Issue 12 2012-2013

IN EDITORIALS 2

IN FEATURES 4

IN SPREAD 6-7

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Friday, May 10, 2013

Battling the Bullies New anti-bullying bill aims to curb harassment

Moron

!

Lo

by MONICA KEMP staff reporter Stephanie Schuba, 11, was first bullied on the bus ride home from Laurentian in the seventh grade. The bully “got the whole bus to call me a whale,” said Schuba, “and they decided that they would all move to the other side of the bus so that it wouldn’t tip over.”

The insult spread quickly and lasted for years, as other students got involved and the bully gained followers.

People would call her fat and even spread worse rumors, causing her to self-destruct.

“I self-abused from my hatred from others,” she said.

She went to her high school dean about the harassment she was facing. As a result, most of her bullies have switched schools, and her dean no longer places her in the same classes as her remaining harasser. Since her experience, Schuba has been able to get therapy and build a strong support group.

Several other Mounds View students who were interviewed have reported similar stories of bullying, a possible reflection of state policy. A 2011 report from the U.S. Department of Education rated Minnesota’s antibullying law as the weakest in the nation. A bullying scandal in the Anoka-Hennepin school district over a series of suicides about students labeled as gay further put bullying under scrutiny last year.

In an attempt to stop bullying incidents like these, legislators are discussing the Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act. It was passed by Minnesota’s House of Representatives on Monday and will be voted on by the Senate in the next few weeks.

The possible law, proposed by the Minnesota Safe Schools for All Coalition, would repeal the current law and replace it with the recommendations given by the Task Force on the Prevention of School Bullying.

The current law, while requiring school districts to have a policy against bullying, lacks any requirements in training

photo illustration by Ben Kaiser

ser

for educators and students on prevention and intervention of bullying. The new bill would give clear definitions for bullying, harassment, and intimidation, protecting students who are most likely to be bullied or harassed based on their race, color, creed, religion, disability, etc.

Also, it would require training for students, staff, and volunteers on bullying prevention and intervention, setting-up specific procedures that school staff would be responsible for following a bullying incident.

Mounds View’s current bullying stance is stated in the student handbook pages 22 to 25. It is categorized as harassment.

“Since bullying takes different forms, we address it as harassment,” said Dean Irene Stewart.

No matter what the incident is, Principal Jeff Erickson said he is confident that the staff will effectively deal with harassment.

“Whenever there is an issue, whether it goes to a dean, the associate principal, or me, it’s dealt with immediately,” said Erickson. “We talk to the student who has been doing the bullying, we work with the family, we determine appropriate consequences, but the end result, the behavior changes. Bullying stops.”

Many students believe, though, that bullying remains a prevalent problem within Mounds View. “The school, they don’t think they have time for the priority so they choose to ignore it,” said Katrina Sponheim, 9. Sponheim said she has been bullied for quite some time. “It’s not that we’re the only school that has this problem.”

While senators and school administrators attempt to make a safer environment for students, Sponheim argues that the real power comes from the kids.

“The people who are walking around the building, the kids who are friends of the bullies who are friends with the victim,” she said. “It doesn’t come from administrative or authorities. Once it becomes unacceptable to your friends, that’s when you stop doing it.”

Volume 60, Issue 12

Erickson leaves principal position

by MATT VOGES and SASHA SAFONOV reviews and spread editiors Principal Jeff Erickson announced his resignation on Friday, May 3, having accepted the position of principal at Minnetonka High School starting next school year.

Erickson worked at Minnetonka High School for 19 years, 14 as a Spanish teacher and and five as an assistant principal. In 2012, just before coming to Mounds View, Erickson won Minnesota’s Assistant Principal of the Year award. He accepted Minnetonka’s offer to return as principal upon the retirement of its current principal, Dave Adney.

“It’s like going back home for him again. I’m sure it was just a terrible, terrible decision for him to make,” said Adney.

At Mounds View, there is some concern about Erickson’s departure. “He made a lot of changes in our school on his own. Whatever the future may hold after he leaves, I hope that at least some of our next principal’s views fall in line with those of Mr. Erickson. If they don’t, then all this change might be for nothing,” said Chance Carnahan, Junior Class Officer.

Confirming that recent dialogues regarding changes to grading, communication, and new programs like Early College would not necessarily end with his departure, Erickson said, “Those conversations will continue--they’re not finalized. The initiatives that have been moving forward in the building, they’ll continue to move forward.”

Overall, Erickson has been pleased with his experience at Mounds View and repeatedly voiced admiration for its student body. “I have enjoyed them tremendously,” said Erickson. “The students here, as I said in my letter to the community, live out the mission of respectful, responsible, and resourceful we’ve gone back to many times. That’ll be hard to say goodbye to because I’ve been amazed with that: who the students are, their leadership, the connections I’ve made with them. That will not be easy.”

He is also optimistic about his remaining time. “I look forward to a strong finish. We’ve got five weeks left, we’ve got a lot of events during that time.

The focus of the next five weeks is on the students and making sure that the seniors have an exceptional end of the year, and they will,” said Erickson.

2editorials TOP

10

Better things to do instead of prom

10 Watch paint dry

9

Compete at the National Science Olympiad Tournament (or Econ Challenge)

to sleep 8 Cryfour yourself hours earlier!

Watch Carrie

6 Browse 4chan

Build an ark

7

5

4

Wonder how the heck Robbie He got a prom date

2

Count all the money you saved by not going to prom

Eat

3

Read Viewer 2012-2013 Viewer Editors Editor-in-Chief Managing Editors

1

Max Wang

-Online/Design

Megan Ruan Supreme Overlord

Akshay Patke Business Manager Tristan Aschittino News Peter Olson Editorials David Gonzalez-Dysinger Allison Hare Features Mali Bacig Cammie Kelly Spread John Knopf Sasha Safonov Variety Selin Kurtoglu Reviews Matt Voges Sports Adam Toninato David Liu Gallery Youngjun Park Photographers/Artists Joy Xie, Ben Kaiser, Anders Nygaard, Kevin Lee, Sophie Gorham, Angela Nan, Christian Oswood Adviser

Martha Rush

Staff

Samantha Baschky, Josephine Bergmann, Nina Bertelsen, James Birr, Nolan Carlson-Stevermer, Alec Edgett, Kobi Endrizzi, Namrata Gadela, Molly Hancuh, John Hingos, Jospeh Janey, Phoebe Ke, Monica Kemp, Jonathan Kim, Mitchell LeMay, Morgan Masters, Kyoka Millard, Matthew Montgomery, Rebecca Nara, Ntonobari Ollor, Kyler Roberts, Madeline Rosenow, Neha Sethi, Mark Sheldon, Thomas Sletten, Alistair Tang, Nicole Wahlin, Ryan Yoch

The Viewer is published by the student editors at: Mounds View High School 1900 Lake Valentine Rd Arden Hills, Minnesota Sauk Centre Publishing

May 10, 2013

15

Editors Agree

STAFF EDITORIAL 0

Editors Disagree

Get real with learning Mounds View needs more emphasis on mentoring programs The end goal of education is to become a productive member of society. So it seems odd that education is often lacking in real-world relevance. Students’ work experiences usually amount to flipping burgers or mowing lawns—good ways to make a dime, but not really any place to gain qualifications for a future job.

