The Eyrie: February Issue • 2015

THE EYRIE Eden Prairie High School

Vol. 54. No. 3 // February 2015

S e i l i m a f o Being oF t w

! s e l g a E y a D s ' e n i t n e l a V Hap p y This month is filled with lots of love.

From the Selgaes Dance to many sporting events, there is lots to do. Open up to see our school’s witty opinions and heartfelt stories, and even some super sweet treats. Go outside and enjoy the beautiful winter weather, maybe using the Eyrie’s feature “What to do in a day.” We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day and an amazing start to your first half of third quarter!

Xoxo, Luci & Hannah

STAFF

Policies News Editor

Editors-in-chief

Max Chao

Hannah Brandser Luci Bessinger

A & E Editor

Managing Editor

Elizabeth Kenyon

Luci Bessinger

Chief of Photography Trevor Stansberry

Sheridan Swee

Zoë Glenn

Advertising Mangers

Business Manager Andrew Donohue

Website Editor Amie Stager Claire Hassler

Opinion Editor

Jean-Pierre Tossa

Sports Editor Ally Thorsen

Hannah Brandser

Feature Editor

Editor of Design

Luci Bessinger Anthony Rosa

Cover Story Editors

Profile Editor Gillian Holte

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

Adviser

Jodie Flolid Instagram: @theeyrie Twitter: @The_Eyrie Web: www.theeyrie.org

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.

Editorials Staff Editorials are staff-written and approved by a two-thirds majority of the staff. All other opinion pieces reflect the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication, student body, faculty or administration.

Printer The Eyrie is printed by the Eden Prairie Schools Printing Services, partnered with Loffler CompaniesShana Finnegan.

17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346

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

on the cover

THE EYRIE Eden Prairie High School

Vol. 54. No. 3 // February 2015

Being oF tw o familieS

Cover designed by Trevor Stansberry, Hannah Brandser and Zoë Glenn Photo submitted by the Briant Family

The Eyrie VOL. 54, NO.1 // FEBRUARY 2015

Kristina talks about adoption on pg. 12

Amie takes a selfIe on pg. 26

unique pets on pg. 27

Black coffee and waff le bar on pg. 7

Maya plays the guitar on pg. 8

Paula Paints on pg. 17

Eden Prairie dominates on pg. 9

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What to do In a day

BY ABBEY MERTZ AND CLAIRE HASSLER

Minneapolis offers a plethora of unique activities ranging from local restaurants to various museums. At times, choosing something to do can be overwhelming. We have narrowed it down for you to four reasonably-priced options that result in a perfect day in this beautiful city we are able to call our own.

Magers and quinn booksellers 3038 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis

Booklovers across the metro area will love this unique store. Filled to the brim with books, it is easy to spend hours among the shelves of Magers and Quinn. They sell books of all genres, appealing to audiences of all ages. Don’t forget to sign the guestbook on your way out!

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February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

Spyhouse Coffee 945 Broadway Street Northeast Minneapolis, MN

Nestled in the corner of a quaint, scenic street in Minneapolis is Spyhouse Coffee Shop. When you first go in, the smell of freshly brewed coffee surrounds you. The atmosphere makes you feel comfortable and at home which makes the perfect place to sit down with a friend or do some homework.

THE DEPOT

THE SMACK SHACK

If you’re looking for the perfect place to have fun during the winter months, the Depot is something you don’t want to miss. Surrounded with windows, the Depot makes it possible to enjoy these scenic winter days without freezing your tail off. People of all ages and abilities can enjoy figure skating under a disco ball while listening to trendy music.

In addition to being a great place to spend time with friends and family, $6-$9 admission and $7 skate rental are easy on your wallet.

If you are a seafood fanatic looking for a fantastic and filling meal, this restaurant is definitely for you. The Smack Shack is a casual and retro style restaurant that is famous for their fresh lobster. There are a variety of dishes to choose from. Ranging from $10-$20 for a main course, their meals aren’t too pricey, but it really depends on how much you order. All of their food is delicious, so anything you order off the menu would be a good choice.

225 South 3rd Ave, Minneapolis

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603 Washington Avenue North in Minneapolis

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laughing through your tears L

BY SHERIDAN SWEE

ouisa Clark, desperate to find a job during the recession, becomes employed by a woman to spend time with her quadriplegic son, Will. She initially doesn’t understand why; after all, she’s not qualified to take care of him medically. She soon discovers Will had attempted to commit suicide, and she’s basically there to prevent it from happening again. In addition, Will’s parents have agreed to allow him to euthanize himself in six months if he still wants to end his life.

Louisa is thus determined to show Will why there is a purpose to living, and takes the reader on a series of adventures and tears. “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes is a heartbreaking story about family, relationships, and how certain events can change your life forever.

Written simplistically, “Me Before You” is a book that

everyone can understand, relate to and enjoy.

The witty banter back and forth between characters brings a lighthearted feel to the overall story, contrasting the controversial subject of a person’s right to die with dignity.

This book will make you smile, but it will also leave you in tears.

Overall, I enjoyed this book, but it is definitely a tear-jerker. The only thing I didn’t care for was the pacing of the story. The beginning and introduction of the characters seemed to last much longer than necessary, and the final ending arrived far too quickly.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something entertaining and deep. It’s an easy book to read, and yet it captures so many emotions. If you are looking for a good book to read for class or for fun, check out “Me Before You.”

PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

“Love, Rosie” not worth it I

BY SAM SCHNIRRING

had done my research prior to viewing this film, and so I knew that critics were lavishing it with such praise as “annoying” and “aggressively mediocre”. Armed with this knowledge, I proceeded to spend an hour and forty-two minutes of my life watching two attractive white people chase each other across the Atlantic.

Rosie and Alex are both from Britain (funny, because all of the music featured in the movie is distinctly American), but Alex desperately wants to attend college at Harvard, where he has miraculously been accepted with a scholarship (a montage of Alex writing dozens of essays, conducting college interviews and crying is copiously absent). Rosie decides to follow him and attend Boston University, presumably because she wants to be in debt forever.

Several plot twists later, Rosie is prevented from going to America because she has turned up pregnant (don’t worry, though: the baby is used as a mere prop and develops no real character throughout the rest of the movie). Thus begins the main conflict of the film: Rosie and Alex are not together, although they clearly should be. It is established in the first scene of the movie that Rosie and Alex are meant for each other because Rosie doesn’t laugh when Alex dreams that he is an inanimate object, and the rest of the movie is spent waiting for them to figure this out. The characters run into many

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misunderstandings and blunders along the way, and Alex even enters into committed relationships with two (two!) people who don’t take his inanimate-object dreams seriously. It’s almost as if they know that the movie would not exist if they stopped to communicate effectively with each other for more than thirty seconds.

Personally, I suggest petting a dog or going on Netflix and finding the plethora of higher-quality rom-coms that exist there.

FLICKR PHOTO

There are currently only two showings per day at the Eden Prairie Mall AMC Theater.

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

DO YOU LIKE WAFFLES? N

BY GILLIAN HOLTE

estled on the corner of Como Avenue Southeast and 15th Avenue Southeast sits the newly popular coffee shop, Black Coffee and Waffle Bar. Since its opening in April, the shop is attracting not only university students but also high school students willing to drive the distance to the city.

Outside the restaurant the sidewalks were quiet, but once the door was open I was greeted by the backs of customers in line.

The coffee shop had very few tables, which were all filled with customers enjoying their waffles. As customers walked into the restaurant the cashier yelled out how long the wait would be.

In order to find seating we had to watch the room with hawk-

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like eyes and claim a table before the current seaters had cleaned it up. The wait was short for the coffee drinks, once we found a table. The mocha seemed flavorless and was not worth the $3.75 price I paid for such a small amount, but at least it was topped with a beautiful design of a heart in the foam.

However the wait for wait for waffles was 30 minutes. The waiter graced our table with the delightful looking waffles we were waiting for. The S’mores Waffle looked delicious. The waffle was perfectly cooked but was smothered in too much chocolate drizzle for my liking. In total the meal was around $13, which is too high for just a waffle, especially one that is made with the same waffle iron most people have in their kitchens, and a mocha. Black Coffee and Waffle Bar is not worth the wait.

1500 Como Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (612) 436-0719

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AN ASPIRING ARTIST T

Junior Maya Dengel writes, practices and perfoms her original music.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY AMIE STAGER

he first time junior Maya Dengel ever sang in front of other people was at her grandpa’s funeral. “He’s the reason I started to go after the things that I want,” said Dengel. “I started thinking, ‘now is the time.’”

Music has always been a passion and a goal of hers. She wrote her first song in the third grade. It didn’t get interesting for her until last year, when she started uploading her original songs and covers on her SoundCloud.

A participant in theatre, track and choir, Dengel gets her ideas from many places. “Certain songs are definitely geared towards someone or about a certain event,” she said. Her songs always start in different places, from random notes she strums on her guitar or a recording from her phone.

