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Friday, May 30, 2014

Volume 61, Issue 13

Cannabis for a cure by Sasha Safonov managing editor, ‘13-’14

E-Cigarettes

photo illustration by Eva Hoffman

Users embrace trend despite many unknowns by Ryan Yoch staff reporter The questions are simple. Questions like “How harmful are e-cigarettes?” and “Who has the right to use them?” are currently at the forefront of debates all around the world. Yet as “e-cigs” continue to entice teens and baffle researchers, answers to these questions are proving as hard to find as an e-cig’s vapors. There’s no question that e-cigs are popular. Out of 75 seniors surveyed, one in four admitted to having used an e-cigarette at least once. E-cigs are cheaper than regular cigarettes, and, because they don’t contain tobacco, they seem to sidestep many of the health risks associated with frequent smoking. “I bought my first e-cig in 10th grade for around $30,” said a Mounds View junior who regularly smokes e-cigarettes. “It costs about $10 every two weeks to maintain, but it’s a lot cheaper than regular smoking.” “People say that there aren’t really any side effects, but obviously nicotine isn’t good for you,” said another junior. “But it is definitely a healthier alternative, which is a big part of why I started.” Forced to confront the issue, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a blanket statement in

April warning about the dangers of e-cigarettes and reminding consumers about the lack of existing research. Though both researchers and e-cig providers agree that e-cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive, stimulating chemical also found in regular cigarettes, there is still debate on whether or not e-cigs contain carcinogens, substances known to cause cancer. The FDA says yes, but no conclusive evidence has been found to support its claim. With no direction from the federal government, local governments have attempted to take e-cigarette legislation into their own hands. Minnesota’s House and Senate recently passed a bill that would tighten e-cigarette restrictions for minors and prohibit their use in public schools. “What the state is trying to do is tighten the legislation surrounding e-cigs,” said Katie Engman, Program Director at Association for Nonsmokers—MN. “Right now, the city ordinance can be stronger than the state. For example, it is illegal [for minors] to have e-cigs in Shoreview, but it could be seen as legal in Columbia Heights.” Mounds View’s current e-cigarette policy is not clearly defined, but changes are likely for next year. “Although e-cigarettes are not specifically mentioned [in the school

board regulations], it is reasonable to assume from the regulation that e-cigarettes would fall under the chemical use policy and not be permitted on school grounds,” said Principal Jeff Ridlehoover. E-cigs’ potential inclusion in the chemical use policy has not deterred students from “vaping” indoors. Because e-cig vapors are odorless and transparent, smoking during class has become a common practice among daily e-cig users. The device itself is no bigger than a pen, so students can keep it tucked in their sleeve or clasped between two fists with very little chance of being caught. According to administrators and students interviewed, no one has been caught. For many e-cig users, availability and appeal breeds addiction. The ease and frequency with which students can use e-cigs, combined with the addictive nature of nicotine, often leaves students wanting more. “You can tell when your body wants it. I honestly think it is more habit-forming than smoking regular cigarettes,” said a junior. “You can do it more often and you don’t really realize how much you’re doing it.” “At this point, I definitely have a little bit of an addiction,” said another junior. “You can flavor it, but at the end of the day it’s still an addiction.”

As of July 1, 2014, Minnesota will join 21 other states that allow the prescription of medicinal marijuana. The final bill passed both houses on May 16 with an 86-39 bipartisan vote in the House of Representatives and a 48-18 bipartisan vote in the Senate. The compromise bill favors the more restrictive House version, which limits cannabis use to patients with certain conditions who also enroll in observational research studies. Eight conditions currently qualify a patient for medicinal marijuana: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/ AIDS, Tourette’s syndrome, ALS, seizures caused by epilepsy, muscle spasms brought on by multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. An estimated 5,000 patients of all ages will become eligible in July. A major point of contention of the bill is the forms of medicinal marijuana available. Currently, only pill and oil forms are allowed, with smoked marijuana strictly prohibited. Critics of this limitation have cited smoking marijuana as a simpler, more efficient process that provides immediate relief. “I think that the natural substance needs to be legalized, too. When the pharmaceutical companies get the reign to create a pill, it can make things more complicated and dangerous,” said Jack Wang, 12. On the other hand, synthetic marijuana is easier for enforcement agencies to control, and avoids the dangerous effects of smoke inhalation. Still, both natural and synthetic cannabis have raised questions surrounding their prescription. “I don’t think that physicians should be given free reign to prescribe it. Adderall is just one medication that is already overprescribed—do we need more?” said Sam Worthington, 12. As more and more states embrace medicinal marijuana, an important question remains: to what extent? Regulation will likely depend on the following months. “It might be a way for [teenagers] to try it when they might not have,” said Local Resource Officer William Rzeszutek. “I don’t think anybody will know until it happens.”

2editorials TOP

10 Flip flops... for your hands.

Lab coats

8 PromJustdresses clothes in general

Leather jumpsuits

One-piece snow suits

worn 6 Anything by Joe Janey

4 Reverse crop tops 2

Life jackets on land

Unwashed 8th grade gym shirts

2014-2015 Viewer Editors Editor-in-Chief

James Birr

Managing Editor

Maddy Rosenow Managing Editor - Design Kyoka Millard Business Manager Nina Bertelsen News Emily Ruan Editorials Clara Wang Josh Yuan Features Monica Kemp Katrina Renacia Spread

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STAFF EDITORIAL 3

Editors Disagree

Too big a leap For 9th graders, the transition from middle school to high school is already difficult enough. There’s a new environment, new expectations, and a new workload to get used to---and the increased availability of Advanced Placement classes for freshmen to take only makes the transition harder. While no one is forced to take AP classes, there is plenty of pressure to take them, especially for the academically ambitious. Successfully completing an AP course does have its benefits, as not only do they offer a more advanced level of education, but they also provide an opportunity to earn college credits while in high school. However, blindly registering for any difficult course, especially APs, will only lead to disaster. Given the environment many 9th graders are exposed to, it’s easy to see why so many of them have taken AP classes this year. There’s plenty of social pressure---if your friends are taking it, why don’t you?---and influence from

