Issue 8 by The Viewer

VOLUME 67 ISSUE 8 | MAY 29, 2020

THE VIEWER

Senior Year Under COVID-19

INSIDE THIS ISSUE COVID-19 02/ SENIORS 04/ ATHENA AWARD 07

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Protests against the stay-at-home order

by Elisa Guo spread editor

In late March, Governor Tim Walz issued a sincelifted stay-at-home order for all Minnesotans to prevent the spread of infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a KSTP/SurveyUSA poll, approval ratings show that the majority of Minnesotans are happy with the way the Minnesota legislature is handling the pandemic. However, some citizens across the state disapprove of the stay-at-home order. Recently, a handful of Minnesotans initiated the Liberate Minnesota movement in an attempt to end the order. Around 800 Minnesotans participated in this movement and swarmed Walz’s home on April 17 to protest for the end of the

stay-at-home order. “[The stay-at-home order] is worth the general safety of the public because it can prevent thousands from getting the virus if they’re quarantined away,” said Justin Wang, 9. Although Liberate Minnesota participants believe businesses can safely run on their own, some students do not think this is possible. “I think people and businesses play an important part in making sure safety regulations are enforced, but because so many people oppose the stay-at-home order, there needs to be some type of government intervention to make sure the efforts are enforced,” said Nadia Anderson, 10. Some students believe staying home is the least

derson said. The protests themselves also house potential for the virus to spread. Many participants were seen not taking standard safety and health precautions, like wearing a mask or practicing social distancing during the protest. “I think they should be able to [protest] because it’s one of our rights, but I think that there should be a requirement to wear some sort of PPE [personal protective equipment], even if it’s just a cloth bandana,” said Tyler Routhe, 10. Despite the calls made by protesters to immediately reopen the state, the government is keen on cautiously doing so. According to Minnesota’s COVID-19 website, the state government is planning on “slowly

“[The stay-at-home order] is worth

“There needs to be some type of

the general safety of the public.”

government intervention to make

Justin Wang, 9

sure the efforts are enforced.” Nadia Anderson, 10

lockdown. Even as the stay-at-home order was recently lifted, there are still groups like Liberate Minnesota that are pushing for more freedom. Leaders of the Liberate Minnesota movement argued that the government should lift the stay-at-home restrictions because of economic concerns and the belief that the government was over-exercising its power. However, despite the economic losses Minnesota faces, some students disagreed with the protestors and the Liberate Minnesota movement and supported the

fair use image courtesy of Flickr A Liberate Minnesota member protests at Governor Walz’s residence.

Minnesotans can do to protect those most at risk. “Some people have no choice but to go to work right now, and they risk getting infected every time they go to work. It’s important to stay home to protect these people and those who are at high risk of getting the infection,” An-

moving the dial and introducing more interaction between people over time.” As of May 18, groups of 10 or under are allowed to gather with social distancing practices implemented, and non-critical businesses may reopen if they have a social distancing plan and operate at no more than 50% capacity. The government is currently drafting plans for bars, restaurants, barbershops and salons to reopen on June 1.

Alumni give back to MV by Johnny Yue spread editor

With online school becoming the new normal for students, they can no longer seek in-person instruction from their classmates and teachers. This can cause anxiety for some students as learning without direct guidance has become a reality. As many will not have access to direct guidance in the near future, a recent group of Mounds View alumni initiated a tutoring program to help those who previously relied on such in-person educational experiences. The tutoring program specializes in different subjects, from calculus to psychology. In addition, the program provides standardized testing tutoring for the SAT, ACT and SAT Subject Tests. With many standardized testing preparation programs currently canceled, opportunities are available for those who are seeking additional testing prep. Amber Zhao, an alumna and current Columbia University student, created this program to give back to

“Just because we’re not direct members of Mounds View doesn’t mean that we don’t care or we just have completely moved on.” Amber Zhao

a community that gave her many educational resources and guidance for several years. “Just because we’re not direct members of Mounds View doesn’t mean that we don’t care or we just have completely moved on,” Zhao said. “I think it’s important to find a balance between being stuck in high school and just completely forgetting everything that happened in high school.” Given that the ongoing pandemic has halted Zhao’s ability to attend college normally, the transition to online learning has allowed her to discover ways to

