FRIday september 30 2016
In This Issue features
france
spread
foreign exchange students
variety
Nice ride
Viewer
Volume 64 Issue 1
Google claims the classroom by Amber Zhao managing editor-copy Released in 2014, Google Classroom is an online educational platform for students and teachers to complete, view and grade assignments. It syncs with Drive, Gmail and Calendar to consolidate and organize doing homework online. Over the years, more Mounds View teachers have been incorporating Google Classroom into their curriculums. Classroom’s popularity amongst teachers has not gone unnoticed. “The first time I used Classroom was sophomore year. Now, most of my classes use it,” said senior Jacqueline Schneider. Some teachers, like science teacher Aaron Ogdahl, have been using Classroom for a few years because of how streamlined it is. “I use [Classroom] because it is an extremely efficient tool in distributing material electronically. It saves a ton of paper and it keeps everything in one spot,” he said. Others are long-time Moodle users just trying Classroom, like math teacher Michael Huberty. “Personally, I prefer Moodle for my classes and am still using Moodle for Multivariable calc. However, this district has not updated Moodle in a while and so it doesn’t function as well as it should,” he said. “We thought we’d give Google
Classroom a try with AP Stats to see how it goes.” Still other teachers have decided to stick with Moodle because the majority of their materials are already on the platform. Social studies teacher Martha Rush is one of them. “I prefer Moodle partly because I have already created the materials. Linking PDFs is not a big deal to switch over, but recreating all of the interactive quizzes would take significant time. I’d prefer not to spend a lot of time retyping if I can avoid it,” she said. For students, Classroom makes getting homework done on time easier. “It’s pretty simple to use, and I usually get emails about new assignments,” said Bola Lawal, 10. Mounds View is just transitioning to Classroom, but it seems to be a platform to stay.
How many classes use Google Classroom? Number of Classes using Google Classroom
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 = five people
63 student were polled information compiled by Amber Zhao
Students view StudentVUE by Ben Davis editorials editor For many years, the Mounds View School District has used School View for students and parents to check grades, pay for lunch money and register for activities. However, when TIES discontinued School View, the district had to find a replacement. In the absence of School View, Mounds View Schools adopted ParentVue as the new system for student information. For some students, the new system is confusing. Eliana Scheett, 11, said, “I have absolutely no clue what it is or how to work it, which makes it fairly difficult to stay on top of my grades. I finally mastered School View last year and now I’m starting from scratch.”
For others, ParentVue is more helpful. “I think [ParentVue] is more convenient because of the simplicity and elegance of the layout. The functionality of it is nearly identical to School View, and you have the added benefit of being able to see grades in more detail,” said Jeffrey Hu, 11. Principal Jeffrey Ridlehoover has acknowledged the confusion and the district has addressed some tech concerns. “Students and families have experienced some login issues and we have had some concerns expressed related to the functionality and communication pieces of Synergy and Moodle, but these issues appear to have been corrected and did not have anything to do with the manner in which grades and assignments are viewed through the new technology,” he said. Sunny Lim, 11, checks StudentVUE.
photo by Amber Zhao
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editorials
top 10
Are public schools killing creativity?
