www.edinazephyrus.com
October 2, 2015| 36:1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
p. 4 Features
NEWS
p. 6 C U LT U R E p.
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Humor
OPINION
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
What will be the Class of 2016’s Legacy? Audrey Sheehy print editor in chief
most of which would be better off forgotten. A new year has just I just want to say a begun, and the class of 2016 few words about our display is cruising through its last at our first senior meeting. year roaming the halls of I mean, guys: I know we Edina High School. Some all finally made it here, of us cherish these halls, but just because we are some of us hate them, and seniors doesn’t mean that others of us probably still we are entitled to blatantly can’t find our way around. disrespect everyone. I love Senior year has been a good joke as much as the drilled into our brains as the next person, but I think we year “memories are made,” all can agree that when it but believe me, class of keeps going, and going, and 2016, we have already made going, it’s just beating many, many memories, a dead horse. Can we not listen to Doc Loc for ten
Online
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On The Cover Gage Aulik (Cover Art) Katie Manderfeld (Header) Editorial Board Audrey Sheehy, print editor in chief Erik Lindquist, online editor in chief Madeline Marker, public relations editor Megan Hussey, human recources editor
Noah Chestler, print copy editor John Osler, online copy editor Farhia Osman, art editor Page Editors Hugh Cashman Nate Saunders Christina Orth
Isabel Thompson Anna Gratzer Megan Talghader Colette Bruder Nikki Lund Becca Edgington Molly Sparrow Lillie Westbrook
minuets? We are still students at EHS, and we still have to follow the same guidelines as everyone else. Just because we are seniors doesn’t mean we are special exceptions. I know everyone is tired of hearing the legacy talk, but honestly it’s the first of our last legacy talks. Maybe we need to change our mentalities. Instead of thinking we are superior to the people who run the school and are here to help us learn, maybe we should remember to cherish all aspects of our last year, the good parts and the monotonous parts. I don’t understand how we can be blatantly told we are the worst grade that has come through EHS and take pride in it. Looking at our track record, it is totally plausible to consider us the worst grade that has come through EHS; our grade has made so many mistakes. Let’s think about it for Staff Writers Daniela Garcia Anne Amen Ben Gustafson Tanner Jones Greta Morton Will Schwinghammer Jenna Simon
a second. Our sophomore year we basically ruined Sadie’s because we can’t control ourselves in public. Now the school has to breathalyze at dances. We can’t seem to keep it together during the football games. Now they check our bags. Did students in other grades contribute to these crack downs? Sure, but we had to take it one step farther. This is our legacy, and we haven’t started senior year off on a good foot. All eyes are on us, and all we can do is make fools of ourselves. Senior year is fun, but it isn’t a joke. We still have time to turn it around, class of 2016. Let’s stand up and be the leaders we are meant to be. If we want the freedom and privileges of adults, we need to stop acting like children.
Head Staff Writer Sophie Cannon
Photographer Nate Saunders, head photographer Artist Gage Aulik Advisor Sally Larkins
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.
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Edina Man Shot By Police say at least five police cars. They were the big SUV squad ones, and the smaller ones, you could tell that higher, official police were there. They called in everyone,” Docherty said. On Aug. 8 there was a police-involved According to the Star Tribune, Reinsmoen shooting on 7150 Cahill Road, according to the was charged with assault and being a felon in Edina Police Crime Report. The same report possession of a firearm. The firearm in question claims that the shooting took place during was reportedly a black, semi-automatic BB gun. a welfare check, a visit by officers meant to The Edina Police Department has issued ensure that he wasn’t a risk to himself or others. press releases regarding the incident. According The suspect was confronted by his parents to the releases, Edina Police Chief Dave Nelson about seeking psychological help, and after believes that his officers handled a “very he threatened them, they called 911. The Star challenging situation in an appropriate and Tribune said that the only person injured was reasonable manner under the circumstances.” the suspect, who was then The report also taken to Hennepin County says that the officers Medical Center in critical involved were Keith condition. Boerger, who has According to the been employed as an Star Tribune, the man Edina Police Officer shot was a 35-year-old since 2003, and David Colin Reinsmoen, who Boosalis, who has had a previous record been an Edina Police including convictions for Officer since 2007. drug possession, drug They are both on paid paraphernalia, robbery, administrative leave, as fleeing police, and making is department policy. harassing phone calls. He “I still do feel has also violated a nosafe because I know contact order issued after a that there was a large domestic abuse incident. police presence there According to the crime right away and no one report, officers conducted a Colin Reinsmoen, the suspect ended up getting hurt except for the threatening welfare check. The Star Tribune says that during subject, and also I know that my neighborhood the course of the welfare check, which took place specifically is safe,” Docherty said. Even with after an altercation including threats towards his something like this happening in the bubble of parents, Reinsmoen was covered in a blanket on Edina, Docherty isn’t worried. “I think that the couch. When officers entered his apartment people should take more caution, although Edina he threw off the blanket and exposed a weapon. is considered to be super safe, a lot more crime The officers responded by firing 17 times at him, happens than I think people realize, so people wounding the suspect. should always be safe,” Docherty said. According Edina High School senior Megan Docherty to the Star Tribune, this was the first policelives a few blocks away and was driving by with involved shooting in Edina in 13 years. The friends after the shooting. “The entire entrance Edina Police Department kept the situation under was blocked off,” Docherty said. Docherty also control. and only the suspect was injured. They described the large police presence after the continue to keep the people of Edina safe. shooting. “There were many police cars, I would
Lake Calhoun Name Change
photo courtesy of CBS Minnesota
in 1820), represents an ugly time in U.S. history, and yet Minnesotans unwittingly hail on of the slave movement’s biggest advocates every time they suggest meeting up with their friends at “Lake Calhoun,” The increased controversy surrounding the Calhoun name has caught the attention of the members of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, who have been encouraged to take action. The Park Board has the power to change the name of the lake if they find another “generally accepted” name in addition to Calhoun. The board convened and voted on Sept. 2nd to simply add the original Dakota name, “Bde Maka Ska.” which translates to Lake White Earth, to the lake’s existing signs rather than change its official name. The addition to the Lake Calhoun name was not adequate enough to appease those calling for a change. “It was a very small and somewhat disappointing first step, I think Minneapolitans and Minnesotans have a different set of values than whatwhen you really think about it - the name of Lake Calhoun represents,” said Bourn. The board’s decision acknowledges that most Minnesotans will not stop calling Lake Calhoun “Lake Calhoun”; however, the
Christina Orth news editor
Will Schwinghammer staff writer
Minneapolis is the last place one would expect to find places named after proponents of slavery. Surprisingly enough, one of Minneapolis’ most iconic destinations takes its name from one of the most prominent advocates for slavery in American history. Lake Calhoun’s name has recently come under fire amid the ongoing debate and unrest regarding the history of slavery in our nation. Lake Calhoun’s namesake, John C. Calhoun, was a South Carolinian Senator who dedicated much of his political career justifying slavery and promoting ideas of racial superiority. In one of his infamous speeches, John Calhoun called slavery “a positive good.” Amid the horrible shooting tragedy in Charleston, S.C., many Minneapolitans have called for the lake’s name to be changed. Many claim that the lake’s name is the Minnesota equivalent of Confederate Flag that until recently flew in South Carolina. In the wake of this summer’s massacre in South Carolina, renewed efforts to change Lake Calhoun’s name are in full swing. Activists have collected almost 5,000 signatures from people who believe that the name “Calhoun” embodies the racial subjugation that our country facilitated and the ramifications that still linger today. “We haven’t answered the question, is John C. East Lake Calhoun alternate sign Calhoun somebody that name addition sheds light on Minnesota’s the Minneapolis Park Board wants to honor complicated history and Native American and somebody that Minneapolitans want heritage. to honor?” said Brad Bourn, a Park Board Commissioner and an advocate for the name change.The name Calhoun (given to the lake photo courtesy of Star Tribune
NEWS
The Louis Vuitton Handbag Heist
This July, eight Chicago men were arrested and charged after an attempted robbery of the luxury store Louis Vuitton in the Edina Galleria. The theft resulted in a high-speed chase that involved Edina and other Metro Police Departments. At 10:09 a.m., an employee at the Louis Vuitton store in Edina reported that some people entered the store and grabbed as much merchandise as they could carry before fleeing. Though Louis Vuitton employees are not allowed to interview on the subject, police say the employee went to the back of the store while the men stole $20,000 worth of merchandise. “I would’ve stayed quiet and tried to not draw attention to myself,” said former Edina graduate Bella Pugliese, a Louis Vuitton customer, when asked what she would’ve done in the employee’s place. Police say no weapons were involved nor did the men injure anybody at the store. Seven of the men ran out to a waiting van, the authorities said. Luckily, a former security guard was parked in the lot and became suspicious of the van. After seeing the men run out with merchandise, security ropes and tags still attached, he called police and followed the van as it headed south on Penn Avenue. The high-speed chase, with speeds nearing 100 miles per
