigration helps o

BY MAX CHAO

has lived in America his entire life. They have grown up as Americans and have built their lives in this country. They should not be punished for something that wasn’t even their choice.

As the long-standing issue of immigration once again makes its way to the political spotlight, it’s natural that the immigration debate will start up again.

These proposed rights shouldn’t just be extended to DREAMers, however.

President Obama is planning on implementing an executive order that will expand Anyone who has a clean record should have the right to live in America if they amnesty for some of the 11 million illegal immigrants that currently reside in so choose. We have already had two great waves of immigration that have helped the United States. While Obama’s use of an executive order to achieve this goal is shape this country, and we are in the middle of the third. Why should we inhibit something that has helped make America the superpower that it is today? controversial, it is necessary because Congress has failed to pass any legislature to do so in the past.

Even if we were to pass legislation to tighten immigration rules, we already Over the past 40 years, the immigrant population of the United States has have around 11 million illegal immigrants living in the country. With that many tripled, with approximately 11 million doing so illegally. Many of these immigrants currently living in the United States, it would be nearly impossible to deport all brought their young children with them when they immigrated. These now grown- of the immigrants. A better course of action is to give them all of the rights and up children, dubbed “DREAMers” by the government, are those who will be given advantages of being an American citizen, and let them work and get educated so work permits and permanent residency by the executive action. Previous attempts they can be useful members of society without worrying about being prosecuted by to make similar provisions legal through congress include the DREAM Act the government.

Many of these immigrants have had children here that have become citizens (Development Relief, and Education for Alien Minors), which has been struggling through naturalization. Not only would deporting these children’s parents be cruel, to get approval by congress since 2001.

These DREAMers have no reason to be deported any more than someone who but it would also create an issue for the government as they would have to pay to

Lets Keep American in the american dream: St

BY SARA MICHAEL

was shown when President Obama banished enforcement actions against the “Dreamers” immigration policy in 2012, providing an opportunity for a portion of Illegal immigrants who will receive President Barack Obama’s upcoming the illegal immigrants population to continue living in the country without fear of executive amnesty will have immediate access to a variety of public benefits deportation. In a span of just a few months, approximately 175,000 teenagers and including welfare and other assistance not available to the majority of hard-working their families from Central America surged across the border. taxpayers. The harsh reality is that Americans are left paying for illegal immigrants Obama’s plan is quite contradicting. He had said in previous years that he did to receive public benefits through high taxes. The president is legalizing five million not want the children of illegal immigrants to suffer due to the decisions of their new workers, which is significantly more than the 1.4 million immigrants who parents. But this policy goes beyond benefitting the children of immigrants; it also gained amnesty in 2012 – a move that didn’t help the economy and wages when exempts the parents as well. they became very stagnant.

Most importantly, Obama’s amnesty plan is very costly. The vast majority of The economy is currently struggling and wages are dormant yet the president those who gain residency under Obama’s new plan will be poor. Their low incomes is carelessly deposing five million more people into the workforce, almost forty will qualify them for social programs just as soon as their paperwork is finished. percent of whom have been convicted of crimes ranging from stolen vehicles to This is not an affordable act by any means. Nearly 40 percent of the net growth in homicide. the Medicaid population is made up of immigrants and their children. Sooner than The immigration plan will also invite new generations of illegal immigrants later, social benefits such as Section Eight housing vouchers, Medicaid, and food due to Obama’s ratification of the U.S. enforcement policy. This consequence stamps will begin to grow proportionately.

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December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

mmigration

our country prosper send them to a foster home or orphanage. Even if one of the parents was allowed to stay, the government would most likely have to pay for welfare to help support the broken family.

Loosening immigration regulations isn’t just a kind act towards a group of people. Immigration brings a whole new workforce that is necessary for a country to thrive. One of the most prevalent arguments against immigration reform is that a greater influx of immigrants will create more competition in the workforce.

However, studies have shown that this is not the case. In 2005, the Pew Hispanic Center found that the vast majority of illegal immigrants worked lowskill jobs such as farming, cleaning, and construction. Because most immigrants will search for jobs that require minimal training, they won’t conflict with native workers who will usually have at least a high school diploma because of free education available to American citizens.