Dengel aspires to write songs like Amy Winehouse and Coldplay. The Beatles are her ultimate inspiration. “Their music is an enigma—nothing sounds like that anymore,” she said. She also thinks “Alt-J is really cool. They take things that are so simple and make things that are extraordinary.”

Jam sessions are her favorite. You may have seen her perform duets with Chris Kimball and Camille Ramos at the Blues Rock concert. Although she thinks playing in a band would be cool, she likes going solo. “You can build so much off of it,” she said. “The connections you make through music are so amazing.”

Dengel hopes to pursue music as a career, but if it doesn’t work out she’ll always keep it around. “I think I’ll try and get into a studio this summer and see what I can do,” she said. If she were to audition for “The Voice,” she would have “Somebody to Love” by Queen as her song of choice.

Dengel admits that one time before performing, she almost burst into tears.

The scariest moment for her was at the pep fest this year. “Usually, I try to

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breathe or think of something else,” she said. “There’s always someone there that says, ‘you got this,’ and that always helps.”

When asked what she hopes listeners will find in her music, Dengel hopes they find motivation. “It has gotten me through a lot of things,” she said. “Music has done so much for me.”

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

DANCERS PREPARE FOR LA DANSE FATALE

BY GRACE KASBOHM

D

ance is defined as moving rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps. For these dancers, dacne is following a set sequence of many difficult steps.

La Danse Fatale is made up of dancers ranging from 12 to 20 years of age. The dancers involved in La Danse Fatale practice about 20 hours each week, including participating in competitive dance teams at The Dance Arts Centre. Within the company of La Danse Fatale, there is also a junior company. Each year there are auditions held in the spring to select members of the company and to chose lead performers and understudies.

The show this year is called “Eternal Conflict”. It is about the way in which good and evil fight in your mind, which is symbolized by the dancers as chess pieces. The first half of the show, Supremacy, which was last years main show, questions the role of an individual in society and the second half of the show explores if there are more than the common definitions of black and white.

This year there are 17 different dances within the show. Junior Katrina Rusinko said, “A challenging part of La Danse Fatale is remembering all of the dances.”

This is Rusinko’s fifth year being involved with La Danse Fatale. “I am most excited for the new dances, which are totally different from anything that we have

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ever done before,” said Rusinko. Her favorite dance this year is the dance where the Kings and Queens of the chess game battle each other. Rusinko is also a part of a dance team at The Dance Arts Center.

Rusinko explained the difficulty of balancing La Danse Fatale with her other studio dances: “Sometimes it gets hard because you may end up at the studio for six hours, but it is totally worth it and we always have fun when we are there.”

Anna Floersch is a senior and this is also her 5th year involved in La Danse Fatale. This year Floersch is dancing the roles of the black chess queen, a black swan, and a rebel in Supremacy. Floersch’s favorite part of PHOTO BY HANNAH BRANDSER La Danse Fatale is the weeks leading up to the show. “The show really develops with costumes, props, and everyone truly embraces their character, which makes everything so fun!” The members spend a lot of time together the weeks before the show, which makes their bond very tight.

La Danse Fatale was founded in 2003 by dancer, instructor, and choreographer Julia Levina. Each year, the company puts on their primary performances in February, but also performs throughout the year at various venues in the Twin Cities and local communities.

These dancers practice hours up hours for only a few performances; this really shows their passion and dedication for what they do.

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News

BUZZING TO THE TOP

Top EPHS quiz bowlers practice for an upcoming tournament PHOTO BY ANDREW DONOHUE

EPHS Quiz Bowl looks for another successful season

BY ANTHONY ROSA

Our state champion Quiz Bowl team is off to another great year. Quiz Bowl is a trivia game that can quiz participants in any discipline, focusing mainly on literature, history, and science.

The program is run through the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT).

There are generally four players to a team and only four players are allowed to compete at once. Substitutions are permitted as well. Eden Prairie’s Quiz Bowl team has anywhere between eight and eleven sub-teams depending on the competition that they have entered.

The game works by having a moderator ask the two competing teams trivia questions. If one team knows the answer, they buzz in to respond. If a team is able to buzz in and answer correctly in the middle of the moderator’s question, they receive more points. Depending on the tournament, the games are played based on a time or question limit.

This year, the captains are Riley Tillitt and Sujay Rao. They lead practices twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and

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Senior Mark Ho during a weekly practice PHOTO BY ANTHONY ROSA

usually run mock games to prepare for competitions. Last year the team won state and this year is shaping up to be a similar season. So far, the team has consistently been placing second in major competitions; won Lake Conference and sections, and is sending three teams to nationals.

Senior captain Riley Tillitt is feeling very confident about the team’s chances at state, “I think we have a good shot of winning it this year just like last.” The state tournament is scheduled for February 19.

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

SUPPORTING THE POGATCHNIKS

BY MAX CHAO On January 30 Jack Pogatchnik, son of long-time EPHS teacher and coach Jon Pogatchnik, passed away after going into cardiac arrest a few days earlier. Since then, students have been supporting the family through The Jack Pogatchnik Experience, a charity fund dedicated to raising money for the family. The fund was founded by Cole Dunbar ,Jack Madison and Summer Stieglbauer, students of Jon Pogatchnik, shortly after his son’s death.

“We just felt such a strong connection to Pogo that we felt that we needed to do something,” said Stieglbauer. The fund raises money to help support the Pogatchnik family by collecting donations and selling wristbands. In under a week, the Jack Pogatchnik Experience raised over $10,000 in donations, all of which will be going to the Pogatchnik family. If you wish to donate, visit the Jack Pogatchnik Experience stand in the new commons or go to Razoo.com and search for The Jack Pogatchnik Experience.

“Pray for Pogo” wristbands are for sale in the new commons while supplies last

Sophomores Taylor Hemme, Ricky Gutierrez, Jack Madison, and Lesly Pantoja Cuadra selling wristbands in the new commons PHOTOS BY HANNAH BELONGIE

EPHS students travel the world

BY CLAIRE HASSLER Do you have wanderlust? If so, signing up for a school trip may be something to look into.

School trips are a great way for students to get out and explore the world. School programs offer a unique perspective on traveling. Senior Claire Zurn, who went to Washington, D.C. with government teacher Steve Cwodzinksi in 2014, said, “it’s so different traveling with a teacher rather than traveling with your family because they are so knowledgeable about everything.”

Social studies teacher Sheila Fitzgerald said, “to be there on the ground is history coming alive… honestly the textbook doesn’t do it justice, it can’t do it justice.” Fitzgerald is planning a European War History trip for summer of 2015. According to Fitzgerald, the best part of planning school trips is “the opportunity to take kids places that they only see in history channel specials, movies, or in textbooks; everything becomes more vibrant and more alive.”

Many school trips also offer students opportunities to stay with a host family in order to learn more about the culture. Junior Riley Tauer will be traveling to Spain this summer through the Spanish program. When asked what she is most looking forward to, Tauer said that “I’m really excited for the host family stay, which is seven days- I hope to learn more about the culture and also more about the language.”

Going on school trips creates memories that last a lifetime “We ran all the way down the mall to the Lincoln Memorial and watched the sunrise over the mall and then ran back- that was absolutely unreal,” Zurn said. For seniors, taking a school trip is a great way to start or end your summer. “It’s a really cool way to have one last hoorah with friends too, I know the people that did it senior year really liked it,” Zurn said.

No matter where you go or who you stay with, school trips allow you to see what the world has to offer and become more independent.

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Upcoming School Trips Germany and Central Europe Date: June 15-July 1, 2015 Contact: Dan Murray in room 303

European War History Trip

Date: June 29-July 8, 2015 Contact: Sheila Fitzgerald, Kelsey Snyder, or Jon Pogatchnik in the Social Studies Resource Center

France

Date: Spring Break 2016 Contact: Tom Halloran, Laurie Hennen, or Juliette Schneider in the Language Resource Center

Japan

Date: June 2016 Contact: Stephanie Wheelock or Mari O’Meara in the English Resource Center

Prague, Krakow, and Budapest

Date: June 2016 Contact: Steve Cwodzinski in room 130 or Pam Skaar-Meier in room 123

Costa Rica

Date: Summer 2016 Contact: Kristen Gabel or Katharine Foley in the Science Resource Center

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s t n e v e w e n o t s t c a e r Ep sergeant

PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

Junior Sara Michael interviews Eden Prairie Police Department Sergeant Eric Leblanc to find his opinion on police brutality.

PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

Eric Leblanc speaks out against police brutality

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BY SARA MICHAEL

f you have been keeping up with the news lately, you would know that the riots in Ferguson, MO, and the protests in New York have received widespread coverage in the media. Many people argue that the media itself has made the deaths of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO, and Eric Garner in New York escalate into a controversial dispute over police officers’ treatment of young African American men.