freeway and hit another vehicle, but no injuries were reported. Also, Edina Police say at some point during the pursuit, someone seemed to be throwing jewelry out the window. The chase ended at 10:35 a.m. at the Interstate 94/494/694 junction in Woodbury after a Bloomington officer pulled a PIT maneuver to intercept and stop the minivan, police said. The PIT maneuver, or precision immobilization technique, is a pursuit tactic by which a pursuing car can force a fleeing car to abruptly turn sideways, causing the driver to lose control and stop. Many officers exited their vehicles with guns drawn to arrest the men. “I’m assuming they handled it well since they [the police] caught them shortly after the robbery happened,” said Pugliese. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges against the eight men, which authorities think may be part of a regional theft ring. Several of the men charged in the Galleria theft have been identified in videos of thefts at high-end malls in other states which has caused the FBI to investigate. Some are left wondering why these men came to rob a store in Edina. Nevertheless, the police departments involved celebrated, as the theft was ultimately unsuccessful. “I would still feel safe shopping at the Galleria,” Pugliese said. photo courtesy of Josie Al-Najim
Ben Gustafson staff writer
The scene of the crime at the Galleria hour, covered at least 25 miles, with the van careening through traffic. Police from Edina, Bloomington, and Woodbury, as well as State Troopers were all involved in the chase. At one point, the van tried to avoid some police “stop sticks” on the
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Crime Prevention at Art Festival photo by Nate Saunders
2015’s Fall into the Arts Festival Anne Amen staff writer
Lou Nanne’s New Steakhouse Becca Edgington culture editor Louis Vincent Anthony Nanne was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada on June 2, 1941. He is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame and of the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame. Now he plans to put his name on a steakhouse here in Edina. “We think the location is perfect for a steakhouse. The location has office space close by and a lot of traffic in the area,” said Nanne. He will be opening it with a co-owner, Mark McDermott, who already owns a restaurant group which includes Rojo Mexican Grill and Ling & Louie’s. “Michael is a pro in the business with a tremendous background in the industry,” said Nanne Of twenty Edina High School students polled, only one knew Lou Nanne’s Steakhouse was opening in Edina. However, all but a few were excited to hear the news that a steakhouse is coming to the Centennial Lake complex, and most said they would eat there. Five out of ten staff members polled said they had heard about the steakhouse; eight said they would eat there, and only two said they were not interested. The exact date of the opening is unknown at this point but we know it will be opening in early 2016 and will be located at 7651 France Avenue South at the location of the former Romano’s Macaroni Grill. “We hope to open by the first of February. We do have plans for another one as well,” said Nanne. He describes the feel they’re going for as “classy casual.” Like Macaroni Grill, it will be a perfect spot for families, friends, and couples out for date night.
photo coutesy of Lou Nanne
The Fall into the Arts Festival held annually at Centennial Lakes is more than just a collection of eclectic metal pig sculptures, handcrafted jewelry, and original art created by local vendors. It is also a fundraiser for the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, an organization “all about keeping Edina safe, and protecting the citizens and residents of Edina,” according to Michael Fray, the General Manager of the Edina Art Center and coordinator of the festival. The Fall into the Arts Festival has been running for 12 years, and was originally launched by Kenneth Earl Rosland during his time on the Edina Art Center Board. Fray attributes the success of the festival to “the quality of work, and we hold it the second week in September, so the weather usually is beautiful, which brings a lot of people out.” The fundraiser rents city-owned space to the artists, and food vendors with the rental fee going toward the Edina Crime Prevention Fund. Last year, the art fair raised approximately $48,000 in revenue. However, not all the profits go to the fund. “The crime fund keeps half, and the other half is donated to the city. 25% of the total goes to the Edina Art Center, and another 25% goes to the Centennial Lakes Park,” said former Edina Mayor Denny Maetzold.
The Crime Fund uses profits from the festival for a number of different programs and pilots across Edina. A relatively new piece of technology that the fund purchased for the Edina Police “is called the Sky Cam, and you can park [it] in any location. There are four video cameras, there’s audio, and it accesses computers so someone can be sitting in a police car far away from the machine and the machine can monitor areas that are high risk or that have a lot of crime,” said Fray. The Edina Crime Prevention Fund helps the Edina Police expand their programs and advance their technology to be better equipped to keep Edina safe. “Where the police department doesn’t have the right resources… the fund will come forward and provide all the resources that the police department needs. For instance, they are a big proponent of our bike and motorcycle patrols, and now the mobile surveillance system that was recently purchased, all of which helps out,” said Officer Derin Cizek of the Edina Police Department. Edina Police also maintain a presence in the public schools, beginning with a 3rd grade “junior police” program that discusses ways for kids to remain safe. There are two police liaisons in the Edina Public School system, one at the elementary schools and one at the high school. The police department also conducts the teen safe driving initiative and a simulated drunk driving course. The work of the Crime Prevention Fund helps the police to maintain these programs and many others around the city. The Fall into the Arts Festival remains the only fundraising event for the crime fund -they depend largely on private donors to finance the program. It provides a unique opportunity to bring art and safety to the citizens of Edina. “Arts always make a community more vibrant, more liveable. It improves the quality of life, and as the Director of the Edina Art Center, that’s a passion of mine,” said Fray.
NEWS
Nanne in his North Star Days
Cultural liasions newest asset to EPS staff and district
photo courtesy of Edina Public Schools
The job of a cultural liaison is to act as a bridge between a specific cultural group and a broader community. They help families to become more involved in an area and its school system. Edina High School recently hired two cultural liaisons to improve relations with Latino and Somali demographics. “The cultural liaison position was created in order to better family outreach for our Somali families and to help them take full advantage of the resources Edina Public Schools offer. The positions will also help narrow the academic achievement gap for minorities by working with them and their teachers ... especially in the areas where they need help academically,” said Edina Cultural Liaison, Abdul Abdullahi, who works with Somali families. “The cultural liaison is an effort to strengthen the link between students and their families with the school’s’ staff. In my case, I was hired to be the Abdul Abdullahi link between Hispanic
families and Edina Public Schools,” said Bianca Diaz de Leon, who works with Latino families. Cultural liaisons work throughout the entire district. “Our roles were created to serve all nine schools in the district and even the family center at the district office buildings,” said Abdullahi. This allows not only students, but their parents, families and teachers to connect with Edina’s school system and community. “I do work with all the nine schools. But mainly with the secondary schools: Valley View, South View, and the High School,” said Diaz de Leon. Edina’s cultural liaisons work hard to connect with students throughout the school day. “One of the best parts of my job is that I get to connect with students during their lunch breaks and chat with them in small groups or sometimes on a one-toone basis. It is one of my best moments because students come alive during their lunch breaks and get to share stories with their friends or classmates,” said Abdullahi. “The best part of my job is to find and connect all kind of resources with the people who need them,” added Diaz de Leon . Edina’s cultural liaisons also have the opportunity to work with teachers. “We also help staff and teachers with their cultural responsiveness towards our students who are bicultural, so they can serve these students the best way they can by having that cultural lens,” said Abdullahi. “Being a Cultural Liaison allows me to facilitate support with families, making the process easier for students. I started working in public schools with English Learners and their
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families, as well as a Title 1 teacher. I realized then that I needed to be connected to the whole family to best support students’ success,” said Diaz de Leon. “I am passionate about helping students and their families achieve their academic goals and to help our district narrow the academic achievement gap for our students of color,” said Abdullahi Bianca Diaz de Leon on why he chose this job. “Now I am working with the four parts involved in a child’s education: parents, the students, the school’s staff, and the community. This job gives me the opportunity to link all of them to support children to reach academic success,” said Diaz de Leon. “I am ready to help our students of color and their families reach their full potential and prosper in their academic, social and communal experiences here at Edina Public Schools,” said Abdullahi.
