May 2018

Z

Generation

COVER STORY | 20

+

NEW PRINCIPAL| 05 SUMMER BOOKS| 08 UNPOPULAR OPINIONS| 16 SPOT THE DIFFERENCE| 38

EPHS NEWS MAGAZINE

MAY 2018 | VOL. 57 | NO. 05

Welcome POLICIES 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.

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.

Multi-media

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS It seems that people are always complaining about “kids these days,” saying that we’re lazy and entitled. But really, who are the “kids these days?”

Well, if you’re a worried do-gooder who uses 5 screens a day, you fit the profile of our generation, Generation Z. Born between the mid 1990s to early 2000s, we make up over a quarter of the U.S. population. Still, many of us don’t know much about who our generation is and what our impact has and will be. For this issue’s cover story, we explored what defines different generations, focusing on Generation Z, and looked at some of cultural events that have shaped our lives.

Throughout the issue, you’ll also find articles on recent pop culture and technological trends that define our generation. This includes online classes, Facebook and social media privacy, Hayley Kiyoko’s debut album, the new Avengers movie, and the latest makeup trends.

This year has flown by, and we can’t believe its already our last issue. From exchange students to Generation Z, we hope you’ve enjoyed this volume of the Eyrie as much as we have enjoyed writing, photographing and designing it. Thank you for a great year.

Have a great rest of the school year and enjoy the issue,

Follow the Eyrie on Twitter @the_eyrie and Instagram @theeyriemag.

For daily content and school updates, visit theeyrie.org.

Printer

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

STAFF

Staff bios can be found on our website.

Editors-in-Chief

Elizabeth Buse Kelly Pu

Design Editor

Sophie Brandser

Business Manager Inika Shetty

Website Editors

Karen Larionova Oliver Taylor

Photo Editor

Emma Swanson

Elizabeth Buse and Kelly Pu

A&E Editor

Sophie Brandser

Cover Story Editor Kelly Pu

Feature Editor

Elizabeth Buse

News Editor

Inika Shetty

2

DESIGN BY KELLY PU

Opinion Editor Adam Chao

Profile Editor

Emma Swanson

Sports Editor

Sophie Brandser

Columnists

Oliver Taylor Nicole Ruppert

Staff

Bella Beck Isabelle Felton Lauren Murphy Greta Ness Kira Parrington Lucas Pham Nicole Ruppert Nick Walfrid Winifred Halm De-Souza

Advisor

Jodie Flolid

Content 12

36

A uke-nique experience

May 2018 Vol. 57 | No. 05

Z ON THE COVER

GRAPHIC BY EMMA SWANSON

32

Higher teacher pay

NEWS

Online classes| 04 New principal| 05 New bell | 05 Retiring teachers | 06

A&E

Summer break books| 08 Review: Hayley Kiyoko | 10 Review: Avengers | 10

OPINION

Don’t tolerate the intolerant | 12 Facebook privacy| 13 Opinionettes | 14 Unpopular opinions | 16

11

Parks and trails

Broadway Extravaganza

PROFILE

Madhusudhanan | 18

COVER

Generation Z | 20

SPORTS

Offcourt: Russell West-brick | 24 Senior leaders | 24 Spring sports| 26

FEATURE

Makeup trends| 34 Ruppert’s Rarely Seen| 35 Comics| 37 Photo essay: Spot the difference| 38 MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

3

Breaking tradition with online courses

B

BY KAREN LARINOVA

eginning next year, students will have the opportunity to take a wider variety of online courses through our high school. This push for online learning is part of a community process for change known as Designing Pathways. The district has been working on many projects, such as personalized learning and Capstone projects in addition to online learning.

According to Senior Director of Personalized Learning Michelle Ament, the purpose of implementing online learning is “creating multiple modalities for learning.” Students should be able to learn anywhere at anytime and at their own pace, she said.

Part of online learning is also to adapt to technological advances. As schools begin to use the Internet to access higher levels of learning, it’s the responsibility of EPHS to be “responding to the needs of a changing world,” said district Director of Communications and Community Relations Jaclyn Swords.

Although EP is yet to finish getting approved to provide online classes for out-ofdistrict students, the district is seeking to work with iNACOL, the International Society for Technology in Education and Minnesota state standards to create ideal online classes.

Online classes are scheduled to begin in the fall. Students in the district who want to take an online class should talk to their counselor.

For students out of the district, there will be a longer process of filling out applications. The process for reviewing these applications is to be determined.

According to district Instructional Excellence Coordinator Alex Townsend, most classes will have a cap of 20 students. The classes will mostly be taught on Schoology with roughly the same curriculum as in-person classes.

Only teachers within EPHS are being hired to teach these online classes. All positions are expected to be filled by the next school year. In the summer, teachers will receive five paid days

4

DESIGN BY NICK WALFRID

to work on their curriculum. Educators will earn money based on the number of students in their class and a few other factors that are outlined in their memorandum of understanding.

As students from outside the district begin to enroll, and as EPHS students take on extra classes in addition to their usual course load, the district will eventually make money, according to Ament. “Part of our goal is increased enrollment, and increased enrollment becomes a revenue generating source,” she said.

Swords said that online learning is projected to be cost neutral.

The online learning initiative is still in development, with many people still uncertain of how online classes will look or what effect they will have on the achievement gap. Ament said that online learning will not fix the gap, but she does think it might help.

Natasha Monsaas-Daly, and instructional coach at the high school, said, “There’s no research that says it does anything for struggling learners or kids who historically aren’t getting credits. The kids who will benefit are probably kids who are already succeeding in school.”

Robb Virgin, who is currently an assistant principal at Minnetonka High School and will become EPHS principal next year, helped launch Minnetonka’s online school.

Ament expressed excitement about Virgin and his expertise in this field. “Mr. Virgin has a wealth of knowledge and background in online education,” she said.

The modality of learning may not always be the only defining factor of success, according to Virgin, who said that there was not a noticeable impact on the achievement gap at Minnetonka.

He said that the debate between online learning and in-person classes is not the discussion people should be having. “A more important question is who’s teaching?” said Virgin.

Everything is in the works, and much of the technicalities of the online classes, such as what they will look like and how students will perform in them, are unknown. “We’re building the airplane as it flies,” said Monsaas-Daly.

ONLINE CLASSES TO BE STARTED I N T R O

W O R L D

T O

S T U D I E S

T E C H N O L O G Y

E N G L I S H 1 2

E N G L I S H

A L G E B R A

1 1

II

B I O L O G Y

C A R E E R S E C O N O M I C S

A L L F O R E I G N L A N G U A G E S

PHOTO BY NICOLE RUPPERT

NEWS

Taking the reigns from McCartan Interview with the new principal, Mr. Robb Virgin

fter college, Robb Virgin, EPHS’ next principal, wanted to become a lawyer. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in history, education studies and political science and began working in the 3M litigation department. But as he was applying to law schools, he realized it wasn’t for him.

The human connection drew him to education. “I thought I wanted to be around more positive interactions, and that’s when I got my teaching license in political science and history,” said Virgin. He taught for several years in Eau Claire and Farmington. He then moved on to the University of Minnesota. There, in addition to teaching classes for prospective teachers, he supervised student teachers.

“What I realized then was my favorite days were when I got to go back to the middle and high schools I was supervising people in. I just missed the pace of the human interaction at schools,” he said.

Currently, Virgin is the assistant principal of Minnetonka High School, a position he has held for two years, while continuing to teach at the U. He is also in the final stages of his dissertation for a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction at the U. Virgin decided to apply for the principal position at EPHS for several reasons. He knew he wanted to be a principal. “I wanted to be able to connect with kids and staff and be able to help people, and I realized there was a really incredible opportunity to help people through that role,” he said

PHOTO BY LUCAS PHAM

A

BY KELLY PU

Robb Virgin Because of his position in Minnetonka, Virgin knew about Eden Prairie. And once he started the interview process, he was impacted by the way people were talking about EPHS. “I sensed a lot of pride from people, a real commitment to each student, commitment to innovation, thinking about things differently and excellence in schools.“ said Virgin. “I just felt like, wow, that’s a pretty cool place.”

His top priorities as principal are to amplify student and staff voice. Virgin said, “The kids I work with now, when I look around the school, and I think of the things that I’m proud of and they’re proud of, almost all of them were either students’ ideas or teachers’ ideas.” Virgin wants to make sure all students, teachers, counselors and staff have their ideas heard and also be given the resources to get their ideas into motion.

He hopes to make EPHS feel like a “relationship-based community.”

