Issue 7

www.mvviewer.org | Friday, February 13, 2014 | Volume 62, Issue 7

District parent opposes early start times

by Alistair Tang online managing editor

photos by Hana Gulli

Music at Mounds View

District aims to connect arts and community with concert series

by Daniel Yong staff reporter Three professionally dressed performers walk on stage. The lights dim, and the buzz of the audience fades to silence. It seems like a scene taken straight from Orchestra Hall, but it’s not -- the group is performing in Mounds View’s auditorium.

New at Mounds View, the Music at Mounds View Concert Series aims to connect the community to music. It consists of three concerts, each with a different group performing: Clocks and Clouds, a Minneapolisbased band that combines elements of rock with classical music; Saakumu Dance Troupe, a group that performs traditional and contemporary African dance and music; and Charles Lazarus Ensemble, a Minnesota Orchestra trumpeter who plays a blend of lounge/exotica and funk fired jazz.

The District organized the series to provide the community with an opportunity to see performances more easily.

“The idea is to engage the community with the

IN THIS ISSUE

school district through the arts,” said James Bartsch, orchestra director at Highview Middle School and main organizer of the series.

Additionally, the series aims to show students music beyond what they hear on the radio. “I think it will

“

Music is a means of really connecting the logical, spatial, mathematical side with the emotions.

-Lucas Shogren

help engage students to think about music in a less traditional sense, and [instead] think about music in a way that will hopefully inspire and excite them to

try to create something on their own,” said Lucas Shogren, Mounds View orchestra director.

However, students are split between whether or not the concert series is worthwhile.

Some found the ticket price of $22 too high to justify going. “They’re really expensive,” said Ruth Jiang, 12. “I bought a ticket for a really wellknown artist a couple of months ago for $25, and I would rather spend money that way than spend money here.” However, students can use the code “Mounds View” at checkout to earn a $5 discount.

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IN SPREAD 6-7

A TIP FOR TIPS

MODERN DATING

Thomas Egan, 10, attended the first concert

by Clocks and Clouds on Saturday, Jan. 31. “It was a new experience, really unique,” said Egan. “I had never heard anything like this before, so I’m really glad I went.”

The Saakumu Dance Troupe will perform on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m., and the Charles Lazarus Ensemble will perform on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m.

All three concerts will be hosted at Mounds View.

Last October, the school board announced its decision to keep school start times unchanged after extensive discussion.

Soon after, John MacHalec, parent of a 6th grader at Chippewa, began an initiative to push the School Board to reconsider its decision. He used his website, www.moundsviewstarttimes. blogspot.com, to rally parent support.

Even though MacHalec does not have any children in high school, he is concerned. “I paid attention to the 6:23 am bus coming down my street every morning,” said MacHalec. “[I also] asked my neighbor about his 9th grader.”

What his neighbor told him alarmed him.

“He said his 9th grader’s alarm went off at 5:15 every morning, and that his wife also gets up at five in the morning,” said MacHalec. What really stuck out to MacHalec was his neighbor saying, “It’s a major disruption to family life.”

When making their decision to keep school start times the same, the school board considered health, student achievement, and other factors, according to a school board summary.

“The school board looked at this comprehensively because there’s an impact far beyond high school,” said Colin Sokolowski, public relations director. “A change at the high school level sets off a series of consequences for thousands of other families in elementary and middle schools as well.”

Soon after the decision, MacHalec began to research school start times. Within one week of launching his website, MacHalec said his supporter base grew from five to around 100 people. “I need to find ways to involve parents,” said MacHalec. “Schools don’t want to host me since I’m opposing district policy, so I have to find a way outside of school to work.”

MacHalec is critical of the way the school board carried out its decision because he believes there was not enough transparency in the decision-making process. “I heard nothing about a board discussion [regarding start times],” said MacHalec, “I get all the emails and School Talk, but I didn’t hear anything until after the decision.”

However, according to Sokolowski, the school board is not obligated to hold a public forum for their discussions. The topic was on the school board’s issued agenda.

MacHalec still has various obstacles to overcome, but is confident. “I don’t have a lot of contacts in high schools, but if I involve more parents to the website and get a significant number of parent opinions, I’ll take it to the school board,” he said.

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February 13, 2015

Safety drills: More effective than we realize

Students should take safety drills more seriously

V-day gifts that say “we’re through”

10

Empty box of chocolates

Socks

9

to 8 Subscription “single” magazine Dead flowers7 of tissues and 6 Box ice cream Gum 5 from 4 Anything Joe Janey A treadmill 3 2 Paperclip necklace 1 A card that says “we’re through”

2014-2015 Viewer Editors Editor-in-Chief

James Birr

Managing Editor - Copy

Maddy Rosenow Managing Editor - Design

Kyoka Millard Managing Editor - Online

Alistair Tang Business Manager Nina Bertelsen News Emily Ruan Editorials Clara Wang Josh Yuan Features Monica Kemp Katrina Renacia Spread

Rebecca Nara Namrata Gadela

Variety Reviews Sports Gallery

Aaron Adams Emma Blume

Nolan Carlson-Stevermer Persis Ke

Online Editorials Staff Writer

Sarah Dhols-Graf Sean Sabeti Ryan Yoch

Photographers/Artists Eva Hoffman Lily Sacay Hana Gulli Michaela Morse Adviser

Martha Rush Staff

Claire Carroll, Sarah Conrad, Matthew Cooper, Taylor Graw, Jackson Hoemann, Alex Jiang, Katie Karjalahti, Samuel Kwong, Emily Moses, Kofo Mustafa, Kevin Sabeti-Oseid, Olivia Schultz, Furquan Syed, Aaron Voiovich, Daniel Yong, Amber Zhao

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

cartoon by Michaela Morse

Phones glow phosphorescent in the dimmed lights and the air is tense with giggles. Occasionally knocks come from the door, eliciting more hushed laughter.

When the lockdown drill is over, students roll their eyes and commence with their day, relieved for the break from classroom monotony.

When asked if safety drills made him feel safer, Peter Yong, 11, answers with a decisive, “No, it doesn’t make me safe.”

Many incorrectly fail to take into account just how much goes into improving student safety. Safety drills are mandated by the state -- for good reason.

From fire drills to lockdowns, there is a general sentiment that none of these scenarios could ever happen, and if they did happen, then the preventative measures we take aren’t going to be effective. “It’s just common sense,” said Logan Maccani, 12.

Nothing is 100% fail-safe, but it’s all about time when it comes to preventing incidents. Drills reduce the amount of time to evacuate the building and give people a sense of security so they don’t panic when something does occur. Some of the routine is certainly just for peace of mind, but it also serves to reinforce correct safety procedures.

