The Eyrie - October 2013 by Eden Prairie High School

EYRIE

Eden Prairie High School

Vol.53, No.1 // October 2013

THE

Bridging the gap between cultures

[Pages 18-21]

Staff

October letter from the editors

Editors-in-chief Audrey Altmann Maddie Chicoine Laurie Linscott

elcome back to school, Eagles! We sincerely hope that you’re not too stressed out. But, if you are and need to take your mind off of the constant homework and various extracurricular activities, this magazine is the perfect solution. This year, we at the Eyrie have given a lovely new look to the magazine and have an awesome new staff to go along with it. As always, we will be striving to bring you the best magazine possible, from recipes to iLearn to fall sports, the Eyrie has you covered. And if it’s not in the magazine, it’s probably on the website. Please, go check us out at theeyrie.org! Also, for instantaneous EPHS news and commentary, follow @The_Eyrie on Twitter (you know you want to). If you ever have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. Hope you enjoy this issue! We put a ton of work into it, so even if you don’t, humor us.

Adviser Jodie Flolid Managing editor Kendal Jacobus A&E editors Kendal Jacobus Elizabeth Kenyon

Yours truly,

Cover story editor Maddie Chicoine Feature editor Hannah Brandser Laurie Linscott, Audrey Altmann and Maddie Chicoine

News editor Laurie Linscott Opinion editor Audrey Altmann Profiles editor Veera Vasandani Sports editor Jean-Pierre Tossa Chief of photography Vivien Yue Graphics manager Kameron Boike Website manager Laurie Linscott Circulation manager Elizabeth Kenyon Staff Hannah Belongie Luci Bessinger Vanna Bollier Max Chao Owen Desai Zoe Glenn Megan Hartle Gillian Holte Claire Jamar Harry Pajor Nick Reiss Thomas Richter Sam Schnirring Sheridan Swee

The Eyrie

Policies

Mission Statement The Eyrie strives to be an accurate, informative and entertaining publication for the students and faculty of EPHS. Letters The Eyrie encourages all students and faculty to share their views with the school. All letters must be signed; however, names may be withheld in certain situations. Once received, the Eyrie reserves the right to edit letters for length or content. Editorials Staff Editorials are staff-written and approved by a two-thirds majority of the staff. All other opinion pieces reflect the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication, student body, faculty or administration.

October 2013

Contact us We welcome your feedback, suggestions and letters. To submit letters or comments, stop by room 253 during third hour or email comments to theeyrie.ep@gmail.com. Multi-media To follow the Eyrie on Twitter, use the Twitter handle the_eyrie. To find us on facebook, search for the Eyrie. For daily content and school updates, visit theeyrie.org Printer The Eyrie is printed by the Eden Prairie Schools Printing Services, partnered with Loffler Companies-Shana Finnegan. 17185 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, MN, 55346

EYRIE THE

VOL. 53, NO.1 // OCTOBER 2013

4 // A&E

Marching to the beat of success

7 // Bringing the smells of fall into the kitchen

12 // News

Project Eagle takes flight

17 // Sports Fall sports

14 // Scoreboard is an understatement

18 // Cover Story Bridging the gap between cultures

31 28

23 // Opinion The Curse of perfection

24 // Point/Counterpoint: involvement with Syria

28 // Profile

Dancing to the beat of his own drum

31 // Feature

Bringing enthusiasm to Eagle Nation 33 // Traditions around the world COVER PHOTO BY VIVIEN YUE

Alex enjoys a stereotypical American fast food meal with friends senior Haley Vinup and junior Madison Evans.

12 October 2013

The Eyrie

A&E

Marching to the

Senior Joanna Stubbins strikes a pose after performing Gladiator with Eagle band

The Eyrie

October 2013

PHOTO BY VIVIEN YUE

beat of success BY CLAIRE JAMAR

No matter how good Eagle Band is, the physical success of their season lies in the opinions of a single panel of unfamiliar and critical judges. Marching band is an art, and just like any other type of art, it can be judged differently by everybody. They’re judged on the music selection, the marching style, the formations that are chosen, and last but not least, the sound that their instruments. The overall goal that Eagle Band strives to achieve by the end of the year, more importantly than their ranking at their final competition, is the band’s “unity, artistry, and musicianship,” as it is so eloquently put by band director, Scott Palmer . Their season spans from June until October, and they have a rigorous practice schedule throughout that time. They practice six days a week in the summer, and they even occasionally have practices from 9:00am- 9:00 pm! During the school year they rehearse twice a day, once during school, and

once after school. Eagle Band keeps up their cardio fitness by starting each rehersal with a zumba practice, and they keep their routines so crisp is because they end each rehersal with a full run-through of their performance. They are a group of not only talented, but extremely dedicated musicians, and they can attribute their success to all of their hard work. Where there is success, there is often great leadership, and Eagle Band is no exception. There are four section captains in Eagle Band; one for each section of the band. The woodwind captain is Olivia Urbanski, Erik Savereide leads the brass section, the frontline is lead by Katie Walbrun, and Kyle Tsuchiya is the captain of the drum line. With such a long season, and such a demanding rehearsal schedule, it is the job of the section captains to keep the band motivated and positive. Olivia Urbanski, woodwind captain, tells us “the most important part of being a section captian is to stay

patient, and keep up the physical and emotional drive of the section, especially during those long practices in the hot summer.” In addition to the section leaders, they are also lead by great directors; Mr. Palmer and Mr. Wipke. Mr. Palmer has seen the best musicians and bands in the world perform. He observes them and interviews them to get inspiration that he can incorporate into Eagle Band routines. A huge part of the band’s success can be attributed to the dedication and creativity of the directors. Last year Eagle Band claimed 11th place at the regional competition in St. Louis where they made it all the way to finals then triumphed over many bands from different places around the country. Eagle Band is working hard to achieve the same degree of success this year. Eagle Band’s success can be attributed to a combination of hard work, strong leadership, and passionate band members.

Senior Keeheon Nam performing Gladiator

PHOTO BY THOMAS RICHTER

October 2013

The Eyrie

A&E

A soaring art display Community center leads the movement This year, Eden Prairie

is implementing art around the community in an effort to display local artistic talent. While these modern masterpieces will be appearing in many places around the city, Eden Prairie Community Center was one of the first to kick off the city’s movement.

BY SHERIDAN SWEE The community center has recently had an artistic addition to the outside of the building- an enormous metal eagle that soars above silver prairie grass. “We always knew that the space in front of the community center would be a challenge,” said Lindsey Danhauser, an art center supervisor. Whatever sculpture placed there “needed to be large enough to make an impact.” At first, the question seemed to be what possible things could be displayed in front of the community center. “It started with a flag, and then it might have been a fountain,” said community center manager Wendy Sevenich. “We put together a list of things that it had to include.” It needed to be symbolic of the city of Eden Prairie, but also kinetic. The prairie grass element of the sculpture actually moves. “We looked into the possibilities

The Eyrie

October 2013

PHOTO BY SHERIDAN SWEE

Eagle sculpture rises out of metal prairie grass in front of the community center.

of it being interactive”, she continued, “it was really important to us that it would not be a static object,” Sevenich said. Designed by James Gabbert, the former CEO of Gabbert’s furniture, the sculpture represents “a maturing and forward thinking community” according to Danhauser. Gabbert’s work, as well as that of many other artists, has been exhibited through

the Eden Prairie Art Center recently. The art center has been looking for more opportunities to display the work of local artists for quite some time and this new addition has been noticed by students. “It brings a sense of welcome,” said Jarod John, sophomore. We will have to see what else the art center has in store.

Bringing the smells of fall into the kitchen BY KENDAL JACOBUS

The smell, look and taste of fall is addicting. Sweaters and sweatshirts are in. Friday night football games are weekly. Bonfires are happening. Fall lattes are craved. The apples are ripe. Pumpkins are carved. The temperatures are cooling and the ovens are no doubt pre-heating. Fall brings so many warm and comforting tastes to the kitchen that vary from pumpkins seeds, apple crisp and pecan pie. However, the Eyrie is looking to bring some uniqueness to your fall baking this season with pumpkin cupcakes and cream cheese frosting.

PHOTOS BY KENDAL JACOBUS

Step 1: Begin this tastey baking

session by pre-heating your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 5: Fill each cupcake holder with Step 3: Then, in one medium bowl mix together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In the second bowl, mix together the softened butter,sugar, pumkin puree, vanilla extract, and eggs.

Step 2: Make sure all the ingredients and amounts are accounted for! The list: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. allspice 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. Kosher salt 1 stick butter 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup pumkin puree 1.5 tsp. vanilla extract 2 eggs 2 store bought tubs of cream chees frosting

about 1 tbs of batter. Once each one is filled go back through each holder and make sure they are evenly filled.

Step 6: Now let the cupcakes bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Just make sure they are golden brown on top before taking them out of the oven.

Step 7: Take them out of the oven Step 4: Now, combine the two bowls into one.

and be plenty patient when it comes to frosting and decorating these fall treats. Wait for them to be completely cool. Then heaped the cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, and enjoy!

