ZE PH
YR US NE W S
Z
www.edinazephyrus.com
a look inside EHS
In-Depth p. 6-7
Culture p. 10
edinazephyrus.com
Welcome Back : all about everyone’s favorite high school.
Imagine Dragons: EHS’s latest musical obsession.
An interview with Officer Hubbard and more online.
Volume 33 Issue 1
October 5, 2012
6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
GETTING HOME ALIVE Teenage Twin Cities drivers get a few lessons in the wake of recent accidents “My parents took away my car for a month because I have a speeding ticket and a citation,” said junior Sarah Nealon. “Now I drive 20 mph everywhere, people tailgate me, and I’ve been passed twice on Wooddale Avenue.” There has been an outbreak of accidents involving teens recently in the Twin Cities, many of which involved distracted driving. To raise awareness, State Farm sponsored an event at Ridgedale Mall on September 15 called “Celebrate My Drive.” The event ran from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the activites included informative student presentations, eye openers, and some activities that were just plain fun. Throughout the day, different schools provided entertainment. Cretin-Derham Hall put on a game show with questions about driving, and Saint Croix Lutheran had a student singing just for the heck of it. Music downloads, chapstick, t-shirts, hacky sacks, and water bottles were a few of the freebies given away during the event. A distracted driving video game, and flip book and keychain making stations were interspersed throughout the event. In the outside tent, the games got serious. There was a Minnesota State Patrol car set up on stilts that simulated what it would be like to be in a crash without a seatbelt on. One of the dummies ended up flying out of the car after being tossed around between the windshield and seats. There was also a Hennepin County ambulance and stretcher set up to simulate riding in the back after a crash. If you’re bummed you missed out on the Ridgedale clinic, there will be a safe driving event at EHS in mid-October during lunch. State Farm isn’t the only major company fighting against statistics of distracted driving: AT&T also has a “Don’t Text and Drive” campaign. In 2010, 3,092 people were killed in distracted driving related issues, and over 400,000 people were injured. According to distraction.gov, the largest proportion of distracted drivers are age 20 and under. If you’re considering texting and driving, reconsider, because on average, it takes about 4.6 seconds to send a text, which is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. If that’s not enough, drivers who use handheld devices while behind the wheel are four times more likely to get in an accident where they seriously injure themselves or others. Driving while texting makes a crash risk 23 times worse than without a cell phone. Not only that, but you could get a $150 ticket for texting or “failing to drive with due care,” said School Resource Officer Brian Hubbard. Officer Hubbard also gave a few tips for students and teachers alike, “Put electronic devices down, make sure you have your seatbelt on, and remember that the speed limit is there for a reason,” he said. “All it takes is a couple seconds while looking at your phone for something or someone to come in front of your car. You are only seconds away from a catastrophic event.” So pay attention to the road, practice safe driving habits, and never text and drive, no matter what the circumstance. Your text can wait. Nothing you can think of to send to your friends while on the road is worth risking your life or the lives of others. Sarah Aydinalp, staff writer
photos by Sarah Aydinalp
Top: Celebrate My Drive offered teens prizes for competing in driving challenges. Bottom: A crash simulator on public display at Celebrate My Drive.
An Edina legend starts again at South View as Assistant Principal Jason Dockter, a former teacher at Valley View Middle School, has replaced Patrick Duffy as South View Middle School’s new assistant principal. Duffy took on the position as principal for Clara Barton Open School in South Minneapolis and left Edina in June. This school year at South View, one of Dockter’s main goals is to “accelerate achievement and close the achievement gap by increasing the rates of growth our students experience.” In addition, he plans to make an effort to connect with students. “I strive to be visible in the building,” Dockter remarked. He hopes to “greet students as they arrive or as they depart, sit at tables in the cafeteria, have a presence in the hallways, join student leadership groups in their advisories, and participate in school-wide events.” photo by Jack Hultstrand Dockter previously taught as a ninth grade government teacher at Valley View Middle School until he took the Mr. Dockter in his new chair at South View. position of alternative compensation coach last school year.
He discussed how his previous role as a teacher will aid him in his new position at South View. “Having been a middle school teacher for a significant period of time, I hope I will have some insight and sensitivity to teachers’ and students’ needs, challenges and obstacles.” He continued, “In addition, I hope to use the lens of past experience to predict the impact my decisions will have on not only the teacher’s ability to impact student achievement and the satisfaction he or she has in his or her profession, but the students’ experience and achievement as well.” On Dockter’s online portfolio, his mission statement reads, “It is my mission to serve, support, and model disciplined effective practice in the belief that all students can learn and that self-actualization, meaning, and purpose, is a possibility for all members of the community.” This mission statement will help guide Mr. Dockter as he takes on the position of assistant principal at South View Middle School this school year. Clare Ling, in-depth editor
The official newspaper of Edina High School
www.edinazephyrus.com
2
News
Volume 33 Issue 1
October 5, 2012
6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
Going out with a burn
photo courtesy of The Sun Current
Trailing a finger along the bright red exterior, Tom Jenson stepped out of his fire truck for the last time. This was his last day before August 31, when he would drive his city-owned vehicle to the fire station and leave it there for good. After thirty-one years of being a fire marshal for Edina, Tom Jenson is retiring. “It was hard. It just hit me. The tears started coming up,” Jenson said. Jenson first started his career in the fire service by becoming an Edina volunteer firefighter on May 4, 1981. As a teenager, watching the show “Emergency,” he thought a job as a firefighter or paramedic was “awesome.” So as an adult, he jumped at the first chance he got to join the Edina Fire Department. Tom was one of the seventy people who applied for the fifteen volunteer firefighter positions. It is safe to say the odds were in his favor that day. He spent his first seventeen years, working among the full-time firefighters in smoke, heat, and burning buildings. Soon thoughts of going the paramedic route faded into the background when he took the fire inspector position in November of 1988. However his life took an unexpected turn when he was