Mounds View students deserve a mentorship program that will further their education and set them up for a future— or current—internship or job.

The job market for first-time workers is competitive, as many news sources have reported. Students just out of college generally face a higher unemployment rate than the rest of the population because of a lack of experience. The recession and weak recovery have only exacerbated the problem. A 2011 report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reported that America had a higher non-employment rate

among those ages 25-34 than other developed nations such as France, Britain, and Japan, at 26.6 percent. In 2000, the U.S. had a lower non-employment rate among these same nations.

An education in the classroom also removes students from the real impact that education is meant to have.

Learning is supposed to be applied, not tested away for just a grade. Opening students to the value that their education will make them more engaged.

Many high schools in the Twin Cities area, including Wayzata, Eden Prairie, and Minnetonka, work with the Honors Mentor Connection program, hosted through District 287.

Students in Honors Mentor Connection work under the guidance of a professional to help and develop their own work. The program also gives students seminars in developing their skills in research and technical reading.

There is interest within the community to mentor students.

Marvin Sims, Irondale dean and S.T.R.I.P.E.S. adviser, saw a lot of support when he asked for help to develop a mentorship program for S.T.R.I.P.E.S. “Our college and career dean, Scott Wiens, sent an email to parents at Mounds View and Irondale, saying that we’re looking for career coaches, people to come in and will talk about their careers first hand,” said Sims at a recent Mounds View School District meeting.

“What it took them to get there, so the adversity that they faced, and what were the in and outs of being successful at that job.

We had 75 responses within an hour—not only that, they want to come and mentor our kids.”

There are many different areas that students could be involved in through an internship program. Conducting research— whether that be wet lab research in biology or literature searches in history—would give students a deep understanding for the development of new ideas in a

field of their choice. Working for local companies would give students experience in the workings and skills needed to participate in a business organization.

Ultimately, it is important to remember that internship opportunities are a symbiotic relationship between mentor and student. Students, obviously, gain experience and connections in a field that interests them. Mentors get help with their work and a creative, energized helper.

The interest and support for a mentorship program already exists in Mounds View and within the community. It is a viable program that will benefit students by giving them greater experience in their area of interest, while also getting students more interested in their education. Learning to learn leads to disinterested students; a real-world program that connects learning to actual change and impact, well, that can make a world of a difference, for students and the community.

Sleep is for the weak!!!

by ALISTAIR TANG staff reporter One of the most common things for high schoolers to complain about is lack of sleep. But what isn’t widely known is that sleep is one of the most boring and uneventful things you’ll ever do in your life. Not only that, but it’s also an incredible waste of time.

As teenagers, we no longer require the insignificant activity known as sleep.

There is no doubt about it-sleeping is boring. You can’t perform physical activities, nor can you interact with anyone. This is pretty much the same thing as being bounded and gagged, another experience I can assure you isn’t very much fun.

Sure, everyone dreams several times over the course of the night, but in the morning barely anyone remembers those dreams. That’s like going to a movie and not even remembering you went. All that’s left is a blank spot in your memory where all you remember is that you did nothing. Doesn’t sound very entertaining, does it?

Say the average person sleeps about seven to eight hours at night.

That means that you waste about 2,737 hours a year sleeping. There is so much

SATIRE you could do in those hours. You could finish that season of The Walking Dead, reach a new rank in League of Legends, or find a solution to world hunger. So the next time one of your overbearing parents demands that you go to bed, remind them of all the time they have been wasting on sleep that could have been used getting a medical degree.

Being teenagers means we have reached a new height of maturity. We can watch PG-13 rated movies, have Facebook accounts, and most important of all, we do not require sleep.

Other consequences of not sleeping such as forgetfulness, being more prone to acne, and gluttony are all simply coincidental.

You should seek therapy or face wash to solve all of those problems.

In the end, the most useless thing that all human beings do is sleep. It is boring, unproductive, and we do not require it. Maybe if everyone spent more time awake we wouldn’t have all the political, social, and economic issues that we have today.

cartoon by Sophie Gorham

Viewer Mission Statement 1. To publish news, information and opinion articles for and about student, faculty and administration activities, interests and policies.

2. To maintain high ethical standards with regard to fairness, personal and legal rights, responsibilities and accuracy.

3. To provide a forum for free and responsible expression of student opinion and present well-balanced, locally researched coverage of issues of broader student interest.

4. To strive for a high level of competency in the technical aspect of writing, including grammar, spelling, clarity, and precision.

5. To welcome diversity and increase the scope and depth of our coverage in order to heighten mutual understanding and awareness throughout our entire school community.

Articles and letters to the editor appearing on the editorials pages represent solely the opinions of the writers and do not represent in any way the viewpoint of Viewer, our advertisers, Mounds View High School or its staff.

editorials

May 10, 2013

Boston Witch Hunts

by SHASHANK HOLALKERE staff reporter Mere moments after two explosions tore through the crowd of the Boston Marathon on April 15th, the Internet was already swarming with images of suspected bombers, conspiracy theories and support for the victims and the city of Boston.

Welcome to a terrorist attack in the Internet age, where the information is as vast as it is easily accessible.

However, along with this new ability to share information to aid in the chase of suspects comes the ability to paint innocents as criminals, and to set off a series of pointless witch hunts that only end in tragedy.

With that in mind, we look at a chief example: Reddit.com, a social news and opinion forum. Reddit turned every one of its communities towards these recent attacks. A literal “search party” was formed by its users, an international community of bloggers, hackers and average joes. This group worked to hunt down individual suspects, collect testimonials through forums and promote awareness.

Though its intentions were noble and its support appreciated, the group had its failings in its ability to send people on a wild goose chase that put many innocents in hot water. By posting pictures of suspects, or those that “looked like” possible suspects, the forum was able to turn an entire group of people against certain individuals.

One of the victims of this scrutiny, Sunil Tripathy, a student at Brown University, had gone missing prior to the bombings, leaving his friends and family frantically searching for him.

When his name came up as a possible attacker, his already grieving family was suddenly bombarded with media attention and hate mail from various tormentors.

Unfortunately, his body was discovered a few days later, and although the bombings might have had nothing to do with his disappearance, the speed at which his name equated to “terrorist,” and the amount of spite he and his family received is alarming.

Tripathy was only one of the many people who were harassed by the spotlight of these “terrorist hunts,” and as the net grows in its capacity to

3

inform people globally, it will continue to create more victims such as these.

Instead of attempting to do detective work and ruining the lives of innocents, people need to look for different ways to aid a relief effort. Donate to a charity fund, spread support for the city and those affected, share the stories of the communal strength; the list goes on.

Leave the skilled work to the professionals, and realize the power that finger pointing on the internet has on an individual’s liberty.

fair use from inquisitr.com

Student Sunil Tripathy was placed under suspicion from mere speculation on the internet.