October 2013

The Eyrie

A&E

The cast of “The Boyfriend” rehearses a dance number.

PHOTOS BY SAM SCHNIRRING

Do you have a date for ‘The Boyfriend?’ BY SAM SCHNIRRING

The dance numbers are sure to play the largest part in the performance, with things like props taking a backseat. “The props list is only one page this year,” said Lizzy Crosby, a junior who is working on the crew. “It’s usually much longer.” Despite this, with musicals there are often many moving set pieces that stage technicians must move on and off the stage, which presents unique challenges for the crew. Both crew and actors rehearse five to six days a week and put in as many or more hours as most athletes do at practice. “Once it gets closer, there’s going to be people devoting tons of hours outside of rehearsal towards getting everything perfect,” Mehlhaus said. “It’ll be fun for the actors, it’ll be fun for the tech crew involved and it’ll be fun for the audience.”

Most students have seen the banner on the outside of the Performing Arts Center advertising the fall musical, “The Boyfriend.” Fewer people seem to know what it’s actually about. “It’s a very, very ‘fun’ show,” said Jon Mehlhaus, a junior who will be playing Lord Brockhurst in the musical. The general premise of the show centers around a girl who lies about her wealthy status in order to get a date for an upcoming ball. “It’s got a really nice 1920’s vibe,” Jon said. “It kind of fits in with how we did Gatsby this year [for homecoming]... it just kind of fits the whole movement towards reminiscing about the 20’s.” The music captures the breathless, vibrant mood of the decade, and the atmosphere of the play features the fun-loving attitude that the era is remembered for. Juniors Tricia Alexander, Jenna Powell and Ellen Becker rehearse for the upcoming musical.

FALL MUSICAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: TICKETS: $5 for students and $7 for adults DATES: Nov. 15-23 The Eyrie

October 2013

3 apps to download now BY TOM RICHTER

Dictionary.com

–Free –4.99 (This version is add free, and it also comes with a few more useless bonus features) –Available on iOS and Android

My writing buddy. Whenever I’ve got an essay to churn out or a literary analysis to muddle through, I keep this app close. It’s much easier to access and navigate than the Dictionary.com mobile website even though it does all of the same things. The app works as a thesaurus and it can give the origins of words as well as spoken pronunciations. There’s word of the day, a speech search function for those cases when you hear a ridiculous word and have no idea how to spell it, and the app will even save your favorite words in a side tab for later reference. But perhaps the most unique feature is the app’s offline capability. The app saves the entire English dictionary onto your phone, and it can be referenced from anywhere at anytime.

Have you ever been stranded in the middle of the desert and thought, “I wonder what eidolon means?” Well, there’s an app for that.

Converter Plus

–Free –1.99 (This version will scale up properly if you decide to download it again for your iPad) –Available on iOS only

If Dictionary.com is my english/ social studies buddy, this is my math/ science buddy. It’s function is in the name. It converts stuff. All kinds of stuff. Weight. Temperature. Speed. Time. Currency. Distance. Everything. There’s even a tip calculator jammed in here. It’s the most complete conversion app that I’ve come across. But the best feature by far is the ability to add in your own conversions to make the app even more complete. You can download user created conversion charts or, with a bit of practice, create your own chart. I’ve added grams to moles and a density

to converter to my app. There’s hundreds of them. Everything from engine displacement to frames per second. The number of things you can do with this app is literally endless. It definitely deserves a download. My only complaint is that it’s only available on iOS.

Google Chrome

–Free –Available on iOS and Android

What can I say about Google Chrome that hasn’t already been said? Fast, polished and loaded with features, it’s arguably the best internet browser out there. The mobile version offers much of the same, and it’s a huge improvement over the default offering, Safari. In addition to all the extra speed, this app has better voice recognition, sleeker tab management and much improved stability. I’ve hardly ever had the app crash on me. It’s just better. There’s no reason not to download this app right now.

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October 2013

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NEWS

What’s happening

Technology takes over high school BY MADDIE CHICOINE AND VANNA BOLLIER

Junior Hannah Best shows off her laptop. The referendum in Nov. will determine whether the technology projects will continue.

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like the teachers have time for it and incorporate it into classroom activities.” Kevin Koetke is one such teacher. Before iLearn, and before student In both his Algebra and Pre-calc laptops, the thought to equip the classes he makes an effort to utilize district’s students with technology and the laptops. By modifying smartboard prepare them for the future was no notebook documents and uploading more than an idea, an idea that began them to Moodle, Koetke allows in the spring of 2011. The district students in his class to type directly then went into two and a half years of onto the original documents that he planning. uses in class. Now, three fourths of “A project like this doesn’t just Koetke’s Algebra 2 class takes note on involve technology,” said Josh their laptops. Swanson, Executive Director of Thus far into the school year, Technology. “It’s a team effort to pull classrooms have transitioned into something like this off.” One of the first greater usage of technology without major decisions that had to be made a great amount of error. Students with this new initiative was deciding bring their technology concerns to which technology would be given to the experts at the Lakeside Lab. which grade levels. “This is definitely more interaction Ultimately, students at the middle with students than we’ve had in the school were given iPads, but the past,” said Jamie Timm, a member of decision to give high school students Lakeside’s technology team. laptops was made by the high school Some concerns that students administration and staff based on the are having with their laptops are amount high schoolers are expected simple issues, while others are more to write for school. complex. Some are having email Last school year this new issues, such as not being able to technology was tested on classes connect to their student email. The with a majority of seniors, taking more difficult issues to handle are subjects that were believed to need typically about the laptop hardware. this technology the most. A total of 160 If the problem is too difficult and students participated in this program cannot be solved at Lakeside, then the in both the winter and the spring pilot student is given a new laptop. tests. These trial sessions were used The iLearn program has undergone to find and eliminate any errors in the tremendous changes since the idea iLearn program. first originated. The district has had to Senior Matt Chookiatsirichai’s AP alter both the technology initiative and physics class participated in the trial the structure of the technology team stage of the iLearn laptop program. throughout this process. His classroom, among others, were Despite this, the intention of the chosen based on their need of these intiative has always remained the laptops to analyze data. “Last year I same: to prepare students for a didn’t know what to do with it,” said technology oriented future in a fastChookiatsirichai, “but this year I feel paced digital world.

October 2013

around the district The referendum facts made easy BY HARRY PAJOR

PHOTOS BY VANNA BOLLIER

Senior Natalie Sell poses with her new laptop provided by the new iLearn intiative.

On Nov. 5, Eden Prairie residents will vote on the Eden Prairie School District’s 2013 Referendum. Though many have heard of the referendum, few students actually know what it’s all about. Despite this, the effects of the referendum are nonetheless relevant to every student: The block schedule may depend on the outcome of the vote. On Aug. 9, the Eden Prairie School Board voted unanimously that a referendum requesting additional school funds be put to a vote. According to the district website, the primary goals of the referendum are to create a college/career expansion program, smaller elementary class sizes and current program expansion. As a result, Eden Prairie residents over the age of 18 will vote on the following two questions: Question 1: Revoke the existing operating levy of $1,306 per pupil unit and replace it with a levy for $2,269 per pupil unit each for the next 10 years beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. Question 2: Renew the existing technology/capital projects levy at a 6.52845 percent tax rate for the next 10 years beginning with the 20152016 school year. The first question asks for an increase in school funding (achieved by a tax raise), the second merely requests a renewal of the previous technology funding, set in 2004 (this will not affect residents’ current taxes). How much of a tax increase is needed to have $2,269 per high school student? The district website states that for the average Eden Prairie house (valued at $300,000) there will

be an annual tax increase of about $357. This additional revenue will bring Eden Prairie to the same level as Edina, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Wayzata, all of whom have levies 400600 dollars more per student. Of course, none of this applies if the referendum fails to pass. According to Principal Conn McCartan, it’s imperative to Eden Prairie students that it School Board succeeds: “If the referendum election on page 13 doesn’t pass, we lose many programs essential to our school, such as the iLearn Initiative,” he said. Additionally, fine arts classes may be cut, activity buses may not run and class sizes for all grades could increase. For the average EPHS student, the most obvious change might be the elimination of the block schedule. “Any time a budget or funding is involved, you will have questions regarding the schedule” McCartan said. These schedule changes could potentially mean a six-period school day, eliminating the option of “doubling up” on core classes students excel in. If the School Board succeeds and the referendum gets passed, the extra revenue will be spent on a few key things. Class sizes in elementary schools will be decreased. “When we do a great job of teaching at the elementary level, it prepares our students to do a great job at the high school level,” said McCartan. As a result, Eden Prairie is consistently ranked among the top few high schools in the state. Additionally, the extra revenue provides the high school with a stable financial outlook, and provides flexibility in reaching the needs of individual students.