Ways to cope with school
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Do physics homework with Tyler Hong
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Go join a school club and make some friends Meet your significant other, then break up before Valentine’s Day Give your eyes a workout by crying 45 minutes each day Be glad knowing that school is still better than either presidential candidate Realize how many hours you wasted on Pokemon Go over the summer
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Friday, September 30, 2016
Biology, skills. In ARCCve ng ki in th s er rd o er t part of high eative ways to encourage creati way “It’s an importloanpe multiple cr we have deve ts.”d with assessmen logy Teacher -Mark Johnson, Bio
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Take all APs then realize realize you made a horrible mistake and drop all of them Realize you’ll have to wait 2 months for the next Pokemon Game Glance at your homework for 5 minutes, then give up ...After all, you can always live with your parents when you’re 30
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1 fair use from Cartoon Stock
2015-2016
Crushing creativity with our education system
Viewer Editors Editor-in-Chief
Kailey Newcome
Managing Editor - Copy
Amber Zhao
Managing Editor - Online
Daniel Yong
Business Manager
Rigney Cunningham News
Sunny Lim Editorials
Samuel Kwong Jake Rosenow Features
Kallie Slotvig Spread
Ben Davis
Variety
Rigney Cunningham Sports
Jackie Gaworski Jack McCoy Gallery
Marley Jones Photographers/Artists
Samuel Kwong Kailey Newcome Emma Hoyhta Adviser
David Ostrom Staff
Kevin Sabeti
by Samuel Kwong editorials editor Creativity is having its moment. From the indie artists of Instagram to the engineers at Apple, it pays to be creative. Over and over again, adults and role models alike have encouraged students to “think outside the box” and “find new ways to solve old problems.” But if that’s truly the case, then why do so many public school systems still place such an emphasis on memorization when it comes to education? Creativity has numerous psychological benefits. According to CNN, creativity encourages the brain to build new neurons, not only strengthening the nervous system, but also refreshing the brain. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy states that creativity also fosters mood, since it often allows a person to “connect with yourself in a way you couldn’t otherwise.” While memorization is a crucial part of any education system, high
school students who have been trained to memorize facts aren’t valuable in the job market. With technology readily available throughout most of the world, a simple Google search replaces the practicality of rote memorization. Although certain subjects like math or anatomy innately place a stronger emphasis on formulaic memorization than other classes such as art or music, there are still ways that teachers can incorporate creativity into their classrooms. At Mounds View, every core classroom has a set of Chromebooks or laptops. With platforms like YouTube, Google Drawings and Prezi, creativity has never been easier to tap into. All teachers have to do is encourage their students to utilize the tools they have. Biology teacher Mark Johnson is doing just that– Johnson gives his students a variety of group projects each semester allowing them to create projects with their own style or theme. Ever since
his students have had steady access to chromebooks, Johnson has seen projects ranging from Youtube videos to interactive games. Other teachers have grouped together to assign a subject-wide creativity project. All AP Literature students at Mounds View are required to put together a three-day presentation of a book they read over the semester. There are certain criteria that students must present, but there are no restrictions on how the material is presented. While these projects may be harder to grade than a typical PowerPoint, they give students a deeper understanding of the material. When students create PowerPoints, a simple copy-and-paste of facts from one screen to another is enough to earn them an A. This mundane task doesn’t require any thinking or understanding–there are robots whose sole job is to copy and paste information. However, when students are allowed to present a set
Viewer Mission Statement
The Viewer is published by the student editors at: Mounds View High School 1900 Lake Valentine Rd Arden Hills, Minnesota Sauk Centre Publishing
of information in any way that they want, they must stop and think about how to fit the facts into their work. This forces the student to think about the significance of what they’re learning and makes their work more enjoyable. Creativity is thinking outside the box. It’s using imagination to build something unique, something that no one has ever been brought to life with their mind before. This innovation is vital for making classrooms exciting and students more eager to learn.
“O r cultur is soum that is ethinge sourcen’t outbra d, wh capainbpl ower iisle outsoue of bein -Joelle rced.” g Art Te Imholte acher ,
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.
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Friday, september 30, 2016
Political correctness, a thing of the past? by Kevin Sabeti staff reporter
Since the end of the 20th century, the term “politically correct” (PC) has been used by liberals and conservatives alike to describe a person so focused on being progressive that they’ve become regressive. Those accused of political correctness are associated with being weak, sensitive, and overly-emotional, caring about being inoffensive to the extent that they’ve limited others’ freedom of speech. A 2015 survey by Fairleigh Dickinson’s PublicMind poll found that around 68% of Americans agree that “A big problem this country has is being politically correct.” Whether it’s Donald Trump calling Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton “politically
correct fools” to one of convicted rapist Brock Turner’s childhood friends implying that his sexual assault convictions were based on political correctness, the “war on PC culture” has completely missed the point. When all we hear about is its vilification, we have to ask what political correctness even is. To some, being PC is a way to speak that avoids actions or ideas that contribute to the oppression of marginalized groups. To others, it’s regarded as thought police with a goal to sweep controversial ideas under the rug as to avoid overly-sensitive backlash. To put it simply, political correctness doesn’t limit freedom of speech. People in this country are still allowed to share whatever opinions they may have, but that doesn’t
Do people have to be politically correct?
67%
of students believe that everyone
should have some sense of political correctness.