The media’s undiscerning eye

by KOBI ENDRIZZI staff reporter Two assumed dead, hundreds more injured in a large blast. Many ran in terror, few stayed to help. This tragic explosion happened last Monday in Prague, and was the effect of a natural gas explosion.

The Prague explosion shares many characteristics with recent events in the U.S. Although both these events are terrifying and tragic, there is something one should consider with this kind of situation—perspective. The world is an enormous place, and there is the whole world we still need to think about.

Aside from the recent bombings in Boston, there have been numerous bombings in Israel, a bombing of a French embassy in Libya, and numerous bomb threats across the Eurasian area.

With all of this going on, it can make one wonder what else has been missed in the media.

Many events seem to go completely unnoticed, and although some stories seem less applicable to U.S. concerns, there are many important events

Editor opinions What your Viewer editors think of various issues.

fair use from MCT Campus

The recent bombing at the Boston Marathon was given thorough media coverage, unlike other serious world events. slipping past the public’s eye. An example of this is the verdict on the Benghazi embassy shooting.

Many have probably heard of the lives lost during the attack on the Benghazi embassy. Few have likely followed up on the final say on the cause of this shooting. Secretary of

“Snow in May? Minnesota is on drugs.”

- Youngjun Park gallery editor

State Hillary Clinton has apologized for the lack of security and awareness of the dangers of the Benghazi situation.

Findings like this are things that the U.S population should be readily aware of, but are not.

The media isn’t completely ignoring important issues like this,

however. Topics like Israel’s growing involvement in the Syrian conflict are reported on frequently. The Syrian conflict has been, recently, fairly easy to follow. For the media, this is a progressive step towards a broader news scope.

The next step could be more reporting on things such as the recent Prague explosion. The things that happened in Boston are terrible. Many have suffered unfathomable loss, but that does not excuse the American body to ignore the rest of the world because of this foreign attack.

In fact, it should be a reason to embrace the world. No longer is America exempt from the daily listings of attacks of terror. The world is a big place with many people. If the the people of the world could stand together, and help one another in times of strife and loss, imagine all the good the world could do.

“Underclassmen and Juniors: enjoy high school while you can. It goes by faster than you would think.”

“In order to be more politically correct, the Calculus BC exam should be called Calculus BCE.”

- Allison Hare editorials editor

- Peter Olson news editor

“

”

- Sophie Gorham cartoonist

4features

May 10, 2013

Franklin E. Brainard Awards

Each spring, seniors compete in the Franklin E. Brainard Poetry awards by submitting original poems that are judged by English teachers.

This year’s winner is Thomas Hagen, and the runner up entered under the pen name Macri.

Mounds View Maelstrom

I have come across something; We all worry too much About due dates, Assignments And catching the bus.

It’s hard to enjoy things.

We can never catch up With the mountains of work That are piling up We miss sunrises and sunsets, We miss time with our pets, We miss leisurely reading And our nephew’s first steps.

But we’ll sit in our classrooms And sit in our desks And grind through assignments And barrel through tests And finish our work So we can all go back home, Shove our face in our books, and turn off our phones And stare out the window At a world still unknown And somehow never ask why We might feel so alone.

-Macri

An Extra Poem

A poetry contest; What a curious thing, To be measured on something That even be seen It’s not football or baseball; It’s an expression of self.

How can we score things That can only be felt?

-Macri

A Night Time Prayer

Silently, Sullenly, He slips through the window, And quietly, Curious, He moves up to her room.

The creak of the floorboards, The lights of the full moon, So elegant, Delicate, The face in the bedroom Then violent crashes, He’s broken an heirloom Sat resting, Collecting, Dust like an old tomb She sits up in her bed and screams, “God, who there moves?!”

“I’m a Watchman,” he says “And I’m here to protect you.”

-Macri

Once I was...

Once I was naive Now I am aware Once I trusted people Now I wish I could Once I met a kid Now I have a friend Once, life was simple Now I see its not Once I hoped for the future Now I long for the past Once I was the minority Now, I am happy with it Once I wore a mask Now I fool everybody Once I lived by laws Now I see who makes them Once I followed God Now I walked alone Once I knew little Now I don’t know -Thomas Hagen

Cog

Social ranking, what guiding fat resides.

How classes clash as hero’s of their day.

How flames of anger and jealousy flare!

How the weak, the meek, and silent writhe, Under the coarse step of society.

The society that you belong to.

But you have had enough of these people.

The resounding “click”, as you are plucked free, A shiny cog from a broken machine.

With this, you are unrestrained, free to roam, Free to be free, free, free. But at what cost?

The cost of social acceptance, no more.

What good is a cog without a machine?

From one machine, to another, you jump.

But here, not this place, not among these ranks.

Here we are free, here we are unstifled.

Your body rejoins the spinning, You think, What is freedom, when you are just a cog.

-Thomas Hagen

The Theatre

Without people, a story is only a setting with no connection.

Without a story, people are only emotion without location.

Apart, they are two pieces of broken life.

Together, they are everything.

-Thomas Hagen

Darkness

Dark We leave We are young The folly the youth The first spark of love We grow each day we live And we become who we will be For the time we live, we are immortal Individuals become kings in their own respect But bodies will age with time And minds will be loose The folly of age We are old We join Light -Thomas Hagen

5 CHAOS IN BOSTON features

May 10, 2013

Connor Duffy, 12, and David Gonzalez, 12, pose for a photo on the Harvard Campus in Boston.

photos provided by David Gonzalez and MCT Campus Website

Boston citizens gather for a moment of silence honoring those injured and killed by the bombings.

Police diverge traffic amidst the chaos of the bombings.

by JAMES BIRR staff reporter On Monday, April 15, the annual Boston Marathon began as planned: 26,000 competitors lined up and ready. But about six hours in, the race took a turn for the deadly. At 2:50 p.m., two bombs went off in rapid succession, about 200 yards from the finish line. The bombs caused instant panic, killing three and injuring more than 250. Amidst the chaos, two brothers-Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev—slipped quietly away.

For the next three days, the nation stood in panic mode - who would do this?

And why? On Thursday, the FBI identified the Tsarnaev brothers through surveillance footage and pinpointed them as prime suspects.

As the Tsarnaev brothers fled, they were intercepted by MIT police officer Sean Collier, who engaged them in a shootout. Collier, 26, was shot and killed.

The pair stole a vehicle and a lengthy police chase ensued. The chase ended in a gunfight, leaving the elder brother, Tamerlan, dead from gunshot wounds and blunt trauma. The younger brother, Dzhokhar, escaped.

The next day, Bostonians awoke to a police-enforced lockdown of epic pro-

portions. The entire city of Boston was completely shut down—schools closed, public transportation halted, even walking on the sidewalk forbidden as the police hunted the lone remaining suspect. False alarms and leads kept nerves strung taut throughout the day. By 6 p.m., the lockdown was lifted, though Dzhokhar had yet to be apprehended.

At 8 p.m., Dzhokhar’s bloodied, weary yet still breathing body was discovered in a resident’s boat. Dzhokhar surrendered himself, and the police found him with significant head, arm, and leg wounds.

