Issue 5 - February 2021

www.edinazephyrus.com

February 12, 2021| 41:5

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COMMENTARY Friday, February 12, 2021

On the inside...

Zephyrus staff 2020-2021 Editorial Board Art Boettge, media coordinator Madeline Brandel, visual editor Sophie Charnell, visual editor Michael Crater, outreach coordinator Mia DiLorenzo, head staff writer Dedeepya Guthikonda, media coordinator Matthew Hovelsrud, online editor Sadie Johnson Sieben, manager Ellen Mi, editor-in-chief Reagan Stanchfield, copy editor Alexis Yi, print editor Page Editors Liliana Hanson Hanna Jaeger Isadora Li Caroline Seiler Linnea Shively Izzy Wagener Advisor Daniel Amborn

Staff Writers Althea Barrows Nora Franssen Maren Fullerton Eleanor Hutcheson Sage Jezierski Urva Jha Hannah Owens Pierre Pavithra Sankar Reilly Shane Celia Vedder

ZHarmony 2021: Find Your Match! pages 6 & 7

Photographers Rhea Hammond Hayden Kleynhas Lilian Simmons Artists Nabila Barqab Anabelle Jakala Elizabeth Lundberg Lydia Olson Laryn Scribner Ellanor Splinter

Student conducts survey of Edina vaccination views page 4

Letters to the Editor To share an opinon or voice a conern over issues in Edina or an article Zephyrus has published, submit a letter to the editor online by clicking ‘Contact Us’ and then clicking ‘Send Us A Letter.’

Policies Zephyrus is a monthly publication produced by students of Edina High School; 6754 Valley View Road; Edina, MN 55439; (952) 848-3800 x3087.

Zephyrus is a designated forum for student expression that recognizes the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of the press, and abides by Tinker standard. Opinions published in Zephyrus do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff, adviser, administration, or entire student body.

Submissions and letters are printed based on space available. Letters should be mailed to the school or given to the adviser or a staff member.

Mitten Bernie visit EHS page 10

On the cover Art by Elizabeth Lundberg

Find Zephyrus online @edinazephyrus

Check out these Edina restaurants! page 8

For more, visit edinazephyrus.com

NEWS

Friday, February 12, 2021

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Governor Walz introduces “Due North” plan to tackle educational disparities

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Dedeepya Guthikonda multimedia coordinator

ell before the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools into distance learning this previous year, Minnesota was ranked 50th in the country in terms of largest racial disparities in high school graduation rates, according to NPR news. A report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota illustrates that the achievement gap consists of educational disparities that exist across both racial and ethnic groups as well as socioeconomic status. Currently, according to the Star Tribune, Minnesota sends $600 million to school districts around the state given they will use the funds to implement strategies for lowachieving students to catch up to their peers. Despite the budget allotted towards combating it, the gap in standardized testing scores between affluent and low-income students has grown by almost 40% since the 1960s, meaning Minnesota’s achievement gap is getting worse. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic has exacerbated disparities among students, prompting Governor Tim Walz to propose “Due North,” an educational plan to help narrow the widening gap and improve racial equity.

The plan currently incorporates a wide range of proposed changes to funding and curriculum with a particular focus on achieving racial equity. Specified programs include an “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Center” within the Minnesota Department of Education to address systemic racism, provide antibias training for school staff, and expand recruitment programs to employ more teachers of color.

Additionally, Walz’s plan calls for an emphasis on expanded mental health services and academic opportunities for students beginning this summer amid the stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

However, while the plan specified proposals, it lacked information on the cost of these ambitious programs, raising concerns amid the state’s current $1.3 billion budget deficit.

In its own attempts to address the achievement gap, the Edina Public Schools district proposed the “All for All” equity plan in April of 2013, which was aimed towards achieving “measured growth and high achievement for each and every student without predictable links to race and income,” as stated in the plan’s report. The district’s latest state-mandated report, published in the World’s Best Workforce report in 2019, mentioned it failed to reach its targeted MCA reading and math scores for lowerachieving groups of students, including AfricanAmerican and Hispanic or Latino students, and students receiving free and reduced-priced lunches.

However, the district exceeded its goals for English language learners, as seen by the increase from 82.8% to 86.5% in the percent of English language learners graduating from Edina High School.

EPS has taken its own steps to tackle educational disparities through the Student Solutions event at the high school, racial equity training for faculty, and composing racial equity task force groups across schools. Walz’s plan can potentially help strengthen the initiatives Edina takes to narrow the achievement gap.

Apartment development proposed to replace beloved breakfast resturant Perkins Walton and BKV Group, includes a seven story apartment building on the East side of the lot; the complex would include 208 units, 20% of which would be affordable housing. The plan also new proposal for an apartment development includes the addition of a four story office building could mean the closure of the Edina on the West side of the lot and solar panels on the Perkins. The proposal, presented at the Jan. roofs. The two buildings would share underground 13 meeting of the Edina Planning Commission, parking. is still awaiting approval; however, many Edina The 2016 Grandview Transportation Plan acts students dread the loss of the popular breakfast as a potential complication, as it outlines a roadway restaurant. which runs through the discussed lot. Since this The Eden Avenue Perkins, located near City would conflict with the building plan, an alternative Hall, has long been a favorite of Edina students plan without and serves as a common office space is in destination for postconsideration. activity celebration.

Though “You always make the redevelopment best memories over in Edina has there. And [the staff is] concerned some super nice,” sophomore residents in recent Helen Schilling said. years, according to Sophomore Lizzie the 2019 Quality Semington shared fond of Life Survey, memories. “[Performing] the Planning “Newsies” at Southview Commission’s and getting to go there response to the after the show with proposal was everyone, that was a lot largely positive. of fun,” she said.

Loss of an Edina staple: breakfast resturant Perkins The inclusion of Although students to close to make room for a new apartment building affordable housing enjoy Perkins for its units is also a welcomed one, as the 2020 report endless supply of breakfast foods and advantageous from the Edina Housing Strategy Task Force cited location near Kuhlman Field, they won’t be the affordable housing as a high priority. only ones who will mourn its loss. Driving by the It’s likely that some form of this alternative plan parking lot on most days of the week, any onlooker will be accepted, though the Planning Commission could view a filled parking lot. Perkins is also one will need to approve both the completed plan and of few nearby restaurants which typically operates the necessary rezoning of the lot before construction 24 hours a day and finds itself in a unique position begins. Unfortunately, it looks like Edina students to supply waffles to hungry teenagers at any given may need to find somewhere else to eat their fill of time. breakfast food.