offered a promotion to fire marshal in 2000. As a fire marshal, Jenson needed to overcome his fear of public speaking seeing as he was expected to be the public educator on fire safety. After a while, he began to find joy in speaking to schools and the community on the prevention of fires and rules of fire safety. “My fear was eventually overcome by my passion and desire to prevent these fires,” said Jenson. Needless to say, Jenson’s zeal and passion to protect the safety of his people will certainly be missed in Edina. As for the future, he plans to take some well deserved time to relax, see the world, and finally complete some of his home projects. Before he leaves, Jenson gives some final words of wisdom for you: “Remember that most fires are caused by human behavior. Please make fire safety a top priority in your home or business. I will still be around in Edina, which I call home, and look forward to see you out in the community. Take care and stay safe.” Anna Zhou, staff writer
Mission: Unite Edina Driving around Edina, you may have seen yellow “Unite Edina 273” signs decorating the abodes of Parkwood Knolls, but what are they for? Why are they just in that specific area? Unknown to most, the Parkwood Knolls area of Edina isn’t actually part of the Edina school district, but that of Hopkins. In the 1800s when Minnesota was strictly farmland, boundaries for the school districts were drawn. But, as towns became more urban, the school districts remained the same and are now posing a problem for students living in the Parkwood Knolls. Families of that area wishing to attend an Edina school must go through open enrollment, and each year worry about
being able to participate in the Edina education system. Alan Koehler, an Edina resident, said, “Families don’t know if their kids can get in.” Consequently, families are often torn between multiple schools because only one member of the family will have the privilege to attend an Edina school, while another child must go to a Hopkins school. Thus, Koehler and other Edina citizens created “Unite Edina 273,” a non-profit, independent neighborhood group, which is petitioning to detach from the Hopkins school district. One might think the transition would be easy seeing as only 5% of the students in that area actually attend a Hopkins school, but many are hesitant to make the transition. Some
worry that by adding this section into the Edina district, student numbers will grossly increase, when in fact it will only increase the number by five to eight kids. Luckily for Parkwood Knolls, the mission has gained support from many other areas of Edina, and Hopkins may finally let its piece of Edina free. This summer, the petition was stronger than ever, and many hope that an agreement will be reached by the end of next year. Christina Dovolis, staff writer
Name Your Neighborhood project The originally simple Name Your Neighborhood program began as a small project to identify different areas of Edina, but as time passes, the job seems to be getting continuously trickier. In May of 2012, Edina city manager Karen Kurt felt like Edina was too broken up and that the city should adopt a means of organization similar to that of St. Louis Park. There, each neighborhood has a name and small union. “The mission is to define the neighborhoods of Edina and to strengthen communication between residents and local government,” said Kurt. Currently, there are a few notable names to describe areas such as Morningside, Sunnyside, and Rolling Greens, but these sections are not concretely defined. The Morningside area is the most advanced with their prominent neighborhood association, neighborhood events, and babysitting co-op; it is a model for what Kurt wishes for all of Edina. In simple terms, the Kurt’s goal is to promote unity within Edina and assist in the communication between city officials and residents. However, graphically defining each area of Edina and sequentially naming the different sections has proved to be a challenge. Many opponents of Name Your Neighborhood believe that once the boundaries are defined, certain areas will be given higher property values by agents, which may lead to city tension in lieu of cohesion. In addition, choosing an actual name for the various Edina parts has been a
dispute for many citizens. After the area south of the Crosstown and west of Highway 100 was labeled Normandale, many stood against it because the name was more closely associated with Bloomington and it hardly referenced the section’s geographical characteristics. However, when the name Normandale Park was suggested for the neighborhood, residents approved. Just a slight modification to the name made such a significant difference in public opinion, showing how complicated the Name Your Neighborhood process can become. The program is now taking further steps to include the public in the name game by creating Speakupedina.org, a website where anyone can contribute an idea relating to projects occurring throughout the city. Though the Name Your Neighborhood plan still has a few glitches to work out, its directors hope it will bring Edina even closer. Christina Dovolis, staff writer
3
Features 6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
October 5, 2012
Volume 33 Issue 1
www.edinazephyrus.com
10 Questions , 1 Best Director
Sarah Jones
Over the summer, while many Edina High School students were enjoying lazy summer days, senior Sarah Jones was writing, filming, and editing a short film. Curious? Keep on reading to learn more about her film project and other fun facts about Jones. 1. “Over the summer, I participated in a film competition called the Minneapolis 48-Hour Film Project, where my team and I had to create a five to seven minute film with a required genre (Western), line (“Have you been here before?”), prop (a ring), and character (R. Thomas, an athlete) in under 48 hours. Our film turned out very well, and as a result, I won the award of ‘Best Student Director.’” To see Sarah’s video, go to http://www.edinazephyrus.com/hero/
2. “I love all the English classes at our school. I love to read and write, so those classes are always very enjoyable.” 3. “The coolest place I’ve been would probably be Italy. The orchestra traveled there over spring break of last year, and I absolutely fell in love; the landscape is just gorgeous.” 4. “I was born in Minneapolis.” art by Tom Gaasedelen, Elizabeth Jarvey, and Annika Smith-Ortiz
5. “At the moment, my favorite food would have to be pistachios, but it changes all the time.”