October 2013

The Eyrie

NEWS

Project Eagle takes flight BY LAURIE LINSCOTT AND GILLIAN HOLTE Just as people decorate their rooms with the things that they are proud of, the school is striving to do the same with Project Eagle. Project Eagle is a new endeavor to bring unity throughout the school to reflect the pride that students, faculty and the community have for this school, according to principal Conn McCartan. So far, these efforts include the Steve Lucas photo taken before the Sept. 6 football game, the new diversity photo in the North entrance, the new painting throughout the school and the signs with room locations. Funding for Project Eagle comes from the money Student Council makes throughout the school year during events. This money goes into a bank account and the interest goes to Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools, which is how FEPS generates revenue. Now, FEPS is giving money back to the Student Council to fund Project Eagle for the school.

According to Student Council President Alina Ahmad, this project has been generating a lot of talk throughout the students and faculty. “A lot of people were tweeting about it this summer and people seem to like it,” she said. “I think it was long overdue, it adds a touch of class and sophistication to the building,” said English teacher Pamela Willey. Others, like sophomore Britonya Karnowski, believe it will help with school familiarity, “I think it will help the freshmen get to know the school better,” she said. According to McCartan, the plan for Project Eagle is to add even more decor and make the school feel less institutionalized. There will be different phases of the project, but the timetable will depend on funding. The eventual goal is to add sport murals in the locker room hallway and Activities Center, add more EP signage and redesign the donor wall. “If more people come to Student Council events, we’ll be able to add even more to it,” said Ahmad.

Photos by Megan Hartle

Top: The Steve Lucas photo is displayed prominently in the North Entrance for visitors and students alike to see students’ school pride. Left: The Auditorium is identified by new signage as part of Project Eagle, other areas are similarly marked throughout the school. Bottom Left: A new photo is seen in the staircase in the North Entrance with a variety of former students representing the school. Bottom Right: In the Activities Center, new decor and signage have been put up.

The Eyrie

October 2013

Eyrie Explains:

Syria Conflict

BY SHERIDAN SWEE

With civil war, chemical weapons, thousands dead and millions fleeing, Syria is a dire situation. Fighting first started two years ago between the Syrian Armed Forces and the Free Syrian Army. The conflict escalated when Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad used sarin gas on his own people. Since then, the United States, United Nations and Russia have been negotiating with Syria on ways to properly remove and destroy Syria’s arsenal of chemical weapons. According to the United Nations, the death toll surpassed 100,000 in June 2013. Other accusations of torture and terror have been reported as well as human rights violations from both sides. On Aug. 21 of this year, chemical weapons -namely sarin gas- were used for the 4th reported time, viciously killing over 600 people. UNICEF has estimated that approximately 500 children have been killed, and another 400 have been arrested and tortured in Syrian prisons. One million children have fled with their families, only to come to overcrowded refugee camps where food and water are scarce, and the threat of disease is high. An estimated 2,000,000 refugees have fled Syria as of September 2013. On March 15, 2011, demonstrations swept the nation of Syria with protesters demanding the resignation of their president, Bashar al-Assad and the end of the Ba’ath Party rule, which has been the dominant political party since 1963. Since then, the protesters have formed or joined rebellion armies such as the Free Syrian Army (FSA), Syrian Islamic Liberation Front, or the Ahfad al-Rasul Brigade. These rebels are mainly trying to oust Bashar al-Assad and his government; however, what will happen if they succeed is unclear, adding more confusion and fear to the Syrian conflict. On Aug. 31, following the Ghouta chemical attack ten days prior, President Obama asked the United States Congress to authorize American military intervention. On Sept. 4, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Government of Syria to Respond to Use of Chemical Weapons, with the exception that it prohibits the use of “boots on the ground.” If this bill passes, it will allow the president to take direct action within 90 days. This information was referenced from BBC News, Wikipedia and UNICEF. “Eyrie Explains” is a returning feature written by an Eyrie staff member.

Five compete for district election BY MAX CHAO

board for the past two years, I believe I have moved the board toward a better team working relationship.” Jacobus’ main concerns for the school district include making sure any referendum funding is used effectively

Larabee. She plans to do this through fiscal responsibility, communication On Nov. 3, Eden Prairie residents and meeting the educational needs of will make their voices heard in the all students. district. Polls will be open to elect two Tim Laurie is an Eden Prairie out of the five running candidates to resident and father of Eden Prairie the school board. The students. With the upcoming school board affects referendum, he has ideas everything that happens of what to do if it does to students from budget or doesn’t pass. “If the spending to educational referendum passes this focuses. Each candidate fall, the top priority will be has their own ideas of delivering on the promises of what they want to change investing in programming for in the school district. four year olds, lower class Running for the first sizes in elementary grades, time is Murshid Barud, and college and career a 12-year Eden Prairie readiness programming for resident originally from high school students.” Somalia. He expresses As a mother and member his concerns for improving of the Eden Prairie Schools PHOTO BY SHERIDAN SWEE the actual school Core Planning Team, Holly The School Board meets to discuss issues within the district. curriculum. Due to the Link already has experience in the and emphasizing new initiatives to large achievement gaps between school board. “Each student deserves students, he plans on decreasing class attract new families to be inspired, engaged and confident Also running is Elaine Larabee, a size to increase the one-on-one time to learn so they reach their own goals long-time Eden Prairie resident. “Our between teachers and students. and District expectations,” she wrote. public schools should be a destination Ranee Jacobus, current school For full interviews with each of the for the students in our community board chair and only member up for school board candidates, go to www. and their parent’s top choice,” wrote re-election wrote, “As chair of the theeyrie.org.

October 2013

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SPORTS

“Scoreboard” is an understatement BY MEGAN HARTLE One dollar. The land where the new video display board in Aerie stadium stands was originally leased by the Boosters Association for just a dollar every year. “I think the coolest part about the new video display board is how we got it,” said principal Conn McCartan. “No district money was used.” The Boosters Association is a volunteer organization in Eden Prairie that raises money to support all student activities associated with Eden Prairie. “We give back to all aspects of student activities at the High School: arts, athletics and academics,” said Sarah Chessman, a member on the board. “In total, there are around 85 different student activities that we support.” The Boosters Association is looking to pay off the the loan for the display board early. The overall projection shows that in a few years time the video display board will be making a large profit from the advertisements and sponsors that are invested in the project. In addition to the financial success, the video display board has had a good impact on the school community as a whole. McCartan shared his thoughts on the

PHOTO BY MEGAN HARTLE

The scoreboard brightly displays ads, scores and live footage during games at the stadium.

new video display board. “I think it is a great way to showcase many aspects of our school because it has many more capabilities than just a scoreboard,” he said. The large display screen can showcase a variety of activities and events that are being held in Eden Prairie. From boys football to girls soccer, fall sports teams are all pleased with the newest addition. “I really like the instant replay. It is very high quality stuff and makes playing in games even more exciting,” said sophomore Anna Mixon about her experience using the display board during soccer games. Senior running back Anthony Anderson shared his thoughts on the display board, “It’s a nice reward for all the work we put in on and off the field.”

Spotlight Athletes

We asked these hard-working athletes one question: What is your favorite meal to eat after a game/meet? BY GILLIAN HOLTE

BY LUCI BESSINGER

JD Spielman, sophomore at Eden Prairie High School, has played football since he was in first grade. Last year as a freshman, he played running back on the varsity football team. JD said, “My favorite meal after a game is always Chipotle.” PHOTO BY KAMERON BOIKE

The Eyrie

October 2013

PHOTO BY vIVIEN YUE

Rachel Baker, senior and captain of the girls swim and dive team, has had a lot of with fun with the huge team this year. So far her best events have been the 100 yard butterfly and the 100 yard backstroke. Rachel is usually part of the 200 medley relay team, which earned All-American honors at last years state meet. After a tough meet Rachel likes to refuel by grabbing applesauce, a power bar and a peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread. She makes sure to eat within the crucial 20 minute window after a race, and never forgets to drink plenty of chocolate milk.

Fall Sports Review

As the fall sports season comes to a close, we look back by asking these teams: What was the memorable part of your season and who do you think is a stand out athlete?

PHOTO BY CLAIRE JAMAR

Volleyball overcomes Hopkins team BY JEAN-PIERRE TOSSA

Boys soccer team unites

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA sCHNIRRING

Volleyball captain Elizabeth Mohr said, “Well, the highlight so far was definitely our match against Hopkins last Tuesday. We didn’t have much of a chance of winning but we won in 4 games anyway...we really played as a team. Everyone works hard every day!”

BY HANNAH BELONGIE

Boys’ soccer captain Matt Murakami said, “We had a trip to Fargo that had good team bonding experiences. Luis Nenchaca is a player that has stood out this season because he always works hard and he is a solid defender.”

Dance Team works it

Cheerleading team toughens stunts

Girls dance team captain Katy Gust said, “Performing at the homecoming pep fest with the whole team was the most memorable part of this fall season. Someone that stands out on the team is Jacqueline Fransway, because she worked through an injury to perform in the pep fest and she still killed it!”

Junior Jennifer Miller is excited about the cheerleading season: “We’ve just been getting more difficult stunts down, and this year we’re acting more like a team than ever.” In particular, Miller pointed to sophomore Katie Velek as an important part of the team. “She’s always ready to work hard, and she supports the whole team no matter what.”