20 Percent

of freshmen have taken at least one

AP course

upperclassmen. “Upperclassmen told me those classes were easy,” said an anonymous freshman. “I thought [AP classes] would be a good experience and a lot of other people were doing it.” There’s a clear fallacy in taking AP classes just because other people are taking them. Not everyone is at the same level of academic prowess; classes that might be easy for some may be a living hell for others. Even advice from upperclassmen “AP veterans” can be misleading, as their advice is based solely off their own unique experiences. However, blindly registering for an AP class does not necessarily mean that your life will be ruined. A difficult course may pique your interest in the subject, maybe even awaken your

inner “child genius,” and you’ll sail through the course. However, all of the above rarely seems to happen. Just ask anyone who has recently taken their first AP class, and try to find just one person who breezed through it and was enlightened as a result. The negative consequences of taking an AP class seem all the more prevalent. No matter who you are, an additional certain level of stress will be a result of taking an AP class. Just how much stress is experienced determines the consequences. Everyone knows the classic tales of losing sleep over hard classes, not having enough time for leisure, and constantly struggling with grades. “I even got gray hairs, bags, and dark circles [from taking AP classes],” said

the freshman. “I wish I had prepared more to take these [AP] classes.” Simply knowing what’s ahead will be the greatest advantage in taking an AP course. Purchasing review books, organizing study groups, or planning out daily schedules ahead of time are all ways to prepare for AP classes. As Confucius said, “when it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” All students should be striving for academic excellence, and it’s simply crucial that they make informed decisions when registering for classes. A lowered GPA is just one of the many possible consequences of irresponsibly signing up for a class. Carefully planning out a class schedule is one of the most crucial things to do in order to succeed in high school. There is no reason why anyone should ever sign up for difficult classes without first knowing what they’re getting themselves into.

Rebecca Nara Namrata Gadela

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Freshmen feel pressured into a difficult courseload of AP classes

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May 30, 2014

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Alistair Tang, Thomas Doty, Sean Sabeti-Oseid

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Safanov, Phoebe Ke, Joe Janey, Thomas Sletten, Nicole Wahlin, Tristan Aschittino, Molly Hancuh

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

cartoon by Michaela Morse

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. The editors of the Viewer welcome and encourage the publication of all viewpoints. Correction from the 5/9/14 issue: Quotes from “Who am I?” spread article were misattributed to David Moline, 11, rather than Alex Moline, a 2013 graduate. The online version was corrected.

editorials Student E-Cigs ignite firestorm of controversy VIEWS May 30, 2014

alternative to tobacco as well as a way to wean addicts off real cigarettes. When used as a substitute to help a smoker quit, there don’t seem to be any real drawbacks. Even though there has not been convincing evidence that suggests they are an effective way to quit smoking, e-cigarettes have fewer detrimental effects than actual cigarettes in myriad ways. There are nine known harmful carcinogens in e-cigs, compared to over 70 in normal cigarettes. Secondhand vapor from e-cigs contains some traces of nicotine, but a study done by scientists at the Department of Health Behavior concludes that the secondhand effects of vapor are much less harmful than that of secondhand smoke. The idea of e-cigs being a “gateway” into actual smoking is just that - only an idea.

by Clara Wang editorials editor Vape pipes. Hookah pens. Different names for the same game: Electronic cigarettes. This controversial fad was recently in the limelight with the passing of Minnesota Senate legislation. While e-cigs should not be promoted, the fact is that they do not directly increase tobacco use, and there is no reason to treat them as such. Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated nicotine inhalers that consist of a rechargeable battery, a cartridge, and an LED that lights up at the end when puffing to simulate the burn of a real cigarette. First patented by American scientist Herbert A. Gilbert, the concept was commercialized in China in 2003 and soon spread to Europe and the Americas, advertised both as a safer

Studies that claim to prove this theory tend to have conflicting evidence. Researchers at the University of San Diego found teens who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to become addicted to actual cigarettes, but since it examined two separate data pools of teens rather than tracking the same people for two years this may be more of an overlap than a causation. E-cig users were much more likely to have started smoking previous to using e-cigs, signifying that e-cigs are viewed more as a way to quit regular smoking, or as a healthier alternative. It seems as though the market for e-cigs and actual cigarettes are quite different, and while e-cig use is increasing among the youth, they don’t directly lead to smoking real cigarettes. Vaping is a phenomenon by itself, not a gateway into tobacco

cigarettes, although usage often overlaps. So with e-cig use doubling among middle and high schoolers, what should America do? Currently only e-cigs that claim therapeutic purposes like mood regulation or other health benefits are regulated by the FDA, but that will most likely change in the future as the phenomenon is growing too fast for the government to ignore. E-cigs are not a proven way to effectively quit normal smoking, and they transmit concentrated doses of highly addictive nicotine. However, they should not be demonized, as they are still a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes should be dealt with like any other controversial product - by recognizing all the benefits as well as the drawbacks.

“ I don’t think they’re a gateway.” -Julie Sherman, 11

“ I think it’s cool that you can get away with smoking it in public places.” -Adam Birkenstock, 12 photos by Eva Hoffman

I pledge allegiance to... the school dress code by Josh Yuan editorials editor

SATIRE

The dress code is to a school as the Constitution is to the United States. It is without a doubt the most sacred and meaningful set of rules in any school. Knowing the importance of following regulations, most students tape a printed copy of the school dress code in their closets to constantly remind them of certain clothing not to be worn. In fact, it is not unusual for students to wake up in the morning and recite the dress code policy before choosing their outfits for the day. According to the official dress code of Mounds View High School, it is used to “create an environment conducive to learning and reflects attire appropriate for an educational setting.” This is why most days, you see students wearing long skirts, sleeved shirts and shorts meeting the fingertip rule. Since high school students

are proven to be in the stage of life with non-expressive and nonrebellious characteristics, most are easily controlled by policies set by superiors. Disobeying and having a non-caring attitude towards it is almost unheard of. But for small amount of students who feel the thrill of rebelling, the results can be fatal. It may include death stares here and there by school teachers and advisers, but the more common penalty would be the act of being overlooked and ignored. Just two weeks ago, a ninth grader revealed a quarter of a centimeter of her spaghetti strap and received the sentence of being glared at by her teachers in each of her classes. Another time, a senior was caught sagging his pants too much. Because of his seniority, he received a much harsher punishment of avoiding eye contact from his adviser for the

entire day. Perhaps these students are being paranoid. It’s possible no one noticed their violations at all, and they were merely being ignored. But with such a specific and strongly worded dress code, that’s inconceivable. Through the establishment of dress codes, it is a proven fact that a strong progress towards completely excluding “inappropriate clothing” from schools is in effect. The results not only prove the legitimacy of certain school policies, but also creates a better learning environment that produces a brighter and more hopeful future for students.

Students pose with their favorite dress code violations 1. Shorts not covering upper thighs 2. Clothing not covering midriffs and upper thighs 3. Showing of spaghetti straps 4. Clothing not covering chest and upper thighs

4 photos by Eva Hoffman

Editor opinions What your Viewer editors think of various issues.