photo courtesy of Sarah Jones
Fall in Minnesota
Fall is abhored because it marks the beginning of school and the end of summer freedom. However, it also marks the start of a season of new activities. ValleySCARE is a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit. With maze attractions like Carnage at Crimson Isle, Chateau Du Damne, and Mr. Cleaver’s Bloodshed, along with multiple scare zones around the park, there is never a dull moment. If the spooky stuff doesn’t get your heart racing, there is also a full assortment of thrill rides such as Wild Thing and Steel Venom. Junior Ali Burley said she likes ValleySCARE because, “I’m really into haunted houses, clowns, and rides.” ValleySCARE admissions are between $29 and $34. For those who find ValleySCARE expensive, Trail of Terror is a great alternate option. Junior Paul McClure explains “you can buy discounted tickets at Walgreens.” Tickets cost $16 at Walgreens, otherwise the regular admission is $19. Trail of Terror claims to be the largest Halloween event in the Midwest. There are over fifteen attractions, including the Haunted Hayride and the three-quarters of a mile long main attraction, Trail of Terror. For Trail of Terror, “the 3-D glasses are worth the $1 investment,” recommended junior David Porter. Bite into fall with a trip to the apple orchard. Sophomore Lexi Arnesen likes apple picking because “it’s a good way to get outside.” No place in Minnesota is better for picking apples than Emma Krumbee’s, which was voted the best apple orchard in the Twin Cities. Visitors are given free range to pick apples from the twelve varieties and get free samples to help them select their favorite. However, Emma Krumbee’s doesn’t stop at just apples. They have a tractor ride, a scarecrow festival, and an award-winning pumpkin patch as well. Remember, the next time you find yourself with nothing to do, there’s no better cure for post-summer boredom than trying one of these exciting fall activities. Matt Dulas, staff writer
art by Julia Bolter
6. “My favorite television show is BBC’s “Sherlock.” With stunning cinematography, amazing actors, and thrilling stories, it’s something everyone should check out. I’m also a fan of the cult show “Doctor Who.”” 7. “My main hobby is filmmaking, but I’m also one of those people who just likes to try random things in the spur of the moment, like Taekwondo, fencing, and French cooking classes.” 8. “I am currently on the cross country team. Also, I am one of the leaders of the Film Club, I do crew for various theater productions, and I work at The Writer’s Block.” 9. “My favorite color is green.” 10. “I am a huge fan of soundtrack music, particularly Hans Zimmer. He’s the guy who wrote the music for ‘Inception,’ Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, and basically every epic movie in existence.” To learn more about the 48-hour Film Project you can go to bit.ly/LIIQjJ. Hannah Sommerville, features editor
HOW MUCH DOES IT CO$T TO BE A SENIOR WOMAN?
“Why is being a senior woman so expensive?” A question many senior women at EHS ask themselves. To answer this question, a wide variety of topics and purchase types have to be studied. One thing that always comes up is how much the little purchases can hurt your wallet. Senior Margaret Kajer said, “Starbucks is literally where all my money goes… I need to start thinking about the stuff I’m buying,” which is a great point. If you buy two $3 cups of coffee and a $1 candy bar every week, what seems like a harmless indulgence will cost you $364 a year. A surprisingly low senior women cost was makeup. Senior Christine Harvey said, “I’ll switch out mascara every month or two.” In general, it is often thought that women spend too much on makeup, so it was refreshing to hear how some senior women are willing to keep it simple. Dances are a cost that hurt everyone. The average guy will buy one suit as a sophomore, wear it for the rest of his life, and pay admission prices along the way. With two “girls ask guys” dances, the women of Edina have to deal with the $150-$250 cost of admission, transportation, and food, as well as getting multiple dresses in a year (ranging anywhere from a hundred dollars to amounts reaching infinity and beyond), as well as getting their hair done ($70) and maybe even a mani-pedi ($30). Finally, we come to gas. As sophomores just getting their licenses, many women of the Class of 2013 probably thought that they were free to go anywhere they pleased. Unfortunately, in the words of Colonel Walter Hitchcock, “Freedom isn’t free.” With the cost of filling up ranging from $70 - $80 (unless you drive a Smart Car), and parking passes costing $300 for a full year, the women of Edina could be looking at $2,300 a year (filling up every two weeks), making gas and parking easily the biggest expense for the majority of these girls, as well as the rest of EHS. So what’s the total cost? After using the internet and a couple of helpful interviews, an extremely rough estimate on the cost of being a senior women in Edina, Minnesota is $5,000, or to put that in perspective, the cost of a two week vacation for two to Antarctica. Matt Woosley, staff writer
4
www.edinazephyrus.com
Features
Volume 33 Issue 1
October 5, 2012
6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
Writer’s Block
The
all art by Sloane Nilsen
You know that feeling when you’re up at eleven writing your essay and you just can’t think of any ideas? We’ve all been there. Fortunately, the Edina High School writing center, aptly named The Writer’s Block, is here to help you avoid that horrible situation. English teacher Ms. Mohs explained, “We started The Writer’s Block because the English Department was approached by the Ed Fund to support a writing program in the school.” The Writer’s Block is here to help students at all stages of the writing process, but don’t expect them to write the entire essay. All grades are encouraged to, and they welcome new sophomores. “The transition from middle school to high school can be difficult,” said senior writing coach Sarah Jones, “Another set of eyes looking at your paper is very helpful.” Junior Christina Ballarini talked about her success at The Writer’s Block. “My writing process has solidified, it’s also helped in time management,” she explained. Help is not limited to in-class assignments, so juniors and seniors can pay a visit regarding college application essays or even foreign language essays. Located in room 265 near the DeCafe and most of the English classes, The Writer ’s Block provides a quiet and calm environment that’s perfect for writing a paper. It’s open for business during all three lunches and before school, during zero hour. They encourage students to make an appointment beforehand, but also accept walk-ins. Be sure to bring a copy of the assignment and plan ahead for time spent working on your piece. Juniors and seniors can apply to join the staff as writing coaches. The Writer’s Block currently has around eight seniors and eight juniors as student coaches and Mrs. Cosgrove and Mrs. Mohs serve as teacher coaches. As for the success of students who frequent The Writer’s Block, Ms. Mohs said, “They develop an eye for what they can do and become more confident.” So when you’re up all night writing your paper, do yourself and your grades a favor and head over to The Writer’s Block. Drew Davis, staff writer
photos by Talia Edelheit
Roddy v. Roddy Junior Roddy Ecklund and science teacher Mr. Roddy have absolutely nothing in common other than their name. One loves squash and the other loves cereal—which one is which? What is your favorite class? Roddy E: Drawing. Mr. Roddy: Physical universe and A.P. physics balance each other nicely, but I miss being a chem teacher, too. What is your favorite after-school activity? Roddy E: Hackey sack with friends. Mr Roddy: I love reading, but don’t find time for much during the school year. I do the NY Times crossword puzzle every day. Early week puzzles are easy and only take a few minutes, but by the end of the week, the puzzles get harder and I can lose up to an hour a day. I studied piano when I was younger, and I cycle between playing a lot and not touching the thing. Currently, I’m in an active piano-playing phase. What would your last meal consist of?
