VOLUME 69 ISSUE 1 | OCTOBER 1, 2021
THE VIEWER
Goals and Dreams of the Mounds View Community INSIDE THIS ISSUE Chill Space 03/ Cafeteria 05/ Iris Ren and Bjorn Swenson 08
02 News
Friday, October 1, 2021
Vaccine and mask mandates
by Maya Betti features editor
On Thursday, Sept. 9, President Joe Biden introduced several new mandates pertaining to COVID-19 and K-12 schools. Both vaccine and mask mandates have been widely debated topics in many school board meetings before most school years began. Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee and Utah are just a few of the states that have tried to implement a ban on districts requiring face masks. However, with the increase in COVID-19 cases in K-12 students in part due to the Delta variant, as well as the ineligibility of those 12 and under for vaccination, the Biden Administration had to make a decision. Under the new plan, all teachers and staff nationwide directly employed by the federal governments are subject to a vaccine requirement. Numerous people applauded this decision, believing such a requirement is needed to ensure the safety of future generations. On the other side, many felt this settlement left them without a choice. “I think that they should just let people choose. Keep the kids safe without forcing [anyone] to do things,” said Sydney Stonehouse, 11. As the first to step up to plate, Los Angeles Unified
“I think they should just let the people choose.” Sydney Stonehouse, 11
School District ruled to require vaccines for students 12 and over. Since it is the second-largest school system in the country, many hope that other school districts will soon follow. The district, which includes more than 600,000 students, already mandated the vaccine for teachers and staff. As of now, more than half the eligible students ages 12-17 have been fully vaccinated. Another component of the plan is to continue to press for mask mandates. Because of this, the U.S Education Department announced on Friday, Sept. 10 that they launched an investigation into Florida over its ban on school mask mandates. The Biden Administration argues that the implication of such a ban fails to protect disabled students’ constitutional rights under the U.S Civil Rights Act, and they could issue sanctions if violations are found
more of a matter of responsibility. “If you don’t have a vaccination you could be risking staff lives and student lives,” said Jonas Ojanen, 11. In other words, people are not just affecting themselves when they determine not to get vaccinated. As the pandemic progresses, the matter of vaccine and mask mandates will continue to be discussed. With the implementation of Biden’s plan, his a d ministration has made it clear that they will con- t i n ue to probe forward and work to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families.
“If you don’t have a vaccinanation, you could be risking staff lives and student lives.” Jonas Ojanen, 1 Since these announcements, many students and families have expressed conflicting ideals. Those who are against such mandates state that it was never the government’s decision in the first place. “I think America is a free country and we have a right to do what we want,” Pileggi said. Others argue that it is less of a right to choose, and
illustration courtesy of Pixabay
Withdrawl from Afghanistan
by Joseph Hoffman arts & entertainment editor
When the Afghanistan War first began, the goal was to drive out Al Qaeda and hunt down Osama bin Laden—the leader responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. In that regard, the war was successful for the U.S., but it paved the way for more extremist groups to take the place of Al Qaeda, such as the Taliban. As the war progressed, a growing number of Americans felt that the U.S. military should pull out of Afghanistan because they felt that there was no progress being made. This summer, President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. would withdraw all troops from Afghanistan by Aug. 31. The withdrawal from Afghanistan was supported by many Americans, including Mounds View students. “It’s a tragedy what happened over there, but at some point, when will [the Afghanistan War] ever end?” said Katherine Nelson, 12. “We’ve been over there for so long and we just haven’t made any progress.” Although
“It’s a tragedy what happened over there, but...when will [the Afghanistan War] ever end?” Katherine Nelson, 12
Viewer Staff 2021-2022 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING COPY EDITOR MANAGING DESIGN EDITORS BUSINESS MANAGER NEWS EDITOR FEATURES EDITOR SPREAD EDITORS EDITORIALS EDITORS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR ILLUSTRATOR