Immigration is one of the most hotly debated issues currently on the political agenda. However, the evidence clearly shows that many immigrants just want to come to this country for a better way of life. Failure to let these people join our nation of immigrants goes against the that has led our country to greatness.

top illegal immigration The United States has historically ignored the cost of immigration decisions.

Dating back to the late 1970s, people living in immigration households were 30 percent more likely to be poor compared to the average native born. Approximately, by the late 1990s, people in immigrant households were 85 percent more likely to be poor than native-born. Acting consciously or not, the United States immigration policy has dreadfully multiplied the number of poor people living in the United States. The president’s plan will put nearly all of them on the path to qualify for social benefits, including welfare.

Overall, the majority of Americans are also unaware of how Obama’s amnesty plan will convulse American politics. Although it is legal nullification, Obama is overstepping his boundaries and creating a rocky relationship with Congress.

What the infamous leader of the free world is doing has never been done before in American politics. Some would argue that it is simply unconstitutional. Regardless of the president’s good intentions for illegal immigrants, it is not benefitting the American people in any way.

facebook ban:

Students use Facebook for academic purposes, so why is it blocked?

F

BY SHERIDAN SWEE

acebook groups are an effective way to communicate to the masses. Whether it’s for alerting people when a club is meeting or sharing study guides the night before a test, Facebook tends to be used for educational purposes within our school. Speaking for myself, literally every single Facebook notification I have is completely school related. So why is it blocked?

Let’s be realistic, who actually uses Facebook for social purposes besides your parents and older people? Maybe you post a few pictures sporadically from events like Homecoming, but on a daily basis sites like Twitter are more commonly used.

Believe me, I’m not advocating for Twitter to be blocked, but I’m wondering why a website that has so many benefits and opportunities for our school is.

I understand how Facebook may have been scary when it first became popular. It was probably a big distraction to students in 2008, but now…? Definitely not.

The people who make technology decisions in our district are behind the times and are failing to recognize an excellent mode of communication.

Facebook is an easy way to share information, documents, videos etc. Blocking causes an annoying hassle in which I have to email a document from my school computer to myself in order to upload it from another computer.

The thing that really bothers me is that Facebook and other sites like Instagram are not only blocked when connected to the high school Wi-Fi, they’re also blocked while I’m at home. Hours of my life are wasted away doing homework after school and if I have a question about something, guess who I ask? The people in my AP Euro Facebook group. Even if I’m just bored, why does the school limit what sites I can access, especially if they’re appropriate?

Overall, blocking social media sites is an inconvenience and obstacle to learning. It is mainly a hindrance to our ability to communicate as a student body and it ultimately does not stop students from accessing these sites. It just makes it more difficult.

“The people in our district are behind the times and are failing to recognize an excellent mode of communication.”

GRAPHIC BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

Opinion

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Opinionettes Video games affecting relationships

BY ELLIE BARRETT “If a guy pauses his video game to text you back….marry him.” Really? If you’re more important than a violent video game, you must mean a lot? Girls have been tricked into thinking they’re worth less than a $25 videogame. First of all, if a guy is trying to talk to a girl, he should make the time to talk to her instead of sending one-worded meaningless texts in between graphic shooting sprees. What ever happened to going on dates and not sitting around watching your boyfriend play his game with his friends? We can only imagine how much more meaningful relationships were when there were no video games and guys took the time to plan something nice for their girlfriends. I’m sure there still are guys like that out there, but if millions of girls believe this famous tumblr quote, obviously there aren’t enough of them. Guys: Take some time and plan something for your girl. It will mean more than anything to them.

Girls: You are worth more than any video game. Don’t let a guy make you feel special just by pausing a game to send you a text. There are guys who exist who will make more time for you

Voter Turnout

By Andrew Donohue On November 4th this year, the voters of America headed to the polls to have their opinion heard and help determine who would control Congress for the next two years. Or should I say, one third of voters headed to the polls. That’s right, the voter turnout for these elections was a whopping 36.4%. That is abysmal. Voting is how we as citizens influence our elected leaders.