photo courtesy of Edina Public Schools
Colette Bruder opinion editor
Project Earth Tanner Jones staff writier
photo by Nate Saunders
Founder of Project Earth, Sarah Stefanik
Erik Linquist online editor in chief
A number of faculty and staff were added to Edina High School’s arsenal this year. One of said faculty is Margot Cowing, the new business teacher who previously taught at Bentonville High School in Arkansas. “We’re lucky to have a great and fun teacher with a plethora of business knowledge,” said senior and DECA officer Jack Sherwood. Cowing is teaching a new class called Business Dynamics. “It’s like a management foundation course, so it covers a lot of the things that students don’t really get when they take Personal Finance and DECA 1 & 2. Right now we’ve been working on social responsibility and ethics, and soon we’ll move into business law and human resources,” said Cowing. The class consists of students with a mixture of business experience, mostly because it has sophomores, juniors, and seniors in it. “[It’s] interesting planning and developing activities that not only keep the students who are just
getting their first glimpse of a business class engaged but also those who have had other [business classes].” While it’s her first year teaching Business Dynamics, it’s certainly not the first business course she has taught. “I’ve taught marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, and computer applications” said Cowing. Before teaching, Cowing was a consumer affairs advisor in the direct marketing division at LEGO. “I responded to consumer inquiries over the phone or by email. The customerfocused policies that LEGO had made it easy for me to keep the customers happy! I also became responsible for leading and developing training for new hires and handling escalated consumer calls,” said Cowing. Students in her class are well aware of their teacher’s expertise. “From day one, Mrs. Cowing seemed like a very knowledgeable woman, having great experience with her past job experience at LEGO. I think her knowledge will make getting an A in Business Dynamics a piece of cake,”
said senior Charlie DeGrood. Bentonville High School is a little different than EHS in a number of ways and it has been a process for Cowing to adjust. Her previous school had freshmen, a bigger student body, a dress code, and a 90 minute block schedule like we have in our middle schools. “Everything is a balance. Getting used to a crazy schedule is tough, but I get to see the kids every day, which is nice,” said Cowing. Cowing has a daughter at Valley View Middle School, a son, Hunter, a junior here at EHS, and a daughter who just started her second year at the University of Minnesota.
New business teacher, Margot Cowing
A+ for Nurse Administator Jenna Simon staff writer This year, Edina High School’s health services coordinator Mary Heiman had the honor of being named Nurse Administrator of the Year by the School Nurse Organization of Minnesota. The SNOM has honored school nurses with similar awards since 1972, and the award is given once a year in recognition of school nurses throughout the state who have shown true dedication and talent in their profession. Heiman is the first health service coordinator from Edina to earn this award in 15 years. “It means a great deal personally and professionally,” said Heiman. “I’ve never been the recipient of a professional award. It is quite humbling to be honored by my peers in the School Nurse Organization of Minnesota.” Heiman’s career as a nurse started after her graduation from the University of Minnesota. Before working in school health, she had several experiences relating to intensive care, home care, and clinical work. “I have taken advantage of many opportunities related to nursing,” Heiman said. “I’ve lived in different states, I have visited other countries, and I have met amazing people.” Heiman’s main responsibility as the health services coordinator for Edina is to oversee and support the several health associates and school nurses throughout the district. She is committed to making sure the students of Edina are given the assistance they need to help with any health concern they may have, whether it be physical or emotional. “Staff must be proactive, prepared, and supported to work with the physical and emotional concerns of all students and their family members,” said Heiman. In addition to working with the school nurses and health associates throughout the Edina school district, Heiman also believes in the importance of communicating with teachers when concerning students’ health. “An important part [of school nursing] is collaborating with teachers so they can understand how important a student’s health is to their learning,” said Heiman.
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art by Meredith Song
Project Earth is one of many new clubs this year at Edina High School. Much like other groups seen around Edina schools, such as South View’s SVEG, the purpose of Project Earth is to help raise awareness about environmental issues at the school. The club also desires to move the school in a more energy efficient and ecologically conscious direction. Project Earth plans to target a variety of environmental concerns. Senior Sarah Stefanik, founder of Project Earth, has long been interested in the environment. Last spring she spent time working with the Edina Energy and Environment Commission. “We helped with this April 8 forum last year, where we had Paul Douglas come and teach about community solar,” Stefanik said. Douglas is a well-regarded Twin Cities author and meteorologist who appeared in Fick Auditorium last year in response to Edina’s interest in community solar. “[We] Would make a community solar garden. Then people could buy energy from it and get a reduction on their Xcel Energy,” said Stefanik. Stefanik explained that her work with the commission inspired her to establish the club. The topic of energy efficiency, discussed at the forum, fits right in to Stefanik’s goals for Project Earth. “We’d like solar panels on the school, but with the expansion this isn’t the best time. We’re thinking of incorporating energy efficiency in the new parts of the building from the referendum,” said Stefanik. Stefanik’s interest in the environment is part of a trend both in Minnesota, and the nation as a whole. Inspired to preserve the planet, ours, more than any other generation, has expressed concern over the state of the planet. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 60 percent of teens believe that previous generations had left them worse-off environmentally. This mindset is influential in pushing young people to spend time working to improve the environment. Striving to make our planet last for generations to come, students involve themselves in activities like Project Earth. It may come as a surprise to some that Earth Day has been around for 45 years, yet EHS is just now forming a club to address these issues. Though there have always been ecologically minded students at the high school, Stefanik’s club is something that is new to EHS. Stefanik hopes that Project Earth can make a lasting impact on the school and the community of Edina. The club will address a wide range of environmental issues, from increasing the population of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, to eliminating invasive species. “This year we hope to plant flowers and trees for the bees and butterflies because right now there are big issues with pollinators and we’re also thinking of pulling the buckthorn from the woods behind the lower field. At this point though, we’re still brainstorming for the club,” said Stefanik. Even after Stefanik leaves the high school she hopes that Project Earth can continue to thrive, saying: “I hope that in five years Project Earth can become a bigger club and that more students are aware of the environment and the effects that they have on the environment. I hope the future members can continue to help the school become more environmentally friendly.”
Cowing Comes to EHS
photo by Nate Saunders
FEATURES
A part of being a school nurse administrator that Heiman enjoys the most is involving both teachers and other health administrators throughout the district in assisting in the health concerns of students, so that students can feel comfortable and be assisted in the smoothest way possible. “I enjoy exploring systems which improve and make the work staff more efficient,” said Heiman. “When they are more efficient, health staff can spend more time working with their students.” When she is not working in school health at Edina, Heiman enjoys being active and spending time with her family. Some of her favorite hobbies include yoga, gardening, and biking. Last summer, Heiman participated in and completed a two day bike ride for cancer. The entire ride was 192 miles. Through her dedication and commitment to her job as the health service coordinator for the Edina school district, Heiman was able to provide outstanding support for the physical and emotional health needs of Edina students. She worked hard to find the best systems to care for students efficiently, demonstrating what it means to be named a School Nurse of the Year and what it means to take pride in a profession. “I love being a nurse!” said Heiman. “If you are looking for a great career in health, talk to your school nurse.”
Black Lives Matter IN-DEPTH
Written by passionate guest writers to inform EHS about this movement 7
FEATURES
Foreign Faces
Sing, Sing, Sing
Isabel Thompson staff writer
If you ever walk past the choir room at 7:15 am on a Wednesday morning, you are guaranteed to hear a deep symphony of men’s voices belting their warm ups before their weekly practice begins. That sound you’re hearing is the men’s chorus, a group of Edina High School boys and dads joining together to do what they love: sing. “It’s a pretty unique deal. I mean you don’t get the chance to sing with 100-plus guys very often… it’s students, teachers, fathers, and community members. That sort of mix doesn’t happen very often,” said Men’s Chorus member and former EHS graduate, Eric Hansen. Hansen, like many others, joined the choir when his children attended EHS and has stuck with it since. Many of the Men’s Chorus members are parents of EHS students and concert choir students, but the group is open to anyone. “Everyone is welcome, no matter what their station in life is. There are no auditions, and so everyone is encouraged to take part,” said Men’s Chorus member Carl Grimsby. “It’s great camaraderie, getting to know the students who come up through the EHS ranks… It’s a great start on a Wednesday morning.” There are numerous benefits to singing
Havana Good Time Part II Jenna Simon staff writer This past summer, Edina High School senior Natalie Omodt had the opportunity to travel to Cuba through a missionary organization. While there, Omodt was able to experience and appreciate Cuban culture while also participating in several humanitarian projects. “I have been interested in Cuba for a very long time,” said Omodt, “and [I] was looking for legal ways to get my feet on Cuban soil before more American influence reached its shoreline again.” Omodt’s interest in traveling to Cuba stemmed from a desire to experience a different culture, and see how life there compared to life in the United States. She also held an interest in what it would be like to work in the Cuban Embassy; however, this dream seemed very unlikely as jobs in the embassy had not been available for over 50 years. “That changed the day my plane touched down in Havana, Cuba, when the U.S. Embassy in Cuba opened its doors once again,” said Omodt.