Dzhokhar was treated at a local hospital, then taken into custody.

I was sitting in a Chemistry lecture at the Harvard University Science Center the afternoon I saw a text on the iPhone of the girl next to me: “Two explosions at finish line of marathon. Not sure if bombs.”

Within minutes, CNN breaking news headlines began popping up on the open laptops of distracted students across the room: “BOMBING AT BOSTON MARATHON,” along with initial pictures of the bloody carnage. Intrigued, and slightly worried, I decided to head home. Easier said than done. Several subway stations had been shut down and transit officials seemed to have no idea what was going on. More than two hours and one wildly circuitous route later, I finally managed to reach my apartment.

CPW, the MIT admitted students’ weekend, had just ended, and I was staying in Boston until the next weekend for Visitas, the Harvard admitted students’ weekend. Surprisingly, however, an increased police presence was the only sign that anything was out of the ordinary.

That is, until three days later. On Thursday evening, I saw several worrisome Facebook statuses: “Stay away from Stata, guys.” Gunshots had been heard at the MIT Stata Center and an MIT police officer had reportedly been shot. “MIT? Stata?!” I thought worriedly–I had been

on MIT campus several hours earlier, and I had eaten lunch at the Stata Center almost every day last summer. I followed the story online in horror as the suspects led police on a high-speed car chase, throwing improvised bombs behind them and causing a standoff in a nearby suburb. It felt as though Boston was becoming a real-life Gotham.

By this time, I could hear police sirens and helicopters. I shut the window shades and camped out in front of my computer, watching as the events unfolded in Watertown, about three miles from where I was. It was absolutely horrifying – the guy could be anywhere, and the reports of door-to-door searches and fierce gun battles didn’t help to calm my nerves.

When I woke up early the following morning after a few hours of fitful sleep, the streets outside were silent and deserted.

Police hadn’t yet apprehended the second suspect, so they were advising all Bostonians to stay at home and lock their doors in what amounted to a city-wide lockdown.

I texted Kami [Choi] and David [Gonzalez], who were scheduled to fly to Harvard Visitas that morning, telling them that it might not be wise to come to Boston just then.

I stayed home all day. Harvard Visitas was canceled, and all Boston-area colleges shut down for the day. Literally everything shut down– transportation, stores, businesses – Boston became a temporary ghost

by DAVID GONZALEZ editorials editor

When my plane landed in Boston, I landed in a city on lockdown. Walking out into the terminal, I encountered a group of fellow Harvard prefrosh.

We chatted and observed as the airport police patrolled with enormous weapons.

Harvard officials then arrived and told us admit weekend was cancelled, and escorted us to a hotel. We all watched the TV intently, wanting nothing more than an end to the insanity. When the guy was captured, we erupted in cheers of “Boston!”, “Harvard”, and “USA!” town. Of all times for me to visit Boston, We ended up visiting HarI thought. It wasn’t very reassuring when vard after all, although many Boston’s governor lifted the lockdown in events had been canceled. On the late afternoon, given that the second Sunday, as Connor and I wanterrorist had not been found. dered the city, we marvelled at At about 7 p.m., reports surfaced that police had cornered the suspect in a Water- how quickly it had returned to town backyard. Thank goodness, I thought, normalcy. Suddenly, we saw a large group of people gathered this could finally be done. About an hour around a blocked-off portion of later, NBC News reported that the second the street. I asked a man what and final suspect had been taken alive, was going on and he responded and images of relieved citizens cheering for police officers appeared on my screen. incredulously, “Do you have any idea what’s been happenOutside my apartment, I heard whoops of joy in the streets, as people streamed out of ing here this past week?” That was when I realized that we their homes and celebrated loudly. were standing where the bombs It had been a crazy week, with the had gone off. violence hitting especially close to home I’m not a particularly emofor me because of my connection to and tional person, but the memorial fondness for MIT. Though I will never to the bomb victims brought forget the fear and worry I felt as the tears to my eyes. events transpired, the violence has not I’d never been to Boston damaged my perception of Boston, and in before, but the chaos far from fact allowed the amazing resilience of the city to shine through. I’m thankful that my ruined the experience for me. It inspired me to see a city rally friends, family, and I are safe. together in the face of tragedy.

I felt a swell of pride in the city I would soon call my home.

And most importantly, gazing Go to mvviewer.org to at the memorial laid out on Boylston Street, I felt someread the full versions of the thing powerful, more powerful stories! than just feeling Bostonian or feeling American. I felt human.

On the scene: A personal experience in Boston

by CONNOR DUFFY guest writer

Unsettling time for Harvard visit

Level up with video g Dark rooms, bright televisions, pale faces and sweaty hands. Many people view video games as nothing more than a shady, reclusive pastime. Denounced by politicians and parents alike, it may come as a surprise that what lies behind the screen might not be so bad. New studies show psychological effects of video games in a better light and some creative uses of video games.

Emoti

onally

Gaming - In moderation Either as a punishment, or due to overplaying, almost every gamer has felt the incredible sadness of being separated from a beloved game by a parent. But could parents actually be hampering the child’s emotional progress by decreasing Xbox time?

Believe it or not, playing a “healthy amount of videogames” is no paradox. A 2010 study conducted by Llorca Diez of the University of Granada analyzed 266 participants between the ages of 11 and 16.

The results indicated that video games, when played in moderation, improved self-efficacy (the perception of one’s own performance).

This, in turn, brings grades up.

cally

Physi

Remember the last time you hit the brakes just in time to avoid a collision with an incompetent driver? Spatial recognition is something that you use every day, from the simple task of packing your lunch box, to tasks as complex as playing musical instruments. And video games can help.

There are numerous studies showing a positive correlation between video games and spatial recognition. Dating all the way back to 1982, Lowery and Knirk indicated that video games can improve this trait. This was

Video games have shown increased self-efficacy in even the worst cases.

In a 2011 study titled “The Efficacy of Prescribed Casual Video Games in Reducing Clinical Depression and Anxiety,” 57 percent of adults with clinical depression saw a “decrease in measurable depression symptoms” simply by playing casual games for at least 30 minutes every day.

This improvement in temperament seems to affect every age group. In a 2013 study by North Carolina State College, 140 people over the age of 63 were surveyed.

Non-gamers in the study reported greater tendencies of negative emotions and

“Do you even VIDEO GAME?” later confirmed by Dorval and Pepin in 1986, and the relatively recent testing of Tetris by Sims and Mayer in 2002. But has anything changed with modern games?

If anything, they have been shown to be more beneficial to the cognitive processes.

In a 2013 study by Nanyang Technological University, Adam Oei and Michael Patterson tested mobile games, including Bejeweled, Modern Combat: Sandstorm, and Sims 3.

After the test subjects played the instructed one hour a day, five days a week, for four weeks, they were found to have to have gained perception in multiple categories

such as object memory, spatial memory, and complex sequence memory. Modern Combat, a first-person shooter that had more action than the other games tested, helped players improve in three areas where no other group did: attentional blink, multiple-object tracking, visual search and cognitive control.

