VOLUME 68 ISSUE 9 | June 3, 2021
THE VIEWER What can students do about climate change?
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Kitchen Gardens 02/ DECA 03/ Genshin Impact 07
2 NEWS
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021
Kitchen gardening for charity
by Shivam Vashishtha staff reporter
The Synergy Environmental Club at Mounds View recently began a kitchen gardening initiative, where students plant a garden that grows vegetables and other plants to be donated to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. This initiative is a new addition to the club this year. Since Minnesota has a cold winter climate unsuitable for gardening, students and teachers used these few months to plan out the execution of this project. “An initiative such as this one requires a lot of patience, effort and logistical pre-planning. In order to ensure a fruitful kitchen garden, good quality supplies should be available and used,” said Nicole Baschky, 12, a member of the Synergy Environmental Club. Additionally, the club had to specifically plan what vegetables they wanted to grow. “We are growing vegetables like beans, peppers and tomatoes to donate to Ralph Reeder. We didn’t want to grow easily perishable things like lettuce because they are often less helpful to the food
shelf,” she said. In addition to supplies and pre-planning, volunteers are also an integral component for the club to thrive. “We pretty much have all the supplies we need at the moment, but what we do need is volunteers. Anyone can sign up and get hours for volunteering to water the plants or help with the garden,” Baschky said. Students at Mounds View who support the Kitchen Garden have experience with growing these types of gardens. Matteo Meyer, 10, grew a garden of squash last summer. “I think there are pros and cons to everything, and so does kitchen gardening...a kitchen garden demands a lot of work and effort. Along with that, it also takes up space and requires resources,” Meyer said. Aside from these negatives, there are definite benefits of kitchen gardening that make the effort worth it. “I think it allows kids to decide what they want to do, show their interests, and work hard on things they really care about,” he said. Whether having a garden at school or at home, Meyer believes that it is a great idea worth implementing. When the whole process is complete and the vegetables are ready to be harvested, the club will donate its fresh produce. “We started the kitchen gardens as a sustainable way to donate to the food shelf that students
could be involved in. We are planning on donating the vegetables to the Ralph Reeder food shelf,” Baschky said. An initiative like this one requires a lot of effort and resources. However, there are numerous benefits of having a kitchen garden. Not only does kitchen gardening support a good cause, but it instills qualities of
“We started the kitchen gardens as a sustainable way to donate to the food shelf that students could be involved in.” Nicole Baschky, 12 teamwork and hard work in its volunteers. Donating the harvest to food banks such as the Ralph Reeder Shelf, strengthens the community by ensuring that families have access to fresh, healthy foods.
“...a kitchen garden demands a lot of work and effort. Along with that, it also takes up space and requires resources.” Matteo Meyer, 10
MSHSL leaked emails by Madeline Jepko sports editor
Recent leaked emails from inside the Minnesota govRecent leaked emails from inside the Minnesota government reveal how prominent officials decided to handle the COVID-19 pandemic in regards to the cancellation of youth sports. This five month-old decision to cancel youth sports received a renewed focus following the leak, with new pushback on how Gov. Walz and others handled the situation. According to a recent Star Tribune article entitled “Youth Sports Group Questions Minnesota’s COVID-19 Restrictions,” these emails were obtained by the Let Them Play MN organization. The group opposes many COVID-19 restrictions put in place by the Minnesota government. One email the group recently received suggested a pause on sports because of a hypothetical situation conceived by the author of the email. Kate Brickman, a contractor hired to help with restriction communications, worried that if a sports fan attends a game one day and goes to work in a longterm care facility the next, the spectator could possibly spread COVID-19 to a patient. This specific email outraged many, including state Senator Michelle Benson(R-Ham Lake). Benson disliked the lack of data used to come to such a staggering decision and stated how “she was ‘embarrassed’ that the Minnesota Department of Health considered such
a backward strategy,” the article read. Benson wished that the decision had instead been made on facts, strategic thinking and statistics. Due to the restrictions put in place after these emails were distributed, athletics at Mounds View this past year have looked drastically different from other seasons. Aside from previous cancellations earlier in the spring, indoor sports rules currently include a mask mandate and a limit on spectators. On the other hand, outdoor sports are more relaxed, as mask requirements and spectator limits are no longer required. However, all spring sports seasons had been moved back to later months due to delays in the fall season. Many athletes agree that the Minnesota government took too many precautions and should have let sports occur. The Let Them Play movement gained traction with students and parents, especially with athletes from sports that were cancelled due to the pandemic. “I like the movement, especially for seniors. Our seasons were already gone last year, so I agree, at least let us play,” said softball athlete Clara Gustafson, 12. Others in the Mounds View community have a different take on the situation. They agree that sports should have been paused until experts could learn more about how COVID-19 spread. “I wish sports didn’t come to a pause, but I understand why they did. We didn’t know a lot last year, and [COVID-19] could have spread,” said Natalie Shapira, 12. Though the leaked government emails have again
photos by Elisa Guo
“Our seasons were already gone last year, so I agree, at least let us play.” Clara Gustafson, 12 raised frustrations with many about why and how restrictions were put in place, many students at Mounds View agree that they are just happy to see sports resuming again. Major sports such as baseball, softball, track and field and lacrosse are now continuing with more normalcy. “This season has been better than expected. I’m happy and excited to have a senior season after COVID-19 has affected so many aspects of daily life,” said ultimate frisbee athlete Brandon Else, 12.