Roddy E: Cereal. Mr. Roddy: Whenever people ask me about favorite foods, I usually draw a blank. I’m not one to crave particular foods. That said, I pretty much always like squash. And raspberries are my favorite fruit. Do you have any pets? Roddy E: No. Mr. Roddy: Nope. Love dogs but don’t have one. What’s the most played song on your iPod? Roddy E: It would probably be “Fire Monkey’s Head” by the Gorillaz. Mr. Roddy: I suspect most played in the last two years would be something by Cloud Cult. What is the last movie you watched? Roddy E: “All Dogs Go To Heaven”. Mr. Roddy: Could be “Moonrise Kingdom”… but I feel like there should be something more recent than that. How often do you shower? WHOA! Hold on, they have something in common. They both shower daily! What is your favorite vacation spot? Roddy E: Anywhere with snow! Mr. Roddy: In general, I’d be far more interested in going to a bustling city or a foreign country than to a tropical beach resort. Do you have any allergies? Roddy E: No. Mr. Roddy: Cats. Do you have any pet peeves? Roddy E: I don’t like it when people chew with their mouth open. Mr. Roddy: In general, my biggest pet peeve seems to be some kind of OCD – I can’t stand certain types of repetitive sounds, like ticking clock or gum-smacking. I have trouble blocking them out once I notice them. Megan Couture, culture editor
Sports 6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
Volume 33 Issue 1
October 5, 2012
5
www.edinazephyrus.com
A fresh start for the Hornettes
photos by Talia Edelheit
“We are representing Edina,” captain Taylor Peterson said of the 2012 Hornettes. The Hornettes have been an Edina tradition for over 50 years and are a symbol of Edina spirit. Last year, the team faced new changes and difficult attitudes throughout the entire year. Starting this year with a fresh start, captain Taylor Peterson, who has been on varsity Hornettes since her sophomore year, is eager to share her team’s talent with the rest of the school. “We are looking really good for the year! We have a new coach, and she is amazing. The captains and coaches have become really close and they are helping us all come together as a team.” One change that the team is experiencing this year are different outfits. Instead of ‘Hornettes’ on their uniforms, the team now has ‘Edina’ in its place. “It’s a part of the Spirit Squad,” Peterson added. Though the team thought that the changes might bring tensions to the group, Peterson says that everything that happened has brought them even closer. The girls also had to wait for a longer period of time until they found out the final teams for the season. “Usually we find out teams in May, but this year we all worked together [JV and varsity girls]. I think this was so much better because now we are really close with JV, which has never really happened before.” Peterson’s fellow co-captain, Ali Mooty, said she loved “getting to know all of the girls from the younger ages. In the past, its been divided into juniors, seniors, sophomores… but this year we all became really close!” Peterson, along with Ali Mooty, Sarah Lepeska and Brooke Scheerer are the 20122013 Hornette varsity captains and have proven to be strong leaders for their team. They have passed on the traditions and set up the next generation of Hornettes to succeed in the years to come. Talia Edelheit, news editor
Go fish This year, Edina High School is adding fishing to its long list of outstanding varsity sports. The Edina Fishing Team will consist of a JV team and a varsity team. Juniors John W. Moe, Jon Whear, Sam Moore, and Ross Kellermeier had the idea this past summer to turn their fishing club into a team sport. Since clubs cannot meet off campus, it was nearly impossible to have a fishing outing. The four of them worked very hard to make fishing a team sport, rather than a club sport. “We saw that trap shooting was a sport, and thought that we could change the fishing club to a competitive organized team sport like trap shooting,” said Whear. This year’s change makes it possible for the fishing team to meet off of school property and attend tournaments. In addition to tournaments, the team will be hosting outings and practices on most metro lakes, including Lake Minnetonka. The fishing team is looking to add as many students to the team that would like to join. “The fishing team is flexible. While we hope that you can make it to all practices, meetings, and tournaments, we realize that many students play other sports. Attendance on all practices and tournaments is not required,” said Moore. He then explained, “The junior varsity team is more like a club team, meeting for casual fishing outings, while the varsity is at a much higher competitive level, competing in many tournaments across the state.” While running under the “team” status, the competitive nature of the sport is introduced. “Last year’s club wasn’t at the competitive level we desired. We’ve made many changes to bring it to this new stage,” said Kellermeier. If you would like to participate in the Edina Fishing Team, contact them at edinafishing@gmail.com, like them on Facebook, and join them at the next meeting, Wednesday, October 10th in room 305 at 3:15. Jack Hultstrand, sports editor art by Sloane Nilsen
Hornettes Ali Mooty, Paige Anderson, Sarah Lepeska, Kate Balke, Brooke Scheerer, and Taylor Peterson perform at a football game.
Girls flag football September 4th was the first day of the school year for students at Edina High School, but for the Jayhawks, it was also the day of their season opener. The Jayhawks are a football team, but not the kind of football that requires pads and helmets. The only equipment you need to play for the Jayhawks is a blue jersey, cleats, and a pair of flags. Flag football has become increasingly popular for sophomore, junior, and senior girls at EHS. The games take place Tuesday nights at Van Vaulkenburg Park. Eight-season veteran Abby Ingalls explained that just like regular football, the Jayhawks have set plays, positions, and super fans. “Even though most girls just come out to play for fun,” said senior Madeline Rodriguez, “It gets pretty heated out on the field during games.”