“Sad to see the ‘Apline’ ski team didn’t make it in the yearbook this year.” - Ryan Yoch staff reporter

“Though it’s nice to see that ‘Varoon Magdalin’ got in.” - Alistair Tang online managing editor

“I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, SASHA.” -Phoebe Ke editor-in-chief, ‘13-14

“Don’t worry, I’ll always be in your heart.” -Sasha Safonov managing editor, ‘13-14

4features

May 30, 2014

photos by Christine Kao

Pursuing his passion Varun Mangalick turned his natural curiosity into medals by Phoebe Ke ‘13-’14 editor-in-chief On warm summer days of childhood, many of us ran around carefree, playing with neighborhood friends and watching TV. In Varun Mangalick’s spare time, he took alligator clips, salt solution, a penny and a nickel and tried to electroplate a nickel to make it copper-colored. Ever since Mangalick was young, he had a fascination with how things worked. Now a junior in high school, he has become a successful student with focus and drive through Science Olympiad, Math Team, and Biology Olympiad. When he entered high school, he joined Science Olympiad and Math Team because he enjoyed their objectives. “It was more the idea of being able to pick something and study so in-depth and learn so much about a specific field that really attracted me,” he said. In the two clubs, he quickly proved his capability and was placed on both varsity teams.

On Science Olympiad, he has participated in numerous events. When he first started, he had a goal in mind—to earn a medal in the National competition, which he achieved this year. Mangalick has been on math teams since elementary school. This year, Mangalick was ranked in the top three in the state. His impressive ability earned him an invitation to compete at the American Regions Mathematics League. Even with many activities on his plate, Mangalick felt there was more he could participate in, so he joined the USA Biology Olympiad. This year, he made it past the first two tiers and is joining 19 other students at the National Finals. To prepare, Mangalick read the Campbell’s AP Biology textbook half a dozen times along with taking old test. “I think on average I studied six to eight hours a day for bio.” For all of his activities, Mangalick’s passion for them gives him the drive to excel. “If you’re not

crazy about this, you’re going to be out-competed by someone who is,” he said. “The stuff that you can just sit there and read, or study, or work on, or build, or tinker with for hours on end and just love it—that’s what you should be doing. That’s what you should be successful in.” His inherent nature propels him and he hopes it’s the same for others. “If you love to sing, by all means sing. If you love to dance, by all means dance. I feel like people need to focus more on trying things and figuring out what they love.” Mangalick has found things he loves and pursues them to lead to his future. He said, “Obviously, I’m not going to be taking biology tests or math tests as a job when I’m older, but I learned a lot of cool stuff, and the fact that I put in the time and dedication helps open doors to something that could lead me to what I do want to do in the future.”

‘Just one point, please!’ Students close to grade cutoff scramble for a few extra points by Kyoka Millard managing editor of design As the end of the year comes closer, the pressure of final grades hits home. Although a mediocre score on a test may not have been a big deal before, that bad grade could now mean the difference between an A and an A minus. Many students believe that one test or assignment’s ability to bring down their grade means that their final grade may not be an accurate representation of the work they put into a class. Jordan Nustad, 11, experienced this frustration about grades during her sophomore year. “I was four points away from the next letter grade,” said Nustad. When Nustad asked her teacher if there was any other work she could do for those extra points, their response was no. Though Nustad’s primary motivation for rounding up grades was her GPA, she also adds that, “I wouldn’t ask if I felt I hadn’t earned the grade!” Students, however, are not the only

ones affected by the end-of-the-year rush to bring up grades. English teacher Gretchen Nesset has seen the frequency of students asking for raises increase in the 14 years she has taught at Mounds View. Unless there is a special circumstance, she does not round up grades. Nesset believes that the increase in the number of students asking for a raise has complex origins. As the job market has become ever more selective, students have begun to feel the pressure of building a strong college resume earlier and to a stronger degree. “Everything has become so much more competitive,” says Nesset. “Kids used to think, they just didn’t sweat an A minus, it wasn’t a big deal, but now we’ve got so many kids. It’s not about having a 4.0 anymore; it’s about having a 4.25.” Chemistry teacher Graham Wright also agrees that the new competitiveness in the job and college market has led to the scramble for extra points. “I know from talking to other teachers that there has been an

increase,” said Wright. Although Wright says that he only has a small number of students approach him about being on the grade cutoff, he also says he is willing to help those who are a few points away from the next grade. “If any student has lived up to their end of the bargain,” says Wright, “then I say if I’m building my side of the bridge and they’re building their side of the bridge and if we can meet in the center some how, I always consider it… There are ways that we can take a look at assignments and I’m very clinical about it.” Nustad also believes that working with students who are on the grade cutoff is not a harmful measure. “I think that as long as the student is close to the next grade, it is fine to round grades,” says Nustad. However, though rounding up grades does not appear to significantly decrease the work ethic of students, some worry that the obsession with getting past the grade cutoff reflects the changing attitudes regarding education’s

focus. “I think my one thing is that I really admire the students who are here to learn because they want to learn,” says Nesset. “And they are getting to be a small group over the students who are here to get an A and they don’t care if they learn anything as long as they get an A, and that makes me sad.” The effect of one’s grade may indeed be crucial to a student’s future. Though teachers may be selective in which situations an increase is given, teachers believe that students can take away a lot from accepting the grade they have. Despite the weight of a GPA, many believe that there are other things more significant than a 4.0. “GPA is important to students,” says Wright. “But you don’t spend your entire life in high school, and one day you’ll look back and you’ll realize that your GPA is not written on your tombstone.”