PHOTO BY CLAIRE JAMAR

PHOTO BY HANNAH BELONGIE

BY HANNAH BELONGIE

BY HARRY PAJOR

October 2013

The Eyrie

SPORTS

PHOTO BY ZOE GLENN

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Girls Tennis overthrows number 2 in state BY JEAN-PIERRE TOSSA

Girls tennis captain Hannah Truempi said, “We’ve had a slower start, but we’ve recently beat Orono and Lakeville North who have strong teams. Junior Sophie Farmer is our #1 singles player who recently beat Patty Zhao (ranked #2 in the state) from Breck!”

Girls Cross Country stepping up BY JEAN-PIERRE TOSSA

Girls cross-country captain Hannah Jeter said, “Well, we beat Edina in our first race, which was pretty exciting, and besides that, a lot of the girls on the team are stepping it up and having really nice workouts. For girls that stand out I would say senior Jennifer Page is putting in a lot more work this year and is improving quite a bit. Junior Micayla Batchlor is doing very well too.”

Girls soccer bonds together BY JEAN-PIERRE TOSSA

PHOTO BY CLAIRE JAMAR

The Eyrie

October 2013

Girls soccer captain Briana Paulsen said, “I would have to say the feeling of playing our first game was awesome for me. We all played great and really worked together as a team. Seniors like Brooke DeMets, Maddi Styrlund, Kendal Jacobus and Katie Fuhs have really shown their dedication to our team. I’ve played with all of them ever since I was little... it’s hard to believe that this is the last year with all of us together.”

PHOTO BY ZOE GLENN

PHOTO BY VIVIEN YUE

Boys Cross country connects at cabin

Girls Swim and Dive pulls through

Boys cross country captain Cal Lawton said, “The cabin trip with all the team mates that ran the summer miles. Someone that stands out on the team is Billy Huffman, for all of his hard work he puts in.”

The girls swim and dive team is up against some very tough competition in the Lake Conference. They still swam very well. “We are at least a top three team [at state],” said Kelli Boston, the girls swim and dive coach. “It was a memorable moment when my team worked together, and swam great at their dual meet against Edina.”

BY HANNAH BELONGIE

Pom Squad aims for national competition

BY NICK REISS

BY HARRY PAJOR

Captain Hailey Nerison spoke highly of the 2013-2014 Eagles Pom Squad. The Eagles have a reputation for success at the national level, and this year’s national competition isn’t until early February. The other captains of Pom Squad include Alex Limberis, Britt Gillis and Krista Kronlokken. With a lot to look forward to, the team is also planning on performing again before the school year is over; they previously performed at the pep fest and the Homecoming football game. PHOTO BY THOMAS RICHTER

Football team knocks down Edina BY HARRY PAJOR Dan Fisher, one of three captains on the football team, has assumed a role of leadership among his teammates. The other two captains are seniors Zach Hovey and Robert Olson, who have helped the team to a successful start to the season. “The highlight of the season so far has been the Homecoming football game. It’s always nice to beat Edina, and doing it on Homecoming made it even more special,” said Fisher. PHOTO BY THOMAS RICHTER

October 2013

The Eyrie

COVER STORY

Bridging the gap

between cultures

Each school year the high school has the pleasure of hosting a number of exchange students from around the world. These students offer a unique global perspective. Although these students stay for varying lengths of time, they find their own niche and leave a lasting mark.

PHOTO BY VIVIEN YUE Seniors Haley Vinup and Anna Davis take a picture with Alex at the last home football game.

The Eyrie

October 2013

BY VEERA VASANDANI AND ELIZABETH KENYON

iversity is constantly becoming a greater aspect in the world today and with that rise in diversity, the amount of exchange student programs has also risen. They offer a unique opportunity for not only students, but the world as a whole, to experience each other’s cultures. Not all of the students visiting from abroad went through the same exchange student program. In fact, senior Alexandra Vedeler didn’t go through any program at all. Alex lives with her parents in Norway, but her mother is from America and she has family here in the US. Alex is currently living with her aunt and uncle in Eden Prairie. This is not her first time in America, but her previous visits have never been longer than five weeks. It’s a struggle to try and come here without going through any kind of program, and it is a very lengthy process. “First we had to call the school to see if there were any openings,” said Vedeler. She then had to find the right subjects to take, as well as make sure her school work this year counted back in Norway. She also had to get permission from the Norwegian government as well as Eden Prairie to come here for schooling in the first place. All without going through a foreign exchange student program. She got the support she needed and was able to attend Eden Prairie High School for her senior year. “The school was really welcoming and supportive,” said Vedeler. Vedeler has been warmly welcomed by the students as well, especially senior Haley Vinup. “She’s in my connections class, so that’s how I met her,” said Vinup. “I invited her to Trajectories, which I had to explain to her.” A conversation between the two seniors took place, in which Vedeler was encouraged to go to Trajectories, a student-run performance of skits and dance numbers. Vedeler went, and a friendship was formed. “I started hanging out with her and my friends completely welcomed her into the group. She’s pretty much part of the ‘gang’ now,” said Vinup. Vedeler has also had a couple abroad experiences, so Vinup understands why she sometimes misses her family. Communication isn’t a problem, because Vedeler started learning English at a very young age. There are a few major differences between school systems in America and Norway. First of all, they have thirteen years of school in Norway, instead of twelve. That means that after being a senior here, Vedeler will go home to be a senior there. Also, instead of just going to any high school they choose, students apply to the one they want to go to. Similar to the college process. A major difference in the classrooms is that, unlike here, where students move from class to class, the students in Norway stay in one classroom and the teachers switch rooms. There is also much more emphasis put on homework

October 2013

The Eyrie

COVER STORY

Bridging the gap

between cultures

PHOTO BY VIVIEN YUE Seniors Haley Vinup and Anna Davis take a picture with Alex at the last home football game.

The Eyrie

October 2013

BY VEERA VASANDANI AND ELIZABETH KENYON

October 2013

The Eyrie

COVER STORY in America. While homework is still important in Norway, it is optional and not checked as often. The focus is put more on tests instead of assignments. According to Vedeler, Americans are very open and easy to get to know whereas Norwegians can be a little more conservative. She also said that here in America, junk food is much more readily available, and snacking is way more common. “It’s not good for me, but I do enjoy it,” Vedeler said. Sophomore Larissa Klerx, a foreign exchange student from Germany, has had a slightly different experience in America so far. “So many people are asking me about Hitler and the Nazis. I don’t think its mean; I think that they don’t know what’s going on in Germany,” she said. During her year in Minnesota, she wants bridge the gap between American and German culture. Unlike Vedelar, Klerx is studying abroad through the Open Door International program. It’s a simple and effective program directed towards branching students out into the world. However, through this program, Klerx did not choose to come to Minnesota; she could only choose the country she wanted to visit and not a particular city. Klerx loves her new host family. “I have two host sisters and brother here. I really love to be in a big family. I really missed causing trouble at home! There are times when I am homesick, but not as much as I thought because I am so busy with school, studies and friends,” she said. When she arrived in Eden Prairie, one of the first things she noticed was the lakes. “There are so many lakes here. I really want to water ski and ice skate and ski in the mountains,” she said. “I really want to try everything out,” she said. “At the end of this year, I want to speak better English. I want to travel around and experience the culture and the landscape.” Klerx also wants to try out for cheerleading, as well as dabbling in tennis, German club and diversity club. While she is in Eden Prairie, she wants to make the most of her year and experience a wide variety of activities. Foreign exchange student Junior Harsh Pandit comes from the other side of the world. Life in Pune, India is vastly

“

There are times when I am homesick, but not as much as I thought because I am so busy with school, studies and friends.

Cultural comparison

”

Harsh:

Larissa:

Alex:

Food Indian - Pani Puri American - apple pie

Food German: Spätzle American: A burrito from Chipotle

Food Norwegian: Norwegian grilled salmon American: Twizzlers

Musician German: Cro American: Justin Beiber

Movies Norwegian: Head Hunters American: The Notebook

Movie Bollywood: 3 idiots Hollywood - now you see me Musician Indian- Sonu Nigam American- Bruno Mars

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Media German: Köln 50667 and Gossip Girl in German American: Never Say Never and Pretty Little Liars

October 2013

Musicians Norwegian: Kurt Nilsen American: Carry Underwood CREATIVE COMMONS PHOTOS

different from the frozen suburbia of Eden Prairie. According to Pandit, cows can be found freely wandering the streets of India’s cities because they are seen as sacred. It is also considered rude to address elders by their first names. Instead, one must refer to them as “Aunties” and “Uncles,” even if they are strangers. Pandit wants people at this school to know that India is diverse. “People from all religions and caste live together,” he said. He notes that the caste system is usually prevalent in the villages and not the cities. The school system in Pune is much harsher than that of Eden Prairie. The teachers in India are less friendly and accessible to students. The school is definitely much smaller, yet the professors usually don’t spend one on one time with students. Like in Norway, rather than the students moving from class to class throughout the school day, they stay in one classroom. The different teachers must come to students and teach. Most students wear uniform and the school system is more focused on discipline. “Compared to India,” he said, “everyone here follows the rules.” Pandit is studying abroad in Minnesota through the Rotary Program. The program allows students to choose their top three countries. They do not get to choose the city, however. After the student is placed in a city, the program places them in a host family. The student usually researches the city and keeps in contact with the family until they finally arrive. Unlike most host families, Bandaal’s family visited Pandit in Pune for two weeks. According to Pandit’s host brother, Junior Pratik Baandal, the procedure for hosting a student is incredibly easy. “The process is really simple. Just a couple of representatives from the Rotary Club look into your family and if you’ve had any bad experience, to provide a healthy environment. We just want to assimilate him into American society.” Bandaal and his family take Harsh to Bollywood movies playing in the Eden Prairie cinema; it’s a piece of home away from home. Pandit wants to make the most of his year here. “I want to experience a new culture as well as be an ambassador for my country,” he said. “I hope to confront challenges outside my comfort zone and to know how things work in the U.S. I would definitely want to go for a twins game.” Whether they are from Norway, Germany or India, foreign exchange students play a crucial role in this high school. They bring a sense of diversity and cultivate relationships with different kinds of people. Foreign exchange students help bridge the cultural gap in our school and educate students about the many cultures of our very diverse world.

did you know...