Starting off their season strong, with a record of 4-0, the Jayhawks have a unique style of leadership that seems to be working in their favor. “We have a lot of seniors on our roster this year,” said coach Scott Ingalls, “I decided to let them run the team.” He also stressed that every senior on the team is a captain, but on the field, seniors Madeline Rodriguez and Abby Ingalls call the offensive photo by Vivi Engen plays. Other key contributors to the Jayhawks’ success include senior Meghan Herring’s 40 yard throwing ability, sophomore Sarah Krumplestader’s speed, senior Sarah Nielsen’s strength, and senior Christine Harvey’s flag pulling accuracy. The Jayhawks are shaping up to be the team to beat this flag football season. Vivi Engen, online sports editor
8 Opinion
www.edinazephyrus.com
Volume 33 Issue 1
October 5, 2012
6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
HEAD-TO-HEAD: GAY MARRIAGE Why I’m For Gay Marriage With the Minnesota marriage amendment vote coming up in November, the argument about the gay marriage issue has become a hot button topic. Here are five reasons people believe that gay people shouldn’t get married and my arguments against them. Gay couples can’t reproduce Neither the elderly nor the infertile can reproduce and yet they are allowed to marry. Do you know why they are allowed to marry? Because marriage isn’t about reproducing; marriage is about love. Children need a father and a mother If children need a father and a mother, then how are single parents allowed to raise children? It has been said that it takes a whole village to raise a child. I don’t know any grandparent who hasn’t tried to help raise their grandchildren. Who’s to say that this wouldn’t happen for gay couples? Just because the parents are the same sex doesn’t mean that the children are only going to be around them. Also, one can not compare a gay couple raising a child to a child losing a parent. That implies that the child is missing something and to put it frankly, you can’t miss something you’ve never had. A child raised in a household with two mothers or two fathers does not “miss out” on the love or advice a child raised in a “traditional” household would receive. Gays have civil unions, they don’t need to get married Some people may assert that civil unions provide the same benefits as marriage, just under a different name. Brown v. Board of Education automatically comes to mind, seeing that it ruled “separate but equal” unconstitutional in 1954. It’s against my religion According to the Bible, it’s against your religion to play football, have tattoos, eat shellfish, wear polyester, and associate with a woman on her period. In the Bible, Jesus says absolutely nothing about gay people, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from damning homosexuality because the Bible tells them so. I read the Bible and do you know what I remember? “Love thy neighbor.” Along with that, America is not a theocracy; religion and government are seperate. It will destroy the sanctity of marriage I don’t understand how two people who are deeply in love with each other and want to get married will destroy the sanctity of marriage. What’s really destroying the sanctity of marriage are people who get married just to get a green card, people who get wasted in Vegas and randomly decide to get hitched, people who get married for 72 days and decide that it wasn’t worth it in the end, and people who get married because of an unplanned pregnancy. People must stop hiding behind their Bibles and their intolerance and open their eyes. I believe that there is absolutely no reason why gays shouldn’t be allowed to get married. Love is love and marriage is a universal right, not a heterosexual privilege. Rayelle Washington, copy editor
Why I’m for Traditional Marriage Traditional marriage is a fundamental concept that has been keeping families strong for much of human history. Trying to suddenly redefine marriage could have a detrimental effect on Minnesota for years to come. Raising Children Both a mother and father are needed to properly raise a child. Having a parent missing leaves a child with a sense of confusion and emptiness. Being raised by two people of the same gender doesn’t allow the child to feel a mother’s love or hear a father’s comforting advice, even if there are two parents present. Civil Rights Many in favor of same sex marriage seem to think that it is a civil rights movement equal to those in the 1950’s and 1960’s. In reality the similarities are few. In those movements, entire racial groups were segregated from society and looked down upon by a vast majority. Actually looking down upon gays as “inferior” is something rarely seen in America. Most cases will show that gays are not excluded from “the rest of us” as I have yet to see separate “straight” and “gay” drinking fountains. Religion “He who created them from the beginning made them male and female and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’ So they are no longer two but one photo by Abby Gieske flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let man not separate.” This bible verse leads many Christians to believe in the values of traditional marriage. If you are of a different religion, I encourage you to look at what your religion says to form your opinion on gay marriage. If you are not religious, I ask that you respect the values of different religions and be open to the morals religion brings to the table. Problems in Massachusetts The state of Massachusetts has legalized gay marriage, and from their experience we can learn what this kind of legislation does to a state. Catholic churches were forced to abandon their adoption programs because they were not willing to go against their beliefs and allow same-sex couples to adopt from them. When a state or country legalizes same-sex marriage, it may have a negative impact on our future generations. The Legislation is not “anti-gay” The amendment Minnesotans will be voting on this fall is not at all against same-sex marriage and does not persecute gays in any way shape or form. The amendment will be preserving Minnesota’s current definition of marriage as “a union between one man and one woman.” Unlike what we saw in Massachusetts, this legislation would still allow the other side of the argument to speak freely and not be persecuted. Many think legalizing gay-marriage is a step toward the future that will allow everyone to prosper, but in reality it would tarnish the future of our next generation and religious institutions. Matt Woolsey, staff writer
To A.P. or not to A.P. that is the question Ranging from subjects like ceramics, psychology, and biology, A.P. classes allow Edina High School students to take college-level courses while still in high school. Students usually take at least one A.P. class while at EHS, but the ultimate question is, what about seniors? Is it worth taking A.P. classes despite the difficulty level and time commitment your senior year? The answer is yes. Senior year is about having fun, so take classes that both interest and challenge you. If you are a mathematician, take A.P. Calculus BC. If you