The development plan, proposed by Reuter

infographic by Urva Jha

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Izzy Wagener page editor

photo by Rhea Hammond

An update on COVID-19 vaccine distribution

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Urva Jha staff writer

nformation is rapidly changing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As of this moment, both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine are available. While they are not required, they are highly recommended in Minnesota. Although these two vaccines are available, there is a limited supply, which means the priority is still to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has set guidelines as to who receives the vaccine first and gives the rest of the responsibility regarding the timeline, to the state. Minnesota

has split up vaccinations into different phases including 1a, b, and c. The state is currently in phase 1a, which consists of health care workers and people who work at, live in, or close to long-term care facilities receiving it. To get the vaccine, anyone that falls under the category will be contacted by their facility or employer.

Recently, Minnesota launched a “pilot program” allowing educators and senior citizens (65+) to apply for a vaccine. The vaccine comes at no cost and a person does not need to be a Minnesota resident in order to receive a vaccine in the state. More information is available at, https://mn.gov/covid19/ vaccine/whos-getting-vaccinated.

FEATURES

Friday, February 12, 2021

Junior conducts survey of COVID vaccination attitudes

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s the U.S. vaccination rollout moves along, public distrust of the COVID-19 vaccine remains a threat to the billion-dollar effort. Last summer, as the vaccine was being approved by the Food and Drug Administration, junior Atman Jahagirdar set out to study public attitudes toward COVID vaccination. He recently finalized a case study of the Edina High School community, which provides significant insight into student viewpoints.

Jahagirdar was inspired by Dr. Anita Shet from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In March 2020, the New York Times published her op-ed discussing the global consequences of declining child vaccinations. More recently in January, Dr. Shet wrote an article for Vox EU about the threat of public vaccine distrust. Jahagirdar consulted Dr. Shet when designing his study, which surveyed Edina students, staff, and parents about whether or not they would take the vaccine and why. The anonymous survey was sent to community members in early January via email.

Results were assembled in late January. Jahagirdar classified the 1,544 survey responses into two main subgroups: school-age individuals ages 14 through 18 and adults age 19 and older. In both groups, a little under 8% of individuals said

they would not take the vaccine, less than Jahagirdar expected.

“The reasons that they wouldn’t take it were that the long term data was lacking, or [they believed that] even if [they] got COVID, [their] life wouldn’t be endangered, or that vaccines can cause harmful side effects,’” Jahagirdar said. “There was a trend of not trusting the government or the pharmaceutical industry.” The responses also suggested that young people were more likely than older individuals to follow advice from others in regards to the vaccine, particularly from their health care providers.

Mrs. Donna Roper, the director of Research and Evaluation at Edina Public Schools served as one of Jahagirdar’s EHS contact points. “His initiative to undertake this project appears to have been largely all his own. . . . It’s really quite impressive,” Roper said. “The pandemic has illuminated the importance of looking at our youth and rethinking the ways in which we engage their perspective when solving wicked problems.”

Jahagirdar hopes to expand on these results and pursue formal research publication. He plans to upload interviews with health care providers and experts to the website, covidedu.org, along with COVID-19 information. “The way we make change is to get the results out there, whether it be through the website or newspapers . . . We need people to spread the word about the importance of taking this vaccine,” Jahagirdar said. “Ultimately, we want to save lives.”

Art by Annabelle Jakala

Junior Sophie Klein pursues her passion of poetry

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Hannah Owens-Pierre staff writer

t President Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20, an unexpected hero emerged: Amanda Gorman, the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate. Quickly after the event, the media was bursting over the often-overlooked medium of poetry. Yet, within the halls of Edina High School, the craft is alive and well with student poets.

Junior Sophie Klein is one such artist. “I started writing poetry as a creative and comedic outlet for things that frustrated me in my life,” Klein said.

She uses her writing as a way to understand and express her emotions, especially during the chaos of the pandemic. “During COVID my poetry writing really skyrocketed. I found that using poetry, I could

convey all of the things that were and were not happening in my life.”

Her inspiration for her work comes from searching for joy in the little things. “My favorite poem I have written is called ‘A Poetry Testament to my Pain’ and it is a comedic summary of a year’s worth of work in an orchestra I was involved in,” she said.

Klein explains that one of the benefits of verse is its accessibility. “For someone who is not good at creating something through drawing, painting or otherwise, poetry helps me create a new viewpoint and a picture of what is going on in my head and in the world.”

Whether it be through a pandemic, the turbulence of politics, or everyday life, poetry proves to be a powerful coping mechanism, specifically among dedicated student artists like Klein.

Art by Annabelle Jakala

Alexis Yi print editor

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Infographic by Urva Jha

Edina parents stir community in attempt to make schools in-person

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Art Bottege multimedia coordinator

fter a little under a year of distance learning in Edina—broken up by a brief hiatus into the Hybrid model—parents, students, and teachers are all itching for a change, or at least the ability to get back into the classrooms. Enter the Edina Parents 4 Progress (EP4P): an Edina organization supported by Edina citizens, with the goal of getting students back into classrooms. “The Edina Parents 4 Progress is just a loose group of lots of different parents who believe that the best place for their children is in school,” Edina parent Elizabeth Ross said. Ross, along with fellow EP4P members Jeff Northrup and Nicole Schnell, signed their names at the bottom of their first signed letter.

EP4P made their first open letter to the Edina school board on Jan. 15. In it, parents called for a return to classrooms in some way, whether it be hybrid

learning or similar. The letter cited data from professional sources undermining the risks of COVID-19 in the schools and asked for people to “remove the hysteria from the discussion, it is simply not productive to look backwards, cite politics, or otherwise.”

The open letter was met with criticism and rumors. “There were a lot of rumors that it was funded externally, or that it had political leanings, and in fact neither of those things are true,” Ross said. Furthermore, another piece of criticism that rose up in the community was whether or not the option for distance learning still existed. “EP4P was not taking away anyone’s option to stay with distance learning… the School Board sent a survey to parents asking if they wanted to go back to school full time, and the overwhelming majority said ‘Yes, we would like to,’” EP4P member George Rerat said. Parents have made it clear that their goals are not to cause controversy, but to observe science and advocate for their idea of the most conducive learning environment for Edina Public Schools.

