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Friday, February 21, 2014
Volume 61, Issue 9
Adderall Abuse Exhausted students turn to stimulants like Adderall to get through schoolwork. The consequences are large.
photos by Ben Kaiser
W
hile 20 years ago, high school students might have turned to coffee to give them focus and energy, more and more students today are turning to illegal prescription medication to help them excel at school. Typically prescribed to kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which are characterized by difficulty focusing, drugs such as Adderall are being abused by students. According to the University of Michigan, eight percent of all high school seniors polled abused Adderall in 2013. This alarming statistic may illustrate that students are now willing to sacrifice their health for their grades. “I feel like this year is a lot harder than last year,” said a junior who regularly takes Adderall unprescribed. “Homework helped me a lot last year, and I had a lot better grades...but it’s really hard to get things done now. Adderall helps me.” Increased level of focus is the main effect associated with stimulants such as Adderall. For those who suffer from ADHD or ADD, these types of drugs can help return them to a normal level of focus. However, for students who are not prescribed Adderall, they often find that their level of focus increases exponentially for several hours. “After about an hour after [taking Adderall]...I was incredibly focused...I wrote a three-page paper in under 40 minutes,” said one senior. “It was ridiculous how focused I was and I just felt energized all the way through. I hadn’t slept in almost 24 hours and all of a sudden my fingers were flying over the keyboard.” Although many students who abuse Adderall see it as a harmless way to focus, studies have proven its addictiveness and risks. According to rehab center ChooseHelp, Adderall’s addiction level, which is equivalent to cocaine, labels it as a Class II narcotic. “The idea behind Adderall is that it over stimulates certain brain chemistry for students that are…already on a threshold for overstimulation,” said science teacher Graham Wright. “...That can bring on things like early onset dementia…in people who abuse it or shouldn’t take it and do take it.” Despite these health concerns, many students continue to use Adderall, buying it from students with legitimate prescriptions. For both users interviewed,
by James Birr and Kyoka Millard managing editors
“
“I think we are starting to get locked into a transcript arms race, and I think students are at the point where they’re maxed out.” - Graham Wright, science teacher
the immediate side effects included sleep deprivation, loss of appetite, and some mood changes. “I didn’t eat at nearly the normal level I do and… I was not able to fall asleep at all,” said the senior who used Adderall off prescription. “I actually ended up being awake for 44 hours straight…I did not sleep the night I took it and I could not nap.” “I do crash,” said the junior. “It’s like coffee and I crash the next day, but I really don’t care.” Students admit that their use of Adderall has led to an increased desire to take it in order to finish assignments. “Now when I don’t have it it’s hard for me to get even one class’s homework done,” confessed the junior. “If I’m studying for finals or big tests or have projects or papers, I have to use it.” In addition to long term health effects, Adderall can be seen as a gateway to other drugs like marijuana or cocaine. “I haven’t heard of anyone taking Adderall or something like that illegally that has been irreparably harmed by it,” said language arts teacher Rebecca Hauth-Schmid. “At the same time, like many other illegal substances, you can look at it as a gateway for other things.” “It absolutely is a gateway drug, and I would say it’s a very strong one,” said Principal Jeff Ridlehoover. Legal problems can arise as well. According to CriminalDefenseLawyer.com, the penalty for the lowest offenses of illicit Adderall possession and sale is up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine. Despite the possible legal and health implications
of Adderall abuse, many students continue to feel the pressure to use it. One of the most common origins of stress for students is their schoolwork. “There were some aftereffects, but they were not even close to the aftereffects of not getting [homework] done,” said the senior. “If I don’t have it, I talk to people or I go on Facebook and I just waste time. If I do have it I can sit down for seven to ten hours straight and study,” the junior said. “I think we are starting to get locked into a transcript arms race, and I think students are at the point where they’re maxed out,” said Wright. “So they’re going to try many different ways to try to attain a very high quality transcript with a very high GPA.” If a student has been brought to the point where they are either psychologically or physically addicted to Adderall, teachers say that they will need to seek more help than just extensions on homework. “If a student was found to be using an illegal drug here at school the number one thing we do is try and get the student some help. Secondary would be their academics,” said Ridlehoover. “The student is going to have to understand that they have gotten themselves into that situation, and it’s going to take a lot more than Mr. Wright’s grade book to get them out of that situation,” said Wright. While statistically it is difficult to point to a cause or a solution, there is no doubt that both the consumption of Adderall and the illegal trade in it are practiced at Mounds View. “Everyone is approached about selling their Adderall,” said a student who is prescribed Adderall. “It isn’t appealing because if you sell your own, then you don’t have any to take.” As college approaches and stress increases, upperclassmen especially are willing to do almost anything in order to achieve high grades in multiple accelerated courses. Teachers remind students that they should not overload their schedules. “Honors Chemistry is not the problem,” said Wright. “It’s Honors Chemistry with AP Calculus, with AP English, AP History, AP Hybrids, PSEO... That’s the issue. It’s not one class that’s doing it, it’s the multitude of all the classes put together. And everyone needs sleep either way.”