Viewer Staff 2021-2022
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FEATURES 3
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021
DECA: A new chapter
by Natalie Nemes managing editor DECA is a business and marketing club that teaches its members important skills often applicable to the real world. Members partake in a variety of competitions, from roleplay scenarios where they have to resolve a customer complaint on the spot to writing a paper and giving a presentation about a real-world business in front of judges. In a normal year, participating in DECA would involve plenty of in-person preparation and attending competitions that last all day or are several days long. However, just as with nearly all aspects of life during a pandemic, the Mounds View DECA chapter has had to make some operation adjustments. As co-vice president of the DECA Club, one of the responsibilities of Anna Grace, 11, is to teach underclassmen about the world of business and marketing and help them prepare for competitions. One of the biggest challenges she has faced this year is navigating how to instruct freshmen and sophomores over Zoom instead of in person. “Usually, we would meet up in person before school at least once a week to practice preparing for events and learning about business,” Grace said. “This year, however, we stuck to using Zoom every Friday. It was definitely a challenge, but it was also a very rewarding experience.” She said that she and her fellow co-vice president, Riley Stern, 11, had to come up with different methods to engage underclassmen during the Zoom sessions. “We would do different activities with breakout rooms, have graduated alums come and teach, etc.,” Grace said. The competitions themselves also went virtual. “In a normal year, we’d all [go] to ... a high school and like, compete in events with actual judges,” Stern said. “This year it was all virtual, so it was recorded videos
of ourselves doing events instead of going somewhere and doing it.” As it tends to happen with anything having to do with technology, there were several tech issues that members had to deal with during competitions. “It was just like a complete mess, but we still made it work,” said Hayley Dillon, 12, store manager and vice president of marketing. As store manager, Dillon has had to reconfigure how the Mounds View DECA Store operates amidst a pandemic that has caused unprecedented rules and regulations for the store. They cannot sell food out of the store this year or have it open before and after school. Instead, this year, the DECA Club has created small pop-up shops where it sells various Mounds View apparel items. “I’ve come up with something called the pop-up shop where I basically bring a rack of clothing, and I bring it to the lunchroom and try to sell in there,” Dillon said. And of course, reaching consumers during a pandemic has meant the club has done plenty of marketing to reach students and parents. “We tried to stay as in touch as possible with students and families through the school newsletters and posts around school and online,” said President Willow Haake, 12. “Hopefully the DECA store will be able to be fully open next year, and everyone should stop by to get any MV merch and a quick snack.” Amongst these and other difficulties, such as lowered participation numbers and recruiting new members virtually, the club still found some bright spots of success. “One big accomplishment that I am proud of this year is that Riley and I were able to teach club members, who had previously known nothing about DECA, how to compete and succeed in DECA,” Grace said. “We had multiple freshmen advance to state and even finals in their events.”
In addition to business and marketing competitions as well as managing the school store, DECA also organizes several community service projects. For example, this year the DECA Club organized “The Week of Giving” food drive before Thanksgiving break. “We raised over $500 in food and cash donations at a curbside drop-off stand right outside of Mounds View,” Haake said. “All the donations helped families who needed
“...[we] were able to teach club members...how to compete and succeed in DECA. We had multiple freshmen advance to state and even finals in their events.” Anna Grace, 11 extra support during this unprecedented pandemic and went to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf.” Those interested in joining DECA can participate in the club, which meets once a week in the mornings, as a freshman or sophomore and can take the business and marketing classes as a junior or senior. “DECA has been such an amazing experience, and I recommend that everyone join the club or class, whether interested in business or not,” Grace said.