...two famous Indian actors came to

Harsh Pandit’s house when he was a child? The Bollywood equivalent of Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling visited his mother, a homeopathic doctor, to treat anxiety. The actors, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan had tea with Pandit and his family!

...Larissa

met Justin Bieber in Germany? She even took a picture with him! SUBMITTED PHOTO

Below: Harsh with his family in India. SUBMITTED PHOTO

October 2013

The Eyrie

OPINION

ARTWORK BY VEERA VASANDANI

Staff Editorial: Referendum affects students In November residents of Eden Prairie will vote on two referendums, both of which will have direct impacts on EPHS, whether or not they are passed. The first is a technology levy, which is only a renewal of the plan that is currently in use by the district regarding technology, including i-Learn@EP. The second--and more transformative--levy is a proposal to increase funding for Eden Prairie Schools. Approximately $7 million will be generated to create new and maintain old programs in the whole district. It is obvious that technology has played a large part this school year and will continue to affect students. The MacBook Airs, issued to all high school students, can only continue to assist in learning if the technology levy is passed. This referendum is particularly important to EPHS, more so than the middle and elementary schools. Continuing the current plan is the only way to implement an effective technology program to benefit students academically. In fact, the current programs would be impossible to sustain at this level if the levy is not passed.

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The larger issue at hand is asking EP residents to provide more money in order to better educate the entire district at every grade level. The tax increase is relatively affordable for a majority of families in the city. Also, the raise would bring us up to the same level of funding as many of the surrounding districts, such as Minnetonka, Edina and Wayzata. The additional revenue towards education related expenses could provide new or improved assets that would directly influence students. A proposed project to launch in the next 10 years is one with a focus on preparing students for college and offering career options. It’s never too early to consider the future. It is evident that the high school would greatly benefit from passing both referendums. However, if they are not passed, the consequences would drastically change the look and feel of EPHS. For example, elimination of the block schedule is brought up nearly every time the budget is in question. If this were to happen, classes would have a different feel, being a year long rather than a semester. Students most likely wouldn’t be able to take the number electives they are currently

October 2013

able to. The likelihood of discarding the schedule is directly dependent on whether or not the operating levy is passed. Another negative effect of the potential referendum rejections would be the stereotypical proposal of cutting down on arts and activities in the school that aren’t seen as vital. This would mean that several clubs or classes would cease to exist and affect many students’ extracurricular or academic plans. Students should have the option to take the classes they wish and given the opportunity to succeed in them. This is the first time in 10 years that the district has asked EP residents for a tax raise in order to fund education. This clearly shows the district is careful with the money given to it. Funding is used effectively and cautiously in order to fully benefit and show real progress in the education of students. Students who are 18, and therefore able to vote, should vote on both referendums as they directly impact how the high school with operate. Exercising this right would keep old and bring new, important aspects to the school, and the district as a whole.

The curse of perfection I’m Just Sayin’:

BY KENDAL JACOBUS

National Merit Scholars, backto-back state championship teams, massive singing and acting talent and dedicated staff and students are all things that make Eden Prairie a pace-setter for other high schools locally and nationally. Here at Eden Prairie, our peers have made an “A” the average grade and a “C” the failing grade. Our peers have made a 3.9 GPA the expected and a 3.5 GPA the unspeakable. To college admissions, these perfect transcripts and extracurricular activities mean nothing but instant acceptances. And while although these high standards come off as a good thing, they are also creating a heavy burden of expected perfection amongst the minds of our school's students. The burden is not necessarily from the expectation to challenge ourselves in school and do extracurricular activities. The burden is from the assumption that we are expected to get the best grade and best state-ranking on top of it all. Yes, we have set this standard by choice. But, this expectation creates more tears, anxiety and memorizing than it does rewards, success and learning. For a school so focused on opportunity and personal growth, this curse of perfection is an epidemic that should not be lingering within our hallways. This self-created epidemic is inhibiting the amount of personal growth and learning our students receive at the high school. The expectation to get straight “A's” restrains many star athletes and students from taking Advanced Placement coursework in order to protect their GPA's. In addition, many freshman athletes plan on playing three sports but once they get familiar

with the heavy homework load and testing, they are forced to restrict themselves to one or two sports to ensure they are not only able to give full attention in the classroom but also on the field. But, the best example of the negative effects of perfection in our schools is the fact that it is restricting us from experiencing failure. It seems like we are all so focused on the end product, whether it be an “A” for one test, a 4.0 at the end of a semester, an undefeated season or reaching graduation day with a perfect transcript, that we forget that these four years are mainly for personal growth. Failure is something every person goes through at some point in life. Although different failures involve different effects, they all hurt just the same. Therefore, if our student body SUBMITTED GRAPHIC continues to avoid failing, it is hard to say how each of us will react when we do. At some point, our student body needs to be selfish. But it is meant in a way that we need to do what is best for ourselves, not our reputation, transcripts or college goals. At some point, we need to realize that class is about what you learn and not about the grade you earn. Because in reality, neither a 4.0 or 2.5 GPA will be capable of representing the amount of effort we put into our studies. At some point, we need to realize that high school sports are about competing at the highest level you can, whether that is varsity or not. Lastly, at some point, we need to realize that failure is expected to happen to those pushing themselves to new limits. It is said that those that fear failing will never reach their full potential, and with that one can believe that Eden Prairie High School has yet to see its best days.

hallway hate BY LAURIE LINSCOTT

I hate hallways in our school. I have come to realize that hallways are a hassle. People are annoying: they walk at the speed of snails, they form clumps that reduce a good sized hallway to a barely-single-file sized opening, they go over the top in sometimes disturbing PDA and they walk in the wrong direction on the wrong side of the hallway. To the Turtles: Some people actually have places to be and stuff to do and care about being on time to class. Walking at the pace of one step per minute and being fashionably late to class doesn’t make you any cooler or give you any positive attention. All it does is make the people behind you completely frustrated and make you notorious for being late to class. So for the sake of the rest of us, move quickly and efficiently, and get to your class. To the Roadblocks: I know you want to stand with your friends, and I completely understand and support that so don’t even try to make that argument. However, find a place in an empty corner or spread out along a wall so the clumps don’t block walking space. Please, I am begging you. To the Lovebirds: The abundance of PDA can be extremely obnoxious and slightly disturbing. I understand you really like your significant other, but the rest of us are not so keen on sharing the love. So, for our sake, save the excessive PDA for when you’re alone. Bottom line, if you would feel awkward doing something in front of your grandmother, avoid it in school. To the people who think we are in the UK: We’re not. This is America. Understand which side of the road you are supposed to be on and please apply that to school hallways. Don’t be that kid who is walking on the wrong side and causes a traffic jam. People will hate you for that. Additionally, merge correctly when joining the hallway. To effectively merge, find a gap in the traffic, look around, make sure you won’t run into anyone and quickly fit into said gap.

October 2013

The Eyrie

OPINION

Point/Counterpoint: involvement with Syria We can’t allow this to continue Is it worth getting rid of one BY MAX CHAO Throughout the history of man, war has more often than not resulted in mass death and destruction. It is a method used to solve many issues that could have been solved in more peaceful, diplomatic manners. However, the recent events that have occurred in Syria have proven that sometimes it is necessary. More death and destruction will occur if the United States doesn’t intervene than if we were to stop the war right now. Since the Free Syrian Army and other rebel groups pushed back against the regime of Bashar alAssad in 2011, more than 100,000 people have died in bombings and chemical attacks from their own government. These numbers will only increase the longer the international community allows this to happen. As of August, the threat of chemical weapons has entered the equation. Now that we know that the regime is willing to use weapons of mass destruction, the threat has spread from the Middle East, to the entire world. “The situation profoundly changed on Aug. 21, when Assad’s government gassed to death over a thousand people, including hundreds of children,” said President Barack Obama. “The images from this massacre are sickening: Men, women, children lying in rows, killed by poison gas. Others foaming at the mouth, gasping for breath.” These are not actions that should be taken by a government on anyone, let alone its own citizens. In 1997 the US joined an international agreement along with 189 other countries that agreed to not to use chemical weapons in war. Now that these laws have been broken by the Syrian government, it is the United States’, as well as the international community’s, responsibility to stop them. The last time America stood by while a government massacred its citizens was the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. A few years after the massacre was over, President Bill Clinton made a speech to the Rwandan people and said, “The international community, together with nations in Africa, must bear its share of responsibility for this tragedy, as well. We did not act quickly enough after the killing began.” After the war in Syria is over, will President Obama have to make a similar speech? Do we want to repeat this tragedy, or do we want to act? One argument against taking action in Syria is that the United States has been at war for over a decade in the Middle East, and that the US cannot afford to keep going to war. As much as this country and its citizens are tired of war, President Obama clearly stated in his address to the nation that he did not plan to put troops in Syria or have any longtime presence there. So the choice is up to us: Do we watch this madness and do nothing, or do we act and save innocent lives?