Some of the humanitarian projects Omodt participated in during her travels include helping people with disabilities, working on a farm, and building a church. However, what she learned while in Cuba stretches beyond just the work she did. Omodt was able to experience first hand how vastly different cultures throughout the world are by meeting with locals and immersing herself in local culture, as she compared what she saw in Cuba to what she had seen on previous trips. “I’ve traveled predominantly to developed countries that are similar to the U.S., but never to an underdeveloped or developing nation,” explained Omodt. “I didn’t know how the living conditions, or lack thereof, would compare to the United States.” Some developed countries Omodt has traveled to outside of the U.S. include Lebanon, Italy, and Finland. The differences between these countries’ lifestyles were fascinating to her, but specifically she found the differences between Finland and Cuba the most interesting. “They are both socialist countries,” she explained, and yet the cultures she was exposed to in the two separate countries were considerably different. Cuba’s culture was very intriguing and exciting to experience. Specifically, Omodt appreciated
Matti Leibetreu, a junior from Germany Junior, Matti Liebetreu, joins us from the Northeastern corner of Germany, right next to Berlin. Liebetreu originally decided to become an exchange student after hearing from his older cousin what a great experience it was. He is staying in Edina for the next 11 months and is looking forward to going to more football games. Similar to Aldewereld, Liebetreu also noticed the amount of pride Americans take in their sports. Seeing students wearing their jerseys to school and spending most of their free time participating in after-school sports is quite a difference from life in Germany. Hosting exchange students is a great way to learn a new language lifelong friends, and have a buddy across the world. Opening up your home to others is the best way to develop these skills and meet new people, and kids from all over the world are always looking for opportunities to immerse themselves in a new and different culture.
the delicious fresh food, the slower way a deeper appreciation of others’ culture, as of life, and the friendliness of the locals well as her own. She learned to remain open towards foreigners. However, the country minded in her perceptions and opinions. “I had very little compared to the other socialist wholeheartedly recommend that students Scandinavian countries Omodt had visited. take any opportunity they can to travel,” said Omodt truly valued the experiences Omodt. “Traveling, no matter the distance, she had while traveling because of the provides opportunities to learn invaluable knowledge she gained of the world around skills and broadens horizons. I cannot her. By traveling to different countries endorse enough the benefits and overall such as Cuba and participating in projects amazingness that traveling offers. I think that there, Omodt was able to become more traveling is one of the best, if not the best, familiar with and learn much more about the way to learn.” country’s culture than she could by staying in the US. Traveling to different countries showed Omodt different perspectives of countries’ lifestyles than she had ever seen beforehand. For example, although she believes communism is still not a successful economic system, Omodt found that it was not as horrible as she had imagined it before her trip. In addition to having the opportunity to gain knowledge of several other countries, Omodt was surprised by how much she learned about herself while she traveled. “[Traveling] is an amazing time to learn about how you function away from your comfort zone,” Omodt said. After traveling, Omodt was able to find O m o d t p l a y s s o c c e r w i t h f r i e n d s o n the beach
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p hoto cou r te s y o f Nata lie O mo dt
Audrey Sheehy print editor-in-chief
photo by Nate Saunders
R e a d m o r e a b o u t E d i n a ’s most musical men!
This year at Edina High School, six foreign exchange students were welcomed into the community. These students have come from all over the world including the Netherlands, Germany, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Norway. The students are here through programs called Youth for Understanding USA, in an all-male group, the main one being Rotary exchange, FLE a-smyle, and the Aifs that lower harmonies are easier to achieve. foundation. The students will be spending the “I think being a part of Men’s Chorus helps year studying at EHS, you may see some of me improve musically. With so many guys them in a class or two. singing parts close to yours, you have to Flor Aldewereld is a 12th grade exchange really concentrate on staying with your student from the Netherlands. Aldewereld has a section,” said senior T.J. Barden. schedule that any high school student would be Men’s Chorus has three concerts jealous of. Since she is an exchange student, she throughout the year: a fall concert, Master is allowed to choose her classes, some of which Works, and Current Jam. The can also include ceramics, creative foods, forensics be found every year at the Homecoming and sports & entertainment marketing. “In the football game, where they traditionally sing Netherlands we don’t have classes where you the National Anthem on the field. make food or pottery, so I am really enjoying At Current Jam, their most attended this change,” said Aldewereld. event, the men’s chorus usually has five Aldewereld was born in New York and has performances. “We try to sing and dance at been wanting to come back to the States ever the same time, which is always a challenge since she was ten years old. “I was going to go for us, but it’s a fun experience,” said to college in Holland this year, but I decided to Grimsby. do what I’ve always wanted to do and just go to Men’s Chorus practices and performs college next year,” said Aldewereld. She made a variety of music. “We do a pretty good contact with one of her mother’s friends who range of music. From classical type things to lives here in Edina and that’s how she came to barber shop to pop,” said Hansen. stay here. The Men’s Chorus provides the The biggest change for Aldewereld is the opportunity for high school students to forge activities and clubs at Edina. Aldewereld is relationships with men in the community. playing soccer this year on Edina’s B team and “It’s really cool working with the adults also plans on trying out for more sports in the that come in because I get to interact with winter. Being at EHS is also very different for a different part of the community… it Aldewereld because in the Netherlands they feels like a community builder rather than don’t have huge sporting events like our football an extension of a high school class,” said games. Edina offers a lot more opportunities Barden. to socialize. “I personally think that school here is way more fun with all the activities like homecoming and prom,” said Aldewereld.
OPINION
Should Math Class Allow Phones? Head-to-Head
Keep the Phones Locked Up Greta Morton staff writer
art by Sophie Cannon
You know those days you spend hour after hour studying for a test? Those nights you stay up cramming for the exam? The relief you feel is incredible when you discover your hard work has paid off. Now, imagine someone else getting the same grade as you. And how did they get their score? They cheated with their cell phone. How do you feel now? This year, our math teachers have begun
We’ve got to work our cell phone usage out.
Megan Hussey human resources editor
information because I wasn’t distracted by my phone!). So, when my peers in Edina claim to be absorbing what their instructor is teaching in addition to using their phones, I know that’s probably not the case. You aren’t able to learn or process the information taught when your focus is on your device. Disrespect is another major issue with cell phones in class. It’s rude when I see my peers make the choice during school to take photos without their permission, post hurtful or impudent comments about a person, or misuse their device in any other way that could humiliate someone else. It’s also disrespectful when your phone draws your attention away from your instructor. Our teachers take time and effort to plan lessons for us. A recent study done by PewResearch revealed that 78 percent of teens own a cell phone. This means in a class of 30, on average, 23 students have the opportunity to cheat with their phones during a test. Will you give in to the temptation? Don’t risk it. Turn in your phones.
Set the Phones Free
I personally rarely use my cell phone during class. During a lecture I am paying attention. My teacher is one who only takes away the cell phone if she sees it. I respect this policy much more than using a cell phone as a means of attendance. I think student-teacher relationships are easily damaged when a teacher puts such little trust in students’ self-control and responsibility. Why would a student respect their teacher if their teacher has no faith in them doing the right thing? It is important to have good relationships with your teachers, especially when it comes to getting extra help easy or asking for college recommendation letters. It seems like it would be hard to have a decent relationship with someone who cannot trust your character. In math I can actually see a academic purpose for a cell phone: a calculator. Now, before you start objecting that everyone should have their own calculator, ultimately those devices are pricey and run out of battery quickly. It is not uncommon for a student to come to math class with a dead calculator, needing to borrow one. A cell phone is an easy solution to this problem, especially if it is not test or quiz day. Lastly, requiring your cell phone at the front of the room everyday forces students who may not have access to a smartphone to share with the class their situation. For students
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who are not able to purchase a smartphone or even just a cellphone, they may have to face embarrassment and judgement from other students. Nobody should be forced to share their financial status with their classmates. This policy potentially creates feelings of economic inferiority. In the end, this cell phone policy is more than likely here to stay. We were given the opportunity to prove ourselves in math last year, and it didn’t go well. This year, we should all use our cell phones responsibly and maybe one day the math teachers will lift this policy.
art by Sophie Cannon
On Aug. 31, every student walked into their math class and most likely noticed the hanging cubbies on the whiteboard. While introducing her course, your respectable math teacher most likely told you that these cubbies will be used as cell phone holders this year. While some teachers only require your cell phone if they see it out, others use it as a way to take attendance at the beginning of class and require that it stays there for the full hour. I personally think this is a ridiculous way to control cell phone use. It enforces the idea that students have no self control, and it takes away something that could be used for educational purposes. In extreme cases, it highlights economic differences between students. Last year, many math teachers were very lax about doing homework and allowed students to pay attention as they saw fit. At least in my class, the policy seemed to be “what you put into it is what you’re going to get out of it”; the outcome was your final grade. However, too many students took advantage of these relaxed policies, often using math as a study hall and a place to socialize or watch Netflix. However, for a responsible student, it is frustrating to feel as though you’re being babysat.
confiscating our cell phones during class. Previous experience with students revealed that cell phones are one of the leading causes of cheating, distractions, and disrespectful behavior. Although this is an unpopular opinion, I believe our teachers are doing the right thing by taking away these troublesome temptations. In 2009, a poll conducted by The Benenson Strategy Group revealed that 35 percent of students confess to cheating with cell phones. If that’s only the percent of students who confess to cheating, have others cheated and not admitted to it? Cell phones are also a major distraction. Trust me, I’ll be the first to admit that hearing just one buzz would tempt me into checking my notifications. If I gave in to my impulse, what would I miss? Would I really trade knowledge about an upcoming test for seeing how many likes my post has received? In one of my classes last year, I learned that only about 2 percent of people in the world can truly multitask (I obviously learned this
The cell phone is soaring. Flying. There’s not a star in heaven that it can’t reach.