Infographic by Pavithra Sankar

ACTIVITIES

Friday, February 12, 2021

Astrology Club: A new rising star

Edina Latin Club dominates Ludi Romani competition LInnea Shively page editor Although Latin may officially be a dead language, Edina High School’s Latin Club is keeping it alive through annual events, such as Ludi Romani. Typically hosted by Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis with knowledge tests, Roman cooking classes, and “Olympic” games, the event moved to a virtual format this year. Despite the online format, EHS’s teams won first place at multiple levels.

A participant since sophomore year, senior and Latin Club co-president Zack Lugo was a member of the Latin III group, which won a gold medal. His team members were juniors Augustus Schultze, Stewart Schultz, and Cora Adam.

“I was pleasantly surprised… our teacher [Emese Drew] was very happy about that,” Lugo said.

Due to a virtual format, Minnehaha Academy decided to shorten the event and focus on trivia—or in Latin, certamen—this year.

The trivia game involved rounds focusing on different topics, such as Roman history, Disney movie titles, or translating movie quotes, over Zoom. “I’d say that certamen is my favorite part because I’m in Quiz Bowl,” Lugo said.

Additionally, EHS’s Level II, Level I, and Intro groups won gold medals, with another Level I group winning a silver medal. With a successful year in a virtual format at all levels, Latin Club looks to be a dominant force at Ludi Romani for years to come.

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Althea Barrows staff writer

dina High School has long prided itself on the vast number of extracurriculars that students and teachers alike have created for the student body. Now, a new club has surfaced surrounding a subject that is personal and interesting to many.

Morgan Mclenighan has created a club focusing around the pseudo-science of astrology.

“I knew I would have peers be interested in joining because astrology was a topic I was constantly talking about with them.

I realized there must be many other people in the school with [a] mutual interest so I hoped the club would be a success,” Mclenighan said. Her hopes

Art by Annabelle Jakala

Art by Ellanor Splinter

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came true as the club has been gaining more and more traction as the year progressed.

Although their meetings are currently held virtually, Mclenighan hopes that as students return to school the club can begin to engage in more team building activities. During the club’s meetings, members learn about the ins and outs of astrology, such as the way it works, and why it is important. As the club continues, Mclenighan hopes that she can spark interest in others as well as providing a place to meet new people and make new friends. “I hope this club can expand and exist in following years. I am passionate about astrology and I hope this club makes others as well,” Mclenighan said.

Art by Betsey Lundberg

Quiz Bowl provides a fun academic challenge Infographic by Maren Fullerton

Senior enior Trivia Night gives the Class of 2021 an opportunity for distant socialization

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Hanna Jaeger page editor

he COVID-19 pandemic has altered life at Edina High School in a myriad of ways. As classes have gone online, opportunities for social interaction have become few and far between.

Many of the festivities that make senior year special—homecoming, dances, pep rallies—have been modified beyond recognition or scrapped altogether in order to meet COVID guidelines. Life finds a way, though, and the administration has set up Senior Trivia Night, a series of events reserved for EHS seniors to compete against one another, as well as teachers and staff.

The events are held every other Friday over Google Meet. Three of the four games have already occurred. The games are live, hosted by a professional trivia host, and include the chance to win real prizes.

“Senior and teacher/staff teams will have a team name, a designated captain, and private team breakout rooms for answering questions together for a chance to win Senior Class Trivia Game Night,” Samantha O’Donnell, EHS’s Activities Administrative Assistant, said. First prize winners will each receive a gift certificate

to an Edina restaurant and get their team name displayed on the Edina Community Center Marquee. Second prize winners will each receive gift cards to a coffee shop, and third prize winners will win Edina Hornet stickers. At the moment, 60 students and 67 staff members are registered to participate in the remaining games.

“It was different from other school events because it was virtual and not a learning activity,” senior participant Jerry O’Brien said. “Personally, I thought it was a good way for the school to let seniors see their classmates again who they might not see otherwise.” Though Senior Trivia Night has been met with positive reactions, it still isn’t quite the same as the spring festivities students are perhaps more used to. “I’m bummed that we are missing out on the opportunity to go to prom and other school dances,” O’Brien said.

It may not have the electrifying energy of a pep rally or the giddy feelings of a dance, but Senior Trivia Night is providing a morsel of normalcy to seniors and staff.

With much of their last year of high school being spent in bedrooms and in front of screens, the class of 2021 is finding connections through miscellaneous knowledge of capitols, geography, and 2000s rap.

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Liliana Hanson page editor

lthough Edina High School boasts a plethora of large academic extracurriculars, there is also a club for those who prefer a less intense activity: Quiz Bowl. “[Quiz Bowl] is a really good community because we’re [all] willing to get better with each other, but also accepting that everyone’s gonna make mistakes,” junior Colin McKhann, who joined the team last year, said. “We don’t try to be too intense.”

Quiz Bowl competitions are made up of a series of different types of questions, including ‘toss ups,’ where individuals answer questions that become gradually more specific, team-based questions called ‘bonuses,’ and ‘lightning rounds,’ a series of

Art by Ellanor Splinter

trivia on one topic.

The Edina team holds practices once a week alongside the Knowledge Bowl team, going on to compete against other schools in the region. This year, however, practices and competitions are virtual to accommodate COVID-19 safety concerns and comply with state guidelines. Thanks to online trivia platforms, the transition to virtual has gone a little more smoothly for Quiz Bowl than most other extracurriculars.

To those who are looking for another extracurricular, McKhann recommends trying Quiz Bowl out. “I think a lot of people would like it if they just got to know it a little better,” he said. “I just find Quiz Bowl [to be] something that’s different, where it’s a way to academically challenge yourself but also not be in a super-competitive environment. It’s more relaxed and a little more supportive.”

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STUDENT LIFE

Friday, February 12, 2021

THE FINER THINGS OF EDINA and

their

costly

Methods of self-expression are most prominent in one's teenage life. But at what cost does the expression stop and the excessiveness start? Between the competing shoes, cars, clothes that come with each year how is one supposed to keep up?