Sydney Dvorak: A Spot of Sunshine by Ellis Maloney news editor The past year has separated communities significantThe past year has separated communities significantly. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, people were forced into isolation as church, family gatherings, school and work were put on hold. Unfortunately, this has created a rift in many close communities. Sydney Dvorak, a senior at Mounds View, took note of this issue and began a project called A Spot of Sunshine to rebuild lost connections between community members. A Spot of Sunshine began with one question: How do we connect with people? “I started by creating an Instagram and a website and working a lot with my adviser to figure out how to reach people. I reached out to a lot of my friends and neighbors for support, and I have been working from there,” Dvorak said. Her project’s Instagram page, @aspotofsunshine_, displays her accomplishments, along with
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I am hoping to get people to just share what makes them happy.” - Sydney Dvorak
more information about her website. The official website features various videos and blogs, ranging from talent videos to funny jokes. Everyone is encouraged to show off their unique talents. Dvorak works to better the lives of her community members through A Spot of Sunshine. “I am hoping to get people to just share what makes them happy, whether that is by sending me a video so I can create a compilation of a bunch of people or just posting to the Facebook group I made—I want people to share what is going on in their lives and what is bringing them a smile,” Dvorak said. As A Spot of Sunshine exhibits, Dvorak continuously stresses the importance of helping her community. A large contributor to that belief has been her participation in Girl Scouts. “I have been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten, so this will be my 13th year,” said Dvorak. In fact, it was the Girl Scout program that helped her put her idea into action, as A Spot of Sunshine was a Girl Scout Gold Award Project. National Gold Award Girl Scout contestants are described as girls who “demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed a local challenge related to a national and/or global issue,” characteristics which are evident in Dvorak’s dedication to her community. Through the impact of her work, as well as the people whom she has connected with, Dvorak has been able to reach her goals, even hoping for continued success in the future. “I know that over this past year it has been very difficult to see a lot of family members, and I hope that this will continue helping people socialize even when they can’t see family,” said Dvorak. In other words, she has lightened the dark pandemic mood with a “spot of sunshine.”
photo courtesy of Sydney Dvorak
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Ways to combat climate change and maintain sustainability by Joseph Hoffman, Oliva Sperbeck and Shivam Vashishtha staff reporters
Carbon footprint Although some people make big diet changes to better the environment, just cutting down on red meat is enough to reduce an individual's carbon footprint significantly. Lydia Hahn, 11, is a Mounds View student who is well-versed in this issue and does not eat red meat to help the environment. “Eating less animal products, especially red meat, is huge,” Hahn said. According to Our World in Data, since production of these animals’ meat produce about ten times more carbon emissions than chicken, for example, a student
ts to reduce their negative impact on the environment. Additionally, students can be more environmentally friendly by making fewer purchases in general, as
"Reducing the amount of carbon emissions by making fewer purchases or cutting down on red meat are easy ways for students to become more sustainable and make a positive impact on the environment."
“Every product has a carbon footprint, from the materials used in production to the pollution emitted during production.” food packaging often comes wrapped in plastic and other non-biodegradable materials. Every product has a carbon footprint, from the materials used in production to the pollution emitted during production. Moreover, there is the packaging that ends up in landfills and the ocean. Therefore, buying fewer food products cuts down on carbon emissions and pollution, not to mention the decrease in packaging that endangers wildlife. Reducing the amount of carbon emissions by making fewer purchases or cutting down on red meat are easy ways for students to become more sustainable and make a positive impact on the environment.
