The Spectrum Newspaper May 2025

blakespectrum.org

Friday | May 23 | 2025

Chemistry Veteran Hangs Up Goggles

Thoughts after 5 decades of teaching

In 49 years of teaching, retiring chemistry teacher Janet Williams has created community amongst students and teachers. From teaching mathematics and the sciences, Williams has experienced working with both adults and teens daily for a while. But teaching was not Williams’ original choice for a career.

Before her career as a teacher, Williams was a lab chemist. She switched to teaching due to feeling “quite isolated” as she enjoys being around other people. A church camp counselor job prompted Williams to consider teaching as a long-term job. She states that

“before Blake I had moved every three to four years” due to her constant need for change. When she came in the fall of 1995 with previous experience in teaching both algebra and chemistry, Williams found a place to thrive. “I came here and just saw people who just love teaching,” Williams states, “my colleagues have been so important to me.”

Williams taught biology and math, but she mainly stuck to chemistry. One of her favorite things about teaching at this school is the pleasantness of the students. Williams states that “students at Blake have been genuinely nice,” something that stands out to her among other institutions.

Williams will greatly miss the free lunch. As staff members and students have access to the lunch

room’s various options, it is easy to grab something to eat. Williams expresses that she “need[s] a schedule” and that lunch will be much harder without the time frame the cafeteria gives and the great food the chefs provide.

Emma Connor ‘25 recounts the time she had Williams as a teacher for science, recalling how she “loved how supportive [Williams] was and she always went the extra mile to give an encouraging word” to her students.

Zellie Olson ‘25 states that “even if you didn’t tell [Williams] she always knew what the accomplishments of her students were,” outside of the classroom which made a huge impact on students time within Williams’ classes. “Everyone felt like that room was their home ‘cause she made it a home.”

Grade Dean and Teachers Wave Goodbye Alongside Seniors

Cady’s departing legacy

Chloe Kern | Staff Writer

Ben Cady, beloved social studies teacher of over a decade, announced he will leave the school at the end of this academic year. He wants to try something new, perhaps in development work for nonprofits. Cady said he may return to teaching in the future, but that he wants to give himself space to try something different, remarking that “there’s a lot out there, so let’s see what else [I could do].”

In his eleven years at this institution, Cady taught “pretty much everything in the social studies department,” as

Bowman’s coaching in the Upper School

Faith Zhao | Creative Director

After 8 years at the Upper School, Maggie Bowman, SIAC advisor, Track coach, Cross-Country head coach, Class of 2025 Grade Dean, World History Teacher, and constant presence will leave the Upper School.

For her, leaving the logistics of the job is not difficult, but rather, it’s leaving the people that have shaped her. “By people, I mean students, colleagues, families, like I love the people at Blake. It’s leaving the people that’s the hard part, said Bowman. She reminisced, “It’ll be really like that’s the part that I’ll miss the most, and then also the part that I’ve enjoyed the most.” Bowman came

Cady during their last advisory block together.

he put it. Classes like Ancient World, Constitutional Law, AP European History, AP U.S. History, Social Psychology, and Moral Issues have all been taught by Cady. Michelle Pham ‘27, one of Cady’s Global Power and Resistance students this semester and Citizenship and the Nation last fall, said, “Every class with

[Cady] is memorable to me. The way he talks, the way he presents is just so engaging and he always finds a way to make class fun, whether through his jokes or…making funny references.”

Cady has been an active part of the school community outside the social studies department. He has served as the co-

chair of Forum for the past five years and had been a part of the organization for three years before that. Cady helped with the blood drive, too, advertising it to the school community. Stella Wyatt ‘27, the lead coordinator for the spring drive, said, “We’re going to miss him [Cady] a lot because he just plays a huge role in Forum and in the blood drive.”

When asked what he wants to tell the community before he leaves, Cady immediately responded that he does not want anyone to think he is leaving because he is unhappy. “I just have so loved the people here at Blake,” he said. “It’s definitely bittersweet leaving here...I think it’s the right decision for me, but that doesn’t mean that it was an easy decision.”

to the school after she finished her Master’s degree at Yale and a year of partial student teaching. “I was super nervous, even things like writing a full syllabus for the first time was new,” explained Bowman. She was put on the ninth-grade World History and World Literature team.

“When I think about my career as a professional, essentially my entire career has been at Blake,”

said Bowman. “So really anything I’ve learned in the professional setting, I learned in this building. I’ve learned a lot from my colleagues…the adults in this building are brilliant.”

Not only does she deeply appreciate the help from her colleagues, but she also feels shaped by the not normally recognized group of people: teenagers. She said, “I love working

with teenagers. They teach me things about pop culture in the world, but they also teach me things about what’s important in life.”

Bowman’s next step is to be a full-time track coach. Although nervous about the change, Dr. Bowman explained “the ability to pivot and draw something new is really exciting to me.”

Muraoka heads to PA

Rayan Nasir | Perspectives Editor

After teaching at the school for 5 years and coaching football for 6 years, Trey Muraoka will leave for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this fall. Muraoka taught Latin and was the Defensive Coordinator for the team.

Andrew Mao ‘26, a student of Muraoka, said, “It’s sad to see him leave, I’ve known him since 7th grade so I don’t know a high school without him. He’s probably my favorite teacher…he’s good at balancing a personal relationship with professionalism. He’s just a great guy, and I’ll truly miss him.”

Alita Shenk, a Latin teacher, said working with Muraoka was “super easy and really fun.” Something students know about Muraoka is how he stands outside of the NAR during passing time encouraging students to get to class. Shenk said that this was one of her favorite moments that captured who Muroaka truly was, and now that he is leaving, she said “I don’t know how anyones ever going to get to class on time.”

A special aspect to Muraoka’s style of teaching was building connections with his students. He said “The thing that I will always kind of remember about Blake are just the interactions with students that I have inside the halls and ‘off moments’ in class where we’re not necessarily working on material.” Outside the classroom, Muroaka higlights “Making some playoff runs with the football team…and coaching middle school basketball.” He deeply cares for his students and wants others to remember him for his “presence in the community.”

Izzie Miller | News Editor

Williams celebrating her birthday with a cake and fowers alongside Science Department colleague Jen Vance.

Advisory members Nico Paterakis ‘27, Hayden Bubb ‘27, Bergen Levine ‘27, Cady, Maisie Carper ‘27, Larsen Winternheimer ‘27, Alexandra Epstein ‘27 Harry Wallace ‘27 and Jax Newberry ‘27 (L-R) take a photo with

Chloe Kern

Bowman celebrates with track team relay runners Maggie Souvingier ‘26 and Anna Melloh ‘28 (L-R). Steven Cao

Muraoka sits in his classroom on the second foor.

Rayan Nasir

The Blake School 511 Kenwood

Editor-in-Chief: Camila Pardo

Managing Editors:

Lilah Johnson | Steven Cao

Copy Editor: Ben Aviles

Creative Director: Faith Zhao

News Editor: Izzie Miller

Student Life Editor:

Caitlin Strauss

Food Editor: Evie Chow

Sports Editors:

Charlie Dean | Dillon Kaiser

Perspectives Editor:

Rayan Nasir

Features Editor:

Tarun Gopalakrishnan

Editors Emeriti:

Gabriella Marmet | Yoni Zacks

Columnist: Ethan Klaiman

Business Manager: Ben Sznewajs

Adviser: Anna Reid

STAFF WRITERS: Evan Darmawan, Oliver Brown, Eva Gleason, Andrew Jetton, Charlee Jones, Chloe Kern, Ben Passi, Anna Tao, Isabella Valdesolo, Olivia Besikof

STAFF ARTISTS:

Madeline Hou, Willow Overcash

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Noah Zacks

BECOME A STAFF MEMBER:

Contribute to the paper three times consecutively to be promoted to a staff writer!

JOIN SPECTRUM:

Spectrum meets in Room 351 during both lunches every Tuesday. Please come if you are interested in writing, drawing, designing, podcasting, or taking pictures for the newspaper.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Disagree with something that’s in the paper? Have an opinion you want to share? Like to draw editorial cartoons? Take a stand and speak out. E-mail letters or editorial cartoons to spectrum@blakeschool. org or deliver them to room 351. Please limit letters to 400 words.

MISSION STATEMENT:

The primary purpose of the Blake School Spectrum is to report news and to explain its meaning and significance to our readers and the community. We hope to inform, entertain and provide a school forum for the unrestricted exchange of ideas and opinions.

STYLE STATEMENT:

Spectrum uses Associated Press (AP) Style as of the February 2020 issue.

New Grade Deans Hired to Start 2025-26 School Year

Two new faculty members join the school

Caitlin Strauss | Student Life Editor

As Jen Vance transitions to teaching more science classes, Julie Stein will become the new 9th grade dean. Stein is currently the Freshman Dean at the Georgetown Day School (GDS) in Washington, D.C., and earned her PhD in U.S. History with a focus on women, gender, and sexuality. She enjoys teaching “European history and U.S. gender history” at GDS.

Having lived in much of the country, Stein described, “I live in D.C. right now with my husband and my two kids…I went to college on the East Coast, [and] lived in

Submitted by Julie Stein

Incoming 9th grade Dean Stein is excited to make connections with the students in the class of 2028.

California for 10 years. and then came back to D.C. I’ve been working at GDS for 12 years now.”

Maggie Bowman will leave the Upper School in the fall, and Jack Harlan will become the new dean for the Class of 2028. In a recent phone interview, he shared that he spent his “most forma-

tive years in Massachusetts,” but also lived in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. A graduate of Amherst College, Harlan worked at Lawrence Academy in Massachusetts as a history teacher and baseball coach, and at Millbrook School, a boarding school in Upstate New York.

