Issue #6 - March 2016

www.edinazephyrus.com

March 4, 2016| 36:6

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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p. 1 4 Fe a t u r e s Opinion p. 1 0 Humor

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Pursuit of Happiness Farhia Osman art editor Happiness is an elusive emotion.

Everyone wants to be happy, but no one knows what it truly means to be happy, nor the importance of happiness. As a high school student, happiness is not at the forefront of my mind. I would much rather focus on passing my next exam at the moment than my happiness because, frankly, it does not seem important at this point in my life. However, we should not be pushing off the pursuit of happiness indefinitely because if not now, then will we ever achieve happiness?

Luckily, it is possible to take steps in achieving happiness, even at this tumultuous time in life.

Why is happiness such an important emotion? If I am asked about my goals for the future, I would answer, “To be

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happy.” This is because, internally, I understand the social significance of having a happy future. But, there is more to happiness than just cultural significance.

First, being happy simply feels good. The sensation is hard to describe, but it is caused by the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure. Due to this, the sensation of happiness is very pleasurable and desirable. Second, it is proven that happiness has a multitude of benefits upon our health. The more one is happy, the longer one lives and the healthier one is. The number one cause of death in America is heart disease, however, those who show evidence of being happy relate inversely with those who suffer from heart disease.

The problem that faces us is how to

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On The Cover Gage Aulik (Cover Art) Katie Manderfeld (Header)

achieve happiness. The reason why so many are not happy is because they are approaching the issue the wrong way, but it’s not their faults.

Our society places a huge emphasis on money, status, and other extrinsic motivators and in turn, people believe that achieving those goals will make them happy. Sadly, they are wrong.

According to Professor Tim Kasser of Knox College, Americans are twice as wealthy as we were fifty years ago, but while our average national income goes up, our happiness levels have remained stagnant for the past half century. Putting this in perspective, a homeless person would indeed see an increase in their happiness levels if he or she received more money because they do not have their basic needs met. However, the difference of happiness between a person earning $90k and $500k is minimal, if not nothing, because in both cases, the person should have enough funds to meet their basic needs and any money exceeding that point is just excess, which causes no difference in happiness levels.

To actually achieve happiness, one must focus on intrinsic motivators such as personal growth and a desire to help. One of the most important factors to happiness is creating social connections and bonds with others. A common theme among those who are happy are strong, supportive relationships with friends and/or family. Developing strong and compassionate relationships is extremely important for happiness.

Any significant and meaningful bond—one best friend, a brother, a

parent, or even thirty classmates—is good enough because the number of connections does not matter, solely how deep the connection is.

Another important factor to happiness is continuing to do what you like and stop doing what you dislike. Those things that you dislike are going to keep weighing you down and you will never achieve happiness.

Instead, make sure to prioritize things that give pleasure. It may be playing the violin, writing poetry, or learning about Einstein’s theory of relativity, but whatever it is, spending more time doing what you love and less what you do not will contribute to your overall happiness. The desire to help others is a common side effect of happiness.

Happy people are more inclined to be genuinely compassionate because the joy they feel fosters a sense of helpfulness and desire to spread happiness to those who surround them. This creates a never ending cycle of happiness and compassion because those people, in turn, begin to feel happy and then spread their positivity. Due to this, happiness is such a powerful emotion. The quicker a person discovers happiness, the more time they can spend enjoying their life.

Being in high school, happiness may seem unattainable. However, with small steps, a person can increase their overall happiness. And even if the steps are miniscule, each change is still a step in the right direction.

Making good habits at achieving happiness at this time in life will create lasting habits for attaining happiness in the future.

Zephyrus Staff Editorial Board Audrey Sheehy, print editor in chief Erik Lindquist, online editor in chief Madeline Marker, public relations editor Megan Hussey, human resources 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

Staff Writers Anne Amen Ben Gustafson Tanner Jones Greta Morton Will Schwinghammer Jenna Simon Max North Julie Yuan

Head Staff Writer Sophie Cannon

Photographers Nate Saunders, head photographer Zoe Cheung, photographer Josie Al-Najim, 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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NEWS

Science Bowl is Going to Nationals Julie Yuan staff writer

that Science Bowl, in itself, is relatively new to EHS. The team was first organized last year under the leadership of Iyer, then a sophomore. “I thought that starting a team would be a good idea because I knew so many people at the school had an interest in science but Edina didn’t offer any competitive science extracurriculars. … After our first few practices, we kept our expectations low, but we definitely knew that we had the potential to do really well,” said Iyer.

At the state competition, the

photo courtesy of Twitter

On January 23rd, five Edina High School students traveled to Macalester College to participate in a state-level Science Bowl competition. After a lengthy day filled with several demanding rounds of competition, these students, driven by their passion for science, emerged victorious.

Science Bowl is a fast-paced tournament-style competition featuring questions from the fields

earning a trip to the National Science Bowl competition. “We were just so shocked. It definitely took a long time to really sink in, that we had actually won,” said Iyer, the team captain.

Having now advanced to the national competition, the team meets regularly to prepare for this multi-day event which represents a significant step-up from the state level in regards to the difficulty of questions and breadth of knowledge.

Their coach, EHS physics teacher Michael Roddy, claims that, both

The full team after winning reigons of math, biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. EHS’ team, comprised of juniors Meghana Iyer, Michael Tang, and Jenny Zhang, sophomore Matthew Zappa, and alternate Bobby Scalia, answered round after round of challenging questions in order to beat their competitors and finish in 1st place,

when it came to preparing for the state competition and now, the students are more or less on their own. “It’s so hilarious when people congratulate me because I really had so little to do with it. They are learning this stuff by themselves,” said Roddy.

What most may not know is

team fulfilled that potential, beating their rivals Eden Prairie and Chanhassen to bring home the state title and a shiny silver trophy to boot. The team now has its sights set on the National Science Bowl competition, held in Washington D.C. during the week of April 28th.

Changes at the Galleria Will Schwinghammer staff writer

The Galleria has long been a favorite one-stop shopping spot for Edinians.

According to their website, they are “where luxury meets lifestyle.” Since 1973, a quality selection of stores has offered high end goods and services, but the lineup of stores has recently been undergoing some changes. A string of stores have left recently, especially locally-owned businesses, and new retailers are cycling into the open spots.

The Galleria has always strived for the image of a high end, high quality, selective shopping center with smaller retailers often featured. However, some of the new stores are parts of bigger chains. Notable examples are The North Face outlet and the Louis Vuitton store, as well as a PB Teen, Lululemon, Sundance, and Kate Spade. According to the Star Tribune, three locally-owned businesses are preparing to make their departures from the Galleria. These stores are California Closets, which has already left; the Russell + Hazel, which is moving to Minneapolis’ North Loop area, and the Len Druskin, which moved to Southdale on Feb. 8 after 24 years at the Galleria.

These aren’t the first retailers to leave the Galleria. According to the Star Tribune, five businesses have left the Galleria since 2012 for other Twin Cities locations, including Schmitt Music and locally owned Pappagallo.

Additionally, the shopping center may lose its only anchor. According to the Star Tribune, the Gabberts store, the first store at the Galleria and an occupant at their Edina location since 1959, plans to leave the Galleria if the ceilings cannot be raised.

The Galleria itself is no longer locally owned, either. According to BizJournals.com, the Galleria was sold in 2012 to a Houston firm. Hines Global REIT Inc. purchased the Galleria from Gabbert Beck for $127 million after having previously investing in the shopping center. “Warren Beck was instrumental in keeping the local focus,” said Patty Burrets, a co-owner of the departing Three Rooms. Warren Beck was the former owner of the Galleria, and his departure raises concern among some that local retailers may have a tougher time at the Galleria. According to the Star Tribune, Hines has more than doubled the monthly rent since their purchase of the shopping center, which makes it harder for smaller businesses to stay afloat and causes some to depart, leaving room for bigger retailers.

However, the Galleria has always maintained its image as a high-end shopping center. The lineup of shops may be shifting towards more national and international chains over local retailers, but the direction the Galleria will take going forward and the effects these changes will have on the Galleria and local business as a whole remains to be seen.

Edina Seniors Face Increasing Number of Deferrals In recent months, a popular perception has captivated Edina High School: an unusually large number of EHS students have received college deferrals this year. Deferrals are an alternative means of response from colleges. Rather than initially accepting or denying a candidate, deferrals move students to the next stage of applications. The rate of acceptance post-deferral is consistently below 30 percent nationwide. As a consequence of recent speculations that deferrals have grown, I conducted a small survey to determine the significance of these perceptions.

Of the twenty-six seniors surveyed, the general perception became clear. Eighteen students reported that they hadn’t been deferred from a college where they believed they should’ve been accepted. Others explained that they had been deferred, but only from schools where they were uncertain about their chances. An anonymous student stated, “I was deferred but not sure I should’ve gotten in.” Another student responded, “I was deferred but it was from an excellent school and while I could have been accepted, I never felt that I was a shoo-in there.”