illustration courtesy of Pixabay
can become more sustainable by choosing to eat more chicken and less beef. This is a simple way for studen-
Reduce, reuse, recycle Sustainability has many barriers to entry for students, since sustainable products, materials and organic food are often expensive. Additionally, students have little choice in this matter when it comes to bigger lifestyle changes, like the use of renewable energy for their homes. This leads to the question of what students can do to help in the fight against climate change. It turns out there are plenty of options. “Students can actually be one of the most important demographics when it comes to the fight against climate change,” said Jason Hill, professor of Environmental Sciences and Bioengineering at the University of Minnesota and expert on sustainability. “No one can convince a parent to try out sustainable habits like a passionate son or
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is important to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to clothing. “Buy a pair of Levi’s instead of H&M jeans,” said Hill. “The Levi’s are going to last you five or six years instead of the six months the H&M jeans will survive. At that point you are also saving a lot of money.” The fashion industry is the second least sustainable industry in the world, and by purchasing quality clothing that will last longer, students are able to make sure less clothing will end up in a landfill. Another way to make more sustainable purchases is to buy second-hand items. By buying old clothing instead of new, students can make sure less cloth-
Students can actually be one of the most important demographics when it comes to the fight against climate change.” -Jason Hill, University of Minnesota professor
daughter.” One of the major ways in which students are able to participate in the fight against climate change, according to Hill, is convincing parents to try new things out. While installing solar panels on the roof may be far-fetched, buying less plastic and using reusable water bottles are all ways for families to participate in sustainability. In some cases, sustainability can even be cost-effective. “Students prioritizing what they buy is probably the number one thing they can directly do to contribute to the cause,” says Hill. For example, it
photo by Joesph Hoffman ing ends up polluting the environment. Even when shopping online, students can choose to buy second-
hand. “Amazon has a used product feature,” said Lydia Hahn, 11. Although carbon emissions increase with shipping, the net carbon emissions would still be lower than buying a brand new product. Students can also shop at thrift stores and buy used cars or computers to decrease carbon emissions that go into producing goods. “It all comes down to choices,” says Hill. “Students are able to make a lot of illustration by Sienna Wood small choices that are very environmentally friendly, and because they’re young, they’ll end up being the most environmentally friendly generation by far. ” These small choices are a big deal, according to Hill. Students are the most important demographic when it comes to sustainability because if an entire generation cements sustainable practices while they are young, these positive impacts will accumulate over time, and future generations will also be instilled with these green values. Taking the time to consider what would be a more eco-friendly way to go about everyday activities will go a long way towards a greener future. Young people have many possibilities to take initiative against climate change.
Trying dairy and meat alternatives Veganism is a positive, healthy way to help the environment. For example, according to a research study by University of Oxford, by going vegan, a person can reduce their carbon footprint from food by 73%. Additionally, if all people were to stop eating meat, global farmland could be reduced by 75%, an area equal to the United States, the European Union, Australia and China put together. In order to test veganism out, I tried reducing the amount of animal products I consume for several dishes.
for almond milk because it produces half the levels of carbon emissions as cow milk. It actually tasted really good; I liked the slight nuttiness the almond milk had and it gave the latte more flavor. I would definitely
information compiled by Nicholas School
of Environment recommend it to Starbucks consumers, both because of the flavor and the positive environmental impacts.
I first tried Starbucks photo by Olivia Sperbeck drinks without dairy, which is different for me since I typically buy drinks from Starbucks that contain a lot of milk. I ordered my blonde vanilla latte with almond milk and no whipped cream, opting
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For example, according to a research study by University of Oxford, by going vegan, a person can reduce their carbon footprint from food by 73%.
information compiled by Nicholas School
Second, I of Environment tried an alternative protein. I made tofu tacos instead of typical beef tacos for dinner, since beef produces over fifteen times the carbon emissions as tofu. Although the tofu had a spongier texture and less flavor than beef, the tofu tacos were still delicious, especially when paired with pico de gallo and sliced avocado. It is worth it to switch to tofu occasionally, as the taste difference is not too dramatic.
Despite the fact that photo by Olivia Sperbeck individual diet changes benefit the environment, some people will question if their efforts in veganism are really worth it. The answer is a resounding yes. According to Our World in Data, meat and dairy are responsible for 60% of agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions, but are only responsible for 18% of calories and 37% of protein levels globally. If more people would make an effort to cut out animal products, the levels of greenhouse gas emissions would drop significantly. Additionally, veganism frees up land lost to agriculture which helps prevent wildlife endangerment and extinction. Learning about the dangerous environmental impacts of consuming meat and dairy has caused me to be more mindful of what foods I consume and reduce my consumption of animal products. The environmental impacts of meat and dairy are too massive to ignore, and veganism is a good diet alternative.
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The environmental impacts of meat and dairy are too massive to ignore, and veganism is a good diet alternative.”
The impact of global warming From the North Pole to the South Pole, the planet is rapidly heating up, causing glaciers and sea ice to melt, precipitation patterns to shift, and animals to migrate from their typical geographical regions. Data from NASA indicates that the global average temperature has increased by more than 1.6 degrees since 1906. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, in the Twin Cities, annual average tem-
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temperatures, along with increased stormwater runoff and erosion, are causing many bodies of water to become the home to algae blooms, which can negatively impact species that may benefit from warmer water by removing extra oxygen in the water. Climate change has been a major concern over the past few decades. Many feel the pressure to act quickly as temperatures continue to rise. Communi-
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, in the Twin Cities, annual average temperatures increased by 3.2 degrees from 1951 to 2012, which was faster than both national and global rates.”
peratures increased by 3.2 degrees from 1951 to 2012, which was faster than both national and global rates. In the same time frame, total precipitation amounts increased by over 20%. Additionally, the Ramsey County Public Health Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment shows that average low temperatures have risen more quickly than the average highs in Shoreview and Arden Hills, especially in the nighttime. As Minnesota sees higher temperatures, warming surface waters in the state are leading to a significant loss of fish habitat for many prominent species. Higher
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generation, the need to take initiative has never felt more intense.