2editorials
February 21, 2014
TOP Drug Testing:
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Editors Agree
STAFF EDITORIAL 2
Editors Disagree
An expensive invasion of privacy
Should-be Olympic Sports
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Don’t get eaten by that yeti! Calc pre-test cramming
8 6 4 2
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Drifting-on-ice Speed cold-catching
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Winter Olympics fashion contest Skeleton bumper cars
Ski jumping over Graham Goodwiler
Human Curling
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Bare Bellied Penguin Sliding
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cartoon by Michaela Morse
Extreme driveway shoveling
2013-2014 Viewer Editors Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor
Phoebe Ke
Sasha Safonov Manager of Design Kyoka Millard Business Manager Nina Bertelsen News Monica Kemp Editorials Tristan Aschittino Alistair Tang Features Ryan Yoch Nicole Wahlin Spread Neha Sethi Tommy Sletten Variety Namrata Gadela Reviews Kyoka Millard James Birr Sports Maddy Rosenow Molly Hancuh Gallery Rebecca Nara Photographers/Artists Christine Kao Michaela Morse Adviser Martha Rush
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James Birr, Kobi Endrizzi,
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The Viewer is published by the student editors at: Mounds View High School 1900 Lake Valentine Rd Arden Hills, Minnesota Sauk Centre Publishing
Overdose-related deaths are rising across the state. According to the Anoka County medical examiner’s office, for example, heroinrelated deaths rose 40 percent between 2010 and 2012. In an attempt to curb drug use among high school students, the Duluth district is the first in the state to consider randomly testing students for drug use. Such a plan is already being used in Superior, a neighboring Wisconsin school district. The plan would require that all students participating in co-curricular activities— including sports and using the school parking lot—be assigned a number for a weekly random drawing. The reasoning behind this plan is to give students “an excuse to say no [to drugs].” While this may seem to be a solid plan at first glance, numerous flaws may lead to unintended consequences. Not only does random drug testing deny students some of their privacy rights, it creates a negative atmosphere of mistrust and resentment between students and the administration. If schools really want to combat drug use, they should work to create a positive school atmosphere for the students, rather than hunting and singling out drug users.