features

May 30, 2014

cartoon by Michaela Morse

Fun plunge turns perilous by Nina Bertelsen business manager Minnesotans love to brag about their ability to endure freezing cold temperatures. We love to defy Mother Nature and will take every opportunity to prove our immunity to her cold fury, which is why the Cold Water Challenge (CWC) has quickly become the latest trend among teenagers. The CWC is a freezing new twist to charity. Started on social media, participants jump into a body of cold water and nominate friends to do the same. For each person they nominate who completes the challenge, they must donate money to a charity of their choice. If the nominee fails, he must donate to a charity. But what started out as a fun way for people to get involved in charities has, in some cases, taken a deadly turn. Davis Colley, a 16-year-old from Saint Paul Central High School, drowned in Eagle Lake on May 10. Another young man from Michigan fractured his neck and is now paralyzed after completing his jump. The extremes that some participants have gone to defies reason. A 19-year-old from Coon Rapids and his friend now face charges of disorderly conduct after jumping off the 610 bridge into the Mississippi. Spectators were alarmed when the young man jumped, and agencies including different Fire Departments, the DNR, and State Patrol helicopters were called for an extensive manhunt. What the authorities didn’t know was that the young man had

quickly swum to shore and dried off, unharmed. It wasn’t until they found his CWC video posted on Youtube that the search was called off. Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek chastised the thrill seeker for his careless behavior. “This individual engaged in risky behavior that put both his life and the lives of first responders in jeopardy. I strongly advise against participating in attentionseeking stunts that waste valuable resources,” he told KARE- TV. Stanek wasn’t the only one with an opinion on CWC turned reckless. “If you’re going to that length for the CWC then it’s just being stupid,” said Erica Shrader, 12. “I just did it in a lake, [and] everyone I know just did it in a lake. There are completely legal actions that aren’t going to kill you… It’s something that really isn’t dangerous that people are just taking to extremes.” Common sense is a phrase that Shrader emphasized about the safety of this challenge. Jumping into a lake with your friends is a fun way to get involved in charity, but jumping into the freezing cold waters of the raging Mississippi is too far. “The fad of ‘death and destruction’ … should never be a fad. People have died doing stupid stuff for this,” said Harris Deno, 12. For those that survived this challenge and haven’t been charged with a crime, the charitable aspect was often forgotten. Madeline Bratager, 12, was one of the first to realize her mistake. “After I posted my video on Facebook, my sister saw it. She’s a sophomore at Madison. She sent me a

A New Poet Laureate

The prize for winning is a $25 Barnes by Nicole Wahlin & Noble gift card and their name on a features editor, ‘13 -’14 plaque outside the library. The poems Imagine your English teacher are judged by other English teachers standing on a table in the library, based on the range of topics, emotions, reciting poetry for all to hear. In the and maturity level of the poems. Each 1970s, that is what one could see. year, around 10 to 20 contestants English teacher Franklin E. Brainard participate in this was one of the few event. people who did this. This year’s He loved literature winner is Matthew and poetry dearly, and Voges, 12. Voges has wanted the whole world been writing poetry to know it, too. since freshman year, Brainard was and he also runs The a well-known and Jaw. respected poet who “The only way had a book of poetry to get better at poetry published. When he died is to practice and in 1976 from severe write them. You also cancer, the Language need to read a lot Arts department got in order to get the together and raised rhythm of poetry funds to form a poetry photo by Eva Hoffman and for inspiration competition in his ideas,” said Voges. Matt Voges, 12, scribbles memory. He has many sources of The money raised ideas for his next poem. inspiration, including by the original language women, dreams, art, and arts teachers lasted until this year. To feelings. raise money for this year’s competition, “Women are indispensable in Shawn Burback and Mary Carney, the poetic process. Sometimes I have both language arts teachers who are a muse, other times I just go off of in charge of the competition, asked feelings or dreams. Spontaneity is Student Council to pledge to sponsor important,” said Voges. He also writes the competition for the next five years. prose along with his poetry. “Prose gets To join the senior-only thoughts out and lets me be creative,” competition, students must submit said Voges. three self-written poems electronically.

slightly angry text about how I did it wrong and how everyone at Mounds View didn’t know how to do it,” said Bratager. Like most Mounds View students, Bratager thought that it was only if you didn’t jump that you had to donate money to a charity. After realizing her mistake, Bratager posted a correction and donated on behalf of each person she nominated. “[My sister] sent me a link to the original fundraiser and rules. I felt really stupid for not taking the time to look it up and just copying the rest of the Mounds View population,” said Bratager. Instead of being a tool for charity, the CWC became a way for students to “torture” their friends. Many students forgot to donate to charity entirely, having instead the penalty of owing the one nominating them Chipotle if they failed to complete the challenge. “It got kinda miscommunicated over the source of social media,” said Shrader. “It’s become a thing: ‘do it or you have to donate.’ It was a good idea for charity that turned into a fun thing, but either way I don’t think it’s a bad thing.” At the heart of this fad is good intentions. “If people did it right, it was a pretty darn good scam charities had going,” said Deno. As the Colley family and others deal with the serious repercussions of good intentions gone wrong, others have successfully conquered this “challenge.” If one remembers common sense, the CWC is a great way to get people involved in supporting local charitable organizations.

Poem for a Girl part 3

Just above the popular proposition On the bookshelf, Between transgression and the avant-garde There stands the eternally disregarded; Beyond esoteric, neither known nor taught, That extinction between the missing links The inversion of pure sublimity, The death inseparable from imagination – Here my dream begins. Concrete walls, texture-less, Not smooth, but boxed in the leaping Pagan tongues of the boiler-fires And the pagan’s partial revelation Lost in the perpetual turn of molten iron into steel. The congregation defying, sin for sin, The hellish forgery at the heart of the world: They are a people of concealed deformity Pale green beneath dust-covered robes, Masking violence with wretchedness, Rusted knives, chivs of broken bone Chattering like rats, Crowding the factory floor. I am somewhere milling among them When, among the flotsam of pestilence A supple element reveals herself. And they set upon her like ants on a mound Piercing her with tiny blades; she feels them And, writhing in a swaddled infant bundle Her beauty and her objectivity…

And all I know is she must be removed from peril. Then a lapse and we are separated. I know but her name and a shadow Of a shadow of what may have been beauty. I know I have saved her, but I know not how. I know that I stabbed and was stabbed More times than can be known That to bare a wound is nothing But carrying her involved an intimacy Anomalous only in how very much I loved her: Something between the ignition and the catching of the spark A little idea in a great pulsing world She stood, stands, and shall forever stand For what stains are left on the walls as the ball hits, repeatedly Pulsing, painting, forming the continuity of time. And she was the weight of all that is towards being And just like that, fading back into iron, iron ore Molten iron ore pulsing at the heart of the world Trying only to grasp at itself and its beauty. by Matthew Voges