people support withdrawing from Afghanistan due to humanitarian concerns or isolationist views on foreign policy, a major reason is the perceived lack of progress towards stabilizing the country despite the hundreds of billions of dollars spent and thousands of lives lost. This stagnation led many to push for withdrawal from the region to keep those numbers from rising any higher. According to the New York Times, the original plan for the withdrawal involved the Pentagon pulling the remaining 3,500 soldiers, who were mostly deployed at the Bagram Air Base, while keeping the American embassy in operation. However, as the plan was set in motion, the Taliban surged across the country by bribing and threatening local leaders into surrendering. As they descended on Kabul, the Afghan president, Ashraf Ghani, fled the country. The U.S. government tried to evacuate the rest of the Americans left in Kabul—including airlifting Americans out of the embassy—using the Kabul airport to shuttle the rest to safety. Regardless of the efforts made, 13 American service members died in a suicide bomb attack at the airport. The result of the evacuation drew major criticism from some people, as they believed the operation was poorly executed.“I think that Biden did a horrible job withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan. It is a disgrace to the American people, the lives lost in the War on Terror and the 13 service members killed during the operation,” said Nathan Swanson, 12. Nonetheless, the Taliban ended up with almost complete control of the country, and the overhaul in leadership predictably led to major changes in the daily
Elisa Guo ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Zige Wang ONLINE MANAGING COPY EDITOR Darah Ostrom, Johnny Yue WEBSITE MANAGER Morgan Dalton ONLINE EDITORS Yatharth Sharma Maya Betti Darah Ostrom, Johnny Yue Junha Yoo Joseph Hoffman Olivia Sperbeck Iris Ren
“It is a diagrace to...the lives lost in the War on Terror and the 13 service members killed...” Nathan Swanson, 12
life of Afghans. “It was bound to happen,” said Omar Rahman,12. “After 20 years of American occupancy, there was bound to be a reaction in the opposite direction.” Many of the municipal workers and store owners have started staying home out of fear of violence from the Taliban. In response, Taliban leaders have begun taking increasingly extreme measures to get citizens working again. They are offering store owners money to open their shops up, taking attendance at local hospitals and other essential job sites and threatening to persecute anyone who does not return to work. In addition, the Taliban set a flurry of new rules regarding culture, such banning meat not considered halal, enforcing compulsory Islamic dress in schools and requiring female nurses to wear sky-blue hijabs with their uniform. The war in Afghanistan is both incredibly complex and divisive.Many think the U.S. pulling out of Afghanistan was long overdue because there has not been much significant progress being made, but others believe the withdrawal was not only very poorly executed, but not necessary in the first place.
Isabel Newhouse Hanzu Vu-Tran Isabel Newhouse Maya Betti, Morgan Dalton, Joseph Hoffman Namitha Narayn, Hanzu Vu-tran
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features 03
Friday, OCtober 1, 2021
A new arrival
by Hanzu Vu-Tran online editor
Alison Beardsley, biology teacher, has come full circle. A 2007 Mounds View High School graduate, Beardsley makes her return to Mounds View as a science teacher. The passion for teaching came early for Beardsley. “I remember coming home from kindergarten one day and telling my mom I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher,” she said. Teachers have always been important figures in Beardsley’s life, and she hopes to continue the trend of inspiring student’s passion and curiosity in her classroom. Beardsley formally taught a life science course at a middle school in north Minneapolis before pursuing a career in post-secondary education. In her last job, she served as a programming and engagement coordinator at North Hennepin Community College. “I wanted to see what else there was in the education world,” Beardsley said. After these various experiences, Beardsley wanted to return to the classroom so she could connect with students more closely than she did in her previous position. Beardsley was also encouraged by members of the Mounds View faculty to apply for the position. “I’m excited about actually interacting with students on a day-
to-day basis and getting to know them all and getting to see them grow and learn,” Beardsley said. With the excitement also comes certain challenges. COVID-19 has impacted many aspects of K-12 education, and this year marks Beardsley’s first year teaching during the pandemic. “I am a little nervous if we have to go to distance learning because I haven’t fully done that before,” Beardsley said. Thankfully, she knows she’s not alone in this endeavor. “Luckily, I feel like I have a lot of support from the other teachers.” Despite the fact that Beardsley has also never taught a full year of biology or physical science before, she is excited for the collaborative opportunities science classes offer. “I’m kind of learning some of the stuff along with the students, and I think that’s really exciting,” she said. There is a lot of new territory to explore not just in the curriculum, but in the ways the curriculum reaches students. Additionally, the presence of Chromebooks in the classroom is a novel addition for Beardsley. Although she prefers students to take notes in a traditional manner using paper and pencils, she is in the process of figuring out how to integrate Chromebooks into her lessons. So far, it has not been too challenging for her. “I like technology and I think I pick it up really easily,” Beardsley said.