Communities at Mounds View are continually working to address environmental concerns and have provided opportunities for students to dive deeper into the ins and outs of different environmental crises.”
illustration by Sienna Wood
ties at Mounds View are continually working to address environmental concerns and have provided opportunities for students to dive deeper into the ins and outs of different environmental crises. With the future of the world’s health in the hands of this current
illustration courtesy of Pixabay
4 EDITORIALS
The mental health crisis
by Madeline Edgar editorials editor
Mental health services and awareness at Mounds View have been a point of discussion for years, with academic intensity and social pressure contributing to a crisis amongst students. As overall awareness of the serious nature and prevalence of mental health issues increases, Mounds View has been under scrutiny to keep up with the curve and support its students. However, this emphasis has seemingly waned over the last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, even as mental health issues skyrocket. While the lackluster attention to this second pandemic of disintegrating mental health is discouraging, the
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The percent of American youth diagnosed with several major depression increased from 9.2 to 9.7% in 2020...”
complexity of the problem and the odd situation of the school year make it difficult to expect much from the overwhelmed administration. The statistics regarding mental health in America from 2020 are stark: According to Mental Health America, from 2019, the number of anxiety screenings taken by patients increased 93% and the number of depression screenings increased by 62%. These numbers are most concerning among youth. The percent of American youth diagnosed with severe major depression increased from 9.2% to 9.7% in 2020 and over half of 11 to 17-year-olds reported daily suicidal or self-harming thoughts. Minority groups are most affected by these
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021
changes, with the severe major depression rate being highest among mixed-race youth at 12.4% and suicidal ideation remaining prevalent among LGBTQ+ youth. WIth undeniable statistics such as these, it is clear that Mounds View students are likely impacted by these changes. Social isolation, economic upset, civil unrest and the reignition of historical trauma over the last year have sparked a wave of intense difficulty for young people in all communities across the nation. However, it seems that little acknowledgement or support has come from the Mounds View administration, with the work done towards increasing awareness and aid over the last few years fading in favor of the COVID-19 response. This logical tradeoff is one made out of sheer necessity, but the sudden lack of attention toward a crisis that has been arguably more damaging than COVID-19 infections seems to have left many students in the dust. Despite this, there hasn’t been much student outcry. “Given that the situation we’re in is unprecedented, I wouldn’t put it upon [the administration] to have a perfect solution right away. I think they’ve given the best in a situation where there are no standard guidelines to abide by,” said Mike Sprung, 12. This is the best possible approach to the situation from a student perspective: The mental well-being of students has indeed fallen to the wayside since spring 2020, but this is solely in favor of ensuring the physical well-being of
students, staff and their families. While a full-on, targeted mental health response during such a stressful time for any school is an unreasonable expectation, simple measures could have been taken over the last year to provide some cushioning for students. Although last year, some resources were emailed to students, the school could do more in making these resources more transparent and readily accessible, ensuring the availability of the school therapist and clarifying the accommodations students can request. This would have been an effective way to help students where possible without relaxing the intensity of the school’s COVID-19 response. Overall, Mounds View’s response, or lack thereof, to the mental health crisis among teenagers has been disappointing but underillustration by Sienna Wood standable. The relative silence on the subject from the administration will necessitate careful attention to the issue and its impacts in the years to come.
quired for student-athletes, coaches, officials or spectators in outdoor contests and practices.” However, the MSHSL recommends those not actively participating to wear a mask. While this is a
er, a student can take advantage of this with a written medical exemption from a licensed medical professional. While this makes sense for those unable to wear a mask, it could potentially put other students at risk of exposure. As of May 7, all occupancy restrictions were dropped for outdoor sports. The same alteration was put into place on May 28 for indoor athletics. This will allow family and friends to watch students play. With this lifted mandate, sporting events will become the fun environment they once were. For many sports at Mounds View, the fan participation declined to the point where the gyms and fields felt empty. Although some may feel that these lifted restrictions are unsafe, with the recent construction additions at Mounds View, not only does the school have the space to support a large crowd, it can do so safely. Another rule instituted by the MSHSL this past year concerns medical personnel. MSHSL schools may not exceed previous year numbers. While they should be available, “schools should limit medical personnel whenever feasible.” These rules have been put in place to increase medical help in other areas lacking personnel and lessen the amount of people at a sports event by preventing schools from stocking up on nurses and trainers. While frustrating to some, the MSHSL guidelines have made participating in a school sport fathomable and safe. Most of these rules serve their purpose to protect participants, although some are unnecessary or questionable. The dangers of unrestricted school sports outweigh the minor inconvenience of heeding new rules.
