MV Viewer 2025-2026 Issue 4

The Viewer FALLING BIRTH RATES

Volume 73

News 02

Bennett arrest prompts school action

Issue 4

December 19, 2025

Website: mvviewer.org

Instagram: @mvviewer

Features 04

Good Question 09

Arts & Entertainment 10

Sports 11

Sending greetings with Letters of Love

What does the FDA do?

A wickedly wonderful sequel

Girls hockey starts strong

2 Bennett arrest prompts school action NEWS

THE VIEWER • MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

In the wake of alleged student-teacher misconduct, the administration finds ways to handle the fallout.

| Lale Akkin PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF n Nov. 10, former English teacher Ted Bennett was placed on administrative leave.

He was then arrested for allegedly having a sexual relationship with one of his students and charged with third- and fourth-degree criminal sexual assault. Bennett has a hearing date on Jan. 27, in which the court will determine if there is probable cause to continue proceedings, if the evidence collected is admissible and if any other relevant information should be disclosed to both the prosecution and defense. These hearings usually aim to speed up the trial or secure a plea deal.

Before Bennett was formally charged, Principal Rob Reetz sent out the school’s first message to students and families on Nov. 11, informing them of the arrest. In this email, he explained that the school was cooperating with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department during their investigation. After that, Reetz assured that the school prioritized student safety and well-being, reminding readers that student support staff are available. This email was sent out at 12:30 p.m., just minutes after Bennett was booked into the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center. “We wanted to make sure that our families heard about what was happening from us before they heard about it from the media,” said Reetz.

O

“In some cases, students had more information, whether it was accurate or not, they had more information than teachers did.”

Rob Reetz, principal

The next day, Reetz sent a follow-up email stating that Bennett was formally charged and had resigned his position in the school district. All communications, including this one, had many people working on it, including Colin Sokolowski, the district’s executive director of public communications.

A team of at least 12 reviewed each message to ensure that it conveyed all possible information clearly and legally. By that point, many students already had an idea of what happened from word of mouth and rumors and formed opinions of whether the allegations were

true or false, but the district could not share more details of the investigation, especially since the victim is a minor. “It’s that frustration of wanting to be clear,” Sokolowski said. “The difficulty there is then you have people reading that initial message and possibly saying ‘you know more than you’re saying and you’re not being clear.’ And the truth is, a lot of people want to know, but the question is: Do a lot of people need to know?”

“I think [I had] shock … I think grief and anger as well, just about the situation. … It really just was a gamut of emotions.”

Steve Morrissette, English teacher

Also on Nov. 12, Reetz asked third hour teachers to play a video of him to their class discussing the impact the situation has had on the community. In this video, Reetz also addressed the emergence of victim blaming from some students. “No student is at all responsible for what happened. The victim is not at all responsible for what happened. Saying or posting anything to the contrary only furthers the hurt and the harm already done,” Reetz said in the video. Administration’s goal was to help students understand that this is a sensitive topic for many people, including the victim, her friends, those who have lived through sexual abuse and others in the community. He encouraged students to talk about their concerns to their deans or in smaller groups.

Through the first days, administration was limited on how much they knew and how much they could share. They wanted to acknowledge to the community that they knew what was going on, but they could not share specific reasons for the arrest, and that included confirming or denying information circulating around the school.

“So even in the communication that you were seeing, we were having to be very careful that we didn’t reveal information that would otherwise be considered personal data or be data private,” Reetz said.

Teachers and staff were also not informed about much until Nov. 12 when they met as a staff. Until then, they only knew that their colleague was

on administrative leave. “What ended up happening is students found out much sooner than staff as to why the teacher was on leave,” Reetz said. “In some cases, students had more information, whether it was accurate or not, they had more information than teachers did.”

Bennett’s email was disabled, his nameplate was removed and his classroom was closed off with a sign redirecting students taking his classes to different locations around the school. Originally, the school closed the classroom because Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department was investigating the room, but when their investigation was over, some students said that they felt uncomfortable using the room again. Reetz says that they do not know how long it will be until they will use the room again: it could be second semester or even next year. “We have kicked around what we do to reclaim the space, and we’re just not there yet as a school in terms of how and when we’ll do that, but eventually, that will become a space that is reclaimed in as healthy a way as possible,” Reetz said.

With Bennett’s sudden absence, his students had no one to teach them. For the first few weeks, substitute teachers that kept changing filled in for his classes. Administration meant to have a permanent replacement by the time school resumed after Thanksgiving break on Dec. 1, but finding someone took longer than expected. At first, the school used multiple short-term substitutes to fill the role, but they later switched to long-term substitute teacher Jake Young, who is currently teaching Bennett’s classes. Reetz eventually hired Chippewa Middle School English teacher Brett Michel, who will begin teaching at Mounds View on Jan. 5, right as students return from winter break. Michel has been working in the district for 12 years and applied for the new job at Mounds View. Since Reetz used to be the principal of Chippewa Middle School, he already knows Michel well.

“I was interested in him because he knows our systems, he knows our kids, he coaches here, kids know him. He’s [a] high integrity, high honesty, high trustworthy individual as opposed to hiring someone that you don’t know,” Reetz said. “I spent a lot of time on the hire.”

Even with the substitute teachers and other English teachers grading and helping with coursework, students in Bennett’s classes have had a different classroom experience.

“It’s been kind of difficult with getting help with assignments.

I mean, there’s other teachers grading our work and stuff, but they aren’t able to be in here 24/7 for helping students if they have questions,” said senior Carlos Calzada.

After the news, the community felt many varied emotions including shock, hurt, grief, concern and anger. Mounds View administration is focusing on mental health and healing of the community. Not only are students encouraged to talk to student support staff, Mounds View is partnering with Ramsey County SOS (Sexual Offense Services) advocates to provide support. For example, on Dec. 2, some students participated in a facilitated small-group discussion led by one of the SOS advocates. Students can also talk to their deans for support.

Staff members were offered similar opportunities, including mental health professionals and time away from work. Teachers and staff were also hurt by the situation and felt betrayed by the alleged actions of their colleague, whether or not they knew him well. “I think [I had] shock … I think grief and anger as well, just about the situation. … It really just was a gamut of emotions,” said English teacher Steve Morrissette.

The school’s primary concern is currently focused on healing as a community and making sure everyone is OK, so specific changes in policy or security are not certain yet and have not been discussed broadly with staff. However, the discussion has started at higher levels. Some security changes will likely be funded by the capital projects levy passed in November. Reetz says they may add more cameras around the school, and they are considering implementing a key inventory in which they give teachers access only to necessary rooms.

This would not involve changing the locks because that would be too expensive. Staff have not been informed of this possible change yet. “We feel like we should have a better sense for who has what key and whether or not they need as much access as they do,” said Reetz.

Administration, along with Ramsey County SOS advocates, are teaching teachers and staff how to maintain a healthy boundary with students. The advocates led learning for staff on Dec. 11, and plan on leading one again on Jan. 27, 2026.

The school is also looking at adopting a single platform for communication between groups and activities. This plat-

What Can I do?

• Reach out to your dean or administrators if you have comments, concerns or ideas for the school about the situation.

•Support is there for you. If you are having problems with mental health, especially because of the incident, schedule a meeting with your dean or participate in a small group discussion led by an SOS advocate. They are here to help.

• If you have information relating to the criminal investigation, call the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department at 651-266-7331.

• For all future concerns or reports, talk to any trusted adult at the school.

Being that they are all mandated reporters, every teacher and staff member is obligated to report any suspicious behavior, whether or not it relates to student-teacher misconduct. form would not share personal contact information, and could be a way for coaches to communicate with athletes through text messages. The exchange of personal contact information is a boundary that the administration does not want crossed. The same goes for driving a student home, according to Reetz. If giving a student transportation is necessary, two adults must always be in the car.

Administrators also want to train staff to effectively respond to sensitive reports from students. All of these reports are investigated by the school, according to Reetz. If teachers are put on administrative leave for these reasons, it is more so to have the student feel comfortable talking during an investigation rather than the teacher being in trouble. Even if an investigation leads to nowhere, a student will not be penalized for reporting. All teachers and staff are mandated reporters, so students can report anything they find concerning to any adult at school whom they feel comfortable talking to.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Print Managing Editor Matthew Betti contributed to this article.