33%
of students believe that people
should have the right to express themselves. No matter what their beliefs are. information compiled by Jake Rosenow
mean they’ll be free from consequences or that people will agree. Your right to speak your mind is still protected by the First Amendment, meaning the government can’t prohibit you from saying what you want. If you claim that PC culture is infringing on your speech, understand that those who disagree have just as much of a right to speak as you do. In most cases, the claims that political correctness is damaging our society stem from people not wanting to be respectful. When someone disagrees with them, they blame political correctness to avoid acknowledging their fault and realizing how what they’re saying is harmful. Before you claim the “PC Police” is offended by everything, take into consideration how what you may think isn’t
editorials
offensive, discriminatory, or even important may perpetuate a larger social system of oppression. Valid criticisms of racism, misogyny, or transphobia are labeled as forcing others to be PC, claiming the dissenter is just overly-sensitive. Thus, the original concerns are dismissed. Blaming political correctness just detracts from important conversations about equality, pretending like an issue being called out doesn’t even exist. To improve a society constantly at odds, the divide between liberal and conservative, “social justice warrior” and “neckbeard,” needs to close. The idea of “political correctness” (whatever it means) should be about respect and consideration for other people, not the forthright desire to be inflammatory and disrespect-
ful. Our focus shouldn’t be on being PC, but rather on saying educated and considerate things with confidence. It’s clear that those who blame political correctness aren’t interested in protecting a right to speech, but are really just afraid of marginalized groups standing up for themselves.
fair use from Vanity Fair
“Everyone can say what they want, but they shouldn’t offend others.” –Anders Bandt, 11. “Since when can we not express what we believe in? People should be able to say what they want, no matter the circumstance. ” –Pauline Johnson, 11
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features
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Friday, September 30, 2016
Bonjour, Paris! Students take trip to France by Marley Jones gallery editor
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Images of the Eiffel Tower and fancy pastries come to mind when thinking of France. Last summer, a group of ten students, including eight from Mounds View, were lucky enough to see these famous French staples firsthand. Every other summer, French students in grades 10 and up have the chance to spend two weeks in France. In order to participate in this trip, students have to complete French Two with a grade higher than 70% in the class. “It is helpful for the students to have taken two years of French because then they are able to communicate with their host families,” said Ingrid Koenig, French teacher. To be completely immersed within the French Culture, the students stayed with host families for a week. “My favorite part about being on the trip was the week that I spent with my host family. Every day when I went down for breakfast my host sister Chloe would tell me what we were doing that day, and it was always something exciting,” said Liza Vinyon, 11. Junior Amanda Apolloni agreed that the best part of the trip was the stay with her host family. “The family I stayed with was extremely nice and made me easily feel at home. They were a half an hour’s train ride away from Paris which was convenient because we shopped often. I lucked out because my host sister and I clicked instantly. I consider her one of my best friends to this day,” said Apolloni. Although learning French is a large part of the trip, students learn more than just the language. The students explored historical castles and towns in the western region of
the country. Along the way, they practiced their French by conversing with locals and experiencing the culture firsthand. “Although I didn’t learn many new French words, I learned a lot about the culture and way of life. The trip made me want to travel more often, meet new people, and create new memories,” said Apolloni. Overall, the trip was a success and is sure to continue as a tradition at Mounds View. In the upcoming years, however, there might be a slight change as Spanish and French teachers hope to join their trips together by taking a larger group of students on a joint trip to France and Spain. “We will be most likely be providing information for the next trip in early 2017, so stay tuned for information,” said Koenig.
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“The trip made me want to travel more often, meet new people, and create new memories.” -Amanda Apolloni, 11
1. Liza Vinyon, left and Amanda Apollini, right laughing in front of the Chateau de Chambord castle. 2. Taken in Dinard 3. Mediteranean sea taken from dinard 4.. Whole French group in front of Chateau de Chenonceau 5. Amanda, left posing in Paris with her host sister Louise
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photos courtesy of Amanda Apolloni and Liza Vinyon
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illustration by Kailey Newcome
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friday, september 30, 2016
features
Field trip across the world
Spanish students travel to Spain over summer by Daniel Yong managing editor - online While most people see summer as an opportunity to forget everything school related, this past summer, a few Spanish students found themselves doing the opposite. As part of a trip aimed towards cultural immersion, a group of Mounds View students and staff spent part of their summer in Spain. The 10 day trip was planned by Spanish teacher Laura Rivers with the goal of allowing the group to practice and experience Spanish language and culture. “The goals [of the trip] were Spanish language practice and cultural immersion,” said Rivers. “I spent time in Spain as a high school student and wanted to offer the opportunity [to my students].” The group kicked off their trip with a stay in Barcelona, followed by visits to other major cities including Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Costa del Sol and Madrid. Throughout their trip, students were able to experience Spanish culture firsthand. From admiring architecture to watching flamenco, a native Spanish dance, the trip was full of memorable experiences. “My favorite memory was seeing the Sagrada Família in Barcelona,” said Max Vinyon, 11. “From the outside, each side [of the church] tells a story. [The church] had a lot of different painted glass and towers that you don’t get to see anywhere else. It was something I’d never been able to see before, so I really liked being able to see someone else’s art put in a building.” Cal Kleppe, 12, agreed. “[The Sagrada Família] is such an amazing structure. [Seeing it] was really a life changing experience,” he said.