Ultimately, Virgin wants to get to know EPHS better before setting specific goals. He doesn’t believe in doing anything because it worked in another school or avoiding something because it didn’t work somewhere else.

“Each school has its own culture. That’s why I’m excited to learn more about here,” said Virgin. He’s already started doing this, meeting teachers throughout the spring and talking with students. “I had a student over spring break who wanted to interview me for a drum major application [for marching band], and I said,’ I’ll do it, but in exchange you have to give me a tour of your school,’” he said.

Virgin is most excited to continue to meet the students at EPHS. While the hardest part of leaving his current job at Minnetonka is leaving the relationships he has with students, staff and families, he’s also very excited to meet the people at EPHS, hear and see what’s going on and get involved.

What the new bell signals

BY GRETA NESS Keep hearing the bell and thinking you are late to class? A new warning bell has been put in place starting 4th term. The warning bell rings three minutes before class before second, third and fourth periods, signaling students to be on time.

The bell is being put in place is to ensure that students are in their classes and ready when the bell rings, not coming in late. According to Principal Conn McCartan, essential learning often happens in the first five minutes of a class. It is where learning targets and other important information is given.

McCartan stated that “It gets challenging to get to the level of achievement if students are consistently missing the first five minutes of class.” If people are missing the first five

minutes of a class every day, that adds up about 25 minutes of just one class missed per week, a larger total than students estimate.

There is also a controversial new policy regarding unexcused absences and incomplete grades of students. The school’s data shows that students who have six or more unexcused absences often never recover their incomplete grade. “There is a challenge in trying to recover incompletes, and students who are missing will have a harder time recovering them,” McCartan said.

The new policy is that if a student has six or more unexcused absences, they will be unable to get an incomplete. While new rules are being set in place, there is also a push for having more options for students that don’t work well with traditional school rules.

The hopes are high that the new policies will help students do better in the classroom and achieve their fullest potential.

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

5

NEWS

E

Retiring Teachers

veryone already knows about principal Conn McCartan’s retirement, but what about the other teachers who have dedicated their careers to EPHS? Here are profiles of many staff members who will be retiring this year.

BY LUCAS PHAM AND LAUREN MURPHY

Margaret Bicek

Angie Roesner

6

Margaret Bicek is an English and special education teacher at the high school, but currently she is supporting students in Hennepin Technical College.

Bicek has been teaching at EPHS for about 30 years.

She says that she will miss the kids and other teachers the most after she retires. Bicek looks forward to having more time with her family and dog after retiring.

Pam Skaar-Meier has been teaching at the high school for 33 years. She currently teaches World History 1 and Prehistory Through the Middle Ages but primarily taught U.S. history in the past. Her favorite part about teaching was interacting with students. Skaar-Meier will miss being able to connect with her students and share her passions about history and travel to them. She plans to travel and even teach abroad during retirement. This summer alone, she will be travelling to Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, New Zealand and Australia. “I don’t look at it as leaving something,” Skaar-Meier said. “I just look at it as transitioning to something else.”

Angie Roesner just teaches Algebra 2 this semester, but in the past, she has taught classes like Algebra 1, Geometry and Honors Algebra 2 as well. She has been teaching for 34 years overall, with 32 of them in the Eden Prairie school district. In her career, Roesner has enjoyed getting to know her students. She also loves the environment in which she teaches. “I will definitely miss my colleagues and the school setting,” Roesner said. Currently, Roesner is looking into multiple activities she could do during retirement, including volunteering, traveling and, of course, spending more time with family and friends. Most importantly, Roesner hopes to make a difference in the community with what she does.

Albert Walla is the high school’s American Sign Language Teacher, and he has been teaching for the last 44 years. He has taught for about 20 years at EPHS. After retiring, Walla will miss being able to interact with his students. “When I come to school and talk to them, I can help guide them,” Walla said.

“Sometimes, they have become lifetime friends.” He laments not having the physical energy to be able to keep up with them anymore. Like many other teachers, Walla looks forward to taking it easy, but he also has a side job as an interpreter for the deaf. “I hope I can be an activist and make sure that deaf people have rights and dignity in life.”

Linda Sachs teaches regular and Honors English 9 at EPHS. She has been teaching at the high school for 25 years. After retiring, she will miss the interactions she’s had with her students and the relationships she’s

DESIGN BY WINIFRED HALM DE-SOUZA

Pam Skaar-Meier

Albert Walla

Linda Sachs

Mary DeMers-Wilhem

Bonnie Johnson

Karri Hansen

maintained with her colleagues. Sachs already has plans to travel to France and Italy this fall. Along with the trip, Sachs looks forward to tending her gardens and, in general, enjoying life after retirement.

Mary DeMers-Wilhelm teaches Spanish and has been a teacher at EPHS for 34 years. Before that, she worked at Chaska Elementary School for two years. She will miss connecting with students daily and listening to the perspectives they offer. “There is always someone who has a different view of things,” DeMers-Wilhelm said.

Although she will miss teaching, she is looking forward to not having to get up in the morning, traffic and the other stresses that come with teaching. She is also excited to spend more time with her husband.

Mary Campbell has been teaching ESL for 19 years, and she has been teaching for over 20 years. The two things that Campbell will miss most are the other teachers and colleagues she works with, along with the students she gets to help every day. In retirement, Campbell is looking forward to traveling more. She is also excited for more time to read, camp and snow ski. And lastly, of course, Campbell is happy that she can sleep in late during retirement.

Bonnie Johnson works across the district with the special education department. She works with assistive technology, in which she finds technology to help students access their learning. She has been doing this job for over 26 years. She will miss the the people most. Colleagues, parents and families have made the job worth it.

“I start working with a lot of them in the early childhood department, and I work with them until they graduate,” Johnson said. In retirement she still plans on working in some way, but she is looking forward to spending more time with her family, including a 95-year-old mother and three grandchildren.

Mark Ritter has been a dean at EPHS for around 20 years. Before that, he was a social studies teacher. In total, he has been at the high school for 35 years. Working with students will be the hardest thing for Ritter to leave behind in retirement. Although his job includes discipline, Ritter will miss helping kids and making a difference in their lives. When asked about what he most looks forward to in retirement, Ritter said, “Hanging out with my wife. She’s a retired teacher from Prairie View.”

Karri Hansen has been working in special education for 31 years, 14 of which have been at EPHS. The best part of her job includes the friendships she has made with other teachers, the other staff members and the students that she works with. Hansen is looking forward to not having to do paperwork and not having to get up early in the morning.

Nancy Schmitt, who retired in March, was the high school’s Student Activities Coordinator. She was responsible for the school’s extracurricular clubs and activities as well as some of the sports. She had been working in the school district for 36 years. Schmitt misses the buzz around school and the relationships she formed with students. Even though she is retired, Schmitt is still keeping up with how things are going with students at EPHS. So far in her retirement, Schmitt has been busy spending time with her friends and family. She also volunteers at Bridging, an organization that provides furniture and goods to families in need, and the Arboretum at the University of Minnesota. “Retirement has been awesome!”

Schmitt said.

Mary Campbell

Mark Ritter

Nancy Schmitt

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

7

A&E

Summer essentials Book reviews: Mosquitoland by David Arnold

BY SOPHIE BRANDSER Mim Malone is a brave, spirited teenager. When Mim’s dad forces her to move from her home in Ohio to Mississippi, her family is broken, and she lives with her dad and step-mom. Being a highly imaginative kid, Mim’s dad thinks she is mentally ill. Her life is controlled by medicine against her own will.

Secrets are kept from Mim about her mom’s state of health. Searching for answers and a change, Mim boards a Greyhound bus to get her back to Ohio, where her mother lives. The main character’s frustration makes the reader feel empathy for Mim. Her journey has many ups and downs, and she meets some interesting characters along the way.

“Mosquitoland” is a book that is hard to put down. The story changes a lot throughout the book and it makes the reader curious as to the outcome. This book also tackles topics such as mental illness, sexual assault and sexual identity. If you enjoy books that include quirky characters and scenarios, “Mosquitoland” is the perfect book for you.

Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks

BY GRETA NESS

In the form of an anonymous journal, “Go Ask Alice” by Beatrice Sparks tells the story of the life of a normal teenage girl who takes a wrong turn. When she was first slipped drugs in her drink at a party, she was interested in trying more, leading to addiction. Throughout her youth, she leaves the comfort of her home and travels to new cities and places that change her life.

The book shows her downward spiral and internal struggle between good and bad in the life of a teenage drug addict. Being constantly torn towards what will actually help her and what she wants as an addict leads her into a rollercoaster of highs and lows. But just when her life is finally improving, more bad things seem to keep coming her way.