Top seven restaurants in and around Edina

The Fast and the Fashion

Good Earth The first is Good Earth. This restaurant was around before it was considered cool to eat healthy and organic.

They’ve been praised for the quality of their ingredients, their effort to be environmentally-conscious, and their extensive menu with food for any time of day. They are known for their bison burger, which is made from grass-fed bison in Wisconsin.

Automobiles

Clancey’s Meat & Fish Clancey’s is primarily known as a butcher shop, but not many are aware that they also serve a range of gourmet sandwiches. While they are more expensive than the typical fast-food sandwich locations, the price difference is justified by the quality of the ingredients and flavor that can’t be matched by Subway or Jimmy Johns.

Water bottles, backpacks, and binders oh my!

infographic by Celia Vedder

The motivation of the buy

The feeling of relevancy and not falling behind is the leading drive behind most purchases. Although I only touched on the more expensive items, the popularity of GoodWill and thrifting has the same effect.

Thrift shopping also brings in the aspect of exclusivity, but that is a later topic.

The basic needs for a teenager's school life such as backpacks, pencil cases, etc have recently coincided with an extravagant price.

Whether it's Hydroflask, Kate Spade, or North Face, fashion seems to trump function.

Hello Pizza The final restaurant on our list is Hello Pizza.

There are not a lot of places you can go to get a single slice of pizza, especially one that is this good. The owner and chef, Ann Kim, drew inspiration from classic New York pizzerias, with the mission to bring the same casual and iconic setting to Minnesota.

Implement these small changes to improve your quarantine Reagan Stanchfield copy editor

hen most schools closed in March of 2020, many of our first thoughts were of excitement toward the prospect of an extended break. However, 10 months into a highly politicized health crisis, it is clear that daily life has fundamentally changed throughout the various phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result of isolation and the cancellation of many events, students are struggling with adapting to the pandemic, especially through the middle of winter when days are short, nights are long, and the sun rarely peeks through the clouds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social-distancing, quarantining, and obsessively consuming news can all negatively affect mental health.

As a result, people can experience difficulty in sleeping, changes in appetite, struggles with concentration, and substance abuse, as well as some stress-related physical conditions such as rashes, headaches, stomach aches, and body pain.

Although many people are experiencing poor mental health as a result of the COVID pandemic, there are steps that anyone can take to mitigate the isolating effects of the new normal.

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Exercise and Diet

sticking to recipes that you know well. To increase your inspiration, I recommend picking up a cookbook from your local used bookstore, or for convenience, Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Not only can you find interesting new recipes or try out a new cuisine, but you are also adding a new piece of decor to your kitchen.

Maintaining Your Environment Many students have found ourselves logging into Snuffy’s Malt Shop distance learning from bed or allowing a collection of This retro diner-style dishes to pile up in their bedrooms, but it is important burger joint is an Edina student to set up your living space in a way that’s productive staple. Upon entry, the red and for you. One of the easiest ways to tidy your living white vinyl booths, red carpets, space and prevent yourself from retreating back to and wood paneling will send sleep is to make your bed when you first wake up. you back to the 1950s. Their Not only does your bed have a great impact on the menu consists of burgers, fries, overall aesthetic of your room due to its imposing and malts. It’s simple: good size, but making your bed gives you a sense of acfood for a good price. complishment in the morning that sets you up for a productive day.

If you find yourself surrounded by clutter and clothes that no longer fit, many donation shops, such as Goodwill and Arc’s Value Village, are currently accepting donations. Clearing unnecessary items from your space can make daily neatening more manageable.

While the struggle of not seeing your friends offscreen for months and lacking the in-person education that we are all used to is real and valid, these are some tips that can make your day-to-day life in quarantine a bit easier. However, if you are seriously struggling with your mental health, you can reach out to your doctor or another healthcare professional for Cahill Bistro treatment.

Another staple of Edina is Cahill Bistro, a family-owned restaurant serving some of the best Latin American cuisine in Edina. If you need proof that this is a great restaurant, just look at its five-star ratings on Yelp and Tripadvisor. The praise Cahill Bistro has received for its food is well deserved. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days per week. photos by Lily Simmons

As we have been stuck at home, typical sports seasons have been interrupted, and gyms and restaurants have undergone various periods of closure, it may have been easy to abandon healthy habits when it comes to exercise and diet; however, ignoring these everyday essentials can vastly impact physical health.

The CDC also recommends eating healthy, exercising, meditating, and sleeping enough as steps to improving mental health.

YouTube is a great resource for discovering simple, at-home exercise and meditation routines, many of which require no equipment. However, exercising at home does not have to be a daunting and intimidating task. Even simply taking a walk around your neighborhood is enough to elevate your heart rate.

As for your diet, it can become monotonous to cook every single meal at home, especially if you are

photos by Michael Crater

Trends come and go like the wind, so why invest in something that moves so fast?

In the next couple of months, we will go through another 50 pairs of white shoes.

This same theory can be used for all clothes leggings, jeans, jackets, etc.

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hile COVID-19 has taken its toll on many different industries, there are few that have suffered as much as the restaurant business. While large franchises like McDonald’s and Chipotle have been able to stay open, small restaurants have been struggling to keep their heads above the water.

These restaurants are what makes each town unique, and they work tirelessly to give everyone great food.

We encourage everyone to support these restaurants, so here is a list of some of the best restaurants in and around Edina. It is important to note that this list is in no particular order.

Jeeps, Range Rovers, and

For teenagers, a car should be a vehicle that gets them to point A to point B. In the end, all cars serve the same purpose for everyone driver.

Michael Crater outreach coordinator

price

CōV For those in search of a restaurant for their Valentine’s Day date, look no further than CōV. While this “Coastal American Eatery” is the most expensive restaurant on our list, their food deserves to wear its high price tag. Their menu consists of everything from filet mignon to maple-glazed blackened grouper. The environment is also well-suited to a Valentine’s Day date, with beautiful New England architecture, plenty of candles, and lots of other fancy touches.

Coconut Thai In the mood for Thai food? Make your way over to Coconut Thai in the 50th and France neighborhood.