The Chill Space by Johnny Yue managing design and spread editor
GPAs. Extracurricular activities. Family responsibilities. College applications. These duties and many more are constantly on students’ minds throughout high school. This added weight of responsibility can cause some to feel completely overwhelmed and stressed. However, some students in Mounds View have taken heed to their peers’ mental health and have taken initiative to alleviate the devastating effects of worsening mental health. Seniors Celine Sackih and Emma Lu are among those who have felt an urge to lead a student-tostudent movement that sheds light on the importance of mental health for high school students. In the past, students have formed support groups to address different mental health issues, but Sackih and Lu wanted to ensure that more resources were available for those who are looking for a break from the school day. “Despite having a school therapist and groups like the Bandana Project, several students are either unaware of their existence or find it difficult to directly seek help from another person in the school environment,” Sackih said. To address these concerns, they created the Chill Space, a room in the library designated for students to decompress from stress they may have from school. “I wanted to create this space to help bridge the gap between students and the mental health resources that may not necessarily be accessible to them,” Sackih said. To ensure that the room is conducive to a calm and peaceful environment, the room is equipped with a
diffuser and comfortable seating to prioritize students’ mental health during the school day. Facilitating the mental health of students can be complex since everyone has different needs and methods that help them destress. This wide spectrum of needs was important to Sackih and Lu, as they wanted to diversify the options available for students. “The Chill Space is different from Mounds View’s other
Regardless of the obstacles, Beardsley remains excited for the upcoming school year and hopes to foster meaningful relationships with her students along with building a good classroom community. She gives her students some helpful advice: “Be patient with yourself, give yourself some grace, focus on building relationships with teachers and peers. This is a process we’re all going to have to do together and we’re not all gonna get it right all the time either.”
photo courtesy of Mounds View High School website
The Chill Space also differentiates itself from other mental health resources by being entirely studentled. “The school administration has fully supported the vision Emma and I have for the Chill Space and have given us full ‘creative control’ while at the same time guiding us in a direction that will lead the Chill Space to succeed once fully incorporated into the Mounds View environment,” Sackih said. This student-to-student aspect allows leaders like Sackih and Lu to use their own experience and the experiences of their peers to grasp a better understanding of what really matters
“I wanted to create this space to help bridge the gap between students and mental health resources...” Celine Sackih, 11
illustration by Iris Ren
mental health resources in the sense that it’s more of an independent resource,” Sackih said. “By using the Chill Space, it’s not necessary for students to involve anyone other than themselves (such as parents, deans, school therapists, etc.) unless they want to.”
for the school’s community. It is safe to say that most students and staff know how busy school days can be stressful, so initiatives like the Chill Space allow everyone to get a new perspective of the importance of mental health in high school. This project illustrates the intense passion some students have to make a lasting difference in their community.
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04 Spread
Friday, October 1, 2021
Mounds View dreams on
Students look ahead by Morgan Dalton online editor, business manager
High school has long been regarded as a period of time when students develop their interests and explore ideas regarding their futures. Some students remain steadfast on where they see themselves in the future, but others have interests and goals that are often very different and change frequently. Even so, teenage aspirations can have large impacts on the course they take in life. For upperclassmen, planning for career paths and secondary education is dependent on not only their plans after high school but their interests, as well. Senior Sofia Thompson’s post-secondary education plans have been on the top of her mind as she nears the end of high school. Thompson is interested in becoming a therapist and working in overseas aid because “both are ways to help people, and that is all I really want to do with my future,” Thompson said. She hopes to work specifically with children. Following her goals, she has been searching for schools that fit her interests, both academically and socially. “I have been researching
Katherine Nelson, 12
colleges that have well-known child psychology programs and finding out how compatible I am with them,” she said. Another senior, Katherine Nelson, is also looking ahead in her career path. “I want to major in neuroscience and pursue medical school. I’m also really interested in doing research on genetic trauma in the future,” Nelson said. To achieve these goals, Nelson is focusing on finding colleges that fit her interests and strengthening her college applications. One way she is doing this is improving her ACT score, since standardized testing can be a substantial component in the application. Aside from career-oriented goals, students are also looking to broaden their horizons through travelling. During college, both Thompson and Isabel Kraabel, 12, are interested in studying abroad. Studying abroad provides a more personal experience to exploring and learning about different cultures, helping with establishing global connections and once-in-a-lifetime perspectives, as well as academics.