OPINION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025 • WWW.MVVIEWER.ORG

Feelings of hurt disrupt MVHS community

3

Word of Ted Bennett's alleged misconduct evokes emotions in many students.

of the school community and obviously negatively, but they that the staff and administration beyond. “This community is a started coping and people have have taken many effective mealot of trust, and there’s a lot of, different coping mechanisms, sures to handle the alleged mis[The adminin a way, connections between and I know people sometimes conduct and bridge the gap. “I istration] should not only the teachers here and cope by humor.” definitely think the staff are dodefinitely offer stronger the students here, but the famiing their best to give kids their support to us. There'd be lies and the parents outside,” voice and them to, like, talk more check-ins, too, maybe said senior Thomas Carigiet. about their issues and stuff. Be- reevaluate teachers on their [The school district restrictions on what they “And I feel like that because cause I really appreciate that,” is] doing the best they should be, how they should this whole situation, a lot of that Hruby said. can … This doesn’t haptrust has been broken. I feel like Students also benefit from talk to or handle those appropen every day … This is not opportunities given for sup- priate behaviors in the workthese connections are … just an everyday case … There’s port. “I think everything they place … Maybe also reinforce not really there anymore.” always going to be measures what is expected of a teacher, Carigiet is not the only where they should take, where can handle has gone pretty efmember of the MVHS commu- they could have done it better. fectively,” said sophomore Ray TA or just interacting with students in general. nity concerned by this breach But I think Mounds View-wise, Hatch. “If you’re just absolutein trust and bridging that gap ly affected by this, you can go they’re doing pretty good.

Savanah Hastreiter, between students and staff. “It’s to a group thing on Dec. 2 and sophomore really affected students … It’s talk about it with professionJosephine Herreid, made them more distrustful of als.” Even though this date has sophomore teachers. I think it’s made them already passed, Mounds View I was really distraught. more worried about, like, ‘how High School is still partnerIt, like, it didn’t feel real, do I know if this person has my ing with Ramsey County SOS this should also be something and obviously, I was really best interests in mind,” Schnarr (Sexual Offense Services) ad- we’re allowed to talk about bedisgusted. said.

Despite the possible under- vocates, and deans are still open cause it’s real life. This is a realWithout implicit trust be- lying reasoning Dutcher con- to talking to students to find life situation, but I think certain Fernanda Binervia, senior tween staff and students, the cisely outlined, that does not support systems when it comes people just don’t want to hear about it,” Herreid said. “I think foundation for student safety in negate the negative outcomes to student mental health. just being able to talk about it school falls apart; teachers and from denoting the seriousness openly … obviously not makstaff are often major support- of the topic. “I heard a lot of ing jokes about it … being able However, to those who ers of students, especially those victim-blaming around the I think that in this to talk to teachers about it, and knew Bennett or were in one who do not have other trusted student, and just blaming the issue, it’s been dealt with of his classes, the emotions student for getting involved in the best it can be … Principal being able to talk about it and have it be a safe space [would were often far stronger. “I felt that,” Schnarr said.

Reetz has dealt with it on a very bridge the Mounds View coman absolute horrendous feeling I also heard similar com- professional level … I think this I think a lot of people munity].” of dread and I was somehow ments to Schnarr, as have other is pretty much the best case are like, looking at teachers Even with specific sugges[complicit] in it, somehow,” scenario. now. They're like, ‘Was that, students. My best guess is that tions, the student body and the said senior Ben Schnarr, who like, in a nice way, or were they this victim-blaming came as a bonds between the people at was enrolled in Bennett’s Exform of students coping with Ben Schnarr, senior also being [weird]?’

Mounds View will need time to pressions class last spring. “But distressing information. For process and heal. Growth will over time, I’ve tried to move on their sense of safety to be conRay Hatch, sophomore find its place in time, and until from that and I think that, you served, they make themselves then, it is vital to find and utiknow, wasn’t my fault. Couldn’t think of this alleged case of Despite overall positive lize support systems rather than have stopped it, but I wanted to. sexual misconduct as some- feedback, there still exists room tear each other down through I felt pretty horrible.” adults to confide in when nec- thing that could never happen for improvement. Students sugharsh criticism and gossip.

“Evessary. To lose that dynamic to them. One of the main ways gest methods of moving foreryone’s trying to be [of] help. would mean losing a key aspect to preserve that sense ward in ways that of guidance for many. would be trying to may put students And I think that’s probably the I was kind of shocked Beyond the aspect of trust, find and point out the more at ease. “I think best way they can handle it,” about it. I didn’t think that maybe just opening Hruby said. I believe this statehe’d be a teacher like that. there was much gossip, rumors things they would up office hours more. ment’s accuracy is strengthened He was overall a nice teacher. and jokes being made around have done differently I was just kind of freaked out. the incident. “[The situation] or “better,” framing it Maybe having more, by the fact that this is Mounds has definitely [affected the as the alleged victim’s I guess, openness View’s first and hopefully last Carlos Calzada, senior MVHS community] negatively, fault. towards maybe stu- time navigating through such with the whole, maybe feeling But this is probdents’ mental health, a difficult situation of this sort, unsafe around teachers now. lematic; it draws lines if they are affected. and that, despite not every acBut it’s not a very good thing, to demonize someone And kind of just cre- tion being perfect, normalcy Teachers are meant to people making it into a meme, who is already allegedly victim- ate an environment from scratch will find its position in the comnaturally be figures of trust for almost like you see meme pages ized, when Bennett is allegedly again, where this is an environ- munity. students. However, that comes on TikTok,” Hruby said. the one responsible and the sole ment where you can trust your into question in many stuStudents may have reason the community feels this peers and teachers and people dents' minds when they hear of reasons behind making light of hurt. It does not help anyone. It to listen to you,” Carigiet said.

EDITOR’S NOTE: a teacher in their community the situation and Bennett’s al- only lets students temporarily Carigiet is not the only one Staff writers Ava Wagner breaking that trust to such a de- leged misconduct. “There was a put off the feeling that it really who looks for more of an open and Sam Aasen contribgree of alleged sexual miscon- lot [of talk], and practically any- could have happened to anyone, and safe environment to discuss uted to this article. duct. where I went, I heard it,” said and it draws the school commu- the situation. “I’ve seen a lot of Naturally, that breach has sophomore Skylar Dutcher, “I nity further apart. it be like … ‘we’re not allowed ripple effects throughout much think it’s just affecting students, Multiple students agree to talk about it,’ but I think that

“

| Jadyn Heath-Hlavacek DEBATES & OPINION EDITOR ver since former English teacher Ted Bennett's arrest, students, families and staff have been feeling a lot of emotions, with a consensus of disbelief, anger and sadness.

These feelings stretched far beyond those who knew Bennett or the alleged victim. “It’s pretty gross and disgusting that this happened … you don’t really think it’s going to happen at your school until it actually does happen. It’s a big shock,” said freshman Abigail Hruby.

E

“

“

”

”

“

“

“

”

”

”

”

THE VIEWER Published by journalism students of Mounds View High School.

1900 Lake Valentine Rd, Arden Hills, MN 55112 Email: mvhsviewer@gmail.com Printed by NorthStar Media Printing in Cambridge, MN

mvviewer.org

mission statement 1. To publish news, information and opinion articles for and about students, 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 page represent solely the opinions of the writers and do not represent in any way the viewpoint of the Viewer, our advertisers, Mounds View High School or its staff.

staff list

PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - Lale Akkin PRINT MANAGING EDITOR - Matthew Betti ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF - Sidharth Sharma ADVISOR - David Ostrom

section editors

NEWS - Joey McVean OPINION - Jadyn Heath-Hlavacek FEATURES - Gabrielle Skiba, Grayson Then SPREAD - Joey McVean, Grayson Then DEBATES - Jadyn Heath-Hlavacek GOOD QUESTION - Sean Oh REVIEWS - Gabrielle Skiba SPORTS - Sean Oh PUZZLES - Sidharth Sharma

reporters

Sam Aasen, Anas Abdulkader, Hanad Ali, Norse Anderson, Lilia Barrera, Aidan Beisang, Davin Bowlby, Leo Chen, Charlie Collins, Logan Corey, Aubrey Cummins, Logan Delahay, Shriyan Deshmukh, Jameson Durk, Erin Goareguer, Henry Hamilton, Anna Hayek, Keaton Howard, Brody Johnston, Curtis Lee, John Liu, Brady Peacock, Aliyah Rogers, Rue Royer, Kent Supena, Max Swanson, Vedant Vashishtha, Ava Wagner, Benjamin Wheat

4 FEATURES

THE VIEWER • MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Sending greetings with Letters of Love

| Erin Goareguer STAFF REPORTER essages like “You are awesome,” “Happy holidays” and “You are snow cool” may seem simple, but they could make all the difference in brightening the day for a sick kid. That’s the mission of Letters of Love, sending handmade letters to children hospitalized with serious illnesses to cheer them up with nice messages.