love reading, writing, and boiling tea, take A.P. World Literature with Mrs. Froehlich and her electric kettle. Another reason to take A.P. classes is college credit. So if you are interested in the subject now, save the money for Pumpkin Spice Lattes and chai teas when you go to college. I know I will. Plus, another benefit of A.P. classes is grade weighting. Your weighted G.P.A. can increase (and decrease) depending how well you do in your A.P. classes. But if you’re taking something you
genuinely care about, you will most likely do well. The cherry on top is that you will only have one final exam at the end of first semester. The A.P. exam will be your final and after those two jam-packed weeks in May, you are finished. So make the effort to take A.P. classes senior year, learn something new, and get that college credit. Sloane Nilsen, art editor photo by Sloane Nilsen
Zephyrus Staff
editors in chief: Andrea Kimball, Ashley Smith copy editor: Rayelle Washington art editor: Sloane Nilsen managing editor: Anna Ellingboe advertising manager: Alex Van Gorp coordinating manager: Ellie Lagorio news editors: Micah Osler, Talia Edelheit, Alex Van Gorp features editors: Sarah Nealon, Hannah Sommerville, Ellie Lagorio sports editors: Jack Hultstrand, Vivi Engen in-depth editor: Clare Ling opinion editors: Jake Freeman, Hayley Morrison, Alex Van Gorp culture editors: Megan Couture, Ellie Lagorio back page editor: Sloane Nilsen staff writers: Sarah Aydinalp, Perry Bruder, Drew Davis, Christina Dovolis, Matt Dulas, Madison Hobbs, Jackson Van Dyke, Matt Woolsey, Anna Zhou head photographer: Jake Freeman photographers/artists: Julia Bolter, Nick Crain, Talia Edelheit, Tom Gaasadelen, Abby Gieske, Cici Holmquist, Elizabeth Jarvey, Anna Pugh, Raquel Radenbaugh, Zai Rutter, Jessica Smith, Annika Smith-Ortiz graphic designer: Tom Gaasedelen advisor: Elizabeth Barniskis
Zephyrus is a monthly publication produced by students of Edina High School; 6754 Valley View Road; Edina, MN 55439; (952) 848-3800 x3087. Zephyrus is an open forum for student expression that recognizes the First Amendment guarentee of freedom of the press, and abides by Tinker standard. Opinions published in Zephyrus do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff, advisor, administration, or entire student body. Submissions and letters are printed based on space available. Anonymous letters may be printed only if a Zephyrus advisor or editor knows the author’s identity. Letters should be mailed to the school or given to the advisor or a staff member. Zephyrus reserves the right to edit any letters for clarity and length.
Opinion 9 www.edinazephyrus.com
Volume 33 Issue 1
October 5, 2012
Spring Summer
Most people are easy to dismiss spring as the best season. Without a central holiday, or even a really a holiday at all (except for May Day, but really, who knows what May Day even is), spring doesn’t have much excitement centered around it. However, spring has many qualities that make it far superior to any other season. First of all, spring weather is perfect for anyone. For those of you who love the cold winter weather, in the early weeks of the spring there’s still enough snow on the ground to enjoy one more run down the ski hill at Hyland’s, or one last ride down the sledding hill without looking like a complete marshmallow with your puffy winter coat on top of three layers of sweatshirts and long underwear. Furthermore, if you’re a fan of or frequently sport the groutfit, the crisp weather is still cool enough for you to work it. For those of you who love the warm summer weather, spring is the end of the cold, perpetual months that were covered in snow and oppressive layers. Finally, going outside won’t blind you with the sun’s reflection off the snow and you can get out and enjoy the outdoor activities that you love, such as casual strolls around the park or just looking out the window (same thing right?). Since there’s also warmer weather, you can finally put on the shorts that you bought on sale at the end of the season last year that have been hibernating in the back of your drawer. So while you’re busy freezing in the winter, sweating bullets in the summer, and crying over the onset of school in the fall, just remember that spring will be just around the corner. Hayley Morrison, opinion editor
6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
Remember that hot, summer sun? Or those tan beach bodies? And how could anyone forget the sand up your butt? I do. I remember summer’s glory. It’s the season kids eagerly wait for during nine painful months like a pregnant mother awaiting her baby. If the heat is too much, get out of the kitchen and move to Antarctica. Summer is the definition of freedom and the king of fun. Here’s a list of amusing activities to do while enjoying the summer bliss: 1.Hit up the lakes. Luckily Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes, therefore there are many to choose from. Calhoun and Bryant Lake are popular hotspots where you can swim, canoe, slack line, build sandcastles, take scenic tours, or just relax on the beach. 2.Get involved in a local activity. Edina runs many programs for kids during the summer to keep us entertained. House league soccer is a popular sport for many younglings and teenagers. “House league is a great way to keep busy and see you friends. I love to score” said Katelynn LaHaye, a senior who played on the Crushers last year. Other fun activities include “Traveling Teens,” classes at the Edina Art Center, and cross country summer running. 3.Go to camp. The YMCA runs a great, affordable camp system, with camps that range from easy day camps to two-week rigorous canoe trips. There are also more intellectual camps like the summer debate program at the University of Michigan or the medical program at Northwestern for those missing school’s knowledge. Christina Dovolis, staff writer
f o e l s t n t o Ba eas S e h t
Autumn
When the leaves start changing and the air becomes crisp, it’s hard not to fall for fall. Senior Avalon Swenson is a fan of fall because of “The football games, weather and trees. Everything about it just is really calm and you get to start seeing everybody again...it just makes me really happy.” Here are five reasons why fall is for sure the best season: 1.Comfort Weather. Autumn is not too hot and not too cold. It’s perfect weather for cozying up in your favorite cardi or pullover while still looking cute. Better yet, warm up with a hot chocolate or Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. 2.Football. There’s nothing like basking under those friday night lights and cheering on the Hornets with all of your friends, or watching the Vikings lose yet again on a chilly Sunday afternoon. 3.Activities.There’s so much to do in the fall! Gather your friends and visit an apple orchard, corn maze, haunted house, or simply rake up a pile of leaves in your front yard and jump in! 4.Colors. Fall is by far the prettiest season. With the trees changing colors, the jack-o-lanterns lighting up houses, and scarecrows decorating the front yards, the world is bathed in warm colors, which creates a cozy atmosphere. 5.Holidays. The two best holidays are during fall, but that might just be because they both involve food. First, Halloween is the only day in which kids are allowed to completely stuff their faces with candy and adults can pretend to be someone else for a night. And, of course, Thanksgiving is probably the only night that it’s socially acceptable to have seven helpings and promptly fall into a food coma.