“We have the potential to help the people around us. Just because there is a pandemic going around doesn’t mean we should necessarily be waiting and be doing nothing for it to be over.” Amber Zhao make a significant difference for high school students who have also been affected by distance learning. “I was looking for ways to help the community because college students are at an age where we are able to do a lot,” Zhao said. “We have the potential to help the people around us. Just because there is a pandemic going around doesn’t mean we should necessarily be waiting

“I know that teaching online right now is really hard, and so I hoped that this tutoring program would relieve stress from the teacher’s end.” Amber Zhao

and be doing nothing for it to be over.” This program has also helped Zhao reconnect with the Mounds View community, as one of her motivations for starting the program stemmed from her admiration for her former teachers. “Personally, I feel like the teachers at MV have done so much for me, and I’m still in contact with a few of them,” Zhao said. “I know that teaching online right now is really hard, and so I hoped that this tutoring program would relieve stress from the teacher’s end.” With some struggling to comprehend or stay upto-date with their coursework in an online-learning platform, this tutoring program aims to provide relief and comfort for students. These tutors’ expertise and experience in different high school courses and settings have allowed them to give back to the community.

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

One final hurrah by Darah Ostrom editorials editor The senior class experienced many ups and downs over the past few months, along with many tears shed over lost time, memories and graduation. However, despite these disappointments, Jack Downing, 12, hopes to provide a sense of unity for the upcoming Mounds View graduates. As a senior himself, Downing understands the uncertainty of the current situation and feels the disappointment of losing these crucial last few months of the school year leading up to graduation. Per Mounds View tradition, seniors usually create their own class T-shirts to promote a sense of unity for the entire grade. In the past, there have been different themes for each graduating class including last year’s “Friends” design. Unfortunately, with everyone spread apart, this Mounds View tradition was not a top priority.

“I thought if I could switch it up for a second it could make a difference.” -Jack Downing, 12 Luckily, Downing felt inspired to create something of his own to share with the rest of his class. Already having experience in making and designing clothing, Downing and his friend Ethan Enroothe, 12, created Tshirts made specifically for the Class of 2020. He said

his inspiration behind the initial idea for the shirts was seeing all the constant bad news and media. “I thought if I could switch it up for a second it could make a difference,” Downing said. He also “just wanted to show people the Class of 2020 can help a whole other cause while bringing attention to their own.” The shirts, which are offered in both men’s and women’s fit, are all white and feature text at the top that lists events like graduation, prom and senior year traditions that students missed out on. This design sends a message of unity, and the shirt will be a keepsake that seniors can hold on to for years to come. “I thought I’d make my next project directed towards the class that needs the most help right now,” Downing said. With everything that has been going on, building awareness and selling the apparel has been fairly difficult. “A good amount of people do know about the shirts, but not seeing people face-to-face [makes it] difficult to build traction,” Downing said. Each shirt costs $20, and $5 from each purchase goes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for children in need of health care during this time. “I’ve sold 30 [shirts] so far which is a good number, but every number is too small when charity’s involved, so I’m looking for growth,” Downing said after discussing distribution and his goals for the future. With the school year coming to a close, Downing hopes to make a positive impact on the Class of 2020 and encourage seniors to come together, even when it seems as though nothing is going as planned. “I think the T-shirts are important for all seniors to remind everyone, even with how spread apart we are, we are still a class, and a proud one at that,” Downing said. The T-shirts are made through a brand called Average Co. that Downing has worked with in the past, and Custom Ink is processing the distribution. The link

for the shirts is in his Instagram bio, @jd_jackdowning, as well as on Average Co.’s Instagram, @avrg_co., for those interested in purchasing one of their own.