Originally written in 1971, “Go Ask Alice” is a book that is relevant to every generation. The peer pressure and teenage angst that she had are things that most teenagers experience, making the book relatable to people’s lives around the world.

8

DESIGN BY SOPHIE BRANDSER

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conana Doyle

BY KIRA PARRINGTON “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle includes 12 short stories including, “A scandal in Bohemia” and “The Red-Headed League.” In each of these short stories Sherlock and his partner Watson solve mysteries of all sorts. They try to correct many different social injustices including, murder, missing persons, and break ins.

If you are looking for a good read this summer but do not have time to sit down and read an entire book, this is an amazing option for you.

Each story, about 20 pages, is an exciting short read with all the aspects of an entire story.

The book was written in October 1892, but has aged well over time.

The stories are all still relevant and enjoyable. Each story is told from a first person narrative, which gives readers an inside on what Sherlock is really thinking.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

BY LAUREN MURPHY The Clutters are an ordinary family in an typical Kansas farming town. Herb Clutter has four beloved kids, two of whom live at home, and a farm that has brought nothing but prosperity for the family. Other than a wife who suffers from “nervous spells,” Herb Clutter is living a full and content life.

That is until one November night in 1959. The day was like any other, but the night brought a death calling for the Clutter family. Murdered in their home, the family loved by all was destroyed with no strong evidence of who did it and why. With the town in shock, the detectives try to piece together that night.

This true story follows the events surrounding the murders of the Clutter family and the investigation that followed. This story shows the real effects the murders had on friends, family and acquaintances of the Clutter’s and what goes on in the mind of the killers that carried it out. If you are someone that can handle some disturbing scenarios, this compelling story is a great summer read.

Summer must-reads: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

BY SOPHIE BRANDSER

BY WINIFRED HALM DE-SOUZA Madeline Whittier’s has not been outside for sixteen years. It all started when Madeline was diagnosed with SCID, severe combined immunodeficiency. This means she is allergic to almost everything. You probably just asked yourself, “then how is she alive?” Madeline lives in a sealed off and sterilized house with her mom, who is a doctor, and her nurse, who she has basically known her whole life. No visitors are allowed in her house except for her nurse’s daughter. Madeleine’s whole world is turned around when a new family moves next door. She then meets her neighbor’s son, Olly Bright, who encourages her to take a risk, and after 16 years of not being outside, she buys a ticket online and travels to Hawaii with Bright.

After reading this book, I asked myself, “Well what happened to living life to the fullest or getting to meet new people?” I guess that was not an option for Madeline and she had gotten used to it.

“Everything, Everything” taught me how to live life to the fullest and how to appreciate life. It taught me that not all people have the option to go out and experience the world. I will give this book four stars out of five stars because it made me very emotional and it made me appreciate life more. I will definitely recommend this book and movie.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

BY EMMA SWANSON If you love fantasy stories full of action, then “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo is the book for you. Set in the seedy city of Ketterdam where criminal activity is rampant, a group of six outlaws are hired to break a man out of the world’s most protected prison. Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, Jesper, and Wylan all have a skill to add to the group, so they will need to work together to complete the heist. It won’t be an easy task, but if they can pull it off they’ll be rich.

Bardugo does an incredible job giving the characters unique backgrounds and personalities while still having a dramatic storyline.

This is by far one of my favorite books. It is fast paced and full of suspense, and it should definitely be on your to-read pile.

• “Into The Water” by Paula Hawkins • “Genuine Fraud” by E. Lockhart • “The Disappearance of Sloan Sullivan” by Gia Cribbs • “The Evolution of Claire” by Tess Sharpe • “True Roots” by Kristin Cavallari • “Nyxia” by Scott Reintgen • “Tell Me Lies” by Carola Lovering • “The Animators” by Kayla Rae Whitaker • “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty • “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

9

REVIEWS

BY KAREN LARIONOVA

“Expectations” exceeded my expectations

Hayley Kiyoko started what she calls “#twentygayteen” with the release of her debut album “Expectations” on March 30. The album explains a complicated relationship she has with a woman who vacillates between loving her and loving a boy.

After an overture, the album starts with a song conveniently titled “Feelings,” which is about getting feelings for a friend. The upbeat beginning to the album resembles the exciting beginning of a new romance.

However, as the album continues, the feelings aren’t always reciprocated.

The next multiple songs are about love, unrequited feelings and persistence. The song “What I Need,” featuring bisexual singer Kehlani, describes how having a crush on a same-sex friend can be a frustrating waiting game. “Sleepover” takes the themes one step further by assuming her crush will “never understand” Kiyoko’s feelings.

Kiyoko’s lyrics are not necessarily poetic or well-rhymed, but the story of her album is relatable and heartbreaking to her fans.

Because Kiyoko is a gay woman of color in the music industry, I didn’t anticipate her to break barriers or put herself out there, but her songs were honest and open. With songs like “Curious” and “He’ll Never Love You,” Kiyoko compares herself to men.

The exciting confessions of love and frustration turn to closure by the end of the album. The song “Let It Be” is Kiyoko’s way of saying “we’re at the end.” The album’s storyline doesn’t resolve with a happy ending, which is a refreshing take for a love story. Kiyoko’s pop music isn’t all glitter and cheer.

My expectations for “Expectations” were that Kiyoko would make a bunch of unrealistically happy songs to appease the LGBT+ community, but, instead, she realistically portrays a normal love story. Sometimes love doesn’t end the way you want it to, but “Expectations” ended up being perfect in its own way.

CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTO

BY ADAM CHAO Year after year, superhero movies have followed the same, repetitive mold. Initially, it was entertaining, but after decades of repetition, I’ve had enough. The exposition, rise of action, inner conflict, climax, and happy endings are predictable. However, with “Infinity War,” you can expect a break from this mold.

The antagonist, Thanos, seeks the six Infinity Stones, which each possess an aspect of life: Space, Mind, Soul, Reality, Time, and Power. At the beginning of the film, Thanos has already obtained the Power Stone, and plans to descend to earth in an effort to obtain the remaining Stones.

“Infinity War” incorporates the perfect blend of victory with defeat. All too often, superhero movies resolve every conflict by the end of the movie, but “Infinity War” is left open-ended. This change of pace is refreshing to see.

At a first glance, Thanos looks like a stereotypical, brute villain, but eventually reveals himself to be multi-layered

10

DESIGN BY LAUREN MURPHY

CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTO

Infinite possibilities and three-dimensional. I was pleased to see that the Russo brothers decided to break the single-minded villain trope by diversifying their villains. Thanos differentiates himself from single-minded villains by believing himself to be righteous. Rather than destruct for no purpose, Thanos wants to “save the world” by destroying half of the population.

On top of the plot, the visual effects and action sequences were stunning. Once again, the Russo brothers proved their prowess by coordinating gripping, action-packed sequences. Similar to “Winter Soldier,” each hero displays impressive feats.

The Avengers series features a cast of dozens of super heroes, so it is a daunting task to juggle all of the characters. However, in “Infinity War,” the writers did a great job of dividing the screen time amongst the characters.

All in all, “Infinity War” is the ideal superhero action movie. The plot, character development, choreography, and acting makes for a great movie-going experience. I rate this movie a solid 8.5/10.

A great way to end the school year L

BY WINIFRED HALM DE-SOUZAD

ights, camera, action, and it begins. If you are looking forward to be entertained, Broadway Extravaganza is always an option.

Broadway Extravaganza is a free show about dancing and singing. All performances, skits and songs are choreographed by students.

Senior Delaney Freehill has been part of the show since her sophomore year, and she has never regretted it.

She decided to take part in this show this year as a senior because she was looking for ways to get involved in school activities. She uses her dance skills from being on the

Eden Prairie Dance Team in the show. Freehill describes the show as “expressing your feelings through dancing and singing with songs from popular musicals and not so popular musicals.”

Freehill sees this show as a chance for everyone to get involved and for students to have fun. “It is not very time consuming, and everybody gets the chance to be someone different” said Freehill. Broadway Extravaganza has taught her ways to showcase her talent in a carefree environment and also helped her become close friends with people she never thought she would become friends with.

Junior Ruby Yang describes the show similar to Trajectories. She is really involved in the drama department.

Yang normally works backstage as a costume designer but has decided to go on stage this time. Yang explains that “the energy for practicing gets you very excited to go on stage and perform.” She even adds that “everyone is super supportive of each other.”