Harlan loves baseball, and looks forward to becoming a “Minnesota Twins season ticket holder.” Harlan added, “I grew up as the son of two educators, and I went to the beach a ton. So being outdoors, being in fresh air, being on the water, and just doing outdoor activities” is something he enjoys. Harlan is excited to “work with the students” because, on his interview day at the Upper School, “the student community of Blake real-

ly struck me as a special group and a highly motivated group of students.”

Stein was similarly impressed by the students in the Upper School community, emphasizing that “they were so welcom-

Incoming Class of 2028

Dean Harlan looks forward to meeting the students.

ing and brilliant. They seemed like really enthusiastic learners and people who are happy to be part of this community.”

Stein explained how she “love[s] being outdoors.” One thing Stein has done to spend time outdoors is “camping with my family more recently.” She added that she is “really excited to check out all of the lakes [in Minnesota].” Two other hobbies Stein enjoys are reading books and spending time with her family: “I love simple things like putting a little bonfire in the backyard and just having lots of friends over [and] spending some time with family.”

Stein shared that her husband has family in Minnesota, so she is looking forward to her kids having cousins nearby as they grow up. Stein also expresses how grateful she is for the opportunity to join the community because she notes that “it just felt like it

2025 Minnesota Journalist of the Year Awarded

Senior wins scholarship competition

Nico Mithun | Contributing Writer

Yoni Zacks ‘25 is the recipient of this year’s Minnesota Journalist of the Year, awarded by the Minnesota High School Press.

When asked to reflect on his time as a member of the Spectrum staff, Zacks explained: “I’ve always loved journalism and I’ve always loved the idea of being a journalist. I enjoy telling people’s stories because it’s really fun getting to hear from a bunch of different people about something that they are really passionate about.”

Zacks has been on Spectrum staff since freshman year. He recounted that “there was a recruitment on our very first assembly and I knew then and there that [it] was

a club I wanted to join. I went to that first staff meeting, and then came back every week that year, and then was [an] editor for all of sophomore year, and then I was Editor-inChief for the first semester this year.”

He recalls with fondness a recent story he covered on the retirement of hockey coach, Rob McClanahan. “It really just kind of showed me how big of an impact he had, and how much people loved him because even former players were still talking about him because of the impact he made on them as players and as leaders and just as people in general.”

Zacks plans to continue his passion for writing as a major in Journalism at Northwestern University this coming fall.

Coley Departs Front Office Receptionist concludes 6 years

As the community transitions to the summer, Margaret Coley, the Upper School receptionist and administrative assistant, shares her plans for the future. Coley plans to move out of state somewhere in the East, likely to Philadelphia. Coley’s son, Liam Coley ‘25, graduates this year and will attend college in Virginia, so she “wanted to be closer to him than…Minnesota.” She added, “I’ve been [in

Minnesota] for the majority of my life, and I’ve always wanted to move out east. Every time I’m in Boston or New York, I’m like ‘How cool would it be to live here?’”

While reflecting on her experience, Coley expressed her favorite part as “the relationships that I have made with people.” She also noted she gets to laugh a lot during the day: “I think the fact that I have coworkers that I laugh–like really genuinely laugh–with on a regular basis, makes me pretty lucky.”

Even though Coley is moving out east, she explained, “I have people that I love here and I have family here, so I definitely think we’ll be coming back [to Minnesota] to visit.” Coley added, “This really felt like a good time to start something fresh.”

Submitted by Jack Harlan

Issue VIII May 23, 2025

Zacks (left) interviewing Wild fans at the fnal game of their regular season on April 15. Read more about Zacks story on page 7.

Charlie Dean

Izzie Miller

Tables in the math lab moved to the center of the hallway with chair claiming the math lab is “for sale” on May 16, the class of 2025’s last day of high school.

Caitlin Strauss | Student Life Editor

Coley (middle) alonside coworkers Stephanie Johnson (right) and Cathy Lynch (left) during the school day.

Dillon Kaiser

Valuable Lessons Learned as Teenagers

Students provide thoughtful responses for important pieces of advice learned during adolescent years

Camila Pardo | Editor-in-Chief

High school is often viewed as a transformative experience, centered around realizations of the world and our place within it. Through challenges, triumphs, failures, and successes, we slowly piece together who we are and who we desire to become. The lessons learned aren’t often loud, but quiet and disguised as late-night conversations or strange realizations.

The seniors this year have offered more than academic knowledge. They’ve acquired wisdom. As students reflect on their time as teenagers, they offer creative and diverse lessons grounded in perspective, responsibility, emotional awareness, and the importance of seizing every moment.

Regan Brass ‘25 learned the value of responsibility and accountability. She emphasized, “Just don’t make excuses for things, so get on top of your work all the time, don’t procrastinate.” The aspect of initiative is vital to success; whether

might seem catastrophic and life-ruining, will be minute and distant as time progresses.

Davandre Campbell ‘25 offered thoughtful reflection, saying that his teenage years have taught him about the value of “emotional intelligence.” Campbell’s contemplation shows a growing awareness of how understanding and managing one’s emotions plays a powerful role in relationships, conflict resolutions, and personal growth through high school and beyond.

As a teenager, I’ve learned that life is full of moments that shape you, even when you don’t realize it. I’ve learned that growth often comes from discomfort, whether hard conversations, quiet heartbreaks, or the times I chose myself when it would’ve been easier not to. I’ve discovered that happiness isn’t something to chase; it’s organic, coexisting with us every moment. Happiness is buildable and is composed of choices such as laughing with friends, showing up for someone, or giving yourself time to breathe.

Life will always present us with challenges, so the question is more focused on how we learn to accept and embrace those diffcult situations in our lives and still make the most of them. Enjoy precious moments, since they will not last forever. One day, we will look back and wish we could be where we are again right now. in college applications or simple homework assignments. The first step’s value is eternally more important than the last because once the ball is pushed, it will continue to roll. Brass also assured, “You can find your people.” While the moments in high school might seem contradictory to this statement, the inevitability of eventually finding a community of supportive individuals is enough to keep pushing.

Jada Chenitz ‘25 reflected upon the seriousness of life, stating,

Senior Projects Launch as School Year Wraps Up

Soon-to-be graduates create unique final assignments

Izzie Miller | News Editor

As the end of the 2025 school year quickly approaches, this year’s graduating seniors are hard at work on their senior projects. A senior project is a graduation requirement that must include some type of service, and they get two weeks to work on the project. Seniors often partner up to address an issue locally or in the broader community.

Taylor Forster ‘25 is flying solo for her senior project, which focuses on “exploring the differences between New Religious Movements and Cults.” “I’ve always thought cults were fascinating” Forster states, “from seeing every cult

movie ever made to reading about the dialect of cults.”

She thinks it’s crazy “how people could so drastically change everything they once believed in, and made it [her] mission to understand them.”

Currently, Forster plans on traveling to visit two different cults. “One in Colorado or California,” depending on where she chooses to visit, and one in Chanhassen, Minnesota. She notes that she does “not intend on joining a cult after graduation” but might choose to take some social psychology classes in the future.

Future Michigan Division-1 rower JoJo Arlowe ‘25 has had a deep passion for rowing throughout high school. With her partner Tess Dayhoff ‘25, Arlowe will ex-

plore “adaptive rowing accessibility.” Arlowe states that her project specifically “focuses on the barriers to participation in the adaptive

Submitted by Forster

rowing programs” as well as “creating resources” to improve “education, awareness, and access to these programs.” This project surrounds a more narrow issue in a specific sport rather than wider issues in communities.

Both Forster and Arlowe’s projects focus on topics they either have an interest in or a personal connection to. Using skills they’ve learned over the years, such as communication and adaptability, Forster and Arlowe will provide accurate and powerful information that can help to combat the issues that each project addresses.

“Nothing is ever that deep.” Chenitz’s takeaway of not taking life too seriously and blowing things out of proportion is a highly valuable lesson. Her words reflect a mindset of emotional balance and perspective, suggesting that something that

Lastly, senior Charlotte Palmby ’s consideration of her teenage years mirrors that of other students. Palmby reflected on the fleeting nature of adolescence and the significance that is embedded within seizing opportunities: “I feel like one thing I’ve learned is that time isn’t extendable in the sense that if there’s something you want to do you, do it now and don’t wait around for the right time or for someone to ask you to do it for them,” advised Palmby. She realized that waiting for the “right moment” oftentimes leads to missed chances.

I’ve learned it’s okay to change, outgrow people and places, and step into the unknown with hope instead of fear. I’ve also realized that I’m allowed to take up space, dream big, and be proud of who I’m becoming. Life is far from simple, but each experience shapes us in ways we’re too inattentive to understand. However, we must learn to embrace the journey, not just for where it leads, but for how it teaches us to become.

Dress to Impress Intrigues Students

Popular Roblox game helps to relax during stressful

Evan Darmawan | Staff Writer

Currently skyrocketing in popularity, the Roblox game

Dress To Impress is oriented towards audiences who enjoy dressing up. Additionally, it is a` competitive game, where you can rank others based on how they dress.

At the start of each round, a theme is chosen. There are many themes, including goth, pretty princess, retro. After the theme announcement, the players can create their avatar, and walk around the studio choosing their outfits, accessories, hairstyles, face, and body styles. After the time is up, all players walk the runway and choose a pose while they get voted on a

scale of one to five stars. Once everyone has voted, the winners get in-game currency to buy more ingame items. It’s a fastpaced game with only a one-and-a-half-minute intermission.

Many people seem to have fun playing the game with others in school and on social media–particularly content creators.