widespread testing for COVID-19, students like Cook who have received practical medical training may be called up to work on the frontier of Minnesota’s COVID-19 response. Beyond the crucial health and care sector, many students’ jobs at fast food restaurants and grocery stores have become critical roles in the community. Mia Natividad, 12, has worked at Dairy Queen for two years and has seen a sharp uptick in customers. “Somehow, we’re busier now than we ever have been,” Natividad said. As with many restaurants, Natividad’s workplace has converted to drive-through only and has taken steps such as glass protectors in order windows and gloves to promote the safety of its employees. Natividad and other fast food workers face some confusion over the nature of their work and whether or not it fits into the regulations for essential functions. “My work is not essential,” Natividad said. “I don’t know why some fast food places are open and others are not.” Still, Natividad takes her regular shifts. “I don’t necessarily want to work, but cash is cash,” she said.

Grocery and supply have remained open throughout the pandemic, though perhaps in altered states. Cara Bortnem, 12, manages online orders for a local Target, a facet of many such stores that has become far more crucial than ever before. Social distancing practices have turned many shoppers to curbside pickup and delivery, shifting the pressure to Bortnem and her fellow workers. “Usually there are about 10 people working in my department … but with the pandemic, it has been closer to 40-60 each day,” Bortnem said.

Hometown heroes by Madeline Edgar editorials editor For the last two months, executive orders from Governor Tim Walz have restricted business operations throughout Minnesota to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, many essential businesses and their employees remained functional throughout late March and April, with workers in health, food, public safety and transportation remaining on the job for the duration of the period. Many of the on-site essential jobs are held by teenagers who originally took jobs for extra cash and savings, taking casual shifts after school. Now, they are frontline fighters on the edge of a global crisis. Numerous Mounds View students don their face masks and gloves every day, heading out to support their communities despite the pressures of distance learning and the risk their exposure to the outside world presents. Emily Marx, 12, works at Johanna Shores, a senior living community now faced with several COVID-19 cases and an altered reality. “Everything has gotten a lot more isolated. All of the residents are confined to their rooms in order to slow the spread,” Marx said. She wears personal protective equipment, checks her temperature before work, maintains social distancing throughout her shifts and is not directly exposed to COVID-19. “Any residents that do have the virus are completely quarantined to their rooms and only certain staff, such as nurses, are allowed in,” Marx said. Julia Cook, 11, works at ACR Homes, an assisted living community for adults with disabilities. Cook does feel as though she is at risk of contracting the virus. “I work the front lines along with my father so there is a high chance that I’m going to get [the virus], but I’ve realized that for a while and I’m at peace with it.” In fact, Cook’s co-worker tested positive for COVID-19, and Cook herself, even though she was asymptomatic, was subsequently tested and received negative results. Despite this, Cook is still working. Cook’s Emergency Medical Technician training puts her in a unique position. “The medical reserve contacted me and I’m probably going to volunteer on the front lines as well,” she said. With a new push for

FEATURES 3

photo courtesy of Julia Cook Julia Cook pictured wearing her mask while working at ACR Homes.

Top right on the front of the t-shirt reads from top to bottom: “Class of 2020, prom: 0 graduation: 0 senior year: 1/2 © COVID-19”

The back of the t-shirt reads “Class of 2020”

photos courtesy of Jack Downing

“Somehow, we’re busier now than we ever have been.” -Mia Natividad, 12 While Bortnem’s work takes many safety precautions, one of the riskiest factors of working is the customers. “Some people are really cautious and keep their distancing, but some people are dumb,” Bortnem said. “[They] don’t seem to care and get right up in my face to complain.” Still, Bortnem generally thinks that the safety measures taken are sufficient, despite the initial hiccups in receiving protective and sanitary materials, as well as information regarding Target’s plan for handling worker and customer safety. Alongside many essential workers, Bortnem is glad to have kept her job. “I think my contribution, the ability to leave the house and knowing I’m taking precautions outweighs the risks posed to me,” Bortnem said. Despite the dangers of working at this time, these students are putting their best foot forward and helping the community. “This is a time where people need to come together and lean on each other,” Cook said.