A distorted ide

Teens struggle to live up to the perfect body image

Media misleads the masses by Neha Sethi spread editor ‘13-’14 We live in a world dictated by media, and we have no control over the messages thrown at us by these multimillion dollar companies. They tell us what we should look like to be socially acceptable, and the word is spreading fast. This message is creeping into social media, propelled by the desperate want to be tall and skinny. Recently, the hashtag “#thinspiration” has been trending across various social media platforms. Messages like “Hungry to bed, hungry to rise makes a girl a smaller size” and “Greasy fries or skinny thighs” are coupled with pictures of before and after weight loss. Photos of gaunt thighs and bony ribs are posted everywhere by average users, propelling the craze to be skinny. The idea of being skinny to be attractive has spiraled out of control among teens. According to Health Research Funding, 42 percent of girls in first through third grade want to be skinnier, and 81 percent of 10-year olds are afraid of being

fat. These people are influenced by the stick skinny celebrities pasted all over the media. 80 percent of women say that the images of women in television, movies, advertising, and fashion magazines make them feel insecure. The hype over maintaining a socially acceptable body has consumed the thoughts of males and females everywhere. According to a study done in Fiji, the previously nonexistent eating disorders spread among women after shows like Beverly Hills, 90210, and Melrose Place were introduced. In South Pacific culture, a pleasantly plump and rounded body is a sign of health, and “skinny legs” was considered an insult. The images of skinny women prompted the change in these girls’ heads. Males are also being bombarded with an increasing amount of images of “socially acceptable” men, similar to ones that once mainly affected how women perceived acceptable body image. Images of buff men lead males to focus more on their body images. Males make up 10% of all eating disorder cases, and the

American Journal of Psychology noted that men with eating disorders exhibit similar psychological symptoms as women with eating disorders. Males are also inadvertently encouraged to take steroids to become as muscular as the men they see in the media. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, five to 12 percent of male high schools students have used anabolic steroids by the time they are seniors. As images of attractive models fill every advertisement and television show, males and females are feeling the need to change what they see when they look in the mirror. Eating disorders and other ways to lose weight are becoming more prominent on social media. Big media companies are able to showcase unrealistically goodlooking models at the expense of healthy body images of males and females everywhere.

This is body text. The type is 10 point Times New Roman with 11 point leading. The paragraph has a first-line indent of 0.25 inches. The paragraph is set up flush left.

photo by Michaela Morse

Airbrushed photo of student Hannah Rauch, 9, shows the surprising ease of airbrush technology using Adobe Photoshop.

Barbie

eal photo by Rebecca Nara

Measuring up to Barbie If Barbie was a real person, her impossible physical proportions would cause her many problems. Barbie would be missing vital organs such as

• • • • • • • • • • •

the liver and parts of the small intestine because her waist size is 6 inches smaller than her head size. Also, due to her small wrists and ankles, she

would not be able to do any heavy lifting. Finally, because of her tiny feet and ankles, Barbie would walk around on all fours.

Average Woman

Head - 22’’ Neck - 9’’ Bust - 32’’ Biceps - 7’’ Forearms - 6’’ Wrist - 3.5’’ Waist - 16’’ Hips - 29’’ Thigh - 16’’ Calf - 11’’ Ankle - 6’’

photo courtesy of www.gmklogos.com

• • • • • • • • • • •

Head - 21-22’’ Neck - 12-13’’ Bust - 35-36’’ Biceps - 10-11’’ Forearms- 9-10’’ Wrist - 6-7’’ Waist - 32-34’’ Hips - 37-38’’ Thigh - 21-22’’ Calf - 14-15’’ Ankle - 8-9’’

information from www.dailymail.co.uk

The gap between expectation and reality

Average Woman

by Katrina Renacia features editor From exercising regularly, to controlling their food intake, to adopting unhealthy habits, teenagers will do just about anything to get the perfect body. For the past 25 years, teenage girls have been obsessing over several body-image related issues such as weight, measure of the waistline, body curves, collarbones and even cheekbones. The thigh gap craze, the obsession with having a space in between one’s thighs when standing with feet together, is yet another example of the many teen issues. Having such a gap has become a status symbol of being fit and skinny. What most women don’t know is that not everyone

is built to have a thigh gap. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, a thigh gap is mainly dependent on bone structure, and not because of skinniness or being “fit.” Some other factors that contribute to having a thigh gap are ethnicity, genetics, and pelvic size. Although the thigh gap craze is not a completely new issue, it has been amplified to a different level by the use of social media and its influence on teenagers. “A lot of it has something to do with what you see on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and basically any other social media site out there,” said Asme Segai, 12. “They all show popular people or celebrities with sometimes unrealistic body weight or size goals, and that’s what inspires teens to

be very thin because they think that is what society values more.” Social sites have always been the avenue for people to become inspired to have a thigh gap. These sites have trending images of young, skinny models and thigh gap hashtags everywhere. Other posts even go as far as advertising “Ten Tips to Having a Thigh Gap.” All of these posts have added to the pressure and the burden of teens wanting to be thin. “I think there’s such a big pressure for teenagers and really anyone to be fit, skinny, attractive... and sadly this idea of the ‘thigh gap’ is a way to visually categorize people very clearly into the ‘fit’ category or the ‘not fit’ category,” said Language Arts teacher Allyson Manns.

8 variety

May 30, 2014

Summertime

and the Museum is easy Showtime at the Schubert Club

cartoon by Michaela Morse

For those who want to keep their brains in shape while still enjoying themselves this summer, museums offer an option to learn something on your own time. Here are three museums we think are worth your while:

Ringing a Bell for Natural History

by Namrata Gadela spread editor

An old building covered in bright green ivy is the perfect setting for the Bell Museum of Natural History. A woodsy atmosphere with wolves sculptures and tall trees transports one back in time to experience diverse animal and plant life. Bell Museum is a gateway that brings people closer to the natural world. Audubon and the Art of Birds, the current traveling exhibit, is sure to delight. Intricate engravings made by James Audubon are showcased at this exhibit, which traces back the importance of birds from the Renaissance period. The engravings are unique and hand-colored with vivid details. Along with the engravings, there are paintings made by other artists of birds. People will be surprised by the realistic quality of the paintings, which almost resemble photographs. Audubon and the Art of Birds is open until June 8.