We often hold up our country as a shining example of the democratic process while in actuality, we are too lazy and disaffected to even care enough to vote. This is the ultimate indictment of us as a country. Americans are usually mocked for their bulging waistlines and cultural idiocy. Turns out what we really should be lampooned for is our complete lack of interest in the government of our country. Disinterest in our government means that you have no interest in who has power over your life. You are sacrificing your right to choose who determines things that have a direct impact upon you. If citizens can’t even be bothered to go vote, how soon is it until we have no vote?

TRANSPHOBIA IN SPORTS

by Murphy hullet- nelson

Oh Snap

BY AMIE STAGER You might’ve heard about the recent Snapchat leak. Around one hundred thousand images were released two months ago. The source was a breach of security in a third-party app, Snapsave. It’s used to save snapchats that usually disappear after a few seconds.

What makes this problem worse is that most of them were sexually explicit images from teenagers. This is child pornography.

While some people had enough integrity to warn others not to spread or look at the images, there are some sickos out there who didn’t listen.

If your reason to sext using Snapchat is that it gets deleted right away, think again. People screenshot. Third-party apps leak.

Your snaps are not safe. I understand the pressure that people face to send nudes, but do you really want some creep peeking at your naked body?

Snapchat isn’t my favorite. I don’t understand why everyone is so obsessed with it. I rarely use it, and I would never use it to sext.

We live in a world where we broadcast our entire lives in 6-second vines and 10-second snapchats. What happened to old-fashioned letters? Where’s the romance? Be smart about what you’re downloading to your phone and where you’re putting images you’d like to keep private.

Peanut Butter Upset

BY LUCI BESSINGER What’s this new paste being sold in the new commons? It is a thick brown material with a slime coating, also called “peanut butter.” I am not sure how or why the school thinks this fake clone of Jiff peanut butter is okay. It is far from okay. So far that it could be mistaken for cat food.

Some say I tend to exaggerate sometimes, but I am telling you, this is not one of those cases. It may smell like peanut butter, but don’t believe your nose. My advice to the school board or whoever is in charge of this upset of a peanut butter: Feed others what you would want to be fed.

Michelle Obama will not ruin my high school peanut butter experience. If you would like to join me, I will be going on protest and bringing my own, real Jiff peanut butter for lunch.

In recent news, the Minnesota High School league passed a notion that lets transgender students play on the team that aligns with their true gender identity. Many people are up in arms about this decision including the Minnesota Child Protection League, who has been putting out transphobic advertisements about the new policy. Trans women are women. Stop the violence against trans women by misgendering them and not letting them play on the girl’s team. This goes the same for trans men; they are men. Please let our trans and gender nonconforming students feel comfortable in this school environment.

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December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

ACT Preparation Offered at Eden Prairie High School from

2:45- 3:15

Below are various scores of students who took this class Claire Zurn and McKinley Swift: 35 Drew Wassenaar, Alyssha Maes, and Mitchell Gardner: 34 Sarah Coolidge and Sophie Farmer: 32 Cameron Dobler: from 25 to 32 Jacob Head and Sam Pahl: 31

Contact: Mholm50@yahoo.com

Cost: $250

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Opinion

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Profile

30

December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

DANCING HIS WAY INTO THE SPOTLIGHT S

BY LUCI BESSINGER

pinning on his head, senior Kyle Hauschild feels a rush of expression.

Ever since eighth grade, Hauschild has been passionate about breakdancing. He and few friends of his started dancing for free time at the Central Middle School in Eden Prairie. At the age of 14, Hauschild was ready to start showing off his secret skill.

“I try to perform in all of the shows that I can like the Variety Show, school dances, and I want to perform at the next pep-fest,” Hauschild said. However, for one to perform, one must practice first. Following this rule, Hauschild has been practicing at “open sessions.” These are free studio opportunities to dance and express yourself with your friends. Open sessions are often held at Normandale or the dance studio in Shakopee. Hauschild said that he often goes with friends but

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then dances with random people in search of new styles. Senior James Kang, one of Hauschild’s friends, said, “I think Kyle was just born gifted at dancing and he works really hard on it. He has a passion for it and it really shows.”