While clearly not a legitimate way of studying for a test, video games can help certain attributes, such as memorizing information. Playing the occasional game might just alter a non-gamer’s perception literally.

Intelle

ctuall

The Science of Gaming Video games have been shown to be unorthodox simulators. But there are surprising ways in which video games may improve the greater whole of the science community.

Like many indie developers, Jerome Waldispühl and Mathieu Blanchette spent hours developing a game in hopes of attracting attention. What makes them unique is that they are computer scientists at McGill University in Montreal. Also their game, Phylo, has the potential to cure specific diseases.

Released in 2012, Phylo is a simple color matching game that corresponds to different genes in different animals. “When a computer tries to solve the problem, it will always try to solve it the same way – the way it has been programmed to solve it,” said Blanchette in an interview with PBS. org. “Whereas humans, because we don’t tell them how to solve it, they’ll have different strategies.

presented more cases of depression than gamers.

So is playing videogames analogous to having your daily dose of Vitamin D? Probably not. And neither will locking yourself in a room and gaming, hardcore, make you the happiest person in the world.

But slowing down and taking a few moments to unwind with a video game, might not be so bad. “Video games help me feel better when something’s bothering me, or when I’m just bored,” said Ian Curphy, 12.

That will provide us with a variety of different solutions, some of which will turn out to be better than those found by the computer.”

And this knowledge shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“Potentially your game will improve the data, and these data will be useful to solve a disease and save the life of someone,” he said Waldispühl. The game is available for free at http://phylo.cs.mcgill.ca/.

Not all positive effects from video games are intentional. In 2005, the popular MMORPG World of Warcraft had a pandemic. The virtual disease “Corrupted Blood,” intended by developers to be an extra challenge, escaped its confines in one of the dungeons. Having an irreversible effect on player’s characters, quarantines were instituted by the developers, and low rank players found themselves at a disadvantage at this “glitch.”

This “glitch” also sparked the attention of

y

epidemiologists. Epidemiologists, scientists that use complex mathematical models to track the spread of a disease, are ordinarily very restricted in their models, only having previous epidemic data to draw from. Enter “Corrupted Blood,” which had surprisingly similar characteristics to a real world epidemic, as noted

by Lofgren and Fefferman in the Epidemiology paper. “Appropriate exploitation of these gaming systems could greatly advance the capabilities of applied simulation modelling in infectious disease research.”

More than just a simple simulation, video games have shown surprising potential in impacting the science community through unadulterated human input.

information compiled by Kobi Endri

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Critics blame games for violence Research mixed on links between virtual and real-world violence

by SASHA SAFONOV spread editor Guns, chainsaws, blood, guts, and gore. Ever since the controversial 1976 game “Gremlins,” violent video games have plagued teenagers’ minds and caused restless nights for parents.

Countries including Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, and Germany have already taken steps to ban violent video games, such as Grand Theft Auto and Dead Rising, that are available in the United States. The move to limit video game consumption is not new. The debate over whether video games are harmful has been raging for several decades, with no end in sight.

In 2013, a group in Southington, Connecticut called the SouthingtonSOS planned (and later canceled) a protest to destroy violent media (giving gift certificates in return) after “achieving awareness.” DebraLee Hovey, a Connecticut state representative, has suggested that a 10 percent “sin tax” be applied to M-rated games.

California went a step farther in 2005, when it passed a law banning the sale of Maturerated games to minors, which was declared unconstitutional in 2011.

A study conducted at Ohio State demonstrated that people who consistently play violent video games are more aggressive than those who don’t by having participants blast an air horn at someone in another room. The study only indicated a short-term spike in aggression, similar to what one would get after watching a kung-fu movie.

Grand Theft Childhood, a book co-written by Lawrence Kutner, Ph.D., and Cheryl Olson, Sc.D., pointed out numerous flaws in studies linking aggression to video games. In an interview with G4, a video game news channel, Olson explained contradictory studies on video game violence.

“They [experimental psychologists] try to say that aggression in the real world is the same as aggression in the lab where they are blasting an air horn for a fraction of a second longer... Does this really make sense? Is this anything like aggression in the real world?”

Kutner and Olson conducted a study involving over 1,250 children and 500 parents, which found that two groups of boys were at most risk for engaging in violent activities: boys that played

almost exclusively M-rated games for 15 hours per 100,000 population, according to government more in week, and boys that did not play video statistics, while video game sales have more than games at all. The study conducted by Kutner and doubled since 1996.”

Olson indicated that playing video games among One would think that such a significant teenage boys is a “marker of social competence.” increase in popularity of video games would have a After every school shooting there is the usual visible effect on crime rate. case of finger pointing, usually targeting any violent Video games don’t seem to pose quite the media the suspect used. As they are the new type problem in other nations. Washington Post of media, video games are often singled out. In the journalist Max Fischer analyzed the ten largest 1950s, the new media was the comic book, which video game markets in the world (“most of which, was deemed unhealthy for the youth and heavily such as Korea and the Netherlands, play the same censored (In 1954, comic-book publishers adopted spectrum of games as the United States”), and a code that banned the words “terror” and “horror”). found that the United States had six times the Many video gamers claim that video games are per-capita gun related murders of the other nine simply the next scapegoat in line. countries. In fact, “countries where video game A 2004 US Secret Service review of previous consumption is highest tend to be some of the safest school-based attacks found that one-eighth of countries in the world.” attackers showed an interest in violent video games, In 1999, Marilyn Manson wrote a response less than the rate of interest attackers showed in to the horrific Columbine High School Massacre. violent movies, books, and violence in their own “We applaud the creation of a bomb whose sole writings. purpose is to destroy all of mankind, and we grow In the Journal of Adolescent Research 2008, an up watching our president’s brains splattered all article titled Development: Boys’ Perspectives: The over Texas. Times have not become more violent.

Role of Violent Video Game Content in Adolescent They have just become more televised... I think that summarized the numerous benefits of video games. the National Rifle Association is far too powerful “By providing adolescents with situations to take on, so most people choose Doom, The not typically experienced in the real world, video Basketball Diaries or yours truly.” game play may facilitate exploration of rules and Video games may be part of the problem; they consequences. Violent games are also a safe place may not. Regardless, they will continue to draw to experiment with emotions and roles that may be attention. unacceptable in daily life.Interviews with adolescents and young adults Do you think video games suggest that many view violent video promote violence? games as incorporating realistic situations and consequences.”

In short, violent video games may actually be a safe outlet for violent feelings. “After I’ve done Said that my screaming and throwing the 22% they do controller, it’s quite therapeutic,” said Nick Gedig, 11.

While many other factors Said that 69% 9% Think it they do not influence teenage crime rate, it depends on wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the game/ violent video games provide a safe person outlet. According to the New York Times, “The number of violent youth offenders fell by more than 45 students were polled half between 1994 and 2010, to 224

“My life is a video game.” Just like Aaron Gehl, 10, many students have trouble balancing video games and everything else.

“Playing video games can make you lose track of time. You begin playing a game, and then you’re like, ‘Shoot, it’s night already!’” said Matt Anderson, 11.