Another sensational game on Roblox was Doors, highlighted by many extremely prevalent content creators over many big social media platforms. Mary Smith ‘28 shared that this is how she stumbled across this game and found it fun, and now she returns to it occasionally for a few rounds during her free block during the school week.

times

This popular Roblox game has also intrigued staff: Nat Gilsdorf described, “Roblox has been around for a long time since I was probably your age.” He shared that he doesn’t play the game himself, but rather he enjoys the game from observing his advisees playing it. For him, Dress to Impress is “less about the game and more about an outlet and for something silly.”

Over the course of the school year, Dress To Impress has become a staple of the Upper School. During the busy and chaotic lives of Upper School students, this game is one of the many ways that students can find relaxation and humor in their lives.

Evan Darmawan

Screenshots of the game show the runway where characters can pose in a variety of different ways, earn in-game coins, and go back to designing.

Submitted by Arlowe

Arlowe and her rowing team compete in

Farmers Market Invites Customers Again

Minneapolis market reopens for 2025 season

Wingstop Opens New Location, Adds New Menu Options

Flavors of wings, tenders impress

Steven Cao | Managing Editor

Whether you prefer flats or drums, wings are one of the best foods. The crispy outside with a tender inside with the various flavors of sauces or dry rubs make wings very satisfying. Another highly regarded form of chicken is the chicken tender. These tenders can be covered with the same sauces and offer a boneless experience with more meat.

There is good news for fans of both kinds as

Wingstop now offers a newly upgraded chicken tender alongside its traditional wing options. The “Crispier Tenders” can be sauced in any of the 12 iconic Wingstop flavors. A 3-piece combo which includes a soda, fries, and their iconic ranch only costs $9.99.

I visited the newly opened Eden Prairie location and made a takeout order with 15 wings and 7 tenders. The wings were split into 5 Original Hot, 5 Lemon Pepper, and 5 Mango Habanero. The tenders were split into 4 Lemon Pepper and 3 Original Hot. I tasted all with and without dipping in ranch.

Starting with the Original Hot wings, the tasty buffalo flavor mixed with notes of ranch reminds me of why it’s my favorite. Its simply timeless tanginess alongside the wing itself is very enjoyable. However, the tender version of the Original Hot was slightly disappointing. The sauce made the tender mushy and took away the promised crispiness. Otherwise, the juiciness and bold flavor still maintained and made it quite enjoyable.

Next, I moved on to try the Lemon Pepper wings, probably Wingstop’s most iconic flavor. It is for sure the best dry rub in my opinion. The zestiness of the

lemon combined with the savory pepper flavor rushed into my taste buds after taking a bite. The Lemon Pepper tender may be the best thing I ate that day. The dry rub meant that the tender stayed perfectly crispy, and for some inexplicable reason, the flavors were much stronger and tastier within the tender.

Lastly was the sweet and spicy Mango Habanero. The flavor was good, with a more mango taste rather than habanero. The spice was tamer compared to other mango habaneros I have tasted. The biggest downside was the stickiness that led to some annoying fingers.

Summer Fruits Offer Delicious Flavors

Five fresh fun flavors stand out

Camila Pardo | Editor-in-Chief

Summer is the season of abundance, offering a colorful array of fruits that not only entice the taste buds but also provide a wealth of health benefits. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a lake day, or simply seeking a refreshing snack, these five summer fruits stand out for their delightful flavors and nutritional value.

Watermelon is the epitome of summer refreshment. Its crispy, juicy flesh bursts with sweetness, making it a favorite for hot days. Comprising over 90% water, watermelon is excellent for hydration. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, which support skin health and immune function. Enjoy watermelon fresh in slices, blend it into smoothies, or create a vibrant fruit salad

for a savory twist, try it in a watermelon and feta cheese salsa or grilled! Strawberries offer a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a juicy, tender texture that makes them irresistibly delicious. These berries are packed with vitamin C, providing more than 100% of the daily recommended intake per cup. They also contain antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation. Strawberries shine in desserts like tarts and shortcakes, but they’re also delightful in salads, smoothies, or simply dipped in chocolate. Mangoes have a rich, sweet flavor with hints of peach and pineapple, offering a tropical escape in every bite. Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C (do you notice a pattern?), essential for immune support and skin health. They also provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion. Enjoy mangoes fresh, blended into smoothies, or incorporated into

salsas and salads. They’re also fantastic in desserts like sorbets and puddings.

Jacqueline Dunlap ‘27 shares a similar sentiment: “The best summer fruit is mango because it’s very tropical and it just makes you think of summer.” Dunlap expands, “It’s juicy and sweet and the texture is really nice.”

Madhav Kumar ‘27 also prefers mango as a summer fruit option, saying, “I grew up eating it and so did my parents and it’s a very tasty item. It also has some nostalgia attached to it as the mangoes go back from where my parents grew up, and it’s part of their childhood, so they made it part of my childhood.”

Naturally sweet with a crisp texture, green grapes are a convenient snack, easy to pack or carry with you in the car. Freezing them enhances their crunchiness, making them a delightful cool treat. Frozen green grapes are perfect as

a standalone snack, tossed into salads, or blended into smoothies for added texture.

Cherries are sweet and slightly tart, with a juicy, firm texture, for a bite-sized snack. Cherries contain various powerful plant compounds that may help reduce inflammation. Eating them may improve sleep, boost heart health, and result in a speedy recovery after exercise. Enjoy cherries fresh, in desserts like pies and tarts, or incorporated into sauces and jams. They’re also excellent in salads and smoothies.

Incorporating these five fruits into your diet not only delights the palate but also supports overall health. Whether enjoyed on their own or as part of a dish, these fruits are perfect companions for the sunny days ahead. So, grab a slice of watermelon, a handful of strawberries, or a juicy mango, and savor the flavors of summer.

The Lemon Pepper (top) and Original Hot (bottom) Wingstop wings are some of the most popular choices on the menu.

Evie Chow

Popular chain grocery store Trader Joe’s, located in between the Hopkins and Minneapolis campuses at 4500 Excelsior Blvd, offers a variety of summer fruits.

All photos by Ben Aviles

From Wednesday to Sunday during the summer, farmers and their families vend produce at the market. Much of the produce shown above is not local, as planting and harvesting seasons have not arrived yet for many crops. The market opens at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. on weekends. “It’s always an early morning at the farmers market,” remarked a local vendor.

Movie Review:

“NEZha” (2019),“Ne Zha 2”

Ne Zha movies captivate audience through modern retelling of Chinese myth

Megan Li | Contributing Writer

The sequel to ‘Ne Zha’ (2019), ‘Ne Zha 2,’ is a Chinese animated fantasy action adventure film that took the world by storm. ‘Ne Zha 2’ surpassed 2 billion dollars globally in the box office. It premiered in China on Jan. 29, 2025 and was released to the United States on Feb. 14, 2025, with Chinese and English subtitles. ‘Ne Zha’ is available free on Youtube.

The producer/co-writer, Yu Yang, put in great efforts as there were 138 animation companies and 4000 animators that helped work on the graphics and animations of the film. The movies are based off the well known Chinese mythology of Ne Zha (哪咋), who is a deity and a divine warrior. “It did a great job continuing the story while adding new layers to Ne Zha’s character,” said Chinese teacher Chloe Lu. “It felt modern but still stayed connected to the original mythology and Chinese culture.”

The movie takes place mainly in the Cheng Tang

Submitted by Li

Young newspaper club fosters growth

Charlie Dean | Sports Editor

Just the small journalism unit in fourth grade led to the big creation of an unforeseen student-led middle school newspaper. Co-editor in chief Gabriel Shen ‘30 said “I like being part of something bigger and seeing it grow throughout the years.”

The paper is entirely self run by a handful of dedicated middle school student leaders, making it a remarkable feat for a middle school club.

Pass, which is a fictional location where Ne Zha is born. The animations are eyecatching with a blend of Chinese aesthetics and modern animation techniques. Chinese teacher Lina Jin comments on the detailed animation:

“The creation [of] making the cartoon is fantastic... [It has] very high standards.”

Both movies captivate the audience with epic fight scenes, humorous jokes, and emotional themes such as familial love. A funny moment in ‘Ne Zha’ (2019) was when he was born as a ball of flesh, which is totally unexpected as he simply just rolls around on the ground. The fight scenes are eye

candy with picturesque backgrounds of nature but also invigorating scenes of vivd dragons in the sea. Near the end of ‘Ne Zha 2,’ Ne Zha almost sacrifices himself for his friends and family, making some people in the audience shed tears.

“The whole story is very different from the original mythology of Ne Zha that I knew when I was younger, but it has more depth and emotional layers,” says Lu. “It brings ancient folklore into a modern context, making it meaningful for today’s youth. It’s also a great way to promote Chinese culture and storytelling on a global stage.”

In the fourth grade journalism unit, co-editor in chief Lily Borovsky ‘30 said, “We had our newspaper unit, [and] so everyone wrote an article and we cut them and glued them onto this big sheet of paper that looks like a newspaper...we all thought it was super fun, so we wanted to continue it.”

Although just a middle school newspaper, a lot of work goes into the writing and the design, meeting once a week during X-block to publish four issues a year. The paper includes culture, food, sports, among many other sections.

“I feel really proud of [the] kids,” says adviser Kayla Nussbaum. “I take very little responsibility for the quality of work that they’re producing.”

One focus has been to include more interviews for the paper. Managing Editor Georgia Doar ‘31, corroborates how an important part of the work is sharing “voices that otherwise might not be heard. A lot of the time it’s the same people [getting] interviewed…so I

want to get different people’s opinions.”

The story of the Bugle certainly isn’t finished, and whether it will last for years to come is to be seen. But as Nussbaum described, “These kids are doing a really good job…I think that there’s a tight-knit group of kids who are really dedicated to it [who] have a lot of expertise and a lot of passion for journalism.” Shen mentioned building connections with the fourth-grade teachers running the unit that started it all and teaching younger kids skills to help support the club.