When asked whether or not they felt there had been a significant growth in deferrals from previous years, the sample was split. About 49% of the sample responded “Yes”; while the remaining students either said “No” or had an alternate response. “I don’t think anything has changed,” an anonymous student said. Another admitted, “Honestly, it seemed like there were a lot [of deferrals], but I wasn’t paying a ton of attention in previous years, so there very well could have been high numbers of deferrals in past years as well.”

Despite the majority opinion, others feel that the number of deferrals is indeed questionable.

One student expressed how the deferral process has potentially changed the framework of college acceptance, “They are deferring more people than in the past. Selective colleges are becoming even more selective. They’re almost impossible to get into now even if you are a ‘perfect’

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candidate.” Another stated, “I know a lot of my friends who have been [deferred] who shouldn’t have.”

Whether or not there has been an increase in deferrals, it is indisputable that deferrals are looked upon unfavorably by seniors. A plurality of students expressed frustration with the very existence of the deferral. Some reported discontent, feeling the colleges misuse it. “I think a lot of schools are using deferral as an opportunity not to reject students, but I think kids get kind of strung along as a result. People keep their hopes up (myself included) when the reality shows that acceptance rates after a deferral aren’t necessarily in their favor. I think colleges should really own up to what it means to be deferred and what that looks like going forward,” one student said.

It’s unclear if the amount of deferrals has risen, and the senior class is decisively divided on the issue. However, as students continue to be admitted, denied, and deferred from colleges across the nation, it must be remembered that a student is not defined by the school they attend.

photo courtesy of Harvard University

Tanner Jones staff writer

Harvard was one of the many schools deferring students

NEWS

Election 2016 and Minnesota Presidential Primary: Super Tuesday

“In both parties, no candidate has a commanding lead yet, so ‘Super Tuesday,’ the day in which nine states hold their primaries and caucuses, is one of the most important days in the political race for presidential candidates”

Plunging for a Purpose

Exciting New Changes at EHS Max North staff writer

Christina Orth news editor Have you ever jumped into an icy lake in the middle of March? As hardy Minnesotans come together to jump into frigidwater, they’re raising money and having fun at the annual Polar Plunge. Along with the satisfaction of defying Mother Nature (“Is that all you’ve got, Mother Nature?!”) in the frigid cold, Plungers help raise funds for the Minnesota Special Olympics. Not to be confused with the Paralympics, the MN Special Olympics works to get over 8,000 children with disabilities involved in physical activities and sports.

Edina’s own Team TRBL, aka Team Trouble, has been enthralled by the thrill of the plunge for 5 years. Team TRBL jumps in name of Edina High School senior Catherine Lee’s 4-year-old brother with Down Syndrome, Timothy Robert Brandon Lee. “After you’ve warmed up and no longer in fear of freezing to death, we get really pumped up. I really enjoy doing it every year!” said returning TRBL team member and EHS senior Kelly Jessen.

35 Edina High School students rallied by Lee will jump March 5th at Lake Calhoun. “Over the years it’s been about 20 to 30 friends and we all raise money. It’s really fun; last year we wore funny costumes and we have matching t-shirts. Even Timothy has his own little one,” said Lee. You can participate by running, jumping, cartwheeling, or skipping into your neighborhood lake or by registering at plungemn.org. Multiple events are organized throughout Minnesota during months of February and March. The organization’s website explains, “[There are] 20 events over 3 months, more than 15K participants and millions raised for 1 amazing cause — brrring it on!” The organization, partnered with MN Special Olympics, has already raised approximately $2,316,013 with thousands of participants of varying ages ready to flock to the lakes to take a quick dip. They need your help! Register today and take the plunge this March.

Four-year-old Timothy Robert Brandon Lee

In the 2017-18 school year, Edina Public Schools (EPS) will be making a change. Students in 9th grade will be in the high school instead of the middle schools. A few years ago, the EPS school board decided that students in 9th grade would move to the high school. The school board believes that moving 9th grade to the high school will create a more serious setting for the students, which is a good idea because your grade point average (GPA) begins to count towards your overall high school GPA in 9th grade. Because of this transition, the school will be undergoing some new renovations and changes so that our new group of students can fit.

One of the biggest changes concerning students is the status of the DECAfé. DECA teacher Alicia Halker said, “As of right now, nothing is solidified but we have every reason to believe that we will be open next year,” said Halker. After the construction, the DECAfé will be relocated. “We will be moving into the commons, more specifically, where the community room is now,” said Halker. “We are hoping to turn the commons into centralized student space, with a warm feel and modern furniture providing both booth space and tables with chairs. We also hope to have some TVs set up to show slideshows,” said Halker.

“On the topic of these changes to the building,” Assistant Principal Michael Pretasky said, “There will be some rather large changes. Much of the interior of the building will be renovated and redesigned. Some spaces will be virtually unrecognizable. Also, classrooms will be clustered near open breakout workspaces for collaboration,” said Pretasky. Juniors in the 2016-17 school year might come back to school their senior year and could feel they are in a completely different school. Along the lines of outdoor expansion, the school will be adding on in two places. “Most of the additional square footage will be on the west side of the building, from EPAC down to door 7. The major exception to this will be a large athletic/activities facility including makerspaces added to the North end of the building,” said Pretasky. Adding an activities facility to the North with greatly help gym courses and other extracurricular activities find space.

Due to the expansion west towards the parking lots, in the 2017-18 year, we will gain about 95 parking spots due to a merging of the North and South lots. Right now, there are roughly 400 parking spots at EHS. Next year, we will lose some spots due to construction, but it will be worth it in the long run. This will help lots because less students will need to take the bus leaving more room for 9th graders who are unable to drive. This will also create less conflict in the parking lot because it will be easier to get in and out. Lastly, the school will be adding more bathrooms. Students currently have to walk across a lot of the school just to use the bathroom, and after the construction students will be able to go and get back to class much faster.

On the topic of the construction in general, Pretasky said, “If you have ever lived in a space during a renovation, you know that it can require both flexibility and patience. The end result, however, will be worth it! Just know that we will keep students as informed as we can about the phases of the project and their implications. This is an amazing time for EHS.”

“We started Young Liberals because we wanted to get more like-minded people informed and engaged in the political process. I think this is especially important for high schoolers because for many, the 2016 election will be the first time they can vote, and we want people to know about the candidates and the issues. In Young Liberals Club, we usually discuss big issues, where people stand on them, and why people have the different opinions that they do,” said junior student leader and founder of Young Liberals Club Sam Parmekar.

A major shift from establishment politics has shaken up the races so far, with the likes of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump drawing lots of public support. “What’s cool to me is that Bernie Sanders’ surge has been largely powered by young activists, and it’s awesome to see them being a part of the change they want to see rather than being discouraged by the notion that their ideas aren’t realistic enough for establishment politics,” said Parmekar.

Although other candidates like Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and Hillary Clinton have more conventional political ideologies, “there are few candidates that could be considered moderate, on either side, so the general election is sure to be polarizing and competitive. None of the candidates have a majority yet, so I am excited and a little scared to see how things will play out in the coming weeks,” said sophomore Anna Lampron.

“Political decisions have a bigger impact on our lives than many realize, especially at the state and local levels. If you’re going to be 18 in November, get informed, get involved, and most importantly, go vote!”

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photos courtesy of Catherine Lee

Minnesota’s Democratic Farmer Labor and Republican Parties have set March 1 as the date for their 2016 precinct caucuses. In both parties, no candidate has a commanding lead yet, so “Super Tuesday,” the day in which nine states hold their primaries and caucuses, is one of the most important days in the political race for presidential candidates. Of the fifty states in the country, only thirteen (including Minnesota) have the caucus and convention system.

Unlike primaries, precinct caucuses and conventions allow party members to endorse candidates while debating and setting the issues the parties will stand for. All precinct caucus attendees have the ability to select national and state candidates who will receive endorsements, elect party leaders, and vote on the party constitution and bylaws. After all this, delegates from both the Republican and DFL parties are elected to vote in favor of the policies decided upon by the citizens of the local precinct caucuses and in turn, elect different delegates at each of the following levels of conventions.

The Young Liberals Club at Edina High School recently partnered with the Minnesota DFL and hosted an informational caucus training session February 18 to give teenagers an idea of what to expect and to encourage them to vote. “Although only people who will be 18 by Election Day have their vote count, 16 year olds are able to participate as well,” said junior Romi Lee.

art by Farhia Osman _____

Ben Gustafson staff writer

From right to left seniors Kitty O’Connell, Raegen Hinrichs, Catherine Lee, Talia Wilmert, Chloe Gratzeck, Lucy Camorani, and Kelly Jessen jumping for team TRBL

FEATURES

Talented Trio Plays at Carnegie Hall Rebecca Edgington culture editor

photo courtesy of Ariana Song

Carnegie Hall housed several high school students from around the country to perform together from Feb. 4 to 8 for the 2016 High School Honors Performance Series, and Edina sent three students: juniors Meredith Song and Rachel Lauson, and senior Adi Mittal. Song plays the trumpet, Lauson plays the french horn, and Mittal plays the saxophone. They performed on Feb. 7 with the band. Four additional groups were there to perform: a women’s choir, a mixed choir, a string orchestra, and a symphony orchestra.