The goal of the club is to let the children know that they are supported in critical times.

“We want to brighten their day.

We want to make an impact in their life, [let them know] that they’re not alone and [make] them feel good about themselves,” said senior Annika Lee. Along with her, a lot of students come as National Honor Society members to complete their service hours knowing they are doing something important.

The founder and president of the national organization, Grace Berbig, from west Minneapolis, was inspired by her mother who left her letters all her childhood. At age ten, her mother was diagnosed with leukemia, a cancer in the blood, and Berbig held onto her letters and made many cards in return. In October 2018, she started Letters of Love, which now has 314 non-profit clubs all around the United States and

M

Letters of Love members at one of their ReFLECT meetings.

other countries, mostly in high schools and colleges.

Letters of Love began at Mounds View in 2022 by 2025 graduate Sophie Elton. Elton

“We want to brighten their day. We want to make an impact in their life, [let them know] that they’re not alone and [make] them feel good about themselves.”

Annika Lee, senior

was a student at Cretin-Derham Hall, and when she moved back to Mounds View, she noticed that they did not have Letters of Love and wanted to open a chapter.

Meeting during ReFLECT in the auditorium, this club is led by juniors Aubree Lang and Aliyah Rogers with twelve other students in the executive board. The club works by assigning people in the executive board different categories “We assign tasks on what we expect.

Each person has tasks. Me and Aliyah communicate with them what we expect and want them to do,” Lang said, “And then

PHOTO VIA Aliyah Rogers

with me and Aliyah, [we] kind of share tasks of what a president does.”

There are several moving parts to their group, all with the goal of bettering Letters of Love. “We have a marketing team, we have a public relations team, we have an outreach team…and a photography team,” said Lang. They also get in contact with other clubs to promote their mission. “Recently, we did a collab with the Red Cross Club and made cards for veterans,” she said.

Lang explained how she and Rogers are very complementary as co-presidents, split-

ting tasks to make their jobs easier. “I wouldn’t have done it without Aliyah. Me and Aliyah are like each other’s rock. We’re each other’s support system,” Lang said. “I’m more kind of a communicator. And Aliyah is kind of more like operations; she handles all of the funds we get from our fundraisers. She does the meeting forms, she looks over the cards.”

The club welcomes all members of the Mounds View community, with minimal commitment other than attending their meetings. “I feel like Letters of Love is a really good club that includes everyone,” Lang said. “You don’t need to be artistic to join…people can hang out with their friends, can make cards, [and] get service hours.”

Letters of Love continues to meet once or twice a month on Wednesdays, getting together in the auditorium to write and decorate those cards, sending friendly greetings and bringing joy to kids who really need it.

“Our club is really focused on making others feel like they belong,” Lang said. “We are making a positive impact on not just these children’s lives … but Mounds View students because they’re finding a sense of community.”

Bowling team knocks down the competition | Grayson Then FEATURES & SPREAD EDITOR he Mounds View bowling team concluded a successful season with the varsity team finishing in fourth place at the state tournament in early December.

Seniors Lucas Bramsen, Gavin Wilson, Trevor Doffing, freshman Juliano Jacobsz and Avalon School senior Charlie Neuman led the team to their first time placing at the state tournament since 2001.

While not being a sanctioned Minnesota State High School League sport, the bowling team operates as a non-sanctioned club and still competes with other teams. The team is made up of three sub-groups with five players each: varsity, junior varsity (JV) and junior varsity two (JV2). Students in grades six through 12 can join the team, with seventh grade and up competing in matches.

The team practices on Mondays at Flaherty’s Arden Bowl, working with coaches on developing their skills. “For me personally, I had to figure out how much of an angle I want to throw my ball down the lane so that it hooks and hits whatever spot I wanted to,” said senior Caden Nash.

T

“I had to figure out how much of an angle I want to throw my ball down the lane so that it hooks and hits whatever spot I wanted to.”

Caden Nash, senior

They also practice how to deal with the different situations they could see in a game, such as converting splits or precisely hitting one pin. “One of our exercises for varsity is called Lowball, which is where you aim for just one pin,” said senior Gavin Wilson.

While natural ability can be a factor in a player’s success, bowling requires hard work and practice to achieve their goals. “[The thing I am most proud of] is probably that I got a game that was over 200 once,” said senior Arturo Aranda Lara.

“Never reached it again, but I got it once. So I was pretty proud about that.”

Rather than individualbased play, a majority of games are split amongst the team’s players, rotating in for each frame. This team-based formula

promotes a fun environment for all players. “My favorite part is just hanging out with friends,” said Aranda Lara. “Since I’m on the JV2 team, it isn’t really too competitive, so I just usually go there, hang out with friends, train a little bit and just make sure to get a good score on the tournaments.”

The bowlers view teambuilding as an important value and often hang out with each other outside of practice. “We had a team outing where we went to Top Golf, so that was a good time, and then we have an end-of-the-year banquet every year,” Wilson said.

“I just usually go there, hang out with friends, train a little bit and just make sure to get a good score on the tournaments.”

Arturo Aranda Lara, senior

In addition to the team competitions, Wilson and Jacobsz represented Mounds View at the State Singles Bowling Tournament on Dec. 13. With a large senior class, the team hopes to

PHOTO | Mounds View Bowling

(Left to right) Seniors Trevor Doffing, Lucas Bramsen, Gavin Wilson, freshman Juliano Jacobsz and Avalon School senior Charlie Neuman of the varsity bowling team with coach Tony Neuman.

attract new members for next season. Regardless of skill level or plans with the sport, they welcome anyone who wants to contribute to the positive culture. “[The team has] more of a community aspect,” said Nash.

“I don’t really see myself professionally bowling ever, but I just think it’s a fun way to pass time and to get to spend it with friends.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Staff writer Davin Bowlby contributed to this article.

FEATURES

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025 • WWW.MVVIEWER.ORG

Wild Cards build to success | Aidan Beisang STAFF REPORTER ounds View High School’s team for Robotic competitions, the Wild Cards, has established itself as a STEM-focused club since its founding in 2010 by science teacher Matt Washenberger and retired science teacher Michael Cartwright, originally debuting with the name Robostangs. Although the club has been around for quite some time, the team continues to grow, currently consisting of 37 members. The group centers itself around hands-on robotic engineering

M

and data collection.

More recently, the club changed its name to the Wild Cards. “We did a lot of brainstorming on the name and the part of the mustangs that they wanted to keep was the wild, and I’m not really sure where the cards part came from, except that with the four cards, you could put the team number on it. And wild cards are like, they’re kind of unexpected, and they just sort of pop up. So that was the thinking behind that name change,” says coach and mentor Lisa Vervena.

Meeting every week, the group discusses upcoming

competitions and strategizes as a team. The official practice begins at 6:30 p.m., sitting together in a circle to talk over their prior work days, keep everyone up to date and answer any questions members might have. They then split into smaller groups to work on projects, including electrical, mechanical and programming. Each group is given a mentor to assist during small group labs.

The Wild Cards stand out through their exceptional dedication to extracurricular activities in STEM-related fields.

The club prides itself on a student-centered style of learning, encouraging collaboration and interpersonal relationships amongst its members. This close-knit companionship within the club ensures the overall success of each student, keeping them engaged while simultaneously deepening their group bond.