For a school of Mounds View’s size, a fire in one corner of the building would take a substantial amount of time to spread. “We empty our building in under two minutes.

That’s pretty fast,” said Associate Principal Michael Schwartz. Though some students envision mass panic if a fire occurs, with the help of regular drills, reality would be much more efficient and less dramatic.

According to a Harvard study published by PBS, mass shootings have

tripled since 2011. Contrary to popular student belief, our school has evolved the tactics for countering school shooters versus simply sticking to routine for the heck of it.

Once again, it’s all about the timing. If an active shooter was to be on the loose, the goal is to restrain him as soon as possible rather than waiting for outside enforcement to arrive.

“We’ve been retrained since Columbine to do things differently now,” said School Resource Officer William Rzeszutek.

At a school in Arkansas, a shooter pulled the fire alarm to concentrate all the students outside before opening fire. The way a Mounds View evacuation is set up reduces the likelihood of this happening.

“We exit through six or seven different spots in our building. Could it happen?

Never say never, but we’re much more spread out than your typical school because of how we’re laid out. Could it happen?

Sure it could happen. But where would you set up? As a shooter, where would you go?

If you were on top of the bus depot there would be people in front but there wouldn’t be people on either side,” said Schwartz.

Although safety drills seem at times to be intuitive, and it’s hard for students to imagine a dangerous scenario really playing out at Mounds View, state-mandated safety drills help to prevent panic and improve security. A lot goes into keeping a school of over 1,000 kids a safe place. Anything could happen, but it’s good to be prepared when it does. As the old adage goes, better safe than sorry.

Stats on Safety Drills Though many students still do not take safety drills seriously, the numbers prove that drills are no joking matter.

5

Mounds View does five lockdowns and five fire drills each year as per state law.

486 deaths In the past 13 years, 486 people have been killed in school shootings.

On average, 16.4 school shootings occurred from 2007 to 2013, compared to an average of 6.4 annual shootings from 2000 to 2006.

16.4 vs.

6.4

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

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

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

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

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

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

The editors of the Viewer welcome and encourage the publication of all viewpoints.

February 13, 2015

editorials 3

Give servers higher wages, not tips

by Alistair Tang online managing editor

Tipping: a long-standing American tradition that’s considered both a courtesy and a requirement. Especially so in restaurants, where servers basically receive all their wages from tips.

In all honesty, no one really likes tipping. For the customers, having to pay an undetermined extra amount of money at the end of a meal comes across as an annoyance.

For servers, tipping leads to inconsistent and frequently lower hourly wages. The U.S. should follow most of Europe’s and Asia’s example and abolish tipping.

Abolishing tipping doesn’t simply mean that servers will altogether stop receiving income. In most states, the minimum wage for those who are supposed to receive tips is only $2.13 an hour. As a result, servers are nearly three times as likely to experience poverty compared to other workers.

And as tipped workers are pushed into poverty, they and their families become more reliant on welfare. In the end, taxpayers ultimately have to pay more in order for the privilege to tip.

Servers aren’t only

receiving inconsistent wages as a result of tipping, but nowadays, they are simply receiving lower wages. In recent years, people have began tipping less than they used to.

A survey by the coupon site Vouchercloud discovered that only 23 percent of customers leave a 20 percent tip, and about half the respondents said they tip less than they did five years ago, with most giving the reason that their “financial situation had changed.”

In high-end restaurants, tipping also creates income inequality between servers and kitchen workers. When menu prices are higher, servers can often end up making a lot more in tips than kitchen staff, who have skills that are equally or arguably more valuable than servers.

With all the benefits that the abolishment of tipping would bring, why does tipping still exist? Most believe that giving a certain amount as a tip “rewards” or “punishes” a server for their performance.

However, a study by Cornell University discovered that the real reasons why people tip more or less are essentially random, and that on average, customers who receive great service only tip one percent more than usual.

People who like tipping tend to like it because they believe it gives them a sort of “power” over their server; that any issues they had with their experience can be expressed through a lower tip. Simply giving a few dollars less to a server doesn’t tell them anything about their performance, just that the customer may have been slightly displeased about something. Actual complaints should be expressed directly to the manager of the establishment, not by decreasing the server’s wage for no apparent reason to them.

Tip amounts are also influenced by a variety of unfair reasons. Sometimes, customers will tip less because

they don’t like the way their server looks. A study by Michael Lynn, a professor at Cornell University, found that white servers are tipped more than black servers for the same quality service, regardless of the race of the customer.

In order to compensate for the abolishment of tips, restaurants would have to make their food more expensive, or introduce the service charge that some restaurants have already established. Overall, customers will be paying the same amount, but servers will end up with a fair wage, and restaurants will likely experience an increase in profits. There’s about no reason to allow tipping to continue, and as such, it should end.

photo by Eva Hoffman

In response to: “Free speech, gone too far?”

Many may question the incident that took place with Charlie Hebdo and wonder: “Why would Charlie Hebdo draw disrespectful cartoons of a well known prophet in the Islamic faith?” Well, let’s start with an important question: Who is prophet Muhammad, and why is he highly respected by many Muslims and nonMuslims all over the globe?

Muhammad (peace be upon him) is known as a prophet of god, who called and invited others to believe in the oneness of god (i.e Islam). Up into this generation he made accomplishments that still affects the world spiritually today. Prophet Muhammad was the best man to ever walk on the face of this earth. His moral uprightness was full of wonder. He was a man of virtue and integrity who stood up for those who were oppressed, and generous to those who abused him. Justice is what he took and justice is what he served. For instance, an example of his compassion appears in the pre-Islamic times.

In the pre-Islamic times, residents used to bury their daughters alive because women were viewed as misfortune to the society. Prophet Muhammad was the man who intervened and consulted people to put an end to this wrong act. He was the liberator of

Editor opinions What your Viewer editors think of various issues.

Letter to the Editor women’s rights. He told others to honor women and later announced “... do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers.” Prophet Muhammad was a man who also tackled down discrimination. He once said, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve, and Arab has no superiority over non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab, except by piety, good action, and god-consciousness.

Prophet Muhammad is a man worth reading about and the world should understand why many are exceedingly over protective about him. Muslims are known to love the prophet more than their mothers, their families, and themselves. Today he is a rolemodel for mankind. He is just not dear and known to Muslims, but to non-Muslims too. Surprisingly, in

The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, Muhammad is ranked as the number

one most influential persons in the book written by Michael H. Hart. Michael Hart explains, “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world’s most

“For those who struggle with love this Valentine’s Day, I salute you.”