Sophomore Karen Seaver is planning on dancing in the show. She has been an avid member of the theater department. In her opinion she describes the musical as “often people’s favorite part of the year.” She even goes further to say that “Broadway Extravaganza is a great way to end the school year. It is low commitment, and it’s so much fun.”

PHOTOS BY NICOLE RUPPERT

When: May 31 and June 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: EPHS PAC MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

11

OPINION

STAFF Online learning may not be EDITORIAL: suitable for EACH student

F

or some, the opportunity to take online courses will enrich their high school experience. It will offer a new path for those who don’t fit in the typical classroom setting.

Additionally, students who want to make room in their schedules for more classes will be able to take advantage of this new option. These classes will allow students to have more freedom with their time and energy. Unlike in-person classes, online classes allow students to work at their own pace.

For others, it will only amplify their poor performance. Online courses will further disadvantage students who already don’t typically perform well.

Students who are failing are usually unmotivated or have something going on in their lives. Online courses could potentially allow students to fall behind without teachers holding them accountable.

These courses are largely individual-driven and require students to manage their own time. Another disadvantage is that these students won’t have access to face-to-face interactions with their teachers. Students who are comfortable with technology and capable of communicating electronically will tend to be more successful than students who value personal relationships.

Social interactions with peers will also be limited. Learning the skills to participate in academic discourse is critical to the development of a contributing member of society. In addition, a large part of school is interacting with peers and making new friends, but this aspect will be lost with the implementation of online classes.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide what type of class is best for them. Different people thrive under different conditions. That doesn’t mean nothing can be done to help everyone feel more comfortable with online learning.

Online classes should offer opportunities for teachers and students to get to know each other. They should also be tailored to the students who are falling behind, with safety mechanisms when a student is missing assignments.

Technology should be in our school, and students should be able to explore multiple modalities of learning. But the implementation of online learning should take more time and planning to address the needs of students who are falling behind.

All in all, the school is making strong strides to develop the future of academics. Throughout this process, the district needs to keep the students as the primary motive behind these changes.

Don’t tolerate the intolerant It might seem counterintuitive, but we must value the safety of the oppressed over the feelings of the oppressor. Calling out and silencing those who are intolerant is something that is necessary for a safe America, and From August 11 to 12, the Unite the Right rally occurred in Charensures that a great injustice will not happen without a fight. lottesville, VA. After a statue of Robert E. Lee was to be taken down So when the President calls Charlottesville Riot something with good by the government, members of the far right were spurred into action.

Suddenly, after two days of walking in protest, America was very aware people on both sides, know that he is tolerating something that should be ousted from society as a whole. We can not allow intolerance to reign over of two things: that tiki torches could somehow become less appealing us, even if it goes against breaking some part of our moral code. than before and that anti-Semitism was still alive and rampant in the United States.

It was a moment in history where Klansmen, Neo-nazis, and Confederate supporters felt safe once again, and President Donald Trump did absolutely nothing to condemn them. It was a sad day in America and hopefully the last of its kind.

Some people during the riots were recognized and lost their job because of this, stating that it was just their opinion and to fire them would be completely unlawful. While our president might stand by their Freedom of Speech, we must know that this tactic is actually very harmful to our society today.

One of the 20th century’s greatest philosophers, Karl Popper, calls it the paradox of tolerance. A society of tolerance should not allow intolerance to grow if they wish to be successful. It’s an anomaly, but our continued tolerance of the intolerant can lead to the extinction of tolerance in America.

In Germany, when allowed to grow and spread, Nazisim took over because Adolph Hitler ultimately destroyed the tolerant people in Germany and tolerance with them. Because of this, millions of lives were lost in this disgusting act of anti-Semitism and bigotry. Had world leaders silenced Hitler when we had the chance, who knows how much our society would have grown?

If a movement preaches discrimination, intolerance, and persecution, it must be outside of the law.

CREATIVE COMMONS

BY NICOLE RUPPERT

12

DESIGN BY BELLA BECK

CREATIVE COMMONS

Say yay to higher teacher pay

I

BY LUCAS PHAM

n a valiant effort to secure a better future, teachers across West Virginia went on strike and demanded increased pay in late February.

After close to two weeks of persistent protesting, during which all public schools across the state were closed, the state government finally relented, and Governor James Justice signed a bill increasing all teachers’ pay by five percent. It took many days, but in the end, the teachers’ work finally paid off.

Inspired by the success of those in West Virginia, teachers in Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky and Oklahoma launched mass protests calling for higher salaries ,compensation and education funding. In particular, Arizona and Oklahoma rank third and fourth, respectively, in least education spending per student, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Unsurprisingly, state governments have tried to resist change. However, their reluctance to do so is a serious mistake. Increasing teacher pay, compensation and school funding will provide children across the country with a higher quality education that will be beneficial to society in the long run.

One consequence of paying teachers such low salaries is a decrease in highly-qualified teachers in a particular state. No situation illustrates this better than Shawn Sheehan’s. Soon after being awarded as Oklahoma’s Teacher of Year in 2016, Sheehan moved across the border to Texas in search of higher pay.This isn’t only a problem in Oklahoma. Many states suffer from the same problem, with experienced teachers moving away en masse. Though it is only a part of the entire problem, paying teachers more will certainly incentivize people like Sheehan to stay. In doing so, states can retain more of their most talented educators.

In regards to education funding, it would seem that common sense can dictate that more of it means better schools. Extra money can be put into resources like new textbooks, school supplies and technologies, all to foster a more valuable learning environment.

This idea is also backed up by multiple studies. In July 2016, the National Bureau of Economic Research published a paper that examined test scores before and after large increases in education funding for low-income schools. Academic improvement was much more significant in schools with the funding than without. Another study published by the Quarterly Journal of Economics determined that more school funding resulted in lower dropout rates, among other long-term outcomes. It is clear increase in school funding can go a long way in helping a school prosper.

Instead of continuing to lower teachers’ salaries and education funding, states should invest more money into the two. Such drastic, and needed, funding will have a profound and positive effect on our education system.

Privacy is priceless

BY ADAM CHAO

To what extent does a corporation have jurisdiction over your private information?

Cambridge Analytica, a political data firm, has recently been under scrutiny for collecting over 50 million Facebook users’ data. Users’ identities, friend networks, and interests have been collected through a 2014 survey.

Many speculate that Cambridge Analytica has strong ties to the Trump campaign, as Robert Mercer and Stephen Bannon are large patrons of it. Not to mention, they even founded the company. Regardless of political affiliations, I would argue that corporations have no right to meddle in your personal business.

It is important to let Facebook know how we feel because our response to this controversy will set a precedent for the future. Other companies are sure to follow suit, as Facebook is a behemoth with almost 1.9 billion users. If nothing is done about this behavior, personal privacy will be further encroached upon. Soon enough, everything you do will be monitored.

one’s ideals are “notIf challenged, then

there won’t be any room for personal growth.

Additionally, some concerns have arisen that Facebook is politically biased. Many conservative-leaning people and organizations have undoubtedly been suppressed. To name a few, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and conservative commentator, Steven Crowder have been censored from the trending news section. This selective behavior by Facebook should be shunned by everybody. If one’s ideals are not challenged, then there won’t be any room for personal growth. An echo-chamber of ideas just validates oneself and doesn’t force one to think critically. Everyone should be allowed to express their opinions freely, regardless of how different they are from your own.

If we allow this corruption to occur without opposition, we are doing no good for the future. We should question everything and challenge social media companies to respect the privacy of users.

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

”

13

OPINION

OPINIONETTES

“Can” you not?

BY KAREN LARIONOVA I was sitting at my lunch table when, suddenly, a Red Bull can dropped onto my face from above. I wanted to scream and report whoever committed such an idiotic deed, but I couldn’t see the culprit from below. The security guards wouldn’t be able to do anything, and that’s the problem.

Kids throw cans, bottles and other projectiles into the Old Commons without any repercussions. There is nothing preventing kids from throwing things, and I had to feel the consequences. To be fair, there are security cameras that catch the kids later, but there are no preventative measures against this epidemic yet.

The problem is the maturity of the underclassmen who think littering and throwing cans is funny. Underclassmen, it’s not funny, and it just makes you look like a jerk.