For Rivers, however, the best part of the trip was seeing one of her students successfully use Spanish unassisted. “The very first night of our trip, we got stuck in the metro because of a subway strike. We ended up taking taxis back to the hotel,” said Rivers. “One of my students was able to direct the taxi driver to our hotel without my help – she was in a different taxi.” The group spoke Spanish frequently when making purchases and conversing with natives. “Whenever we talked to our guide or tried to order food, we’d speak in Spanish,” said Kleppe. By using Spanish outside of the classroom, the students were able to experience the benefits of practicing language in an authentic environment. “Being able to get around in a foreign country on your own is a great opportunity. It’s a safe way to practice language,” said Rivers. Both fun and educational, the trip to Spain was an amazing experience for everyone involved. It wasn’t just a vacation; students were able to learn more about Spanish culture. “[The trip] helped me understand [Spanish] culture more by letting me see what people do [in Spain] and how they do things differently than us. I also was able to use my Spanish the way it’s intended to be used–actually speaking Spanish,” said Kleppe. The trip isn’t the first time Mounds View students have traveled to Spanishspeaking countries, and it certainly won’t be the last. “We are currently in the process of registering students for [a] Costa Rica [trip],” said Rivers. With future trips being planned, the benefits of visiting other countries are sure to be experienced by Spanish enthusiasts in the years to come.
Port of Barcelona
Parc Guell by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona
Rock of Gibralter
Students on the beach, Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Cathedral of Barcelona (gothic)
photos courtesy of Laura Rivers
E x n c g h ei
Mihaela Pinzari
e S g n a
Country: Moldova Favorite thing about America: I like everything about America, but the best part [was] when I met my host family and [went] to the State Fair. Program: Future Leaders Exchange Program Greatest Difference: The [greatest] difference is at school. My school from Moldova is very little.There are only 600 students [total].We do not [get to] choose our classes. Our lessons are 45 minutes, our passing time is longer and we start school at 8:30. Mounds View is a great experience for me. I like it. Favorite classes: I love Journalism, U.S. History, German and Business. Biggest difficulty here: The culture shock at school [was the biggest difference]. There are too many students that are really loud, and the school is very big. I get lost. Recommendation: I would recommend studying abroad because it is a perfect experience, [and can] help people in the future. Hobbies: I like to watch American movies and go shopping. Why She chose to study abroad: I decided to join this program because a lot of students [at my school] have been to America and they had a really by Kallie Slotvig also receive a monthly allowance for students to nice experience. features editor
Fo r
va do ol M
FLEX
Founded in 1995, Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) has provided scholarships to over 25,000 secondary school students. The program’s aim is to “promote respect for cultural diversity, provide opportunities for personal development and engage in community service, as well as improve mutual understanding between our countries.� FLEX is fully funded by the United States government and the cost of traveling to the United States and back is covered. Students
become involved in social activities. In order to participate in FLEX as a foreign exchange student, students must meet eligibility requirements through an open, meritbased competition. FLEX is a 10 month program which usually begins in August and goes through May or June. During these months, exchange students get to experience American culture firsthand by living with a host family and attending a host school.
Stu nts at de
Ameni Hajji
Country: Tunisia Favorite thing about US: Washington D.C. and corn Program: Kennedy-Luger Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES) Greatest difference: The six hour time difference. I [also] want to be able to see snow this year for the first time. It does snow in some places in Tunisia, but I don’t get to see it. Biggest fear: Being rejected, misunderstood or laughed at. Recommendation: I would recommend [studying abroad] because it’s a lifetime experience, and you don’t get the chance to do it again. I think that living in new communities is a huge step that you [should] take to succeed and live your life to the fullest. Why she chose to study abroad: It opens many doors for me, and it helps me achieve many things. It also breaks stereotypes about Muslim people and lets me meet people. I want to go back to my country and apply what I learned here.Traveling to the U.S. has been a dream for me because it is promoted in movies and TV shows.