Visitors can also see ongoing dioramas of animals. From swans to moose to caribou, the dioramas show a life-like image of the animals. Another popular exhibit is the Touch and See Discovery Room. The room includes a hands-on experience for people to explore fossils and mammoth tusks. The Exploradome is an immersive planetarium offering visitors a chance to enjoy the wonders of space. Set in a small room, people sit on carpet and are taken through a presentation about various space topics. “Are We There Yet” explores humans journey into space, from ancient times to the Space Race. Exploradome shows offer fascinating information and are only $4 for students and $6 for adults. The Bell Museum of Natural History is a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon for only $4 for students and $6 for adults. A parking garage is also located conveniently near the museum at the corner of University Ave and 17th Ave SE.

photo by Namrata Gadela

Symbolic of the museum’s emphasis on nature is the giant moose statue in front of the ivy-covered entrance.

comparative recordings. The museum also has a collection of letters by famous musicians, which provide Located on the Landmark Center’s second some insight into their thoughts and creative floor, the Schubert Club Museum is a veritable process. Arguably more interesting is the information it treasure trove of provides about the musical history. Indonesian music Containing of Gamelan. all kinds of Mostly made up information of percussive on classic metal instruments instruments, like gongs and Schubert the glockenspiels, evolution of this ancient art music-makers form isn’t wellthrough known today— interactive which makes exhibits that are the opportunity definitely worth a look. photo by Aaron Adams to play their Upon This piano was used by Franz Liszt. The plaque reads expansive collection of entering the in his handwriting: “I confess to having played wrong instruments all the museum, one’s notes and scribbled wretched music on this charming more enthralling. attention is Last but grabbed by a instrument.” certainly not least, musical tornado. the museum has an entirely interactive wing, This artistic conglomeration of all sorts of for visitors to design their own instruments. instruments looks more like something out With strange sculptures made from discarded of the MIA than something from a classical instruments, it’s easy to be inspired to create instrument museum. There’s also the chance the next great instrument. They also have to play on the only public piano in the a tech demo that allows people to compose museum—used by both museum patrons and music by placing dots on a screen. It’s fun to high-class musicians. try to recreate your favorite pieces, or try to The main feature of the museum is its create some musical gibberish of your own. exhibit on the evolution of the piano. Starting The Schubert Club Museum is a at the harpsichord and going to the present day, the exhibit details inventions like the tone wonderful way to spend a few hours learning about humanity’s musical past. Admission is -altering and volume-altering foot pedal. It also allows people to hear how each evolution free, so there’s no excuse not to give it a try! of the piano changed its sound by providing by Aaron Adams variety editor

Shocking Business at the Bakken

humanity has used electricity to achieve its ends, often in ways far exceeding what we think of as modern technology. As an example, they When it comes to anything and everything have an old electromagnet that was used to pull electric, the Bakken museum is the place to shrapnel out of peoples’ eyes. be. With only a meager five dollars between Additionally, the museum has a section that potential visitors shows some of the lesserand the wonders known abilities of magnets. inside, its For example, they have an combination of old TV whose colors can the informative, be manipulated by holding the interactive, a magnet over the screen. and the The coolest thing breathtaking is at the Bakken is its nothing to miss. Frankenstein’s Laboratory The Bakken’s presentation. This twelvemain exhibit is minute show teaches titled “The Spark audiences about Mary of Life,” and is Shelley, the author of a walk through Frankenstein, summarizes the history of the plot of the book, electricity. From photo by Aaron Adams the life of the monster, references in and scares the pants off Biblical passages The Laboratory of Dr. Frankenstein. What the audience with what the to diagrams on how horrors await inside are not to be captured on Bakken refers to only as “a modern generators film. scary surprise.” work, the exhibit The Bakken is a prime shows how humanity’s understanding has example of an overlooked gem. Too few changed over time. Included in the exhibit are people know about this expansive collection of quotes by famous historical figures, showing anything and everything electrical. Come for the how far things had come when they were alive. shock factor, stay because you’re paralyzed— The museum shows the many ways the Bakken is one place you don’t want to miss. by Aaron Adams variety editor

May 30, 2014

Up-and-Coming Artists of the 0 1 / 5 . 7

photo courtesy of wqhs

Summer

Disclosure by Nina Bertelsen business manager Disclosure may be new to the US, but they have turned out hits in British underground dance clubs since 2010. Since releasing their first single, “Offline Dexterity,” DJ brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence have been credited with the resurgence of dance music in the US. Disclosure’s tracks carry uptempo beats and undertone reminiscent of funk that makes you want to move your hips. Guy, former member of a “super-indie cross” band, introduced his brother to electronic dance music after he began to exploring clubs at the age of 18 . Howard admits

he never liked dance music. “When I was younger I just thought dance music was all [crap]... Even now that I like it, I don’t really like crowds… I love the music in the clubs we play, I just don’t necessarily love the people,” admitted Howard in an interview with The Guardian. After completing sold-out tours in the US and UK, featuring the likes of Aluna Francis and Eliza Doolittle on their mixes, and closing for the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Coachella Music Festival, this relatively unknown duo have begun to gain traction on US radio airspace. Disclosure is sure be one summer’s hottest bands, bringing a high energy beat to the mainstream.

10/10

Arctic Monkeys by Emma Blume reviews editor Arctic Monkeys can only be defined as the musical love child of The Strokes and The Clash; combining the classic teenage rebel-rock of The Clash with The Strokes’ edgy English punk. The Arctic Monkeys are an English indie rock band formed in a small suburb of Sheffield in 2002. The band’s debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not became the fastest selling album in British music history. The band consists of frontman Alex Turner, lead guitar Jamie Cook, drummer Matt Helders and Nick O’Malley on bass. Most of the band met as teenag-

9/10

ers in Sheffield and started when Turner and Cook received guitars for Christmas in 2001. The width of their musical abilities is shown through the individuality of each album. Their 2009 album Humbug is characterized by a darker vintagey feel with songs like “Crying Lightning” and “Dangerous Animals.” At the same time their newest 2013 album release AM stays true to the classic rock of their first while also maturing their sound with tracks like “R U Mine?” and “Knee Socks.” Throughout the years the Arctic Monkeys have become pioneers of a truly original engaging sound, combining old styles with their own to create a new kind of rock and roll.

photo courtesy of prefixmag

The Neighborhood by Thomas Doty multimedia manager

photo courtesy of everythingwehear

reviews

One of rock’s hottest emerging acts right now is The Neighbourhood, (stylized as “The NBHD”). A five-piece alternative band hailing from southern California, they have recently made their rise to fame with their hit single “Sweater Weather” playing on radio waves all over the country. The song appears on their debut album I Love You, released in April 2013. The Neighbourhood describe their music as “dark pop” which is made up of moody alternative rock and some minor hip-hop influence. This fusion of genres works extremely well and adds a lot to the tunes. Interesting guitar sounds and lots of emotion put into their each and every one of their songs give the album a unique, dark tone.

One of the unique things about the band is that all of their imagery is in black and white. This includes their album artwork, music videos, and even all of their television appearances. It is the perfect look as it conveys the feelings of their music. Keep an eye on The Neighbourhood, as they continue to become an even bigger name in the alternative music scene.