-Aaron Adams variety editor

“If you are looking for an uncomfortable conversation, ask your mom if she’s read ‘50 Shades of Grey.’”

-Ryan Yoch staff writer

Student VIEWS

“I agree with giving tips because it’s a service. If they are a good and personable server, they should get shown that.”

- Faith Tomczyk, 12

“It’s a good thing to give tips since you can keep the salaries and wages of the staff low for them to get the opportunity to receive tips.”

- Jered Everson, 12 photos by Josh Yuan

influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.”

In regards to the Charlie Hebdo incident, people should understand that when a man of status is insulted, his followers too are insulted. Some may even go to the level of attacking the dissenter, even though that is not way the prophet himself reacted to criticism. Charlie Hebdo’s offensive drawings against Muhammad has led many Muslims to undergo frustration and anger. Yes, anybody has the rights to freedom of speech, but freedom of speech has a limit.

Saying the wrong things and offending a majority can lead to some serious consequences. Therefore, anybody should preach free speech, but insulting a billion people worldwide is never humane. We as Muslims want others to know who the prophet was.

Not through the despicable drawings of Charlie Hebdo, but through the readings of his biography and his on going legacy. Same goes for the Islamic religion. Look through Islam’s book and teachings, not through the way media falsely portrays us.

-Mandhara Madow, 11

“It’s funny how the most successful competitive activities at MV are the ones that aren’t sponsered by the school.”

-Alistair Tang online managing editor

“And Jesus turned water into wine, so even God has his bad days.”

-Hana Gulli photographer

4 features

February 13, 2015

Harvard Incubator

Three students share their experiences in entrepreneurship

by Alex Jiang staff reporter Many entrepreneurs start out with next to nothing – not even a mentor to help them. But three Mounds View students who are interested in starting their own businesses have already gotten advice from the best of the best; Harvard Business School.

The Harvard Venture Incubation Program (VIP) is an opportunity for students to experience entrepreneurship and teamwork before college. It is a part of the overarching “Catapult” program that aims to unite and improve the business minds across the country and some of the world.

Students make periodic visits to the college to create small businesses, with the program as a whole intended to “develop the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs.”

Seniors Jon Wang, Abraham Chen, and junior, Joanna Liu, heard about this program from Mounds View alum Chris Collins, a member of the first group last year and currently a student at Stanford.

After applying online and being accepted in the fall, the three applicants eagerly awaited a new and unique experience.

“I had to write five essays, create a video application statement, and do an interview for it,” said Chen. “It was a lot of work, but it paid off.”

Their first trek to Boston for the Catapult Program was Nov. 13-16, where they were introduced to their “teams,” the groups they would be working with for the next few sessions.

“Entering a room full of very self-motivated, accomplished students is always a bit scary,” said Liu. Chen shared the sentiment, but also found it inspiring to be pitted with and against “such an intense group of people.”

The recent return to Harvard from Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 moved beyond the introductory and brainstorming stages, focusing more on the actual creation of each team’s firm.

“The second session was a powerful glimpse

into the stresses of the real world,” said Chen, “but it was also a warm reunion where we were able to catch up and have great discussions late into the night.”

Between the beginning of the first session and the end of the second, all three Mounds View entrepreneur-to-bes were members of solidified company structures. Wang and Chen developed PillowPals, a service that takes children’s drawings and creates plush toys to match them.

Liu is working on FlashFinder, which aims to help amateur photographers get their names into the industry.

While these companies are still works in progress, the three share a sense of accomplishment. “Catapult has taught me an incredible amount,” said Wang. “lt gave me a sense of organization, productivity, and pride.”

Ultimately, the goal of the program is cited to be the creation of a stronger and well-rounded next generation. With this in mind, the visitors all consider the possible implications the Harvard experience may have on their future. Chen and Wang believe that they have grown fonder of the idea of pursuing social entrepreneurship. While other fields, such as behavioral psychology and engineering, respectively, are still on the table for them, they do not dismiss the influences of the Catapult program on their futures.

“The speakers at the program felt a burning desire to pursue something meaningful in life,” said Chen. “I want to follow their lead and make an impact on my society now.”

As a junior involved in many different activities, Liu is less convinced of the path she wants to take in the coming years. “I was never really interested in business prior to Catapult,” said Liu. “With such a great experience behind me and more of it to come, I don’t know how I’ll be able to make a choice.”

All three said the program is an incredible opportunity. “Harvard is a great place to

photo courtesy of Abraham Chen

photo courtesy of Joanna Liu

Joanna Liu, Abraham Chen and Jon Wang spent the weekend brainstorming with their teams regarding their companies’ progress. explore and learn about anything,” said Wang.

“The individuals and resources there are truly outstanding.”

DJ Albert creates electronic music

by Clara Wang editorials editor Albert Pan discovered electronic music in the summer of eighth grade, and he hasn’t looked back. His interest in producing was first piqued when he realized he shared a birthday with the producer Avicii.

“I was looking online and then discovered some electronic music, and I really wanted to know how it was produced because I knew all you needed was computer software,” said Pan, 10.

The accessibility of production and his passion for music soon drew him into producing his own tapes, using his laptop and a $200 controller.

“I just kind of...got more and more interested and soon started mixing my own stuff,” said Pan. photo courtesy of Eva Hoffman “DJ’ing is one thing, but making the music is another. I want to be able Albert Pan, 10, spends a few hours a week producing his own tapes and mixing his to get to people not just by playing the music but by actually making own music. the music, to show my emotions and convey these emotions,” said Pan.

Pan practices DJ’ing for at least two hours per week, and usually spends 10-12 hours a week producing his own music. He juggles his love for music with swimming on the varsity swim team and playing in symphony orchestra, on top of school.

“It’s kind of hard to balance practicing times with producing music, but I compensate a little by not taking as many AP classes,” said Pan. One of his major influences is house music producer Paris Palon.

“He’s just a huge inspiration. I’ve been following him on SoundCloud for a few years now, I’ve seen him rise from 2,000 followers to now 50,000.

His progression in his sound, his fanbase, everything. Someday I wish I could do that,” said Pan. Whatever he does, Pan sees music as part of his future. “I would love to go to college and pursue music technology as a minor… my dream job would be to produce music by day and DJ at night.”

features 5

February 13, 2015

Sisters and Horses

Harmon sisters share passion for helping horses

by Emily Moses staff reporter While the average teenager dreads annual fundraisers, Allison and Heather Harmon have devoted their time to fundraising for something they’re passionate about. Raising over $6,000 in the past two years, Allison Harmon, 11, and Heather Harmon, 9, have greatly helped in the success of Lisa Erhardt’s horse homestead, Hors’n Around Stables.