This stereotype has put many officers in a strenuous position and has sparked nationwide protests. Sergeant Eric Leblanc from the Eden Prairie Police Department said that recent incidents in the media have changed people’s views on officers. “Anytime the police are negatively portrayed in the spotlight, society seems to latch on to it,” he said.

The Eden Prairie Police Department is solely looking out for the community and its best interest, he said.

Leblanc said he hopes that people view the Eden Prairie Police Department in a positive way and have full faith that they have good intentions to protect the civilians of Eden Prairie. “Ideally, we hope that everyone knows that our ultimate goal is to create positive ties with the community,” he said.

Leblanc also said that while he has been working for the department, there have only been two Internal Affairs allegations. Both cases were taken to court and were later dismissed. “Only dealing with two IA investigations, shows the legitimacy of our department,” he said.

Leblanc said department policy on confrontation is to be as verbal as possible. “The last thing we want is a physical confrontation,” he said. In addition, Leblanc said chokeholds are banned in department policy. “Chokeholds are absolutely not allowed or tolerated.” He also said the department is completely “colorblind” and do not let race play a factor in incidents that they encounter.

Leblanc suggests that citizens obey and be respectful if stopped by the police. “Cooperate, we’re just doing our jobs,” he said. Many

“Ideally, we hope that everyone knows that our ultimate goal is to create positive ties with the community.”

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times situations escalate when people refuse to cooperate with authorities.

Leblanc said he is unable to judge officers Darren Wilson (Ferguson) and Daniel Pantaleo (New York) for possibly overstepping their boundaries by becoming volatile with obtained civilians. “I think it is solely based on an individuals’ perception and threshold,” he said. “It’s not politically correct for us, as outsiders, to judge whether or not they did the right thing. It’s easy to say what you would or would not have done, but once you are in a tough situation you act solely based on your perception and threshold.”

Leblanc said he adamantly supports the use of police cameras.

“Cameras are a great idea,” he said. “If an officer is accused of something, there is proof to show. If all departments decided to use cameras, there wouldn’t be as much confusion circulating controversial situations.”

In addition, Leblanc said he supports others using cameras. (The use of cameras by civilians has caused widespread coverage in the media. The video of Eric Garner being obtained by authorities in a chokehold circulated across the Internet. The video was recorded by Ramsey Orta, who was later indicted on weapon charges stemming from a separate incident that took place in August.) “We don’t mind others using cameras,” he said. “We do not have anything to hide.”

He went on to recall a time that a couple of people at an Eden Prairie Football game pulled out their phones and started recording them. “We don’t understand why civilians would try to exploit us in situations that simply do not have a story to tell,” he said.

Leblanc also said that media has a lot to do with people’s perception of them and issues within society. “Media make it bigger than it really needs to be.” More often, the media escalates controversial situations creating biased and irrational opinions, he said.

Lastly, Leblanc said he supports protests regarding “Black Lives Matter.” “In general, I support protests as long as they don’t get physical, because that’s breaking the law,” he said, adding that there is a big difference between protesting and becoming violent.

He also said that vandalizing property and getting physical is not protesting: “People have the right to protest, but please do it peacefully.”

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

YOU SHOULD PROBABLY KNOW: oil prices News for teenagers, by teenagers: Breaking down current events in ways you’ll understand. Meet the new Eyrie Explains

BY ELIZABETH KENYON America’s got gas. A lot of it, actually. That’s why gas prices are the lowest they’ve been since 2009. In fact, last month it was reported that America is producing more than Saudi Arabia, which hasn’t happened in like, a really long time. Pretty great, right?

Of course, true to complicated economic fashion, there’s much more to these dropping gas prices than what people see on the local SuperAmerica signs while on their way inside to buy a donut.

Thanks to the recent increase in U.S. production for the low oil prices, crude oil reportedly fell to less than $60 a barrel. That makes U.S. consumers happy. (Insert slow clapping here). You know who isn’t happy?

Stocks (they went down).

But wait, there’s more. A lot of people are saying these magnificently low prices won’t last, despite the fact that some AAA analysts predicted that the price per gallon would stay under $3 (at least this year).

Some other skeptics are saying the drop in oil is a symptom of economic weakness. Uh oh. So what’s being done about this?

Enter: US export ban, est. 1975. It’s the thing that keeps America from exporting most of its oil to other countries and US oil companies want to get rid of it. Supporters of the cause are even hoping for the ban to be lifted this year.

Why? Well, Representative Joe Barton of Texas says consumers wouldn’t have to worry about the price of gas getting any higher because lifting the ban would encourage even more production.

However, people on the opposing side pretty much say the exact opposite: that the ban is actually the one making the prices drop.

Because of this, a recent poll revealed that most Americans aren’t so sure about lifting the ban.

Picture one collective skeptical expression for the people of America. They don’t really say much more than that, although they do have environmentalists on their side. They want to prevent more accidents and oil spills and claim these inevitably come from lifting the ban. The issue is being debated in Washington.

Moving on then.

There are some obvious winners and losers in this phenomenon. Losers: oil companies and stocks. Winner: consumers who now have extra moolah in their pockets and the businesses that will benefit from that.

Classic economic cause-and-effect.

PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER Just how much extra moolah, you may ask? A lot. Google it. Many people are saying it’s basically a huge tax cut for Americans. Yay. This is certainly news to keep up with.

We now have more money in our pockets, but will it last?

You decide-that’s what everyone else is doing.

takes Control of the

GOP House of Representatives BY: ANDREW DONOHUE This November, there was a seismic shift in state politics. The Republican Party won control of the Minnesota State House of Representatives by winning 11 seats to command a 72-62 majority. That means that Minnesota will have divided government for the next two years as the Democrats control both the governorship and the State Senate.

The GOP has new ideas for the upcoming session. Jenifer Loon, the GOP representative for House District 48B, described some of these plans; “Our budget should be focused on funding essential programs and services that accomplish important and measurable goals, with sensible and sustainable levels of funding.”

As chair of the Education Finance Committee, Representative Loon possess a great deal of power with education. She plans to introduce a bill that aims to make sure that Minnesota teachers are some of the highest quality in the nation. The bill would allow the teacher performance reviews to be used when making staffing decisions.

While now in the minority, the DFL still plans to be active this legislative session.

Yvonne Selcer, the DFL representative for House District 48A, laid out some of her priorities for the session.

She also wants to focus on education saying that “the DFL majority implemented a

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tuition freeze at the University of Minnesota and I believe that education is the key to success, from the K-12 all the way through college.”

Representative Selcer raised concerns that the GOP would focus too much on Greater Minnesota instead of the Twin Cities: “Many of the new seats the GOP won were out in Greater Minnesota, but we need to work on the state as a whole. We are one state and too much emphasis on one region divides unnecessarily.”

Both representatives stressed the importance of bipartisanship. Representative Loon said, “Working together is not just a goal this year, since we have a divided government bipartisan agreement will be required to get any piece of legislation approved and signed into law”.” She thinks that the divided government will help people be more reasonable and amiable to compromise since legislation needs to appeal to multiple groups.

Representative Selcer described some of the actions she has already taken to reach across the aisle. She is a member of several bipartisan caucuses and passed bipartisan legislation during her last term. Selcer believes that voters want the parties to work together and she plans to represent all her constituents, even those that didn’t vote for her.

This legislative session will provide an interesting look at how divided government will work in Minnesota. The two parties will need to cooperate to help all citizens of the state.

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Sports

winter sports highlights 1. Girls Hockey

BY KRISTINA BRIANT

EPHS’s girls hockey team is off to a great start. Led by captains Lauren Boyle, Charly Dahlquist, Angie Heppelmann, and Ashley Astor, the Eagles are taking the ice by storm.

Junior Lauren Oberle says, “We all have been playing with each other for a long time and we have bonded so we have really good chemistry on the ice together.”

The girls have certainly proved themselves to be a top contender for the state championships at the Xcel Energy Center on February 18-22.

2. Boys Hockey

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BY KRISTINA BRIANT

Sophomore Nolan Sullivan trying to get the puck from the Prior Lake Lakers PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

December 20, 2014 marked the date Coach Lee Smith celebrated his 400th win. The eagles won the game against Elk River 6-3 in their first game of the Edina Holiday Classic Tournament.

Seniors captains, Andy Aguilar, Brady Schoo, and junior captain Michael Graham have led the boys hockey team to an amazing season so far.

The March 7 on their practice jerseys serves as a reminder of their goal to make it to the championship game for the state tournament. Good luck to the boys as they try to skate to victory.

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Junior Rachel Werdin attempting to score a goal against Centennial PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

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Senior Lauren Boyle during the girls’ game against the Cougars PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

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Sophomore Casey Mittelstadt getting the puck during the boys’ game against Prior Lake PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

1. Nordic Skiing

BY MAX CHAO Eden Prairie continues its pattern of churning out world class skiers with Senior Abbie Drach. Drach has qualified for the U18 National Ski team, where she and a handful of other skiers from across the country will represent the United States in an international competition this February.