Staff reflect back by Namitha Narayan online editor
Every year on the first day of school, teachers stand in front of their classrooms and introduce themselves to a variety of new faces—they share a little bit about their past and how they got to where they are. Oftentimes, a simple introduction is insufficient in conveying the diverse backgrounds that Mounds View teachers have. Experiences unique to every teacher shape their passion to pass knowledge to high school students. Many educators may have had the intention of pursuing this career when they were of high school age, but others had an entirely different career in mind. “I hurt my shoulder playing hockey, and I started learning about the shoulder and all the different joints. That’s actually what sparked my interest in medicine. I specifically wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon,” said Aaron Ogdahl, biology teacher. Although the prospects of a life as an orthopedic surgeon seemed promising, there were conflicts with the demands of doing surgery on a regular basis. “The schedule of a teacher is nice. I got to work in a hospital for three years and that was actual stress...I had all these other interests like working on houses and traveling, and the teaching schedule allowed for that, particularly summers.” Several teachers like Ogdahl, who had a dramatic change in their career path, seemed to also have moments that planted the seed of potentially becoming a teacher. For Jessica Espy, chemistry teacher, her knack for teaching was pointed out to her in high school. “The superintendent of the school and another teacher I respected said ‘you should really think about going into teaching’ and I said, ‘Absolutely not!’” After reflecting on her high school-self, Espy emphasized the importance of being flexible and keeping an open mind about the future. Many teachers also have personal wisdom that they wish to pass on to their students. “Learn as much
“I want to major in neuroscience and pursue medical school. I’m also really interested in doing research on genetic trauma...” While planning for the more distant future can often be the main focus of many student’s goals, the day-to-day aspect of school also demands short term goals. Many students have similar short-term goals pertaining to academics, “I want to get good grades and make it through the first semester,” Kraabel said. For goals not pertaining to education or school-affiliated activities, many students are interested in seeing more of the world. Andrew St. Aubin, 10, potentially wants to move to Florida for the weather and hopes to purchase a Ford Mustang. Kraabel is interested in traveling specifically to Scotland and Ireland because of her Irish heritage and for the scenic views. Although her trip may be far off, Kraabel is preparing by researching sites to visit and making sure she will be financially capable of travelling. For now, most students are confident that their dreams will stand the test of time. When asked if their goals will change, students said that it is unlikely their overarching aspirations will change, but that specifics may. The hopes and dreams of students are the mental manifestation of what they hope to accomplish in life and who they want to be. As students work to achieve their goals, they are working toward becoming the responsible, respectful, resourceful citizens that Mounds View High School strives to create.
on how teaching changed his perspective. “When I was in my 20s, I was very much about how I could climb the ladder. Now I’m not about all that. I’m more about how I can help you guys get to where you want to be and hopefully my future children as well.”
“Don’t be afraid to trailblaze a new path and try to revolutionize things...Progress isn’t made without questioning things.” Aaron Ogdahl, biology teacher
as you can and don’t think you have to have it all together at the age of 18 or 22. The decade of your 20s is time to figure out what you’re doing,” said Admin Intern Alex Hinseth. Teachers put an emphasis on gathering knowledge rather than being set on a specific field. “Take classes you enjoy and you’ll figure out how you can use those skills in your [future] career,” said Ev Bjork, math teacher. In the pursuit of knowledge, there is a notion that students must follow the “tried-and-true” footsteps to accomplish something extraordinary, but Ogdahl thinks differently. “Don’t be afraid to trailblaze a new path and try to revolutionize things. Progress isn’t made without questioning things,” he said. Teachers can advise students about what is to come, but the future still holds uncertainty for everyone. Multiple teachers had high hopes for the impact they would make on the world around them. “I want to be seen as someone who cares about others within my community,” Hinseth said. Ogdahl also touched on this but more specifically
With teachers and staff experiencing firsthand how their outlooks of their futures have stayed the same or changed throughout their life, they are testaments to how their goals and dreams represent the growth of the Mounds View community.