Erhardt’s stables serve as shelter for many horses that would otherwise be homeless. To support Erhardt’s horse facility, the Harmon sisters have volunteered time to help her cause.

“When the horse shelter gets overloaded with horses, Lisa takes them in,” said Allison. By training and boarding horses in need, Erhardt is filling a muchneeded gap in the animal community.

Through five years of riding lessons at Erhardt’s stables, the Harmon sisters have become familiar with Erhardt and her generosity. “[Erhardt’s] horses come first, and if they don’t have what they need then she sacrifices things,” said Allison. Food alone costs over $120 a day, and other expenses such as vet bills and stable repairs add up.

Spurred by Erhardt’s steadfast dedication, the Harmon sisters decided to help raise money for their trainer. They decided to make handmade goods and sell them door-to-door to move towards their goal. The hardworking sisters were able to raise over $1500 in 2013 and almost three times that in 2014.

“Last year we made beeswax candles, rolled

photo courtesy of Alison Harmon

Alison and Heather Harmon horseback riding.

them, and sold them in pairs for $10. We did a lot of door-to-door, and ended up making $1,875. We take no profit from it [and] give it all to her,” said Allison.

“This year we added handmade soaps to that and also some Shea butter. We tripled the profit and ended up making $4,325. It really helps her out.”

The Harmon sisters’ admiration for their trainer, whom they have come to know and love, led them to fundraise. “She is a wonderful woman who puts everyone before herself and doesn’t give up. We wanted to help,” said Allison. According to the Harmon sisters, Erhardt’s selflessness wasn’t the only factor that played into their desire to fundraise. Along with their

admiration for Erhardt, the Harmon sisters have also become attached to the horses.

After five years of lessons at Hors’n Around Stables, The Harmon sisters have become devoted to the sport of riding. Their passion comes from both the physical and social connections that they make with the horses.

“It kind of gives you the realization that you’re not just riding a bike, you’re riding an actual living thing. Sometimes I forget that and realize that we have to work together. We are a team,” said Allison.

Heather added, “I love interacting with the horses.”

Despite frigid Minnesota winters, riding is a constant part of their lives. To the Harmons, any weather is fine as long as they are prepared.

“You’ve just got to layer up. You put long underwear on, sweatpants, two pairs of wool socks, big boots, coat, hat, mittens, and bundle up. You can’t move, but you’re warm!” said Allison. According to Heather, “You look like a big marshmallow when you’re done.”

In agreement amongst the Harmon sisters, the winter riding is enjoyed mutually between the horse and the rider. “When there’s fresh snow the horses have an extra spring in their step,” said Allison.

Inspired by their fondness for riding and the heartening efforts of their trainer, the Harmons are committed to raising additional funds for the horses and trainer they’ve come to admire. Through fundraising, riding, and spreading the word, the Harmon sisters contribute to the good works of the horse shelter community.

Love Your Melon: A campaign to save lives

by Nina Bertelsen business manager Losing your hair can often be one of the most difficult part of chemotherapy for the over 40,000 children that undergo treatment for cancer each year . In an entrepreneurship class at the University of St. Thomas,students, Zachary Quinn and Brian Keller, wanted to make this part of the process easier. They created Love Your Melon: a buy-one-give-one non profit organization whose mission is to put a hat on every child battling cancer.

This year, DECA has partnered with the local company for their chapter public relations project and has created an ambassador crew.

Sophie Jacobsen, 12, head of the Mounds View crew, first heard of this project through dance friends who were sporting Love Your Melon hats. With the recent passing of Kira Roberts from ovarian cancer, and Josh Lavalle form Leukemia these past years, Jacobson and Brooke Olsen, 12, thought this would be the perfect time to introduce Love Your Melon to Mounds View.

“Not everyone knows how many different kinds of cancer there are. Love Your Melon educates everyone about all the different kinds... and that it can affect anybody… and that we can do something about it”, said Jacobsen.

As a crew, DECA must earn 100 points, one for each hat that is bought in their name. Once they achieve their goal they will go to the children’s hospital with Love Your Melon, dressed as superheroes, to deliver the 100 “give” hats to kids with cancer.

Besides selling hats, each month the crew must complete a “crew challenge” along with other 300 other high school and college crews

across the country. This month, for example, they hosted a watermelon eating contest and last month they had to take a picture with a state border sign. Once they complete these challenges they get to go along on Love Your Melon outreach programs, such as helicopter rides with patients.

“I consider that a prize”, said Olsen.

When Quinn and Keller started this business they had no idea how big it would become. The company now not only sells beanies with their leather logo, but they also sell baseball hats, scarves, and shirts; all made in the USA. Their website states “The Love Your Melon Foundation creates smiles on the faces of children battling cancer, engages communities to make a difference and provides therapeutic treatment when it is most needed”.

Even celebrities are getting into the goodwill fashion trend. Recently Jessica Simpson took a picture with her Love Your Melon hat and posted it to Instagram. After their west coast tour this past May they became a national company and 10 US governors and mayors have signed pledges to make Oct. 22 Love Your Melon day, including Governor Mark Dayton.

However, Mounds View still has a long way to go. Jacobsen said that in these early phases they are focusing promoting the hats. As of right now, only three hats have been credited to the Mounds View crew. On February 1, Love Your Melon released a new line of beanies and cuffed beanies that completely sold out within only 12 hours. New hats will be released on the 15th of February with more colors and styles. After Mounds View reaches their 100 hat goal, they will also start to sell them in the DECA store.

cartoon by Michaela Morse

Love Your Melon By the Numbers

Currently, there are

To buy hats, check out loveyourmelon.com

1500

300 Love Your Melon currently has 300 ambassadors.

hats were sold by the campaign in 12 hours.

40,000

chemotherapy patients that are children.

$30

for one of the hats

information from curesearch.org and loveyourmelon.com

l a i c fi

f o n

U

The Thing about “Things”

by Ryan Yoch staff reporter

To previous generations, high school dating meant boyfriends and girlfriends.

No more, no less. To today’s youth, the very same youth that are rejecting date dances and redefining marriage, having a relationship can be far more complicated.

In recent years, the popularity of casual relationships, known to teens as “things,” has grown exponentially. Things are appealing to adolescents for many different reasons, but the most widely agreed-upon ones are that things are less serious, less emotional, easier to maintain, and easier to end than a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.

Seeming to occupy the gap between a one-time fling and an an official relationship, things have rapidly become a common aspect of everyday high school life.

Why choose things?

It makes sense that things are so popular with teens. Given the choice between working more and working less, most high schoolers would chose less. Many students say that having a thing doesn’t come with as many responsibilities as dating does, so the relationship takes a lot less effort to maintain.