“I was really surprised, I wasn’t expecting to make the trip,” said Drach. EPHS Alumni and former captains Tom Bye and Kyle Bratrud have also recently qualified for national teams. “It’s amazing to think that I’m in the same shoes as the skiing greats like Tom and Kyle,” said senior captain Sam Pahl.

2. Floor Hockey

BY ALLY THORSEN A team specially designed for students with cognitive disabilities, the Jets are made up of kids from EPHS, Bloomington Jefferson High School, Bloomington Kennedy High School, Edina High School and Richfield High School. Senior Erik Westenfield is the goalie for the Jets. Being the goalie is his favorite part of floor hockey. Westenfield loves the sport and said, “It is fun to coach other people in floor hockey.”

The Flyers floor hockey team is for students with physical disabilities. It is made up of kids from EPHS, Bloomington Jefferson High School, Bloomington Kennedy High School, Edina High School and Richfield High School. Dan Slinden is the coach of the Flyers. They have had a very successful season-one highlight being a win against Dakota United in overtime. Slinden said that the most rewarding part of coaching is “working with kids that give 100 percent and having fun while playing.”

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Dashing through the snow, Junior Riley Tauer tears up Hyland Ski course PHOTO BY ANTHONY ROSA

3. Alpine

BY ANTHONY ROSA The Alpine team is off to “an average year” according to junior Michael Richter. Led by captains Jackie Bellefeuille, Josh Liberko, Jack Nermyr, Julia Olson, and Ali Sauer, the team has been working hard to improve their results. They practice multiple times a week at Hyland Ski and on January 17th they came close to winning the Black Beard’s invitational. When asked how the invitational went junior Colin Vehmeier responded “We made huge strides in our performance and we almost won it.

While we may not be there yet, we’ll get there”.

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Eden Prairie Junior Varsity skiier slaloming down the hill

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Senior Jacob Yancy goes for the goal PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

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Eden Prairie players Alexei Dickinson and Jacob Yancy face off against the Rochester Raiders PHOTO BY CLAIRE HASSLER

PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

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1. Girls Basketball

BY GRACE KASBOHM The girls’ basketball team has had a pretty successful season so far. A big win for the team this year was against KenyonWanamingo, beating them by more than 40 points. Junior Mackenzie Krumm says, “something that has helped my team is staying positive on the sides, even when things don’t go our way.” Having won more than half of their games, they are eagerly awaiting the section tournament. Their first sections game is the first week in March.

2. Boys Basketball

BY ALLY THORSEN

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With fourteen straight wins, the boys basketball team has had an incredibly successful season. Led by senior Blake Cashman, the team has had the best start they’ve had in five years. With this start, it is very possible that they will make it to the state tournament. “Given that we have a tough section,” said Cashman, “it’s going to be a tough road to get to state but with the talent and depth we have we can get it done if we just stay focused.”

Junior Lindsay Weliver practices her free throw for varsitys upcoming game against Eau-Claire memorial PHOTO BY SARA MICHAEL

3. Wrestling

BY MAX CHAO The EPHS wrestling team is continuing to break records. Last year, Coach Scott Davis reached the 1,000 career victory milestone.

This season, the team has broken their personal record for most wins in a season. “It’s nice to be a leader for a team that’s making big strides for the sport of wrestling in Eden Prairie,” said senior captain Ben Brancale. Brancale also broke a record this year by reaching 200 individual victories.

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Varsity wrestler Justin Craswell takes down Minnetonka

PHOTO BY CLARE HASSLER

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Grantham Gillard goes for a rebound PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

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Minnetonka went down without a fight against varsity wreslter Ben Brancale PHOTO BY CLARE HASSLER

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

1. Gymnastics

BY ABBY WARRICK “Girls gymnastics season has been going pretty well,” said senior captain Heather Saharan. The team has had four meets and has won two of them. Saharan says there has been a lot of improvement on the team and there are many girls with a lot of potential. Wayzata is typically the biggest competition for the team but they are working very hard so they can win sections and go to state which is on Febuary 27th.

2. Dance Team

BY GRACE KASBOHM The Dance Team has grown a lot closer as a team, which has helped them on and off the floor. Junior Mackenzie Goodburn says, “We have been working very hard to clean and perfect both of our routines for sections.” Their section includes 15 very tough competitors, such as Wayzata, Chaska, and Maple Grove. They are hoping to place in the top 3 at sections in order to advance to the state tournament.

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Junior Lauren Stich demonstrating a leap on high beam during gymnastics practice PHOTO BY ABBY WARRICK

3. Boys Swim and Dive

BY DUSTIN WOLF Congratulations to the Boys swim and dive team. On Saturday Jan. 17, the Eagles swim and dive team finished second at the section 6AA swim meet. Currently, the boys are number one in the state of Minnesota.

Kelly Boston coaches the team. Captains include Lenny Haung, Nicholas Remmes and Pratik Baandal. Captain Lenny Haung said “It is exciting to be on the team, but it also puts a lot pressure, like a burden because we are always being watched by the other teams.”

If you would like to cheer on the Eagles Boys swim and dive team, check out dates and times at eteamz.com/EPHSswimdive/calendar.

Most meets are at Oakpoint or EPCC.

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The dance team’s varsity Jazz performs at Minnestonka at their last conference jazz meet of their season PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sports

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The dance team’s varsity kick performs at the Wayzata invitational to the theme divergant PHOTO SUBMITTED

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Senior Lenny Haung swimming the breaststroke PHOTO BY BROOKE

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Senior Jake Clancy attempts to dunk

Senior Connor McGrew goes for the free throw

PHOTOS BY GRACE KASBOHM

Senior Grant Lewis goes for the free throw

Junior Payton Borg looks for an open teammate to pass to

SWAGBALL A place for great competition and playing against your friends

BY HANNAH BELONGIE There is a new talk in the halls that has caught attention of all athletic students. Swagball is a recreational basketball that consists of 12 boys teams and 6 girls teams aging from freshmen to seniors.

In total, there are about 132 students that participate in this activity every winter. This is different than the other school basketball teams in that they do not have any practices, it is all games.

The games take place in the activity center gyms, twice a week at the Eden Prairie high school, where all teams play against each other. Swagball creates an environment for friendly but competitive games against good friends. Senior, Matt Carson shared an overview of his opinion of swagball, “My favorite part about swagball is when you can compete against your best friends and have a good time.

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It’s also a good way to relieve some stress during the hard school week.” When asked what his greatest moment of the season has been so far, Carson said, “beating Sleunig’s team three times in a row, which means we are 3 and 0.” If there was a quote to describe this winter activity, he answered, “Swagball isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.”

Although some students believe swagball is only a sport for boys, they are incorrect. Girls in all grades at EPHS also have had the opportunity to participate. Junior Omie Spielman said, “Swagball is fun because I don’t actually play basketball, so it is a different experience. I enjoy getting to play with my friends and being able to compete at the same time.”

Overall, it is evident that this new sport has become a large portion of how athletic students at our school have decided to show their competitive edge. With the progression of next year,

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

RUGBY

Rugby team brings popular sport to EP

BY MAX CHAO

Rugby has remained a dominant sport in multiple countries for decades. Its world cup attracts tens of millions of viewers every year, mostly from New Zealand, England and South Africa.

One place where this phenomenon has not caught on is the United States. The Eden Prairie rugby team is trying to change this by exposing students to the sport.

The team was started in 2010, and has been improving and growing ever since. One major player who has helped grow the team is rugby veteran and parent Andy McGlasson, who took over as head coach during the 2013-2014 school year. McGlasson has been active in the sport for 15 years, and was a member of the Minneapolis Metropolis Football Rugby Football Club, a professional division one rugby team. “Rugby is very much a team sport,” said McGlasson. “All of the players have different skills and different sizes and everybody plays on the field and has the same opportunity to catch the ball, to run the ball, to score, to kick and to defend. It is a very fluid game and is very team oriented.”

Since McGlasson has been head coach, the team has recorded its first ever winning record. “We have a very strong game and strong style of play that really gets people excited,” said McGlasson Due to the unpopularity of rugby in the states, recruitment for the team isn’t very high. “We have issues with recruiting people,” said Captain Sam Borja, “not many people know things about the sport so pretty much we have the same problems that we had back when we started.”

One reason for the lack of American rugby players is common misconceptions. “A lot of people when I try to talk to them about rugby just say ‘oh, it’s just tackling without pads, right?’ I think that sort of hurts the sport because it’s actually much safer than football,” said Borja.

Rugby is slowly getting more popular in the US. In November of 2014, the USA Eagles took on the world champion New Zealand All-Blacks in Chicago in an attempt to spread popularity of the sport. “Rugby right now is kind of how lacrosse was like 10 years ago,” said Borja. “Not a lot of people played it, but people still knew about it, and now it’s huge. I think rugby is going a similar way.”