OPINION
Attest the Flaws
The Flaws of Standardized Testing being shut down after scores on reading and math tests plummeted in 2010, so they scheduled test prep on vacation days, and spent two and a half hours a day on test prep. That’s two-and-a-half hours each day not spent on learning new material and developing students in other, non-tested fields like nurturing a love of learning, discovering the world, and learning how to be involved citizens. That’s another problem with standardized testing. They test fields of knowledge, like how well a student can do math, how well they can read and comprehend, and how much they know about social studies and science. Schools should be focused on developing successful students ready for college or work. But schools can’t do that when they’re forced to spend all their time preparing students for tests consisting of nothing more than filling in bubbles and hoping that enough students score well enough to bring in funding. School is about more than just facts and knowledge, it’s about making today’s children into tomorrow’s leaders. Standardized tests stop students from growing. photo by Nate Saunders
As Albert Einstein once said, “Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” One of the main problems with standardized tests is in the name: they’re standardized. They can make geniuses feel stupid and artificially inflate a student’s sense of their own capabilities because they test a student’s ability to pass tests, not the content they learn. The University of Maryland conducted a five-year study, ending in 2007, and found that teachers felt pressure to ensure that students would pass standardized tests, so instead of teaching them content that would enrich them as students and as people, they would “teach to the test.” Standardized tests are crucial to schools because of funding, with schools that have better results getting more money. Sometimes these results mean the difference between staying open another year and closing their doors to students forever. It’s only logical for them to maximize their chances of getting good results instead of spending time teaching students things that won’t be on the test. In fact, they may not even be reliable in measuring changes in student performance. A 2001 study by Brookings Institution found that 50-80 percent of yearly improvements on test scores and results were temporary and caused by factors other than education and learning. If the tests used to measure student performance aren’t accurate, we’re leaving the very important issue of education and funding up in the air and dependent on tests that we can’t even trust. They’re more of a test of the school’s capability than those of the students. According to an article by Meredith Kolodner for Senior Neeshan Khanikar studying for a test Daily News, schools in New York were terrified of
Student Opinions
Interviewing Random Students John Osler copy editor
What do you think of the new Collaborative Time schedule? “I don’t really like it that much… with it being spread out over two days of the week, it doesn’t really make sense to me.” Braden Hurley, junior “It’s too short, bring back the old one.” Faysal Mohamed, senior “It’s just a little too short to get anything done.” Payton Puerzer, junior “It’s a smarter use of time… they make sure kids are working on something and not wasting time.” Connor Luther, junior
“Personally I like last year better… I don’t have time in fifty minutes to get what I need done.” Carly Denn, senior “I definitely like last year’s better… it was a longer period of time so I could get more done.” Kelly Good, senior “Awesome. Great. Fantastic.” Jack Sherwood, senior Of 24 students interviewed, six prefered the new Collaborative Time schedule.
In other news… “I think it’s pretty ridiculous, to be honest. Everyone’s just trying to have a good time and a protest is going on causing the entrances to be closed.”
Alec Schrader, senior, on the Black Lives Matter protest at the State Fair leading to the cancellation of the Edina Marching Band’s parade. “People I know, since they can’t get away with getting drunk, they’ll do something else, like a harder drug or something more potentially dangerous… but that’s the only argument I’d have against it.” Franklin Tangren, senior, on the effects of breathalyzing students at dances. “I think that might be too much… I just like how it was extended so we got more time.” Filip Momic, senior, on this year’s Passion Project, which will be completed by the first half of the first semester.
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art by Megan Talghader
Will Schwinghammer staff writer
GBF (Gay Best Friend)
Lily Westbrook humor editor The word “gay man” immediately brings a stereotype to mind: a man wearing a scarf, calling you “girlfriend,” and flapping his hand for emphasis. Recently, having gay men as friends has become more and more desirable for straight women. While the spike in the “gay best friend” tend may seem forward-thinking and LGBT-friendly, this blatant stereotyping does more harm than good. First of all, the wish for a “Gay Best Friend” shows little care for actual gay men. By wishing for a GBF, one is saying that all that matters in a friend is their homosexuality. In reality, a person’s sexuality may have little bearing on their personality, and is only one aspect of his personality. Yes, there are gay men who use the word “girlfriend” as a pet name for a friend. And I’m certain that there are gay men who are sassy, just like me and gay women and straight men. And I know for sure that gay men who wear scarves exist. It’s Minnesota, who wouldn’t want to keep their neck warm? The important thing to remember is that a person displaying these traits may or may not be gay, and that’s okay. Second, when a woman announces her desire for a GBF, the common deduction is that she is imagining a shopping companion, someone to complain to about dating and other friends, and someone with a vast knowledge of musical theatre and Broadway divas. Women who claim such are expecting -- or worse, demanding -- that all gay men come equipped with a feather boa and glitter
eyeshadow. However, this expectation can harm actual gay men in multiple ways. The most important one being that homosexual men who do not fit into this stereotype may feel “not gay enough.” And those that do feel tokenized. Coming out as gay can be an extremely dangerous thing to do, and if the populace decides that the gay person is not how they are expected to be, coming out may not feel worth it. This problem can also be felt by bisexuals, who face constant questioning about whether or not they’re gay or straight. The whole gradient of sexuality defines only what kind of partner a person is interested in; it has nothing to do with personality. Any kind of stereotyping, however positive, confines the group in question in a set way of being. Identity crises can follow, especially when someone’s identity is marginalized or disadvantaged in any way. Stereotyping can be harmful and dangerous. Instead of saying you need a Gay Best Friend, say you need someone who will be there for you in light times and in dark. If you refer to someone as your “best gay,” say what you mean: your best friend. Gay men are allowed to enjoy sports and hate theater. Gay men are allowed to be messy and be mostly friends with other boys. And if a gay man does fit into the stereotype? Then great! They happen to like theater, and call their female friends “girlfriend,” and look banging in a scarf. They also happen to be gay. The most important thing to remember: correlation, not causation.
CULTURE
Betty Danger’s is not your average country club. Its Ferris Wheel, mini golf course, and extravagant decor ensure an interesting experience. Located in the vibrant area of Northeast Minneapolis, this country club stands out from the rest. Betty’s opened on Dec. 26, 2014. “We all got trained in prior to opening so we know all the ropes, and Betty and the club, each other, and the way things work. It seems we’ve been open longer because it’s so well tuned,” said Betty Danger’s concierge Jeannie Castro. Like all country clubs, people can be members of Betty’s. “We have three different memberships: supporters, defenders, and protectors,” said Castro. All members get to enjoy the social aspects of this unique club. For example members can attend a social event every first Thursday of the month. Membership is not exclusive to certain demographics. “Even though we are a country club, [Betty’s is] for the 99%. Our memberships start at $6 and extend up to $32 per month which is considerably less than a regular country club. This means mostly everyone can participate, but we do have the [occasional] 1% that also enjoy coming to Betty’s. Come over. It’s really cool,” said Castro. The people that attend are the best part of this place because of all the diversity. “The coolest part of my job is the people and getting to socialize, laugh, and have fun!” said Castro. The club brings in people from all walks of life, to enjoy the same setting. Members have the ability to partake in social clubs. “All members get to enjoy social aspects of the club. They can also can have a club within a club and be the president of their club,” said Castro. This allows members to meet with friends and discuss a variety of activities from knitting to biking.