What would randomly testing students for drugs accomplish? It seems highly unlikely that exposing someone to be a drug user would cause them to reform and change their ways. Rather, it is much more likely that nothing but bitterness and animosity would arise from this plan, especially for students who are caught. Being subject to random invasions of privacy would create an unpleasant atmosphere for anyone, drug user or not. This plan may be attempting to reduce drug use among students, but it could hardly be called effective for that purpose. In no way would it prevent students from using drugs on days they don’t participate in an activity, including weekends, holidays, and the off-season. In a study by the Institute of Education Sciences, it was found that random drug testing had no effect on students’ intentions to use drugs in the future. If a student had a serious addiction to drugs, it would be more likely that they would simply stop participating in activities. Ultimately, whatever positive influence those activities provided for students would be lost. This plan doesn’t come cheap, either. Duluth
officials estimate the tests alone would cost $5,040 a year, but aren’t exactly sure how much it would cost to run the program. Last year the Superior district spent $30,000 on random drug testing, so it can be assumed that Duluth would experience a similar cost. In order to pay for this program, cuts would have to be made to other areas of the school, hurting everyone in the end. All points considered, this plan can be summarized as an expensive invasion of privacy that does nothing to fix the problem it was created for. It’s common sense that addictive habits are extremely difficult to drop. Instead of trying to break those habits, why not simply prevent them from occurring in the first place? A positive school environment would reduce all sorts of misconduct in the school, not just drugs. If students truly value their education, they have little reason to seek an “escape” through drugs. Once students realize they have a future through their education, there would be no point for them to compromise that future, especially by using more dangerous drugs such as heroin and meth. Requiring a health course in 9th grade would ensure students are aware of
the risks of drug abuse early on, as well as provide them knowledge of how to lead a healthy lifestyle, minimizing the likelihood a student would use drugs in the first place. If a student, or any teenager in general, was abusing drugs, it’s highly unlikely they would view the school as an accepting place where they could seek refuge and aid. Schools should encourage parents to be more responsible in preventing drug abuse, and direct them on what the appropriate courses of action are to take. Drug abuse in high schools is indeed an alarming issue, and recent deaths by overdose are sure proof of that. Allocating so many resources towards exposing the students who use drugs is nothing but a waste. Just as two wrongs don’t make a right, subjecting them to punishment for their actions will do nothing to help reform their ways; it is much more likely to induce feelings of resentment that would lead to increased drug use. Working towards creating a positive school environment would not only minimize misconduct, but improve the academic performance of the school as a whole.
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.
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editorials
February 21, 2014
The American DREAM
Student VIEWS
Immigrants deserve more support
by Clara Wang staff reporter In June 2013, the U.S Senate passed the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act with a convincing 6832 vote. It is now stuck in the House of Representatives, and prospects of reform are dim. If enacted, the bill would comprise the most momentous overhaul of U.S immigration laws in over two decades, as it would provide a chance at citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, allocate a substantial amount of resources to U.S-Mexico border security, and tighten travel and employment restrictions worldwide. America is an immigrant society—the blending of ideas and cultures provides the entrepreneurial spirit that makes this nation great. The U.S. should embrace its influxes of immigrants and the innovations they can bring to the table, by providing an easier legalization process to immigrants who are, or have been, students in the U.S. This bill, while achieving some degree of progress towards procuring citizenship for immigrants, is not entirely conducive to either the U.S economy or most immigrants’ best interests. Despite its shortcomings, however, the bill provides much-needed reform to U.S immigration policy. Proposing to devote $46.3 billion for border enforcement isn’t cheap. At
a time when the federal government has been cutting education and infrastructure budgets, it seems more important for the future of America’s youth to have upto-date textbooks and adequate busing systems, than for the border patrol to get new guns. The U.S already spends $18 billion on border security, more than all of the other federal defense expenses put together. A CNN poll conducted on Jan. 31, 2014 shows that 54 percent of Americans prioritize developing a legalization plan for undocumented workers when dealing with illegal immigration. With most American taxpayers favoring aiding immigrants over further militarization of the border, the $46.3 billion border defense budget seems excessive. A major issue with this bill lies with its lack of reform in terms of access to health care. Most statuses of immigrants are not able to collect health care tax deductions under the Affordable Care Act, and individuals under RPI status, bluecard status, and V visas are arbitrarily and harmfully denied access to affordable health care and nutrition assistance for five to 15 years. Thus, more than seven million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. have over $70 million taken out of their paychecks every year for Social Security benefits they will never be able to collect. For some immigrants, there is the hope of turning the imposing barriers of airport gates, oceans, and border lines into white picket fences. Legalization will be
spearheaded by new provisions for the DREAM Act, a key component of the bill, which allows an expedited path to citizenship for those who entered the U.S before the age of 16, graduated from high school (or received a GED) in the U.S., and attended at least two years of college or served four years in the uniformed forces. This recognizes the fact that immigrants who have spent most of their lives in the U.S. are contributing to the country, and are valuable members of the nation. If someone grows up and is educated in the U.S., it makes little sense to extradite them back to their nation of birth. Why would we want to chase students, whom the government spent money educating, back to their home countries? DREAM is quite selfexplanatory; it will provide many people with opportunities often not available in their home countries, and allow them to pursue the American dream. Diversity is what brings the flavor to the amalgamation that some of the first immigrants named America. This bill, although missing the mark on practical allocation of resources and health care benefits for immigrants, is progressive in allowing immigrants a straightforward legalization process. Since the initial landing of the earliest immigrants, America has been a place for actualizing the dreams of those who couldn’t do so where they came from. Let’s keep it that way.