The Wild Card centers its season around a pivotal threeday FIRST Robotics tournament, given six weeks to create and perfect a robot in preparation for the regional competition, where the team will compete against other teams in the area for the chance to progress to the FIRST championship alongside the top teams around the nation. Aside from FIRST competitions, this team also competes in many other friendly tournaments throughout the season, such as the MRI, the Min-

5

PHOTOS | @mv_frc3407 on Instagram

Photo of last year’s robotics team winning first place at MRI 2024.

nesota Mini and the North Star Invitational. Over the course of the three days, the team works to successfully finish all of the matches and solidify the rankings. The elimination process begins shortly after the matches with a double-elimination bracket, weeding out the eventual champion team.

During these tournaments, the days are planned out. “On the first day, there is no actual competition. It’s just teams practicing [and] getting to know other teams,” said senior Carter Ballman. Practicing typically looks like a collaborative effort to move the machine at the cor-

rect angles and speed. Members often group up to get everyone caught up to date with scheduling and then break into smaller groups with mentors to work on programming The Wild Cards continues to empower many students’ explorations of their interests regarding programming and robotics through hands-on robot configuration and training. By creating a bridge between practical application and prioritizing direct engagement for students through mentorship, members of the Wild Cards continue to pursue their interests within the fun, yet informative, group.

than just a student in my classroom,” said Coty. Coty was the founder of the Mustang Mentors program and a long-time student council advisor. Activities such as these give teachers a reason to invest more of their time into the school community, even after their official time at the school comes to an end.

Retired educators return to Mounds View, driven not just by a desire to teach, but by strong personal relationships. They are drawn back by the comfort and familiarity of a community they helped build. “I know the community … I read the books you’re reading, so I know the material,” said retired paraeducator Debbie Fream. These bonds, often cemented through extracurricular activities, motivate retired teachers, such as Coty, Fream and Coopet, to keep investing their time long after retirement. Their continued dedication illustrates the strong community that students and teachers value deeply.

Full List

Retired teachers return

| Brady Peacock STAFF WRITER any believe that once a teacher retires, it marks the end of their teaching career.

However, at Mounds View, numerous substitute teachers challenge that belief by dedicating their time to helping students even after their retirement. In total, 13 former educators continue to come back and work as substitute teachers at Mounds View, providing assistance for different areas around the school.

Substitutes with experience working at Mounds View help maintain the flow of learning for students. “Having a retired staff person return to sub is really valuable. They are familiar with the building and know where to find the library, student services and help with technology. Depending on how long they’ve been gone, they may even know some students, which helps with classroom management,” said Lead Administrative Assistant Lori Diekoff.

According to a survey from Red Rover, in Minnesota, re-

M

tired educators made up 15% of substitute teachers. Their deep knowledge and familiarity with the community play a key role in drawing former educators back. “I’m very familiar with Mounds View and still know a number of the teachers, so it’s a comfortable place for me to come and work,” said retired English teacher Michael Coty.

A deep sense of place, rooted in the Mounds View community, draws educators back long after their official retirement.

While the student community of Mounds View notably contributes as a reason for these teachers’ continued return, it is not the only reason. “The students are great, but the faculty, these are my friends. And to think that I would just retire and walk away. I like seeing my friends every day,” said retired family and consumer sciences teacher Julie Coopet. This shared sense of a staff community, extending beyond the classroom, creates a sense of comfort that teachers are reluctant to leave behind.

“Having a retired staff person return to sub is really valuable. They are familiar with the building and know where to find the library, student services and help with technology.”

Lori Diekoff, lead administrative assisstant

These close connections are formed through a variety of ways, extracurricular activities being one of the most impactful.

These activities allow teachers and students to build a deeper connection than a classroom interaction permits. “What I found to be the best thing was working as much as I enjoyed working with students in the classroom, working with them in extracurriculars, where I had a chance to really get to know them, rather

• Christine Aexander • Ev Bjork • Michael Cartwright • Mike Coty • Ross Fleming • Joe Helm • Linda Lodgaard • Kathy Miller • Phillip Richardson • Dale Swanson • Julie Coopet • Debbie Fream • Margaret Dove

6 SPREAD The downward trend THE VIEWER • MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

| Leo Chen STAFF REPORTER

I

n late 2022, the global human population exceeded eight billion.

With the global population constantly rising, growth often varies by country and region. For example, the continent of Africa may experience more population growth in one year than the entirety of Europe in 10, highlighting the trends of uneven population growth and the implications for countries with a declining birth rate and aging population.

Today’s debates show that factors like gender equality and new technologies disrupt the predictable trends of demographic change. Analysts now examine not only fertility decline, but also the ripple effects on labor markets, pension systems and global competitiveness, underscoring why the drivers of birth rate reduction remain central to understanding the future populations. Declining birth rates have impacted many developed countries already and will go on to impact currently developing countries as societies advance and social norms evolve.

Demographers employ the demographic transition model to explain how societies shift from high fertility and mortality toward lower rates as economies modernize. The framework illustrates broad dynamics;

healthcare improvements and rising living standards spark rapid growth, while education, urbanization and evolving family expectations drive fertility downward. Developing nations often expand quickly, yet industrialized countries such as Japan, Italy and Germany confront shrinking populations and aging workforces. The model highlights cultural norms, economic structures and policy choices that shape family planning decisions.

Students are already reflecting on these economic pressures on a personal level.

“I would like to imagine myself having a big family, but with the trend of rising living expenses and a volatile job market, that might not be so plausible depending on financial stability,” said senior Richard Law. Young people today weigh aspirations against financial realities in ways that collectively reshape national birth rates.

Beyond demographic observations, emerging forces like technology increasingly shape the future population.

Automation and artificial intelligence alter labor demand, raising questions about whether smaller workforces can sustain growth when machines fill gaps once occupied by people. Studies from MIT and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that aging societies often accelerate

automation adoption, while AI reshapes occupations across industries. “No doubt that AI will change people’s confidence in being able to find an entry level job,” Law said. “This is already [becoming] apparent in the computer science job market.”

Law’s observation underscores how technological shifts directly influence young people’s career prospects, a

Fa

lli

most clearly. With one of the world’s oldest populations, the country faces shrinking labor forces, rising healthcare costs, and mounting pressure on pension systems. “Japan is especially notorious for harsh work environments and high living costs,” said senior Lennox Tan. “The fact that the population is shrinking is certainly not a good thing in the short term, but hopefully it brings change to the toxic work culture.” Tan’s cautiously optimistic view suggests that demographic crisis might paradoxically force needed reforms — though whether cultural transformation can outpace economic decline remains uncertain. Ultimately, the intersection of eco-

ng

factor that may itself affect future family planning decisions.

Technological disruption represents redefining where people live, how they work and whether they choose to raise families, fundamentally altering the demographic landscape of 21st century countries.

On the other hand, personal finance also shapes decision-making for future parents.

Generational debt and inflation make childbearing difficult to plan. These patterns appear worldwide, sometimes hitting other countries even harder than the U.S. For example, Japan illustrates the consequences of demographic decline

nomic pressures and aging demographics creates a self-reinforcing cycle: financial burdens discourage family formation while shrinking workforces weaken the economic foundations needed to support future generations.

Declining birth rates fun-

damentally reshape the 21st century landscape, reflecting social change, economic realities and technological challenges. Aging populations and shrinking workforces strain global systems. Financial burdens and debt influence family planning, causing change in both population demographics and reworked methods of societal planning. These trends demand proactive adaptation in order to navigate a future where well-being depends on innovation and change rather than the percentage of working-age people.

Bi

rth

Social causes for decline | Hanad Ali STAFF REPORTER early half of all nations have recently had birth rates so low that their populations are set to age and decline. The persistent decline of birth rates is relentlessly reshaping societies in profound ways, primarily by altering demographic structures, aging populations due to the decline in birth rates and placing unprecedented challenges on established social support systems. This global transformation is a major change with profound implications for the future.

The shifting roles of women in society contribute to this significantly. As education becomes more accessible, the role of women shifts from domestic work to working as a part of the previously male-dominant labor force. As women enter the workforce, they have less time and energy to focus on the traditional family roles that they

N

used to play, leading to a decrease in the incentive to carry a child and build a family.