Sports

Prom Q & A with JCO Lauryn Jones Q: Are there any preparations that have gone to waste? If so, what has? A: We had finished most of the prom planning last summer, so a lot of our work has gone to waste. We also ordered decorations and already had a lot set up with vendors and the venue already, but we are hoping to use a lot of them next year. Q: Is the cancellation of prom worth the sake of health and safety? A: Ultimately, canceling prom was the right decision for the safety of the students, but the other JCOs and I are sincerely sorry for the lost opportunity and experience of many students and hope that students can find some way to sill have their own “prom” while practicing social distancing.

photo courtesy of Tanner Ware Mounds View seniors celebrate a win.

A significant effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is the cancellation of activities. Spring is a time for student-athletes to demonstrate the hard work they put in during the off-season and have fun competing with their teammates. Oftentimes, the spring sports season is the most awaited time of year for student-athletes. “The worst thing being canceled was spring sports, and that is because this year at MV, all of our seniors were actually ready and doing amazing with great promising signs and training,” said Santino Preciado, 12. “This year was also supposed to be one of the best years, and that would have been great to follow up with such an amazing cross country season.” Mounds View’s student-athletes trained all winter in hopes of taking themselves or their team to championships or titles. Another disappointing aspect of calling off spring sports is the lost opportunity to play as a team a final time. “The most disappointing part of not having this spring season is baseball, for me,” said Brett Bateman, 12. “This was the year where we could’ve had it all. We had so much talent on this team, and I’ve been playing with these guys for so long. The bond between us is so strong and to see it be taken away from something that we can’t see just breaks my heart.”

photo courtesy of Will Sacay

“

Will Sacay,12, and Natalie Tkachuck, 12, celebrate prom at home.

I really wish prom wasn’t cancelled, but my girlfriend and I had our own little prom at my house, so that was nice.” -Will Sacay, 12

THE CLASS OF 2020 by Ellis Maloney and Yatharth Sharma news editors

Yard signs

Grad parties The virus has inhibited celebrations of academic progress. For example, the occurrence of graduation parties, which are usually seen as a joyous time of togetherness and celebration, is currently up in the air. Instead of canceling the parties altogether, many seniors decided to postpone them in hopes of another opportunity to honor their hard work and success. “I originally had to cancel my grad party because of coronavirus, but we booked another one in late July, so hopefully that doesn’t get canceled,” said Tanner Ware, 12. Other seniors have changed their graduation parties to fit community health guidelines rather than canceling or postponing. “We were thinking of having a small ‘prom party’ which is just a normal small get-together with friends,” said Santino Preciado, 12.

To cancel or not?

photo courtesy of Elisa Guo

Schools are finding innovative ways to celebrate the work of seniors. Mounds View began distributing yard signs to seniors as a way of celebrating their hard work over the past four years. Many seniors responded positively to these yard signs:

“ “

I like the 2020 yard signs because when I see them in people’s lawns, it makes me feel like everyone is together in the community.”

It’s nice to have some recognition for the work we put in.”

-Tanner Ware, 12

-Brenner Klein, 12

Some seniors believe that the safety and health of the Mounds View community outweigh the benefits of coming back to school and resuming extracurricular activities. “It’s important to look at the bigger picture and how this affects everyone’s health, and even though we’re missing out on a lot of important things, it’s for everyone’s well-being,” said Pratibha Khatiwoda, 12. On the contrary, other seniors believe that some cancellations were not necessary. “Even though I think the health of the older teachers at Mounds View is important and should be taken care of, I don’t think [canceling] everything was worth it,” said Will Sacay, 12.

EDITORIALS 5

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Spring sports: on or off? by Molly Shwiff features editor As spring rolls around, many people are ecstatic to go out and enjoy the warm, sunny weather, especially athletes who have been training year-round for this upcoming season. However, with the pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic, many things are different this year, including spring sports. Unfortunately, student athletes will not be able to play this season due to the Minnesota State High School League pulling the plug on all spring sports. Sports can bring a community together; however, this year the community must be apart for safety reasons. While there are countless downsides to athletics being cancelled, there are upsides as well. Despite both pros and cons, it was the correct and safe decision for the MSHSL to cancel all spring sports. Firstly, by shutting down spring sports, people are taking the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their families safe from COVID-19, as people are advised to stay at least six feet apart. For contact sports like lacrosse, it would be almost impossible to play the game while staying six feet apart. However, with noncontact athletics like boys tennis, players would remain distanced while playing. Even so, it is not worth the risk. Although athletes are staying safe and doing the right thing by staying home, it is still understandable for them to be saddened over the loss of their season, especially seniors, most of whom have been looking