“There are less obligations,” said Maggie Peck, 12. “You don’t have to text them every day, you don’t have to meet their parents... It’s just a lot easier.”

In addition to being less work, some students see having a thing as a good way to avoid a drama-filled break up. “If you are dating someone and you break up, everybody hears about it and everybody

knows about it,” said Michael Degroot, 11. “If you have a thing and you break up, it’s a lot easier to go back to being friends because it was never official.”

Or as Peck put it, “A break-up can’t be bad if we were never dating.”

Why choose dating?

One major difference between a having a thing and dating, according to many students, is that things are inherently more physical. Though there is still an emotional side to things, it is not the basis of the relationship.

“I think a thing is a lot more about [being] physical,” said Degroot. “You still get to know the person, but I’d say in a relationship, you know each other a lot more.”

Though things seem logical and lowstress to students, adults do not necessarily see it the same way. Health teacher Ross Fleming warns against physicalbased things, saying they lack the depth needed for a meaningful relationship.

“There’s a shallow chip in their brain that is saying, ‘I just want gratification, I just want to feel good,’” said Fleming.

“I’m concerned with a mindset that is shallow in its thinking.”

Connecting on an emotional level also has its benefits. Couples often choose to “go official” because they want to get to know each other on a deeper level.

“There are some nice parts about dating. If you like the person enough, you want to learn more about them, you want to meet their parents, you want to see what their life is like,” said Peck. “You want to be involved.”

Becoming official also tends to draw the lines more clearly for both parties involved. Talking about more serious and more personal topics is easier with a boyfriend or girlfriend, so physical and emotional boundaries can be more clearly stated.

Official relationships are typically more public than things, too, because there is less of a risk of being judged by others. If a student knows that two friends have a thing, they are quick to assume what the two are doing whenever they are together. If two students are dating, however, spending time together is typically seen by others as “cute” rather than uncomfortable.

“It’s the ‘ick’ factor versus the ‘aww’ factor,” explained Peck. “I would never post on my snap story a picture of the person I am having a thing with because I feel like people would just judge me immediately.”

A new thing entirely

This also creates problems when discussing relationships with parents.

Students frequently hide from their parents the fact that they are having a thing because it would be nearly impossible to explain and justify the nature of the relationship.

The concept of a casual relationship in high school is so unfamiliar to most parents because they spent their teenage years locked in with the labels of boyfriend and girlfriend.

“If it was the same couple for an extended period of time, even if it wasn’t serious, they would call themselves

M arriage

*

boyfriend/girlfriend,” said Fleming, w graduated high school in 1978.

This idea is supported by a study conducted by the University of Michi which found that the proportion of hig school seniors who reported going on or more date per week fell from 34 pe cent in 1991 to just 17 percent in 2012 Since most students would say th going on a date usually connotes an official relationship and “hanging out” is more common for things, this study indicates a dramatic shift in the way h schoolers date.

Some students, however, believe having a thing and being in a relationship are synonymous, and it is simply labeling them that changes their signi cance.

“In high school, dating, having a thing, and being boyfriend/girlfriend all mean the same thing,” said Annale Blake, 11. “People just don’t want to change the label to boyfriend/girlfrien because they’re either afraid of comm ment or think that society will view th relationship on a new level if the labe changed.”

Debates like these are not uncom mon, seeing as things are so hard to define. They can be long or short, pas sionate or lifeless, meaningful or shal Things can be confusing, sure, but for many students a little wiggle-room is what their looking for when it comes dating. Calling a couple a thing proba won’t last, but the point of things, the behind a thing, the thing about things. seems like it’s here to stay.

ty i r o i r p a t

by Aaron Voiovich staff reporter

that y our ifi-

ee

nd mithe el is

m-

sllow. r just to ably e idea ...

year colleges. In 2013, 65.9 percent percent of high school graduates enrolled in colleges or universities, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Along with university enrollment comes student loans. US News reported that seven in ten college seniors graduate with nearly $30,000 in debt. With the growing numbers in red, adding the financial and emotional stress of a wedding takes the backseat to establishing a career.

Another variable in marriage equation is the social aspect. The San Diego Divorce Center claims that an additional two years spent dating beforehand tends to make the marriage last seven years longer than couples who tied the knot more quickly.

Whether the shift in priorities is positive change or a negative one, marriage is not something that will appear in the forefront of students’ brains in the immediate future.

Dea t h of Sad i e’ s

e: n o

Many Mounds View students are very oriented to college and career success. This drives them to academic achievement, but how does it impact their view of relationships, especially long-term?

In a recent survey, 85 percent of Mounds View students stated that they would prefer to be engaged after age 25, with 25-28 years old being the most popular age group. These late aspirations to marriage reflect the national trend. According to The Atlantic Magazine, the average age of marriage in the U.S is currently 27 for women and 29 for men.

That means that not only are they uninterested in prospective spouses now, but they don’t necessarily expect to meet them in who college.

Although the age of y marriage has been creeping igan, upward for the last cengh tury, it has seen a major n one jump in the past five eryears. One possible 2. cause could be hat the increase in the number ” of students y going to high four-

by Amber Zhao staff reporter

Three years ago, Mounds View had four date dances a year: Homecoming, Sadie’s, SnoDaze, and Prom. This year, only Homecoming and prom remain, and many attend Homecoming in groups, not with a date.

The enthusiasm for such date dances at Mounds View is on the decline, and Sadie’s is the latest victim. “I went the past two years to Sadie’s, but no one went,” said Grace Ebert, 11.

In fact, last year, only about 60 people attended.

Originally stemming from Li’l Abner, a satirical American comic strip, Sadie Hawkins day was when unmarried women would round up all the bachelors in the city and marry them. Following the publication of this strip, many locations started to hold dances mimicking the character behind Sadie Hawkins day.

The first known event was a girl ask guy dance on November 9, 1938. Similar events were held in over 40,000 locations by 1952.

Mounds View High School has been holding a Sadie’s dance since 1959. As part of the tradition, the boy and girl would dress in matching outfits.

This year, Student Council took a poll on what dances students would prefer in order to attract attendance. “We decided with Sadie’s being so poorly attended the last two years, that in order to make a profit, we needed to change up

the dances,” said Student Council President, Gabby Lerdahl, 12.

Junior Class Officer Sarah Yoon explains why Homecoming still attracts a crowd. “With Homecoming, it’s totally normal to go in a group, but with Sadie’s, you don’t go if you don’t have a date.”

The social atmosphere is a big decider on attendance. Grace Anderson, 10, said, “I’d rather go to a group dance because it’s more socially comfortable.”