All the performers were in grades 9-12 and mostly from the U.S., but some traveled from outside the country. The band played 4 pieces: Symphony No. 1 for band by Claude T. Smith, Dum Spiro Spero by Chris Pilsner, Strange Humors by John Mackey and Pathfinder of Panama by John Philip Sousa.

The students had full schedules all weekend in preparation for their performance.

On the first day, they arrived in New York City, checked into the hotel, and had seating auditions. The next day they had a morning rehearsal, an afternoon rehearsal, and an evening Broadway show. On the third day they again had morning and afternoon rehearsals, then got the evening to sightsee. The fourth day was the day of the performance. They had a morning rehearsal and soundcheck, and then the performance in the evening, and an Honors Celebration afterwards. On the fifth day they got a walking tour of the city, and then departed for home

in the afternoon.

“The rehearsals went pretty well. It was super exciting to play with some really great players from across the country.

I was a little nervous because I had a short solo in one of the pieces, but mostly just excited to perform at Carnegie Hall.

We had a lot of down time between sound check and when we actually had to perform, so I talked to Rachel and my roommates who were also in the trumpet section,” said Song.

They all seemed very serious about the experience, if they had down time they mostly spent it talking to each other, utilizing the time to try and calm themselves and mentally prepare together.

“I don’t really even know how to feel, it still hasn’t completely sunken in and doesn’t feel quite real yet!

I’m definitely pumped to be performing on such a famous stage,” she said. Song’s immediate family was in the audience to support her the night of the performance. We asked if that helped to calm her or made her more nervous to perform. “I liked having them in the audience, they’ve seen me perform many other times so I’m used to it,” she said.

“I fell in love with the trumpet, I also have a great teacher and have met so many people through it. It’s really frustrating to always be faced with competition from other players, but at the same time it’s motivating. Finding time to practice and making sacrifices for band/symphony commitments is sometimes difficult,” said Song. There are obvious hardships that come with playing an instrument and keeping up with it but this was definitely a triumph for these three amazingly talented students.

All Hornets, All Friends: Hornet Connections Anne Amen features editor

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Christina Orth news editor For 60 years (or, as he prefers, “the tenth year of the second 50”), Edina Boys’ Swim and Dive head coach Art Downey has been molding young boys into gentlemen.

A lifelong lover of black glasses and sports, Mr. Downey is an icon whose philosophy, fashion, and success in the pool are known throughout Minnesota.

Mr. Downey believes high school sports are more than just athletics. He believes they’re meant to encourage young people to grow into responsible adults to prepare them for life. “You get the opportunity to have ups and downs, to fulfill your potential, be a gentlemen, be a leader,” Downey said. As many swimmers on his team know, his emphasis on character and sportsmanship is something he enforces every year at the beginning of the season. “I expect them to be gentlemen, all the time, 24 hours day, 365 days a year,” said Downey.

Scott Johnson, assistant coach under Downey for 24 years and a Valley View Middle School teacher added, “To Art, a season is more than just the times and going up and down the pool. It’s about being a good sportsman, it’s about being a good citizen, it’s about being a gentlemen.

It’s not just about performance, it’s about all those other things that set us apart in Edina.”

Legend has it that his trademark glasses allow him to see past the championships and numbers, and straight into the potential of his athletes. “I love working with young people, the chance to hopefully be a positive influence in their life is really rewarding,” he added. Edina has swimmers ranging from the junior national level to people just getting started, and Downey’s method of coaching and assessing them contribute to his legacy. “Everyone counts and everyone matters. The same treatment, the same quality of coaching, the same number of events in a meet, the same of opportunities for everyone.That’s what really sets him apart as a coach,” said Johnson.

Downey is the face of boys’ swimming at Edina, and has been with the program since the beginning. Since 1956, the boys team and their coach (along with his stopwatch) have brought home 10 MSHSL state champion titles. While it’s easy to single all the wins and champions out, it’s the playful moments that are priceless to the team and Johnson. “Every once in awhile you get a really hilarious moment that you can’t replicate and you just have a really good belly laugh about it. Usually involving an athlete or two, those are the moments that really stick out.”

When he’s isn’t leading practices at the Art Downey Aquatic Center, the remodeled South View pool named in his honor in 2006, he can be found biking, up north at his cabin, and keeping busy. Downey hopes that all students get involved with activities associated with the school. A staunch advocate for tradition, he has preached the same spiel throughout the years, “Even if you don’t do swimming, do something. I don’t care what you do, but do something. It makes high school more pleasant, and all extracurriculars offer the same opportunities that swimming does.” photo courtesy of edinaschools.org

The Hornet Connections program at Edina High School is crossing boundaries and fostering new relationships between students. Thanks to this student-run organization, students in mainstream classrooms are able to work with their peers with disabilities through participating in community building activities, serving as Teacher Assistants, and volunteering during Collaborative Time.

The program is in its second season, thanks to a group of students who participated in Peer Insights at Southview Middle School and wanted to continue a similar program at EHS. “We had a few students who really wanted to be involved initially in the program. They weren’t able to get credit for being a TA, and now they can. When Collaborative Time was added to the schedule, it seemed like a natural time to build in Hornet Connections,” said Ms. Hanson, a member of the special education faculty. The program has expanded their influence in the school with a Theater for All class during May Term. “Last year was the first year with May Term for All, and the theater class that we offered. There’s always the opportunity to continue to expand so it stays fresh. Next year we are offering a semesterlong theater course that is based on the inclusion model,” said Hanson. Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, Hornet Connections has begun to reach far outside of their classroom.

“We have a lot of students that we engage with all day long – we have kids who come in to be TAs, for Hornet Connections, we see them in the halls, and we are much more involved in the school as a whole,” said Hanson.

Hornet Connections focuses on using crafts and activities as a way of engaging all students. “We do holiday crafts, and we decorate the room and the door. We also do gifts, whether it is holiday gifts, or Mother’s and Father’s Day. We go down to

the gym and play basketball, and we have a Special Olympics unified team where kids with disabilities play together,” said Katie Engelking, one of the students participating in the program. “During Collaborative Time when everyone comes together to play a game or make a craft, it’s fun to see the laughs and the dance moves,” said Engelking. Not only does Hornet Connections bring students together in the school building, it unites them beyond the classroom and in life outside of school.

“I got to know the kids, and they became some of my best friends. I’ve created relationships with them that I think are going to be some of my toughest goodbyes next year. It’s rewarding, because you’re giving back, but you’re also getting more than you give,” said Engelking.

Because of its unique ability to foster friendships and awareness side by side, Hornet Connections has an incredible impact on the EHS community. “The impact is global. It’s not just an important program for the students in this classroom, it’s important for all the students in the building. If you look at our students who have been most involved, it’s really life changing,” said Hanson. Through getting to know their disabled peers, students in the traditional classroom learn “to not judge a book by its cover, and be inclusive with everyone because just a little bit of effort goes a really long way. Getting involved is by far the most rewarding thing I have been a part of. While some people may see it as just volunteering, I get so much out of it,” said Engelking.

Thanks to its diverse selection of activities, it is incredibly easy to get involved with Hornet Connections. “What we really want is for students to start coming to the Collaborative Times to see what we’re about. There are more opportunities that spring from there,” said Hanson. Also, students wishing to apply for TA positions can seek approval from their counselors and talk to one of the special education teachers to sign off on the application.

The Ar t of Ar t D owney : 60 Years in the M ak ing

IN-DEPTH

articles by Madeline Marker public relations editor

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Spring Break Adventures Anna Gratzer features editor

photo courtesy of Mr. Franske

Molly Sparrow sports editor Does science interest you? What about camping? A lot of canoeing? If so, you have something in common with the Field Based Science (FBS) Teacher Assistants Allison Risser, Rachel Schwartz, Lillie Westbrook, and Eva Anderson. FBS is a science program led by Science teacher Mr. Burfeind that takes students on a nine day trip to Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada. This year the trip is the 17th-25th of July. The first two days of the trip are spent at Lake Trails Base Camp, followed by five days on the trail, and the last day back at base camp. Every student is put in a group with another six or seven students, one teacher, two guides, and one Teacher Assistant. “Your group canoes anywhere from 10-30 miles in a day to a new campsite.

While the day seems super simple since it’s mainly canoeing, it’s incredibly fun being totally away from your busy life and only M ak ing breakfast in the woods focusing on getting to your next destination,” said Anderson. While this science adventure sounds exquisite, it takes a certain type of person to lead it. For this reason Zephyrus decided to learn a little bit more about the Teacher Assistants’ highlights, recommendations, and duties.