Several social factors influence women’s decisions to delay motherhood, primarily stemming from persistent gender role expectations. Despite working full-time, many women face an unequal distribution of childcare and domestic responsibilities, which is a big consideration for women. “I personally know many careerdriven women who decided they don’t want to sacrifice that ambition because they hear a lot about how a lot of wives in relationships feel like they’re carrying a lot of the mental load,” said art teacher Mallory Nelson-Rehder, who is also a mother of two children. “Without a strong family support system, I probably would have had to stay home because I wouldn’t be able to afford both childcare and working.” These structural challenges, alongside less social pressure to become mothers, have allowed for a wider

acceptance of diverse, childfree life paths.

Another aspect that also contributes to declining birth rates involves reproductive agency and contraception.

Court rulings such as Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) estab-

“Without a strong family support system, I probably would have had to stay home because I wouldn’t be able to afford both childcare and working.”

Mallory Nelson-Rehder, art teacher

lished constitutional privacy rights that protected marital contraception, while Dobbs v.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) overturned Roe v. Wade (1973) and shifted abortion regulation back to the

states. According to the Gender Equity and Policy Institute, women living in states that banned abortions are nearly two times as likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth or soon after giving birth. Expanded access to contraception enabled women to delay or limit childbearing, but restrictive laws reduced autonomy and reshaped fertility patterns, also reducing the incentive for women to have children because of healthcare concerns. Together, these social, educational and legal forces reshape fertility decisions, underscoring how demographic change reflects broader shifts in opportunity, autonomy and policy.

The aging population resulting from low birth rates exerts substantial pressure on both national economies and social services. As a result, some governments are exploring solutions such as encouraging later retirement and increasing immigration. According to the International Migration Policy

Institute, immigrants have a vital role to play in bolstering the U.S. workforce at a time when the native-born population is aging and the country’s fertility rates are at a historic low. The strain on pension and healthcare systems is significant, prompting reform considerations which could endanger government transfer programs like social security, a point which was highlighted by the U.S. Joint Economic Committee in January of 2024.

Declining birth rates are fundamentally reshaping the demographic landscape of the world, which is a trend that’s driven by opportunities for women and persistent structural inequalities. The resulting older societies and economic strains show an urgent need for policy changes. Solutions need to focus on creating integrated social and economic systems that allow individuals to build families they want without compromising their own life goals.

SPREAD

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025 • WWW.MVVIEWER.ORG

Countries take action | Charlie Collins STAFF REPORTER n the face of low fertility rates, many developed countries around the globe face difficult situations. Most countries see various problems arise when fertility rates drop, such as a smaller workforce and strain on the economy.

When birth rates decline so does innovation, alongside other problems. Innovation is a very large factor in driving the economy of a country, and Charles Jones, a Stanford economist, states that low fertility rates can be a problem for everyone as young populations, on average, drive innovation and progress the economy the most. Some ways countries can combat this issue is by finding ways to bring birth rates back up, hoping to stimulate economic growth and social progress.

This trend of birth rates fluctuating is common, but problems start to arise once GDP [Gross Domestic Prod-

I

Crude Birth Rate by Country (Births per 1,000 people per year) uct] per capita and other social indicators begin to decline. Naturally, countries try to counter this issue with new laws and policies.

Many lawmakers focus on one part of society that could be improved. One example of this is the workforce.

The workforce is something that is focused on mainly because when there are not enough people working, there will not be enough support for the aging generations. Incentives such as paid time off and flexibility at work are tools that make having children less of a burden on their jobs.

Policymakers focus on the cost of living as a cause of birth rate decline. According to Northwestern Mutual, the average cost for a middle-income married couple in the United States to raise a child to age 18 is about $320,000, or over $17,000 per year.

Some lawmakers in America have proposed

Ra

te

Economic effects

| Logan Corey STAFF REPORTER any different factors contribute to the ever-changing global economy, with falling birth rates of Western societies having some of the most drastic implications for the future. From an increasing cost of living to an ever-shrinking working-age population, one thing is certain: Birth rates and the economy drive not only each other, but the entire society.

The main relation between birth rates and economic conditions is simple: when fertility rates fall, the quantity of young labor entering the workforce begins to shrink. “As you see falling birth rates, that means the number of people entering the labor force or becoming old enough to work every year is falling, while generally the

M

7

s

number of people retiring stays the same,” said social studies teacher Aaron Oseland.

This creates a higher “dependency ratio,” where fewer laborers must support more elderly citizens.

“The number of people entering the labor force or becoming old enough to work every year is falling, while generally the number of people retiring stays the same.”

Aaron Oseland, social studies teacher

A declining economy can also feed back into the decline in birth rates. People are having fewer children largely because the modern economy makes

“baby bonuses,” which are payments from the government to families after having a child.

While some people think that this would be beneficial for America, it seems that just because new families get money, birth rates will not go up.

Recently, the Trump Administration signed a bill to establish investment accounts that offered $1,000, dubbing them “Trump Accounts,” to support families with newborns. While the accounts are one of the first large-scale developments by the U.S. government to combat falling birthrates, critics say it barely helps impoverished communities due to the current administration’s program cuts. In Japan, efforts to encourage higher fertility also fell short when the country

raising a family an expensive a n d somewhat difficult endeavor.

Housing, childcare, education and healthcare prices seem to only increase while stagnant wages fail to match their new demands. According to Oseland, many people, especially those in the middle class, are waiting longer before they decide to have children due to the costs of raising and caring for them, along with uncertainty within the job market. “People put off having kids until they have a house, until they have a career, until they feel like they are financially stable enough,” he said.

However, the effects of declining birth rates are not completely negative. Fewer children allow for a deeper investment in each child’s health

introduced new incentives such as subsidies and workplace reforms, which in the end still show limited results. Japan’s population is still expected to fall from 122 million in 2025 to around 105 million by 2050.

Within the past 30 years, different policies have shown up in different countries to try and address the declining birth rate, and a lot of them have not fixed this problem. One example is the extensive social support systems that Sweden has.

These systems essentially work to increase flexibility for parents by giving them paid time off while also giving many benefits to young children, such as free school meals. While Sweden’s social program is designed to help people at all stages of life, its fertility rate is staggeringly low at 1.45 births per woman.

This seems to suggest that other types of actions must be taken in order to counter this problem.

Professor Margaret Anne McConnell, who works in the department of global health and population at Harvard University, said some people stop short of having the number of children they desire due to fertility, medical and other issues. One way to address declining fertility, she said, would be to find ways to enable those parents to have the number of children they wish by targeting these issues.

Pronatalist policies ultimately depend on many different factors, which can range from economic conditions to societal norms, and while there is no clear solution to the problem of low fertility, it is apparent that countries are paying close attention to the issue. “No country’s successfully pulled it off yet,” said social studies teacher Aaron Oseland.

and education, theoretically strengthening long-term productivity. A decline in birth rates also assists with pressure on scarce amenities like housing. Businesses in a society built upon a smaller workforce may gravitate towards flexible work policies, increased pay, and technology that boosts efficiency. Oseland emphasized that automation can solve the productivity issue by increasing output per worker and that immigration can temporarily alleviate labor shortages. More broadly, societies facing the demographic decline today respond by managing resources in a smarter manner with stronger social support systems that can improve the quality of life for workers and their families.

Overall, the interplay among falling birth rates and modern economic performance reveals an important shift in demographics that will shape Western society as it moves forward. As fewer young people enter the workforce, more pres-

sure is placed upon social programs, innovation drastically decreases, and labor enters an age of shortage, especially in sectors built to support the elderly. Together, the economic conditions created by this decline discourage the formation of families, leading to an endless cycle of economic decline.

While positives exist, like an increase in the investment in each child, the gains that they provide depend on how governments utilize their resources to adapt. “Nothing we’ve tried so far has shown a long-term change ... but there probably are economic things that can cause a long-term change,” Oseland said. Despite this assessment, the path forward seems to lie beyond a reliance on population expansion and rather on sustained investments in innovations, support programs and human capital. That path will not only determine the future health of economies, but the well-being of societies for every generation that follows.

IMAGE | Korakys on Wikimedia

8

DEBATES

THE VIEWER • MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Should humanity become vegetarian?