Their 4.7/5 stars on OpenTable are backed up by their wide selection of dishes, which are made from natural ingredients with no MSG. Their most popular dishes are their pad Thai and their pineapple curry, but they’re not just known for their food. Many people stop by Coconut Thai for their daily dose of coffee.

STUDENT LIFE

Friday, February 12, 2021

9

“WandaVision” pioneers new Marvel content Caroline Seiler page editor

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though there are no advertisements, there are still commercials built into some episodes, structured around whichever decade the show is supposed to be based in. They give little easter eggs alluding to who could be behind the mystery.

While Marvel fans are known for their elaborate fan theories, the experience of watching “WandaVision” is not complete without theorizing what will happen next.

There are many theories, but some of the more notable ones revolve around the Hydra Soak soap, Wanda’s twins, and questioning the extent of Wanda’s powers.

“WandaVision” may be the first Disney+ Original Marvel series, but it won’t be the last. Along with many other series and movies to come, there are some notable ones coming to Disney+ this year that fans are very excited for. The highly anticipated shows “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” and “Loki” are coming in March. “Hawkeye” is coming later this year. While the “WandaVision'' episodes are short, they are packed with action and comedy, all tied up with a bow of mystery. The series is a must-watch on my list.

Your horoscope this month Sage Jezierski staff writer Aquarius: Everything is lining up in your favor this month. Things that seemed impossible before will become possibilities. You’ll find a new appreciation for yourself, and may even find a new partner! While you may experience new selfimprovement, make sure to have gratitude for the present.

Pisces: Look forward to a transformation in your personality and new clarity on old situations. Turning points in your relationships are on the horizon. You may gain more wisdom and realize your talents and potential. Take time for yourself to reflect on your goals, and be selective with who you give your energy.

Aries: While you may have dealt with confusion and closed doors recently, this month promises clarity and new ideas. Positive energy and resolvement of conflicts will come with this, and you may undergo changes in career or income. Try to connect with friends and seek out a social circle that's on the same wavelength as you.

Taurus: This month, the last thing you want is fear of change to hold you back.

You’re about to receive an offer, which could throw off your old routine. Go with the flow and you’ll have an opportunity for growth. Relationships may also move forward and new bonds formed. Be patient and know what you want.

Gemini: Opportunities to learn and in your education are approaching. Minor obstacles may stand in your way this month, so wait to act until the timing is right.

Expect success in your future and strive for it. Take breaks when you need them, commit to long term goals, and don’t settle for anything less.

Cancer: Money and emotional growth are coming your way. Your head and heart are lined up, making all your goals possible. If certain people have been holding you back, let them go. Leaving behind toxicity and learning to be vulnerable will lead you to the right person. Let yourself rest, and seek support when you need it.

Leo: Currently, communication may not be going your way. You’re giving your energy to too many things. However, love is coming! Don’t second guess platonic or romantic relationships and allow yourself to move forwards. Also, don’t let anxiety over changes hold you back. Relax, and recognize every obstacle happens for a reason.

Virgo: This is the beginning of a new era for you! New projects and projects are on the near horizon. In addition, a confession of love and a chance at commitment are in the cards for you. If you begin to doubt yourself, changes in selfcare may be necessary. Have gratitude in the moment and believe you’re on the right track.

Libra: Love is in the air for you this month! People who have wronged you will come back and try to reconcile, and new love possibilities will be coming your way.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, seek new experiences. You’re going to gain more happiness in your activities. However, all of these things require you to make long term goals and commit to them.

Scorpio: You may have recently endured family troubles and the ending of a friendship. Trusting your intuition will lead you out of second-guessing. Changes in your lifestyle will allow you happiness. Find people who make you feel secure and trust that good news is on its way!

Sagittarius: Your mental health may be at a low point right now and conversations aren’t going your way. However, these are temporary problems. Take time to make the right decisions for yourself and reframe your negative thoughts. Good karma is coming your way and you’ll be receiving the recognition you deserve.

Capricorn: Recently you may have had obstacles put in your path. Know these happened for a reason and have faith new opportunities are rising. This month, focus on saving your money and finding stability: success might be coming your way!

As for relationships, your connections will begin to strengthen and good conversations are in the air.

art by Betsy Lundberg

n December of 2020, the popular streaming platform Disney+ webcasted their Investor Day, announcing numerous new movie and television series releases to come. One of the series announced that was highly anticipated by Marvel fans was “WandaVision,” the first Marvel television series to be released on the platform.

The show centers around Wanda Maximoff (otherwise known in the Marvel comics as the Scarlet Witch) and Vision, the android version of Tony Stark’s voice assistant, Jarvis, and the mind stone combined.

The two characters live in a stereotypical sitcom together, going through different decades, starting with the 1950’s. The show does an especially good job of portraying the respective time periods of each sitcom.

The 50’s episode is modeled heavily after “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” even filming some scenes in front of a live studio audience. The 60’s episode drew inspiration from “Bewitched,” and Wanda and Vision’s house in the 70’s episode was based off of “The Brady Bunch” house.

Other than the series having fun sitcom themes, it has a great mystery; the viewers, as well as the characters inside, do not know what is going on. The show is like nothing that has ever been seen before— much different than previous Marvel projects, it lacks a clear villain in the first couple of episodes. Many fans believe that Wanda is controlling everything in this “reality,” hiding under the guise of a protagonist while acting as the main antagonist.

The show does a great job of grabbing the audience’s attention with cliffhangers in every single episode. It gives the audience a need to continue watching the series episode after episode. I do think that it is odd that a 21-ish-year-old girl is in love with a non-human android, but I’ll give it a pass just because the show is that good.

Disney+ is a perfect platform to release this show because episodes can be released weekly without having to structure the flow of the scenes around commercial breaks.

The first couple of episodes are around 22 minutes in length with about seven minute long credits. But, as the show gets more into the mystery and plot, the actual content in the episodes will probably increase. Even

JoJo Siwa revolutionizes coming out with viral video

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Mia DiLorenzo head staff writer

o some, a mere video of JoJo Siwa lip-synching to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” would seem like a regular Tik Tok occurrence—after all, the app largely exists to facilitate social interactions via video creation. To many LGBTQ+ fans, however, it marked an inspiring and important step forward for young people on their quest to gain acceptance.