forward to this season throughout their entire high school career. In addition, many athletes were counting on this year to prove to college scouts that they are worthy of an athletic scholarship. For example, a survey conducted by The Harris Poll found that 20% of students’ athletic scholarships have either been delayed or canceled due to COVID-19; however, even with these disappointments, safety is, and always should be, the number one priority. Despite the setbacks that many athletes are facing, some still put on their gear and practice by themselves, or even with the rest of their team over online video calls. This shows that although each and every athlete is suffering during this difficult time, they are in this together. Even though the season may be officially cancelled, athletes are able to continue to improve their skills and train as a team while staying safe. Overall, it was undoubtedly the best decision to cancel all high school spring sports, considering all the dangers, both known and unknown, of COVID-19. As cliché as it sounds, it is better to stay safe than sorry.

fair use image courtesy of clipart.email

Should MV do more for seniors? by Savannah Guiang features editor With COVID-19 forcing schools to close, students have an unfair and unfortunate end to their school year. This is especially hard on seniors, as events such as prom, fundraisers and spring sports cannot take place, leaving seniors without much to do other than schoolwork. That being said, Mounds View has taken some initiative in an effort to honor this year’s seniors. Despite feelings of frustration that seniors may have toward the administration and its efforts, this is uncharted territory for everybody and the school is doing what it can. It is not enough, but considering the pandemic, it will have to do. On April 13 and April 20, at 20:20 (8:20 p.m.), Mounds View turned its stadium lights on for 20 minutes, taking part in “#BeTheLightMN.” High schools around Minnesota are participating in this tribute dedicated to the Class of 2020. The seniors who showed up at Mounds View’s field were still expected to practice social distancing, but regardless, it was a nice way to support them through this tough, but unavoidable, situation. In terms of graduation, a ceremony held in-person is dependent on how safe large gatherings are in the upcoming months. As of now, in-person graduation is moved to July 30. In order to accommodate for the unfortunate postponing of graduation and the Senior All Night Party’s cancellation, the 2020 Senior All Night Planning Board (SANP) transitioned to a “Class of 2020 Celebration.” This celebration will take place at Mounds View in the spring of 2021 and will give this year’s seniors a chance to tour the fully renovated building and reconnect with friends. Working diligently to organize the “Class of 2020 Celebration,” the school and SANP are attempting to partially make up for the

milestone that COVID-19 robbed seniors of. However, if the July 30 graduation cannot happen in person, Mounds View should pivot. For instance, Yellow Springs High School is making the ceremony “drive-in” style. In a parade-like fashion, seniors will drive past a camera as their name is read and they receive their diploma. Other vehicles in the parade have the ability to witness the ceremony as it is displayed on a large screen. Another way that the school tried honoring the

photo courtesy of Mounds View High School Facebook page Students maintain social distancing at Mounds View’s #BetheLight event.

Class of 2020 was with the yearbook committee’s senior door decor. Households had the option to decorate their front door in honor of their senior. The yearbook will feature doors decorated with pictures, art, Mounds View gear, jerseys, etc. As a way to bring together the grieving senior community, this tribute demonstrates

the school’s attempt to recognize seniors in some way. Even if not all seniors benefit from the gesture, it is nonetheless thoughtful. Similar to door decor, the school offers $10 senior class lawn signs. Though some may find them laughable, there is no way around the large obstacle that COVID-19 presents. In bringing attention to the hard times that the Class of 2020 is going through, the signs actually have the potential to develop the greater public’s recognition for seniors. Schools are finding ways to overcome the disappointing end to the school year and, although not all of their approaches are effective, it is better than nothing. The school has at least maintained consistent communication with students, providing important updates and announcements via frequent emails and detailed newsletters. Many of the newsletters sent out to students also include heartfelt messages to the Class of 2020 and their families. “We [Mounds View] are committed to planning safe and memorable ways to honor your students,” said Principal Stephanie Bruggers in one of the e-newsletters. Nothing is comparable to a traditional senior year, but given the difficult circumstances, the school is doing the best it can.