NHS events are not handouts

BY LUCAS PHAM

Recently, I received a typical email from NHS on the agenda for the month. For the most part, nothing stood out about it, but the officers did advertise the upcoming AdvoKate concert at Staring Lake. Don’t get me wrong, AdvoKate is a perfectly fine event, and there’s nothing wrong with hyping it up, especially since NHS is co-running the event. However, I was troubled by the fact than NHS would be offering an NHS event to members who came. I believe that events that can be deemed worthy of upholding the values of NHS should make members contribute to the community in a more heavily involved and personal fashion. Yes, going to AdvoKate will help raise awareness for cancer and money for charities, but when the focus of the event is less on actual effort and volunteering and more on socializing while indirectly contributing to a cause, the event loses its credibility.

NHS events should not be used to entice people to come to social occasions. Such usages ruin the designation’s merit and bring the focal point away from events that truly make a difference.

The avant-garde becomes the gaudy on today’s fashion stage

BY NICK WALFRID Miami rapper Lil Pump’s breakthrough song “Gucci Gang” blares from a car in the parking garage. Inside of the Nordstrom store at Mall of America, the most obnoxious pair of Gucci platform sneakers sit atop a white pedestal. A shimmering gold color with approximately six inches of rainbow-striped foam forming the sole, they look like the epitome of a six-yearold’s pipe dream. But these are real shoes that real adults buy, for $890.00 of their likely notso-hard-earned money.

Outside of Nordstrom, walking along the third floor, we see a pair of young adults wearing the new Balenciaga Triple S trainers.

14

DESIGN BY GRETA NESS

Looking like they started out as a geriatric pair of 2000’s tennis shoes, later to be festooned with primary colors and dragged through the mud, these $795.00 shoes will burn any traditional fashionista’s eyes. And even to me, someone known for looking like a popsicle on a daily basis, these shoes are an offense.

It seems that earlier in this decade, high end fashion houses became collectively stuck on the same generic track, before they fell off the rails in an attempt to look different. But since every house was trying something different, the scene blended together in a ridiculous array of primary colors, astronomical prices, and throwbacks no one asked for. Let’s hope that these “trends” die faster than Silly Bandz.

You’re a

BY BELLA BECK My favorite conversation started from my friends, who skate, is this: “Here comes another poser who knows nothing about the clothes they’re wearing.” This conversation is happening more and more as skate culture is becoming a trend, an aesthetic, or a cute style, rather than just the way my friends dress.

When skaters used to wear shoelace belts and dress in purely thrifted outfits, people either made fun of it or didn’t say anything at all. It’s purely disrespectful to those who dress a certain way, and consider themselves

In-person trolls

BY ISABELLE FELTON In-person trolls are a problem that occurs every day in high school, but is rarely ever talked about amongst peers. People picking on others in class is something we witness everyday, but do we ever stand up to these culprits of bullying?

I have witnessed countless events of in-person trolling during class when a student is presenting an idea, and a few people start laughing and mocking them, even commenting on what their saying in front of everyone.This creates an unfriendly atmosphere in the classroom.

Students will begin to feel uncomfortable sharing their ideas in class, which is supposed to be a place they can feel free to express their opinions. I have noticed this especially in english and social studies classes.

Instead of trying to be a class clown and provide everyone with something to laugh about, try and put yourself in the person’s shoes that you are tearing down.

But I didn’t raise my hand?

BY WINIFRED HALM DE-SOUZA One of the worst feelings ever to have during school is when a teacher calls on you and you do not know the answer. The surprising thing is that you did not raise your hand. It brings about a sad and embarrassing feeling because you were not prepared.

The main point of us raising our hands in class is because we have the answer. If we do not then please don’t call on us. Usually when teachers ask a question and we students do not raise our hands the better option is to go on farther to explain the answer to the question.

Not a Skater part of the culture, for people to just walk in wearing a Thrasher tee and say “oh yeah I’m a skater, I know about the culture.” When people show up to the skate park and aren’t skating or shooting photos, that is perfect definition of a poser. Someone who just poses in their Dickey’s and Vans. holding their board with a mall grab and not using it, is a textbook poser.

Mind you, I don’t skate, but where I feel I differ in this sense is that I don’t try to pass myself off as if I do. I don’t try to act like I have a pass in the skate community because I’m friends with a lot of skaters, I only have a platform to voice an opinion I feel is extremely relevant among them right now.

Aimless

learning

I

BY OLIVER TAYLOR

have a confession. I don’t remember a single thing from my statistics class. I know that I’m not the only student with that problem.

By no means is this conundrum of mine exclusive to one class, either. If you were to stop me in the hallway and ask me to spontaneously recite something from statistics, chemistry or health, there’s a chance that I could stumble and mumble my way through a formula or a sex organ, but I probably wouldn’t know what I was talking about. I did just take GAC in third quarter, so if you asked me who Abraham Lincoln was, I might be able to get that one.

He hunted vampires. Right?

But seriously, is there not a glaring hypocrisy taking place? Whether by design or by fluke, there is an immeasurable and unrealistic amount of pressure bestowed on high school students to quickly identify a college to attend and a career to pursue. Yet, instead of being given the freedom and responsibility of choosing what classes we need, we’re all given the same standards to meet, by state educational “experts” and through prospective colleges requirements alike.

Don’t misinterpret my frustrations. Students can’t run the school. There should be required classes, but not to this degree. I’m going to college to study journalism and want to be a sports reporter. Why do I need four years of math?

Ironically, I thoroughly enjoyed chemistry. But that enjoyment is too easy to forget, as the class gets lost in the shuffle of the countless courses I’ve had to take to meet graduation requirements.

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

15

OPINION

I hate guacamole because I think the texture and taste are disgusting. I was born in California, so my whole family thinks I’m crazy.

When a mosq uito lands o n me, I let her bite me. Mosquit os need to eat too, and why is my li fe more important th an theirs?

-Junior A

-Sophomore Izzy Rushdy

nna Pec ci

Country music is trash. They don’t even sing and the songs are completely unoriginal. Name one song that doesn’t mention a truck, a dirt road, or rolling the windows down in the summer. That’s what I thought.

-Senior Eric Friswold

Unpopular Opinions Everyone has an unpopular opinion. A few EPHS students and staff share their thoughts about things they think differently about.

Pineapp le they cre belongs on piz ate a be za. Toge a and sav t ory; it’s utiful blend of her sweet like salt better. ed cara mel but -J unior

Tekashi is the greatest rapper of the 21st century.

Grac e Tea

l

-Senior Eric Friswold

ing fake. u dislike isn’t be yo ne eo m so with someone Being nice to be best friends to ve rdial ha t n’ do You all but being co at s nd ie fr en ev e mature you dislike or ows that you ar sh em th to ce ict and not and ni world with confl a in e liv to t. It’s not enough y chance you ge er ev s ce en er e world. attack diff alistic about th re g in be ’s it , being fake a Lippert

nn -Senior A

Ohhh—I love rainy Monday s! I never feel have enough like I time to get th ings done so rains…especia w h en it lly when it’s o n a Monday… like everyone I feel goes into com plaining mod shuts down. e and I use this time to get ahead to do list and on my it always feel s soooo good!

-Karen B rettingen

, Business

16

DESIGN BY GRETA NESS

Teacher

I don’t like pizza because the texture is nasty and it’s greasy.

-Senior Maddie Bryhn

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

17

PROFILE

Truly A Talented

Breaking boundaries with beats

PHOTOS BY BELLA BECK

18

DESIGN BY EMMA SWANSON

BY NICK WALFRID

t the first pep-fest of every school year, homecoming court nominees move forward onto the gymnasium floor, subject to massive amounts of interest and attention.

Typically these nominees are well-known social media butterflies. But during this school year, one in particular stood out. Sophomore nominee Karthik Madhusudhanan was initially given the nickname “King Karthik” by a friend in marching band. But when that friend shared the notion of voting Madhusudhanan into homecoming court, the idea spread like wildfire.

Sure enough, on the day of homecoming court, he donned his ironic Bob Ross shirt and zip jacket, knowing he would find himself on the gymnasium floor. “They didn’t even try for my last name, they just said Karthik,” Madhusudhanan said. Regardless of name pronunciation, it seems that many students know who Karthik is.

When asked what he wanted to say to the people who nominated him, he had a message: “Thank you. Homecoming has actually had a really positive effect on my life. It’s a small event, but it changed a lot of people’s view on me I think,” said Madhusudhanan.

“What life?” you might ask. Well, Karthik is an amateur composer, using programs such as Ableton and Addictive Keys on both his school computer and his computer at home to spin his sounds.

Additionally, he has joint works with EPHS singer Imani Johnson, where Imani is in charge of the lyrics and Karthik creates the chords. One of their complete songs was performed at EPHS’ annual Open Mic Night.