“We’re super proud because we’ve

Fall Musical, Spring Play Decision Receives Surprise

Students adjust to new switch

Ben Passi | Staff Writer

For years, a spring musical has been a longstanding custom; however, the 2025-2026 school year will bring a bold change in the timing of this production, moving it to the fall. This shift promises more time and preparation, but also comes with many student concerns.

In mid-April, choir director Natalia Romero Arbeláez

a whim. “There were a lot of things that made us want to switch the musical from the spring to the fall,” said Romero. “The biggest one is that the fall offers us more rehearsal –it gives us almost two and a half weeks more rehearsal time, it also saves us the stress of potential snow days.”

She added that it wasn’t just her and Khazem who made the decision: “We had to loop in Ms. [Sarah] Warren, Ms. [Maren] Anderson, Dr. [Ilah] Raleigh, Mr. [Brian] Lukkason.” While acknowledging the surprise

gives us more rehearsal time to breathe and dig deeper.”

Regarding sports concerns, Khazem said, “No matter what show we’re doing or when, we’re always bumping up against sports. I’ve had students come straight from fencing practice with their gear on.”

Yet, even with strong justification for the change, both Romero and Khazem recognized the mental shift required to pursue the change.

“Change is hard. Especially when you’ve been expecting a certain rhythm

Even with this justification, many students were still concerned about how this may interfere with their schedules. “Everybody plans their schedule around when the musical is, so they do sports that don’t overlap. Those are the sports they’ve continued to do for years,” remarked Kinsley Chang ‘28. Chang and other actors shared concerns about how this major shift may affect students’ commitment. Greta Guider ‘27 added, “I feel like people who are already devoted to theater have already planned their sports around it.” The

also recognized the significant benefit the shift would have on production. Sloane Bomquist ‘28 noted, “I appreciate that we’re trying out a new timing for the musical. I appreciate the thought they put into this, considering the two extra weeks and the days we get off.”

Additionally, many students felt upset by the lack of communication with students before the decision. “I think it would’ve been smarter to run this by the students before putting it into full gear,” stated Bomquist. Considering the importance of actors

knew, the change was so random and out of the ordinary,” added Chang. While Romero and Khazem have acknowledged and apologized for this lack of student involvement, it has been clear that this decision will not be waived.

While there was an immediate negative reaction from actors, the Thespian Town Hall hosted on April 25 reassured many students. During this town hall, students were encouraged to share their concerns as Khazem and Romero answered questions and shared additional context and information about the shift.

“I feel like, after the town hall, people are a little more settled,” stated Guider. Specifically, Romero and Khazem assured rising seniors’ concerns about juggling college applications with the new show date.

The new placement of the Upper School musical, while met with initial backlash, holds promise. With more preparation time and a thoughtful approach from the theater department, the change could benefit the production quality and overall student experience. As students adjust to the new timeline and work through their concerns, the hope is that this bold move will ultimately strengthen the musical and encourage even more involvement from the school community.

Charlie Dean

Theater department meets together on opening night of the Addams Family musical in 2024. (L-R) Hannah Barisonzi ‘26, Spencer Schmitt ‘27, Cici Mendoza ‘26, Logan O’Connell ‘26, Yoni Zacks ‘25, Aani Bedi ‘24, Usman Mallick ‘24, Audrey Friedell ‘24, Aveline Carroll ‘24, CJ Alexander ‘24 Riley Carroll ‘24 Sidney Albright ‘24 Felix Riedel ‘26 Ali Girk ‘26

(L-R) Li and her friend watched Ne Zha 2 at Southdale Mall, and a street painting of Ne Zha on a wall in Wuhan, China.

(L-R) Shen, Borovosky, and Doar stand in front of the Blake Bear Bugle Board.

Boys’ Golf Prepares for State Run

Depth fuels improvement

Faith Zhao | Creative Director

The caption on the @blakeboysgolf Instagram states, “the birthplace of future major champions.” Although just a seemingly funny Instagram bio, the Boys’ Golf team has historically fostered immense growth, record-low

scores, and motivating competition throughout the team.

Having to try out not only to be on varsity, but also to stay on varsity and the section team, the lineup of the six golfers fluctuates, with each team member wanting to prove their capabilities. With the arrival of new players, competition within the team is tight for the 6th and final section spot.

“We have many skilled golfers on our var-

Submitted by Charlie Dean

sity team, so no spots are secured on the team, which is good because we have depth,” explained co-captain Ian Friederichs ‘25, who has a scoring average of 35.1. “The team is also very close with how we have all been on the team for 2-3 years now, so we all are very close, and support each other a lot.”

Co-captain Jimmy Hughes ‘26, who has a scoring average of 38.3, further elaborated on the team’s competitive nature, saying “It keeps pushing people to practice and get better because [although] everyone gets a chance to play, you’re really trying to get into the sixth spot for sections…honestly, as of now, I’m not really sure who it will be just because a lot of people are playing good.”

The team has won matches against Mounds Park Academy, St. Paul Academy, Providence Academy, Wayzata, Breck, and Orono. After one round of Conferences, the team is first with a score of 299; Friederichs is tied for first, and Hughes is tied for fourth.

The team strives for low scores and big wins. “We’re gonna come back the next day, next hole, next shot and we’re gonna do the best we can,” says co-captain Cole Eckes ‘26, who has a scoring average of 39.6. “I love to see that more out of our team

because I think it’s easy to get down, especially when you’re playing at this level.”

Having placed fourth at state last year, the team has high goals: Hughes said, “The [goal] would be to win state…but definitely the first step to that is to make it through sections.” Eckes corroborates, “we want to be good. It’s kind of a responsibility we feel to the team as well.”

Many players also compete individually in the summer, competing in highranked tournament tours such as the Junior PGA Players Tour, American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), Minnesota Golf Association (MGA), and Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (HJGT). The team is currently ranked 15 in the state by the MGA.

The MGA also recognizes Friederichs as a 2025 nominee for the Mr. Minnesota Golf Award, an elite award given to top senior golfers who have shown great talent in both high school and major 36-hole events. Friederichs, who had the fifth-best scoring average (69.9) across all classes in the Minnesota State High School League history last year, has goals to play on tour, similar to Derek Hitchner ‘18, now a professional. Their Instagram bio proves to be true. Eckes explained, “We’ve shown a lot of promise. We’ve got a lot of talent. We’ve shown that we can really play well.”

Following Success, Girls’ Lacrosse Focuses on Team

Captains create positive bond

Oliver Ueland | Contributing Writer

On May 3, the Girls’ Lacrosse team beat Breck 18-8, successfully defending the den. Despite their on-field success, the team instead emphasizes their growth and atmosphere, using the team aspect of the sport to push each other to succeed. “When we’re together, we just all hang out and we’re all pretty close so it’s definitely fun,” stated Quinn Hardy ‘28

In addition to regular practices, Captain Jada Chenitz ‘25 described that “Captains’ practices [are] a big thing to have some preseason sort of energy and just to make all the girls feel comfortable returning back to the season. [It’s] also just to [act] as a mentor to the younger girls [to] make them feel comfortable and know they have someone there for them.” Hardy supported this, mentioning she “...think[s] the upperclassmen do a really good job of making sure that the

team’s very close-knit… which helps a lot with the team chemistry.”

Despite some success, the team has had to overcome the difficulties of tough losses, which they combat through the closeness between teammates. Hardy said “We always, [whether we win or lose], take the bus back to school…I think being together after a win or loss always helps.” Chenitz agreed, saying on “bus rides back from our games, even if we lost badly, our team [gets] really connected [through] music. It doesn’t matter how high or low the vibes are,

any playlist of any sort and getting the input on what the girls want to listen to is definitely always bringing the energy up.”

Due to the loss of graduating seniors, bringing the underclassmen into the team dynamic has been especially important. “I think last year we lost a few of our core members…we definitely are adjusting… But it’s been really nice to see all the freshmen and 8th graders come out of their shells and become more comfortable on the field,” Chenitz shared. “I have tried to make myself very approachable…which

Boys’ Volleyball Breaks Barriers

Small co-op team finds identity

Many students don’t know the school has a boys’ volleyball team. The sport is unsanctioned, games are not typically announced, and the bleachers are empty. Nevertheless, the small batch of players from the Upper School who suit up every week to play their sport aren’t fazed and are still focused on creating a team bonded by grit and companionship. Shucayb Harir ‘26, the middle back for the boys’ volleyball team, said, “I didn’t really care that nobody knew we had a team… I just like playing volleyball at the end of the day.”

They play in coop with Benilde-St. Margaret’s. The team’s first

I think they have noticed and taken to heart. So even if they’re feeling rough after a game they can come to me and rant, and they know I’ll rant back too.”

Looking towards the future, Chenitz said “We’re definitely just gonna need to focus on the basics more to try to make it through sections.” But the focus remains on the atmosphere, and having fun while succeeding. As Chenitz noted, “We have a winning record right now, but it’s also not only about the record. It’s about how everyone’s experience is on and off the field too.”

official years as a co-op came with some challenges, ending with 18 losses, and notching just 3 wins. Through this season, the team started to create its identity, seeing stronger results and a more complete sense of unity between the two schools.

Zach Kidd ‘27 added another layer of complexity to the team’s identity, stating “Most people think of volleyball as a girls’ sport.... They don’t always take it seriously.” Nevertheless, gender stereotypes have not stopped him or his teammates from loving the game. In an environment where their sport is overlooked, the Boys’ Volleyball team isn’t seeking the spotlight, instead, they’re focused on building a stronger community and growing along the way, quietly showing others what it means to play out of love for their sport.