Eden Prairie attempts possession of the ball after a line out

Eden Prairie prepares for a scrum SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Is cutting weight dangerous?

BY ANDREW DONOHUE A common, yet little understood part of wrestling is the practice of dropping weight. Wrestlers wrestle in specific weight classes. They have to be within their class or are disqualified from the meet. Oftentimes, wrestlers try to lose weight in the days before a meet in order to get under their weight limit. Justin Craswell, a junior on the wrestling team, talked about this process: “Quite a few of the guys on our team do cut weight for competitions.” Cutting weight is scrutinized in the medical community as an unsafe habit.

To cut weight, wrestlers sometimes go for days with little food and water before a meet. This is bad for the wrestler’s body as it can become dehydrated without water, which could cause organ damage. The American Academy of Pediatrics is against

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this practice because going without food can also result in an extremely low amount of body fat, which leads to bone loss and depleted glycogen reserves.

This inhibits the body’s ability to recover, which negatively affects athletic performance. Justin explained this side of the story as well: “It can be dangerous if you do it wrong, but if you do it right, you just eat healthier, maybe a little bit less and workout.”

There are ways to accomplish the goal of becoming lighter, while remaining healthy. Choosing what foods to eat is crucial as that has an enormous impact on weight and water retention. It is possible to get a healthy amount of nutrients from a little less food than normal. Cutting weight can be dangerous if done the wrong way, but if done carefully can help wrestlers realize their goals.

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Cover Story

S e i l i m a f o w t F o g n i e B

BY KRISTINA BRIANT

Adoption is a topic that most people feel uncomfortable talking about. Buried feelings surface when the topic is brought up. Feelings of anger, resentfulness and confusion emerge along with the numerous questions that we hold onto. As adoptees, we hold onto so many unanswered questions and unaddressed feelings towards the mystery of our adoption.

Most of us do not even know the real reason to why we were adopted in the first place. We grow up with the little information our adoptive parents have told us, and as we mature, we want to know more. We get curious and want the answers. Each of us has our own unique story as to how we were adopted and how that affects our daily lives today.

Staffer Kristina Briant shares her adoption journey

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am of two families, one South Korean and one American. I have learned that family is not always determined by blood.

The people who raised me, took care of me, and loved me unconditionally are the people I call my family. I may not share the same genes or DNA as them, but my adoptive family has embraced me as an important part of their lives and for that I am grateful.

I was 6 months old when I was adopted from Pusan, South Korea. I was left in the care of a foster mom rather than being put in an orphanage.

I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity of getting to know my birth family via letters. I have been blessed with the knowledge about my birth family in South Korea.

I was 12 years old on the day my adoptive mom and dad sat me down at the kitchen table to tell me my birth mother had sent me a letter. In the Korean society, it is not common for a birth parent to make any attempt to contact the child they gave up for adoption. As my mom read me my birth mother’s letter, I was excited but my excitement was tempered with some anxiety and tears. Many of the words my mom read were of appreciation expressed by my birth mother to my parents, thanking them for adopting me. My birth mother wrote that she loved me and thought about me every day. She said giving me up for adoption was the hardest thing she ever had to do.

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1. Kristina's first birthday in a Korean outfit • December 20th, 1998 2. Court hearing for legal adoption • March 5th 1999

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Since I was only 12 years old, I did not understand everything that my birth mother tried to explain to me in her letter. I felt angry and confused. I did not understand why a mother would ever give up her child. It took some time for me to understand that her choice was not just to simplify her life, but was to give me a better life than I would have ever had in Korea.

Since the first letter, I have maintained contact with my birth family. In later letters, I received the news that I have a full-blooded older brother and sister. All my life, my family and I had assumed that I was an only child in Korea. Discovering that I am my birth mother’s third child--yet I was the one chosen to be given up--made me feel unwanted and like the mistaken child. It was hard for me to accept and difficult to try to understand where my birth mother was coming from.

I have always wanted a sister, and now I know that I have always had one. I mainly exchange letters with my birth sister whose name is Ye Rim. I also continue to learn more about my birth mother, who is a nurse, and my brother is in the South Korean army. My sister hopes to study hard and graduate high school and attend a South Korean University someday.

There are many unspoken stories from amongst our peers that should be heard. Everyone has a story; you just have to listen.

Phot os submitted

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

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Junior Nora Carlson traveled back to her homeland

unique twist to the typical adoption story is also the one of junior Nora Carlson. At 11 months old, Carlson was adopted from the Miluo Hunan Province in the Southeastern part of China. Without full knowledge, Carlson suspects her adoption was from the result of China’s one child policy.

In the summer of 2008, Carlson and her family took a trip to China for the first time since she was eleven months old.

When Carlson and her family went back to her old orphanage, they met the director who kept watch over her and handed her off to her parents.

Carlson even saw her old room where she stayed as a baby.

While standing in her old room Carlson said, “It felt good to see it because it made me feel more thankful for my life in America.”

Carlson also said, “I feel more educated now because I went back to China and I realize more than I knew at a young age.”

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1. Nora standing at the Xi`an Wall in front of a statue for the

2008 China Summer Olympics

2. Nora taking a photo with her adoptive parents in front of an

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American Flag

3. Nora walking the Great Wall of China

Photos submitted

Cover Story

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Juniors Sarah and Danny Brady share their story

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t is hard to think of the possible life you could have had elsewhere in the world. As junior Sarah Brady, adopted at age 5, said, “It’s hard sometimes, cause you always have that wonder that you never will be able to find the answers.” Sarah and her brother Danny, who are not biological siblings, were adopted from Kalmykia, Russia.

Because Brady was a little older, she recalled certain memories of her time at the local orphanage in Russia. She remembered two specific ladies from the orphanage. One would do the cleaning and the other would take care of the cooking. Brady also said, “The orphanage that I was in wasn’t that bad, it was better than most in Russia.”

Sarah also gave insight to how she met her younger sibling Danny.

She explained that they both were at the same orphanage together when they were young. Sarah claims that she and Danny were close friends.

Danny argued and said laughing, “We weren’t friends! All we did was fight with each other.” Sarah and Danny ended up being adopted together by the same family in 2002. They now are best friends and have been inseparable ever since.

Danny was adopted at 4 years old. He is part of a unique race, Kalmykian, who come from a small part of Russia. During World War II, the people were moved to Siberia and a vast majority were killed.

There are roughly less than 162,000 people of this race left in the world today.

Danny said, adoption affects him because he said, “It hurts my selfesteem a little bit when I come to think about it.” He said he you feel “unwanted and unloved.”

What was interesting about Danny was that he is very interested in finding out more information about his birth mother. He is very curious, and in the future, he is considering hiring a personal investigator to try to find some more information about his birth mother in Russia.

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1 1. Danny and Sarah holding their childhood scrapbooks 2. A closer look at Danny and Sarah’s childhood scrapbooks

PHOTOS BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

Cover Story

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Opinion

Staff Editorial: Governor

Dayton’s Budget Proposal

BY EYRIE STAFF Governor Mark Dayton’s budget proposal, with its emphasis on increased education spending, brings a welcome adjustment to Minnesota’s education system.

It is always wise to invest into education, since “he who opens a school door, closes a prison.”

School is a vital part of a child’s transformation into a responsible adult. Logically, the education system should have enough funding to ensure that the schools accomplish their task. Governor Dayton’s budget proposal gives schools the money needed to improve their efficiency.

Governor Dayton is proposing using half of

the $1 billion surplus this year to increase funding to various areas. This money is split between education, $373 million, and human services, $44 million, aimed at children.

Spending more money on education is a key way of not only bettering the state, but also the nation.

Increased education funding will lead to more and a bigger variety of opportunities in schools. Having more opportunities in school will allow more students to discover their special talent or skill. More students discovering their special skills will lead to more people being good at their jobs. Finally more people being good at their jobs leads to a more prosperous, and thus more successful, nation.

Another item the budget proposal is offering is

Too Early Free College for

BY ELIZABETH KENYON President Obama stated last month that he wants to make the first two years of community college free for any “responsible” student who is willing to work for it. I understand where this proposal is coming from—there are many people with circumstances that keep them from getting a higher education that would certainly benefit from this. However, there are numerous other things to consider that prove now is not the time.

First of all, nothing in life is really “free.” The federal government would only provide three-quarters of the average cost of community college, and the participating states would be expected to cover the remaining costs. That usually means taxing, and its no secret that whenever taxes are involved the situation always becomes infinitely more controversial (not to mention complicated).

This proposal would also affect four-year universities. Community colleges would either have to provide programs that offer full credit transfers to any college or university or occupational training programs that lead to in-demand degrees.

The fact of the matter is, no matter how hard American schools try to apply equal opportunity, no community college or university alike can guarantee equal results for everyone. Especially when the previously mentioned “responsible student” must attend the community college at least part-time, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and make steady progress towards completing their program. How does one even decide who deserves free schooling and who does not? It should not be up to anyone. This seems like a great opportunity to make more matters unfair. Either make education free for everyone, no matter their GPA or attendance, or keep it the way it is.