Due to this shared passion of Hauschild and his friends, they decided to create a Breakdance Club at EPHS. He chose to start this club to help people find their passion for dancing. Hauschild said that you don’t need to be a professional to join, him and other will teach you. “There are about 14 people in our club and we welcome anyone else who wants to join,” he said. They often meet in the wrestling room or rehearsal hall and free style dance and teach each other new moves.

DANCING continued on pg. 32 >>

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<< DANCING from pg. 31

PHOTOS BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

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Other than breakdancing, Hauschild fills his time as being a member of Step Team and Business Professionals of America (BPA). These two activities involve a lot of skill. Step Team requires the use of rhythm and hard work. BPA is also an activity that involves a lot of hard work.

Last year, Kyle competed in the Regional, State, and National Competition for BPA. He competed in an event called Video Production Team and placed as a finalist at the National Competition.

Although these extra activities seem very filling, Hauschild said that they don’t cause a problem with his dancing.

“I really enjoy dancing, it’s not a hassle.

It’s never like ugh I have to go to practice. It’s something I really love to do,” Hauschild said.

When he chooses to practice, Hauschild said that he likes all types of music. He often tries out different genres of music to find different ways to express himself. He also stated that he breakdances because it is visually cool and a fun activity. Hauschild is hopeful that all breakdancer beginners give it time: “Keep practicing, it might look funny at first but if you keep practicing you eventually get the rhythm.”

Although breakdancing is Hauschild’s favorite way of expressing himself, another way he does is by his hair. “I really enjoy my hair,” he said. Styled upward, his funky, bright red color hair boldly expresses Hauschild’s run personality.

Overall, his interests tie together to create one unique passion. Hauschild ended with touching on his inspiration: “It’s always me wanting to improve. It’s self motivation.” ∆

December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

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Feature

Building for Change Students Remodel for Habitat for Humanity STORY AND PHOTOS BY CLAIRE HASSLER “Is it a living thing?” junior Kaylee Poeppel asked as her group began another game of 20 Questions while painting the upstairs bedroom of a house in St. Paul. Early on November 15, students made the trek to the city to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s winter volunteer event. For eight hours, Eden Prairie students were able to to forget the world and engulf themselves in the selfless act of volunteering.

The house the students painted has been a work in progress for the past six months; it is one of the larger, more luxurious models. Students painted the entire house, leaving only a few small steps until the house is complete.

George and Sahtan and their eight children, a family that has emigrated from Ethiopia, will be receiving the home.The family expects to receive the completed house on Dec. 4, just in time for the holidays.

When asked to describe the family, Habitat for Humanity supervisor Zack Zoul had nothing but positive things to say.

“They are a very kind and hardworking family… they’re there early, and they leave late. They never make waves, they never complain about anything ever, and they’re really generous.

They always bring stuff by for the volunteers,” he said.

All families who receive houses from the organization are required to spend 500 hours working on the project. Although the family was not present during this year’s build, Eden Prairie students have interacted with the families on previous occasions, “I’ve seen the families working before and they’re always so cheerful to build the house and you can see how happy they are to get a home like this and to have a home in general,” senior Josh Liberko said.

Besides affecting individual families, Habitat for Humanity has had a huge impact on communities all around the United States.

Previous to being a site supervisor, Zoul worked for Habitat in Jacksonville, Florida, where his team built several houses. After the builds, several local businesses were attracted to the area and created jobs for citizens. “That’s what I thought was the coolest thing, because I was literally there in the neighborhood and it was slow, it took a while, but eventually when all was said and done, the neighborhood was way better just from those few houses,” Zoul said of the progress seen in the town.

Liberko, who is a leader of the Habitat for Humanity club

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EPHS Students wo

at EPHS, has been on four builds before. In his experience, he has realized that the social aspect of Habitat for Humanity is an important part of the club. “A lot of people sign up and you don’t know them but then you paint with them for 8 hours and you get to know a lot of new people, I think that’s really cool,” Liberko said.