MSHSL guidelines are necessary
by Marie Diffley staff reporter
This past year has been a whirlwind of new rules and guidelines regarding COVID-19 in student sports. For all athletes, the pressure of following the rules often made the game more difficult. Factors such as the quick spread of the disease and the physical difficulty of breathing with a mask made participating in school athletics challenging for student-athletes. Regardless, these rules are mostly reasonable and prohibit further risk to players while allowing students to play the sports they love.
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While some argue that these guidelines are too restrictive with the dangerous chance of virus transmission within close proximity, they are extremely necessary.”
To keep athletes safe at sporting events, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) implemented multiple rules regarding the usage of masks and designs, medical personnel and occupancy regulations. While some argue that these guidelines are too restrictive, with the dangerous chance of virus transmission within close proximity, they are extremely necessary. Details of the expectations for students can be found on the official website. Face masks “are not re-
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As of May 7, all occupancy restrictions were dropped for outdoor sports...This will allow familiy and friends to watch students play.”
progressive step towards a long-lost sense of normalcy and is more freeing for players, it could also lead to a higher risk for players playing close-contact sports such as lacrosse and ultimate frisbee. For teams playing inside, masks are still required. While most mask rules make sense, others are questionable. One rule regarding design and logo in masks regulates the size of a logo; masks may not bear a manufacturer’s logo larger than 2.25 square inches. With no apparent reason listed and no explanation, this guideline seems like an unnecessary burden to athletes. Another rule about mask exemption is also somewhat dubious. Student athletes “who have medical or other health conditions, disabilities or mental health, developmental, or behavioral needs that make it difficult to tolerate wearing a mask/face covering may be exempt from wearing a mask/face covering.” Howev-
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 7
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021
Inside Genshin Impact’s magic
by Janae Lee print editor-in chief
Although released just eight months ago, openworld role-playing game “Genshin Impact’’ has already established a strong fanbase worldwide. It is only continuing to grow in popularity—and for good reason. First encouraged to play this game by a friend but never having played an RPG game before, I was skeptical to start as I worried that the game mechanics would be too complex for me to grasp. However, when I first started playing “Genshin,” I was led through a very detailed tutorial that helped familiarize me with the game mechanics. Although I credit the tutorial for helping me understand the game mechanics, as someone who had never played an RPG before, I also believe that the game mechanics itself are simple enough for everyone to understand. As soon as I finished the tutorial and I started to actually play the game, the first thought that hit me was that this game has incredibly high production value. The graphics are beautiful and diverse, from bright green grass fields and rocky mountains to ponds swimming with bass. While I was very impressed with the graphics overall, one instance where I actually gasped out loud was when my character was climbing a mountain, and I noticed her shadow on the cliff changing as the sun changed positions in the sky. I was truly blown away by the detail in the animation. Aside from the graphics, “Genshin Impact’’ excels at its worldbuilding. First of all, the overall premise is captivating—telling the story of a traveler who is separated from their sibling and must explore the fantasy world of Tevyat in search for them, while eventually getting caught up its various affairs. The universe itself is crafted with stunning detail. Tevyat is a world separated into seven factions with each connecting to an element and ruled by a god associated with that element. The game prompts players to go on quests, and
through these quests, players can learn even more about this world, including its history and geography. Despite these features, the main reason this game stands out among the rest of RPG games is because of its characters. To me, the characters in this game have three strong points that drove this game to success: the design, the voicing and the personality.