William Newhouse, 11, agrees.

“Group dances keep it chill.”

Still others, like Peter Yong, 11, feel some pressure lifted off of them. “I’m relieved they don’t have Sadie’s this year because then I don’t have to feel the guilt from rejecting so many girls.”

Although the general interest in Sadie’s is decreasing, there is still a minority of students that will miss it, especially the girl ask guy component. “It was nice being on the receiving end of things,” said Abraham Chen, 12.

Tyler Hong, 10, also enjoyed the dance. “It was an amazing experience. Ten out of ten, would do again.”

The concept of chasing down men is outdated by today’s standards when it comes to marriage, but when Li’l Abner first ran Sadie Hawkins day, the tradition was intensely comical and well received.

There may be a shift away from date dances, but Sadie’s isn’t gone forever. If there is enough interest in the following years, Sadie’s could make a comeback.

8 variety

February 13, 2015

Love is in the Air With Valentine’s Day weekend just around the corner, here are a few possibilities for experiences to share with your date.

Step into a marvelous Ice Castle in Eden Prairie

by Matthew Cooper staff reporter Most people can recall a time when they wanted to go outside after a huge snowfall and build a fortress.

Some of these structures might have been simple holes in the ground while others were intricately designed and complete with tunnels and furnishing.

Those looking to relive these photo by Jeff Cooper childhood memories need not look The scale of the ice castles is truly further than the Ice Castle in Eden breathtaking. Here a toddler plays Prairie.

The name Ice Castle might among the peaks of snow. not be the best way to describe Open skating is also available it, as the location feels more like every day at Miller Park, where the a child’s overambitious snow day castle is located, but on Valentine’s plans come to life. After entering Day a special “skate with your date” through a narrow tunnel, visitors will event is planned that will include walk into a large central courtyard, music, bonfires, and snowshoeing. On surrounded by walls of hanging February 26, WCCO meteorologist icicles. Thousands of icicles are Mike Lynch will be hosting a star grown each night so that workers can watching event from 7p.m. to 8p.m. continuously add to the walls as the The Ice Castle is open on winter season progresses. Some walls weekdays from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and are already over 20 feet tall. on weekends from noon to 10 p.m.

From this courtyard, there’s a until March 7. Although it’s open maze, a fountain, a slide for young during the day, the best time to go is children, a concessions booth, and after the sun has set. At night, parts of even the opportunity to get photos the castle are illuminated with colored with Anna and Elsa from the movie lights.

Frozen.

Whether you’re going with close Beyond this, fire performances friends, family, or a date, the Ice occur every Friday and Saturday.

Castle should provide an enjoyable These involve fire breathing and pastime during the winter season. various props, such as hulas and batons.

“

Probably a girls night with s’mores and a movie.”

-Ava Vuillaume, 10

“

Dinner at Chipotle then movie night with my boy.”

“

I’m going ice skating then dinner downtown.”

-Catie McCord, 10

-Hannah Schmidt, 12

See one of Shakespeare’s best love stories at the Guthrie

by Sarah Conrad staff reporter There are many date ideas in Minnesota such as carriage rides, movie theater dates, and ice skating, but none of them compare to the eloquence of going to see a play.

The Guthrie is a very special theater to Minnesota. The theatre showcases plays from different cultures and time periods, including the work of the most famous playwright, William Shakespeare.

Over Valentine’s Day weekend, The Guthrie will be showing Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a play about love in the face of obstacles both earthly and supernatural. It is a perfect play for Valentine’s day because of its emphasis on love, lover’s quarrels, and the desire for love.

This play expresses different themes about love and its difficulties, about dreams and fantasies, and the power of magic.

With all of the resources at their disposal and their great track record with Shakespeare’s works, it will be interesting to see how The Guthrie takes on this play. One extra twist they’ve added is the small amount of onstage seating behind the actors, turning the standard thrust stage

into a round with the audience on all sides.

Every night at 7:30, starting February 7 to March 29, A Midsummer Night’s dream will be playing on the Wurtele Thrust and offer an escape to a warm midsummer night during this brutally cold winter.

photo by T. Charles Erickson

The costumes at the Guthrie are stunning, and Midsummer Night’s Dream is no exception.

reviews 9

February 13, 2015

Pinterest DIY Crafts Emma Blume

209 pins

Invite

Pinterest is a website that will fulfill any crafter’s desires. It’s free and easy to create an account, and is filled to the brim with activities featuring DIYs from recipes to shoes.

Pinterest believes their DIYs are easy enough for anyone to try. I decided to test that out by making a two-tone triangle necklace that I found on the website. There were only a few steps, so it was hard to mess up. The materials needed are not your typical household items however; the items like polymer clay, jump rings and closure clasps may include a trip to your local Michael’s.

Mine didn’t turn out exactly like the pictures shown, but that was my fault, because I didn’t have two different colors of polymer clay, which the DIY recommended. I also experienced troubles with the polymer clay. It was a lot harder to shape than I expected it would be. Despite these setbacks, the necklace turned out more than good enough for me.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this craft to anyone. Keep in mind that this isn’t a five minute activity, but it is worth the wait. It’s difficult to fit fun activities into a busy schedule, so I would recommend doing this during a weekend. Make it with friends or give it as a cute and easy gift. pinned by Kofo Mustapha staff reporter

35 followers

New More Pins

Bored with the typical colored notebooks or just want to personalize yours? There are multiple ways for someone to make a notebook themselves using only a few household materials.

Constructing the pages of the notebooks is fairly simple. A few sheets of paper are cut in half and folded over each other. The only materials needed are regular paper, decorative paper for the cover, and string to bind the notebook together. The whole project is fairly cheap and can be put together in a matter of minutes.

The harder part of the project comes when the pages must be threaded together in order for the book to stay bound. Sewing and working with needles and threads was a little difficult for me, and I had to redo it twice, but some people might find it easy to the finished notebook together.

Besides the process of putting the book together, the entire process is generally simple. The finished product is a handmade notebook that students can use for whatever they want, be it for school or whatever they do in their free time. With a fairly easy procedure such as this, students can quickly make a notebook after school and have it for next day’s classes.

Edit Board

Pinterest is full of recipes on how to make soaps, lotions and various other beauty products. This includes a formula on how to make Kool-Aid flavored lip gloss. The only ingredients needed are Kool-Aid powder, sugar, coconut oil and water.

The recipe is simple, vegan and fairly mess free.

The main ingredient for making the paste is coconut oil, which is easier on sensitive lips and has more flavor than something such as Vaseline.

However, the Kool-Aid substance itself can cause an unpleasant stinging and can taste extremely sour if enough sugar is not added to it. The recipe recommends one teaspoon of sugar per half a package of Kool-Aid powder, but doesn’t have the sweet Kool-Aid taste as the recipe described.