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October 2013

oppressor, just to install another? BY JP TOSSA

While Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian preident, has violated the human rights of its citizens over and over, the rebellion is comprised of many different terrorist organizations. Neither side cares about the concept of war crimes, with both executing prisoners of war and murdering civilians. The government soldiers rape men, women and children indiscriminately. The Syrian rebels send prisoners in cars wired to explode government buildings, killing many more civilians than soldiers. So who is the good guy in this picture? The question here is if we know exactly what we are getting ourselves into. Some people want the U.S. to get involved because of human rights issues. While this certainly is a noble cause, there would be many consequences to that decision. Adding to the distrust of other Arab nations, E IK BO draining American resources for N RO Syrian reconstruction, inspiring a E M new generation of terrorists, and creating KA BY another civil war due to the power vacuum C HI are only a few of the issues that will occur in the AP R G aftermath of U.S. intervention. The whole opposition to the Syrian government is comprised of many separate rebel groups. While there are some, such as the Free Syrian Army, which state that their goal is simply to remove a tyrant from power, many of them wish to replace Assad with a strict government loosely based on Islamic principles. The American government needs to figure out who it is going to support. Otherwise, once Assad is dead, there may be another civil war over who gets to rule. The American government also needs to come up with a clear and convincing goal before it gets involved. Most Arab countries are hostile towards U.S. involvement in Syria. With such dangerous opposition, America needs a clear reason for intervening, a reason that would bring shame to countries who remain either neutral or support Assad. Without such a reason, jihadist groups all over the world will be able to get a large number of willing recruits. Another issue to consider is collateral damage. While our government will probably help pay for any damage to infrastructure, civilian deaths are also a type of collateral damage. Civilian deaths are a consequence of war. These deaths, however unavoidable, will be used to justify killing American citizens in terrorist attacks by terrorist groups. So before you start blindly supporting killing Syrian soldiers, ask yourself: Is intervening in a foreign civil war worth bringing more chaos into Syria?

Has the NSA gone too far? BY TOM RICHTER By now, the news has pretty much sunk in. Our government spies on us. They’ve been collecting communications data for years on a massive scale, tracking everything from Skype conversations to Facebook posts. But why should I even care? These programs were started to combat terrorism in the United States, and I definitely support that. So the ends are justified, but what about the means? Wiretapping? Data mining? Internet tracking? But so what if the government wants to look into what I’ve been doing on the internet. I have nothing to hide, and the policies in place specifically state that only suspicious persons will be targeted. But the more I researched, the more my opinion shifted. The scale of the operation was astounding. I had ignored the potential for malpractice and corruption in the system. I had no idea that global as well as domestic traffic was being monitored, and although I knew the rules of the Constitution had to be bent in order for these policies to be in place, I should’ve known that some of those rules were not only being bent, but blatantly broken. Under no circumstances should any government be able to trespass on the laws that its people are required to follow. Reports have come out detailing how Companies like Google, Verizon and Apple were pressured into allowing the NSA to use their services to collect data. The NSA had been monitoring domestic, as well as global internet traffic. NSA data collection programs such as PRISM and Echelon had been functioning for years, only in place because of an absurd justification of the Patriot Act that allows our government to scan a population group if there is a reasonable assertion that a considerable percentage of that population group could potentially be involved with terrorist activity. I don’t think they could be any more vague. And who is responsible for watching the people watching us? NSA agents are instructed only to look into possible threats, yet here have been reports of

GRAPHIC BY ZOË GLENN

NSA agents taking advantage of their exclusive access for personal matters. And there is no system currently in place to track the amount of times an NSA agent bypasses these laws. And what gives the US t he right to monitor not only our own country, but other nations as well? It doesn’t matter that we have the interest of preventing terrorism. Our country can’t take a global issue like that into our own hands. Let those countries defend themselves. Come to the rescue when they ask for it, not whenever we see fit. But I’m even more unhappy with the terrible attempt at a coverup. I would respect everyone in Washington much more if they just came out and said, “Yes, we have been doing all of the things you’ve seen on the news.” Such was not the case. Director of Operations James Clapper heads the department of National Intelligence, a federal organization dedicated to preventing terrorism in the US. The NSA and it’s affiliates operate under this department. James Clapper repeatedly changed his description of NSA activity as information was continually leaked to the public. First he claimed that no collecting of any kind was being done on the American people, at least not “wittingly.” A few months later he released a statement admitting that the NSA collects information from major phone companies, and a few weeks after that it was revealed that the NSA also collects internet data. Clapper’s initial

statement was completely false. He lied to Congress under oath, and even though senators have called for his resignation, no action has been taken against him. So the government forcibly kept us in the dark in the interest of protecting us. Like when a kid asks if Santa is real and the adult assures them that yes, of course he is real, and it’s only when that child grows up do they realize that they’ve been lied to. But should the government use the same kind of tactic that parents use on their kids? I don’t think so. These are serious global issues with serious implications, not something to be toyed around with. They say ignorance is bliss, and I can’t argue with that. I felt better about our government and the state of world affairs before all this stuff came out. But the government is telling us that all this is justified? That this program is necessary for us to be safe? What aren't they telling us? Just how serious is this problem? What’s still being kept secret? Who can I even trust anymore? All these questions go unanswered. Security through ignorance only satisfies someone for as long as they’re naive enough to believe the person telling them they’re safe. And I don’t know how safe I am anymore. This isn’t just our nation’s security, this is my security. This is your security. This is our security. And we deserve to know what our great nation is doing to maintain that precious sense of security.

October 2013

The Eyrie

OPINION She said

She Said

Veera Vasandani: The laptops are super cool, right Audrey? Audrey Altmann: Are you kidding? They’re so unnecessary. VV: But they’re so slick. Taking notes in class is so much easier, and they encourage more independent research (i.e., Reddit). AA: You mean they encourage playing games and messing around while the teacher isn’t looking? VV: Audrey, please tell me, how are you writing this right now? Are you using those god-awful notebooks, or your sleek new MacBook? AA: Just because I’m using it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t rather be writing in a notebook. VV: Can you look up cute pictures of cats in your notebook during math class? AA: You just proved my point that they

Loving or loathing the MacBooks? don’t really help us learn. They can be used for far more entertaining things than actual academic tasks. VV: That was a joke, Audrey! The laptops actually encourage me to be more productive in classes. They keep me engaged in the daily work and lectures. Otherwise, I would be mindlessly doodling in the margins of my notebook. AA: Well, maybe I am so against the laptops because the truth is...I hate Apple. There, I said it. VV: Okay, yeah, I’m not a huge fan of Apple either. Regardless of that, these laptops are incredibly useful and interactive. They keep me connected with my peers and on top of all of my assignments. Plus, if I ever need a quick mental break, I could always open a new tab and watch a short video of a baby sloth.

AA: I just think that technology use should be up to the individual. I still take all my notes on paper because I remember things better when I physically write them. VV: That’s totally okay. For some people it works, for others it doesn’t. But when it works for people, it really does work. It’s just nice to have options, y’know? AA: How about it’s nice to make my own decisions about school rather than teachers forcing me to use pointless software purely for the sake of using the laptop? VV: We have them now, and there’s nothing you can do about it. Besides use them. AA: I could always try homeschooling. This is a rotating debate written by two Eyrie staff members.

Passion or padding? The process of college applications BY LUCI BESSINGER College administrations practically force people to do things they don't like. Well, that's life. Go ahead and complain about how unfair some circumstances are but, that's how it is and you'll have to get over it. Perfection does not exist and society must E accept that. We shouldn't limit ourselves only OIK B to the things we are passionate about. N O R Colleges want people who can E participate and constantly do well in AM K Y many activities. If a person can’t B reach the colleges’ expectations, IC H tough luck, that's how the AP R G world works. That may means students may have to do some things that are challenging and uninteresting, but in the end, those boring tasks will lead to success. How can we go through life being involved in only a few clubs? We won't have many friendships or connections and therefore, we won't have as great of a chance at pursuing a better future. Without expanding our horizon of involvement, we will simply fail in life. How can anyone be a member of the Entrepreneurship class,

The Eyrie

October 2013

without taking Accounting? They can’t. Some students must take a class they do not like to be able to participate in the class they love. Colleges do not care about people who only pursue one passion. They care about the people who have expanded their horizons and pushed themselves out of their comfort zones to strive to go further. People who involve themselves in only a few organizations clearly are ignoring the big picture. Restricting yourself only takes away the chances and opportunities to discover new passions. College administrators only want students who are willing to be involved in many activities in high school because at college, they will most likely be involved in similar groups. The public's view of a college's social standing means everything to administrators and this is why we can't hold ourselves back. We must dare to reach out into society and experience situations that make us uncomfortable and feel out of place, because in the long run, we will be the ones finishing first. Not only with a better college application, but also a better future ahead of us.