At the intimidatingly large Open Mic Night, the duo was worried that the crowd’s reception was going to be lukewarm. “I think people thought our song was going to be boring at first,” said Madhusudhanan.

“But then Imani started rapping and the entire crowd went wild. It wasn’t perfect, but we had fun.”

The fact that Johnson and Madhusudhanan were able to get onto the Open Mic Night stage and perform successfully can be attributed to their talent and perseverance. “I just like music in general. I’ve been doing it since I was in kindergarten,” Madhusudhanan said.

Karthik enjoys collaboration with other aspiring musicians as well. Sophomore Jack Wagner, for example, is planning to start a band called Boundless when the school year wraps up, and Karthik plans on joining it. Boundless will blend pop, rock, and other modern genres in it’s own unique way. “I wanna make a name for the band inside of the school,” said Wagner. “It’s going to be a fun group.”

And of course, Karthik aims to shoot high in the realm of higher education. When asked about college, he stated that he would like to attend the University of Minnesota as a pre-med major. “I wanna help people,” said Madhusudhanan. “With my music, I just wanna make people happy with it, and medicine applies there too.” It appears that in the EPHS music scene, the range of Karthik’s involvement is as broad as a keyboard.

“ Karthik is an amateur composer,

using programs such as Ableton and Addictive Keys on both his school computer and his computer at home to spin his sounds.

�

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

19

COVER

. . . s n o i t a r e n e g e h t ugh

Thro

BY BELLA BECK

Silent Generation

1925 - 1945

Baby Boomers

1946 - 1964

Boomers, now roughly 54-72 years old, grew up expecting to create a better world for their children.

They were born during the post-World War II baby boom. This was the generation who created social waves with the Black Pride movement and were going to Woodstock, not Coachella. Though often seen as conservative, they share a lot of values with younger, more liberal generations.

Millenials

The Silent Generation is the smallest generation of the last century, with no American president being elected from this group. They grew up amidst war and the Great Depression, which they later turned around. This generation sculpted themselves into diligent and practical workers who helped design the current workplace and ideals commonly upheld by the nation.

Generation X

1965 - 1980

Gen X has been used to describe subcultures since the ‘50s, but it now describes the American 38-53 year old. Gen X was the beginning of “latch-key kids,” kids who came home from school to an empty home because their parents were at work. They grew up in the time of hippies, Watergate and the Vietnam War. Gen X values a good work-life balance, which is reflected in their parenting (of Gen Z).

1981 - 1996

Millenials are most commonly grouped as people born after 1980, and remember 9/11. These 22-37 year-olds are tech dependent and grew up on video games. Millenials have seen the highest rise of depression diagnosis and were most active on social media. These are the people posting their meal on Facebook every day thinking everyone cares about them, hence the nickname “Generation Me.” Millennials are most commonly accused of having a sense of entitlement ,and having grown up with “participation trophies,” it’s understandable.

Generation Alpha

2014 - present 20

DESIGN BY KELLY PU

Generation Z

1997 - 2014

Generation Z is said to be the next generation to change the world. Gen Z is politically active, and when they see something they don’t like, they change it. This generation is the most diverse American generation ever, so diverse, in fact, they only notice when there is a lack of diversity. Gen Z is the least likely to believe in the “American Dream” and is unsatisfied by the current economy and political leaders. They know life isn’t going to be easy or fair.

Gen Z expects life to knock them down, and they are ready to get back up. Gen Z is the most accepting generation between themselves. The most tech savvy and inventive generation, Gen Z is often referred to as the iGen. Seen as “Generation We,” this generation uses each other for support and works for what they believe needs to change.

Generation

BY KAREN LARIONOVA, KELLY PU AND EMMA SWANSON

O

ur generation hears broad generalizations all the time like “you kids are too attached to your phones” or “kids these days are so lazy.” While we often get grouped with Millennials, Millennials are those born before 1996. Our age group is the start of a new generation, Generation Z. The age ranges for generations are not clearly defined, but many say that Generation Z is the group born from about 1997 to around 2014.

Some of the main characteristics tied to Gen Z are their connection to technology and their open minded perspective on social issues.

Junior Muna Galbayte thinks that the way different generations are socialized by the world around them is what distinguishes our generation from our parents. “The Baby Boomers were born right after a war and were able to grow up in a time period where we had great and relatively stable economic growth while we grew up in an era where the economy wasn’t so great,” she said.

Generation Z makes up 25% of the U.S. population. How will the future be affected by this group? According to Statistica, 33.5% of Gen Zers report spending and average of 6 to 10 hours daily on mobile devices. A joke among teens is that parents are constantly complaining about teenagers and their phones, but the generational conflict between Gen Z

Generation Z are...

Influential...

Gen Zers make up over 25% of the U.S. population.

Self-educated researchers...

33% watch lessons online, 20% read textbooks on tablets and 32% work with classmates online.

Connected...

Gen Zers use an average of 5 screens a day (phone, laptop, desktop, iPod/iPad and TV) and Gen X is far from a joke. According to Galbayte, “My parents think that our generation is lazy and entitled because what we’re used to having is light years away from what they had growing up.”

The invention of smartphones is one big factor in parents’ bitterness.

“They harp quite a bit on how much I use my phone and how it wasn’t even possible to communicate that easily in their time,” said freshman Nidhi Kamath. However, she admitted that technology does significantly affect Gen Z. “The technology we have had from the beginning of our lives really changes perspectives between generations.”

Junior Megs Chimata said that Gen Z grew up in a technology revolution. “We watched the cart projectors move to the ceiling projectors, and we watched smartboards pop up, and flip phones turned to smart

phones,” she said. Chimata also noted that Gen Z watched inflation and college tuition increase drastically for them.

“The kids that I work with today are the best I have ever worked with, and it’s for the very things a lot of people want to critique them for,” said Principal Conn McCartan. As a long-time educator, McCartan has seen the different trends in the Gen Z age group.

McCartan believes that this generation is one of the most connected he has seen, and Generation Z use technology to create a new type of friendship. “[Gen Z] are friends with a lot of people, but friendship is redefined. Old folks like me put a value on that, ‘ how can you be friends with someone you’ve never actually met face to face?’” When he was younger, McCartan said most of his friends were just like him but that “kids today know people that are a lot different than them” because they are able to connect with many others through social media.

Technology and social media is also helping Generation Z create a more socially conscious society. The rapid information dissemination brought on by technology and social media keeps people accountable. “People will pull out their phone and record incidents and expose you,” said McCartan.

McCartan also believes that we are on the brink of a “correction” led STATISTICS FROM CMO.COM

Entrepreneurs...

72% of current high-schoolers want to own their own businesses.

Worried... 58% of Gen Zers are either somewhat or very worried about the future.

Do-gooders... 60% want their jobs to impact the world, and 76% are concerned about humanity’s impact on the planet.

by Gen Z. “We are on the verge of another 60’s with the questioning of pre-established institutions,” he said.

He points to the recent “action in the streets” led by students. This includes walkouts and lobbying for gun control led by Parkland students after the Parkland shooting and student-led protests during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement.

EPHS students agree with McCartan. “We are the most impactful generation since the Vietnam War, especially with the movements going on,” said junior Sydney Lewis.

Students also believe that there will be widespread change that will impact everyone. “We want to fix the world,” said senior Anika Pai. MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

21

COVER

Cultural Generation Z is known for many things, such as its vintage fashion sense and love of memes, but these factors define us. Beyond the jokes, what we do is vastly different from any generation. With the advancement of technology, teenagers are now best friends from across the world through Instagram and Twitter. Generation Z is also notorious for sending nudes, odd makeup trends and our cynical view on life.

“Incredibles” 2004

This summer, “Incredibles 2” is coming out. Movie theaters will probably have an overwhelming amount of teenagers watching the sequel, regardless of the fact that the movie is meant for little kids.

“Hunger Games” 2008

It’s odd to think that the first “Hunger Games” book by Suzanne Collins came out in 2008, but the book and movie were a smash hit with teenagers. This was one of the first novels in the popular dystopian trend.

“Divergent” 2011

This book by Veronica Roth ignited a fandom of mostly girls that felt like they were different, or I guess you could say “divergent.”

“Finding Nemo”

“First iPhone”

“Baby”

“Finding Nemo” was one of the first movies that Gen Zs watched as kids. With “Finding Dory” released in 2016, the lasting impact of the first movie was so great that the creators made a second movie. Thanks, Ellen!

This one’s pretty self explanatory. Could any Gen Zer live without their smartphone? Probably not.