Friederichs hits a drive on the first hole at Les Bolstad Golf Course in an April 29 match against St. Paul Academy. Friedrichs won the match with a a 2-under 33, and the team won 147-176.

Kidd jumps to serve in a game against Bloomington Jefferson on May 6. The team lost in three sets.

The team huddles together in the rain during a 13-6 home loss to Champlin Park on May 16.

Camila Pardo

Submitted by Kidd

Jay Ali | Staff Writer

Submitted by Hovard

Theo Farazi ‘27 Soren Reyes ‘26 Christian Hovard ‘25 and Joaquin Pliego ‘25 (L-R) talk together after a Holy Family goal during a 6-5 overtime victory in their home opener on April 10. Hovard described the walkoff win as “electric.”

Underclassmen Lead Way to Stronger Softball Team

Team with big goals limited from lack of juniors, seniors

The softball team captains are all underclassmen: two sophomores and one freshman. In a very uncommon situation, the team doesn’t have a single junior or senior. The team has to overcome unique challenges with the dynamic being so different, but its culture is still strong.

Captain Greta Guider ‘27 explains, “We only have a varsity. We don’t have any other teams, because we just don’t have enough people.” Because of this, the team co-opts with another small school, Eagle Ridge, yet surprisingly, neither school has a single upperclassman on the team.

To captain Lilah Mairose ‘28, “it’s exciting because we’ll all be together for at least two more years, so that’ll really help team bonding and knowing each other and how

we all play.” Guider also says it’s a “really different dynamic” due to the lack of upperclassmen, noting lots of shared classes and connections from lower and middle school.

Mairose explains that “there [are] some aspects that are harder… I can’t even drive, and that [makes] it hard to bring stuff around…planning is harder.” Guider, mentioning the positive impact upperclassmen have had on her elsewhere, simply “miss[es] some things not having seniors.” Guider explains, “at the moment [it’s a disadvantage], but we’re gonna get older…It’s going to be a stronger and stronger group each year. [Almost] all of our starting players [returned]...so we really get to know how each other play over the next three years, whichpo is nice.”

Mairose agrees, referencing that she “think[s] [they’ll] be a much better team because of how long [they’ve] been playing.”

The team, one year older, has grown, and hopes to surpass their disappointing Sections result last year, losing both games. “We won one game [overall] last year…I think we’re a lot better. It’s double

elimination, so I’m hoping that we can at least get farther than the first two games,” Guider states. A highlight of the year was on May 7, when the team got to play in the University of Minnesota stadium. Mairose says “it was really cool playing in the same area that the D1 softball players play…It just kind of [increased] the energy. We wanted to win more.”

Alongside the improve-

ment, a closeness has developed between teammates. Besides events such as an end-of-the-season banquet, smaller traditions help bring the players closer. Mairose mentions “go[ing] to Chipotle…after random practices,” and themes days like “all pink,” “tie-dye,” and rookie day, where the “people who are not rookies are gonna come together and pick out funny outfits for the rookies to wear…to school.”

The moments, small but significant, help strengthen the team’s connection. As Mairose says, “It’s may more fun because we’re a better team overall, and we also have better energy and bond…we’re a closer team. It’s way more fun not making the small mistakes as much and playing really hard and trying our best…even when we lose, it’s fun, because we’re doing really well.”

Wild Accomplish Playoff Spot With Thrilling Finish

Minnesota fans roar after victory

Yoni Zacks | Editor Emeritus

The puck bounces past Jared Spurgeon towards the Wild’s zone as 18,000 fans let out a frustrated sigh. Then, the puck takes a dramatic turn towards the net, the anxious and tense crowd begins to groan, having seen this story plenty of times before. “We’re in [the] same spot [ that we’re in every year], where we’re going to limp into the playoffs and lose in the first round,” longtime Wild fan and season ticket holder Jeff said. At that point, not even the playoffs were a guarantee. Somehow, the puck barely misses the net, and all 18,000 fans exhale. Spurgeon and the Wild start their breakout up the ice. One minute left. The season potentially on the line. The Xcel Energy Center crowd stood on their feet, waiting for something to happen. The tension present throughout the game reaches a thrilling climax, as nerves and anxiety about a potential collapse of epic proportions

seems like the new reality. Fans like Jeff, always disappointed by the team, feel like history is doomed to repeat itself. And then, a miracle. Spurgeon leaves the puck for Krill Kaprizov, who dumps the puck in the zone off a Joel Eriksson Ek deflection, the fans get louder. Mats Zuccarello intercepts a pass, passes it over to Boldy, and silence takes over the arena as the puck makes its way over to Eriksson Ek’s stick. He taps it in, and then? Bedlam.

The tension completely evaporates. There will be no collapse tonight. As the seconds wind down and the clock strikes zero, clinching the last point needed to make the playoffs, the arena slowly but surely erupts into a frenzied cacophony of cheers and tears. Fans everywhere, from John and Jay Schwagel, devoted since the beginning who never stopped believing, to Cale, a newer fan, celebrate amongst one another. They’re joined by ushers cheering like they’ve never cheered before, dedicated employees who’ve been with the Wild through all the ups and downs.

As the playoff-clinching reality sunk in, the fans remained on their feet to applaud the team. While this was happening, a few eagleeyed fans noticed Filip Gustavsson taking off his helmet. The realization sunk in that Marc-André Fleury would be playing in front of the Minnesota fans one final time. The already jubilant crowd reached a new level of excitement, as gasps, cheers, and even some tears took over their faces.

An excited anticipation began to build for overtime, as fans knew this would likely be their final chance to cheer on a hockey icon in Fleury. When overtime began, the frenzied fans grew louder and louder for every Fleury save. As he continued his

remarkable play on the ice, stopping chance after chance and even holding down the fort during a penalty kill, a “Fleury, Fleury” chant broke out.

On Fan Appreciation Night for the Wild, it was the fans who appreciated the players. Even the Anaheim Ducks, who fell victim to

Fleury in his final game, took a moment to honor him by staying on the ice to shake his hand.

For one moment, the constant injuries were forgotten. For one moment, the ups and downs of the season were buried. For one moment, all that mattered was appreciation.

Charlie Dean | Sports Editor

Greta Guider

Amelia Nannen ‘30 getting ready to pitch at the Jane Sage Cowles Stadium in a 13-12 loss against Roosevelt.

Izzie Miller Wild came out on top in a thrilling 3-2 overtime win which secured them a spot in the playoffs.

Izzie Miller

Izzie Miller

Zacks interviewing a fan for his article submission to the Minnesota Wild Contest.

View of the Xcel Energy Center before the fnal regular season game on April 15 viewed by Yoni Zacks ‘25 and Izzie Miller ‘27 while attending a tour on Minnesota Journalism Day.

Teens Adapt Relaxation Simple methods to unwind

ing often helps one’s physical and mental health. While social media may be tempting, detoxing from screens is one of the best techniques for relaxation. Allow yourself to put down your phone and live in the moment. Interact with your family and friends in person, and remember- Instagram Reels will still be waiting for you when you return.

Listening to music or reading books are great options allowing escape from reality and into an alternative world. Both activities can soothe and reduce stress, as they can take one’s troubles off the mind.

Artistic activities like journaling, drawing, and writing can be creative outlets for relaxation. These methods promote self-expression and allow one to focus on things that are inherently relaxing.

A medically proven relaxation technique is meditation. Mayo Clinic highlights how meditation leads to better physical and emotional health, focusing on one thing, and subsequently removing stressful thoughts. Another stress-relieving technique is deep breathing exercises. Slowing down and taking deep breaths every once in a while creates increased oxygen intake, which can reduce stress hormone levels.

Relaxation techniques have many favorable effects on both one’s physical and mental health. From lowering one’s blood pressure to boosting mood, the effects of taking a few minutes each day to engage in relaxation methods can be significant. Unwind and reset your body and brain every once in a while, and use these simple and available methods to do so!

“

To continue to work and grow you’re going to need to take that day out of the emotional jamb or the intellectual jamb.”

Adolescent-focused psychologist, Dr. Lisa Damour

Caitlin Strauss Assembly and Guest speaker Lisa Damour during her presentation about teen health on May 1. She touched on topics like taking care of ourselves and others. The night prior, she spoke to the entire faculty. Damour’s books, “Untangled” and “Under Pressure,” were utilized as primary resources for the Pixar team for the flm “Inside Out 2,” providing persepctives and insights into the real-life experiences of teenagers.

Relaxation Techniques, Thrive

Johnson | Managing Editor

Gabriella Marmet

Willow Overcash

CamilaPardo

Lilah

Camila Pardo

Keep Gym Open Constantly

Lunch basketball brings beautiful break

Rayan Nasir | Perspectives Editor

This year, the school embarked on a new initiative: Opening the gym during lunch on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This was a success, with the gym constantly packed during both lunches. Students from different grade levels played together, with laughter being heard throughout the halls. It brought joy and happiness. It presented an escape from the stressful day of school. Going into next year, the gym needs to stay open. However, it needs to be open all five days of the week.

Ben Johnson ‘26 said, “The gym has had a good impact on me as it helps me unwind during all my studies.” James Lewis ‘26 added, “The gym has had a huge impact on me just because it’s changed how I was feeling and it brought me a lot more energy especially when my days were harder.” Moreover, the gym has also provided a space for people to reconnect with friends. I can attest to this, as I strengthened my friendships with peers I don’t have classes with. Johnson added, “It was fun to see all my friends playing basketball.” Lewis said “I’m just connecting with friends like getting active at lunch. It’s really nice after especially sitting in classes.” After a tiring morning, it’s refreshing to eat lunch and play basketball, and if the gym were to be open all 5 days, many people’s mental state would be much better. Lewis said, “Using my brain in a different type of way for a couple [of] hours before that way I think it has reduced my stress.”