“...the characters in this game have three strong points...: the design, the voicing and the personality.” Off the bat, the character designs in this game are very visually pleasing. Each character has a very special look, and I especially appreciate the cool fantasylike outfits each of them wears. Secondly, each of the characters are fully voiced in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean. Going through and trying the game in all four languages, I can confidently say that each language option has fantastic voice acting. I think the voices match the characters very well, and they all sound really nice. With having the option to choose between four languages, it is no wonder that this game is not only popular in America, but also overseas. Language is not a barrier when it comes to playing this game, allowing for a strong global fan base. Finally, the characterization of the characters themselves is fantastic. Players are prompted to go on quests in-game, and through these quests, players can meet and interact with different characters. Each character has their own unique backstory and personality, and through these quests, players can really get to know and connect with them. These quests are cleverly designed, allowing players to get attached to the characters quickly. I already had a favorite character within
the first couple days of playing, and I was thoroughly invested in getting to know the character better and interacting with him. From the visuals, the voicing and the characterization, this game has superb characters for players to enjoy. Players are able to collect characters they meet through quests and get a chance to play as them. However, this is where I would mention the only negative thing I have to say about “Genshin Impact.” Characters can be obtained through a gacha mechanism, making many players obsessed with trying to win a character they like, some resorting to using real-life money. Popular influencers have been shown spending large sums of money trying to win a character. I have never been tempted to spend real money for a video game before but for the first time, I felt a slight temptation in order to win a character I wanted. This game is highly addictive, so I would be careful about how much time a player spends engaging with the game, or how invested in the game they become before their wallet ends up empty. Several weeks ago, “Genshin Impact” released an update where players can now customize their homes, so this is the perfect time for new players to join. I wholeheartedly recommend this game to everyone. The mechanics are easy to grasp, the graphics are beautiful and the worldbuilding and characterization is top-tier. Players will find themselves swept up in the story and before they know it, they will be a fully-invested’ fan. It feels somehow wrong that this game is free-to-play because of its high quality and hours of entertainment, but players can download “Genshin Impact” at no cost for PC, PS4 and mobile.
The Verdict: 10/10
Gray Fox Coffee: chic and fun
all delicious. My friend who ordered the Blackberry Bramble, however, had a less enjoyable experience. The drink was too sweet and tasted more like juice instead of coffee, and its taste did not match the drink’s description on the menu. With its inviting atmosphere and menu variety, Gray Fox is an excellent place for students to hang out with their friends.
by Isabelle Schrab online editor
Over the last few months, changes in the COVID-19 situation have allowed students more freedom to enjoy public spaces again. With many students getting COVID-19 vaccinations and restaurants operating at full capacity, students are able to safely eat out with friends. A new coffee shop in Minneapolis, Gray Fox Coffee, is a perfect meet-up location for a casual cup of coffee or a quick meal. The location of Gray Fox Coffee makes it a great eatery for a fun day trip in downtown Minneapolis. The cafe is conveniently placed by many other shops, so students can easily grab a quick lunch while spending time in the city. The cafe itself gives a great first impression. It’s chic interior decorations includessimple yet unique couches, seating areas and other furniture, creating an elegant experience for each individual entering the store. Outdoor seating is also available for those who want to enjoy the warm weather.
The shop has many options on their menu. What stood out to me were the intricate foam designs on the coffee drinks; detailed donuts, bees and squirrels make each drink more visually appealing to customers. Flavors ranging from nutty to sweet provides customers with a variety of choices for their drinks. Although it is primarily a coffee shop, Gray Fox Coffee also offers teas, smoothies, pastries, and typical lunch foods. For those who value eco-friendliness, the shop also uses compostable straws. Although the pandemic has imposed many difficulties on small businesses, Gray Fox Coffee is doing their best to promote themselves, especially through its customer service. The baristas are friendly and are even open to offering their opinions on their personal favorite menu items. This creates a welcoming spirit to new customers who might be curious about the different items on the menu. At the cafe, I chose to order an iced caramel latte. The coffee had a slightly nutty flavor and was over-
photos by Isabelle Sc
The Verdict: 8/10
8 SPORTS
Mounds View teams: ranked by Alissa Zhao online editor in chief
Mounds View students are constantly debating which Mounds View sports teams are the best. To settle this argument, the Viewer ranked all Mounds View sports teams based on their performance this past year. While we largely focused on postseason accomplishments, regular season scores were used for many spring sports that have yet to compete in postseason competitions, as well as for fall and winter sports that did not qualify for state. Additionally, 2019 postseason scores were used for many fall sports for which sections and state were cancelled this year. Postseason scores and
The girls golf team
ranking were found on mshsl.org and regular season scores were found in Star Tribune’s high school sports hubs section. Boys golf and gymnastics are not listed because not enough information was provided. The first section of our list consists of teams who won a section championship this year. Boys Cross Country: boys cross country tops the list after both a section championship and a state championship in 2019. Girls Tennis: girls tennis is next on the list after winning a section championship this year and placing third at state in 2019. Boys Tennis: boys tennis won their conference championships just a few weeks ago and also won state in 2019. Boys Track and Field : the boys track and field
THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021
team won true team sections just last week and are favored to win sections this year. Boys Soccer: rounding out our list of section champions is the boys soccer team with their section win this season. The next section of our list is composed of teams who achieved second place finishes at sections this year. Boys Swim and Dive: the boys swimming and diving team placed second in this section and went onto receive an eight place finish at state. Girls Swim and Dive: the girls swim and dive team also finished second at sections but placed 22nd at state. Wrestling: the boys wrestling team fell short of qualifying for state after losing to Stillwater High School in their section championship. Girls Soccer: the girls soccer team finished the season by placing second at sections after a regular season record of nine wins, three losses and two ties. Girls Cross Country: the girls cross country team placed second at sections and finished the season in 18th place at state. Baseball: while baseball has not had sections yet, their regular season record of 13 wins and seven losses, along with their fourth place finish at state in 2019, lands them in 11th place on this list. Dance Team: the dance team placed second in kick and third in jazz at sections. Volleyball: volleyball did not have state or sections this fall but their placement of second in the Suburban East Conference keeps them in this section of the list. The final sections of our list is made up of teams that placed below second at sections. Boys Basketball: The boys basketball team made it to the semifinals in sections, with a regular season record of 16 wins and four losses. Girls Hockey: The girls hockey team narrowly beat out the boys hockey team on this list. While both teams made it to the semifinals in the section, the girls team’s regular season record of 11 wins and nine losses is slightly better than the boys team. Boys Hockey: The boys hockey team had a regular season record of 10 wins, nine losses and one tie. Girls Golf: While the girls golf team has yet to compete at sections, they anticipate finishing in the top four. Alpine Ski Team: the co-ed alpine ski team beats
out the Nordic ski team on this list due to a slightly better performance at sections, with the girls team placing ninth and the boys team placing sixth. Nordic Ski Team: The co-ed counterpart of the alpine ski team sits one place lower on this list after the girls team placed eighth at sections and the boys team placed 10th. Girls Lacrosse: the girls lacrosse team places 20th on this list as a result of this regular season record of five wins and seven losses. Softball: the softball team’s regular season record of six wins and 13 losses puts them just behind the girls lacrosse team. Girls Basketball: kicking off the bottom three of
and enjoy various outdoor activities. The dance team has themed practices before important competitions, and throws a party to celebrate the winter holidays. In track and field, the team sings together on the bus ride home from meets. Despite having a busy schedule throughout her school year, Galas finds that doing various sports actually helps her improve her time-management skills. “I would say it actually makes me work harder in school because when I know I have a big competition coming up I know I need to finish my homework before it happens,” Galas said. By doing as much school work during the day, she is able to keep her nights reserved for practice. Galas has learned to efficiently schedule her day to maximize time for both school and sports. Although her school and sports life is well-balanced, Galas often finds herself lacking time to spend time with friends. She resorts to spending time with people on weekends, especially Sundays, when she does not have practice. However, this does not make her feel like she’s missing out. Since Galas is friends with the girls on her sports teams, she is able to socialize with others at practice. Conse-
quently, she usually spends time with people on weekends, especially on Sundays because she does not have practice that day. Playing multiple sports is time consuming, but Galas enjoys hanging out with friends and teammates and staying healthy the whole year. Although Galas will continue her sports activities her senior year, after high school she only plans to participate in recreational athletics. “I don’t think I’m going to be able to compete competitively,” Galas said, “but I might keep swimming and I might keep dancing for fun.
The Mounds View Alpine Team at Sections
this list is the girls basketball team. Their regular season record of three wins and 16 losses result in their placement here. Football: Mounds View’s football team has a record of one win and five losses, putting them near the bottom of all Mounds View sports teams. Boys Lacrosse: rounding out the list of all Mounds View sports teams is the boys lacrosse team. Their regular season record consists of two wins and 11 losses. photos by Alissa Zhao
Life as a triseason athlete
by Josie Makenthun online editor
Many students would consider playing multiple sports daunting, but junior Caroline Galas enjoys the challenge. She is a triseason athlete who is involved in swim and dive, dance and track and field. During the offseason in the summer, she also partakes in weight training to help her stay in shape for the upcoming swim season.
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[Galas] enjoys the sense of community of each sport...”
Playing different sports has both physical and social benefits. Galas credits year-round sports and weight training for obviously improving her athleticism and overall fitness. Participating on different teams also allows her to be more engaged socially, as “...[in each] sport, you meet really different girls so you make friends who have a bunch of different interests,” Galas said. She enjoys the sense of community of each sport and the traditions associated with them. Different teams’ traditions help foster this camaraderie between teammates. For example, the swim and dive team go to a retreat at the beginning of the season where they learn different cheers, perform skits
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I would say [having a busy schedule]...makes me work harder...” Caroline Galas, 11
illustration courtesy of Pixabay