Justin Bieber sweeped the nation with his heartthrob single “Baby.” Preteen girls swooned over the 16-year-old, and many hated him, too. Regardless of your opinion of him, Bieber had a lasting impression on Gen Z.

2003

22

DESIGN BY KELLY PU

2007

2010

events

that have defined Generation Z

BY KAREN LARIONOVA

PHOTOS FROM CREATIVE COMMONS

However, we aren’t as bad as adults may make us out to be. We also enjoy creating fan pages for people who inspire us, and we go thrift shopping.

Our political identity is the polar opposite of the generations that parented us, and that can create friction, but we are more educated and aware now.

Regardless, sometimes Generation Z can be a huge conglomerate of silly trends and memories.

Let’s take a peek at our past.

“TFioS”

“#NaeNae” 2013

Never Again mvmt

When “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green came out, everyone obsessed over the tragic love story. However, the movie gripped teenagers with feelings beyond their comprehension. Everyone swooned over the attractive actors, notably Ansel Elgort, yet the audience left theaters sobbing their hearts out.

Has anyone noticed that Millenials skipped out on our crazy dance phases? The whip, nae nae, and dab were, and still are, a defining trait of Generation Z. The nae nae started with the 2013 song “Drop that #NaenNae” by We Are Toonz No matter what age you are, you know what these dances are if you’re part of Generation Z.

After the Stoneman Douglas shooting on Feb. 14, students took to the streets and walked out during school to protest the current gun laws in America. Gen Z definitely has a track record of being politically active, regardless of the fact that most of us can’t vote yet.

“Gangnam Style”

“Frozen”

“Stranger Things”

Oh boy, we all know why this song is revolutionary and destructive in its own ways. The Internet exploded with dancing and singing after South Korean singer PSY released his one-hit-wonder Gangnam Style. This song also started a fascination for Korean pop music, known as K-pop, for some Gen Zers.

Most Disney movies affect the generation that they are born into, and “Frozen” is no different. Some younger kids in Generation Z also created a fandom for the “Frozen” characters.

This Netflix original started a back-to-the80’s vibe. With its spooky jump-scares and cute actors, older teenagers have been on the edge of their seats for each new season coming up. A new season is in the works right now, too!

2012

2012

“WMYB” 2012

One Direction transformed Gen Z, starting with their 2012 hit “What Makes You Beautiful.” The British band hardly unified teenagers because everyone had an opinion on them. Either you were a die-hard fan or hated them with all your heart.

2013

“Wrecking Ball”

2018

2016

2013

Miley Cyrus started her career on Disney Channel with her iconic TV show Hannah Montana. Although the TV show can be linked more to Millenials, Miley Cyrus’ short hair phase was undoubtedly part of Generation Z.

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

23

SPORTS

Leading the team: senior leaders OFFCOURT WITH OLIVER

Russell West-brick

BY OLIVER TAYLOR

After consecutive first-round playoff exits, the Oklahoma City Thunder enter the offseason with an abundance of uncertainties. However, the same, unrealistic and impossible narrative eerily hovers over the team: the Thunder need players that can provide shooting, play defense and not command the ball while Westbrook puts up 43 shots (which actually happened in the Thunder’s elimination game against the Utah Jazz), but also generate offense while Westbrook rests on the bench.

In the summer of 2016, the Thunder made a pair of blockbuster acquisitions, trading for Paul George from the Indiana Pacers and Carmelo Anthony from the New York Knicks.

Many fans thought that providing Westbrook with proven scorers of George and Anthony’s caliber could be recipe for success. Conversely, this recipe proved to be a complete disaster.

Anthony shot a career-low 15 field goal attempts and averaged a career-low 16.2 points at a career-low 40.4% clip.

George also saw a decrease in field goal attempts, points per game and field goal percentage from the previous season. For all of Westbrook’s unprecedented athleticism and undeniable talent, his style of play is extremely detrimental to the flow of a team’s offense.

Far too often, Westbrook becomes obsessed with trying to play one-on-five basketball. No amount of ferocious dunks or mean-mugging will ever warrant Westbrook’s selfishness.

Despite two historic seasons of averaging a triple double since Kevin Durant’s departure to the Golden State Warriors, the Thunder haven’t eclipsed 50 wins in the regular season or enjoyed any success in the playoffs.

With George’s impending free agent status and the Thunder’s extreme lack of financial flexibility, the future is unacceptably bleak in Oklahoma. There is no excuse for the Thunder being incapable of implementing a legitimate offense or constructing a successful team that can cater to Westbrook.

At the start of the start of the new season in October, would anyone really be surprised if George and Anthony are off the team and the Thunder have resorted back to the generic formula, which has already been proven unsuccessful, of hoping that Westbrook can transform into Superman? I wouldn’t, but I certainly hope I’m wrong.

24

DESIGN BY SOPHIE BRANDSER

W

BY SOPHIE BRANDSER

e’re all familiar with the idea of team captains; one or a couple members of a group are nominated in leading the team.

Lately, there has been a new theme in high school sports in Minnesota. Instead of having team captains, more teams are leaning towards having all the seniors lead the team.

This year, Eden Prairie High School’s varsity girls soccer team chose to use the tactic of senior leaders. Senior Ashley Nelson was a senior leader for the girls varsity soccer team. “This new idea is more collaborative and inclusive of all team members,” said Nelson. The soccer team decided to do this because a lot of seniors had potential as captain.

Nelson felt that her experience with this new strategy was positive.

Nelson said, “The experience with senior leaders was good because we got to hear ideas from people we normally wouldn’t hear from”. Nelson also said that it was a great way for the younger kids to see leadership and learn how to lead.

“The experience with senior leaders was better than captains,” said Nelson, a student who has been on teams with both of these types of leadership.

Nelson suggests this different way of leading a team to others. She said, “I think that they will continue to use this method for the next couple of years to come”.

“This new idea is more collaborative and inclusive of all team members”

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ASHLEY NELSON

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

25

SPORTS

“These are the most fun gals in the entire school, practice with them is never boring!”

Seniors Hannah Bley and Kelly Meyer hit a dropshot.

Sophie Rogers walks back after catching the disk.

26

DESIGN BY NICOLE RUPPERT

PHOTO BY NICOLE RUPPERT

Junior captains Colleen Thompson and Emma Scherbuck-Jones “It’s a really fun sport and very easy to connect with others. You can come in with no experience and still have a great time.”

PHOTO BY NICOLE RUPPERT

Senior captain Ashley Nelson

The Eden Prairie team mixes with the Hopkins team.

PHOTO BY ISABELLE FELTON

Senior Jake Jakusz “Rugby is the best sport nobody’s heard of.”

Senior captain Alix Condit and Junior captain Tori Anderson

PHOTO BY ISABELLE FELTON

“The season has been super fun we are finishing up our routines and getting ready to compete at sections and state!”

Swimmers lift their legs for a kick.

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

27

SPORTS

PHOTO BY EMMA SWANSON

Senior Captain Eric Friswold “We have a lot of new guys on the team this year and we are getting used to playing with each other.”

Senior captain Elizabeth Henry “We’ve won state the last few years, and I think we definitely have a chance to win it again as long as we work hard.”

28

DESIGN BY ISABELLE FELTON

PHOTO BY EMMA SWANSON

Senior captain Ben Shepard

The team lines up for the national anthem before their game at Edina.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ISAIAH BROWN-OCHS

“Our goal is always to make the state tournament and win the state tournament, and after last year repeating will be hard, but we have the team to do it.”

Senior captain Isy Obiazor “Our team is getting along very well this year, and that’s a big reason for our success.”

DESIGN BY SOPHIE BRANDSER

Junior Taylor Wright rallies with her team after a game.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BT TAYLOR WRIGHT

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

29

30

COME WORK WITH US! Now Hiring in Eden Prairie

Positions Available: Stockers • Cashiers

New Eden Prairie

*16 years or older encouraged to apply.

Visit our website at:

ING GRAND OPEN

careers.jerrysinc.net

v

Courtesy Team Members

! d n 2 2 h c r a M

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

31

FEATURE

PARKS AND TRAILS E

STORY BY ELIZABETH BUSE AND GRETA NESS

den Prairie has a great selection of Parks and Trails all over the city with more than 1,000 acres of developed parkland. There is a variety of over 200 miles of paved trails and sidewalks, conservation areas, and historical sites among the parks. Also, there’s an additional 13 miles of nature trails throughout Eden Prairie. Take a look at four featured parks in Eden Prairie below.