Siwa’s original video has accrued an impressive 40.6 million views on the app, garnering praise from a host of LGBTQ+ influencers including James Charles, Jessie Paege, and Nikkie Tutorials.

Though she doesn’t explicitly state that the video is her official coming out announcement, her signature hair bow is littered with rainbows and her sweatshirt features a series of rainbow hearts, perhaps making it clearer to the viewer about the video’s true meaning. Siwa’s face is largely obscured by an even larger smile, showing millions of young and potentially closeted LGBTQ+ people the sheer joy and freedom accompanied by embracing their identity.

Caitlin Saxe, an Edina High School junior and member of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance echoed the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in younger spaces. “If I had that role model as a kid, it would’ve been really great, and I’m just excited for other kids

to see [JoJo’s influence],” Saxe said.

This action is precisely what makes her announcement so radically welcoming: Siwa disregards the traditional methods of celebrity coming out videos and asserts that a casual approach is just as valuable as a highly produced YouTube message. As she embraces a nonchalant and relaxed video, Siwa paves the way for younger LGBTQ+ creators and individuals to come out without feeling the added burden of a complex plan.

In coming out on an incredibly public platform, Siwa fully embraces her identity in front of both younger and older fans. She’s made it clear that she isn’t ready to label her sexuality and makes sure that her followers recognize the validity in existing without a definite label. art by Ellanor Splinter “For younger audiences, they see someone that inspires [them] and think that if [JoJo] can come out in front of millions of people, [they] can do it too,” Saxe said.

Following the release of her initial Tik Tok, her platform has become one of immense love and support. In a follow-up video, Siwa cemented her message of inclusion to other LGBTQ+ young people with a simple message: “[T]here are people that are going to say that it’s not normal, but it’s your normal. It’s okay to be a little different… it’s something to be proud of and it’s something we should celebrate.”

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OPINION

Friday, February 12, 2021

We are once The U.S. is losing, and the world is watching again asking you to read T Zephyrus Matt Hovelsrud online editor

art by Lydia Olson

Do we rely too heavily on the Grammys to validate our taste in music? usical artists strive to achieve a lot of things: a sold-out concert, headlining their own worldwide tour, or collaborating with a popular artist. But the highest achievement any artist in a given genre can earn is to receive a Grammy at the biggest music award show in the world. In 2020 alone, 16 million Americans tuned in to watch the most popular artists of that year stand onstage and accept a Grammy. So what would make this family-friendly, exciting, and nail-biting award show so overrated?

According to many of their yearly viewers, the Grammys aren’t too accurate, to say the least, at who they choose to win.

Many fans believe that the Grammys are overrated due to the fact that they treat black artists differently than others. In 2020, rapper/singer/producer Tyler, the Creator took home the Best Rap Album award. Sounds innocent enough, but Tyler explained how his music being categorized as urban/rap felt like a “backhanded compliment.” Although his older work falls into the “rap” category, “Igor”, the album he won the award for, was not made to be a ‘rap’ album, but rather pop. “Igor” was one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2020, so the Grammy win was certainly well deserved, but the Grammys nevertheless placed Tyler’s album into a category it was not originally intended for.

This isn’t the first time the Grammy’s have been called out for not treating black artists equally. R&B sensation Frank Ocean decided to sit out of the Grammys in 2017. Ocean had released his most critically acclaimed album yet, “Blonde,” in 2016 and while most fans were hoping to see Frank at the show, he said he would rather not have “Blonde” be represented at

Keep distance learning inclusive by keeping cameras optional

art by Anabelle Jakala

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Reilly Shane staff writer

he startling reality of the United States’ crisis with the COVID-19 pandemic illuminates a greater message around its global position. Leading the globe with over 27 million confirmed cases, the U.S. almost triples India with the second highest rate of confirmed cases at over 10 million, according to worldometers. info. The United States’ failure to properly address the pandemic in its early stages is undeniable and explains the increasing case and death counts. Thus, the broader global position of the U.S. comes into question as the so-called democratic leader of the world displayed immaturity and open impotence in the previous administration.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States is currently at a death toll of over 400,000 with little evidence to suggest the numbers are slowing down. At double the second highest death toll globally, other nations are looking to the United States and taking note of this weak period of American leadership. According to the Pew Research Center, among a poll of adults in 13 various countries, over 84% of those surveyed said the U.S. population had done a bad job handling the pandemic, compared to only 64% of U.S. adults reporting the same belief. The overall message of these international sentiments is that the international community is analyzing the U.S.’ response and directing their negative view toward the country as a result If the citizens of a nation believe a nation’s policy is flawed, it is expected that individuals in power within said foreign governments hold the same beliefs.

The implications of this will span deeply into the foreign policy of the U.S. and its international allies as it slowly loses its position as a world leader. The poor response to a pandemic coupled with clear displays of political and social strife within the U.S. brings to light deep-rooted issues the nation will need to overcome to remain on top of the global hierarchy. With the potential of not being the undisputed global power, the U.S. loses immense credibility on the world stage that further extends to economic and political success.

For example, after the 2008 financial crisis, China viewed U.S. weakness and established themselves in a more prominent global position. So, further U.S. destruction of credibility perpetuated by poor COVID policies will hinder the nation’s ability to enact policy initiatives to the same degree, allowing new nations to take control of the world’s economy and political structure.

New world leaders in the nations of Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia have shown their international validity through extremely comprehensive and effective COVID policies that show the unity and strength of their governments and citizens, according to Time Magazine.

While the U.S. is seemingly still a world power because of their history and economic position, the country is clearly losing political efficacy and respect globally that will enshrine this period as a time the U.S. lost its facade as the greatest country in the world, welcoming new world powers to lead. However, the onset of the Biden administration brings a new sense of hope as President Biden seeks to put forward a new approach to addressing the pandemic.

the Grammys that year. “That institution certainly has nostalgic importance,” Ocean said in an interview with the NY Times, “It just doesn’t seem to be representing very well for people who come from where I come from, and hold down what I hold down.”

Another reason why people believe the Grammys are overrated is because of artists getting ‘snubbed’ from nominations or winning. A perfect example of this is from this year when The Weeknd didn’t get a single nomination. His hit song “Blinding Lights” spent time at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been on the charts for 60 weeks now but still didn’t get the nomination. Many of his fans, including myself, are disappointed and surprised that someone as talented and popular as The Weeknd isn’t getting the recognition he deserves.