6 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Savvy synchronized streaming by Amy Binder staff reporter

Students with a quarantine-induced surplus of free time may find themselves repeatedly loading the next episode of their favorite show in lieu of going out with friends, but social distancing does not have to be completely isolating. Even though public gathering spaces are limited, spending time with friends is easier than ever with new video synchronizing websites like Netflix Party, TwoSeven and Metastream. One common misconception about these sites is that one user can share a video with the other members in the group. Instead, the sites work by synchronizing each user’s video screen, so every audience member must be logged into the same streaming service or each own a purchased movie in order to watch together. With the crushing realization I would have to purchase a subscription to a streaming service instead of freeloading off my friends, I headed off to review what is perhaps the best-known site: Netflix Party, a Chrome add-on. I was initially impressed with Netflix Party’s clear layout and ease of use, especially because it functions on Netflix rather than its own site. How-

ever, once the group finishes one movie, that is it — the group needs to send a new Netflix Party link to watch another video together. My group of five chose to video call through Google Hangouts while watching a movie — “Bad Boys” — so we could talk instead of using the built-in chat feature, but after troubleshooting an audio problem for several minutes with no results, we decided to move platforms because one member of the group could not hear the movie’s audio. Ultimately, one friend shared her screen across a streaming site, Kast, as we called over Discord. Even though our movie night with Netflix Party was unsuccessful, I would give the site the benefit of the doubt and try it again in the future. Unlike Netflix Party, TwoSeven can synchronize videos from a variety of sources, including Amazon Prime Video, HBO Now, Netflix and YouTube. Users can also watch Disney+ and Hulu together for a monthly fee. I was not impressed with TwoSeven, which first forced me to make an account and then insulted me with its poor graphic design. The major points in its favor came from the video and audio displays of each audience member, making the synchro-

nization feel like an actual movie night and not just yet another sad evening of binge-watching mediocre movies alone in my room. However, this feature was neatly balanced by the site’s main con: the lag time, which varied from two seconds to 20 throughout the “Parks and Recreation” episode my sister and I watched. When I realized midway through the episode that the small default screen could be enlarged to fill the full screen, the video underwent a significant buffering time before lagging even further behind. Although pausing and unpausing the video momentarily improved the synchronization, TwoSeven seems barely above the days of selfsynchronizing by clicking videos at the same time as friends. Lastly, I reviewed Metastream, which immediately set itself apart from TwoSeven by allowing users to pick a display name upon entering the site instead of making an account. Although currently in beta, Metastream offers streaming for many sites: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix, SoundCloud, Twitch and YouTube. Additionally, users can paste the URL of a video on any website to add it to the session. My sister and I tested the site with the same Amazon Prime

video we watched on TwoSeven and found that it worked smoothly on Metastream, even though it was not listed as a compatible site. I was so impressed with Metastream that I picked a date later that week to follow along with a workout video on YouTube with a friend. Although we FaceTimed while working out to compensate for the site’s missing video feature, I appreciated Metastream’s streamlined, simple aesthetic. It took a few attempts to change my display name and improve the visibility of the chat feature, but once I had the settings squared away, the site became easier to manage. Although I am most likely to return to Metastream for future movie nights, all three services were functional, decently convenient and timely for maintaining social distancing.