Live in the moment, not in the technology BY ZOË GLENN Eden Prairie High School, we are missing out. Our lives seem to exist only on our phones and not what is happening around us. Couples sit across from one another at a restaurant and stare blankly into their smartphones. You stop to post a photo to Instagram while being oblivious to the fact that a pink elephant is floating over your head, if you get my point. Our generation is in the midst of this problem in our culture. Rather than living now, we live through social networking while missing out on our surroundings. How can we enjoy what is going on when we aren’t really living in that moment? Charlene deGuzman, an actor and comedian made a YouTube video after realizing how much smart phones have taken over our lives. In the video,

deGuzman is ignored multiple times by her friends and family's smartphone use. Although it is obviously exaggerated, there is deep insight into our smartphone culture. Living behind our screens causes us to miss what is going on here and now. In an interview with The New York Times, deGuzman said, “It makes me sad that there are moments in our lives where we’re not present because we’re looking at a phone.” I recently noticed this in my own life at a Mumford and Sons concert. I was standing there with an iPhone in front of my face taking pictures, Instagramming, Tweeting and Snapchatting. I finally looked up and realized how much of the show I was missing. Finally, realizing the stupidity of my mistake, I put it away. Actually being

Opinionettes

How young adults should be treated BY NICK REISS When entering high school, many students expect more freedom. They expect to be treated like high school students. Teachers may call us young adults, but they still treat us like we are little kids, with the expectation that we will act more mature. As a young adult, we should be treated equal to others. Adults will treat us more like children because they think we aren't responsible enough to function without a guardian’s supervision. Student's ideas are usually brushed off, because they think we know less than them.

Why Does Everyone Have Beats? BY TOM RICHTER I honestly don’t understand why everyone has these things. And before I start, they’re not bad headphones, they’re just overpriced. For the kind of money they ask for a basic pair of Beats, you should consider investing in a better engineered pair from a more established manufacturer. “Beats” as it’s known today has only been around since 2008, and they’ve had much less time to perfect their product than companies like Sennheiser or Audio Technica who’ve been around for more than 80. So the next time you’re up for a new pair of headphones, do an hour of research and see what else you can find. What you have right now make for an excellent starter pair, but premium audio definitely doesn’t end with Beats.

GRAPHIC BY ZOË GLENN

where you are then, in that moment, is much more enjoyable than whatever is happening across social media. This is coming from the person whose iPod is currently sitting three inches away from her right hand.

NO EXTRA TIME TO REVIEW BY GILLIAN HOLTE We all love those few extra minutes of sleep, especially when we don't have to wake up early to get more help in a class. That's what zero hour is for. It is for those who take the bus and are unable to get a ride to school. Lately, teachers have been having department meetings during our desperately needed extra review time. I understand the need for meetings, but isn’t that something that could be done at a different time? Students are encouraged to join PHOTO BY KAMERON BOIKE sports and clubs, when most of them are before or after school, causing students to miss sports practice or a club meeting. Because of students busy schedules, they have to meet with teachers during zero hour. Everyone would enjoy it more if we met with one of our teachers during the extra time given to us.

October 2013

The Eyrie

PROFILE BY OWEN DESAI Countless studios, numerous colleges, infinite music videos and emerging reality TV shows, dance has taken over the world. Professionally, dance is primarily female dominated and while some television shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” may make the industry seem like an evenly competitive profession, men face an even more cut-throat line of work. Local dance studios like Dance Arts Centre and programs such as La Danse Fatale have an overwhelming number of girls attending classes, taking lessons and performing with companies. This surplus of girls is the reason why sophomore Michael Thurin is so unique. Thurin has been one of two males in La Danse Fatale for the past five years, and this will be his first year as the only male on the LDF Company. The Company performs twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. Dancers practice three days a week for two to three hours each day. “We begin with Barre Warm Ups, then we move onto Centers and then we continue with our performance choreography,” said Thurin. “They’re long rehearsals, but I’ve become really close with the other dancers. We hang out together, a lot.” Within the mix of rehearsals and performances, dance competition is included. For two months leading up to a competition, the rehearsals are very fun, Thurin said. “We keep running the choreography over and over, while my choreographer, Julia Levina, will continue to add parts just for the girls and then just for me. Everyone is excited and the room is full of so much energy.” Senior LDF Company dancer Emma Tasler loves having Thurin on the team. “He adds a different dynamic to the group and makes the scenes more realistic. It’s fun figuring out where the ‘guy’ parts are and our personalities work so well together, he makes all of us laugh.” In fact, one of Thurin’s favorite parts about dancing is the competition. It is one of the sole reasons he sticks with this activity. “When I first started dance, I thought it was so cool so I basically told everyone I did it,” he said. As a result, he didn’t receive the most positive feedback. “I was bullied in fifth and sixth grade, mostly from guys,” said Thurin. While the bullying wasn’t incredibly heavy, it was constant and repetitive. Football was another activity Thurin enjoyed, and like a

typical “Disney dilemma,” he had to choose between playing football or continuing with dance. “Most of my friends play football. It’s something that is easy to talk about and most of them already play it, but with dance, it’s different. If I try to talk about dance with my friends, it’s almost impossible because it’s something they don’t understand,” he said. Fortunately, the bullying has decreased over the years. “My dad is my biggest supporter. Both of my parents think it’s awesome that I dance and that I’ve found something that I really like to do,” Thurin said. Nowadays, his friends think that dancing is cool, and they support him by going to performances and sometimes competition. “I am so incredibly proud,” said Gregory Thurin, Michael’s father. “The way he carries himself and the amount of discipline dance takes, Michael does it with style, strength, and grace. He is a gifted athlete, so I was a little sad that he wasn’t able to fit football in his schedule, but Michael has found such a passion for dance and has unbelievable stage presence. I’ve always told him to keep his chin up and stay positive. Dancing doesn’t just stop in the rehearsal room for Thurin. This past July he flew to California to study modern dance with Joffrey West, a male dance who co-founded Joffrey Dance Studio. A dancer at Joffrey would become a very versatile artist, being trained in jazz, modern, contemporary, hip hop, character, and much more. Thurin danced with “So You Think You Can Dance” choreographers and received multiple compliments from Mia Michaels, one of the SYTYCD judges. Thurin also went to Washington, DC, to Kirov Academy of Ballet. He spent three weeks at this summer intensive program, learning from the best. And the cool part? This program was attended by only male dancers. While in Eden Prairie it may be a novelty for a boy to be part of a dance company, out in the real world, men are much more prevalent. Not completely even with the amount of girls in the industry, still about a 6 to 4 ratio, but men are making their way into this world. Clearly, Thurin has support from his family, friends, and fellow dancers. Whether he will dance professionally. “For now, dancing is something that I know I really like to be a part of. I am good at it and it makes me different.” While he keeps the fact that he dances low on everyone’s radar, when asked about it, Thurin is completely open to talk.

Dancing to the beat of his own drum

The Eyrie

October 2013

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For now, dancing is something that I know I really like to be a part of. I am good at it and it makes me different, which I am fine with.

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Photo Courtesy of La Danse Fatale

October 2013

The Eyrie

FEATURE We got spirit, how 窶話out you?

Spirit leaders coordinated a festive Homecoming color theme for the football game.

The Eyrie

October 2013

PHOTO BY VANNA BOLLIER

Students fire up the crowd at many sporting events.

PHOTO BY THOMAS RICHTER

Bringing enthusiasm to EAGLE NATION BY LUCI BESSINGER

As many know, winning a football game is a common sight in Eden Prairie. With the help of the student spirit leaders, enthusiasm is brought to every game. Luc Snuggerud, Mackenzie Toay, and Matthew Fuller are just a few of the seniors who fill these roles.

These three agreed that to be a leader, one must be outgoing, inclusive, and most importantly, full of Eagle Spirit. A leader stays until the last minute of that freezing cold football game. A leader even treks all the way to that girls tennis match two hours away. A leader even makes signs to cheer on the first people to cross the finish line at that Boys Cross Country meet. Before every game, the spirit leaders tweet and post on Facebook what to wear, what to expect, when and where the games are. This may seem easy but these roles are harder to fulfill than one would expect for an unpaid job.