Really, the idea of free community college—to those deserving of it—is a marvelous idea. But when you think about it, there are innumerable other matters that need attention, and this proposal probably shouldn’t be top priority at the moment.

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free breakfast through third grade, as well as free pre-school for all children. Both of these will be very beneficial to the future success of these young students. Breakfast is key in boosting brainpower during the school day, thus providing it to young students will increase academic performance in Minnesota schools. Free preschool will give young ones with busy parents a place to develop both healthy in both cognitive and social aspects.

The budget proposal is a positive step on the path to improving America’s education system. If the improvement of America’s schools has to start somewhere, why not Minnesota?

Freedom from

News Bias

BY SARA MICHAEL News sources have a lot to do with people’s perception of what’s going in the world. A good question to ask yourself is how credible and legitimate is your favorite source of media? Large amounts of our media can be classified as bias, and somewhat irrational.

It’s important to stay informed by tuning into factual news sources.

Many people like to focus their attention to news sources that affiliate with a particular political party. News sources that affiliate with a certain political party tend to report news based on the general opinion of the network and their targeted audience. Popular networks that are well known as bias are Fox News and MSNBC. Stay away from these. Fox News publicly supports the Republican Party. Some of the content displayed can be classified as irrational and is often associated with the hardline conservatives/Tea Party.

In fact, the network was displaying such radical information that Dish Network (which is a popular Cable Company) decided that it would no longer offer the channel. On the other hand, MSNBC is widely known to be affiliated with the Democratic Party. They are known to be prominent advocates of human rights and publicly support rights for gays. When watching channels that portray a biased opinion, it is important to keep an open mind. Ask yourself questions. Is what they’re reporting politically correct?

The majority of people who tune into sources that portray biased opinions tend to be ignorant, and unable to keep an open mind when it comes to interpreting media. It is crucial to our learning to watch new stations that remain unbiased. This way, you are able to inform yourself by generating your own opinion. It also is beneficial to society.

Some popular unbiased news sources that deserve recognition are BBC (British Broadcasting Company) and Al-Jazeera.

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

Je Suis Charlie

BY SHERIDAN SWEE The press should never be attacked or restricted. Although I do not approve of the offensive cartoons Charlie Hebdo published in their infamous issue, I am appalled by the fact that certain individuals thought it necessary to respond through acts of violence.

What did this really accomplish? Twelve lives were ended. Twelve people were unjustifiably murdered. Even if someone does not agree with or is offended by something published, the

publication should have the right to distribute whatever they please.

Therefore, “Je Suis Charlie.”

While the cartoon itself dismays me, freedom of the press should never be limited. As Voltaire said, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Some countries, however, have taken the opposite approach. They’ve responded by restricting freedom of the press within their own countries. What good will this do? Disallowing people to express their thoughts and opinions

in the media does not stop the real issues of terrorism and misunderstanding.

In addition, many people have criticized Charlie Hebdo for their latest issue following the attacks. The new issue also depicted the prophet Mohammed in a distasteful manner, but in a way, it was a show of strength. They did not give in.

Through the actions of millions, including the march in Paris where world leaders linked arms, a clear message has been given. Freedom of the press should reign.

Graphic by Trevor Stansberry

Je Ne Suis Pas Charlie

BY MURPHY HULLETT-NELSON Everyone can agree that the Charlie Hebdo massacre was a tragedy. When twelve people are slain at gunpoint, it is no laughing matter.

However, I think the aftermath of the killings is much worse. Muslim people across the world are affected by this act of violence. They are met with discrimination from these events.

It makes me upset that the world blames all Muslims for the acts of ISIS and other terror groups. Why don’t people discriminate against whites because of white terror acts? Just a couple weeks ago, around the same time as the Charlie

Opinion

Hebdo shootings, a white terrorist bombed the NAACP. The bombings barely made headlines as compared to the tragedy in France.

Also, Boko Haram terrorists have being killing large groups of people in Africa, but it still isn’t widely known. Charlie Hebdo was also known for making Islamophobic and racist covers to their stories.

While I fully condone freedom of speech, slandering an entire religion and expecting something not to happen is a little naive. Pope Francis commented on the issue earlier this week: “In theory we can say a violent reaction to an offense or provocation isn’t a good thing [...],

in theory we can say that we have the freedom to express ourselves. But we are human and there is prudence, which is a virtue of human coexistence.”

Freedom of speech is a good thing, but insulting a religion is hurtful to the people who practice it. We should all accept each other’s religions and stray away from stepping on each other’s spiritual toes. This event was horrible, and I send my thoughts to the family and friends of the victims of the shooting; however, je ne suis pas Charlie.

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Point/Counterpoint: SelfIES Love your selfie

BY AMIE STAGER

I’m a big believer in doing what makes you confident and happy, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. Selfies can be one way to do just that. If you take a lot of selfies, good for you! And if you don’t, good for you! To clarify what kind of selfie I’m talking about, the Merriam Webster online dictionary definition of a selfie is “an image of oneself taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks.”

A lot of people think that a “selfie” includes just a regular portrait. While there isn’t a large difference between taking a picture of yourself and having someone take it for you—except for the angle, maybe—there is a difference. And that difference is cause for people to label our generation as selfish, narcissistic, egotistical, and completely self-involved and self-obsessed.

What I see are your average human beings expressing their fashion sense or “artsiness” through an easy and rather intimate way. What I see is someone humorously trying to convey an awesome or hilarious moment. I see the documentation of a moment in which someone felt truly happy, truly confident, and truly comfortable in his or her skin.

Somewhere along the line, loving how you look (or seeming like you love how you look) and wanting people to know it became a sign of pretentiousness.

This kind of assumption leads people to self-deprecating behavior such as body bashing—because reassurance and approval is only valid when it comes from someone else, right? This is an unhealthy way to live.

While one hundred likes on an Instagram selfie is awesome, basing an opinion of yourself from social media or your peers is also unhealthy. It’s not bad thing to be wanted by others, but if that’s what drives every choice you make, you may end up over your head. There is nothing wrong with a little self care that helps you get through the day. If that comes in the form of a bangin’ selfie, go right ahead and

post that pic.

I’m not advocating filling up your social networks with all kinds of selfies (you can do that if you want) and I’m not saying you have to like them; I’m saying they’re not the worst things in the world. There are worse things in the world, so maybe those who constantly complain about how many pictures of faces they see should redirect their efforts into fixing real problems.

If you have an issue with seeing a ton of selfies on your wall, dashboard, feed or timeline, there is a solution for you! It’s called the “unfollow” button. Use it.

Stop with the self-absorbed selfies

BY LUCI BESSINGER

“Selfie!” Probably stop. This common display of self-obsession has consumed the minds of about every teen on planet Earth. I simply do not understand the need to take a picture of just oneself. If you are looking for a simple way to see your grand beauty, buy a pocket mirror.

“It’s about maintaining self-confidence and beauty.” No, it isn’t. Someone please explain to me exactly how a picture of your arm and duck-faced lips give you selfconfidence.

Here’s a starter: Be confident without staring at your appearance displayed on

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a pixilated screen. In addition to the wonderful invention of a selfie, someone had the idea to share these pictures on social media. Yes, two or three pictures throughout the whole year are okay, but 30 should be considered illegal.

Also, what happened to photos of just nature? We always place our heads into pictures with beautiful scenery. Keyword: beautiful. It was perfectly appealing without your arm and head in the center.

I know, I know, “I need to capture this memory.” Straight up: No. Memories are meant to be made with friends and family, not yourself. For example, no one would ever say (or should ever say), “Here’s a memory of me in the mountains alone!” Again, don’t do that.

The selfie is most abused on Selfie Sunday. This day could probably die if it wanted. Every Sunday I sit and wait to not favorite the upcoming 500 selfies that are about to be displayed to the public. If you are pretty, people already know you are. There is no need to post weekly selfies that were taken with a self-timer.

In today’s world, teens are more addicted to selfies than drugs. The American Psychiatric Association officially classified the taking of a selfie to be a mental disorder called “Selfitis.”

They also displayed three levels of this disorder: Borderline, Acute, and Chronic. Borderline is when you take a picture of yourself at least three times a week but do not post them on social media. Acute is when you do post them on social media. Then there is Chronic. Chronic is when you continually have the urge to take pictures of yourself and post over eight on social media throughout the week.

Since this is a disorder, there is help available from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is reachable at 1-800-555-6787. Almost all students in this school should consider giving them a ring.

Overall, this common way of “expressing” yourself has gone too far. Our self-esteem is far too affected by how others judge our appearance. So please, stop with the selfies.

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

the education system is failing America

BY YASMIN CHAVEZ Our education system is failing students throughout America. The education focuses too much attention on skills that students don’t need and grades. This draws attention away from what truly matters and that is gaining knowledge.