Take a museum tour virtually by Katelyn Welle staff reporter

From concerts getting postponed to festivals and vacations being canceled to stay-at-home orders, COVID-19 has had a huge impact on events across the world and on many of Minnesota’s citizens. Luckily, technological advancements have been used to replace these events. For people stuck at home, there are currently art, science and history museum tours available online for free from anywhere in the world. These tours are individual, allowing each person to virtually walk through museums via a Google Arts view. Because of the stay-at-home order, people all over the world are now able

to tour the Musée D’Orsay, located in Paris, France. This popular museum is known for its vast collection of Impressionist paintings, not to mention holding the largest number of famous paintings in the world by well-known painters like Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Morisot and Renoir. In the Musée D’Orsay virtual tour, there are three different floors to pick from; there is also the option to either move through the museum virtually or to click and view individual artworks, one at a time. The museum consists mostly of paintings (located on the second and third floors) and sculptures (mostly found on the main/first floor). Choosing to move virtually through the museum has its pros and cons. It

gives a better overall picture and sense of each level, but it does not help when trying to see specific pieces of artwork. It is also easier this way to visit different rooms on each level, although it takes a little longer for the image to load on a computer screen. When viewing the museum painting-to-painting, there will also be some ups and downs. For example, the viewer can see pieces of artwork clearer up close, as well as the name of the piece, but the painting-to-painting action defeats the feeling of being in the museum in reality. With this feature, the viewer can also easily search for specific paintings. Choosing the painting-to-painting view provides an overall better learn-

ing experience as one is able to see the names of the paintings, and this view allows the individual to easily find specific paintings. On the other hand, choosing the virtual walkthrough view offers a broader experience. Overall, museum virtual tours are a great way to spend time during the COVID-19 pandemic, with different choices depending on what the specific person is looking for. However, while Google Arts provides many options during a virtual museum tour experience, it is always better to visit a museum in real life.

photo courtesy of Google Arts & Culture

The main floor of the Musée D’Orsay in a Google Arts virtual tour.

An up-close look at one of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings.

SPORTS 7

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

Goddess of basketball

by Arthur Nghiem staff reporter

Lindsey Becher, 12, recently won an Athena Award for her outstanding performance in basketball. The Athena Award, named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, recognizes one extraordinary female student-athlete from each of the 43 participating schools in the St. Paul area. Recipients of this prestigious award are selected primarily for their sports achievements. On Feb. 7, Becher joined the ranks of these distinguished athletes. “My mom actually told me that I had received it after she saw the email,” Becher said. “I was super excited! I know that the women who have won it in the past are really amazing people and accomplished athletes, which makes me feel really honored to have been recognized for something that those women also have received.” Becher has a long list of basketball accolades to her name. According to the St. Paul Athena Award website, she earned five varsity letters, was named a Star Tribune Player of the Week and was the back-to-back state leader in blocks. In addition, she was “awarded the Most Valuable Player her junior year and named Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore,” according to Concordia College. Perhaps most impressively, she reached 1,574 career points during a

game against White Bear Lake in January, breaking the Mustang career scoring record of 1,568 points. Becher believes that her deep understanding of the game allows her to break these records. Additionally, Becher said that playing basketball for many years

She regularly practices specific drills and skills to improve her game. “For ball handling I really like using Reid Ouse’s ball handling workouts from Twitter,” she said. “One of my coaches also put together some finishing moves and ball handling workouts that I like to

“First, I’m familiar with the gym since we have played there every summer for the past five years,” she said. “I also love the coaching staff and their aspirations for the next couple years. I really liked that it was close to home, and I have played with lots of the older girls during AAU [Amateur Athletic Union], which is really exciting to know I already have people I like to be around there.” Amanda Johnson, head coach of women’s basketball at Concordia, seems just as enthusiastic to have Becher on the team. In a Concordia Athletics article, Johnson said that “she can make a huge impact in the game on both ends of the floor.” Outside of the court, Becher volunteers at many different organizations. “My favorite place to volunteer is the After School Kids program at my church. It’s a program where elementary school kids from Roseville can come after school and learn about God, get help with homework and just hang out for free while their parents are at work,” Becher said. photo courtesy of Lindsey Becher photo courtesy of Lindsey Becher Becher’s remarkable qualities clearly extend beyond her talents in bashas helped her confidence blossom. “I use as well. For shooting, I like to try to ketball. Her Athena Award recognizes think that confidence makes a huge im- make around 200 shots from lots of dif- her success in basketball, but even more pact on a player and can take their game ferent areas.” importantly, it is a testament to the deto a whole new level,” Becher said. Becher has chosen to attend Con- termination that got her to where she is It takes a great deal of dedication to cordia College to continue her bas- today. achieve this kind of mastery in a sport. ketball career for a variety of reasons.