Fuller said that Prior Lake was his favorite game due to the intensity and how the whole student section all followed his choice of clothing; a “red out.” Students achieve greatness by coming together as a family during sporting events due to the help of eleven seniors who show pride and leadership in their school. Mackenzie Toay, one of the girls among the spirit leaders, said that being loud and getting the crowd amped was what appealed to her about having one of these roles. She was chosen by Anne Lindahl and Brooke Schwieters, now EPHS spirit leader alumni, to be the next to fill their shoes. After she was chosen, Mackenzie picked ten other people to help her bring enthusiasm to every EP sport. Luc Snuggerud left a little inspiration for those who may hold the position of a spirit leader in the future, “Don’t worry about what others think because our job is to get the crowd pumped up to motivate the team that is on the field. Our student section is one big family, that’s what sets us apart from other schools and that is what makes us Eagle Nation.”

October 2013

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FEATURE

Tips when applying to college

BY HARRY PAJOR

Whether you’re a senior thinking about life’s next big step, or a freshman reading The Eyrie for the first time, chances are you will go through the college application process at some point in your life. College applications have a reputation of being overly difficult, tedious and time-consuming. Plus, with more students than ever competing for a spot at their college of choice, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, more resources than ever are available for the college applicant. Mrs. Kreusch, a staff member of the CRC, has unveiled her top 10 tips for college applications to the Eyrie:

4. Break the process down into steps – don’t try to do it all at once. 5. If a school requires a teacher letter of recommendation, contact the teacher early – 2 to 4 weeks before you need the letter. Never forget that you are asking them for a favor. Remember to thank them! 6. If you need an essay, take time to write it well. Start by reading lots of good essays – some schools post their favorites. Write an essay that brings you to life for the admissions counselor – a great opening, good stories, an honest portrayal of yourself.

7. Use a good proofreader for everything. Don’t let small mistakes get in the way of your hard work. 8. Diversify your workload- Attempt some difficult applications, but also utilize online/on-site application opportunities. 9. Don’t forget to check which schools have rolling admissions, which means it’s never too late to apply! 10. Use resources at EPHS – Naviance family connection, great teachers, wonderful counselors and the CRC are all ready to help you with this process.

1. Make a good list of schools – not too long (no more than 10)! Make sure these are places you would attend. Include a safety school and a reach school. Think about having a “value school” – a place with a lower cost of attendance. 2. Know the application deadlines! For competitive schools, earlier is better – don’t wait until the deadline to submit your application if possible. 3. Know the requirements! Make a spreadsheet that lists what you need for each school’s application and check the items off as you complete them. You don’t want to miss anything. Hannah Manion and Annie Bohlig talking with their counselor. Photo by Megan Hartle

Reasons to love your counselor

BY MEGAN HARTLE

“It makes me feel good to know my counselor on a personal level so if I ever need anything she is always willing to help. My counselor has also helped me a lot with deciding what classes I should take and helps me with college-related questions that I have.” Junior Emily Dunford shares her personal opinion on why she thinks it is important for students to get to know their counselor. “I’d say one of the main reasons

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students should get to know their counselor is because we are a consistent person in their lives throughout high school that can help with a multitude of issues from scheduling, personal issues, college questions, ect,” said EPHS counselor Lenny Moskowitz. In addition, most students are required to have a letter of recommendation written by their counselor. By meeting with a counselor once in awhile throughout a student’s time in

October 2013

the high school, it allows the counselor get to know the student better. This will help when the counselor writes the letter of recommendation. Students can sign up for a meeting with their counselor in Student Center East. In addition to scheduling a meeting, counselors also have walk-ins where students are able to get answers to quick questions. Walk-ins are available at most times during the day with at least one of the counselors.

Exchange students share Halloween traditions from home country

Traditions around the world By Zoe Glenn, Nick Reiss and Sam Schnirrng

heard about rather than celebrated. “We see it in movies, all the people dressing up,” said junior Thea Robertsen, an exchange student from the country. Although stores sell Halloweenthemed merchandise in the fall, the holiday hasn’t taken off. “You

Halloween is how many people recognize the end of fall and the coming of winter. The holiday traces its roots back to the Celtic festival Samhain, which mixed with some aspects of the Christian celebration of All Hallows’ Eve. Some historians say it also has German or Roman MERON BOIKE Y KA B aspects. In a way, this IC PH makes Halloween as RA much of a mixing pot of ideas and origins as America itself. By the early 1900s, the holiday was being celebrated coastto-coast throughout the nation. Although it originated in Europe, no one celebrates it as lavishly as Americans. Our celebrations are also much more innocent and sweet than in other countries, where more traditionally ‘scary’ costumes are the get maybe a couple of kids trick-ornorm and the day is more focused treating,” said Thea, but the practice on honoring dead ancestors than isn’t common. Despite this, she is acquiring candy. eager to learn the American traditions In America today, kids dress up and and plans on dressing up and handing go out knocking on their neighbors’ out candy with her host family. “I’m doors asking for candy. Halloween is looking forward to it,” she said. just around the corner and we spoke In Brazil, fewer decorations are put with a few of our exchange students to up, but their celebrations are just as see what the fun holiday is all about in enthusiastic as they are here. Vitor their home country. Marion, a junior from Brazil, said In Norway, Halloween is something that people “walk around and look

for candy, and fun,” adding that it was very similar to the holiday here in the US. Little kids dress up and walk around collecting candy, while teenagers often skip the costumes “now that we’re older” and spend the night with friends. Vitor remembers a few years ago when he and a few others “stayed up ‘til six a.m., just walking around, we spent all night looking for candy.” In Italy, All Saints’ Day, or “Ognissanti,” is a national holiday similar to Halloween, with children and adults getting the day off of school or work. Early in the evening the elementary aged kids have small parties at their homes. A mom will organize a party inviting their school friends over to play games. In Italy, no one dresses up as a character. This makes Halloween there a bit more of a scary and more serious holiday. Senior, Sofia Rimondi remembers, “During elementary years, my mom organized parties for me and my sister. We dressed up and played games. All the girls dressed as a witch, always a witch.” Rimondi talked about how the teens usually go to clubs, the girls dressed as dead bleeding brides or witches, the boys something even more [See TRADITIONS/page 34]

October 2013

The Eyrie

FEATURE

Why are you excited for fall? Fall is finally here and the Eyrie staff wanted to see what students are most excited for. We asked a group of freshman, sophomore, juniors, and seniors what their thoughts were. The four activities that students are most excited about include: carving pumpkins, football games, apple orchards, and fall clothing. We want to know what you think too! Visit us on our website, www.theeyrie.org, to vote on which of the four activities is your favorite.

Eyrie Magazine Results:

SENIORS: Fall clothing

Freshmen: Tommy Hartle, Casey Middlestadt, Nolan Sullivan, Noah Deraney, and Nicky Leivermann

Sophomores: Anna Gravelle and Anna Gallenberger

Juniors: Chantelle Tullemans, Kenna Monger, and Jori Jakusz

Seniors: Ryan Hartley, Raleigh Jevnick, and Chance Pattison

FRESHMEN: Carving pumpkins SOPHOMORES: Football games JUNIORS: Apple Orchards

13 Things You Didn’t Know about MCKINLEY SWIFT BY OWEN DESAI M y piano lessons began at age 4. C alifornia born and raised. K now how to play Violin and Piano. I have a brother who plays the Guitar. N ot involved in choir at EPHS. L earned Spanish at Concordia. E njoy hanging out with my friends Y ellow is my favorite color.

S inging is my passion. W ant to pursue music professionally. I performed in Community Theater. F luent in Spanish. T aylor Swift is my 5th Cousin.

[TRADITIONS continued from page 33] menacing, such as zombies. The club is set up more like a haunted house: Decorated with spider webs, eerie lighting and, of course, strobes. In India, Halloween isn’t celebrated but Diwali is, said Harsh Pandit, a 10th grade foreign exchange student from India. Diwali is also known as the festival of lights and is celebrated in many other countries as well. Sweets and gifts are distributed similar to Christmas throughout the five days of celebration, while homes are decorated with lights and candles.

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During the first day they worship the cow and calf to bring prosperity to their land. The second day is a very encouraging day to buy utensils and gold. On the third day of Diwali, they take a fragrant oil bath before sunrise and dress in new clothing. Then, the day continues with the lighting of small lamps all around the house and drawing elaborate Kolams (white rice drawings of symmetrical lines and curves on the ground to bring prosperity to the house) outside the house to bring prosperity to the house.

October 2013

The fourth day is the most important day for North India. Small clay pots are placed outside the home to welcome prosperity and well-being. On the last day siblings meet to express love and affection for one another. The brothers usually go to their sister’s home for dinner. There are many different traditions in the world, tracing their roots back to many different religions and cultures. These traditions are unique to every country, but each one celebrates the spirit of fall.

Online Registration Opens October 28 Games start January! EPHS, Minnetonka HS, and Bloomington HS Gyms

Visit our web page to learn more and register online: www.epgba.org Grade 9-12

Grow the Swagger… Join Girl’s Inhouse Basketball! •More games with the Minnetonka League •Mid season food drive for EP Prop •Play with Bloomington Inhouse team •Form your own team

October 2013

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Happy Hour Buy One, Get One Free Any Size Shakes 3pm - 5pm Monday – Friday Offer valid through June 30, 2014

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