All in all, the Grammys will remain one of the most popular awards shows of all time. While it does have its controversies, it will always be an honor for an artist to get recognition for their creativity and musical talents. In my opinion, I believe that the Grammy’s are not overrated because they help hard working artists get appreciated for their music, but the show itself does struggle with a lot of problems that can be changed.

I

Ellen Mi editor in chief

t’s a familiar scene to everyone during distance learning: A teacher stares at their students’ static profile pictures as another awkward Google Meet commences.

Granted, some students at Edina High School may have some classes where almost everyone voluntarily has their camera on, but even that is a rare occasion.

According to the Edina Public Schools website, students who prefer to join Google Meets only by audio can “place tape on [their] Webcam, or choose not to activate [their] camera.” There aren’t any enforced district-wide measures that pressure students to show their faces during class calls, which protects student privacy. However, classes do tend to be more interactive, lively, and “normal” when more people have their cameras on.

Generally, there’s an unspoken agreement among students about whether their cameras should be on or off during class. After assessing the energy in the classroom, some students may decide to turn their cameras on and more may even follow. While class can be more engaging when students are able to see each other and the teacher can see their students, virtual classrooms are nevertheless more inclusive if students have the option to have their camera off.

For students who have social anxiety or prefer not to let their classmates and teachers see the inside of their house, turning their camera off is the only way to participate in

class while still maintaining their personal privacy. According to the New York Times, over 1.5 million United States public school students reported that they were homeless at some point during the 2017-2018 school year. It would be unfair to ask students to reveal aspects of their lives that would otherwise be kept private in an in-person classroom setting. Rather than potentially breaching previously-set boundaries between their education and home life, allowing students to turn their cameras off when they want can diminish some of the stress distance learning has already caused.

Some EHS teachers encourage their students to have their cameras on or at least change their profile pictures to be a photo of themselves, which keeps cameras voluntary and empowers students to make their own learning decisions. In order to establish schools as safe spaces for students to learn and interact with each other on their own terms, distance learning must be as inclusive and accessible as possible.

art by Lydia Olson

HEAD TO HEAD Friday, Febuary 12, 2021

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Educational reform is necessary to make collegiate institutions more equitable and reduce student anxiety

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Mia DiLorenzo head staff writer

Within the student loan debt crisis lies an ever-growing racial disparity—according to the Century Foundation think tank, “Black students are far more likely than white students to experience negative financial events after graduating.” Much like America’s criminal “justice” system, the banking and debt industry disproportionately targets low-income families and people of color, establishing a punitive approach to student debt collection and management. To elaborate upon such a pressing issue, a guest columnist at the Columbus Dispatch in Ohio discussed his experience with racist applications towards student loan debt. Jarrod Robinson, the columnist, stated that his “financial and educational purgatory” is slowing his process of gaining financial freedom and independence. Ohio’s student debt laws require “public colleges and universities across the state to turn student debt over to the Ohio attorney general’s office for collection” which can often incur additional fines and fees.

The harmful combination of institutional corruption and absurd expenses establishes US collegiate education as overpriced and underwhelming. We must move away from an environment where college academic instruction is viewed as necessary for later success, as too many barriers exist within the current system to equitably make that blanket statement. Is college worth it for some, if not most, people? Absolutely—and that doesn’t diminish their experience and appreciation for college life. To remedy the host of inequalities associated with college, all universities must find ways to increase affordability and resolve the flawed admissions process. Though college may be the “best four years of your life,” it is essential that universities stop perpetuating wealth gaps and truly act as a

art by Betsy Lundberg

rom an early age, students see prestigious colleges praised as cornerstones of American life and hallmarks of higher education. Smiling students crouching over 2000s-era computers and scenes of carefree ultimate frisbee litter the covers of admissions pamphlets, becoming a familiar sight to high schoolers across the nation. Juniors and seniors quickly become swept into the glamour of the American collegiate dream, seeing universities like Harvard and Stanford as essential avenues towards success. After all, these institutions are supposed to be built upon meritocratic ideals—if you study hard, perform well on standardized tests, and advertise yourself as a well-rounded student, you’re sure to thrive beyond high school. However, manipulative agencies and the skyrocketing cost of attendance make the value of college seem more ambiguous.

University admissions have become more corrupt than ever, largely evidenced by the semi-recent Operation Varsity Blues scandal at elite colleges. In March of 2019, over 50 people were charged with participating in a national bribery network between wealthy parents and prestigious universities. Though several parents were convicted, a number of participants faced few or no consequences—before Donald Trump’s departure from the White House, he pardoned Varsity Blues conspirator Robert Zangrillo. The legal system ensures that university admissions remain largely based on monetary persuasions and bribes rather than the meritocracy that was often lauded in admissions pamphlets.

To rectify the disparities and unfair advantages within college admissions, students have often felt pressured to forge a disingenuous profile in their application, touting a heavy course load while struggling with crippling mental health issues. The National Institute of Mental Health reveals that one in three teenagers grapple with an anxiety disorder, which is only exacerbated by academic stress. Denise Pope, a Stanford University education lecturer, told the New York Times that “some of these kids have had college on the brain since sixth or seventh grade or even earlier. When you have that kind of stress over that kind of time, that’s where [we] start to worry.”

You’ll often hear anecdotally that the college admissions process brings upon a surge of identity crises amongst high school juniors and seniors; as Pope stated, college admissions can even loom over middle school students who haven’t yet discovered any significant interests. That being said, there’s a reason that these wealthy parents felt bribery was a necessary action. The admissions system itself values a harmful and unsustainable cycle of “productivity” which is visibly seen within college applications.

Even beyond the flawed admissions system, the steep price of a university education is growing each year and student loan debt exacerbates the wealth inequality perpetuated by college decisions. In late 2018, the New York Federal Reserve established that student loan debts totaled over 1.3 trillion dollars and impacted nearly one sixth of American residents.

These staggering numbers are indicative of a trend that leaves millions of young people perpetually in debt, as student loans establish a cycle of financial turmoil for recent graduates and senior citizens alike.