illustrations by Iris Ren
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021
Texas abortion ban
by Junha Yoo editorials editor
On Sept. 1, 2021, Texas established a new law banning all abortions after cardiac activity has been detected within a fetus. The law has no exceptions for rape, incest or non-viable pregnancies, but allows abortions in the case of a “medical emergency.” Although the law prevents Texas officials from enforcing the ban, private citizens can sue those involved in an abortion for a reward of at least $10,000. The new law has provoked great controversy because of its invasive dictatorship over people’s bodies. The ban is an encroachment of human rights and an unconstitutional mess. The right to one’s autonomy should be non-negotiable, but the new law yet again demonstrates the appalling nature of politics and the perverse desire for those in charge to control the selfautonomy of its constituents. Banning abortion is not the act of heroism that advocators praise it to be; instead, its purpose is simply to control and humiliate those with uteruses. If advocates truly wish to “save” lives, they could instead invest in other programs that are shown to significantly decrease abortion rates but still maintain a person’s self-autonomy—such as free contraceptives or accessible sex-education—or invest in child care services and education that would drastically improve the quality of life for the child. Instead, they have chosen to subjugate women into carrying out unwanted pregnancies. Banning abortions also has huge implications for the poor. According to the Guttmacher Institute, roughly half of all women who got an abortion in 2014 were in poverty, nearly double the number in 1994. This increase may have resulted from a lack of accessibility to effective contraceptives and education, as well as an increasing percentage of impoverished women and increasing financial aid for abortions. Wealthier people also have the option to travel out of state for an abortion, whereas poorer rural people may not have the opportunity or resources to do so. Raising a child is already a huge financial commitment, and for people who already live in poverty it could prove detrimental to not only their livelihood but to that
of their children, as well. Despite the great financial downsides, pro-lifers argue that their religion takes precedence over these barriers. According to the Pew Research Center, most pro-life supporters follow some denomination of Christianity. An especially notable Catholic is Texas governor Gregory Abbott, who signed the bill into law. In fact, the Texas Tribune notes that “as a practicing Roman Catholic, Abbott often points to his faith as a building block of his political values.” Celine Sackih, 12, argues against this. “You
illustration by Iris Ren
can be pro-life for yourself and be pro-choice for other people. So if you believe that your religion dictates that you have to keep the child, that’s ok, but I don’t think you should force those beliefs on other people whose lives don’t necessarily reflect that religion or those beliefs,” Sackih said. The freedom to believe and celebrate one’s religion is undeniably important, but what pro-life supporters forget to consider is that respecting others’ different beliefs is included within this freedom. The great political influence of Christianity in govern-
Cafeteria crowds
by Darah Ostrom managing design and spread editor
The cafeteria, typically a place for students to eat lunch and unwind from their hectic schedule, is now one of the most stressful parts of the school day. Ever since we have returned to full, in-person school, the lunchroom has become a chaotic mess. Compared to last year’s hybrid lunch schedule with quiet spaces and strict COVID-19 procedures, the new cafeteria situation is shocking. The biggest concern is that the cafeteria and hallways are overcrowded and unorganized, which brings up numerous COVID safety issues. The current state of the cafeteria and lunch schedule is unorganized and overcrowded; administration must do more in order to ensure safety and efficiency. Stepping into the cafeteria hallway is like being thrown into the mosh pit of a sold-out concert; students are confused, packed tightly together and moving in all different directions trying to find where each line starts. Not to mention the unbelievable smell of hundreds of teenagers crammed together in a small space, which makes the experience even worse. If students bring lunch from home and don’t need to wait in the constantly expanding line, they have to shove their way through the massive throng of students and into the far left doors of the cafeteria, which is not an easy feat. Once students actually make it into the cafeteria, seats are hard to come by; they fill up fast and everyone ends up squeezed tightly together. Even without the threat of COVID, students would still
consider the lunchroom atmosphere uncomfortable and claustrophobic as there is virtually no space between students sitting at the tables. Along with the complaints about the uncomfortable cafeteria seating and lunch line, are COVID concerns. Last year’s COVID procedures included wiping down tables, tracing, social distancing and separating students between the gym and cafeteria. This year, however, these rules are much more relaxed. Furthermore, students have to serve themselves instead of the lunch staff doing it for them, which leaves further room for contamination. It is shocking that more is not being done to keep students and staff safe, especially with the goal of remaining in-person throughout the entire school year. On a more positive note, students are allowed to take their lunch outside and eat at the tables or on the lawn, but this is not a long-term solution as we head into the fall and winter months. There are also no other spaces besides the cafeteria where students are allowed to eat lunch, like the paddock or ILC, as in years past. The school must do more in order to ensure the safety of students and staff in the cafeteria, especially with the pandemic. Although students are happy to return to in person schooling, the added stress and overall unorganized nature of the school lunch system are not received with the same enthusiasm. After the first week, the school has already started making adjustments by assigning freshmen to the main gym and outdoor spaces, which helps to free up space in the lunchroom. However, the hallway in