According to WebMD.com, video game addiction is a very real, compulsive behavior, similar to gambling addiction. “It affects the same pleasure centers in the brain that make people want to come back,” said Dr. Michael Fraser, clinical psychologist and college professor at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Sites such as WoWdetox.com help addicts cope with their condition; countries like Amsterdam even have addiction treatment centers for video game addicts.

It’s always good to be able to exercise self-restraint. If you feel familiar with any of the symptoms below, it might be beneficial to keep the screen black for a few hours. information compiled by Rebecca Nara

7 signs of a gaming or internet addiction: - Secrecy or lying about use - Spending more than 24-30 hours a week online not for work or school - Mood shifts, such as increased

irritability, if access is taken away - A significant decrease in other activities and interests - Neglecting friends, family and other

responsibilities - Sleep problems - Deterioration of personal hygiene

8 variety T H I S S I D E O F P A R A D I S E

by NOLAN CARLSON-STEVERMER staff reporter For those who are excited about The Great Gatsby coming to theaters, and want to know more about the man behind the story, you may want to check out This Side of Paradise, a theatrical production put on by the History Theater in Saint Paul.

The play encompasses the life and love of F. Scott Fitzgerald, told by his wife, Zelda. The play focuses mainly on the sadder parts of their lives, where they struggle to make ends meet. That being said, This Side of Paradise does include a couple lighter-hearted scenes such as F. Scott publishing his first work, The Great Gatsby, and the fame that follows him after that.

This Side of Paradise is much more than just a simple biography of a husband and wife. The story begins with Zelda as an old woman, when she had been admitted to an insane asylum. The whole story of their life together is told through her flashbacks, telling the audience why she thinks that way and describes her actions.

The theatrical depiction in this form is quite intriguing. As the actors draw you into the play, spectators can almost feel the terror and anguish radiating from a trapped Zelda Fitzgerald, who is locked and hidden away from her world, along with the spot-on depiction of misery and desperation of her husband as he tries to pay the bills after his latest books go flat.

Through the musical numbers, a wellcrafted tone was created for the story; songs such as “The Bills are Piling Up” gave way to stronger emotion and a more powerful meaning than others. Overall, the musical numbers were incredible; every actor in the show sang their own song at one point, and each, except for the three main roles, played more than one part expertly. The music behind the set was live and transitioned perfectly between the traditional jazz style of the roarin’ ‘20s and a free flowing ballroom dance, showing the range of the musicians’ talents.

While some of the music helped to break up the melancholy feel of This Side of Paradise, a few of the numbers had an eerie way about them, going well with Zelda’s stint in the asylum when she experiences numerous breakdowns. As the music lurks deeper into the genre of hair-raising and ominous, Zelda dives deeper into her mental abyss, and ends the song with a blood-curdling scream worthy of a demonic haunted house. Zelda’s ominous musical numbers happen multiple times through the play and are rather unnerving, while also drawing watchers in to the emotion of the play.

Although there are some embellishments and omissions for the sake of producing and acting the play, the main story stays true to the roller-coaster-esque life of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald. The play shows at 8 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays until May 19.

The play does take time to comprehend, but once you understand it, it becomes much more enjoyable. It is highly recommended for people who are interested in the art side of The Great Gatsby and the reasoning behind it.

May 10, 2013

Same material, new mentality

by KYOKA MILLARD staff reporter Is it possible to create sustainable style from recycled materials, even in today’s world? From Jan. 19 to May 23, 2013 at the McNeal Hall Gallery located at the University of Minnesota, students, faculty and apparel professionals from all across the world are taking up this challenge during the Redefining, Redesigning Fashion exhibit.

Two hundred different submissions are presented during the exhibit, each judged by a panel for its creativity and use of material. The hall is turned from an ordinary showcase room to a gallery bursting with style and originality.

Upon entering, one is taken aback by the complexity of each design, showcased behind a grey backdrop and stage lighting.

Though each look may be of thrift material, they are all red carpet

ready. The backdrop further contributes to the sense of professionalism; the exhibit is laid out in such a way that it takes each visitor out of Minnesota and into the tents of Fashion Week.

Lovers of vibrant colors will be jubilant at the sight of brilliant and intricate patterns that are just in time for spring, with everything from crochet material to layers of different colored ruffles in sight.

Those with a flair for vintage will find that their tastes are accounted for with the transformation of heirloom clothing into modern day wear and old world patterned garments. And, for the more classic stylists, there’s enough little black dresses and monochromatic designs to make Coco Chanel envious. Though each item may be made from second hand materials, each design could easily earn a place on the catwalk. Combining couture and creativity, this exhibit is not just for fashionistas;

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The latest special-effects enriched science fiction thriller, Oblivion, starring Tom Cruise, was released April 9, making $37.1 million on opening week. The movie was the most successful release of any Tom Cruise film excluding his hit Mission Impossible series and the famous War of the Worlds 2005 remake.

Oblivion was a combination of many different science fiction films, having parallels with Independence Day (1996) and other groundbreaking science fiction movies. It managed to combine the elements in a unique and entertaining fashion, but its influences never rendered it unoriginal.

The beginning of Oblivion is a walk through of the monotonous life of Tech 49 Jack Harper (Cruise). Harper is a repairman. He lives on a platform high in the clouds with his co-worker, Victoria, and leaves in a sleek aircraft only to repair battle drones. The drones defend massive fusion reactors that are assumed to supply a human colony on Titan, a moon of Saturn, with

power. The Earth was made uninhabitable after it became the battleground of a war with an alien menace.

The special effects are dramatically showcased: the shiny whites and silvers of the futuristic scouting aircraft and living platform contrast richly with the war-torn, gray world in which Cruise proceeds to explore. From the very beginning, Oblivion is a visual joy ride.

It showcases incredible, futuristic machines, advanced weaponry, and an astounding and horrifying depiction of the Earth in ruins.

The plot is full of twists and turns that are quite shocking, but after a certain point become slightly over the top and predictable. Cruise’s acting was very good, despite the small amount of dialogue. He expressed emotions flawlessly without the need for dialogue.

Even though the film wasn’t an enthralling, intricate masterpiece, it did engage the mind.

Subtle foreshadowing, such as the repetition of the phrase “we won the war”, hint at what is to come. Some moral and ethical questions are also raised concerning dependence on technology, blind servitude, and self-sacrifice.

Rises from the ashes

by TOMMY SLETTEN staff writer Hot off Saturday Night Live and headlining the Coachella Music Festival, Phoenix, a four member group from Versailles, France, is back with their highly anticipated new album. The alternative rock group first gained attention in 2009 with their album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, and the hit single, “1901.” It’s been four years since their breakthrough album, but the group is back with Bankrupt!, and they are ready to take the reins of the music scene.

This new album is a joyride full of synthesizer packed synth-pop tracks. Similar to that of fellow French act Daft Punk, many songs are powered by heavy, electronic melodies and infectious drum patterns. “Bankrupt!” in particular, emphasizes the constant use of synthesizers, which transforms their usual, light sound, into an aggressive, buffed up version. Even though they changed their sound, they kept their masterful quality of music.