“My favorite part of the trip is the breathtaking beauty that you see on a daily basis. My group got to see the Northern Lights and lovely sunsets. People work really hard to make sure that the area stays clean and preserved, so there’s beauty all around you,” said Risser.

“My favorite part is getting really close with the people in your group,” said Schwartz.

“My favorite part is getting out of my comfort zone and just being in the wilderness for nine days,” said Anderson.

“People should go on FBS because it was easily the best week of my summer, also everyone who goes gets ¼ of a science credit,” said Schwartz.

“Teacher Assistants duties include recruiting people to come, helping your group figure out their science topic, guiding and navigating on the trail, and helping Mr. Burfeind prepare,” said Risser.

The FBS students at a campsite

photo courtesy of Lake Trails Base Camp

As the unpleasant month of February drones on and on with snowstorms, sub-zero temperatures, and overwhelming tests, many students and teachers alike begin the countdown for Spring Break. While some may adventure far outside of the United States to places as foreign as Japan and Iceland, others will travel within this country for some beautiful warm weather, and still others will stay local for a relaxing week with minimal stress. Below, several students and teachers share their plans for break.

Senior Mari Spitale is traveling to Puerto Rico, specifically San Juan and Rio Grande. There, she is looking forward to seeing dolphins, swimming on the ocean, and laying on the beach with her best friend. The group of mothers and daughters chose Puerto Rico as their Spring Break destination due to the warm weather and convenient, direct flight. “I just can’t wait for break,” Spitale said excitedly.

Although sophomore Oliver Gilbert opted to stay in town for the break, he is already looking forward to the week off of school. He states, “It’s a light at the end of the tunnel [that] I’m just crawling towards”.

He plans on sleeping in, watching Netflix, playing video games, and not worrying about school. He states, “I would like to spend [the break] with friends, but [they will] be all gone.

Math teacher Ms. Russell has been counting down for Spring Break since January via a countdown clock in her classroom. Similar to most, Ms. Russell looks forward to catching up on sleep and watching movies on her week free of teaching. However, Ms. Russell’s break is slightly unique because she plans on working at her part time job as a firefighter in Eden Prairie. She estimates that she will work 36 hours there over Spring Break.

Yet another math teacher has an exciting vacation ahead. Mr. Franske is traveling to Iceland. “Iceland is pretty out there--you really have to want to go. I have some friends that have traveled there recently and their pictures are amazing…[it seems] beautiful, but somehow more wild and secluded. I dig that,” said Franske. He is most looking forward to seeing his friends and fellow Edina High School graduates on this trip.

Additionally, Mr. Franske is looking forward to seeing the Northern Lights, swimming in hot springs, and seeing the geothermal, volcanic, and glacial activity that Iceland is so famous for.

Exploring Nature and Science

photo courtesy of Lake Trails Base Camp

FEATURES

The Quest for Washington D.C. Fra n s k e o n a p a s t va c at i o n

On Wednesday, Feb. 3, Edina’s two WorldQuest competition teams made their way to the state competition.

One of the teams won first place, granting them an all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the national competition in April. The winning team consisted of seniors Lydia Knoll, Katie Kelley, Natalie Omodt, and Sophie Sissi. All four members jumped on the opportunity to join earlier this year.

“My family has always been big into history and international relations, so I grew up immersed in international issues and found my family frequently discussing them at the dinner table,” said Knoll. “Our meetings and discussions every week bring up very serious world issues that everyone should be versed in.”

The club is very much like an international relations quiz bowl, and was new to Edina this year. It was started by Betsy Nimmo, who has been a Model UN advisor for many years.

“I’ve always enjoyed trivia and this was another opportunity to hang out with Ms. Nimmo,” said Kelley, who speaks very highly of Nimmo. “I’d also like to thank Mr. McKeever for

encouraging me to love history and for helping further my interest in global affairs: without him, I would not be who I am today.”

The club meets every Wednesday after school, and usually consists of studying the topics that are the focus of this year’s competitions. “I think we probably spent somewhere around 50 hours preparing in total. While it was a lot of work, we didn’t

ph oto cou r te s y o f S op h ie Si ss i

Megan Hussey human resources editor

The team at M innesota Academic Wor ld Q uest

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get into the intense details until after winter break, so I really ramped up studying in January,” said Kelley.

Knoll says there were many strategies practiced every week that she believed helped them perform well at the state competition. “[There were] endless hours of reading articles, memorizing statistics, and creating Kahoot questions for our teammates and opponents.”

The team is unsure what to expect in April. “We intend to enter the national competition with no expectations whatsoever, and then obviously anything better will be a success,” said Kelley. “D.C. is mostly going to be an opportunity to meet other like-minded individuals and to experience the agenda laid out by the national organizers.”

With such an accomplished first year of Edina WorldQuest, Knoll can easily see the club continuing in success in the following years. “What we hope for WorldQuest is that it becomes an international relations club for any people thinking about studying IR in the future or who want to take further steps to become a world citizen.” She added that while the club has a promising future, it will be difficult for it to ever be the size of Model UN because of the two four-person teams restriction from each school.

OPINION

Is the GPA Rat Race Worth It?

Head-to-Head Grade Pressure is Good Pressure Jenna Simon staff writer As high school students, we take numerous tests in our three years at Edina High School. This is a simple fact that we cannot avoid, and it is one that many students dread.

Usually, the physical test-taking doesn’t stress students out, but the results of the test that inevitably follow certainly do.

Students feel an immense pressure to do well on tests and in school in general, but in many aspects this is as it should be.

The truth of the matter is that students should feel pressure to do well in school, and they should feel that their grades are important, because they are. Students’ GPAs immensely affect their process of applying for and being accepted into college.

schoolwork must take priority, or when schoolwork should come before their other commitments. This skill of time management is then also applied to dealing with priorities outside of school, such as deciding which activities or commitments take priority over others.

Pressure on high school students is an unfortunate reality, and none of us enjoy the waves of school stress that come and go. However this pressure motivates students to constantly put their best foot forward, and they will be better equipped to face future challenges.

photo by Uma Bhati

Pressure to do well in school acts as a motivator for students to work hard and apply themselves so that they can succeed. In addition, when a student has a personal drive to do well in school, they are better equipped to have a similar attitude when faced with more demanding academic pressure in college.

The importance of maintaining this personal drive reaches beyond high school and even college. Today students feel pressure to prove themselves on tests and projects, but in the future, students will have to motivate themselves in their professional careers. The difference is, once students enter the “real world,” they won’t have anyone keeping track of their with a petty number like a GPA. Once we are adults, we will have to find our own form of motivation, as we will no longer face the threat of a poor transcript. Young adults will face even greater pressure to succeed in the real world, and will find motivation in their desire to be able to function and support themselves in society, instead of through the desire to get a good grade on their next essay.

Pressure also helps students perform better in numerous aspects of their academic lives. For example, in order to perform well in school a student must have logical time management skills. With pressure to do well in school, students learn to decide what

Grade Pressure is Bad Pressure Sophie Cannon head staff writer While walking through the halls of Edina High School, you are guaranteed to hear the following things: complaints about the crowded hallways, complaints about lack of sleep, and complaints about the overload of stress as it relates to grades and extracurriculars. While the first two matters are (sadly) unchangeable, the latter of the three is ridiculous, especially because of the frequency and severity with which it is seen and heard.

For many, high school is about fun AND about grades.

To those who value their education, I applaud you and greatly admire your work ethic and dedication to learning.

However, there is a very fine line dividing dedication to education and slaving away on work to achieve a top grade.

I was one of those kids back in middle school that loved school, and I would most likely still be that kid if it wasn’t for the turn that took place entering high school. While my work ethic didn’t change, the pressures surrounding me to be better, think smarter, and achieve more skyrocketed.

These pressures not only came from teachers, but more so from my peers themselves, repeating messages from their parents, older siblings, and their own peers. My original

love for learning then got distorted, an effect of pressure.

In order to fit in with my friends, felt the need to keep up with them academically.

I knew in my heart that every student is different.

I also knew that my 3.7 with a few extra-curriculars wasn’t comparable with my friends’ 4.0 and 3 EHS Letter Achievements. Even though these numbers and figures didn’t determine how much I could actually learn in school, they ate away at my self-esteem. Eventually they destroyed my motivation, and I began to believe that no matter what I did, I would never be good enough. While sometimes, motivation in the form of pressure to succeed does the trick in getting the productivity ball rolling, in huge doses such as it exists at EHS, can result in an overdose of pressure and end up harming not only the final grades, but the self-esteem of the student.

Edina Hornet pride is one of the aspects of the school that students, teachers, advisors, and even college admission boards look at and value. However, being a straight A, Varsity athlete, extra-curricular participator, socialite student is much much harder than it looks, not that I even come close to having all of those superlatives.