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by Sunny Lim news editor Through a program called The Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES), junior Ameni Hajji is living her dream of studying in the United States. YES was created by the United States Congress in 2002 as a response the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The goal of the organization is to give students who live in Muslim-dominated countries like Albania, Ghana and Tunisia an experience of living in the United States. The students who apply and are accepted to the
program attend high school for one school year while living with host families, expanding their knowledge on American values and gaining leadership skills. Application requirements for this program differ slightly by country, but all students must be between the ages of 15 and 17, have a citizenship for their own country and maintain a B average. In order to be selected, students must take an English proficiency exam, participate in interviews, complete a program application form and write a proctored essay in English.
Tu ni si a
YES
information compiled by Kallie Slotvig and Sunny Lim Photos courtesy of Mihaela Pinzari and Ameni Hajji
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variety
Friday, september 30,2016
Get psyched to bike The Greenway by Rigney Cunningham variety editor The Midtown Greenway is a transportation corridor that follows a former railway route. The trail offers hours of exercise and entertainment and provides easy access to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus on the east, and the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes on the west. For bike enthusiasts everywhere, the Greenway is a must-do. The path is spacious with enough room for walkers, bikers and bladers of all different speeds. Maps and traffic signs are easy to understand and are posted frequently along the path. The trail starts on
Chowen Avenue and ends 5.5 miles later on West River Parkway. However, this biking interstate is flexible, with 26 entrances and exits. Adequate safety features like police patrol and easy access to Nice Ride bike rentals make the Greenway the perfect weekend getaway. The Greenway is also a popular route for commuters on their way to work, allowing them to avoid the morning traffic. A slice of biker’s heaven, The Midtown Greenway provides an easy escape in the city and is guaranteed to keep your weekends busy this fall.
illustration by Sam Kwong
Lake Calhoun by Rigney Cunningham variety editor Lake Calhoun offers a wide variety of activities guaranteed to help you stay active this fall. With over six miles of walking and biking paths, sandy beaches and views of the city, the lake is a hidden gem in Minneapolis waiting to be discovered. The activities on Lake Calhoun are extensive and easily accessible by bike. With a Nice Ride bike rental near the lake, it’s easy to navigate the paths. Wheel Fun Rentals is located right on the lake next to the Tin Fish restaurant and offers canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking and pedal boating for around $20 per hour. For those who prefer to stay on land, beach volleyball courts are a 10 minute bike ride away, providing something for everyone at the lake.
The Lake Calhoun paths are paved and organized, offering a peaceful biking experience. The paths also connect to Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles. Along the routes there are several beaches, providing the perfect way to cool down. A view of the Minneapolis skyline can be seen from parts of the lake, so a picnic basket is recommended. However, if making a lunch doesn’t sound appealing, the Tin Fish restaurant is right on the lake and serves an assortment of fish, hamburgers, salads and ice cream. A tranquil spot in a bustling city, Lake Calhoun is the ideal oasis to rejuvenate and get into shape. With miles of bike paths, countless activities and a killer view, this lake is Minneapolis at its finest.
Tin Fish restaurant pavilion on Lake Calhoun. photo by Rigney Cunningham
Nice Ride by Rigney Cunningham variety editor
Nice Ride bike sharring system by Lake Calhoun. photo by Rigney Cunningham
With over 226 miles of biking paths and 190 Nice Ride bike rentals covering Minneapolis and St. Paul it’s no wonder that Minneapolis is ranked as the best city for biking in the country. Whether it’s going to work, getting exercise or for recreation, cycling is a great way to explore the city and stay in shape. Nice Ride is a bike sharing system designed for short trips around the Twin Cities. The bikes –built for leisure– come with a cargo carrier and headlights and are painted a whimsical shade of green. Biking is by far the most dependable source of public transportation in the Twin Cities. With the arrival of Nice Ride, Minnesotans have become enthusiastic cyclists, leading to the
building of several new bike lanes and paths all around the state. Nice Ride offers a wide range of flexibility with its rentals. There are single rentals, three day passes and memberships. Single rentals can be purchased by swiping a card at a Nice Ride station. It’s $4 for a half hour. Three day passes cost $10 and give unlimited rides up to 30 minutes long with no additional costs. The bike can be returned at any Nice Ride location. Memberships are also available for about $18 a month or $75 for a year. In this bike friendly city, cycling has never been more affordable or convenient. Next time you have to get somewhere, ditch the car or bus and go the planet friendly route with a Nice Ride bike.