“Betty then offers to host the club whenever they want to meet and will reserve a table for the club,” stated Castro. These clubs can be extremely large or as small as two people. However, that’s where the similarities to a traditional country club end. “It’s an over the top country club. We like to mix out plaids and have it all going on and totally over the top,” stated Castro. “I’ve been to some of the most prestigious country clubs in the nation, and Betty is making fun of the right stuff,” said Tom Westbrook. Betty’s doesn’t quite ridicule traditional country clubs, more of a satirical twist on what they are traditionally like. Betty, who founded the country club, felt inspired after visiting a traditional club with her family as a child. At the country club she visited, she felt excluded by the other children and wanted to take her own twist on how a country club should look. There is something to appeal for everyone at Betty’s. Everyone is sure to have a blast. Just head over to enjoy the unique experience Betty Danger’s Country Club offers. Ferris wheel at Betty Danger’s
photo by Colette Bruder
Colette Bunder, Farhia Osman opinion page editor, art editor
B AT T L E O F T H E B U R G E R S S n u f f y ’s v s . C o n v e n t i o n G r i l l The simalarities are obvious. Both Snuffy’s and Convention Grill are old-fashioned diners in Edina and are popular restaurants where people of all ages can grab a burger or a malt. Both have Outside of The Convention Grill relaxed, nostalgic atmospheres that make teenagers and senior citizens alike feel at home. The two restaurants are surrounded by other businesses that attract many local Edina residents as they are shopping at other stores. But where do the two restaurants differ? It is worth noting that the Edina Convention Grill is the only Convention Grill location, and was founded in 1934, whereas Snuffy’s was founded was in Saint Paul in 1983 and later expanded to Edina and other suburbs. The longtime history of Convention Grill may play a role in customers’ minds as they are searching for an authentic blast from the past restaurant. “I’ll admit Convention Grill has really good burgers, but at the same time it’s a lot more expensive than Snuffy’s. The vibe inside feels a lot more like [a] cafeteria,” said senior Myles Murphy, an employee of Snuffy’s. Though Convention Grill is, on average, more expensive than Snuffy’s, you do get more of a meal. “[Snuffy’s] burgers aren’t as big as some other burgers,” said Murphy. Additionally, Snuffy’s employees pride themselves on providing
customers with a quick bite to eat, which most young people prefer. At Convention Grill, people soak in the sentimental experience while waiting longer for their food. “I’d say it’s way better than other fast food places because they take more time to make it,” said a host at Convention Grill, Lonnie East. Moreover, Convention Grill’s staff tends to be overwhelmed at times when they cannot control the rush of customers. Many processes can be improved including “Probably the system of sitting people down because sometimes they just seat themselves. Then, sometimes, they get really choosy and picky of where they want to be seated,” said East. Both have strengths and weaknesses, so how do Edinans usually choose between the two? Proximity, for most consumers, is the most influential factor. Sophomores Leo Franklin and Cole Wiley said they eat at Snuffy’s because it’s closer to their houses. Snuffy’s is more geared toward young people, whereas Convention Grill appeals more to adults and families. “[At] Convention Grill, at least the waitresses and waiters that I’ve seen, are older. When [at] Snuffy’s, pretty much everyone working there goes to Edina High School,” Murphy said. At the end of the day, either of these local spots is a good choice for a burger with some local charm. Outside of Snuffy’s Malt Shop photo by Farhia Osman
photo by Farhia Osman
Ben Gustafson staff writer
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EDINA RUNS ON DUNKIN’ art by Gage Aulik
BETTY DANGER’S, DANGEROUSLY FUN
John Osler, Daniela Garcia online copy editor, senior staff writer As was announced this April, new locations for Dunkin’ Donuts in Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, Bloomington, and, yes, Edina, are currently in the works and are planned to be up and running before New Year’s. A titan of the donut market, the 7,000-unit chain of restaurants has stayed away from the Twin Cities for its illustrious six decade history, until now. The response of many Edina High School students to this news was one of joy and celebration, especially since fast food restaurants within the Edina city limits are few due to city code regulations regarding drive-throughs. “I live and breathe for donuts,” said junior Michael Rodriguez, who called the information of Dunkin’ Donuts’ arrival in Edina “life changing news.” Rodriguez is also an all-around donut fan, heralding them as, “angel pillows from heaven, with icing on top.” Sophomore Jack Ford also expressed excitement at the prospect of Dunkin’ Donuts coming to Edina. “I am so excited to have [a Dunkin’ Donuts], specifically in Edina. No words can describe what I feel, but it’s amazing,” said Ford. However, not everyone will be able to enjoy the upcoming donut restaurant. “Because of my Celiac Disease I am not able to eat wheat (gluten), fast food, nor donuts, which sucks,” said senior Sophie Sissi, who believes it will be torture having donuts so close to home. She did say she was looking forward to utilizing the business as a place to hang out with her friends. “I think that if my friends eat the donuts, I will enjoy them as much as they will,” said Sissi, who has written a letter to the company’s CEO explaining her frustration that they do not offer a gluten free pastry. As Dunkin’ Donuts’ slogan boasts, “America Runs on Dunkin’.” And, soon enough, Edina will too.
CULTURE
S t ro m a e S h o w s u p i n A m e r i c a
I Liked the Book Better Than the Movie
French Rapper Hip Hops His Way onto the Music Charts
Movies That You Didn’t Know Were Books Before
Lille Westbrook humor editior
photo by Chiara Kohlmayr
Megan Talghader opinion editior It’s well-known that movies like “The Hunger Games” or “The Harry Potter” series were once popular books before hitting the screens. Unfortunately, there are many other books left in the dark while their movies take the limelight. A large sum of motion pictures originated from works of literature. Sadly, a lot of films that were adapted from books didn’t land on people’s cultural radar the way other books did like “Divergent” or “The Maze Runner.” So what movies were actually based off of books? Movies such as “The Exorcist,” “Freaky Friday,” “Jurassic Park,” “Jaws,” and “Warm Bodies” are just a few. These were all popular novels before the film industry recreated their story. To test what books were only recognized for the movie, a survey taken by 60 people at Edina High School. This survey consisted of many different books and was taken by both teachers and students. The novels in the survey were: “The Notebook,” “The Princess Bride,” “Warm Bodies,” “Coraline,” “Freaky Friday,” “Fight Club,” “Jurassic Park,” “The Chronicle of Narnia,” “Jaws,” “The Princess Diaries,” “The Longest Ride,” “Mary Poppins,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “The Exorcist.” The outcome showed three books in particular that most people were surprised to find were actually novels before a corresponding movie came out. They were “Warm Bodies,” “The Exorcist,” and “Jaws.” Out of 60 people 48 didn’t know “Warm Bodies” was a book, forty didn’t know “The Exorcist” was a book, and 35 didn’t know “Jaws” was a book. The books that were most familiar
to those polled were “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “The Princess Bride.” However, there were two people that didn’t know “The Chronicles of Narnia” was actually a book series instead of a movie series and eight people were unaware that “The Princess Bride” was actually a novel. When asked why she thought there was so much ignorance to some books versus their correlating movie, Kristin Benson, an EHS AP U.S. Literature and Language instructor, replied “I think that once a film becomes a big blockbuster, perhaps people feel they already know the story and are less compelled to read it. On the other hand, most are excited to see a film made about a book that they love. I love books obviously and movies almost as much, but I am often disappointed by films made about books that I love. I think that is because films adapted to the screen often do not have enough time and space to develop characters, plot and theme to the same degree as a novel. Maybe many people would have liked these blockbuster films less had they read the book first.” In other words, Benson believes that although it’s exciting to find one
art by Olivia Chen
the lyrics are driven by anger. Interestingly, it is one of Stromae’s biggest international hits. We all know of Daft Punk and Phoenix, Stromae was in the cities for a concert the French-born artists who choose to sing on September 22, but due to an accident, in English and are hugely popular in the he was unable to perform. The concert U.S. Both have unique, fantastic sounds and was cancelled. This came as a huge easily understandable lyrics. But there’s a disappointment to me, and through the new French artist on the rise, and he’s got conversations I had with people who were something special going on: all of his lyrics also going to the concert, I learned many are in French. others were equally disappointed. While While Stromae is technically Belgian, he some of the people I talked to were my still has all of the traits of a French artist. His French-immersion elementary school best know songs in America are “Papaoutai” buddies, most did not speak French. Even and “Tous les Mêmes.” However, his with the language barrier, they still enjoy his genius is lost on the public. Non-native music. French speakers, There have been even if they have other French language been speaking artists who achieved the language for some fame in America. years, don’t catch For example, Coeur de the creativity of Pirate and Yelle (who Stromae’s lyrics. performed at First Ave It’s not because in 2012). These artists they’re bad at are actually a good way French; it’s because for Frenchies and nonStromae uses native French speakers “l’argot” (French to keep up with their Stromae’s concert in Minneapolis last year language and brush up slang) and “virlan” (different French slang). The creativity of on French culture. Similarly to the rap in this slang is lost on Americans who don’t America, French rap is mainly about the understand it. An example of his lyrical world’s ills and problems in the lyricist’s aptitude is in the song “Papaoutai”: “Discountry. The use of l’argot, virlan, and yes, moi où es-tu caché ? Ça doit, faire au moins even swear words, I believe give a much mille fois que j’ai Compté mes doigts.” In fuller comprehension of the language than English this translates to: “Tell me, where what is taught in the textbooks. are you hiding? It must have been a thousand Even though the language barrier may time that I’ve counted on my fingers.” seem scary, try listening to a French artist. Stromae’s lyrics stem from his real life. Whether you’ve been speaking for 11 years, His father was mostly absent during his or you don’t know how to say “bonjour,” childhood and was later murdered in 1994 in music is a universal language. Plus, it doesn’t the Rwandan Genocide. “Papaoutai” is about hurt to know at least few phrases in French. his father’s incapability to be a father, and