Copper with caution by Sean Sabeti-Oseid staff reporter At this moment, Northern Minnesotans face a dilemma which has divided them. Now that PolyMet Mining is setting its eyes on a new project near the cities of Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes, many are eager to get back to work. However, some are skeptical of potential dangers to the environment surrounding the site. It is important to realize that at some point, things need to be built, and in order for Minnesota to grow, new industries must come to fruition. While the environment must be protected, new developments still need to be made to prevent the stagnation of infrastructure. The construction of a new mine would bring hundreds of job opportunities and supply vast amounts of valuable natural resources for the next 20 years. The recent Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) released by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has concluded that any contaminants like sulfides wouldn’t overreach water quality standards, and PolyMet already has the capability to treat any contaminants in
Editor opinions What your Viewer editors think of various issues.
the water. Thankfully, Minnesota law requires that companies supply financial assurance that would compensate for damages caused by pollution, and PolyMet has already committed to covering any and all potential costs. The proposed site is thought to contain one of the largest deposits of both copper and nickel in the world. Copper is a key component in the wiring of our smartphones and computers, the plumbing of appliances, and the wiring of wind turbines. The uses for it are nearly endless, and if done safely, this development would be a large producer of important raw materials for the next 20 years. Without a doubt, PolyMet would be given an enormous responsibility if granted the right to build this mine, and an equally sizeable responsibility to those who fear that an area renowned for its natural beauty could be tarnished. This also means that they must cover the necessary costs of financial assurance. Despite there being concerns about the mine altering the environment, the construction of a coppernickel mine would once again bring the opportunity for growth and prosperity to the Iron Range. If
“We...are never, ever, ever, getting more days off for weather.” - Ryan “Swift” features editor
“People who stay active during the winter have my utmost respect.” - Rebecca Nara gallery editor
“The process of immigration is very tedious and costly. Although I understand the long process allows the government to screen the immigrants more thoroughly, I think the process should be less costly.” -David Lee, 11
“Immigration reform is a huge issue and I think that whenever people think of immigration they think of the illegal immigrants. But what they fail to realize is that there are people in this country who are on temporary protected status and have no opportunity of becoming citizens.” -Abena Abraham, 12 photos by Alistair Tang and Jonathan Kim
infographic by Alistair Tang
PolyMet is able to successfully build this, provide good jobs, while keeping the potential dangers of pollution at bay, this will have a positive impact on the people of this state, and certainly bring new life to a historic part of Minnesota.