Purgatory Creek PRAIRIE BLUFFS

PURGATORY CREEK

10092 Indigo Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

13001 Technology Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Right in the middle of a neighborhood, you’ll find a small parking lot with a beautiful overlook and pavilion. Whatever you choose to do here, you will enjoy about a mile of trails stretches on both sides of the park with rolling hills of vegetation. The bluffs sit on top of a large hill behind Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Overlooking Grass Lake and the Minnesota River, the Prairie Bluffs provides a nice city view of Savage. Here at the bluffs you can walk, run or bike on a paved or dirt trail. The Bluffs are a great place to have a picnic, talk a walk or just enjoy your afternoon at a quiet place.

Although Purgatory Creek extends throughout Eden Prairie, Purgatory Creek Park is found right off Technology Drive by Highway 5.

With 2.4 miles of trails around the lake, you can bike, walk, or run. An enjoyable part about this park is the path directly down the center of the lake, with an arch above it. Located near the arch is a small memorial and a bench. Near the front of the park is another memorial for Eden Prairie Veterans and a large pavillion. Purgatory Creek is very scenic and picturesque as it has water fountains, arches, gardens and beautiful flowers.

32

DESIGN BY ELIZABETH BUSE

PHOTOS BY GRETA NESS

ANDERSON LAKES PARK RESERVE 8620 Timber Trl, Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Located close to Bloomington, Anderson Lakes Park Reserve consists of several different trails. The paved trails are dog friendly and a great place to walk in nature. As the path continues on, there are nature trails that go deep into the woods. It is a great place to walk and hike and get lost in nature. There are also a few areas with picnic benches and grills to enjoy time outside cooking and relaxing. With the variety of trails, you can spend the day taking a long hike, or just a short walk on a beautiful trail.

Richard T. Anderson Conservatory RICHARD T. ANDERSON CONSERVATORY 18700 Flying Cloud Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347

A drive down Flying Cloud drive will take you to a large outdoor area with many trails and a large woods. The trails go in many different directions, and each has a different experience. Through the woods runs a small creek with a few small bridges to cross it. One of the main trails, which consists of a walk up a long hill, takes you up to a scenic overlook similar to the one at the Prairie Bluffs, looking over Shakopee. This area is great for hiking, exploring and even taking a leisurely walk because of the many different trails with different terrains. It is a popular place for people to get outside and enjoy the nature of all four seasons.

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

33

FEATURE

Less is more in the summer of 2018 L ess is more in the Summer of 2018.

This sunny season is all about embracing that natural glow. Try a tinted moisturizer like Nars Pure Radiant tinted moisturizer broad spectrum with SPF 30 to conceal redness and protect your skin from those harsh summer rays. For a less expensive option try Rimmel Instaflawless Radiant Skin Tint Foundation, with SPF 15 and 24 coverage.

Continuing the trend of a natural glow, try putting some highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bones, tip of the nose, and Cupid’s bow for a little extra pop. This will help sculpt your face, without layering on the contour.

Skin care is a total necessity in the summer heat, provide your skin with a moisturizing boost by using an 100% argan oil before bed to wake up with replenished skin.

Gloss is a go this year. Try placing some lip gloss on your eyelids to provide a shiny sensation to your look. If you want to splurge, try snatching up from your local Sephora an eye gloss, which is basically lip gloss for your eyelids.

Keep those brows looking clean because the polished look is in again. Pluck your eyebrows into the shape that suits your facial structure the best. Even if bushy brows are your go to, try polishing them up a bit with regular trims. Fill them in with Anastasia products to accentuate fullness while keeping a natural look.

34

DESIGN BY ELIZABETH BUSE

k s a M e c a F Y I D

BY KIRA PARRINGTON Make your own DIY honey face mask with the steps below. It is a natural acne remedy that moisturizes your skin and leaves it looking and feeling softer. If you are looking for great skin, but do not want to spend all of the money on expensive brand name masks, this is a great option for you.

1 2 3 4 5

Put yogurt into a small bowl

Add 2 tablespoons of honey

Mash a banana, then add to yogurt honey mixture Stir until ingredients are mixed

Apply to face and relax

Ingredients: ¼ cup plain yogurt 2 tablespoons honey 1 medium-sized banana Small bowl

RUPPERT’S RARELY SEEN Being lost is worth the being found

O

BY NICOLE RUPPERT

n the corner of West Seventh Street in Minneapolis and hidden behind the leafage of a elm tree lies the store Center For Lost Objects. Overflowing with peculiar gifts, this store uses the outside curb of the street as a storage area as well. Rustic chairs and tables alongside worn-out game boards are free for bystanders to sit on as the wait for the crosswalk to turn green in their favor. The entrance windows are coated with stickers and posters, as well as a gravestone with the store’s name engraved on the front.

For those who stray from the store’s entrance, another door lies guarded by a taxidermied antelope from the adjacent window. This door does not lead visitors into the store but rather an underground area where local artists come to share their work. The place can also be rented out by local musicians to have their own concert.

The store itself is rather small, but it makes up for it with items scattered and packed throughout each area. Some things are new, like delicately wrapped in shimmering foil and ready for purchase, while other items have aged with the store, decorated with dust and wrinkled edges. Everything for purchase has its own charm to it, never too simplistic or something you would find at your average market.

If the trip to downtown Minneapolis does not work well with your busy schedule, then the Center For Lost Objects can come to you in the form of a gift box. The Center For Lost Objects will ask you to fill out a questionnaire about yourself, and will give you a mixed bag of treasures that they hand selected for you: the perfect gift for anybody hard to shop for.

Want to Visit?

Location: 957 West Seventh Street, St. Paul Times: Tuesday- Thursday, & Sunday (11a.m. - 6p.m.), Friday- Saturday (11a.m.- 8p.m.)

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

35

FEATURE

A UKE-nique experience O

BY INIKA SHETTY

36

inadequate at music, I was able to release a lot of stress through the small moments my ukulele and I shared.

Most people can understand the correlation between musical training and the enhancement of physical, cognitive and social abilities. Learning to play an instrument requires intense training and concentration. My progress over the past month has been learning to strum three notes to the song of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.� But I am glad I made that impulsive decision one late night in April. With all the problems, the challenges and the accomplishments, playing an instrument truly makes you really happy.

BY EMMA SWANSON

ne late night in April when the snow began falling and the sun began rising, I made the impulsive decision to purchase a ukulele from Best Buy. I had watched too many videos online of people playing these small and inexpensive instruments that I decided to try my hand at expanding my musical capabilities past my middle-school orchestra days. Three days later, my beautiful, small, wooden and chestnut instrument was delivered.

Here, I faced my first challenge: I had to learn how to tune. No matter which apps I downloaded, videos I watched or articles I read, my ukulele sounded horribly out of tune, even to someone who is tone deaf. My dreams of playing ukulele on my bed at midnight, becoming a hipster and traveling the world strumming my little friend grew more distant with each turn of the tuning pegs.

However, the moment I purchased my ukulele, I started noticing the people around me who had them. I saw ukulele videos pop up onto my social media feeds, my YouTube recommendations and my daily conversations with random peers. I was surrounded by musically-gifted people who played and loved this instrument. These were the people that I confided in about my tuning struggles.

My relationship with the ukulele followed a sine-cosine graph. My motivation for learning the instrument peaked on sunny days and plummeted on snowy ones. Learning an instrument is a long process, even if the ukulele is one of the easiest instruments. To get started, overcome anxiety and continually practice takes motivation and drive. Yet, for the past two weeks my time has been spent on Netflix, socializing and my extracurricular activities. The beginning excitement I felt about learning something new and incorporating music into my life has been slowly subsiding.

Here, I faced my second challenge: I had to learn to actually play.

I had to learn to strum, play cords and correctly hold the instrument.

My only learning tool during this period of time was YouTube videos and my friends. Despite the beginning stress I felt over being hopelessly

DESIGN BY ELIZABETH BUSE

Eyrie staffers take a comical look at summer vacation.

BY EMMA SWANSON

BY NICOLE RUPPERT

BY KIRA PARRINGTON AND GRETA NESS

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

37

FEATURE

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Ice Cream Anomaly

BY BELLA BECK

W

hile at Scoops Ice Cream and More in Bloomington, there are plenty of things to spot.

From ads on the soda machine, to little price tags, the candy wall keeps the eyes busy.

The tile wall displaying the store name is surrounded by equally busy clocks, photos of old style cars, and evan a license plate.

Keep and eye out next time you visit, for if you don’t look hard enough you could miss important little details. You can find the results online at theeyrie.org.

38

DESIGN BY ELIZABETH BUSE

1

2

1

2

MAY 2018 | theeyrie.org

39