The smooth texture portrayed in the photo can be misleading, as the gloss appears to be clumpy and dry once applied to the lips. However, colors are vibrant and can stay on a fairly long time, even after eating or drinking. There are also a large variety of color combinations when powders are mixed together, along with a blend of interesting flavors.

Overall, the gloss makes bright colors and has an eco-friendly formula that doesn’t create a mess. Despite this, it lacks in flavor quality and is not easily applied. pinned by Clare Carroll staff reporter

pinned by Jackson Hoemann staff reporter

pinned by Hana Gulli photographer

pinned by Lily Sacay photographer photos by Eva Hoffman

10 sports

February 13, 2015

Triathlete teacher

Chemistry teacher Graham Wright tests his limits

by Nolan Carlson-Stevermer sports editor Whether he’s been running for 15 miles or biking for 100 miles, chemistry teacher and triathlete Graham Wright always seems to have a smile on his face.

They are far from all smiles and good times, triathletes train to their limits every day to prepare for races. Unlike other sports, triathletes must be masters of nearly every muscle group and well trained in all three events.

“We have to train for every sport at a high level of aerobic and anaerobic ability. We have to swim as well as swimmers, run as well as runners and bike as well as cyclists,” said Graham Wright. “We try to work every single one of those muscle groups and techniques. It’s very challenging way to approach a sport because you have to be solid in all three.”

Being a triathlete at the top level requires dedication and time commitment and there is little margin for error when training.

“I would love to go home and sit on the couch with some snacks,” said Wright. “It’s not that I don’t like doing those things but I have to be disciplined and this time is used for swimming/biking/running. The difficulty is committing to that. You have to mentally commit. You can’t afford to miss workouts and not go hard.”

Like Wright said, mental barriers play a huge

role in athletes ability to perform to their highest level.

The sport pushes athletes to perform to the edge of their limits over extreme distances. “It gets you to this mental place that you can’t get to any other way. I love crossing that finish line and leaving it all out on the course,” said Wright.

Wright isn’t the only one to think this way, as majority of triathletes who compete want everyone to succeed and do well. “People pass you or you pass people and they say ‘good job,’ or ‘keep it up,’” said Wright. “I remember one time when I passed a guy

and he told me ‘Keep going! I think you’re in 3rd or 4th now!’ It’s just really something special that everyone wants you to succeed.”

Wright believes that triathletes are a special breed of crazy. “We do things that are atrocious to other people, but in our minds that’s kind of the appeal.” said Wright. “It gives me a lust for life thats difficult to communicate. You understand what it is to have grit and determination if you get into a sport like triathlon.”

Wright has no intention of stopping his training any time soon. He plans to also continue competing and hopefully make it to large national or international competitions over the “We do things course of this year. that are atrocious “As long as I can setting goals, I’ll but that’s kind of keep keep getting up,’’ said Wright. the appeal

“

-Graham Wright

Left and top: Wright competes in the biking portion of a triathlon.

Right: Wright during the final running portion of the race. photos courtesy of Graham Wright

MV gymnastics vaults into the spotlight

by Kaylyn Fors staff reporter With seasoned coaches and captains taking the lead, girls gymnastics has high hopes for themselves.

Coach Julie Coopet has been involved in gymnastics since she was young, and knows what it takes to be a gymnast.

Coopet, a FACS teacher here at Mounds View, started gymnastics with her high school team in Fairmont, Minnesota, as one of the state’s first female competitors.

“We came home to fire trucks and police cars,” Coopet recalled. Even though her team didn’t place, they were still state champions. The team’s other coach, social studies teacher Emakate Brohman, was a gymnast in her high school in Wisconsin.

With their experience, the coaches understand the expectations and demands of gymnastics. Gymnasts start in preschool, which means that they’ve been training all their lives. “They just they find they have skill in it and just run with it,” Coopet says.

Not only is gymnastics a lifelong sport, but it’s an all-year sport as well.

During the offseason, gymnasts train everyday at Midwest Gymnastics.

Coopet explained that it’s the team’s all-year training that takes such a toll on their bodies.

Because of the dedication the sport demands, it’s difficult for newcomers to join with success.

“In high school if you want to try it, go to a club and join a rec class,” said Coopet. “The problem is, in high school, we have a couple of weeks and then we compete. It is not a sport that you can go, ‘Oh, can you teach me.’

Your body has to work in that way, you have to have a flexible back, you have to be upside down spinning, you have to be okay with that,”.

“With being in gymnastics, you have to train year round if you want to see improvement.” said Brittany Scharpen, 11. “Most people are used to having a sport that is for one season, but gymnastics you have to be willing to work hard for the whole year.”

Gymnastics can also be very

difficult to learn, because it’s different from other conventional sports. “It’s not only about physical strength but overcoming fears as well,” said Scharpen. “Most problems you face in gymnastics aren’t a lack of strength, but lack of confidence.”

Coopet’s only words regarding her goals for this season were, “Just don’t get injured! Everyday is just pushing through fear and pain and doing our skills, and hopefully hitting them in a meet.”

She said the downside to not practicing and competing at Mounds View is that very few students are aware of what they do. “We have one home meet at Midwest Gymnastics, so we’re kind of this invisible, homeless team,” said Coopet.

While student support may not be prevalent for the gymnasts, Sharpen admits that, “Sometimes it’s nice to not have the pressure of the whole school showing up to support you. I’m fine with [gymnastics] not being the most popular sports at MV.”

photo courtesy of Gina Bovi

Crystal Hanson performs on the uneven bars.

sports 11

Feburary 13, 2015

Building

your

outside

skills

your

Working out your inner peace

by Katie Karjalahti staff reporter While some people only stick to one method of exercise, some Mounds View students are going out of the ordinary by using yoga to improve performance in other sports.

Yoga originated in India as a spiritual meditation focused on breath control, posture, and relaxation.

In recent years, yoga has become popular as a cross-training method because it builds stamina, flexibility, and strength – skills that are vital in many sports.

Amanda Greene, 11, a swimmer, has been practicing yoga for three years.

“Yoga helps stretch and strengthen muscles that help me improve as a swimmer,” said Greene.

Marnie Zilka, 12, and Nicole Wahlin, 12, also practice yoga.

“Yoga is just a great way to keep in shape, and it’s something fun to do,” Wahlin said.

Zilka believes yoga benefits her in basketball. “It helps stretch out my muscles and prepares me better for games,” she said.

According to the website Yoga Journal, basketball is a sport that requires intense thought and physicality. Yoga relieves stress and tension, making it easier for athletes to perform well.