A few students began a game of 20 Questions, and eventually about half of the crew joined in. All the kids bonded over the creativity. “It was an amazing experience playing 20 Questions with my group and getting to know the people that are also in the club,” Poeppel said.

Junior Mena Youssef also had a pleasant experience. “It’s very fun and different and makes you feel good that you’re helping someone out who isn’t as fortunate as you to have a house,” said Youssef.

Habitat for Humanity provides students an opportunity to make a direct impact on the community, Zoul said, “I think it’s just fun, I mean why not? There’s a lot of stuff you can do with your free time, but I think carving out a little bit to do something that’s kind of meaningful… goes a long way, so it’s worth it.”

Seniors Madison Evans and Varun

December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

Say it Ain’t So

When a Major Cause of Stress is Your Parents

BY ABBY WARRICK In high school there are a wide variety of things that can contribute to stress for students. There is the pressure to maintain good grades, stay involved in clubs and sports, trying to get enough sleep, and for many kids, making money. But for some students a main source of stress comes from their parents.

Most parents want the best for their kids. They can be encouraging, motivational, and supportive, but they can also be aggravating.

“My parents really push me to do well in school and to try my best. It can get challenging, especially with activities,” said junior Anna Gallenberger. School in general is often extremely stressful for students and with an additional amount of pressure to do well from your parents it can get overwhelming.

There are a large number of kids at Eden Prairie High School who want to excel academically. Most kids have the motivation to do their best. “It can get really stressful because I try to exceed in everything even though it’s not possible all the

time,” said Gallenberger.

For other kids the stress coming from their parents isn’t typically academic based. “My parents are always telling me to do extra stuff. My home life and making sure things are clean comes in front of my schoolwork,” said junior Jenny Malina.

Malina thinks that her education and school should come before a clean house and there are times where her parents are causing extra stress.

Health teacher Joan Anderson says that stress from parents is one of the bigger issues among teens, but there are many ways kids can deal with this stress. “Communicate with your parents and don’t shut them out,” said Anderson. Anderson suggests going for a walk to tell your parents about how you feel.

Although it might seem like parents are being irritating, they are probably doing it for your benefit. “Although my parents can cause a lot of stress, I know they are doing it for my own good,” said Gallenberger. “They try to get me to do my best because they believe I can.”

DO you want to build a snowman?

orking to turn this Habitat House into a home.

Students share their winter traditions

BY AMIE STAGER

n Nandyal paint a bedroom at the Habitat House.

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Peppermint is in the air. Boots are shuffling and sliding.

Snow is sparkling. Winter climate and culture is thriving in Minnesnowta this year. Sure, it may be cold, but that doesn’t stop the festivities. Snow is the perfect excuse to stay inside and blanket up in front of the fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa and a good book. Some people take advantage of the weather, snowmobiling and ice-skating during this season. Winter is a prime time to cultivate memories and traditions. At EPHS, there are myriad amounts of winter and holiday tradition stories.

Senior Karena Lin and her family go skiing every now and then, although her mom has a fear of chair lifts. “One time when I was little, she fell off of one,” Lin said. “It wasn’t that bad, though.”

Pets enjoy winter, too. When freshman Reese Bean was little, her dog was a troublemaker. “When me and my sister went sledding in our backyard, my dog used to pluck off our boots and pull us through the snow,” Bean said.

Senior Maria Emerson gets two Thanksgivings and Christmases every year. “Half of my family is Swedish and half of my family is Italian,” she said. “At the Italian Christmas, there is such an insane amount of food that we just sit around and eat all day.”

During winter, it’s important to wear layers and to shield your skin from the harsh wind and snow. But every year, there are those people out in the cold without a coat or a hat. For sophomore Jameson Bernhagen, stripping layers is a celebratory tradition. “Every New Year’s, I go out in a T-shirt and shorts and jump in the snow,” he said.

After principal Conn McCartan has both sides of his family over for Christmas, he locks the doors and his family spends time with one another. “We don’t even get out of our pajamas,” he said.

“If we get time with the kids, it’s really precious.”