Atmosphere by Tristan Aschittino editorials editor, ‘13-’14 It is very difficult to review art in a way that accurately reflects what it means to the artist. Personal opinions become less relevant. Slug, the emcee of Atmosphere is an artist, which is a rarity among mainstream musicians. Most popular musicians are entertainers, but Slug is something special. In his 2014 album, Southsiders, he conveys deep sentiments with fascinating lyrical patterns. Songs like “Camera Thief” are abstract paintings with witty and impossibly entertaining added commentary provided by Slug’s flow of consciousness. “The World Might Not Live Through the Night”

depicts modern decadence and seems to have arrived at Epicurean philosophy independent from the ancient Greek philosopher. Atmosphere’s many past albums like When Life Gives You Lemons, You paint that sh*t Gold featured Slug’s unconquerable ego that made him as powerful a rapper as he was. In Southsiders, Slug’s maturity and wisdom checks his ego. He gets deeper, but the realness of his past albums is not overshadowed. Atmosphere’s most recent album is an intelligent and necessary addition to a rich repertoire of fantastic albums.

10/10

photos courtesy of play.google and canstockphoto

10sports

May 30, 2014

The other side of sports Students work behind the scenes at local sports teams by Maddy Rosenow managing editor

team and also works for United. “They asked me if I could work, and I said yes.” It’s a beautiful night down at the Much like the relaxed application Blaine National Sports Center. The process, the hours are very relaxed. Minnesota United are just beginning The boys usually work only on game their warm ups, and some familiar nights, whenever the team is at home. faces are taking tickets and greeting “I usually work there once a the fans as they arrive to cheer on the week for about six hours or so,” said soccer club. DeGroot. Aaron Zerfas, 11, and Michael The team’s hours are very similar, DeGroot, 10, work as event staff for working about five hours on game the Minnesota United FC. The boys nights. However, sometimes there is take tickets as fans enter the stadium, a little more work to be done behind helping with any issues that may arise. the scenes. Occasionally, though, his Their roles may seem like just weeks can entail a little more work. another boring and stereotypical “I sometimes do grunt work for teenage job, but for them it may as well United so anywhere from five to 10 be their dream job. hours [a week],” said Zerfas. “I absolutely love the job!” said Whether or not the boys’ jobs DeGroot. “It’s such a nice job to have seem boring or tedious, they love their because I get to represent the MN photo courtesy of Minnesota United FC Jake Dingman, 11, mans the gong at a United game. job and everything that comes with it. United team which is an honor.” “I get to watch my favorite sport Not only is it enjoyable, but it’s DeGroot. relatively easy. Following Yoch’s and get paid for it at the same time. It a learning experience as well. Both The boys, and a majority of their recommendation, there was a very doesn’t get much better than that!” said boys play soccer, and working for a summer soccer team, got the job informal interview and application DeGroot. professional soccer team provides the opportunity from a team mom, Andrea process. In some cases, however, no boys with opportunities to learn from the Yoch. Yoch is the VP of Business interview or application was necessary. team. Development for the team, and put in a “There wasn’t an interview or “I get to improve my game of soccer good word for the boys. application process for me,” said Jake as well from watching the players,” said Getting the job for the team was Dingman, 11, who is on the boys soccer

Captains take command

by Persis Ke staff writer

Athletes shed light on a captain’s responsibility by Molly Hancuh sports editor, ‘13-’14 On a Saturday morning during the basketball season, girls basketball captains Megan Bethke, Olivia Fixsen, and Erika Johnson, all seniors, teach elementary-aged girls passing drills at a clinic hosted by the girls basketball team. The high school captains aim to help other athletes develop their skills in the sport. While captains design apparel and manage the team’s website or Facebook page, their main goals are mentoring and leadership. Leadership is the first characteristic Track and Field coach Ross Fleming looks for in his captains. However, his definition of leadership includes more than heading a team. “A leader has to know how to be lead,” he said. “The leader is a servant to his teammates. And the leader is a role model to his teammates.” Fleming also expects captains to reflect a positive image on the team and steer other athletes in the right direction, a belief many captains share. “I think as a captain, all the younger athletes look up to us, and I think if they see us work hard and behave ourselves and respect each other, then they will

emulate that pretty well,” said track captain Tony Moga, 12. For many captains, mentoring other athletes, especially those new to the team, is a priority. “A lot of [being a captain is] helping out the younger kids. If they have questions about cutting weight, or work, or where they have to be, you always gotta know what’s going on and know what to do,” said wrestling captain Vincent Belsito, 12. “Also in the room, you have to help them out with technique. If they have questions about a move, they can ask the [captains].” Most teams use social media to connect the athletes, and the captains post updates on practices and events. Captains serve as a bridge between athletes, coaches, and in some cases, the booster clubs. Track captain Eric Martin, 12, also a captain of the Economics Club, believes that short sports seasons and their rich histories make for less burdens on sports captains. “Econ is a year-long club with events during the whole school year... Track and Field is only held in the spring. I suppose I’ve probably done more as an Econ captain, due largely in part to the disparity in time spent as a captain,” he said.

sports

May 30, 2014

Kicking and scrumming

Rugby players love roughness of ‘gentleman’s game’ by Molly Hancuh sports editor, ‘13-’14 Nick Gedig walked into school sporting a fresh black eye, looking like he’d been in a fight. With a laugh, Gedig, 12, explained, “Rugby differs from other sports in its violence. It’s very brutal sometimes.” Commonly cited as one of the most aggressive and dangerous sports, rugby started to attract many Mounds View students. The growing sport appeals to students with its fast pace, exhilarating style of play, and laid back but respectful atmosphere both on and off pitch. Players from Mounds View join those from St. Paul Central and Irondale High School to play against clubs that contain mixtures of high schools ranging from Duluth to Robbinsdale to Wayzata. Rugby is played with two teams of 13 players attempting to kick or run the ball towards the other team’s goal line where they can ground the ball for a try, rugby’s four-

photo by Lily Sacay

Chris Wells ,12, and rugby team go through drills at practice. point version of a touchdown. While rugby is known for its aggressive tackles, only the person holding the ball may be hit by the opposing team. Tackling and being aggressive are highly stressed throughout the games and practices. “We spend a lot of time working on fundamentals like tackling,” said Kole Nelson, 12. Although aspects like

tackling and being tackled can be frightening, players enjoy the thrill of running head first into another unpadded player. “Most people are afraid that it’s dangerous, and they’re right, but that’s what makes it fun,” said Alvin Batiller, 9. “My favorite part about rugby is wrecking whoever tries to get past me.” One of the more thrilling parts of rugby is going up