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Friday, september 30, 2016
reviews
Entertainment for all audiences
Sausage Party brings a lot to the table by Jack McCoy sports editor
Irreverent and offensive as it is, Sausage Party is not a movie for everyone. However, the film backs up its blatant obscenities with an impressive amount of creative and intelligent humor and a thought provoking storyline. The film involves foods that live in a grocery store. They worship human shoppers as gods and are anxious for the day that they can travel to “the great beyond,” an assumed afterlife of sorts, which they believe they enter upon leaving the grocery store. Frank (a hot dog) and his girlfriend, Brenda (a hot dog bun), dream about living with each other in the “great beyond.” Frank and a few other foods then embark on a journey to a human’s home to discover what really lies outside the grocery store. From start to finish, Sausage Party is filled with an incredible amount of profanity. Although this movie is animated, it is not meant for children.
The movie is consistently hilarious throughout, and there are plenty of intelligent jokes to accompany its grotesque humor. The movie also presents underlying deep philosophical questions. The film questions the ideas of many religions and different theories about life itself, including Christianity and Heaven, demonstrating the possibility that what comes after life could be something entirely unexpected. Sausage Party also has an impressive cast of famous actors. Starring Seth Rogen, James Franco, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Edward Norton, Paul Rudd and Bill Hader, the movie has the star power to attract audiences and increase its comedic power. All in all, Sausage Party is a hysterical film, with humorous jokes throughout to entertain mature audiences. The movie is the perfect length, a short 89 minutes. Any longer, and the offensive remarks would be tiresome. With an all-star cast of actors and a script written by the highly-acclaimed Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, this movie is a must see for the biggest fans of comedy.
The Verdict Sausage Party is a hysterical film with humorous jokes throughout to entertain mature audiences.
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fair use from all3animation
Mendes makes stand-out album by Kailey Newcome editor-in-chief
Shawn Mendes has taken the world by storm. At only 18 years old, he’s signed with a record label, made it onto the iTunes Top Ten multiple times and his most popular “Stitches” was number one in the UK. Receiving a taste of his new album on June 3 with the single “Treat You Better”, fans everywhere waited in anticipation for Illuminate. The preview showcased Mendes’s beloved passionate tone, catchy tunes and easily relatable lyrics. When the full album dropped on Sept. 23, fans hopes were fulfilled. “Treat You Better” is the album’s headline single. The song showcases Mendes’s powerful voice and vocal range. It has a catchy melody that listeners will find themselves humming along to throughout the day. Additionally, the song has a powerful message, emphasizing the importance of respect in a relationship. Although “Treat You Better” debuted as the main song on the album, “Mercy” is equally as good, if not better. While the song isn’t up-beat, its drum and piano mix creates a dynamic instrumental for the song. Only the vocals can beat the music itself. His voice holds the most emotion in this particular song, making it stand out amongst the others. There’s a change of pace with “Three Empty Words” as the song features pure vocals and guitar. It has a much slower beat and laid back tone throughout. It allows Mendes to show off his stellar range and emphasizes the raw emotion conveyed in his voice. Overall, all of the songs offer a different aspect of Mendes’s talent, from his incredible vocals to his amazing musical talent. The album is nearly flawless, with at least one song sure to suit each viewer. Illuminate is sure to be another success in Mendes’s life.
The Verdict Illuminate is another outstanding album by Mendes, filled with impressive vocals, memorable tunes and relatable lyrics.
92 Laura Cervenik, 12, meets Shawn Mendes at a concert. photo courtesy of Laura Cervenik
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Sports
Friday, September 30, 2016
Girls swim and dive
by Jackie Gaworski Sports Editor After winning their first dual meet against East Ridge and placing third at The Blaine Bengals Invite, the Mounds View Girls Swim Team is off to a great start. Senior captains Libby Fleming, Allie Forsythe, Mckenzie Bohan and Maddie Petry share similar prospects for the team, including placing at the section meet at the end of the season and seeing an overall team improvement. “This season we want every girl on the team to drop time,” said Fleming. Although the girls are confident in this season, they will face some challenges. “Competing with Stillwater and teams that have recently become more competitive such as East Ridge and Cretin Derham Hall [will be challenging]. However, Mounds View has a lot more depth in our team compared to those schools, so I think we’ll achieve our goals this season,” said Bohan.