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Dedeepya Guthikonda multimedia coordinator

here’s no doubt that today’s society has become more hyper-competitive than ever. Seemingly everyone is vying after an idealized narrative of success: high-paying jobs, the highest ranking position, and, of course, an acceptance to a prestigious college. College is a common rite of passage for many students; however, as an increasing number begin to consider skipping this important chapter of their lives, we must reaffirm the importance and value of a college education in today’s fast-paced world.

A college experience has proven to provide better job opportunities and career prospects after graduation, instill a variety of intangible skills unique to the college system in students, and provide the opportunity to pair purpose with passion, leading to more fulfilling future occupations.

From a purely economic perspective, college is essential to securing stability. This rings especially true in today’s ever-changing economy and world amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to an article published in Forbes Magazine in April 2020, college graduates are less likely to lose their job during the coronavirus outbreak than those without a college degree. Additionally, the same article goes on to mention the unemployment rate for people without a college degree reached 17.3% in May of 2020—six percentage points higher than the unemployment record set during the Great Depression. Having a college degree not only makes you less vulnerable to losing your job, but more

viable to initially securing one; college graduates see 57% more job opportunities than non-graduates and earn—on average—$30,000 more than non-graduates, according to Northeastern University and CNN, respectively. It’s also important to consider the additional flexibility that having a college-degree allows you to receive, such as generosity in paid and sick leave and a greater variety of positions available within a selected profession. While they may seem irrelevant, these comforts provided by your employer may make all the difference in times of need.

Additionally, students develop intangible skills unique to the experiences they receive in the college environment. These skills—known as “soft skills”—consist of critical thinking, interpersonal interactions, and aptitudes that are an integral part of the job retention process. While it’s true students may be able to gain these skills elsewhere, a defining feature of a college education is the steady incorporation of classes, innovative learning opportunities like research or internships, and interpersonal skills that come from collaborating with classmates and faculty. Additionally, managing multiple classes, clubs, and other responsibilities provide important experience for students to build effective time management skills. These are ultimately what set a student apart in the job requisition process, but moreso, they contribute to a student’s well-rounded nature.

Nevertheless, it’s important to address the fact that socioeconomic barriers often leave students having to choose between obtaining a college education or not. In these cases— without taking into account a student's family circumstances

or the urgency of their situation, of course—obtaining higher education is often crucial to breaking a cycle of families in low-income situations or poverty. There are a variety of scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs that make it accessible for students to pursue higher education, thus investing in their future. Scholarship programs such as the QuestBridge National College Match are aimed towards high school students who “have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges” and provide full-tuition scholarships to attend schools. However, there’s no doubt there is an urgent need for reform in the college admissions process; it must be able to accommodate and benefit students of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels.

Similarly, attending college also provides students the opportunity to pair their passions with purpose. Many schools have a multitude of student organizations consisting of recreational programs, multicultural clubs, and student publications, to name a few. These provide concrete opportunities for students to pursue their interests in a form that allows them to make a greater personal or community impact, and help develop skills that they will need for the future.

The world is changing extremely rapidly, and it is up to students to prepare to the best of their ability to secure viable futures in an uncertain future—not only one that will provide economic stability, but provide a sense of internal fulfillment.

College is an essential pathway for students to achieve both of these ideals.

Today’s hyper-competitive world makes higher education a necessity for graduating students

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SPORTS

Friday, February 12, 2021

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Nora Franssen staff writer

enior Kalid Ahmed has been playing football since around eighth grade. At that time, he’d been wanting to play a sport but couldn’t figure out which one to get involved in. That’s when he decided to try out football, which according to him, was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.

When Ahmed first started football, he had no idea how far it would actually take him. “I thought of it as something to do with friends and keep me occupied. But it’s grown into something so much more,” Ahmed said. He loves every factor of football, including how challenging it is, the friends he has made, and even the distraction it provides when other things in life might be going rough.

infographic by Sage Jezierski

Athlete of the Month: Kalid Ahmed

As Ahmed kept playing football, he progressively got better. This year, he’s made a rapid improvement, going from Junior Varsity to All-District in just one year. He attributes his success to his goal-setting and determination. “I knew wide receiver was the position for me and I did everything I could to be at my best because hard work beats everything,” Ahmed said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, who continued to push me as much as they could, as well as my coaches, as they were criticizing the smallest things which ended up making the biggest difference.”

Playing college football has always been one of Ahmed’s dreams, and he plans to do the best he can to follow through with that dream.

“Even if I can’t get an offer, I will try to walk on wherever I end up going to college, as I don’t want my football experience to end just infographic by Maren Fullerton photo courtesy of Lauren Zawoyski

Looking sharp: a team member skids to a stop

Girls’ Hockey maintains community through COVID-19 restrictions

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Isa Li page editor

ince the Edina Girls’ Hockey season started early January, the team has been on the move. Adjusting to the delayed season that typically begins in October has posed unique challenges, but the girls have succeeded off their solid foundation of devotion to the team and community with other players.

The second wave of COVID-19 restrictions in November suspended face-to-face instruction and caused the team’s season to start late. With practices prohibited, many of the players hadn’t been on ice in a significant amount of time. Because of the late start, players have committed to focus on the team by limiting other social events in order to preserve their ability to practice. “If one player were to get [the virus] on our team, we’re shut down for two weeks, so just taking that initiative that our team has our main focus right now is what our coaches emphasize,” junior defender Haley Maxwell said.

Team interactions aside, the group faces challenges in continuing to play at the same caliber while adhering to COVID restrictions

on the ice. Wearing masks while playing hockey is an arduous task that took adjusting, on top of other tasks. “A mental block is that you don’t have fans so you’re not like ‘Go, go, go,’ but we create our own energy and I feel like that’s even more effective,” sophomore forward and right wing Lauren Zawoyski said.

The internal team bonding has been limited as well; however, the team makes it a point to use their time on the ice and in the locker room to grow their relationships.

Despite this being her first year on the team, Zawoyski said she felt comfortable diving into games with her teammates who had given her a unique nickname. “They call me Z. That’s my nickname and it’s [carried over] to school too,” Zawoyski said.

The girls ultimately have to balance their shortened season with the COVID realities, but this hasn’t stopped them from having a victorious season packed with strengthening the internal team relationships. Their five games have gone undefeated and the team is constantly pushing toward their state tournament planned for March.