I strongly believe that if we take off some of the pressures from ourselves, it becomes much easier to achieve and succeed in what we truly value while having a memorable, successful, and dare I say fun EHS experience.

As a second semester senior myself, it’s still hard

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sometimes to take a breath and realize that my self worth is NOT equivalent to my GPA. So maybe it’s okay to put down the textbook and the added extra curricular sign-up form, and pick up a good book and an iced coffee.

Here’s to a productive, successful, and less stressful second semester, EHS.

“I strongly believe that if we take off some of the pressures from ourselves, it becomes much easier to achieve and succeed in what we truly value while having a memorable, successful, and dare I say fun EHS experience”.

art by Farhia Osman

OPINION

Why Your Vote Counts

Erik Lindquist online editor and chief

stated School Board election, the State House, State Senate, State Judges, and even the Edina Student Council election.

These people represent our communities, and are the most direct link the people have to government.

Your vote counts the least in the general election, not only because there is a significantly larger pool of voters, but because of the abysmal Electoral College.

I respect why we have it, but I think it’s absurd that 538 people make the final decision on the President despite the 126 million citizens who voted. It angers me that George W. Bush got the Presidency in 2000 even though Al Gore had more votes in the general election.

This particular Presidential election is important because there are four Supreme Court Justices that are over the age of 77, so it’s possible for this coming President to appoint four new people who make some of this country’s most important decisions. Your vote may not count as much in the general election, but if you decide not to vote for whatever reason, I believe you have no right to complain about the President’s performance or decisions.

Voting isn’t a duty, but it’s certainly part of being an honorable, involved citizen. It’s an opportunity that many people around the world would die for. By not voting, you get the government you deserve, not the one you want. If you have no idea what or who you’re voting for, remember that it will count regardless. art by Gage Aulik

The general election for President of the United States isn’t until November, but it feels like it’s right around the corner due to all of the debates, ads, and social media coverage. It is primary season, and the Iowa caucus results serve as an eyeopening reminder as to how much our votes actually count. The world is run by the people who show up.

As much as I’d love to take credit for that phrase, my Comparative Government teacher Betsy Nimmo was the one who said it.

In my opinion, it couldn’t be more accurate.

While your vote always counts, it counts the most earlier on in the election cycle. The 1st of March is caucus day in Minnesota, and if you’ll be 18 by November 8th, 2016, you’re eligible to participate.

If Senator Bernie Sanders losing by .3% to Hillary Clinton or Marco Rubio losing to Donald Trump by roughly 2000 votes in Iowa isn’t enough incentive for you to vote, then I don’t know what is. Fifteen percent of Iowa’s population played a large role in who will be running for President this time around, and it’s interesting to think about what the results would have looked like if the other 85 percent had participated. We’ll never know because they didn’t show up.

Another point to be made, one that you’ve heard a thousand times I’m sure, is that it’s your civic duty to vote. I disagree

with that. Sure it’s a political right that has been vehemently sought after, but a right is different from an obligation. That’s like saying that since we have freedom of speech, you have to say whatever comes to your mind because you have the right. Also, calling voting a duty seems to promote compulsory voting, which is worse than voting at all in my opinion. To tell you the truth, I am guilty of this, and I still have sincere regret. Last November,

I voted for three Edina School Board members solely based on name recognition, and one of them replaced an incumbent by a slight margin. This moment is when I learned that my vote truly does count. With great power comes great responsibility, and in this instance I was an uninformed voter blinded by the possibility of getting the highly-esteemed, red “I voted” sticker.

Your vote counts the most in local elections, where there are a smaller amount of voters. This includes the previously

Messy Math Mishaps

A 5th grade test should not determine your math level in high school Colette Bruder opinion editor The rigor of my math class and my grades in math have an inverse relationship. The more advanced the math the class I’m forced to take, the lower my grades drop. In fifth grade when I still thought it was socially acceptable to wear striped turtlenecks covered in sparkles, I placed in a high percentile on a math test.

Little did I know this test would determine my future in math at Edina High School.

A student’s math abilities evolve over the years. A test that you take as a fifth grader should not determine your math classes throughout the rest of your academic career. There is no way of knowing if every fifth grader puts the same emphasis down the line on this placement test, which leads many students to be placed in the wrong math level. Further, the kids who do place well on this test might not be prepared for the rigorous demands

of advanced placement math class many years later in high school.

It isn’t fair to make a fifth grader take a test with such high stakes when she doesn’t understand the significance of the test. When I took it, I didn’t care about how I scored on this test as long as it didn’t cut into my recess time. Students should be tested for course curriculum frequently in order to ensure that EHS students are placed in the correct math class, where they will be most successful in.

Once placed in one of the Edina math tracks in fifth grade, you have little room to change. If you are placed in advanced math and find the curriculum too challenging, the only option you have is to stay at your current math level. Math courses should be challenging but not impossible.

While this may improve your grades and understanding of the material, it reflects poorly to colleges and could hurt your chance of acceptance. Conversely, if you are placed in a math track you don’t find

challenging it’s difficult to skip a math level. Students either have to pay for and take expensive courses over the summer or find room in their schedule during the school year to take two math classes.

The math curriculum at Edina must change. Math classes aren’t helpful to students when it comes to standardized testing like the ACT and SAT. Over 35 percent of ACT math questions relate to geometry. Algebra One skills make up at least 40 percent of ACT math questions.

This means students have to think back to math most students learned in eighth or ninth grade to answer complex questions. I can only speak for myself, but I promptly forgot the titles of math theorems that I am not expected to know, years after it had been taught.

The Edina math department needs to redefine their curriculum. Teachers should alter courses to prepare students for standardized testing in addition to offering numerous tests to determine their future.

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Snow Days in Edina Megan Hussey human resource editor Winter at Edina High School: a bleak, neverending snowstorm for many. Yet, there is one hope students can always hang onto in the back of their minds: the possibility of a snow day. In Edina, however, it is becoming blatantly clear that the words “snow day” are not in Ric Dressen’s vocabulary. So, why is it that Edina students still wake up at 7 a.m., bundle up (well, some of us), and trudge through a snowstorm when many of our neighboring districts get to sleep in? The answer is unfortunate: Edina has an excellent plowing system.

Whether or not the roads are clear, I still feel as though safety concerns are ignored by many when the decision is made to hold school on extremely cold days or when there are near blizzard conditions outside. Let’s start with the first, more obvious one. The majority of high schoolers either drive themselves to school, or are in a carpool where another high school student is driving. I hate to break it to you, but high school drivers are inexperienced, often reckless drivers who will not slow down for anything, including snow. Having the day off or even a delayed start could allow students to stay indoors and not be out risking their lives.

A delay would let many avoid rush-hour traffic, meaning less of a chance of an accident occurring.

For the rest of the district, school buses are a popular form of transportation. Buses are huge vehicles that are not built for blizzard conditions.

I don’t care if the plows come out earlier in Edina than in Eden Prairie: A bus carrying 30 elementary schoolers should not be driving around in the snow, period. Why put ourselves in danger if it can be completely avoided? On Feb. 2, a snowstorm approached Edina around 12 p.m., and while almost all other neighboring districts were let out before the snow hit, Edina kids remained in school for the full day. Many buses reported having difficulty getting kids home safely, and many high schoolers had to push their cars through the snow after getting stuck.

But who cares if anyone gets hurt, right? As long as we get our education, nothing else seems to matter.

Besides snow days, another hope for many students is to have school cancelled due to well below freezing temperatures. I admit, these days are much more likely to happen, and two years ago winter break was extended by a full two days due to the cold. However, last year, temperatures were approaching dangerous conditions and school was still held. What if my car broke down on the way to school? What if a younger child was out waiting for the bus that was late and got locked out of their house because their parents had already left for work? None of these concerns seemed to be accounted for, and I often question the decisions being made in Edina when all other schools around us have addressed safety concerns.

With my senior year coming to a close, I can look back and say I have never had a full day off due to the snow. Cold temperatures, yes, but never for snow. Maybe a delay or two, but not nearly as many as there probably should have been. It seems that someone will have to get hurt before Edina can recognize the danger of holding school when conditions outside are extreme. I urge the district to reconsider their policies, because right now, I don’t see the safety of students being the top priority on

CULTURE

Required Reading

Why Three of the English Curriculum’s Most Controversial Texts Are Worth the Read Audrey Sheehy print editor in chief I credit AP United States Literature with introducing me to what I consider the best literary work that has ever been written (that I have read so far in my lifetime): “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison.

I remember the struggles we faced while trying to wrap our heads around the language and meaning of the novel, but I also remember the phenomenal plot and the numerous lessons the journey through the novel taught me.

“Invisible Man” helped me take the next steps toward diving into the richness of a text. Ellison crafted the most developed character I have ever read about. Although many of my classmates would argue that we analyzed the book and its protagonist too much, I would say that “Invisible Man” could never be overanalyzed. There is so much happening in and behind the plot-line that one read-through would only grasp ten percent of the beauty of what Ellison is trying to share with his audience. The connections that can be drawn from each part of the novel reveal a genius structure, one that I have never seen before. Ellison’s organization and intense character development leave the reader breathless and he makes each reader works hard to understand his compelling arguments and breakthrough ideas.