Ashley Smith, online editor in chief
Winter
Winter is definitely the most underrated season in Minnesota. It’s the season that gives us a bad reputation with Southerners and that makes Canadians laugh at us for complaining so much. Snow falls, temperatures dip down into the negatives, and craziness ensues. Despite this, I love winter. It’s a big part of why the Twin Cities are such an amazing place to live, and here’s why: The first snow. Sure, it’s a burden when you have to shovel it off the walk in late February, but if you deny that looking out at snow falling softly on a December evening and blanketing the earth is one of the most beautiful things in the world, you have no soul. Winter sports. They’re just more fun. Skiing, cross-country or downhill, is exhilarating – going down a hill at a few dozen miles per hour and feeling the wind and seeing the trees blur together is one of the coolest things ever. Also, you are never too old for sledding. Holidays. And not just the obvious ones. Reconnecting with family in late December is great and all, but winter is the season of long weekends and long breaks. Enjoy the food, enjoy the company, and, well, enjoy not being in school. It’s invigorating. There’s something about the winter air that makes everything feel better. Maybe it’s the crisp blue skies above the tree line, or maybe it’s the sense of camaraderie that we Minnesotans feel at surviving five months of freeze, but there’s no doubt that life just feels good during the winter. Micah Osler, news editor
Vote for your favorite season at edinazephyrus.com!
art by Tom Gaasedelen
Be sure to check out edinazephyrus.com for articles on....
Harvard Cheating Scandal
A sophomore response to TodaysMeet
Honey Boo Boo
10 Culture www.edinazephyrus.com
Volume 33 Issue 1
October 5, 2012
6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
Fall into TV shows Looking for the scoop on the hottest TV shows returning and premiering this fall? Well be sure to free up some DVR space because Zephyrus has got you covered.
Ima���� �ha�!
art by Sloane Nilsen
W
��� y�� ��e� t� �n�� �b�u� Ima���� Drag�n�
e’ve all heard of classic boy bands like The Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and New Kids on the Block, but the group Imagine Dragons takes the term boy band to a whole new level. Members include lead singer Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzmen. Imagine Dragons are not just a boy band by any common definition. They are a group of Las Vegas natives that never expected to be as successful as they are today. They came out with a deb u t a l b u m , “Continued Silence-EP,” that includes hit singles like “It’s Time,” “Radioactive,” and “On Top of the World.” Their album slowly made its way up the charts and eventually made it to the top ten on iTunes. They have spent the last couple of years touring and doing festivals throughout the country. Imagine Dragons even preformed at the famous Basilica Block Party alongside bands including Train and Tyrone Wells. They connect with their fans by meeting people after shows, following them on Twitter, and personally tweeting at people who ask questions. Senior Alicia Jacques, an avid fan, says she loves Imagine Dragons because “they love their fans and try to make personal relationships with everyone they can.” Sometimes the band members personally tweet encouraging words of wisdom to their fans and share pictures on Instagram, giving their fans an intimate look into their everyday lives. Imagine Dragons recently released a second album called “Night Visions” that made it to the iTunes top overall album list. They are touring throughout the US right now with AWOLNATION and are selling out venues fast. They have been in the public eye lately, making appearances on shows such as “The Jay Leno Show”. Imagine Dragons are a great up-and-coming band that love to connect with their fans and change the world with their alternative music. Jacques summarizes Imagine Dragons as a band that “can turn someone’s day around with their lyrics.” Ellie Lagorio, coordinating manager
“The Voice” Returning for its third season, “The Voice” has completely changed the definition of a singing competition. However, it’s the judges that manage to take the spotlight. The chemistry between Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, and Adam Levine is unbeatable. Junior Harry DeGrood said, “I like ‘The Voice’ because there’s a lot of musically talented individuals.” “The Voice” recently beat rival “The X-Factor” in ratings. Mondays and Tuesdays 8/7c NBC “Modern Family” This hit series is beginning its fourth season, and sophomore Emily Gardner is hooked. “They’re hilarious. Phil Dunphy is my favorite person,” she said. Look out for guest star Wendy McLendon-Covey from “Bridesmaids,” Matthew Broderick, and many more. Wednesdays 9/8c ABC “Revolution” The previews of this new series made it seem like it was just another post-apocalyptic show starring Katniss from “The Hunger Games,” which is pretty much what it’s about, but there’s a lot of potential here. “Revolution” follows Charlie (Katniss) on a journey to find out what caused the blackout, an event that occurred fifteen years earlier, causing electricity to turn off. Mondays 10/9c NBC “The Big Bang Theory” Now beginning its seventh season, “The Big Bang Theory” is a favorite among many EHS students. “Amy and Sheldon have the best love story since ‘Twilight’,” said sophomore Lydia Zenner. Sophomore Lilly Bendel-Stenzel agreed, “All the jokes make sense to me; it makes me feel really nerdy.” TV’s highest rated comedy series will return on September 27th. Thursdays 8/7c CBS
photo courtesy of NASA Webb Telescope and Creative Commons Raj in his apartment in “The Big Bang Theory.” “The New Normal” “The New Normal” follows a gay couple as they find a surrogate to have their baby. They find a bubbly young woman with a nine-year old, and her hilarious grandmother tags along. Tuesdays 9/8c NBC With the beginning of the school year comes the beginning of new TV. From comedy to adventure, there is a show for everyone. Tune into your favorite channel and see what your old and new friends are up to. Drew Davis, staff writer
The Edina Cinema: the artsy alternative to AMC The Edina Cinema is the theater with pastel pink and blue plastering the walls and a curiously unique concession stand. This venue might not cross the mind of the average high school student, but it is a fun place that you should think about next time you’re looking for something to do. Even the name “Cinema” suggests a certain superiority, and it really is a high class establishment. Edina Cinema employee Jack Swiler said, “I like that they show movies you won’t see in other movie theaters in the Metro area.” They show films for everyone’s tastes, even independent and often foreign films. The movie “Robot and Frank” is currently showing at the