editorials 05
ment is unconstitutional because it contradicts the establishment clause in the Bill of Rights, implementing the separation of church and state. In 1973, the court case Roe V. Wade established that under the 14th amendment, “unduly restrictive state regulation of abortion is unconstitutional.” It set the precedent for protecting a person’s right to getting an abortion without significant government influence. Evidently, the abortion ban goes directly against this decree, demonstrating the Texas government’s direct ignorance of the U.S. Constitution. Fortunately, various movements have already begun to take action to abolish the law through legal action, protests and petitions. One notable religious movement is The Satanic Temple, a nontheistic religion that, contrary to its name, does not promote belief in Satan. Instead, according to the organization, it embraces “rational inquiry removed from supernaturalism and archaic tradition-based superstitions.” The Satanic Temple uses its position as a religious organization to “encourage benevolence and empathy among all people, reject tyrannical authority, advocate practical common sense, oppose injustice and undertake noble pursuits.” The Satanic Temple has been advocating for abortion rights by requesting the FDA to provide Misoprostol prescriptions, a drug that induces abortion, to its followers under the pretext of a ritual. The United States Department of Justice is also taking action, suing Texas for “open defiance of the Constitution.” In the lawsuit the Justice Department states, “The federal government therefore brings this suit directly against the State of Texas to obtain a declaration that [the S.B. 8 law] is invalid, to enjoin its enforcement, and to protect the rights that Texas has violated.” This ban represents the extraordinary hypocrisy and oppression within American society today. It sends a clear message that America is not the noble free country that it claims to be, but a place where minorities are misrepresented and disadvantaged. Texas must abolish the ban immediately if it is to respect the dignity and freedom of its citizens.
front of the cafeteria still remains crowded. Staff should take more time to plan out an adequate lunch schedule that is safe and efficient for everyone. They could try having layered dismissal by class for all lunches to reduce the number of students packed tightly into the narrow hallways or open up more spaces where students who bring their own lunch can eat without having to deal with the cafeteria line. Overall, students should spend their lunch relaxing and spending time with their friends during Lunch, not feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable.
photo by Darah Ostrom
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Arts & Entertainment
Friday, october 1, 2021
Shang-Chi: a step forward by Olivia Sperbeck sports editor
seats. At the same time, the plot is not too far-fetched. Another way the plot interests moviegoers is how well it blends together with the plots of other Marvel The latest Marvel movie Shang-Chi and the Leg- movies, featuring references to Avengers: Infinity War end of the Ten Rings follows a retired assassin who and Doctor Strange. However, even though the film confronts his past and faces down the mysterious Ten took place in the same universe as the Avengers movRings Organization. The protagonist must face his ies, Shang-Chi still retains its own unique story. troubled, corrupt father, who tries to bring his deceased Additionally, one admirable part about Shang-Chi beloved back from the dead. Like many Marvel mov- is that while the main character is male, there are multiies, this film deserves the hype. From its beautifully ple strong female characters included in the film. Shangcaptured fight scenes to the complex characters, many Chi’s best friend, Katy, goes from being an adventurous features in this movie deserve praise. car thief to a brave, capable fighter. Her development One reason I enjoyed this film is because of the is enjoyable to watch. Shang-Chi’s sister, Xialing, is plot. Although it was sophisticated, the story made also portrayed as a powerful assassin and leader. Even sense and kept me intrigued. While typical superhero though she is discriminated against because of her genmovies tend to follow a specific story arc, Shang-Chi der, Xialing becomes one of the best warriors in the is creative enough to keep viewers on the edge of their movie. She is shown to be a stronger fighter than her brother as she beats him in a fight. The role women play in this movie is a big improvement from older Marvel movies such as Iron Man, where Pepper Potts only becomes a heroine because her boyfriend, Tony Stark, gave her a significant leg up. Shang-Chi depicts more realistic female characters who show that women can be independent in their heroics and strength. Although this film is incredible, there could be some areas of improvements. I would like to know what happened to Shang Chi after he first leaves the Ten Rings Organization, before the main events of the movie occured. Adding more backstory would have helped the audience understand him better. I also want to know more about Xialing’s life after her brother leaves. While the film makes small allusions to her backstory, there is not much detail about it. Their family dynamic and history seems fascinating, and it would be appreciated if Marvel could make a prequel to this movie explaining the characters’ backstories. Marvel has once again produced an incredible movie. Strong yet realistic characters complement the photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons clever and fascinating plots. The fight scenes add excite
photo courtesy of creativecommons.org
ment to the film, most notably when Shang Chi fights a rival with a machete arm on a moving bus. Shang-Chi’s popularity is reflected in box office numbers, as the film had the third-best opening day since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and remained number one for its first three weekends.