Time is precious, and winter shouldn’t stop anyone from having as much fun as they can. Whether you celebrate the snow or the holidays, winter is a festive and delightful time of year in which families and friends are able to create lifelong memories and traditions. It makes battling the cold much easier.

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RECIPES: Peppermint Puppy Chow

BY ABBEY MERTZ

If you’re looking for a creative and delicious recipe for the holidays this year, this one is for you! Chex cereal combined with white chocolate and crushed candy canes will make for the perfect holiday treat.

Ingredients: -5 cups rice Chex cereal -10 ounces (about 1 cup) melting white chocolate or almond bark -1 cup crushed candy canes (about 15) -1 cup powdered sugar

PHOTO BY ABBEY MERTZ

Directions: 1. Pour 5 cups of Chex Cereal into a large bowl.

2. Melt white chocolate/almond bark according to the package directions.

3. Pour melted chocolate over cereal, stirring until the cereal is completely covered. Add the crushed candy canes.

4. In a large zip lock bag or covered container, add the powdered sugar. Pour the chocolate covered cereal/candy canes into the large bag or container. Seal the bag or container and shake until all the cereal is coated with the powdered mixture.

5. Discard excess powder and enjoy!

Peppermint Mocha Frozen Hot Chocolate

BY GRACE KASBOHM

This is a fun twist on a classic holiday drink! It is perfect to drink by a warm fire during a cold winter day.

Makes 2 servings Ingredients: 2 Envelopes Nestlé® Hot Cocoa Rich Milk Chocolate 8 ounces Milk ½ cup Coffee-mate Peppermint Mocha Coffee creamer 2 cups ice cubes Directions: 1. Place the Nestle Cocoa mix, milk and Peppermint Mocha creamer in a blender. Blend on high for 2 minutes.

2. Add ice cubes to blender and blend on high until ice is crushed completely.

3. Pour into mugs and garnish with a candy cane, whipped cream and crushed candy cane.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

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December 2014

Winter WondeRland How to Make Your Own Snowglobe STORY AND PHOTOS BY GILLIAN HOLTE

Everyone loves a homemade gift. Whether it is birthday, holiday, or a “hey I was thinking of you” gift. With the holidays just around the corner, you might be scrambling to come up with the perfect homemade gift for your loved ones. Here is a “make it yourself” snow globe that everyone will love.

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Directions:

You will need: jar, hot glue, glitter, plastic figurines and a glue gun.

1. Hot glue the figurine onto the inside of the lid.

2. Fill jar with water until almost completely full.

3. Once the glue is set you can test the water level by putting the lid onto the jar.

4. Take the lid back off and pour glitter into the jar.

5. On the inside of the lid, line it with hot glue.

6. Before the glue hardens twist the lid onto the jar.

7. Keep twisting until the lid is securely on the jar.

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Holiday Lights STORY AND PHOTOS BY ABBEY MERTZ

After Thanksgiving passes by, many families have traditions to set up Christmas lights. Some put a few rows of lights on their house, but others go all out and fill their yard and house with decorations. If you're looking for a fun filled night with lots of lights, these houses will be sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

108 5th avenue north Hopkins, MN Inflatables, colorful lights, hot air balloon

6525 Bay Drive Eden Prairie, MN Full front and back yard display, multicolored lights, and reindeer

324 10th Avenue North Hopkins, MN Over 15 inflatables, hot air balloon, mechanical animated Santa

10422 Briar Circle Bloomington, MN Manger scene, inflatable snowmen, Christmas radio that guests can tune into

5324 Interlachen Blvd Edina, MN Moving reindeer, Santa on the roof, inflatable polarbear, wide variety of colored lights

1101 Naumkaeg Street South Shakopee, MN Victorian style home, array of lights and inflatables

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December 2014 -- theeyrie.org

GINA MARIA’S PIZZA FRESH HOT PIZZA SERVING EDEN PRAIRIE SINCE 1975 !

Takeout & Delivery (952)

937-1589

7416 Mitchell Road

Proudly Supports Eden Prairie Schools Locally Owned & Operated

Order online www.realpizza.com NOW HIRING! WE WANT YOU! flexible schedule - fun - we will train

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