While most of the album was dominated by

heavy synthesizer use, the addition of the keyboard brought the album to new levels, giving it a feeling of peacefulness and tranquility. Further, Thomas Mars has a voice that connects with listeners. He makes them feel as if they are listening live to each track. Even the drum set on this album has a unique feel to it, keeping the music steady, but still injecting excitement into each song.

Phoenix’s style can best be described as indierock mixed with an electronic ambience. They use the traditional guitar, drum set, keyboard, and bass, typical of most rock bands. However, they also use the synthesizer and other electronic elements to revolutionize the genre.

The standout track, “Entertainment,” is the album’s lead single, and features a catchy dance melody reminiscent of a 1980s synthpop jam.

Another solid track on the album is “Chloroform,” which is composed of heavy synth hits and a slow drum pattern. Phoenix added another fresh song in “The Real Thing”, a love song which switches the tone of the album to a more longing feel. The closing song, “Oblique City”, completes Phoenix’s style of synth and vocal heavy tunes.

Progress in pop

by AKSHAY PATKE managing editor

With a combination of upbeat synth lines and piano rock influences, Andrew McMahon, former frontman of Jack’s Mannequin, brings a wellneeded breath of fresh air to pop music with his new EP entitled The Pop Underground.

Right from the start of his music career, Andrew McMahon found success. His high school piano rock band, Something Corporate, was signed to Drive-Thru Records after releasing a ten-song demo in 2000.

With Something Corporate, McMahon toured the world and built a small but strong fan base.

However, in 2003, the band took a hiatus; during this time, McMahon began a solo project--Jack’s Mannequin.

Although commonly referred to as an alternative rock band, Jack’s Mannequin expanded McMahon’s fan base even further as the band mixed elements of indie music, Californian rock, and piano rock dabbed with low-key electronic influences.

After their debut album’s (Everything In

Transit) release, McMahon was diagnosed with leukemia, but he managed to make a full recovery in a matter of six months. He then proceeded to release two more high-quality albums with Jack’s Mannequin. Suddenly, McMahon found himself at 30: a cancer survivor with multiple successful music projects, he felt it was time to close the Jack’s Mannequin chapter of his life and take his music in a new direction as an indie artist.

The Pop Underground EP shows, despite everything he’s been through, McMahon’s drive for music has not wavered in the slightest. With this four-track EP McMahon made the risky choice of experimenting with the repetitive and commonly disliked genre of pop music; however, he succeeded.

The first single from the EP, “Synesthesia,” initially sounds like a Jack’s Mannequin song only with emphasized electronic aspects. Then comes the chorus and interlude; with a sugarcoated piano line and rhythmic bass, the song manages to provide the listener with something new and interesting.

The other three songs on the EP, “Catching Cold,” “Learn to Dance” and “After the Fire”

The most troubling part of the film was the ambiguous, seemingly meaningless symbolism in some situations. Some over emphasis on flashbacks that were not particularly well put together also took away from its greatness.

The length, over two hours, was not at all problematic. The visual stimulation and decent plot were more than enough to keep audiences captivated for the duration, and of course, an appearance by Morgan Freeman also kept the attention of viewers. There was the perfect amount of action of all sorts: explosions, combat scenes, and intense moments, adding to its captivating nature.

Oblivion was a pleasure to watch, not perfect, but definitely well done and very entertaining. The plot was engaging, the effects even more so, and Cruise had a wonderful performance.

photo courtesy of seat42f.com

9/10

by TRISTAN ASCHITTINO business manager

8/10

Post-apocalyptic promenade

9

reviews

Bankrupt! is different from other Phoenix albums, and other alternative rock music, in that it makes heavy use of synthesizers and other electronic elements. Phoenix created their own niche in the music business by making a unique sound that no one could recreate, a sweet mix of alternative rock and synthpop music, where fans of both genres can come together to enjoy.

photo courtesy of emusic.com

9/10

May 10, 2013

completely leave the Jack’s Mannequin roots of “Synesthesia” and instead move toward a fastpaced dancey, electro-pop style. “Learn to Dance” can brighten anyone’s mood with it’s indie pop claps and vocal samples. The underlying intense bass synth line consumes the listener’s whole body urging them to get up and start jumping around.

Perhaps the only fault of the albums lies with the poetic lyrics. McMahon always writes beautiful phrases; however, they often do not match the rhythm and affects the song’s overall flow. What differentiates The Pop Underground EP from other kinds of pop music are namely McMahon’s unique vocals and his innovative style.

McMahon adds an effect to all of his vocals that creates a sense of distance. These stylistic effects paired with in-your-face electronic synth, guitar and piano accents creates an intriguing contrast. McMahon’s ability to fuse various elements of several different genres of music is what makes The Pop Underground EP a pop album with artistic value-- perhaps one that will lead to mainstream success.

photo courtesy of absolutepunk.net

10sports

May 10, 2013

COME SAIL AWAY Meet Mounds View’s very own sailing club

by KOBI ENDRIZZI staff reporter

photo by Anders Nygaard

“I’m on a boat and, its going fast and...” Much like Lonely Island’s skit, sailing club participants are on a boat, and they’re definitely going fast.

The sailing club meets in the spring and fall at Bel Air Beach in White Bear Lake. The club has participants from other schools, with about 20 other students from White Bear Lake, Mahtomedi, and Mounds Park. Seven of the sailors attend Mounds View.

Practices start with a “chalk talk,”

where members learn new techniques, such as rigging a boat, sail setting, and knotting. Afterwards, the sailors are assigned boats and boat partners.

“The coaches like everyone to help.

Once on the water, we usually do sailing drills that involve tacking and jibing, mark rounding, etc.,” said Jan Waszczuk, 12.

Sailing is a sport like no other.

“The atmosphere is really friendly and relaxed. It’s all about getting together and enjoying sailing,” said Waszczuk.

photo by Anders Nygaard

Sailing team practicing their techinique.

Seamen tacking across White Bear Lake.

True Team: More than meets the eye

by ADAM TONINATO sports editor

track season. During most meets, the top six to nine gratifying because it just... it’s like their win feels finishers are the only athletes to score points. like my win, and when I succeed, they succeed. It’s a A team with five or six big studs can sweep just different feeling, it’s hard to explain... but it’s a great Ask any track athlete you know: “What is the about any meet it wants, because the top dogs will feeling.” most important meet of the season?” rake in all the points. In comparison, all of the 27 Winning True Team requires a good team, The answer is always: True Team. But why is this competitors in a True Team event scores points--the something that most track events don’t emphasize. It meet so revered? winner of the event, 27 points, the last-place finisher, doesn’t matter who has the one or two D1 athletes it’s True Team section and state are two meets that just one point. about the team that has strength at down to their last are scored differently from most other meets in the This means that the team with just a few studs man. A title that any teams would like to boast of. will have much more trouble winning, because the “True Team sections is our meet. It is our meet second and third competitors from each team needs on our track. We do not let other teams win our meet. to do well for the team to win.

Nobody takes a victory lap on our track,” said John It is apparent how much depth is a factor in True Team, and team-wide success is more important than points Get two shades darker in just 15 minutes! of power.