No, worse for people’s health | John Liu STAFF REPORTER or most of human history, eating animals was not a controversial question but a central part of survival. Long before supermarkets and plant-based alternatives, early humans relied on a mixed diet of plants and meat, a balance that scientists often argue contributed to the expansion of humans’ brains and bodies. Recent studies in evolutionary nutrition note that animal protein and fat changed the way early humans foraged and shaped the social cooperation that eventually defined the human species. Today, the debate looks very different, yet the role of meat is still a key topic in nutrition, cultures and global economies. Many scientific and humanitarian organizations agree that clear benefits exist for responsible animal consumption.

From a nutritional standpoint, animal foods deliver dense, highly bioavailable nutrients that are often difficult to obtain at the same levels from plant sources alone. According to a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, meat provides more than half of the global population’s intake of vitamin B12 and high-quality protein.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also reports that animal foods supply micronutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc and other compounds like creatine and taurine. These nutrients are especially important during key life stages. During pregnancy, iron and B12 reduce the risk of low birth weight and maternal anemia. In infants and young children, highly absorbable minerals such as zinc, calcium and protein support brain development, immune strength and bone growth. For adolescents, animal protein intake

F

leads to higher bone density, and in older adults, it helps prevent muscle loss and cognitive decline. Newer research strengthens this case; a 2024 study from the University of Bonn examined more than 32,000 children across five African countries and found that those who regularly consumed animal-sourced foods had up to 6.8% lower rate of stunted growth compared to those who did not.

Beyond nutrition, the cultural and socioeconomic importance of animal foods is deeply rooted into human societies. In many tropical forest and rural forest communities, wild meat and other forestsourced foods remain continuously essential for both diets and livelihoods. Research from a 2021 study published

by Scientific Report, conducted within Amazonian and Afrotropical forests, indicated that the average person consumes approximately 41.7 kg of wild meat per year, equal to about 23 grams of protein per day. For many people in these communities, this protein alone meets roughly 40% of the recommended daily intake for adults.

These cultural ties extend far beyond remote communities.

Meat is also woven into major traditions familiar to American culture, such as turkey on Thanksgiving, ham on Christmas, barbecues on the Fourth of July and countless regional food identities, from Texas brisket to Louisiana seafood. Entire local economies are built around livestock, fishing, ranching and butchery.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, over 30% of the U.S. food and beverage manufacturing employees were in the meat sector. Re-

moving animal foods entirely would reshape cultural heritage and remove more than half a million jobs for these workers and their families.

According to analysis summarized in the book “Forest and Food: Addressing Hunger and Nutrition Across Sustainable Landscapes,” in parts of central Africa, hunting contributes between 30% and 80% of total household protein, showing the heavy reliance on forest-sourced protein where other sources are scarce.

Across rural and indigenous populations, traditional practices such as hunting and fishing are critical for survival, but also central to both identity and spirituality. For example, among many Inuit communities in northern Canada, not only is seal hunting a central part of their diet, but it is also a key cultural practice tied to clothing production and intergenerational connection. This cultural value is often overlooked in arguments for global vegetarianism, which usually assume access to stable markets and modern food production systems that billions of people simply do not have.

While plant-based diets are gaining global attention and offer advantages, the debate of eating animals is more complex than choosing one side. For billions of people, animal foods still play a crucial role in nutrition, culture and economic stability. The more realistic ethical path forward is not eliminating meat entirely, but promoting responsible consumption and supporting sustainable farming. In that sense, eating animals remains not only justifiable but essential for many communities around the world.

Yes, better for the environment

H

umans have eaten meat for hundreds of years, but mankind now possesses so many meat alternatives and agricultural systems that make consuming animals not as much of a necessity anymore. If humans stopped eating meat, demand for it would cease. A lack of meat production would result in safer, more ethical food production and improve a significant number of health struggles.

Animal slaughterhouses and factory farms commonly use cruel practices. The end product has more importance to these farms than the actual well-being of the animals; the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) writes that farms such as slaughterhouses often deliver painful alterations to animals for the sake of convenience. Examples of this include cutting the horns of cattle and trimming the beaks of chickens. Most animals are not slaughtered quickly or painlessly, either. Besides chickens, the vast majority of farmed animals in the United States experience at least one painful alteration in their lives.

A study published in the Health and Human Rights Journal in 2021 explains that slaughterhouses also expose workers to chemicals, high noise levels and increased risk of injury while working. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. slaughter industry commonly failed to provide protective gear to its workers at countless factory farms across the country. These slaughterhouses had instances of bribing and threatening employees to continue working while sick.

According to the National Library of Medicine, long-term psychological effects like domestic violence, substance abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder

have been connected to slaughterhouse workers. Boston University School of Public Health writes about a study in Nebraska that resulted in the prevalence rate of serious psychological distress in factory workers as about 4.4%, compared to the populationwide prevalence rate of 3.6%. The study suggests that this difference stems from the harsh working conditions of the factories. points - Eight percent to 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions result from livestock production - Eating processed meat increases the chance of developing: • type 2 diabetes by about 10% to 15% • colon cancer by 20% to 30% • brain-related issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia by about 14% • heart disease by 46%

The environment would also benefit without these cruel factories.

The meat industry causes a huge impact on the environment, existing as a weighty contributor to deforestation, emissions, pollution and the usage of water. Eight percent to 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions result from livestock production, according to Stanford University.

Livestock occupies fields of cropland that otherwise could either significantly raise people’s general food supply through propagating crops or house other native ecosystems. Instead, fertilizer and manure pollute the

Rue Royer | STAFF REPORTER surrounding waterways and the general environment.

Although difficulties come with getting a healthy amount of protein and certain vitamins without meat, numerous supplements exist today that can help overcome this problem. Mayo Clinic says a vitamin B12 deficiency, common in people who do not eat meat, can easily be solved by taking a supplement.

The meat supplements and identical-tasting substitutes that exist in the present day make it attainable to get all the nutrients necessary for a meatless diet; it would be considerably manageable to have a strong diet while not eating animals.

Not eating animals makes for a much healthier diet long-term. AARP, a nonprofit dedicated to older Americans, mentioned that eating processed meat increases the chances of type 2 diabetes by about 10% to 15%, increases heart disease risk by 46%, increases the chance of colon cancer by 20% to 30% and increases the chances of brain-related issues like Alzheimer’s and dementia by about 14%.

Ultimately, humans should not eat meat because the consequences clearly outweigh the benefits. Humankind would be healthier, while animals, factory farm workers and the environment would be in much less pain.

GOOD QUESTION

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025 • WWW.MVVIEWER.ORG

What does the FDA do? | Jameson Durk & Sean Oh STAFF REPORTER & SPORTS AND GOOD QUESTION EDITOR he Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency funded by the United States Health and Human Services.

They regulate the use of medical, health and food-related products.

One of the FDA’s main functions is to approve and regulate medical drugs. Drugs potentially sold within the U.S. are all evaluated through the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). The primary purpose of the CDER is to determine whether the drug is safe to consume and effective in treating its intended purpose, as well as ensuring that adverse effects do not outweigh the benefits. The CDER puts every case through a strict and structured approval process consisting of three main steps: analysis of the target condition and available treatments, assessment of ben- vere the condition is and also efits and risks from the clinical because other treatments likely data and strategies for manag- have similar negative effects.

In the assessment of bening risks, according to the offiefits and risks from the clinical cial FDA website.

During analysis of the data phase of the approval protarget condition and available cess, reviewers evaluate benefit treatments, the CDER compares and risk information submitted the evaluated drug to other by the drug manufacturer with drugs intended to treat the same consideration of imperfect or or similar conditions, which al- incomplete data. The FDA reclows them to weigh the adverse ognizes that all drugs carry inand beneficial effects. More herent risks, so it creates stratelife-threatening conditions will gies to mitigate them in the final likely be afforded more nega- phase of the approval process.

Risk management stratetive effects because of how se-

T

FDA Approval Process The FDA has three main criteria that drugs go through in order to recieve official FDA approval.

•

Analysis of the target condition and available treatments

•

Assessment of benefits and risks from clinical data

•

gies include an FDA-approved drug label that clearly describes the drug’s benefits and risks, and in more severe cases, the manufacturer may need to implement a Risk Management and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). It is important to note that the CDER does not do any independent research on the drugs themselves, save for some in the areas of quality, safety and effectiveness, but rather analyzes and evaluates data and test results provided by drug manufacturers.