New to the crew by Joe Janey online sports editor, ‘13-’14 “Row. Row. Row.” These words are bellowed above the deep river that makes up the battleground of the match. Mounds View students Bella Haake and Siri Nelson, both sophomores, have taken the road less traveled by heading to the water to quench their thirst for competition. Haake has been a member of the Minnesota Boat Club, located in St. Paul, since last April while Nelson joined this year. Haake initially got involved with the sport after her dad told her she could earn a college scholarship through competing. Nelson and Haake joined a rowing team, not only for the

opportunities, but also for the comradery between teammates. “I love how close the team is. We travel a lot, so we get to know each other very well,” said Haake. The club travels extensively because there are not enough teams in the Twin Cities. As a result, the club commonly finds itself competing in places as far as Thunder Bay, Ontario and Rockford, Illinois. Rowing is like any other sport: highly competitive, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. “Races are big events like track meets. Everyone has a different–or multiple–races they are in and they go on throughout the day. They can be one day or last a

couple days,” said Haake. A unique set of skills is required to excel. “The taller you are, the better. It’s better if you already have some athletic experience, and have good endurance. You should also have a good pain tolerance, because you’ll get lots of blisters and cuts from the oars,” said Nelson, 10. Despite the necessary skill set, Haake enjoys the different components of rowing. “To row you do need to be very strong, but most importantly willing to try again and again,” she said. “Rowing is hard to get the hang of and you can’t let failing scare you away.”

Bella Haake (far right), 10, and teammates row on the Mississippi River.

against the bigger players to see who “wants it” more, according to Batiller. “Rugby is scary and alien to most, but once you play it and learn the game, there is nothing more thrilling, surprisingly safe, and simply fun,” said Gedig. The sport is praised for its sportsmanlike conduct throughout the world. One of Gedig’s favorite parts of rugby

Athlete of the Issue

A: To enjoy the vault for the sake of the vault. Don’t worry about the numbers, the points, or the results. Q: What advice would you give to someone that is just starting or interested in starting pole vaulting? A: It’s going to be one of the most frustrating things you’ll ever do, even when you get good at it, so have patience. Fearlessness is also very beneficial, especially for beginners.

Wesley Lin Senior Track and Field Q: Why do you pole vault? A: I started because somebody told me in middle school that I should try it when I got to Mounds View. I was planning on joining track anyways... I can’t imagine doing any other event, and the feeling of flinging yourself eleven, twelve, thirteen feet in the air is exhilarating.

photo by Eva Hoffman

is the “gentleman overtones” during and after the game. “Everyone respects each other on the field by not swearing and...trash talking,” Gedig said. As rugby continues to grow, Mounds View hopes for a better turnout in years to come. “Our team this year is small and has a lot of new players,” said Nelson. But that hasn’t deterred any new players from joining and giving the sport a go. “Their [returning players] leadership is a great help especially to me, as this is my first year of rugby,” said Batiller. Individuals of all shapes and sizes are welcomed on the expanding rugby teams. Though the game may seem frightening and dangerous, many players find it to be exhilarating and a positive experience in their high school career. “I really encourage people of any grade level or athletic experience to join as soon as you can,” said Gedig.

Q: What are some safety measures that you have to keep in mind? A: Always wear your helmet, and always hold on to the pole if you know you’re not going to make it. The latter is a lesson I still need to learn… And don’t land on your feet. Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be and why? A: I always thought about how convenient it would be for time to stop whenever I fall asleep. That way, I can stay fully awake for all 24 hours of the day and Cartwright wouldn’t catch me dozing off in class.

Q: What is some of the best advice you’ve ever received? information compiled by Emily Ruan

12gallery

May 30, 2014

Doing well by doing good

by Sarah Dhols-Graf gallery editor With summer fast approaching, charities may start to see a rise in popularity. Volunteering provides a productive way to spend your break and, more importantly, it helps those in need within the community. Grace Pratt, 12, who volunteered last summer at a doctor’s office, used her free time to make a difference. “The summer gives me

a lot more flexibility with my schedule and allows me to spend more time volunteering, which is something that I really enjoy,” said Pratt. “It has helped me realize how fortunate I am, and it makes me grateful for everything I have.” Many students devote their vacations to volunteering at organizations and charities with the hope of polishing their college applications, and even using their experience to decide their future.

“Volunteering helped me discover my passion for medicine, so going into biology was a natural choice,” said Pratt. Above all, helping out during summer break offers a chance to make an impact on others. “You get to know that you influenced other peoples’ lives,” said Pratt. “It just feels good to make the world a better place.”

Carly Bandt, 12, has accumulated over 700 hours of volunteer work over the past four years with multiple organizations and clubs. While she originally began volunteering for college applications, she now sees the benefits from her experience in other ways as well. “Volunteering has connected me on a personal level with many individuals of diverse backgrounds, which has definitely expanded my perspective coming from the

suburb of Shoreview, which is pretty homogeneous in many ways,” said Bandt. “I have also learned valuable timemanagement and leadership skills through my experience with planning projects and mobilizing other volunteers amongst my other academic and athletic commitments.” Whether helping out kids in need, painting fences, or simply donating old clothes to a local charity, summer gives students the freedom to lend a helping hand to others.

photo courtesy of gradberry.com

photo by Hana Gulli

Clothes for a change by Sarah Dhols-Graf gallery editor When the school year comes to a close and the weather heats up, you know it’s time to break out your summer clothes. This year, you may want to consider alternative ways of building your warm-weather wardrobe. Plato’s Closet offers the opportunity to recycle your unwanted clothes as well as buy from a wide array of jeans, dresses, shoes, and more. All you have to do is bring in your discards, and Plato’s Closet will decide what they will buy from you while you browse the store. The buyer will then give an offer depending on the style, condition, brand, and current stock at that location. You don’t have to break the bank, either — Plato’s Closet has some of the cheapest prices around, with as much as 70 percent off original retail prices.

Megan Tomhave, 11, said, “I prefer Plato’s because it’s cheaper, yet it retains the quality of store brand clothing.” They ensure high standards of their selection through their strict criteria, so you can expect a quality assortment. Kelsey Wald, 11, experienced these guidelines firsthand. “When I tried to sell my clothes there, they would only accept one pair of jeans,” said Wald. “Even though they’re picky, when I looked around the store, their stock seemed really new and nice.” You’re sure to find a stylish pair of shorts or your new favorite sandals with all the options they have to choose from. “Their store is also ordered by both size and color, so it is easy to find exactly what you are looking for,” said Tomhave. Plato’s Closet is a great way to get the look you love without the price tag.