The Verdict: 5/5
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Friday, October 1, 2021
Bringing football back
by Isabel Newhouse online editor in chief
Football has been the staple high school sport for decades. Students have always anticipated the end of the school week to dress up in school gear and cheer on their football team. After last year’s pushed-back season and restricted practices, a normal football season has brought athletes and coaches back together. Mounds View football has always maintained high standards for their performance. Head Coach Aaron Moberg, said that there is a clear pattern of Mounds View teams playing at the championship level. “There is an expectation with Mustang football that we’re going to do everything we can to compete at the highest level,” he said. This is Moberg’s fifth year as the head football coach. Previously, he was the former head girls’ hockey coach and then the assistant coach to the football team before his current position. After a year where football was removed from the limelight, the connection between football and school spirit is even more evident. Having a student section watching Friday night football games not only brings the team to life, but the students themselves. Andrew Molenaar, 12, football captain, said, “We’re high school football, it’s [a big part] of the culture to have your friends and students with you and rooting for you.” Being a part of Mustang football means a great deal to Moleenar, and its timeless customs are something known by many of its athletes. Athletes on the team express that as more students come to watch the games, the enthusiasm follows suit. John Rasmussen, 12, football player, said that there is a satisfying feeling when a big game day has stands full of crowds. Rasmussen noted a great difference be-
tween this season and the season prior. “Last year, with no fans was a big adjustment to have to make your own energy,” Rasmussen said. An absence of students at a game affects both students and athletes, proving the strong connection between each other. After the past two seasons, the players also have a
renewed appreciation for regular practices. Unlike traditional years, last year’s practice schedule had minimal sessions during the summer and the usual Friday night games were uncertain. “I think last year, everyone was on pins and needles, not knowing if we were even going to have a game that week because there were so many cancelations,” Moberg said. “[The] ability to meet on a regular basis has given us, as coaches and players, a newfound appreciation to prepare to the best of our abilities,” Moberg said. In a sport that requires heavy synergy, having good team connections is important to the athletes and coaches. Coaches also appreciate this return to normalcy. “It is so awesome to look up and see the school spirit and student section at the home game,” Moberg said.
sports
07
He comments that a stand full of students and their effect on the athletes excite him. While having parents watch their children is pleasant, Moberg says it does not give the same effect on the athletes as students can. Athletes acknowledge the privilege of participating in a normal and consistent season. “Last year, there were no summer programs, so being able to do stuff outside of school with the team [this year] has been the most fun,” Molenaar said. Through their experiences in a pandemic-flooded season, the players are glad they can spend time with their teammates this school year. For these players, football is not only a place to get exercise, but a community of friends. After the chaos of last school year, returning back to a more typical schedule has reunited the football team and the surrounding community.