Henna in the Hallways Sophie Cannon head staff writer
The Rise of Henna in Edina High School a symbol of beauty. However, at Indian weddings, there usually is a ‘Mehndi Ceremony’ in which the bride has a girlsonly event prior to the wedding just for putting on henna. In this case, the henna that the bride wears signifies her transition into being a married woman. Usually the bride will get extremely elaborate designs all the way to her elbows and all the way to her knees on her legs,” said Iyer. In the Twin Cities, good henna can be hard to find, but if you look close enough, you are bound to stumble into a Somali or Indian neighborhood where the women are decked out in swirls of brown, black, and red. “When I was younger, I’d go to the Karamel Mall (also known as The Somali Mall) but as of recently, a family friend has been doing henna for me,” said junior Edman Kalmoi. Finding a friend to do
henna is less expensive and very fun, but if you can’t, the very popular Karamel Mall on Pillsbury Avenue in South Minneapolis is the best place to go. There you can find two different shops that offer two different colors: black or the traditional brownish red. Somali henna is more black and brown, while the Indian mehndi is a rich red color. Henna and mehndi are both traditions from the Somali and Indian cultures. So is it okay that many white people, specifically white females at EHS get henna done just for fun? There are mixed opinions. “I think it’s great when a person gets henna done even if they don’t know or believe in the culture behind it. If people are getting henna done, they are exploring different cultures in the world,
photo by Sophie Cannon
Walking around the halls of Edina High School, there are many fads and fashion trends on display. From flowery patterned pants to vintage high-waisted jeans, trends come and go and then come back again. One trend, however, that has snuck its way into everyday view at EHS is the henna tattoo. A person can now get henna at the state fair, art festivals, or give themselves a one with a do-it-yourself kit from Michael’s Craft Store. Where did henna come from? Who should be allowed to wear it? And what does henna even mean, besides a pretty pattern on one’s hands or feet? First of all, the act of henna, or mehndi as Indian people call it, is a time honored tradition for both Somali and Indian people. “I usually get mehndi whenever I travel to India to visit my family. I always look forward to getting it done there, because it is a special part of the whole travel experience,” said junior Meghana Iyer. Henna is traditionally done at any time of the year, simply for decorative purposes; however, it is also done for events such as birthdays, weddings, and the Islamic holiday of Eid. “There really is no cultural significance to henna as it is put on so often. It is merely
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so it’s a good thing,” said senior Yochana Kancherla. However, there are two sides to every story, and some people consider it cultural appropriation. “I don’t think it is okay for someone who has no understanding as to why people actually get henna go out and get [henna]. Most people would easily classify this as culture appropriation. Some white people just took henna, something I’ve been getting done for years, and made it popular. I remember that many students would avoid me at all costs because of the henna, stating that it looked weird, and made them uncomfortable, but as of now, they have turned something that they previously thought was ugly into something they think is amazing,” said Kalmoi. This being said, henna is a beautiful art form that originated in India, Somalia, and other Muslim parts of the world as well. It is used to beautify and enhance, as well as to celebrate cultural holidays and rites of passage. Read up on henna before you go out and get some. Not only will you feel better showing it off, but you can learn some amazing things and be able to talk about it as a cultural practice and not just the latest trend at EHS.
SPORTS
Edina Commits Madeline Marker public relations editor
photo by Nate Saunders
photo by Nate Saunders Annika Jank committed to University of Colorado-Boulder
Tyler Eckberg committed to Kansas State University
Anna Gratzer features editor For a handful of motivated Edina High School students, sailing is not just an exciting form of recreation: it’s their fall sport. Each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., approximately 40 students from several neighboring high schools attend sailing practice. Fall season runs at Lake Calhoun from late August until late October. “We get to spend a couple hours on the lake after school which is so much better than being stuck inside doing homework,” said junior Katherine Johns. Practice typically begins with a talk led by one of the three coaches about the training plan and focus for that day’s practice. Afterwards, students are split into Varsity and Junior Varsity groups to begin sailing. Varsity students tend to be more experienced and most have been sailing for many years. All new members begin in the Junior Varsity category until they are hand-picked by the coaches to move up into Varsity. At the end of practice, sailors roll up their sails and debrief with their coaches. Sailing practice is often times difficult. “It can be hard to control the boat and make sure that you are doing everything right,” said Johns. Additionally, the wind is often unpredictable and can change very quickly. However, the challenge is worth it. “The sailing club is a fun way to meet new people, even from other schools, and it’s a fun way to learn new life skill,” said junior Christian Kunau. Also, sailing competitions, or regattas, can allow members to travel all over the Midwest. Johns is a newer member to the club and has only been sailing for several weeks. Although Johns describes the coaches as helpful, most of her learning is from other members showing her what
to do. “Although it can be hard and sometimes terrifying if the boat is tipping over, being able to sail a boat is one of those skills that can be really valuable to have so that motivates me to keep trying to get better,” Johns said. Kunau, however, is a veteran team member. He has been sailing for close to three years and is a cofounder of the club. He enjoys sailing for the sensation of “flying” across smooth water. “I love when you get a perfect start and you race ahead of all the other boats,” Kunau said. Johns’ favorite memory while sailing occured during a recent practice. She and her sailing partner went off on their own and were sailing when they took a turn too hard and the boat became almost perpendicular in the water. Unfortunately, they didn’t know how to correct their mistake and continued sailing on the side of the boat, the bottom of the boat was ankle deep in water. At the end of practice, the boat was too heavy to be pulled onto the dock. “We had to tip the boat over so we could pour some of the water out before being able to finally pull it up. It took probably 30 minutes to get it back to normal…Whoops,” said Johns.
The sailing club members
photo courtesy of Katherine Johns
Edina High School excels in the arts, academics, and athletics. Our sports teams do extremely well. Boys’ Hockey is a powerhouse. Girls’ Tennis is going for an all time record of nineteen consecutive state titles. Boys’ Cross Country is preseason ranked fourth in the nation. Athletes at EHS are dedicated and this directly correlates with an overwhelming amount of team success. The hard work and dedication has lead to many college commitments in the past year. Junior Annika Jank committed to the University of Colorado-Boulder for basketball in late August. Jank appreciates Boulder because of their commitment to the athlete’s athletics and academics. “I chose CU because the coaching staff is very committed to their team members academically, in basketball, and as a person,” she said. The team chemistry and closeness was another draw for Jank. “The team is also very family-like which I enjoy.” While Jank is excited to play for such a great school, she knows she will have to learn how to balance schoolwork and a rigorous sports schedule. “I am mainly nervous for keeping up with my schoolwork since there is hardly any time for that. I am super excited to travel around the country to play games. Colorado is PAC-12 so we travel mainly to
the west coast.” The dedication required for a Division One athlete may seem daunting, but Jank’s passion for basketball counteracts the high level of commitment. “The commitment for a D1 basketball athlete is a lot. Four to five of the seven days basically consists of going to class, lifting weights and working out. The other days you do homework, have some free time and work out. The workload is a lot but totally worth it. It’s way more fun than it seems.” Senior Tyler Eckberg committed to Kansas State University in August for baseball. Eckberg’s passion for baseball is what drove him to pursue playing sports in college. “[Baseball] is all I do in high school, and I really wanted to play in college as well.” The appeal of Kansas State derived from the conference and level of play of the baseball team. “I chose Kansas State University because it has a high level of play and they are in the Big 12 Conference.” Like Jank, Eckberg knows that time management will be one of his biggest struggles. “You have to play every day and takes up a lot of your study time.” The early morning practices are something he dreads as well. “You have to wake up at 5 a.m. for practice sometimes.” Though he will be working hard, like all D1 commits. Eckberg is excited to play baseball and get to know the other players on the team.
The Ulimate Guide to Sailing Club
Roody’s Story: From Haiti to Hornets Molly Sparrow sports editor
so exciting! We have a really good team, and I like having fun with friends,” said Joinvil. Joinvil’s teammates and coaches rave about the positive energy and skill that Joinvil brings to the team. “Roody brings a tactical sense to our team that we haven’t seen in years. He makes everyone feel included and he is always ready to play with a big smile on his face,” said Dave Jenson, Head Varsity Boys’ Soccer Coach. “Roody doesn’t speak a ton of English, but he understands the game of soccer better than anyone I have ever played with. He is always laughing and telling jokes, but he also knows when to be serious and get everyone in line. He is just a natural leader and a great personality who makes the team even that much more fun,” said senior and captain Brennan Scott. Joinvil brings so much talent to the Hornets, and it will be very exciting to see where this talent takes him in the future. “Personally, I think that Roody is one of the best midfielders in the state,” said sophomore and teammate Max Pardo.