“Invisible Man” should be a text that is always taught in English courses because it not only changed the way I approach a text, but it also fostered my first heartfelt appreciation for school literature.

Lillie Westbrook humor editor

John Osler copy editor

“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker is a confusing, depressing, and uncomfortable book to read. It touches on serious subjects like racism, abuse, rape, teenage pregnancy, and homosexuality. As unpleasant as it can be to read, every page is vital to the Pre-AP 10 curriculum, think about this: every awful and tragic thing that happens to Celie, Shug, Sofia, and Nettie has happened a million times over to women in this country.

In “The Color Purple,” Walker brought to light the tragedies that women, especially poor black women, have been suffering forever. Despite all the struggle and pain that these characters deal with, they refuse to be victims. This portrait of unflinchingly resilient African American women in the 1930s South not only fights injustice, it aims to start repairs of the centuries of damage inflicted on oppressed people. In my opinion, the most astonishing and important part of the book is the relationship between Shug and Celie, a portrayal of black lesbians in a time when they are so often overlooked, a portrayal of a rape victim learning to reclaim her body, and a portrayal of true love between two women.

So yes, you have a right to feel uncomfortable and sad when reading this book. Heck, you should feel that way. But there is absolutely no reason on this green earth that “The Color Purple” should not be taught in high school.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t enjoy reading “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. It felt uncomfortable and wrong how the author obviously wanted you to sympathize with the main character, Okonkwo, an intolerant, misogynistic murderer. My first reaction when reading about his (spoiler alert) suicide was that the world was better off without him and his backwards culture, which was obviously not the kind of conclusion the liberal Pre-AP 10 curriculum would want to push.

Although I didn’t enjoy reading “Things Fall Apart,” I still think it’s valuable and important for sophomores to experience. One of the more admirable parts of the Pre-AP 10 curriculum is the way it forces students to read stories from unfamiliar viewpoints, thus gaining a more complete worldview. In the end, Okonkwo’s death may be justified, but the way the invading culture minimized such a complex person into a minor footnote isn’t. Understanding both the flaws and virtues of morally ambiguous cultures and characters is something everyone needs to understand, and this book taught me that lesson very well.

Beyond the Bubble: LEAP YEAR ADDITION

The Orch-Dorks Take Europe Isabel Thompson in-depth editor

Edina Orchestra’s trip to China in 2014

Greta Morton staff writer

photo courtesy of Edina Orchestra

This spring break, you’ll be wishing you were an orchestra student. While you stay home, lie on your couch, and eat chips over, the symphonic and varsity orchestra’s will be traveling to Europe. Their 8 day trip will first stop in Atlanta where they will catch a connecting flight to Munich, Germany.

“We’ll be visiting Vienna, Austria, Salzburg, Austria, Prague, Czech Republic, and Munich, Germany,” said juior Eva Anderson. Once in Europe, the 36 students and their 6 chaperones, including Ms. Flooding, their orchestra teacher, will be busing from city to city.

One of the perks of this trip is that the students get to perform in the cities of the composer that wrote their pieces including Mozart and Dvorak. One of their many stops along the way is at Mozart’s birth house in Salzburg, Austria. The museum is known as Stiftung Mozarteum or the Hagenauer House, which is one of the most popularly visited museum in Austria.

Another historical landmark the students get to visit is the Dachau Concentration Camp in Dachau, Germany. This Nazi memorial camp and museum is a reminder of the lives lost during the Holocaust, it features photographs, documents, and reconstructed cell blocks. Sydney Sabow, junior, adds, “I’m definitely excited to travel with friends, meet some

new people and be able to play in world famous locations!”

Not only will the students be lugging around their luggage, but their instruments as well. They are set to play at St. Stephen’s Dom of Vienna, at 11 p.m. on Easter day.

“We will be performing at the chapel of Kreuzschwestern and St. Nicholas church as well,” states Sabow. Their performances give them the opportunity to meet European musicians and share their love for music as well. This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity that the students will remember forever. “I’m most excited to be in a totally new place with an amazing group of people,” concludes Anderson.

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Every fourth year in the month of February, the world is blessed with an extra day. And in this decade, Leap Year falls in 2016. That’s right, the 29th has come and gone, and you didn’t do anything cool. Never fear, Zephyrus has you covered. Here’s how to take advantage of your additional day four years from now.

One of the more obvious ideas is to celebrate the birth of a Leap Year baby!

Who knows, perhaps one of your friends is turning four this year. Buy them a cupcake and take them to Chuck E. Cheese’s.

Take a trip somewhere! Many flights, hotels, and resorts offer discounts when booked over Leap Day. Don’t know where to go? California and Florida are popular locations, and for the first time ever, Disney World and Disneyland will be open at night. On Leap Day, both parks are open for 24 hours. Who wouldn’t want to hang with Mickey and the gang at 3 am?

Pretend to be a tourist! No matter how long you’ve lived here, there is bound to be some terrain left unexplored. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover some place new in Edina that you really like. Go swim in that pond that looks purple underneath the railroad tracks, or go color pictures of Hello Kitty and tape them on the walls of

Narnia (that whimsical place above The Container Store). Go to Target and dive into the giant rubber ball container or lay on top of your car when you drive through a carwash.

Crash a wedding! If the couple is around 30 years old now, they’ll only have been married 12 years by the time they’re 80. Make their Leap Day wedding even more memorable with your presence. Besides, crashing the celebration means more cake for us cake-eaters.

Heck, why not just get married yourself? You’ve got an extra day with some time to kill. Getting married on a Leap Day makes for a unique wedding anniversary, and waiting every four years just makes celebrating it all the more special.

Have a three-course meal, but eat each course at a different location!

Restaurants might not serve everything you like, and eating everything all at once can make you feel lethargic. If you spread your meal out between a variety of locations, you’re bound to get the chance to eat everything you like without suddenly feeling stuffed.

Sit in your dorm room and beat yourself up about not applying to Zephyrus while you could. Think about all the fun you could have had writing articles and making friends.

Oh wait! It’s not too late! Apply for Zephyrus this spring. You don’t need the excuse of Leap Day to seize the day!

CULTURE

Sing for Spring!

The Hallway is Her Runway but occasionally Glavan will share music suggestions, random thoughts, must reads, and videos.

Glavan will receive between 200-300 Every day, junior Kate Glavan comes hits on every post. Most of her viewers are to school with a newly fashioned, stylish from the Minneapolis area, and she uses outfit that most could only dream of her own social media accounts to promote possessing in their wardrobe. Her style her blog. has been recognized throughout the “My blog posts are a combination of hallways of Edina High School, and now what I am seeing she is using her artistic and predicting. eye to become a local I’d say I follow fashion blogger. runway seasons Glavan started her pretty well, so popular blog, called I use some of The Suburb Style, last my favorite summer because she had designers. I try to a lot of free time on her make the styles hands and wanted to find more affordable,” something productive said Glavan. She to do. “I have a friend recalled finding who was interested in motivation from taking pictures, so the her blog from the two [interests] kind of compliments she went together. Even would receive though blogging is kind from fellow of outdated… I thought classmates on her it would be fun, and it outfits everyday. was a way for me to hone One of Glavan’s posts on her blog Her goal was to try to make fashionable my writing in a different way away from outfits easier to put together for less style academic writing,” said Glavan. Although oriented students who wanted to look the blog was meant to be a summer good without trying. activity, she continued with it as it gained “I would say that my personal style more viewership. does not fall in a category of preppy The purpose of Glavan’s blog is or bohemian. I would say I follow one to share with others her style, while statement piece, whether that be a pair showcasing outfits that are affordable of shoes, a jacket, or a vest, and branch to high school students. As stated on my outfit off from there. I try to stick her website, this blog is an “intriguing, with minimal colors and then use an creative place to alleviate style stress, accent color,” said Glavan. If you want to give fashion advice, and share [her] check out her blog visit: thesuburbstyle. opinions on some of the latest runways wordpress.com and trends.” Most of her posts document her outfits and create season look books, courtsey of thesuburbstyle.com

Audrey Sheehy print editor in chief

to fame after an appearance on Jimmy Fallon show in June, and their hit song “Renegades” was heard around the world for the rest of summer.

What’s more, the band’s piano player is even more Ah, spring. I know, as we move from day to talented than he seems: he’s blind, but still plays dreary day in February and March it is hard to like a pro. imagine a world without bare trees, giant snow Mumford and Sons at the Xcel Energy Center, drifts, and gray skies. But allow me to assure you: April 21. Sometimes, Britain does Americana that sunny, grassy, warm world exists, and it’s better than America does. And that’s okay, because within our reach. And what shall accompany our when the band is Mumford and Sons, they can do excursion into spring? Nothing other than some no wrong. The band just dropped their third album, great live music! Here are Zephyrus’ top concerts we’ve all loved them since seventh grade, and in March, April, May, and early June. they’re just cute on stage.