photos by Deanna Henrich
MV alumnae sails to Tokyo by Elisa Guo and Yatharth Sharma editor in chief and news editor
It is often said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. For Mounds View alumni Lara Dallman-Wess (‘07), her journey to this year’s Summer Olympic games began on White Bear Lake. Dallman-Weiss, who competes in sailing, began the sport at a young age. “My parents put me in a sailing camp on White Bear Lake when I was six,” DallmanWeiss said. “I always had fun with racing and sailing.” Another reason why Dallman-Weiss loves sailing is because of the global experiences. “We get to see really cool places and learn about many cultures, and I learn so much about life this way,” she said. “I made friends all over the world.” After she graduated college, she wanted to take her participation in the sport to a higher level. “It wasn’t
until I went to Eckerd college that I got really competitive and realized that I wanted to train for the Olympics,” she said. On top of her training, which included up to 25 hours of sailing per week and additional time for workouts, Dallman-Weiss also had several adversities to overcome. One particular challenge was finding a suitable teammate. “[Teammates are] such a major part of sailing, so as I got older and older I was worried my Olympic dream was no longer an option.” Another obstacle was undoubtedly the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on training and competing. “We [traveled] to Europe to train for our Olympic trials...and [raised] enough money to fund the resources we needed to be level with our competitors.”
However, Dallman-Weiss successfully conquered these difficulties. She described the importance of a positive mentality in building resilience. “I work on positive self-talk every morning, [but] it took a while
“The Olympic spirit is truly real. There is just this exciting feeling with all of the other Team USA athletes.” Lara Dallman-Weiss, 11 before I realized there was absolutely no reason to fear. What I learned is that if you are committed to something and believe in it so strongly, the resources will come along,” she said. This positive mentality and dedication to sailing played a vital role in her qualification to compete in the Olympics.
photos courtesy of Lara Dallman -Weiss
In Tokyo, being surrounded by other athletes added to her excitement to compete. “The Olympic spirit is truly real,” she said. “There is just this exciting feeling walking through the tunnel at the opening ceremony with all of the other Team USA athletes.” Her preparation and the overall team spirit led her to finish twelfth in her event. Aside from athletics, Dallman-Weiss enjoyed getting to know other athletes. “I played basketball at [Mounds View] so I loved meeting Sue Bird and Kevin Durant. I also loved meeting [triathlete] Katie Zaferes the night before she competed and then watched her win her bronze,” she said. Dallman-Weiss also commented that as a sailor, she stayed in a resort at a small surfing village and did not have to use the cardboard beds. In the future, Dallman-Weiss is planning to train for the next Summer Olympics in Paris, which is only three years away. Meanwhile, the athlete gives Mounds View high schoolers sound advice: “Dream big, and believe in yourself.”
08 Artist & Athlete of the Issue
Friday, October 1, 2021
Artist of the issue
and acrylic the most, which is ironic considering the fact that I used to hate acrylic. I also dabble in all kinds of 2D mediums like pencil, charcoal, soft pastel, scratchboard, or whatever medium I’m feeling that day. Q: Where has your work been featured? A: My art has been featured in state fair competitions, Scholastic Arts and Writing Competitions, a Ramsey County Library, TheSmallCreationsCo Etsy Shop, and Webtoon Canvas (Amateur’s Almanac to Gardening). Q: How do you see yourself working with art in the future? A: I see my art taking myself through many different pathways, but right now I’m thinking about graphic design or illustration. I would also love to do big projects like illustrating a children’s book or drawing a graphic novel.
photo by Elisa Guo
Iris Ren
Ren (11) is The Viewer illustrator for the 2021-2022 school year. Q: What got you interested in art? A: Art [changed] into something I wanted to take seriously in middle school when I took some art classes. I immediately loved the process and the outcome and I just couldn’t wait until I could start drawing exactly what was in my head. Q: What medium do you use most? A: Currently I use my drawing tablet, or digital drawing,
Athlete of the issue Q: Why University of Michigan?
I get along well with the coaches. There [are] two Minnesota guys already on the team so there was that connection too. They have an amazing school and tennis program and I am excited to go. Q: What is your proudest accomplishment? Winning state the past 2 years. Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received regarding tennis?
photos courtesy of Bjorn Swenson
Bjorn Swenson Swenson (12) will play tennis for the University of Michigan next fall. Q: How long have you been playing tennis? I have been playing tennis since I was 7 years old. Q: What do you love most about tennis? I love playing tennis because I can be super competitive. Also, [tennis] is super fun.
To work hard and compete as hard as you can no matter what.
illustrations by Iris Ren