In order to get good grades, students are forced to memorize facts, dates, formulas, and equations. This causes students to not actually learn the material, but just memorize the information they need in order to get a good grade on a test and then forget about the material once they have taken the test.

Students are taught how to have good testing skills rather than how to improve their problem solving skills. Later on they won’t know how to deal with real world situations. The only thing students will know is how to make an educated guess between choice “a” and “c”. The education system is equipping students to become masters at taking tests rather than equipping them with knowledge and how to handle situations.

Another flaw in our education system is that the system is setting up certain students for failure. For some people, memorization doesn’t come easy and others possess weak testing skills.

This is a disadvantage to these students and it is not fair to give them bad grades just because they aren’t strong in memorization.

Memorization isn’t even a skill we use often in the real world. Yet, this is what our education system is teaching students. As long as you are able to memorize this packet, you will succeed in school. Tests do not show the true potential of a student and only concentrates on one’s ability to retain information.

The education system is also lacking in motivating students to seek knowledge. There is a great emphasis on grades. One’s GPA and grades can dictate whether you go to your dream school or not. Students focus so much attention in getting an “A” in the class that they forget the actual learning part of the class. This also adds pressure to students to achieve perfection in order to get into their dream school.

Receiving a failing grade has a negative impact on students. It discourages them from learning and for some people makes them stop caring about school. Students start to develop a mentality that they are incapable of succeeding at school.

Our education system is greatly flawed. It greatly restricts student’s true skills and puts too much emphasis on grades. It drains students’ desire to pursue knowledge and motivation to learn. The education system does not need to be fixed; rather it needs to be reinvented entirely.

If the issue isn’t addressed soon, the education system will continue to fail students.

Opinion

GRAPHIC BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

Political Corectness Breeds iGnorance

BY JEAN-PIERRE TOSSA Tolerance of others is very important in today’s world. It helps prevent hate crimes, promotes intelligent thinking, and generally makes the world a better place. There are many tools for promoting tolerance, one of which is the use of political correctness.

Wrong tool.

Political correctness only accomplishes burying problems. The act of saying something while being politically correct only leads to a tentative peace, one that is founded on lies and deceit.

The people attempting to be politically correct or, more prevalently, pressured by society into being diplomatic only succeed in burying their biases and misconceptions.

Being less offensive does not change the way they think, nor does it change the way they perceive others. It only helps their intolerant thoughts to hide in ignorance, coming out as actions later. As the saying goes: “Ignorance is bliss.” Promoting a blissful society built on falsehood is, in reality, the only true ability of political correctness.

Political correctness not only hides the ignorance, but drowns out the real issue as

well. Many good arguments have been ignored due to others decrying their lack of political correctness. Something stated in an inoffensive manner does not make the point any less valid.

Political incorrectness is also a petty reason to ignore someone’s viewpoint. Getting insulted by several statements made in an argument, not by the idea that they are attempting to argue, is an incredibly close-minded way of operating. It doesn’t just stifle the flow of ideas, but also encroaches on their First Amendment rights.

Nobody has to agree with each other. That being said, everybody also has a right to their opinion. This right should not be diminished in the ever-lasting pursuit of a politically correct, tolerant society. Freedom of speech is arguably one of the most important rights given to people by the Constitution, and thus nobody should have the power to lessen this right.

Political correctness buries bigoted thoughts in ignorance. It feigns tolerance. It makes the expression of opinions unfavorable, and encroaches on others’ First Amendment rights.

In the end, political correctness is a large and pointless waste of everybody’s time.

“Promoting a blissful society built on falsehood is, in reality, the only true ability of political correctness.”

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Opinionettes Valentines Day Sucks

BY HANNAH BELONGIE I know that people are probably going to read this and think, “Oh wow just another person complaining about Valentines Day, just because they are single.” Well no, actually, I have had boyfriends on Valentines Day and I still think it is just as stupid.

There is no sentimental value in this holiday. It is just a day set in the year for stores to make money off of crappy candy and flowers.

It’s not just because I am a cynical person that I think that this holiday should have never been created, it’s just that I have never been into that “mushy gushy” love stuff and that’s what valentines day is all about. So if you need me on February 14, I will be working. Thank you.

GRAPHIC BY HANNAH BELONGIE

To Kill Another Mockingbird

NO DRINKING. NO FUN?

BY AMIE STAGER

BY LUCI BESSINGER

Did you hear about Harper Lee’s new novel, set to release in July this year? Neither did she. A close friend recently discovered her original manuscript of “To Kill A Mockingbird”, which is about Scout’s adulthood. Publishers thought that Scout’s childhood would be more appealing to readers, so she set it aside. But now we will get the opportunity to read and experience even more. It’s called “Go Set a Watchmen,” and it will be released as a sequel to the classroom favorite.

“Go Set a Watchman,” one of our favorite child protagonists, Scout Finch, revisits her ho etown of Maycomb, Alabama and her father, Atticus, 20 years after the events of TKM. I wonder what Scout will be like 20 years older. Will she still be as spunky, rambunctious and curious? Where is she in the world? What about Jem, Boo, Calpurnia? What about Atticus— the father of all fathers? Will the themes of racial injustice, classism and courage be present?

I have so many questions. I do not know if I can wait 5 months for this novel, but I do know that it will be legendary.

Lee’s reclusion from public eye has been a literary mystery for decades. There’s no doubt that this late book release is a gift, an extraordinary event that we all get to witness.

What is wrong with our society? Let me tell you. It has become apparent at our school that many students believe they can’t have fun without alcohol. This is crazy to me. I know that partying is considered normal to many teens, but that doesn’t mean they need to drink every night.

This common way of life has consumed the minds of many. It has made nights when everyone is just relaxing ‘boring.’ Since when have we lost all respect for real conversations? Maybe the reason why everyone is so awkward during sober conversations is because they have forgotten how to communicate without alcohol in their system.

Life isn’t all about loud music and red solo cups. Realize the deeper level of your existence. Realize your passions and what you desire to do in the future. Realize that you don’t always need alcohol to have fun. one weekend without drinking. Feel what it feels like to have rich conversations and truly enjoy the time you share with one another.

too cool in the school

BY GILLIAN HOLTE Entering the high school dressed with enough layers to resemble the Michelin Man, high school students look forward to shedding those warm winter layers.

They soon figure out that the temperature is colder inside than it is outside. At the end of each hallway, they should be handing out complimentary hot chocolates to apologize for the unnecessarily low temperatures in the school.

Every student’s backpack should be equipped with a small space heater so they are nice and warm wherever they go. The school might as well open the doors and windows to the outside in order to let in some source of heat.

PHOTO BY DUSTIN WOLF

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Profile

Paula Peterson: 30

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

One True

A

Artist

BY ABBY WARRICK

rt is imaginative, creative, and a beautiful form of expression. Art itself can bring people together; it can create harmony and love. Finding people who have the ability to create good art and who are innovative and original can be rare. Senior Paula Peterson is a great example of a wonderful artist who loves what she does.

Peterson describes herself as an open-minded and kind individual. “That’s how I want people to think of me: nice and open-minded,” said Peterson. In addition to making art, Peterson also enjoys singing and playing the piano. “I would consider myself a hobbyist,” said Peterson.

“Paula is one of the most trustworthy and funniest people I know,” said good friend of Peterson, Emily Monsen. Peterson with the nickname, “Woggy”, is also described as very unique and a really good friend.

Profile

Peterson says she has been creating art ever since she can remember. “I think it all started when I was about 5, maybe even before that,” said Peterson. Ever since then, Peterson has been an avid artist, primarily sketches and paints. “I keep a collection of sketches in a notebook and I really enjoy the stuff I have in there because it is consistent with a certain theme,” she said. She also explains how she likes to design sketches of people she admires.

Peterson not only appreciates other people with artistic talents, but also uses them as inspiration along with drawing inspiration from Monet. Peterson also reveals her inspiration in painting and sketching outdoors.

Peterson’s talents don’t go unnoticed. Because of her skills people have approached her requesting paintings. “Yes, I have sold art before, but first they tell PETERSON continued on pg. 32 >>

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GRAPHIC BY AMIE STAGER

<< PETERSON from pg. 31 me what they want me to paint and then I will try and capture what they want,” said Peterson. Peterson also paints and sells jeep wheel covers. “I wash the covers before and paint on them with acrylic paint and then spray resistant seal on it,” said Peterson. She also says it can be a difficult surface to paint on because sometimes the cover bunches up, but other than that she says it’s a great texture for the paint to adhere to. She has made two different wheel covers and is currently working on another.

One of the wheel covers was created for senior Sarah Moen.

The cover is a painting of pine trees decorated with snow reflecting into a lake. Moen explains how Paula was more than happy to paint one for her. Moen, only paying 5 dollars for a cover that is clearly worth more than that, says “I am absolutely in love with it.”