Lake Street Dive at the Cedar Cultural Center, Ellie Goulding at the Xcel Energy Center, May Mar. 10 [18+]. This band, originally from Boston, 5. This techno-pop darling is not only famous for is named after all the seedy bars found on our very her sick beats, but also for her ~aesthetic~. See her own Lake Street. With a jazzy sound reminiscent at the beginning of May to dance like crazy and of the big funk bands of the 1970s, these guys are see those perfect blonde beach waves in real life. sure to get you on your feet.

Florence and the Machine at the Xcel Energy Cloud Cult at the State Theater, Mar. 12. This Center, Jun. 2. Yes, this could be considered local band plays in the Cities often, but rarely in to be a summer a venue as nice as concert, but school the State Theatre. is still in session Cloud Cult is for underclassmen known for their :’(. Missed the live performances Renaissance Festival than their recorded this year? Don’t music. Their worry, the Florence concerts have concert is your sureincluded live fire way to get a paintings by the healthy dose of flower band members, crowns, fairy wings, playing pots and pan flute. and pans, and So there it is, Cloud Cult’s concert from last year being especially a fantastic lineup environmentally of acts to take us from winter into the beautiful conscious. warm beyond that lies in waiting after March 21st.

Melanie Martinez at the Myth Live Event Some more all-ages places to see live music on Center, Mar. 16. What a cutie! Martinez is known the weekends include the Depot Coffeehouse and for her childish style, writing a full album fueled the Black Dog Cafe. The Depot hosts many open by childhood nostalgia, which seems sweet, until mics, so many high school bands come to show off you get into the lyrics and realize the depth of her darkness. Still, she is a dynamic performer live and their skills on Fridays and Saturdays! The Black Dog Cafe doesn’t cater as much to the high school really lets herself get into the music onstage. crowd, but offers some sweet live jazz almost X Ambassadors at the Myth Live Event every night. Happy grooving!

Center, Apr. 4. This band from New York rocketed Lillie Westbrook humor editor

photo courtesy of Cloud Cult

Kate Glavan Shows off Her Style

Spring Concert Preview

P l e a s e D o nt Sto p t h e M u s i c : M u s i c Fr i d ays Hugh Cashman news editor

Some people like school, some people hate it; some people like to play sports and others compete on the robotics team. While high school is a melting pot of various interests, there is one thing everyone can agree on: music makes life better. The longstanding tradition of Music Fridays is something all students can appreciate.

Most people don’t know who’s in charge of the music.

212 Cabinet members are given the privilege of choosing the music.

Listeners have seniors, Drew Otterlei, Erin Omodt, Sid Ramesh and Adi Mittal to thank for Music Fridays.

This year, there have been days where music was missing in the halls. “They kinda stopped. I don’t really notice the music nowadays.

I feel like it used to be louder, and now it seems as though they skip some passing times,” said senior Alec Schrader. It turns out this isn’t a myth. “The janky CD player we used to use decided it was his time to pass, so for a while we had no music,” said Otterlei. It was time for Music Fridays to take a step into the 21st century. “Since the CD player broke we got an aux cord so now we can use Spotify,” said Otterlei. art by Farhia Osman The best part about music in the hallways is that it’s on Fridays.

“They bring up the mood and get you ready for the weekend. I wish they’d put in a little more 3OH!3 and a pinch of blink-182,” said Schrader. While everyone could use more punk rock in their lives, choosing songs is an intricate process.

“We can’t play just anything. Doc Loc says it has to be culturally diverse but one time when he was gone we played Disney music, because who doesn’t like Disney music?” said Otterlei.

It’s a good thing that most popular music is culturally diverse.

Unfortunately, Edina High School’s beloved Young Thug, Chris Travis, Yung Simmie, and Gucci Mane etc. are far, far, from school appropriate. “Lowkey swearing is occasionally allowed, but it has to be relatively appropriate. If there is incessant swearing or racial slurs we can’t play it,” said Otterlei.

No swear words, no racial slurs; that eliminates about half of pop music. That leaves the question of, “what else is there to play?”

“I’m pretty sure they played a Soulja Boy song once, that was lit!” said Schrader. That one must have slid past the censorship board.

“I’d like to hear some Led Zeppelin,” said senior Josh Reinke.

It’s hard to please the majority. Perhaps the only songs that will satisfy the whole populus are songs that anyone can dance to. Some suggestions for songs to get people dancing that are appropriate (take note 212) are “Androma” by Jacy, “Company” and “Hit the Ground” by Justin Bieber, and “Say it Right” by Nelly Furtado.

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SPORTS

Skiing the Birkie photo courtesy of Erik Lindquist

The Gage brothers have been skiing since they were about four years old.

“Our dad got us into skiing at a young age,” said Will Gage. They both ski for the Varsity Nordic team, and train yearround. They’ve competed in several races before this. “This is not our first.

We’ve done several races years before this. We’ve done this race four times now, we’ve done the Hinder Binder twice, and if we’d gone this year it would’ve been our third Pre-Birkie.

We also do long-distance days,” said Will Gage. Additionally, both brothers run cross country, Owen Gage runs track, and Will Gage trained with Loppet Nordic Racing over the summer.

Ellenberger has also been training for the race. “Last year was when I started training. It’s really just endurance,” said Ellenberger, whose brothers got him into ski racing. “Every year I do the Hinder Binder, and I did the Korte last year,” said Ellenberger. The Hinder Binder is a similar distance race on similar terrain in Wisconsin, but held a week prior to the Birke and Korte.

There’s something special for skiers about races like the Birkie. It has one of the hilliest ski marathon courses, and has been held every February since 1973. “People from all over the world come to this race. It’s the biggest race in North America, and one of the biggest races in the world,” said Will Gage.

“They’re not as challenging as you expect. Once you’re going, you’re fine. Just don’t think about stopping or you will,” said Ellenberger. Despite that, there’s still certainly a feeling of accomplishment that goes with finishing a long distance race like the Korte or Birkie.

“It’s an experience. Not very many people can go a long distance at a really hard pace for a long time. You feel great after,” said Will Gage.

Will Schwinghammer staff writer The Edina Nordic Ski Team’s successful season is coming to an end, but some skiers are continuing to test the limits of their abilities. One of the most famous cross country ski races in the world, the American Birkebeiner, is being held on Feb. 20 on a trail running between the towns of Cable and Hayward in Wisconsin. Several skiers and coaches were among the 10,000 skiers from around the world participating in this year’s Birkebeiner events.

The Birkebeiner, often called the Birkie, is a 51-55 kilometer race (about 32-34 miles) depending on if a skier picks the skate or classic technique. Participants must be at least 18 to enter the Birkie, but the age limit to ski in the Kortelopet, another Birkie event, is only 13. The Kortelopet, also known as the Korte, is just under half the distance, at 24k, and shares part of the Birkie course. Roughly 3,000 skiers come every year to participate in the Korte. Among them this year will be Edina sophomores and Nordic skiers Mark Ellenberger, Owen Gage, and Will Gage.

Rugby Tackles Dublin Ben Gustafson staff writer

Megan Talghader opinion editor One would think it would take many years to get a new, and relatively niche, sport like badminton off the ground.

However, for the Edina Girls’ Badminton team this is not the case. When the team was created there were already about 35 girls that joined, and in 2015, that number nearly tripled.

Not only is the team growing in numbers, but it’s also developing in other ways. Just last year Edina took 4th in state out of the 20 teams scattered throughout Minnesota. “It’s so unlike any sport [we] have ever played before. The technique, skill, and mental energy required is a lot different than that required in hockey, soccer, tennis, basketball, or [any] other sports that [we] have grown up playing,” said Uma KumarMontei, a junior at Edina High School and Varsity badminton player.

In fact, any girl can sign up for badminton without any prior experience. For the few years the team has been established, not a single girl has been cut from playing. However, even though everyone is allowed to play, tryouts still exist. Informal tryouts are held the first few weeks of the season where the coaches will decide who’s on JV or Varsity. Margo Henke, one of the head coaches, believes that

having such an inclusive sport is a chance for girls to develop their own personal style without feeling left out, which follows the team motto, “fun is back at Edina.” The team isn’t centered around winning, but it is for girls to enjoy and play at their own pace.

Tryouts, do not determine an individual’s place on the team for the whole season. Girls who find themselves without any experience, but unveil natural talent or improvement due to hard work, can be switched from JV to Varsity status. In Edina Badminton, exhibition is another section for girls to be placed.

It’s a division that doesn’t count towards winning and reiterates the importance of their team motto and having fun.

“Badminton is fun because it’s so unlike any sport a lot of us have ever played before... it has taught me so much about commitment and strategy,” said Kumar-Montei. “It’s an awesome way to meet new people you wouldn’t have known otherwise, and I’ve made some amazing friendships through the experience.”