IMAGE|| Sound Relief IMAGE

Manufacturers must comply with Current Good Manufacturing Process (CGMPs).

These compliances include protecting water sources, processing water in sanitary conditions, testing for contamination and registering the facility where the water is filtered. This is necessary because still water is a prime breeding ground for brain-eating bacteria that could be distributed worldwide.

In addition, not only does the item going through approval need to pass their extensive

Strategies for managing risks

science-based overview, but it also needs to be effective for its intended use. The process for getting drugs and foods approved by the FDA varies because all products are different, but if an item has the FDA approval logo, it is 100% safe for use. If the product somehow later proves to be unsafe, the FDA will take every action necessary to seek justice for the public. Some ways they can do this are through warning letters, recalls and seizing products from shelves.

The FDA uses strict and thorough approval processes in order to ensure the quality, safety and merit of not just drugs, but any and all goods made for human consumption.

Are mushrooms as dangerous as people think?

| Benjamin Wheat STAFF REPORTER ushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. One of the earliest cases was found with Ötzi the Iceman. Ötzi the Iceman is a 5,300-yearold mummy from the Copper Age. He was found on Sept. 19, 1991, near the Oztal Alps with pieces of birch polypore mushrooms on a necklace and a tinder polypore in a fire kit. Scien-

M

PHOTO | Pixabay.com

tists believe that he was carrying Birch polypore mushrooms due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Mushrooms and fungi have been and are still being used to make medicine. For example, one of the most common antibiotics, penicillin, is derived from fungi. It is made from a fungus called Penicillium Chrysogenum and is used to treat bacterial infections. This was discovered in 1928 when microbiologist

9

Alexander Fleming was examining petri dishes and noticed that one of them was preventing the full growth of mold. This discovery led to the future development of penicillin, which has saved millions of lives since its creation.

Mushrooms can be used to mitigate inflammation. According to supplement company Eversio Wellness, some mushrooms that assist with inflammation include lion’s mane, turkey tail and oyster mushrooms.

Mushrooms assisting with inflammation are actually common. They do this by providing antioxidants, the same reason mushrooms lower the risk of cancer.

As well as inflammation, mushrooms can also reduce the risk of cancer, according to an article by the National Library of Medicine. However, they do not magically make the risk of cancer go down. They contain two crucial parts that make them beneficial: ergothioneine and polysaccharides. Ergothioneine

is an antioxidant amino acid that the body cannot produce and can only receive through the food a person consumes.

This antioxidant amino acid protects the cells in one’s body from oxidative stress, which is when the body develops too many unstable molecules that end up destroying cells, contributing significantly to the cause of cancer. The polysaccharides in mushrooms help the immune system by turning on the defense system within the cells, indirectly lowering the risk of cancer because of the heightened immune system response from the polysaccharides within mushrooms.

Still, there are many misconceptions about mushrooms and fungi. The main misconception is that most mushrooms are poisonous. This is not true.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, only around 3% of total identified mushroom varieties are poisonous. In some cases, the media has depicted some mushrooms as outright scary.

DO YOU HAVE A “GOOD QUESTION?” Email it to mvhsviewer@gmail.com to have it answered in the next issue of The Viewer.

The main fungi of this unwarranted fear is cordyceps, which infects insects and kills them by taking control of their body and using them to fulfill the fungus’s life cycle. This fungus has been used in the popular video game series The Last of Us, in which it was shown to infect humans, turning them into what can best be described as mushroom zombies. In reality, Cordyceps cannot infect humans and can actually give health benefits like boosts in energy and athletic performance, according to Healthline.

Mushrooms, in some cases, are very misunderstood, but that does not mean random mushrooms found outside are safe to eat. It is important for people to educate themselves on what kinds are healthy and which are dangerous. Plenty of grocery stores sell mushrooms that have these medicinal benefits and are safe to consume. Scientific studies have begun to show major promise in the medicinal use of the fungi seen in nature.

10 REVIEWS

THE VIEWER • MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Minnesota’s best glazed doughnut Verdict: Krispy Kreme | Aubrey Cummins STAFF REPORTER he search for Minnesota’s best doughnut stops here. Countless bakeries in the area have attempted to craft the perfect doughnut, with a new addition, Krispy Kreme. Shutting the doors of its last location

T

back in 2008 following rapid over-expansion and financial issues, Krispy Kreme made its much-awaited comeback in November 2025 in Fridley, bringing an outstanding attraction to the area. During and shortly following the grand opening, jaw-dropping lines could be seen in the drive-through, and people practically spilled out of the establishment, many of these customers waiting over two hours before its opening in preparation. The excitement received from the grand opening of Krispy Kreme raised the question of who really does it best. In pursuit of finding the best doughnut, I reviewed glazed doughnuts from Maplewood Bakery, Krispy Kreme,

A glazed doughnut from Krispy Kreme.

PHOTOS | Gabi Skiba

Cub and Kowalski’s.

Upon entering Krispy Kreme, I was almost overwhelmed with the varieties of doughnuts, ranging from filled, holiday, to old-fashioned. Although the establishment served a large variety, I ordered a basic glazed doughnut. Instead of the dense and sugary taste I expected, I took a gentle bite and the pastry was surprisingly light and airy, creating a perfect doughnut. In total, I paid $15.99 for a dozen glazed doughnuts ($1.33 per doughnut), and I’d say it was very worth it, considering the quality. Although the original glazed doughnut from Krispy Kreme is basic, the taste, texture and overall experience went above and beyond.

Rating for Krispy Kreme? Five doughnuts out of five.

Maplewood Bakery gave a cozier vibe than Krispy Kreme, which I appreciated. The small store had a few employees working the register and very few customers seated inside, completely different from the recent state of Krispy Kreme following its grand opening. I ordered another plain glazed doughnut, which cost $3.49.

This doughnut delivered the dense, sugary taste I had expected from Krispy Kreme. I was not completely wowed by

the taste, although it did not entirely disappoint.

The doughnut and customer service were exceptionally sweet, so I would still consider it worth it.

Overall, I would rate M a p l e w o o d Krispy Kreme’s glazed doughnuts in creation.

Bakery a ⅘.

Overall, the champion is The grocery store doughnuts from Cub and Kowalski’s, Krispy Kreme; they completely unfortunately, come in last at a outdid themselves. Not only mediocre ⅗. Although they did was it the best doughnut I have not look unappealing and they ever had, but the distance travwere nicely arranged, the over- eled was not too time-consumall taste negatively affected the ing and the overall vibe of the overall rating. Being not nearly pastry shop made it an incredas fluffy or light and lacking ible experience. I was on the glaze, I assume the doughnuts fence initially, regarding Krispy I had were not as fresh as the Kremes’s opening. I doubted others reviewed. Although both the restaurant made any difstores had a wide, unique selec- ference at all. However, I was tion of doughnuts, specifically proven wrong and can confiKowalski’s, none of them com- dently state that Krispy Kreme pared to the bakeries I attended surpasses all of its contenders. earlier that day. Even though they share similar prices with their competitors, the quality and taste are what really separate these businesses. Sadly, Kowalski’s and Cub did not stand out compared to the rest.

A wickedly wonderful sequel Verdict: 4/5 | Max Swanson STAFF REPORTER he new musical-adapted film “Wicked: For Good,” released only a year after the premiere of the prequel “Wicked,” continues the narrative after a year’s time jump. The anticipated sequel saw immediate success, making more than $500 million in revenue as of December 2025.

By exploring unanswered questions and expanding on the overall storyline, the film intends to give viewers its own unique perspective on the world of Oz. The original film adaptation of the popular book and musical “Wicked” gained massive commercial success upon its release. It quickly became the top-grossing film adapted from a Broadway musical in just five weeks, surpassing the previous title holder, “Mamma Mia!” The milestones set by “Wicked” paved a path for the

T

potential of the Wicked collection as a whole.

When I saw “Wicked: For Good,” I noticed that the movie was two hours and 17 minutes long, just slightly shorter than the first installment. The first, ending on a cliffhanger, created excitement for what would happen next. My love for the first movie set my expectations high before watching. I looked forward to seeing how the story, as well as the lives of prominent characters, developed.