Edina Cinema. As an old criminal slowly ages, his close family begins to worry about him. Instead of being sent to a retirement home, Frank is given a robot to help him through his everyday life. As the movie progresses, the robot becomes less of a foreign slave, and more of a friend and sidekick. The movie stays light and comedic as Frank slowly rediscovers what he loves about life. The documentary “Searching for Sugar Man” outlines the mysterious, and interesting life of Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, an unsuccessful American musician from the early 70s. Though his records flopped in the U.S., they managed to become some
photo by Megan Couture
of the must-have albums for South African households. The social and political effects of his music are astonishing. He showed people they were able to rebel from society and express their opinions regardless of what other people think. The Edina Cinema is a delightful venue. A place filled with culture, life, and some of the best films of our time. Come check out “Robot and Frank,” “Searching for Sugar Man,” and a variety of other independent movies. They may not be traditional, but that definitely doesn’t mean they aren’t worth your time. Jackson Van Dyke, staff writer
Culture
6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
Volume 33 Issue 1
October 5, 2012
11
www.edinazephyrus.com
“His Dark Materials” What it is: Enter a world where your soul takes an animal form beside you, where witches fly the night skies, and armored polar bears battle across frozen ice. His Dark Materials series, written by Phillip Pullman, tracks the journey of Lyra Belacqua who sets out on a quest with her priceless Golden Compass, a fortune-telling object, to discover the effects of dust, a mysterious “God particle.”
Why has this been looked over significantly? Much controversy spread over the issue of Phillip Pullman being an atheist. Parts of society declared Pullman’s work “unchristian.” Although the basis and events, especially during the last novel “The Amber Spyglass,” are actually very controversial, we need to recognize that Pullman wrote noteworthy fiction. Fiction, not fact.
“The Lord of the Rings” What it is: Frodo, a hobbit, finds it necessary to cast the One Ring, a mystical piece of dark magic that makes its wearer invisible (and occasionally turns said wearer into a dark, twisted creature bent only on destruction and other evil things), into the flames of Mount Doom in faraway Mordor. Subsequently, many interesting and quite entertaining things happen. Well, it may be the most expansive fantasy epic of all time, as well as the best-imagined, but there’s a reason that Tolkein’s work is often called a legendarium – it’s sprawling and mythological, and totally worth diving into. Pretty much any work of fantasy you’d want to read today has its roots in Lord of the Rings. And with “The Hobbit” coming out
“The Chronicles of Narnia” What it is: Journey to the land Narnia, where adventure awaits! The novel follows the story of four children; Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. As the novel progresses, we follow them through their quests. Beginning with “The Magician’s Nephew”, and ending with “The Last Battle”, C.S. Lewis takes you on a fantasy journey where nothing seems as it is. Sure, there have been movies for three of the Narnia books. Everyone has read “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”. But, what about the other books? Why has no one read them? It is a huge metaphor for Christianity, yet remains uncontroversial. Not only are the books quick reads, the series is the parent of modern-day fantasy. Sloane Nilsen and Micah Osler, art and news editor
soon, it’s pretty relevant, too.
Fantasy Novels That Need Some Dusting Off
The
Zoo of Cray-Cray Animals
www.edinazephyrus.com
Volume 33 Issue 1
October 5, 2012
12
6754 Valley View Rd. Edina, MN 55439
Your Personal Tour:
Welcome to the Zoo of Cra[z]y-Cra[z]y Animals! I’m your tour guide, Frodo Baggins, and I’m about to take you on a fantastical journey. It will be the funnest (sp?) experience of your lyfe! Our most popular attraction features the Hogcrocs (HedgehogCrocodiles), who have been genetically cross-bred. Smuggled out of the African country of England, Hogcrocs survive only on water and food. While they are known to be ferocious, aren’t we all? If you need to freshen up already (it smells weird out here, doesn’t it?) feel free to check out our very own unisex toilets. All right, moving on. Next we come to the Tower of the Flying Pigs. This is about as cray-cray as you can get! Pigs with wings? Who would have thought of that! Besides the cross-breeder... haha. They come from the town of Hong Kong, India, and snort frequently. Why don’t you try it? Come on, snort! ... Haha, got all of you. Snorting is actually part of their mating ritual. Yikes. Now we move to the Squirrel Conservatory. These aren’t gentically cross-bred. They are just cray-cray enough as it is. Sometimes you see them dead. On the road. And now the Prairie of the Invisible Skonkeys. Skunk-donkey crosses, they are mutated so the human eye can’t see them. Often they find it funny to sneak up behind tourists and give you a little taste of their medicine. (Their stink is actually proven to help with the common cold.) My favorite part! The Dogamel Race Track. Later on, you can rent your own camel with a dog’s head, and race your friends! No, they do not store water in their humps. Apparently they store food they cannot digest. ... Yes, sir, I’m think they can digest spam. Finally, we come to the Swamp of the Elerats. Rats with elephant’s heads, who often trip on their very long snouts. They come from the town of Illinois, Chicago. Apparently they were having trouble there with living in the sewers. Yes, in fact, I believe they started climbing up the toilet pipes and scaring the daylights out of their unforunate victims. I believe they are happier in the swamp.
Pond of the Hogcrocs
Unisex Toilets
Squirrel Conservatory
Tower of the Flying Pigs
Prairie of the Skonkeys Swamp of the Elerats
Dogamel Race Track
art by back page editor Sloane Nilsen, staff writer Christina Dovolis, and Jake Meyers, who drew an elerat. GET CRAY, EHS!