Lia Neff, a junior at EHS and Junior Varsity badminton player agreed and said, “I think I’ve gained a sense of pride for the sport, as well as improvements through teamwork. I also encourage anyone with the even slightest interest in the sport to join this year.”

development and seeing what the next level of rugby is like playing styles of different countries and just to experience by getting exposure to the game outside of the U.S.,” said how rugby is played around the world,” said Hunt. senior captain Will Hoff.

The Boy’s Rugby Team has high expectations for the season ahead of them, so they have not limited off-season training to just the Ireland trip.

“We’ve been doing 6:30 a.m. practices, so we could get ahead on our competition. Most teams aren’t even thinking about practicing right now,” said senior captain Evan Holm.

Across the Atlantic, the game of rugby has developed some differences. “When American teams go play European teams, especially professionally, it’s more technique in Europe vs. just hitting people in America,” said senior captain Devan Hunt. Because rugby was created in England, Europeans tend to have the upper hand when it comes to playing Americans.

“Rugby in Europe is more skill. Here, we don’t grow up playing it so we’re not developing skills and knowledge of the game early on. It’s kind of like football to us. If we played their football team, we would crush them,” said Hoff.

“We take this trip to learn from the rugby EHS Boys’ rugby in the scrum

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photo courtesy of Joe Pfefferle

Every two years, the Edina High School Boys’ Rugby team travels to Europe to experience the next level of rugby.

As a result of an extensive rugby career around the globe, Chris Babiash, the former head EHS Boy’s Rugby Coach, has the connections in Europe to organize a trip for the team.

In past years, the team has gone to England, but for the first time, on February 10, they went to Ireland.

The team played two club teams, had two practices (one of them was run by a world-renowned college coach, Tony Smeeth), watched two professional rugby matches, and toured around Ireland. “My favorite part of the trip was meeting the other teams we were playing. It was nice being able to get to know people outside of our country even though they were pretty much just the standard high schoolers plus accents that were pretty funny,” said junior captain Moto Fuluvaka.

Outside of playing and watching rugby, “We had two nights of free time and we just walked around the streets of Dublin checking out restaurants and pubs,” said Fuluvaka.

One of the obstacles that the team had to overcome was the lack of experience among the many new members.

“Although we have a lot of new guys, it was all about

Swinging into the Spring Season

HUMOR

Edina Housewife Fails Breaking: Windi-Bear Her Womanly Duty defects to Zephyrus

on her makeup because it would have been disgraceful for her neighbors to see her looking anything less than perfect. Unfortunately, Tammy was distracted during her run because Tammy, a 40-year-old housewife, lived in she was wearing Lululemon pants with a Lucy Edina with her three boys and her husband top, which in her mind, clashed to the highest Greg. Her life was completely normal until degree. After her run she got the mail from Feb. 23, a day that would live on in infamy as the mailbox and accidentally dropped it on the the worst day of her life. Everything started ground. She bent down to grab it and made sure out normal. Tammy woke up to make her kids’ to spend an excessive amount of time leaning lunches, her most important job as a woman. down to grab it, because after all women are As Tammy was pulling the bread out of the just objects for men to cupboard, she noticed look at. that it was moldy!

After her second Disappointing her sons shower of the day, and husband, she made Tammy drove to the quesadillas instead, Whole Foods to pick wrapping them in out the most health tinfoil, and wallowing conscious meal she in her failure as a wife could find because she and mother. knew that it’s important After the breakfast to stay skinny for her fiasco, Tammy returned husband. That day to her laptop where she though, it was a disaster. checked in on her blog.

Whole Foods didn’t Her proudest piece was have any gluten free a post she wrote about salads, so she had to get how to make quick and baby carrots instead. To easy meals postpartum. make matters worse, she It got 500 views! Her chipped her nail on the blog was about being register counter and had a stay at home mom, to run out before anyone giving fashion advice, could see. and teaching others Tammy got to her how to stay in shape usual nail salon, but after having three her favorite nail artist kids. Tammy always Housewife goals: Donna Reed wasn’t there! She settled made sure to avoid all for a lady that clearly did feminist advertisements on the internet, because not understand the present disaster of her nails. she believed they inspire witchcraft, and her Instead of giving Tammy a perfect French husband would surely divorce her for that. manicure, she made the tips at the end orange “Feminism is so silly,” she thought to herself. instead of white. How was Tammy supposed “It’s a radical notion that women are actually to live up standards placed on women? This human beings, how ridiculous!” day was clearly turning out to be a horror. That After her new blog post on “How To Get night Tammy went to bed angry at her failures, The Best Pin on Pinterest,” Tammy went on and stayed up plotting how to better succeed as her daily run around the neighborhood. Before the perfect Edina mom. her run, Tammy always took a shower and put Isabel Thompson in-depth editor

John Osler online copy editor In a shocking turn of events, Windigo’s much beloved stuffed bear announced in a press conference this morning that his favorite Edina High School publication is, in fact, Zephyrus.

This unexpected announcement caught the EHS student body by surprise, as the sentient stuffed animal gave a heartfelt address defending his love of the student newspaper.

“I’m sorry for all the trouble this revelation will no doubt cause,” said The Windigo Bear, colloquially known as Windi-Bear. “But I can’t go on living a lie. My heart lies with Zephyrus, and I can’t keep that a secret anymore.”

Windi-Bear’s announcement hit Windigo members especially hard, given the fact that Windi-Bear was brought to life when Windigo Art Editor Sandy Pierce wished on a star that her stuffed bear could come to life so someone could actually care about the yearbook.

“Really, it breaks my stuffed heart that I have to tell sweet dear Sandy this,” said the WindiBear, “but the truth is that Zephyrus is the superior publication. They put out way more content than Windigo and actually deal with serious subjects every so often. Even the filler articles are witty and interesting. Plus the Zephyrites are all great people, truly committed to bringing the brave, uncut truth the the entirety of the Edina community.”

Windi-Bear’s love of Zephyrus apparently began this August when he tried stealing honey from a beehive in a tree behind the North lot while singing. After getting chased into the building by a swarm of angry bees, he ran to the publications room, where the Zephyrus staff comforted the terrified living toy bear.

When asked if Windigo was at least his second favorite EHS-based publication, Windi-Bear gave a sad sigh and said, “Well, you see, I’ve gotten really close with the Images staff lately too... ”

photo courtesy of IMDb

photo by Nate Saunders

Windi-Bear in a briefing on the current status of the publications at EHS

Back to the 70s: the Edina Personal Ads While exploring the archives in the back of the Pub Room, the Zephyrites’ Association for Historial Amusement came across a beautiful but forgotten art: the personal ad. So they went to work trying to preserve this important tradition by making their own. So without further ado, here are the best of the best of Zephyrus’ modern personals.

WANTED, German priest to marry me and my fiancée Helga. Must be fluent in German, French, Arabic, Mandarin, and Turkish. Preferably tall, weighs less than 136 pounds and should look like Brad Pitt. If you’re qualified and interested please carve a circle in the Oak Tree next to the Creek Valley Elementary playground. I will then track you back to your home and we can go from there.

Max North staff writer

Wanted. Snuggle Buddy. Over 5’6 in height. Willing to be the big spoon. Cannot have spicy food or beans in the week before meeting. Must enjoy the presence of a dog. Cannot have a name that starts with a vowel or the letter Y. Must have the ability to watch four straight episodes of a TV show (my choice), in one sitting.

Attractive, intelligent man with a college education and a high paying job seeks woman, Nikki Lund preferably Dina Biblin, for a long-term relationship and a marriage bearing one to three children. culture editor Woman need not be the actual Dana Biblin I fell in love with in high school, but should share Best when read to the tune of “Escape” (The Piña Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes Dina’s general characteristics (tall, long dark hair, interest in sci-fi novels and conspiracy theories, If you like Hyundai Sonatas, and you’ve fought a migraine. parents named Buzz and Holly, grew up in Farrand, Texas, beautiful, perfect, unattainable).

If you don’t care for togas, if you’d clean out my drain.

John Osler If you like waking up at midnight, to play Spoons in a cape. online copy editor I’m the love that you’ve looked for, write to me and send grapes.

Wanted- Companion and general buddy. Should be a man over 50. Must show his age.

Preferably bald and rich. Last name should be Scandinavian. Also, looking for my strange cousin.

I’d like a ‘16 Sonata, the kind that watches your lane.

Last seen in at the recently-demolished gas station buying cigarettes in 2005, wearing a blue broI want those cozy seat heaters, and that fine faux wood grain. tank and carrying a garden hoe. If either is found, please mail an empty envelope to the Edina Wishin’ for leather interior, and that new body shape.

Social Studies Department.

Thanks a ton.

I guess that’s what I want more, but you can still send me grapes.

Will Schwinghammer Jenna Simon staff writer staff writer

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