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photo cou r te s y of Howard Moon
It’s game day at Edina High School, and the bleachers at Kuhlman Stadium are filling up. The whistle blows to begin the soccer game. In the middle of all the action, you see a new player on the Varsity Boys’ Soccer team. This player may be new, but he looks like he has been playing on the team for years, and is moving through the defenders like he could do it with his eyes closed. This star centermidfielder is Roody Joinvil. Joinvil is a junior at EHS and despite being one of the soccer team’s star players this year, it hasn’t been an easy road to get where he is now. Joinvil was born in Haiti and lived there until he came to the United States in November of 2013. In Haiti, Joinvil lived in a povertystricken area where soccer practice was the only way to escape gang activity. Joinvil’s mom died when he was young, and he never got the chance to meet his dad. He would stay with his aunt or grandpa sometimes, but at one point even that was too hard, so he moved in with his soccer coach. It was while Joinvil was living with his soccer coach that Laura Pardo,
who was volunteering in Haiti, saw Joinvil’s potential to have an opportunity-filled life in America. “When Mrs. Pardo found me, I was living with my coach. She thought that I was a good, smart kid who could have a better life and an education in the U.S. When I told my grandpa, he was so happy for me,” said Joinvil. In Haiti, soccer was a huge part of Joinvil’s life. “We didn’t have much equipment and we played on a field of rocks, but we made do with what we had,” said Joinvil. Haitian Initiative is the organization that made it possible for Roody, and hundreds of other kids in Haiti to play soccer six times a week. Haitian Initiative also feeds the kids a vitamin nourished meal made by Feed My Starving Children. Haitian Initiative encourages the young soccer players to stay in school, teaches leadership and social skills needed for teamwork on the field and the community as a whole, and coaches 90 minute skill sessions focused on becoming a stronger soccer player. After Joinvil met Laura Pardo, he was able to make the journey to begin a new life in the U.S. Joinvil’s tough experiences growing up have shaped him to be humble and thankful for the newly available opportunities he has. “It is
Joinvil tearing up the soccer field
HUMOR
How To: Look Smar t
photo by Nate Saunders
Audrey Sheehy print editor in chief
Yesterday marked a new day in the history of Edina High School. Senior driver John Smith let junior driver Maggie Jet go in front of him. “For some reason, I didn’t get booted today even though I don’t have a parking permit. I figured I would pay it forward,” said Smith. Other students began following example. “It just started a chain reaction. After that, I decided I would let another driver in the left hand turn lane before I began severely tailgating them,” said Jet. North and south lot drivers started merging alternately into both lanes. Some students left wide gaps in the left lane so south lot drivers could easily turn into the right lane. Senior Robby Saunders even decided to lay off the honk symphonies. “Instead, I had my windows down so I could talk to students in other cars and insist they go ahead of me,” said Saunders. Despite traffic flow still being congested, not one student reported being flipped off or sworn at. “For some reason, nobody had anywhere to be. I mean, I know that personally, I could spend years sitting in that parking lot and be perfectly happy,” said junior Julie Hackett. Many students claimed all they did was turn up the country K102 radio station and sit back until they had let in at least one person. Additionally, no scratches, fender benders, or accidents were reported. Each car left the school as pristine a condition it came in. Everyone was so civil in fact, that Jay and Tony didn’t even need to direct traffic. EHS Vice Principal Michael Pretasky claimed he didn’t have to give any students “the glare.” According to school personnel, his walkie-talkie was never turned on. “It seems that the world at EHS may finally be at peace. I never thought the day would come. I am no longer needed to mediate students in the parking lot.” A new era is beginning at EHS, one of kindness and peace. Today will be marked down in history as the day that has ended the long-standing war between student drivers. So tomorrow, expect to wait your turn in the parking lot.
photo by Nate Saunders
loads of books, but in reality you could be carrying around a bunch of bricks, food, or even your pet chinchilla. Pin medals to the outside of your backpack to make people think you won them at academic Looking smart is a powerful thing. People ask you competitions. You can buy these types of medals at for help on math problems. They go to you for great your local Dollar Store for very cheap. book recommendations. Teachers assume that you Now let’s talk about how you should talk. Start will be head of the class and immediately love you. by incorporating bigger words into your everyday But here’s the kicker, underneath your smart looking sentences. Say someone is being very stubborn. You exterior, you’re actually kind of a dumb butt. Sure, on could say to the outside, you look them, “You like the next Nobel are being very Prize winner; but on pertinacious.” the inside, you’re an Just hope no idiot. This article is one asks you going to teach you for a complete how to look super definition. smart, even when Another way you’re actually not. to sound like a There are a few smarty-pants is key things to looking to casually say smart. Let’s talk French phrases about appearance. to non-French Having glasses, speakers. especially bigger French is a ones, really helps the fancy love image. It doesn’t A humorous “quip” about being smart. language, matter if you have and if you speak it, you immediately sound smart. perfect eyesight; just pop the lenses out and pop them Say phrases like, “oui oui mon petite croissant,” or on. The ones you get at the movie theater work super “pomme de terre,” which means potato, but sounds well and people with actual glasses absolutely love it fancy. Just don’t say these things to fluent French when you wear them! speakers because they will know you’re a fake. We Carrying around books also boosts the look. Try definitely don’t want that. the ones by famous Russian authors, like Fyodor The last thing that you can do is spontaneously Dostoyevsky. No matter if you don’t read Russian, blurt out random trivia facts. People will admire people won’t know that! They’ll just assume that you’re fluent in Russian, and possibly other languages, your intelligence when you tell them that “a duck’s quack doesn’t echo, and no one knows why,” or “if and that is exactly what you want. Just slip a different you stretch a standard Slinky out flat it measures 87 book inside of the Russian book and read that instead feet long.” People will think that you are the smartest (it’ll keep you busy). I recommend comic books person in the world when you tell them those facts! because of their lightweightness, and the pictures are When you seem smart, you have power. But use always pretty and colorful. that power carefully. Because with great power comes You’ve got to make your backpack look really great responsibility. heavy. People will think that you’re carrying around Nikki Lund culture editor
Students Take Turns in Parking Lot, a New Era of Peace Begins
The first day of Edina’s “Era of Peace”.
Conversations at Urinals: a Necessary Evil Hugh Cashman news editor
Mohammed Zaman, who personally prefers the title “Mo Money.” Bathroom breaks are really just a mental break from school. No one likes the zoo that is the 2nd floor bathroom after lunch. The rush and close quarters ruins the zen required for a fulfilling release. The consciousness of those around you inhibits most urinal talk, and actually induces the notorious “stage fright.” Stage fright can go one of two ways. It can lead to more awkward silence and ruin any chance at a successful pee. Or if both parties want to resolve the issue, the only solution is a nice conversation. This is an example of a great conversation overheard last week in the bathroom. “Wow, your hair looks really good, where do you get your haircut?” said the student on the left. “I actually didn’t. But you look
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really toned, have you been working out?” said the other student. “Um, no. I just have a mini trampoline in my room,” said the student on the left. They both looked down and proceeded to pee in peace. The stage fright disappeared because they were too distracted by their urinal conversation. However, not all conversations go so smoothly. Some things just perpetuate the standstill until everyone needs to leave. Just like first dates, there are some things to never say at the urinal. Examples include, “What’d you get on that math test,” “Wow you should really drink more water, that stream is weak, bro,” and “Did you have asparagus for lunch?” Nobody needs to feel inadequate at the urinal.
At the end of the day, urinal conversations are a necessary evil. It’s a tool used to show fellow students that the bathroom is in fact a safe place, and you’re in no danger of getting a swirly.
art by Gage Aulik
“Hey, you look new here. My name is Bob,” says the man in the suit to the man using the urinal to his left. “No way! My name’s Bob too,” says the man in response. “That’s so crazy that we have the same name and work at the same place! Wait, what’s your favorite movie?” “The “Emperor’s New Groove!” No, don’t tell me… blue and black or white and gold?” “White and gold, oh my god,” they squeal in unison followed by a one armed bro hug. Urinal conversations at Edina High School aren’t this friendly, or as as casual as they are in “How I Met Your Mother” or “House of
Cards.” In fact, during lunch or “rush hour,” the urinal lines are typically silent, methodical, and selfgoverning. The vast majority of bathroom goers after lunch aren’t looking to make friends. When it’s packed and you have three periods worth of water bottles in your bladder and five minutes to get to class, talking is the last thing on your mind. “I’m not trying to pee between two guys, I need elbow room and to feel like nobody is watching me. I don’t like knowing you’re exposing yourself a mere foot away from me,” said Edina High School student John Doe. “I ain’t starting conversations when I’m in the bathroom. I’m in the zone, I’m taking my time, I need some real peace to pee. I’m going to unzip and shut up,” said senior
Where the magic happens.