“Bigger than baseball”

by Amy Binder and Katelyn Welle staff reporters COVID-19 has had a major effect on many aspects within teenagers’ lives, one of which was the cancellation of all high school spring sports. In particular, numerous Mounds View students were looking forward to the 2020 Mustang baseball season because of their astounding previous season. In 2019, the Mounds View varsity team ended the season with a 20-7 record, becoming the seventh team in Mustang baseball history to win 20 games. Later that season, the team went on to the section playoffs, the section championships and even the state tournament against East Ridge. Coming off a strong 2019 season, the team hoped to perform well again this year. “Everyone was super excited because we had a really good team this year that was expected to do some great things,” said captain Ian Bahn, 12. “But we weren’t going to allow the pressure to get to us. We were all just excited for one last season together.” With three players committed to Division I schools and several others pursuing college baseball, the team hoped to bring a state championship to Mounds View for the first time since 2014. However, the team’s lofty goal would never be realized; on April 23, the Minnesota State High School League announced the cancellation of all activities through the end of the year. Brett Bateman, 12, was working out

when he heard the season would be canceled. “I was stunned,” Bateman said. “I’m pretty sure I sat on the field for 30 minutes just doing nothing. I thought that it could happen, but I never really knew how it would feel to find out that I wouldn’t get [to] wear a jersey for the Mustangs ever again. I’ve been playing baseball with this group of seniors for 10-plus years, and just to have it taken away [by] something that I can’t see is

get stronger. When we did something baseball-related we almost always let each other know so we could go against each other and compete.” The seniors are staying in shape by running, eating healthy and throwing and pitching by themselves. Several of the seniors are preparing for the start of the college baseball season: Bahn will play for the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits, Bateman for the Min-

coach, was as — if not more — disappointed with the season’s cancellation than the players. “In 2020, the team expected to compete for a third straight section championship, and with that would have had the opportunity to compete for a state championship,” Downey said. Downey has been a coach for the Mounds View baseball team for nine years total, and emphasized the importance of the team aspect and how close the teammates have been in the past years. “I coach for a lot of reasons; number one on the list is the relationships, the opportunity to be around the players on a daily basis and experience a high school baseball season together,” Downey said. Despite the loss of the 2020 season, Downey remains positive about the situation and encourages players to do the same. “The biggest thing was to stay positive and [focus] on things we [can] control, on doing everything possible to stay in baseball shape,” he said. Players also remain optimistic about the future of Mounds View basephoto courtesy of Brett Bateman ball. “The group of guys in the grade The varsity baseball team after winning the 2019 section championship. below are a phenomenal group,” Bahn just a punch in the gut.” nesota Gophers, Sean Goldman for the said. “They will work hard and have a This close-knit relationship be- St. Olaf Lions and Robert Hogan and great season. It stinks, there is no doubt tween the seniors on the team has made Ike Mezzenga for the North Iowa Area about it, but this is bigger than baseball. the cancellation especially hard. “This Community College Trojans. Addition- We all just need to remember that.” team prepared all year for this,” Bate- ally, Will Rogers, 11, has committed to man said. “We have been playing fall play for the Arizona State Sun Devils, a ball with each other, and we have all Division I school. been lifting with the same program to Mark Downey, the varsity team’s

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020

top 10

Cartoons to watch while staying home

10 The Fairly OddParents

9 The Powerpuff Girls

The Simpsons

Kim Possible

Tom and Jerry

5 Scooby Doo

Phineas and Ferb

Pet of the issue

Name: Simon Age: 12 years old Gender: Male Breed: Cocker spaniel Owner: Ellie Keillor, 12 Favorite toy: Toilet paper

Rick and Morty

Avatar: The Last Airbender

1 Bobâ€™s Burgers

Fun facts about Simon He is very protective of his food

He cries a lot

He only moves fast when he wants to

He smells very bad

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