The feedback Peterson receives from friends and family is nothing but positive. “People really like my art,” said Peterson, later saying that her family and friends are really supportive of what she does.

“I’ve seen her work on her art and she takes it very seriously, she works very carefully and slowly trying to get everything perfect,” said Monsen.

Although Peterson doesn’t know exactly what her plans are for after high school, she hopes to go to the college of design at the University of Minnesota. “People tell you that art doesn’t get you anywhere, but I don’t really care because I like it and I’m good at it,” said Peterson.

Peterson can be an influence to students to pursue their true passions and do what they love. It is evident that Peterson is a clear example of a true artist.

•

PHOTOS BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

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February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

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Feature

WHAT’S HOT

BY ABBEY MERTZ

Our society is changing every day, but often times for the worse.

2014 was an awesome year filled with great trends, but definitely had some terrible ones. These trends, ranging from fashion to celebrities, are some of the best and worst in 2014 and 2015.

Real vs fake eyebrows

FLICKR PHOTO

Sadly enough, women and girls have waxed and plucked their eyebrows so much that there’s nothing left. The only option left is to fill them in. Women are making their eyebrows look unusually thin or fake. On most girls, it’s not very attractive. Aren’t eyebrows supposed to have hair?

FLICKR PHOTO

Abs vs Jaw Lines

Girls always used to obsess over Taylor Lautner’s washboard abs in the Twilight movies. Now, the big thing is a guy who has a defined jawline. Whether it’s Liam Hemsworth, Channing Tatum, or Blake Cashman, they’re pretty hard to resist. Who knows why girls are infatuated with jaw lines, but this is a pretty attractive trait that a guy can have.

Kim Kardashian vs Angelina Jolie

Last year, the person who many people gossiped about was Kim Kardashian. Her popularity sparked primarily due to her show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”, marrying Kanye West, and her artificial body. This year, Angelina Jolie is the woman who America is raving about. As a philanthropist, being married to Brad Pitt, and producing the new movie Unbroken, she’s the latest talk among teens in America.

FLICKR PHOTO

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PHOTO BY ABBEY MERTZ

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

What’s Not Uggs vs Sorel Boots

Sperry’s vs Converse

Remember when all of your friends had Uggs in middle school? That’s definitely not the case when you see what kinds of shoes girls wear in the halls today. These boots are clearly out of style. Sorel boots now dominate the shoe market and are well made, cozy, and perfect for the chilly weather that Minnesota brings us.

Even though Sperry’s are cute shoes, Converse have definitely filled their role. They went out of style, but now are back and ready to be flaunted on all teens girls at EPHS. From high tops to the standard sneaker, Converse are definitely hot for 2015.

FLICKR PHOTO

Heels vs wedges

If you walk the hallways at EPHS, you may notice a lot of girls wearing wedges. More comfortable and practical, they have replaced the trend of wearing heels on a Friday night or at school.

Wedges are becoming popular among not only girls at EPHS, but across the country. Not to mention, they’re adorable!

PHOTO BY ABBEY MERTZ

Victoria’s Secret Yoga Pants vs Lululemon Yoga Pants

At EPHS, tons of girls are obsessed with Lululemon. Although it is pricy, they have the perfect yoga pants and leggings. In addition, their clothing has much better quality than Victoria’s Secret clothing. Lululemon has become much more popular than Victoria’s Secret not just in EPHS, but also across the U.S. this year.

FLICKR PHOTO

Denim vs flannels

More comfortable, cozy, and soft, flannels are definitely a wardrobe essential of 2015. A lot of girls used to wear denim shirts with scarves but flannels seem to be replacing this look. Also, flannels are a great fit for the freezing weather!

FLICKR PHOTO

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Valentine Thoughts Your responses related to the holiday

BY LUCI BESSINGER & HANNAH BRANDSER

W

hat is the ideal gift for Valentine’s Day in your opinion?

W

“Card” “Necklace” “Note and chocolate” “Jewelry, chocolate, and flowers” “Nike shoes and a cute date”

hat do you usually do on Valentine’s Day?

H

“I go out to dinner.”

“I hang out with friends cause I don’t have a boyfriend…”

“I like going to dinner and a movie.”

“I eat some of the candy my dad gave to my mom.”

“Dream about Nike shoes and a cute date…”

ow romantic are you?

“I bought my boyfriend Taco Bell once…”

“Very ;)…”

“A girlfriend might be required to be romantic…”

“Very. I always by roses.”

“I am so romantic…”

H

ow did you meet your crush?

“Halloween school dance…”

“Track…”

“A friend’s basement…”

W

ho do you love?

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“I love Falmata Delwano.”

“I love my mom.”

“I love my boyfriend.”

“I love Ms. Sachs.”

“I love Sam Leunig.”

Senior couple Seth Hotchkiss and Asil Asfour showing off their playful side.

The Perfect Date Is a guy’s opinion different than a girl’s?

BY HANNAH BRANDSER

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your perfect date. Usually, a guy’s perfect tends to differ from a girl’s perfect date. The Eyrie interviewed a couple to get a real world example: Seth Hotchkiss and Asil Asfour.

S

eth’s Perfect Date: “My perfect date is not about myself. It’s all about what the girl wants to do. Maybe a nice dinner and a play would be my perfect date. But really, it’s whatever she wants to do.”

Vs.

A

sil’s Perfect Date: “I think my perfect date would be semi-casual.

Ideally, I would like to go to a basketball game and get dinner downtown afterwards.

Also, I think ice-skating would be fun. I think a perfect date is all about laughing and having fun; it doesn’t have to be fancy. Maybe I would even get him flowers.”

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Tuxedos

BY YASMIN CHAVEZ A delicious treat that is easy, fun, and quick to make. It makes a perfect, cute gift for a certain someone or yourself. Who doesn’t want to eat strawberries in tuxedos?

Ingredients: •1 package of strawberries •12 ounces of white chocolate •12 ounces of milk or dark chocolate Directions: 1) Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries.

2) Melt the white chocolate either on the stove or microwave.

Follow the melting instructions on the package.

3) Holding onto the stem of the strawberry, dip it into the white chocolate and give it a little twist. Then point it at the ceiling, so that the chocolate sticks to the strawberry.

4) Place the strawberry on wax paper or aluminum foil to dry.

5) Next melt the milk or dark chocolate, following the instructions on the package.

6) Dip the strawberry in the chocolate at a 45- degree angle on both sides to make the jacket. Then place it on the wax paper to dry.

7) Place the remaining milk or dark chocolate in a zip-lock bag and cut a little corner of it off.

8) Draw the bow and buttons onto the strawberry.

9) Let it dry. Then enjoy eating them!

PHOTO BY TREVOR STANSBERRY

Dating Dos and Don’ts

Decorative Frame

BY: LUCI BESSINGER Have a special friend that you want to take on a date?

Here are the do’s and don’t’s of movies.

BY ZOË GLENN Decorating a space can be both expensive and time consuming.

But here is a way to personalize a space in a short and cheap way you can do at home! Either buy or build a wooden frame, take out the glass and replace it with a hand-lettering poster of your favorite quote.

Great, Romantic, Flirtatious Valentine’s Day Movies: •“The Wedding Ringer” •“The Theory of Everything” •“The Notebook” •“10 Things I Hate About You” •“The Last Song”

Materials: •Paper •Pencil •Scissors •Paint brushes •Paint •Tape

Good Idea Bad Idea

Terrible, Cheesy, Obscene Valentine’s Day Movies: •“American Sniper” •“The Spongebob Movie” •“The Boy Next Door” •“50 Shades of Grey” •“Penguins of Madagascar”

Feature

1. Use an old frame (which is what I did) and pop out the glass.

2. Then, find some paper and cut or glue it together so that it fits snuggly in the place where the glass was.

3. Take out and begin your design!

Start out by finding some inspiration. My favorite website to get the creative juices flowing is designspiration.net. You can always check out tumblr and instagram, just use the hashtag #handlettering 4. Next choose your quote. You could use anything from your favorite artist to a line from a book or even something you’ve written. Layout your quote in pencil and then choose a color scheme. For this part, I used watercolors. You could also use pen or colored pencils.

5. After choosing your colors start painting over the pencil lines you’ve already made. After letting it dry, put the paper where the glass was making sure it’s flush with the front of the frame and tape it from behind.

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PET PICS

Having a bad day? Here are some adorable pictures of EPHS’ furry friends.

Senior Maya Subramanian’s pet, Teddy

Senior Sam Westerman’s two cats, TJ and Rico Junior Noelle Valentine with her chinchilla, Luna

Senior Priya Shetty’s bunny Cinnamon

Senior Peyton Maddern’s dog Terra

Senior Sam and Sophomore Elise Nawrocki’s kitten, Penny

Mr. Sibley poses with his pet pig, Galveston

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Sophomore Ashley Skanse’s puppy, Koda

Senior Sarah Murtada’s pet horse, Lisa

February 2015 -- theeyrie.org

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