Pole Vaulter Jonathan Young, 12, One organic airbrush tanning session is equal said, “True Team is all about depth. It’s to six trips to the tanning bed! And it’s good for not a singular sport anymore; it’s about making sure the guy standing next to your skin! First time clients only $20. you does as well or better than you do.

During True Team, if one kid has a bad day, the team has a bad day. Now more than ever everything you do for is for Colleen & Company the team.”

3092 Lexington Ave. N. The pressure can be Roseville, MN 55113 overwhelming, but many embrace the feeling “I can’t wait.”

651-483-4966 Brian Lee, 12, said, “It’s always fun to watch your teammates succeed photo by Maximillian Wang but at True Team, it is way more Walk-ins welcome!

Chris Johnston jumping 6’2”.

Nicole Balzer

by JOE JANEY staff reporter

There are few athletes that can excel at one track event. There are even fewer athletes that excel at three.

And on top of all that, there are only a handful of athletes that began a varsity track career in the eighth grade.

Nicole Balzer, 12, is one of those elite athletes. She participates in the 800 m, 400 m, and high jump. As a senior captain this year, she looks to lead the Mustangs to a run at the state championship.

“I really hope to have a great season and finish strong,” said Balzer.

But Balzer’s story doesn’t end here. Balzer will photo by Anders Nygaard attend Bethel University and compete on their track Balzer bursts off the starting team. Great athletes are hard block. to come by, but Balzer has put in the hard work and hopefully that work will turn into championships.

May 10, 2013

Sam Hentges

11

sports

Athlete of the Issue

photo by Anders Nygaard

by NICOLE WAHIN staff reporter At 6’ 6”, Sam Hentges, 11, towers over the competition. As a junior, he has not only managed to attract the attention of scouts across the country, but got the chance to try out for Team USA this summer.

After tearing his ACL last year, Hentges’s future looked unpromising. He had to go through physical therapy and skip many

practices and most of his hockey season. Despite the setback, Hentges is stronger than ever this year. With two hits so far this season, both home runs, he is one of the top batters for the Mustangs.

“Sam is just a good athlete. He is a really good hitter, he plays the field well, and can also pitch pretty well.” said Head Coach Jon Nuss. “He has his size, speed, and strength all helping him out. He’s also a lefty, which is golden in the baseball world.”

But Hentges is not focused on his future; he is focused on this season.

“Our goal for this year is to make it to State, and we have a strong group of seniors who can lead us there,” said Hentges.

Over the summer, Hentges plays for the Tri-City Red team, which has players from Mounds View and Totino Grace.

The tri-city team went to State last summer, and since many of the players are returning, they hope to make another state appearance this summer.

“I think that our TriCity team will be very good this season,” said Hentges. Another one of his summer plans is trying out for Team USA, which will be held in North Carolina.

As for college, Hentges is still deciding.

“I’m starting to narrow it down, but I still haven’t decided,” said Hentges. Scouts from the University of Minnesota have already came out to watch him play, and Nebraska is also considering him for its team. “Most colleges would be happy to have him, so I think that it’s really just up to where Sam wants to go,” said Nuss.

Wherever he chooses, Hentges has the skills and the potential to play in college. But for right now, his focus is on doing his best this season and trying to make a state appearance for Mounds View.

Jeffrey Liao Senior Varsity Tennis Q: How did you get started playing tennis?

A: Well, my dad played tennis. He

lived in New York, so we often went to the U.S. Open, and I just got interested in playing tennis. That was when I was about 5. But I didn’t start [playing tennis] until I got here [Minnesota], which was around 10.

Q: What do you prefer, singles or doubles? Why? A: I prefer singles because it is more

independent, not dependent, which I like better. And you can’t really blame others, like a partner, since it’s all on you. It builds character.

Q: What are some of the teams goals this year?

A: I am just hoping that we can beat Maple Grove and make it to state.

Q: Who is your favorite tennis player? Why? A: It would probably be Andy Murray

because I really like his form and how he hits the ball, and I think it’s really funny when he talks to himself.

Q: How would you describe yourself as a player?

A: I think I am a baseline orientated

player. So I don’t come up to the net.

I tend to stay back and hit the ball and hope that my opponent makes a mistake. But at the same time I try and be aggressive.

Q: Do you have any plans to play tennis in the future?

A: Probably recreationally. Maybe I’ll join a tennis club in college, just for fun.

Q: If you could have one superpower what would it be?

Why? A: It would probably be whatever I draw on paper, would come to life.

Then during class, I would have some incentive in class to doodle. Instead of drawing stick figures, I would draw animals. information compiled by David Liu

12gallery

TOP PROM PROPOSALS T T T May 10, 2013

Flowers are all over the school as Prom season is in swing. Although there are typical ways to ask someone to prom such as flowers, stuffed animals, or a card, some students have taken this chance to get creative.

1ST

Allison Hare T Elliott Gehl

45votes

T

When you think of hamburger buns, you would usually think of delicious burgers and grills. However, for Allison Hare, 12, it meant one of the best nights of her time in high school with her friends and her date Elliott Gehl, 12. “Elliott Gehl got me a toy dump truck filled with hamburger buns, and there was a sign that said ‘Can I haul your buns to prom?’” said Hare. The funny thing was that she was the source of the idea. “I was actually the one who came up with the idea months ago, and I tried to get all my friends to use it for Sadie’s; no one would though. So I was really excited when Elliott actually used the idea on me,” said Hare. The only problem to the plan was the time at which the proposal took place. “I was sleeping when he rang my doorbell, so he had to do it twice,” said Hare.

photos by Youngjun Park

T 2ND

Haldi Nielsen T Nick Gedig

What do you get when you mix a hot tub, candles, and a guy? A prom proposal. Junior Nick Gedig decided to take prom proposals to the extreme by hiding in Haldi Nielsen’s hot tub while wearing swim trunks and a tie. To top it all off, he had a fancy glass of lemonade and strawberries with him. He even performed a speech. There was a little problem with the hot tub though. “It took a long time to warm up, so the hot tub was really cold. It wasn’t really a hot tub,” said Gedig, 11.

Nielsen recounts the pleasantly surprising proposal. “I went out and there were candles and rose petals lining the path to my hot tub, I saw him, at first I was freaked out but then I was excited,” said Nielsen,12.

T 3RD

photos by Youngjun Park

20 votes

information compiled by Neha Sethi, Namrata Gadela

35 votes

photos by Megan Ruan

Emmy Jin T Robbie He

Getting creative doesn’t have to be tricky; it can just be fun. Robbie He, 12, decided to ask his date with the help of a few of his friends and some garbage bags. “Her friends gave me the idea; I thought that it would be hilarious,” said He,12. Jin was surprised when Robbie popped out of some trash bags and said, “Let’s get trashed at prom!” The only thing that Robbie was worried about was the trash bag. “I was worried that she would not get there in time because I was losing my breath,” said He, 12.

For the record, the couple doesn’t plan on getting “trashed,” just enjoying a pun.

Stories by Neha Sethi, Namrata Gadela