The cast’s effort to promote the movie online left a good impression on me, highlighting their dedication to the film.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both actresses and singer-songwriters, played the two leading roles of the film, Elphaba and Glinda respectively. “Wicked” and “Wicked: For Good” were both produced

by Marc Platt Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures, with Jon M. Chu as the director. Chu stands out to me as one of the very few other directors whom I would trust to handle this project. The production team and actors truly did an incredible job at creating the fantastical world seen in “The Wizard of Oz.” The magic be-

hind the set, scenes and script successfully delivers the nostalgic, dream-like universe.

Reopening from where the first movie left off, the sequel made an amazing follow-up to “Wicked,” while incorporating themes of discrimination, escapism and justice. This allows viewers to connect with the characters and relate everything to their own lives, even though this takes place in a fantastical world. The themes demonstrated in the movie convey important yet easy-to-swallow lessons on equality and discrimination that are applicable to modern-day society. I found the incorporation of these values very important to the storyline.

The idea of giving the youth a movie that not only entertains them but also encompasses moral teaching made the feature extremely appealing to me.

One thing I particularly love about both “Wicked” movies is their ability to set a scene using songs, dramatics and scenery. I applaud it for producing a satisfying ending while also leaving an open window to continue expanding the universe. The success of both movies, as well as the incredible amount of effort given by

all included, affirms my idea of “Wicked” becoming the next huge movie series, as it’s already on its way there.

“Wicked: For Good” delivered mostly everything I wanted to see in the continuation of “Wicked,” yet it remains in the shadow of its predecessor. Every song, set and scene the first

film had to offer completely blew me away; unfortunately, the sequel didn’t share the same effect. While it was still great, the sequel kind of falls flat in comparison to the prequel. Although the movie didn’t top the last, the outstanding production put into the movie allows me to confidently rate this movie a ⅘.

IMAGE | Universal Pictures

SPORTS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025 • WWW.MVVIEWER.ORG

Girls hockey starts strong

| Lilia Barrera & Shriyan Deshmukh STAFF REPORTERS he joint Mounds View/ we get skills from both schools.

Irondale girls hockey And I think it forces us to do team skated off to a a lot more team activities, befast start, winning eight cause we don’t get to see each straight games. The offense other at school … which helps dominated each game, with a us to be overall a closer team,” wide margin of victory help- said junior Sarah Johnson, coing establish the team as a con- captain of the team. Many on tender early in the season. This the team believe that the partstrong start reflects their con- nership improves communicasistent collaboration, work and tion, connection and trust. This pursuit of shared goals. For the gives the team better depth, athletes, the state championship contributing to a strong start, remains a major motivator. one of the program’s best in hisCombining the two tory. schools’ girls hockey teams in The team’s chemistry has 2022 drastically improved the been a driving force for their team’s performance. “I think early-season success. The comthat because we’re combined, bination of players from the two

T

PHOTO | Mounds View/Irondale girls hockey team website

schools has created a unique dynamic that requires extra effort to communicate, trust and collaborate on and off the ice. Practices are not just about drills, but also about building confidence in teammates. “We’re really close to each other, so we have good relationships off and on the ice, and we bring that into the locker room; we’re all just very close to each other,” said junior Kayla Kearin, varsity goalie.

Maintaining strong form throughout the season is a difficult task, even if this season marks one of the best openings in school history. “The most important thing is bouncing back

after a game doesn’t go our way. It’s important to overcome a bad game and come to practice with a clean mind, ready to go,” Johnson said. Every game carries extra weight, testing the team’s strategy, resilience and focus as mid-season approaches. The players recognize that how they respond to tougher opponents and handle challenges plays a major role in shaping the rest of the season.

Beyond skills and strategies, mental preparation is just as critical this season. Players must be focused, even during close games or after tough losses. “The toughest challenge is not getting into our own heads

Nordic skiing welcomes new coaches | Keaton Howard & Anna Hayek STAFF REPORTERS he Mounds View Nordic there was no coach this year. So ski team has had some they politely asked if I would amazing accomplish- coach, and I have a hard time ments over the years, saying no to kids,” Oberg said. such as going to the conference If Oberg and Ousdigian had not finals in both 2024 and 2025, as well as having many athletes who participated in individual state and conference events.

Nordic skiing is a type of skiing very similar to crosscountry skiing. The main difference between them is that in Nordic skiing, the heel of the skier’s foot comes out of the ski to propel them forward, unlike alpine skiing’s connected heel and toe.

T

ence and coaching Nordic at Mounds View at the same time in 2016. He stepped away from coaching because of the huge time commitment it was and how it would detract from his time with his children. “There were times where, just on nor-

always good and always going through the process of how to move and perfecting my form,” said senior Finja Poecher. However, this year, many athletes are happy with what the new coaches have been doing. “I really liked our coach the last

“I really love that they are including and helping everybody to get along.”

Finja Poecher, senior

This year, the team’s leadership changed with the hiring of two new head coaches, Kevin Ousdigian and social studies teacher Scott Oberg. “I had taught a bunch of kids who participated in Nordic skiing last year in AP World History, and

been able to coach this year, the team would have had to merge with Irondale. “We stepped up and said [that] we’ll do this to give the kids a positive experience,” Oberg said.

In previous years, science teacher Ian O’Neill worked as the head coach of the Nordic team. He began teaching sci-

11

mal days, I would get home and I would not have seen one of my sons for the entire day and he’d already be asleep,” O’Neill said.

Last year, the coaches focused mainly on developing mechanics and polishing skills for races. “The coaches helped me improve in previous years by making sure my technique is

PHOTO | Mounds View Nordic ski team website

couple [of] years. But I like these coaches a lot too. I’m glad that I got both,” said junior Emma Stupar. The Nordic team athletes are adapting and improving under new leadership, despite having enjoyed the previous leaders.

One thing the new coaches are focusing on this year is team

and making sure we go into every game playing our best,” Kearin said. The players heavily emphasize the mental side of hockey, knowing that even a simple lapse in focus can determine an outcome in close games.

The Mounds View/Irondale girls hockey team will look to build on its fast start, relying on teamwork, mental focus and resilience. Looking ahead, the team hopes their strong start is an early indicator of a great season to come, providing momentum and confidence for tougher competition later in the year.

and community building. “I’m excited for everyone to have a positive experience. I’m excited for the new kids. I’m excited for the new kids to learn about Nordic skiing and progress and get better from day one to the end of the season. I’m excited for the returners to get better and compete for a spot in the section championship or the state meet,” Oberg said.

The team is also noticing this inclusivity, “I really love that they are including and helping everybody to get along,” said Poecher. Inclusivity, even though it’s an individual sport, is a big part of Mounds View Nordic. Many of the athletes think it is an essential part of the sport. “We’ve got seventh to 12th graders on the team.

Everybody meets, trains and waxes together … The coaches lean on the captains to make sure everybody feels included,” Oberg said.

The team is hoping for great things for the rest of the season. “We’re hoping to go to state,” said sophomore Clara Bitzer. Although the team is going through a significant transition as they adjust to their new coaches and their unique coaching styles, the team still aims for success and pursues a state championship.

12

PUZZLES THE VIEWER • MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL

Across

Crossword

5. Mounds View and ________ combined their girls hockey teams in 2022.

7. ________ educators made up to 15% of substitute teachers in Minnesota.

8. What are government payments proposed for families after having a child called?

9. What term describes fewer workers supporting more retirees as birth rates fall?

10. What type of farms are criticized for cruel practices and harming both animals and workers?

Down

1. The sequel to the musical-adapted film “Wicked” is “Wicked: ___ _____.

2. What type of natural organism has been used for medicine, including antibiotics like penicillin?

3. What does the Letters of Love club send to hospitalized CROSSWORD |Crossword Labs

children?

4. What was the original name for the Mounds View robotics team?

6. What is it called when bowlers aim for just one pin?

Sudoku

JOIN THE VIEWER!

Sign up for the courses Journalism 1 and Journalism 2 to be a writer next year!

Scan the QR code to visit The Viewer’s website:

SUDOKU | KDP Uploader

Guess The Viewer editor!

First three students to complete all of the puzzles and DM

@mvviewer on Instagram win a free snack or drink from

First name, last name and role

the Mustang Marketplace.