With 64 girls on the team, bonding is an important aspect of the its success. “We go on a retreat in the beginning of the season which helps let the girls get to know each other,” said Fleming. Overall, being close is what brings the girls the most success. “We encourage all of the girls to cheer for each other at the meets and keep a good attitude,” said Fleming. “My favorite part about the team is how close all of the girls have gotten. Each year we get closer and closer which makes us that much stronger as a team.” Being close also makes meeting goals more meaningful. “I love that swimming is an individual and a team sport. It keeps you motivated to try hard to improve for not only yourself but also for the team,” said Forsythe.
Scoring a new board by Kailey Newcome editor-in-chief
“Why is there a house outside our school?” many members of the Mounds View community pondered when returning to school. On Sept. 8, the old stadium scoreboard and press box, donated over 20 years ago by the Light Brigade, were retired. Although both were still usable, many issues caused administration to update their systems. The former press box had insufficient space for press coverage by outside sports reporters. Football, lacrosse and soccer games didn’t have enough room for the media, limiting the school’s broadcasting ability. The scoreboard had many issues, as well. The board used incandescent light bulbs that are no longer being manufactured, so any damages to the board were nearly impossible to fix. This created a problem when the board was struck by lightning a few years ago.
Senior captains Libby Fleming, Madie Petry, Allie Forsythe and Mckenzie Bohan
photo courtesy Denise Fleming
“The numbers three and four haven’t been illuminated properly since then,” said Robert Madison, athletic director. “They did still work, just not well.” The new board and press box addresses these problems. The press box’s size increased to 32 feet by 54 feet, allowing plenty of space for publicity personnel to do their work. The new scoreboard also doubles as a video board and can play one minute of pre-recorded video. Instead of being tailored to the football team, the board now adequately supports all teams that use the stadium. “The new board definitely represents the whole Mounds View community and the quality of our programs,” said Madison. The board also transferred to LED lighting, allowing for clear images and videos. Madison hopes that this new technology will help better engage students and Mounds View as a whole.
fair use by fair-play.com
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Friday, September 30, 2016
Athlete of the issue
Ryan Nickel Football Q: How long have you been playing quarterback? A: I started playing quarterback my freshman year, so this is my fourth year.
sports
Bounceback season in sight
by Jake Rosenow staff reporter Coming off of a disappointing 2015 season, the 2016 Mounds View football team hopes to improve and make huge strides this year. Last year, the team finished with a record of just .500 in the regular season, with four wins and four losses. It was the Mustangs’ first season that they didn’t win more games than lost since 2006. This season, Mounds View football is off to a promising start. Aside from a close loss to the highly-ranked East Ridge, the football team has won every game. The team cur-
rently has a 3-1 record following their big win over Roseville last Friday in their homecoming game. Mounds View has a lot of talent across the board this year. With senior captains Ryan Nickel at quarterback, Jack Graham at running back, Pete Goldsmith playing safety, Cam LeMay at nose guard and defensive end and Ross Indlecoffer at middle linebacker, the team has plenty of strong leaders to push them forward this season. “I have a lot of confidence in our team. We have a lot of good players, and I think if we can put it all together we should be able to do great things this year,” said Nickel. “It’s
really exciting.” “Our hopes are definitely high for this season,” said Goldsmith. “The consistent success Mounds View football has seen throughout the last 20 years sets the bar pretty high for us, but I’m confident this team has what it takes to do great things this year.” Looking ahead, Mounds View is set to face off against White Bear Lake at home on September 30. Following White Bear, the team will close out the season against Stillwater, Woodbury and Cretin-Derham Hall. Cretin-Derham Hall will be the biggest challenge as they currently are
ranked in the top 10 in the state. A win over Cretin at their stadium to finish the season would be monumental. “Playing Cretin is always fun. But, we still have a lot of the season left and we need to take it game by game,” said LeMay.