Another fun aspect of the gym

being open has been connecting with people from different grade levels, something difficult to do as the majority of your classes are with people from your grade. Lewis agreed, as he added “I’ve also been able to strengthen connections with my friends and others through the gym because I interact with people I normally wouldn’t interact with. Whether it’s different grades or just people I don’t share classes with, we are tied together through the gym and games like basketball so because of that, I think if the gym stopped being open during lunch it would just be there, it wouldn’t be anything more.”

With the courtyard being closed

during the winter, having the gym to play some games has been extremely beneficial. Lewis said, “The community and the active outlet that we can have especially during the winter when there’s not much else you can do I think it’s really worth it.”

The gym has been special. It has truly changed the school’s society. Students’ mental health has improved. Students’ feelings during the long school day have gotten better. “Feeling comfortable and being student-friendly is tied to enjoying myself and positive emotions, and those are evoked when I’m at the gym,” Lewis said. Keep the gym open next year, and have it open everyday of the week.

AP, Advanced Classes Attack Students’ Applications

Social pressure, college application pressure causes poor class decisions

As a driven student at an academically competitive school, I’ve been compelled by college admissions since fifth grade. From the people around me and the media I consumed, it appeared the only way to get into a good college was to take the hardest classes available regardless of subject. However, I’ve always enjoyed humanities more than STEM. As hard as I tried to get into advanced math classes throughout middle school, I fell short. When the opportunity came to take Honors Chemistry, I jumped at the chance. I couldn’t wait to have that advanced class on my transcript - and it couldn’t be that hard…could it?

As I got deeper into the class and the material, it became clear I had forgotten about the actual chemistry part. I was so excited to finally be in an advanced class that I had forgotten that science,

especially chemistry, had never clicked for me. As my test scores continued to sink and the material confused me, I began to regret my choice. However, I knew there was no question why I had chosen to take the class - I wanted it on my transcript.

I see a few things wrong with the system of honors classes at Blake. First, only having ad-

“I knew there was no question why I had chosen to take the class – I wanted it on my transcript.”

vanced classes in the math and science fields until APs in junior year leads students who are weaker in these areas to feel inferior to their STEM-inclined peers. This also unintentionally increases the emphasis placed on STEM classes, which can lead all students to feel like English and social studies classes are easy and unimportant. English and math are both core subjects, but only

having honors classes in one track automatically adds more weight to STEM.

Students, especially at an academically challenging school, are led to believe that having as many honors classes on their transcript as possible is the best thing they can do for colleges. This leads weaker STEM students to enroll in honors classes, which adds unenjoyable challenging work. This is a huge burden and takes a toll on a student’s mental health. Doing this work can increase stress or burnout because it is designed to be harder than other classes and less enjoyable.

Of course, this is a twoway street. Many students love STEM classes and despise analyzing sources and writing essays. If you love science, absolutely pursue the advanced science track. If doing calculations and finding solutions makes you happy, pursue advanced math classes. There is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with these classes. The issue comes when they are the only option available. While I don’t think you ever could have convinced freshman year me to not take this class, it has helped me learn about myself and helped me learn the importance of prioritizing what I enjoy.

Lilah Johnson | Managing Editor

Students feel pressure to apply for most advanced classes possible.

Vida Wolstencroft

Ben Aviles

Ben Aviles

Tommy Deignan ‘27 hits mid-range shot against Hugo Schantz ‘27 in hotly contested game.

School Climate Causes Misevaluations of ‘Good Schools’

Students stress over ‘right’ criteria for applications

Evie Hjelm & Isabella Valdesolo | Staff Writers

At the Upper School, college is an obsession. Echoing through every hallway and through every grade, the idea of attending a good college motivates students to succeed both in academics and in extracurricular activities. However, the school community has lost touch with the meaning of a “good college.”

For Sanvi Kurdikar ‘28, “[A good college is] usually a top-ranked college or an Ivy League.” Kurdikar is not alone in these stan-

dards. Most Upper School students find that with lower acceptance rates come more superior colleges, allowing these numbers to determine one’s worth and level of achievement. Kurdikar acknowledges that “general public perception in terms of prestige” heavily influences her measures of academic success. This perspective demonstrates the negative impact of the environment on students’ views of higher education. Carlos Clapp ‘28 recognizes that “[The Upper School] has raised the standard of how kids think about college”, adding his understanding of “what’s classified as a good college” has shifted while attending the school. He notes, “I think sometimes people are too busy pursuing the idea of college that they’re not really going for what they enjoy.” Many students will

Relaxation Needed During Finals

4. Prioritize quality sleep. Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function and memory consolidation. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night, especially before exams, to ensure optimal performance. Avoiding all-nighters can lead to better focus and information retention.

Amidst high-pressure situations like finals week, relaxation might seem counterintuitive. However, evidence suggests that intentional relaxation can enhance performance. A notable example is Roger Bannister, the first runner to break the four-minute mile. Leading up to his historic run, Bannister took a week-long taper, refraining from training for one week and instead spending time with friends and getting ample rest. This period of relaxation is believed to have contributed significantly to his record-breaking performance.

Drawing from this concept, here are eight practical strategies to incorporate relaxation into your routine, especially during demanding periods. 1. Trust in your preparation. Confidence stems from consistent preparation. Studying regularly and solidifying your understanding of the material, builds a foundation that allows you to approach exams with assurance. Trust in your abilities reduces anxiety and improves performance.

2. Engage in active relaxation. Relaxation doesn’t always mean inactivity. Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as sports, hobbies, or creative disputes, can be great stress relievers. These activities provide a great mental break and can rejuvenate focus.

3. Implement grounding techniques. When anxiety peaks, grounding exercises can help center your thoughts. Techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 method—identifying five things you see, four you can touch, three you hear, two you smell, and one you taste—can bring you back to the present moment and reduce stress.

5. Create a positive study environment. Studying in a comfortable and pleasant environment can enhance concentration. Whether it is a quiet library, a cozy cafe, or a well-lit room at home, find a pace that minimizes distraction and suits your study preferences. Making the begrudging task at hand fun aids in completing it, making it overall more enjoyable.

6. Utilize relaxation techniques. Incorporate deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation methods into your routine. These techniques can lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm, aiding in stress management.

7. Maintain social connections. Spending time with friends or joining study groups can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Collaborative learning can also offer new perspectives and enhance understanding of the material. Reflect and reframe. If things don’t go as planned, use the experience as a learning opportunity because all opportunities either yield the wanted outcome or a learning opportunity. Reflect on what can be improved and adjust your strategies accordingly. Maintaining a growth mindset can turn setbacks into motivation for future success. Balance stress levels. A certain amount of stress can be motivating, but excessive amounts of stress can be detrimental. Strive for a balance where stress catalyzes preparation without overwhelming you.

8. Plan. Avoid cramming last minute by creating a study schedule well in advance. Breaking study sessions into manageable chunks over time can reduce anxiety and improve information retention.

become so consumed with college acceptances that they will not follow their likes and interests, but instead focus on what appears on college applications. Clapp’s described standards of a “good college” widely influence students and school culture, yet many acknowledge that they may not be factual.

Hanna Hack ‘25 finds these problematic, stating, “The climate…makes you think that schools with a higher acceptance rate are not good, which in reality is not true.” The school environment often pushes students to focus on admission into prestigious and reputable colleges, instilling in students the belief that academic success is synonymous with elite college acceptance. This notion fails to acknowledge that the level of individual institutions is far more complicated than their reputation or acceptance rate on National Ranking websites. Hack adds to this, arguing that “it’s kind of ridiculous to base the level of a college on its prestige because it’s not about what a college can do for you but more about what you can do at that college,” claiming that “you don’t need a prestigious college to do well.”

“The community fosters a sense of failure in students if not admitted into the select schools considered ‘good.’”

The pressures that come from these beliefs that Hack describes are immense. By pushing students to pursue paths in college that they are told bring great success, the community fosters a sense of failure in students if not admitted into the select schools considered “good.” CJ Eckhardt, a college counselor at the Upper School, suggests, “I think that there is a strong desire to get the best out of the experience, which is totally fair and normal. The shift should be less about for everybody else, but the best experience and prestige for you.”

When defining what a “good” college is, it is important to understand that one’s individual needs differ significantly from one’s peers, and true success comes to those who find a college that supports them. Prestige alone does not guarantee a meaningful college experience, but rather, it is the environment, opportunities for growth, and sense of belonging that ultimately shape a student’s success.

AI Should Integrate to School

Chatbots pose questions to

use

Evie Chow | Food Editor

As modern technology, and subsequently, artificial intelligence, continue to advance, their presence in schools is becoming increasingly undeniable. There are benefits and drawbacks to AI usage in educational institutions, but how do we see its continued implementation affecting the future of schools?

Since the introduction of AI programs such as ChatGPT, there has been a noticeably increased number of cases of cheating and/or plagiarism in our community. Many students use AI to streamline homework or assignments, sometimes even summative ones. The problem here is not only one of morality; using AI to do your work and then passing it off as your own has detrimental effects on your learning. While a common response is that one only hurts oneself by using AI, this is not true. Setting aside the morality argument, even one interaction with a sys-

tem such as ChatGPT has an adverse impact. Large language models require high electricity demand and lead to increased carbon emissions. Additionally, AI negatively impacts faculty members. Instead of crafting lesson plans or providing more timely feedback on assignments, many teachers spend large amounts of time checking for cheating and/or plagiarism in students’ work. While these concerns are understandable, it’s important to note that AI is not all harmful. There are significant benefits to using it in ways that won’t harm your learning. Many students use AI in helpful ways, such as to create study guides or practice problems/tests. We need to put these strategies at the forefront of AI

usage. AI is best used to complement one’s education rather than replace it. When used correctly, AI benefits outweigh the harms. AI is a readily available resource for students that can explain content in scholarly ways. However, if our community continues to use it as they are currently, it becomes more of a threat than a tool to our learning. The future of AI in schools depends on technological advancements and society’s navigation of the ethical and practical challenges it imposes. Its continued use will require schools to find the right balance by enhancing learning while ensuring academic honesty. While AI will undoubtedly play a big role in our future, its integration is up to us.