In addition to these individuals,

Athlete of the Issue

the girls cross country team started training with yoga during the 2014 season, practicing an average of two hours each week. Since yoga strengthens muscles, especially the core, it improves balance.

“In cross country, we do yoga because it strengthens everything in your body, which makes you faster when you’re racing,” said Caroline Palen, 11.

Practicing yoga can improve flexibility, lengthening a runner’s stride and making them run faster.

Palen admits there were difficulties when the team first began. However, by the season’s end, many of the runners appreciated yoga’s benefits.

“We got better at it and people started to like it more, and I think they enjoyed it,” Palen said.

The benefits of yoga go beyond the physical aspect. “You’re meditating, too, which helps you clear your mind and helps you make better decisions,” Greene said.

For those interested in yoga, LifeCore Yoga, which has locations in North Oaks and White Bear Lake, offers classes to beginners and experts alike.

Q: What’s your favorite part of alpine skiing?

A: The cheesy potatoes at the invites.

Q: How often do you practice?

A: 6 days a week.

Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

A: Shred the gnar.

Wyatt Bieber Sophomore Alpine

Q: What’s your favorite memory from this season?

A: Having fun skiing with my little brother and Karl Damberg. Boot skiing at sections and dying. Getting a speeding ticket and having the team bus pass me.

sport

photos by Hana Gulli

Hitting the gym

by Samuel Kwong staff reporter Whether by benching hundreds of pounds or lifting light dumbbells, strength training has benefited numerous athletes. From football players to swimmers, Mounds View students in a variety of athletic disciplines incorporate weightlifting into their strength training.

Weightlifting is used primarily to target anaerobic endurance, furthering athletic capabilities and performances by triggering rapid muscle contractions. However, weightlifting is also valuable to athletes aiming to improve aerobic endurance by training slow twitch muscles.

Athletes in “power” sports, such as football, engage in strength training to build fast twitch muscles.

Fast twitch muscles are designed for quick, explosive power, which is necessary for effective tackling and sprinting. In addition, adding weightlifting to exercises aids in resistance training by increasing a player’s pushing and offensive abilities.

“In our weight room, we have a motto: to get faster, bigger, stronger,” said football captain Nick Schwartz, 12. “[Lifting] gives you confidence to know that you can really take anyone.”

Strength training is a vital factor in many athletes’ workouts because it helps them use oxygen more effi-

Q: How well has the team been doing?

How well have you been doing?

A: Our team is a little young, but we will be outstanding the next several years.

I’ve been skiing great and hope to continue to be one of the top kids in the conference.

Q: When did you start alpine skiing?

A: I started skiing at the age of two years old.

Q: How did you get started in alpine?

A: A friend of mine named Chris Meader told me I should try racing, and I loved it.

ciently. Weightlifting targets both fast and slow twitch muscles in the legs and abdominals, which are crucial to sprinters and distance runners.

“I think weightlifting is especially beneficial for track, because for weightlifting you build up fast twitch muscles and cross country requires slow twitch muscles,” said Grant Delaune, 11, who participates in both cross country and track and field.

While few swimmers in Mounds View engage in extensive weightlifting, many stay active with exercises using medicine balls and lighter dumbbells.

“We’ll do squats with medicine balls or weights; sometimes we’ll throw medicine balls with each other,” said Danielle Martini, 11.

Although Martini doesn’t think weightlifting is necessary, she believes it has assisted her throughout her swimming career.

“It definitely makes my arms stronger, and I’m a distance swimmer, so that really helps,” she said.

Incorporating weightlifting into strength training is one of the most vital aspects of any sport. By targeting specific needs for certain muscle groups, weightlifting techniques can greatly improve an athlete’s performance.

Q: What advice would you give other skiers?

A: Ski as fast as you can and keep your eyes up!

Q: Have you ever gotten injured because of alpine? If yes, what’s the worst injury you’ve endured?

A: Yes, I tore partially through my ACL and meniscus.

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

A: Incredible Hulk, so I could have super strength and smash stuff.

information compiled by Hanna Gulli

Valentine’s Day 2015

12 gallery

February 13, 2015

Top 10 gifts to receive on Valentine’s Day The girls of Mounds View add their input.

1 “I’d like a heartshaped pepperoni pizza.”

—Ava Vuillome, 10

2

3 “I would say a bouquet of flowers is the way to a girl’s heart.”

—Gillian Lerdahl, 9

“I would want a scrapbook.”

—Savannah Beck, 12

“My boyfriend and I are going to Chuck E. Cheese’s this year; we rented the party room.”

—Taylor Rimell, 10

“I want a giant teddy bear!”

—Maddie Bratland, 9

“I would want flowers, but not roses. I would probably want carnations.”

—Lizzy Ploumidis, 12

9

10

“For Valentine’s Day, my boyfriend got me a teddy bear, chocolate, and flowers. I got him...a fun sized candy bar.”

—Anna Smith, 10

“What I really want is a kiss...a chocolate kiss.”

—Morgan Kerfeld, 10

“I would just like a donut.”

—Brooke Olson, 10

4

6

5 “I would want heartshaped chocolatecovered almonds.”

—Lauren Galush, 11

7

8 “On a larger scale, I would want a little blue box from Tiffany’s.”

—Jessica Malong, 11

“I would definitely want a boyfriend.”

—Kristina Quanbeck, 10

information compiled by Olivia Schultz

“I bought a box of “I thought a guy was chocolates for my bringing me flowers girlfriend and ate the and I started to say whole thing. I went thank you, but he was and bought another handing them to the one, and ate that one girl behind me.” too.”

—Kelsey Wald, 12 —Tim Pease, 10

“In 5th grade, a boy gave me a box of chocolates that said, ‘I lost my number—can I have yours?’”

—Grace Ebert, 11 “Last year, I made a fort and watched Harry Potter.” more than just —Kieran Riebel, 10

Valentine’s Day is about chocolate and flowers. Mounds View students share some of their Valentine’s Day stories.

“This year, I am going to go home and watch all 10 seasons of Friends.”

—Sophia van de Werken, 10

“Valentine’s Day is my favorite day of the year; all the women flock to me.”

—Marcel Hujanen, 12

“The best Valentine’s Day gift I have ever received was spaghetti.”

—Claire Kim, 12

“When I was little I wrote a song for my mom about how I didn’t need a girlfriend because she was the best lady in my life.”

—Josh Warner, 10

information compiled by Taylor Graw

photos courtesy of aiga.org, fiftyflowers.com, nuts.com, hellogiggles.com, applecandyco.com, imgkid.com, acclaimclipart.com, stanford.edu