Q: What’s your favorite part about playing football? A: My favorite part is being able to run back to the huddle to a group of guys that all have the same mindset and goal. Q: How do you prepare for games? A: We have a similar practice routine every day, where we spend a lot of time divided up with each position coach working at our specific positions. We also go through plays constantly to be sure we have the playbook down. To prepare for individual teams we go over and study lot of film on them during film sessions.
The 2016 varsity football team photo.
Q: Are you involved in any other activities? Yeah, I play baseball and I’m in NHS. Q: What’s your goal for this season? A: Our goal for this season is simply to win as many games as we can. I hope we can always be prepared for each game heading in, and continue to function well as a team. Q: As a captain, how do you encourage the team? A: I encourage the team by setting an example for them. When I do things the right way, work hard and take on different challenges, it helps my teammates to know how to handle different situations. Q: What’s your favorite food? A: My favorite food is definitely steak.
Jack Graham, 12, takes the handoff for a run as Cam LeMay, 12, blocks a defender.
2016 team captains pose for a photo. (From left) Seniors Jack Graham, Ryan Nickel, Ross Indlecoffer, Pete Goldsmith, and Cam LeMay photo courtesy of Ryan Nickel
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Friday, sEPTEMBER 30, 2016
How to spice up your fall fashion From the runway to the hallways by Rigney Cunningham variety editor Fall Fashion 2016 is all about rediscovering the ‘90s classics. Grungy florals, slip dresses, Mary Janes and chokers are all fair game. In addition to the ‘90s look, comfort and style collide, as seen in Kanye West’s Yeezy show during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The ‘90s era was a high point in fashion. People started following fashion icons like Gwen Stefani and Brittany Murphy. The ‘90s included a mix of goth, punk and preppy trends, all of which are coming back in a glorious style this fall. NYFW brought on a whirlwind of edgy florals seen on flowing dresses, skirts and off the shoulder tops. Denim got a daring update with embellished floral embroidery and various patches and pins. The slip dress is a fall staple that may seem too fancy for school, but
worn over a turtleneck, it becomes dress code appropriate. Kanye West’s Yeezy Season Four line and Rihanna’s Fenty X Puma collaboration have been setting the tone for a sporty athleisure look. Both of these lines mix masculine and feminine silhouettes and bring comfort into fashion. The models sported oversized military jackets, track pants and hoodies galore as they walked down the runway. This trend makes looking stylish at school and staying comfortable easy. Wearing clothing from the runway to school can be intimidating and impractical, but stores like Topshop, Zara and Urban Outfitters offer toned down looks for a small price and will make sure your fall fashion is on point.
photo courtesy of Rigney Cunningham
Shoes and accessories by Rigney Cunningham variety editor Shoes and accessories are arguably the most important part of an outfit, but it can be difficult to find the perfect pair that offers both style and comfort. Some people have stopped wearing heels since they are less comfortable than other styles, which has led to the spread of sneakers throughout the fashion universe. Popular styles like the white Adidas Superstar bring a ‘70s flare seen on fashion icons like Gigi Hadid. Converse is the ultimate retro player, dating back to Kevin Bacon’s iconic kicks in the original Footloose. This fall, block heels are the comfortable alternative to stilettos. The chunky heel offers support and style and was dominant at New York Fashion Week. To edge up your look, wear them with a pair of mesh ankle socks. Hot off the Nordstrom trend report for fall, lace-up booties with pointed toes are all the rage. However, if your feet are wider, Mary Janes and novelty loafers are they way to go. Their masculine appearance can be offset with a pair of knee highs and an A-line skirt. Combat boots are also great
because of their wide versatility and comfort. Along with shoes, another hot trend this fall is wearing chokers for an edgy look or scarves to stay warm. With the ‘90s look back in style, chokers have been in almost every runway show and trend forecast report this season. Fashion “It Girls” like Hailey Baldwin, Kendall Jenner and Chiara Ferragni wear them with everything from slip dresses to distressed t-shirts. The black velvet choker is a wardrobe staple, but also looks great in a dusty pink color or bedazzled with rhinestones. When cooler weather rolls in, scarves will be a necessity. Cable knit sweaters worn with cozy knit scarves are a sure way to stay warm in the frigid Minnesota weather. For a classier look, pair a French silk scarf with a beret. With several decades of footwear and accessory trends fusing into one season, there has never been a better time to update your fall wardrobe.
illistrations by Marley Jones