Madeleine Hou

Poorly represented goals can bring large amounts of stress and discomfort to applicants.

Minnesota Sports: Optimistic or Pessimistic

Young Stars Spark Hope

The future is bright

Tarun Gopalakrishnan | Features Editor

In the last two years, the Twins, Vikings, Wild, Loons, and Timberwolves have all made the playoffs, an occurrence that rarely happens.

Despite historic failures and disastrous Minnesota sports chokes, fans should remain optimistic about their teams. Although there have been countless tough losses, the recent trend in Minnesota sports suggests a bright future. Each team is led by young stars who have changed their team’s trajectory and have been one of the best in their respective leagues.

Former Blake student and diehard Minnesota sports fan

Ethan Edinburgh ‘26 mentioned “All four of our teams have some amazing young players…for the Timberwolves for example there is Anthony Edwards and there’s been talk all season about how he’s the face of the league.” Edwards himself gives the Wolves energy and a good reason to watch them. “[Wolves fans] should be excited. You have Anthony Edwards,” said Jim Mahoney, 11th-grade English teacher and college counselor.

It’s unusual for players to dominate the NBA at a young age, and rarer with Minnesota sports teams. Anthony Edwards (Wolves), Justin Jefferson (Vikings), and Royce Lewis (Twins) are all 25 or younger and Kirill Kaprizov (Wild) is only a few years older. The star power of young talent within these franchises should give fans unlimited amounts of hope for the future of these teams.

Furthermore, Edinburgh noted, “Every single [Vikings and Timberwolves] game they have is completely sold out and you can see the fans going crazy…so clearly having these big-name young players is drawing in more people to watch their games.” These

young players bring enthusiasm to the present and underscore how good the teams could be in the future.

Aside from the dominance of the Minnesota Lynx, no Minnesota sports team has won a championship since 1991. However, Mahoney felt like that could change soon: “[The Timberwolves], that’s the team I think will be the next to go deep and even win the championship.” Mahoney added, “Vikings too…there is championship pedigree.”

The Timberwolves are historically the worst franchise in NBA history, with an all-time win percentage of just .416. Despite consistently having lottery draft picks and All-Star talent, they never put together successful seasons. However, the Wolves have made the playoffs in four consecutive years and even reached the Conference Finals in 2024. With one of the worst major four sports franchises achieving postseason success, I’m not sure why fans shouldn’t be optimistic about the future of Minnesota sports. Mahoney believed the Wolves’ recent playoff success can be a turning point for all Minnesota sports. He referenced his New England Patriots who he called “the Timberwolves of the NFL” until they finally broke through and won a championship in 2001 and are now considered one of the greatest franchises in NFL history. Boston sports has excelled after the Patriots won with the Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins all winning a championship. A similar result could emerge from the Timberwolves’ newfound success.

Edinburgh strongly believed fan interest directly correlates with team success: “When a team is doing poorly, all the fans are pessimistic… and you can see the effect of that on the players.” For example, the Twins started their 2025 campaign terribly and fan interest was at an all-time low. However, the Twins are now playing much better baseball with 12 wins in a row, which can hopefully draw more fans to the games.

Struggling

to Deliver Wins

There is no hope for any

team

Dillon Kaiser | Sports Editor

Minnesota sports have performed terribly in recent years, through season performances and normal disappointments. Although Minnesota has a good roster throughout its different sports, their performances have not reflected the millions of dollars wasted on players just to let down the state.

The Minnesota Twins last won a championship in 1991. The Minnesota Vikings’s last Super Bowl appearance was in Super Bowl XI on January 9, 1977, where they lost to the Oakland Raiders. The last time Minnesota United FC (formerly known as the Loons) won a championship game was in 2014 when they won the NASL Spring Season Championship, which is not an official MLS championship.

Although The Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 salary is set at $279.2 million, their performance is poor and does not reflect the amount of funding given. Sulayman Syed ‘26 agreed, saying “I don’t think Minnesota sports have a chance in any category this season. We just haven’t performed to the best of our ability. Similar to past years, I think this is just a normal season. We make it

a decent way into the playoffs but fail to win it all.”

While many Minnesota residents are disappointed in the annual losses, so are their rivals, the Wisconsin Badgers. Amanda Pomerleau , a World and American Narratives history teacher, stated “I’ve been a Badgers fan, I guess my whole life, I went to college there so I’ve been a real fan for a while.”

Although from Wisconsin, Pomerleau is still committed to Minnesota sports, liking the Twins baseball and Timberwolves basketball teams. However, she still despises the Vikings. When asked the question, do you think the Vikings have a better chance of winning the Super Bowl? She responded with a confident no, stating, “Definitely not. It will never happen,” which is expected through their poor performance during the recent season.

“Minnesota has a real track record of getting really close and then falling apart at the end, and it’s just hard to look past that pattern,” said Pomerleau. Overall, Minnesota fans are uncertain about their potential. The Twins are looking a little rough, and the Vikings had a poor performance. However, the Timberwolves are seen as a team with the best chance at bringing Minnesota a much-needed championship.

Robin Lod and Lionel Messi and their respective teams shaking hands before a 4-1 Minnesota United victory including a Messi wonderstrike and Bongokuhle Hlogwane goal.

Ben Aviles

Gopalakrishnan

The Vikings vs. Packers game on Oct. 29, 2023, where Quarterback Kirk Cousins tore his achilles, which marked his last game ever played for the Vikings.

Rayan Nasir

Wolves mural hung up across the street outside of Target Center in celebration of the Timberwolves making the Western Conference Finals in 2024, their frst appearance since 2004.

The Minnesota Lynx playing Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on Aug. 24, 2024, where the Lynx won 90-80.

Lilah Johnson Rayan Nasir Rayan Nasir

A shirt given to all fans at the Timberwolves game against the Dallas Mavericks on May 24, 2024.

May Crossword

Charlie Dean | Sports Editor

Want the answers? Scan QR Code for the completed crossword!

Clues

Across:

1. End of school year challenge

6. “Romeo and Juliet” setting

7. End of school year challenge

8. Easter egg event

9. Nintendo console

10. Allows

11. Bottle part

12. Hot tub reaction

13. Slant

14. End of school year challenge

16. Make an effort

17. End of school year challenge

Down:

1. “Star Wars” character Boba

2. Fury

3. “Don’t worry about it!”

4. Shenanigans

5. Eye surgery acronym

6. Ways to avoid online location-based restrictions

7. Writers

8. Trick-taking card game

10. Oversight 11. Pleasant

13. Group of quail

15. Writer Tolentino

RISING STAR IZZY DANIEL

Lilah Johnson | Managing Editor

Izzy Daniel ‘19 always dreamed of playing a professional sport. After a decorated college career, this dream came true when she was drafted by the Toronto Sceptres in the third round of the second Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) draft in June 2024. She never believed that playing hockey professionally would be an option for her - the PWHL played its inaugural season in 2023-2024. She said, “Even when I was in college playing hockey, I didn’t think there would be an opportunity for me to continue playing postcollege. And then, luckily the PWHL started up last season and it kind of was perfect timing for me coming out of college to join the league.”

The league currently has six teams, three of which play in the US and three that play in Canada. Daniel has nothing but good things to say about Toronto, describing the team as “one of the top notch organizations in the league” and explaining that “they do a really good job making sure that we feel like we are professional athletes.” The culture shock moving from Minnesota to Canada hasn’t been too much, either - she says that “the weirdest thing is probably the currency difference or the metric system difference, little things like that.” And, she claims, “It’s colder in Minnesota.”

With only six teams in the league, the level of competition is very high. As Daniel puts it, “You’re playing with the best.” She explains, “In college or high school, you could take a little bit of a

game off. Maybe the team you’re playing you knew wasn’t as good, but in this league, everyone is so good and the parity is so high.”

This year, three teams, one of which being Toronto, finished with 12 wins, and all six teams finished with between 8 and 12 wins.

The level of competition is so high because of the talent on every roster. Every team has Olympic gold medalists on its roster. For Daniel, the experience of playing with and against these players has been incredible. She explains, “Growing up, I watched some of them play and now I’m sitting next to them in the locker room, which is kind of a surreal feeling.” However, the most unexpected part of being in the pros has been the bonds and friendships she has formed. “They’re all such amazing women and I’ve made a lot of great friends… we’re all super close,” she says. “I wasn’t expecting that as a professional because, you know, now it’s a job and you don’t necessarily have to foster that camaraderie or that culture that I think you aim to do in high school or college.”

The jump from college to the pros has been a bigger step up than she had experienced going from high school to college, “especially in terms of speed and physicality.” Another big difference has been the shift in rules - checking, which is not allowed at the high school or college level, is allowed in the PWHL. She explains, “a lot of us are coming from a league that taught us how to do that. So it’s kind of just learning how to dodge hits or learning

how to throw hits.” Although these aspects of the game are new, she is able to trace some of her suc cess back to her time in high school. The roster during her time at Blake was very strong, with many players going on to play at various college levels, and she says “I think going up against those players in practice really set me up for success at the next level.” The PWHL is only continuing to grow from here. Next year, two more teams will be added, in Van couver and Seattle. This year, the league played a ‘Takeover Tour’ game in Vancou ver, where two teams face off in a location that does not currently have a team, which Daniel notes as one of the highlights of her season. Both games sold out and drew almost 19,000 fans, which was previously unheard of in women’s sports, but is particularly impressive for such a new league. After seeing this many fans, Daniel says that “the fans out West really deserve a team.” She believes that new fans would be “surprised at the level and the pace.” She adds, “I think exciting it is.”

Top left: Daniel looking for the puck in a game against the Montréal Victoire.

Top right: Daniel attempting a shot against the Boston Fleet.

Bottom left: Daniel and her teammates celebrate after the Sceptres scored a goal.

Bottom right: Daniel looking to make a play on the puck against the Minnesota Frost.

All photos submitted by PWHL

Tarun Gopalakrishnan

Ayear closes, huge deadlines and assessments loom over the student body. For community members navigating anything from school to family life, mental health resources are essential. So while finals week exacerbates stress and anxiety for many, there are many resources to help support students through the end of the year.

A vital aspect of the Upper School is the Counseling Office. Director of Counseling Erin Adams and counselor Jill Rabinovitz are two members of the community who offer support to students who seek it.

“Our counselors are the biggest resource,” stated Health teacher Cris Larson . “They have a lot of resources they can connect students to.” While one can shoot them an email or stop by their office to schedule a meeting, they have also curated a resource page for students who don’t necessarily wish to meet one-on-one with these counselors. This page can be accessed through Veracross by using the Upper School Link. It includes general resources, such as articles, apps, and crisis resources for more urgent situations.

For sophomores in Health, there are additional resources on Larson’s Canvas page under the Modules section regarding mental health. Inside the Health room, resources such as flyers and QR codes are scattered on the walls and tables, particularly by the door. Informational flyers can also be found in the bathrooms around the Upper School that include similar QR codes to resources that are easily accessible to students.

It’s important to note that there are resources available outside of our community as well. Hotlines such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, The Trevor Project, and Teen Line, among others, offer timely or instantaneous help to those who are struggling via phone or text. These services are equipped with trained counselors equipped to provide emotional support to those who need it. Furthermore, seeking

Mental Health Resources Available to Students

A closer look at accessible options heading into finals

Evie Chow | Food Editor

help from doctors and/ or mental health professionals can be essential in diagnosing or getting treatment for more severe, long-term mental illnesses. A potential first step in receiving this help could be confiding in a trusted adult or parent.

Many students may opt to invest in longer-term treatment options, like therapy. Therapy can look different for everyone, with many organizations, like Telehealth, offering virtual for those with busy schedules. Other forms of therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy and

“[I encourage] people who know of people who are struggling and maybe want to seek help but don’t know how to provide support by going with their friend to talk to somebody.”

- Larson

group therapy. The American Psychiatry Association found that around 75% of people who used psychotherapy, a com-

mon treatment for mental health issues, benefitted from it. Reaching out for help when you need it, even when it may be

resources for members of our community, many services are being endangered by the federal government across different regions. The Trump Administration has threatened to cut access and funding to many organizations that support mental health in students. They have stated that they desire to stop over a billion dollars worth of funding in federal grants towards school districts, which is currently being directed towards hiring mental health professionals for students.

Additionally, President Trump has advocated for cutting funding for the LGBTQ+ community’s usage of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which could have life-threatening consequences for LGBTQ+ youth around the country. Proposed defunding for other essential services, like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Institute of Health would have major ramifications for our country. The National Alliance of Mental Illness emphasized how these proposed cuts could have detrimental effects on the mental health crisis in our country, as well as spiking unemployment rates.

hard, can be beneficial in the short and long term. It can reduce mental health stigma, improve wellbeing, and save lives.

In addition to formal resources, fostering a culture of openness surrounding mental health will allow students to support each other. Checking in on friends and engaging in conversations surrounding mental health will help create a more inclusive community and encourage students to shape the environment they want to be surrounded by.

While there are many readily available

Given the cuts proposed by policymakers, it is more important now than ever to speak up and advocate for the restoration of mental health resources. “There are a lot of nonprofits doing a lot of great work who will cease to exist, and a lot of those resources could go away,” emphasized Larson. Reach out to your local policymakers and support organizations dedicated to mental health to drive change and ensure that students everywhere can continue benefiting from these resources. While the end of the school year can be emotionally tolling, it is important to remember support is available all around us. Utilizing on-campus resources, engaging in conversations surrounding mental health, reaching out for help, and advocating for the resources we need, can allow us to navigate challenging times.

Willow Overcash

Lucia Watson ‘72 has devoted much of her life to cooking and thirty years to the Minneapolis food scene-defining restaurant, Lucia’s. Former general manager at Lucia’s and owner of Heather’s, Heather Asbury believes, “She was a pioneer… [and] was one of the first people in the country to do a farm-to-table.”

A drive for fresh ingredients and the value of local produce was implanted in her from a young age. Watson recalls her cabin on the Canadian border, saying, “My grandmother would spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking, so I just hung out with her and loved to cook.”

To get materials for the kitchen, Watson and her grandmother had to “go out and pick blueberries and cook with them or catch fish and cook with them.” This instilled “a notion that all ingredients are precious” and that food is “precious [because] it's going to nurture you. It's taken a lot to grow it.”

This sense of food value led her to pursue the food industry. In her first job, she worked in Virginia as a hostess. According to her, “I was always sort of bothering the chef like, ‘if you ever need help you know I can come in and cook.’” Finally, the chef caved and allowed her to perform

menial tasks such as peeling carrots, which she loved because she “just loved being in a kitchen.”

After working in the catering business, she decided to open her own restaurant in Uptown Minneapolis because she thought “I want people to come to me. I don't want to go to them.” Originally, the space she used was tiny, but over the years, she “made it four times bigger than what it was when [she] originally opened.”

In the early years, she would change the menu daily, and write out cards with the menu for two reasons. She describes, “I didn't want a restaurant where it was always the same.” The second philosophy for changing constantly was to be “driven by what was locally available from the farmers,” which was unique at the time because “there actually weren't a lot of small farms at that time.” Frequently, people misunderstand what produce comes from Minnesota and believe summer is the only time farm-totable is possible, but Watson explains that “in the winter… we have all the wonderful things like braised meats and beans and stored root vegetables and the things that we naturally crave in the winter.”

As Asbury recalls, “[Watson] went around and studied

Lucia Watson ‘72 Shares Success Story

Alum describes origins, memories of her restaurant

Ben Aviles | Copy Editor

[everything she put on her menu].” Watson remembers looking for local butter and finding a place called Hope Creamery. There, she found an older man named Victor who “stopped the churn and he'd pull out a fistful of butter and he'd throw it in this bucket and if it wasn't doing the right thing he'd know it needed another 20 minutes.” She looks back on it as incredible butter, and due to her picking up the

brand, they are now common in grocery stores. Empowering and using local resources allowed for better flavor and local business growth. Another key aspect of Lucia’s was Watson’s curiosity about other people and cultures. As she describes, “I always wanted to learn. I still do, not just cooking, but everything.” When anyone, whether it was an employee, front of the house, back of the house… [would

“I was always sort of bothering the chef like, ‘if you ever need help, you know I can come in and cook.’”

say] ‘I can make this,’ I’d ask how.” She recalls when a worker who had worked for a couple of years mentioned his grandmother made soba noodles. She berated him with questions, asking “What'd she do? How'd she do it? Does she live here? Can she come in and show us how to make soba noodles?” She decided, “Let's put it on the menu and have someone make soba noodles.” Enthusiastically, she recalls “They were so good.”

The final major aspect of Lucia’s was the environment. She always wanted her workers to be proud of the restaurant and the food. She used to tell employees if they ever lost pride, “You have two choices: either tell me or quit because I don't want anyone on my payroll or working for me that doesn't take pride in what we're doing here.” She also ensured a fun environment among the employees. She describes, “For me, it was a really fun place to work even though it was really hard too and I think for my employees it was really fun as well.” Per Watson: “I didn't want an uptight vibe there. It wasn't a white tablecloth, sophisticated, snooty kind of place. I would tell my staff I want a friendly neighborhood place where people can get amazing food at a reasonable price.”

In 2016, Wat-

son decided she had worked so hard that she did not know herself outside Lucia’s. Because of this realization, she decided to sell Lucia’s and retire. As a retiree, she says “I love what I'm doing and how I'm spending my time and I love taking naps.” She has moved onto a completely different field with the Raptor Center and the University of Minnesota where she works rehabilitating birds. She also serves on the board of The Conservatory Program. She still has restaurantinfluenced moments like she was asked to prepare food for the rats fed to the birds. She describes, “[I] went in and I brought my knives and I was like, ‘I've never prepped food before for rats’ so I prepped [the food for] these rats perfectly, I used my good knives and they were perfectly prepped and laid out.” Valuing food as exceptional and looking local allowed Lucia’s to become a pioneering restaurant for 30 years in the Minneapolis food scene. An important part of looking local was the ingredients and the recipes. Recipes of cultures found around the Twin Cities mixing pot allowed for expansive culture among her fast-changing menu. These fundamentals have become cornerstones of the farmto-table movement locally and nationally.

Peanut butter chocolate chip cookies baked by Watson.

Recent stew made by Watson utilizing local and fresh ingredients. Submitted by Watson Watson’s headshot at cabin where she used to forage with her grandmother.

Submitted by Watson

Submitted by Watson

Submitted by Watson

Pork sausages, pork roast, sauteed red cabbage, and roasted beets.

Submitted by Watson

Recent soup & vegetables made by Watson utilizing the favors of Minnesota.