“Not flushing the toilets in public restrooms should be a punishable crime.” - Alistair Tang editorials editor
“Senior slide isn’t just academics- it’s social life, physical well-being, and hygiene (amateurs).” - Sasha Safonov managing editor
4features
BRAVE Febuary 21, 2014
Senior Kirsta Graf sparkles on and off the stage
by Monica Kemp news editor
On a cold Thursday night in late January, Kirsta Graf, 12, graced the auditorium stage in a sequin-studded outfit. With her two good friends, Sammie Hallgren, 12, and Tessah Indlecoffer, 12, by her side, Graf signed and danced to Sara Bareilles’s song, Brave. Winning first place, and subsequently performing at the Winter Week pepfest, Graf left everyone stunned by her ability to overcome her daily difficulties and remain positive, energetic, and inspirational. Graf was born with Down Syndrome, but that doesn’t keep her from being a glittering super star and Winter Week queen. She doesn’t let her disability get in the way of her life. “You have to go forward,” she said. As a Mustang mentor, esteemed thespian, girls basketball manager, Young Life member, and front desk greeter, Graf keeps plenty busy. It’s a good thing she loves drinking coffee to keep up with it all. Graf has spent four years mastering American Sign Language (ASL) at Mounds View in preparation for her big performance and learned how to sign Brave for her ASL class this past year. Though Graf made signing look like a breeze, Hallgren and Indlecoffer promise it’s not as easy as it may look. “I was afraid I would mess up,” said Hallgren. “Kirsta knew it by heart.” Indlecoffer was initially afraid that people would judge them basis the fact that they were signing. “Sign language is such a thing that people judge on,” she said. She was worried that people would look at them as a joke. On the contrary, both the audience and judges of the talent show were blown away by the beautiful simplicity of ASL and Graf’s incredible composure. Sarah Bujold, 12, tweeted, “Never thought signing could be so beautiful.” “I would say I was ready to see a cute performance, but when she got going I was more in awe,” said talent show judge Ross Fleming. “When she exceeded my expectations and looked like she was not only not nervous, but actually really having fun on stage, I did get teary eyed.” Graf’s two lifelong friends, Hallgren and Indlecoffer, are there for her both on and off the stage. Hallgren met Graf in the first grade, as they were both in the same class and participating in the school play, The Lion King. They have been good friends ever since. “Her ability to keep going...I have learned a lot from it because it keeps you a lot more positive,” said Hallgren. Indlecoffer, who is also Graf’s Personal Care Assistant, has been touched by Graf’s presence in her life. “She is joyful, loving, kind, and sweet,” said Indlecoffer. “She is like a shinning star.” Graf’s love of performing can be traced back to her basement. Having a stage in the basement of her house, Graf loves spending time being goofy and doing all things theatrical. “We would put on High School Musical and do sing-alongs even when going into high school,” said Hallgren. It’s no coincidence that Graf describes her life as full of brightness. “I love sparkle clothes and sparkle boots,” she said. “I just like to sparkle in my life.” Beneath the two tiaras she owns and the Disney princesses she likes, there lies an even deeper sparkle. Graf’s courage to overcome her difficulties with an aura of gratitude and appreciation has changed the lives of those around her. “I’m so much happier,” said Indlecoffer. “[When I] look at this girl who is grateful for everything she is given and, in the end of the day, praises the one who created her, it touches me so much.” Graf is a girl with passion and with goals. As Hallgren said, “She knows what she wants, what she wants to do.” Next year, Graf plans on attending the Career and Life Transition Program (CLT) at Har Mar Mall. From there, she plans on attending classes at Bethel College. Our challenges don’t have to define us, but how we engage them ultimately does. Graf has overcome great limits as she turns her struggle into strength. Talent show or not—Graf will be positively sparkling.
photos courtesy of Lauren Redmond and Alicia Graf
(Above) Lifelong friends Kirsta Graf, Sammie Hallgren, and Tessah Indlecoffer, all seniors, embrace after finishing first in the talent show. (Inset) Graf stuns pepfest audience with her signed rendition of Sara Bareilles’ song “Brave.”
Febuary 21, 2014
Preparing for professions
features
5
MV clubs prepare students for real life by Joe Janey online sports editor Being successful in school is one thing, but being able to retain and apply what you’ve learned is entirely another. However, many of Mounds View’s extracurricular clubs, such as DECA and Student Council, are giving students the tools they need to thrive later in life. Mounds View’s Student Council is a prime example of how a group of kids can develop the skills to create a focus among the school. Junior Class Officer Mikayla Toninato, 11, believes fully that the skills she is currently learning will translate to the next stage of life whether that be education wise or just being a better person. “This year especially has helped me grow in the area of taking initiative. Student Council is constantly fighting to keep the rights of the students such as dances, and without taking charge, nothing would get done,” said Toninato. There always needs to be an authority figure in an administration, and within the students that figure is the Student Council. They must respond to constantly changing situations which causes the need for flexibility. That is something one can’t learn from simply reading a book or listening to some motivational speaker. Life practice is much needed to sculpt that skill into perfection. Another organization that involves a great number of Mounds View students is Youth in Government (YIG). The name is very selfexplanatory as it involves high schoolers from all over the state to participate in a so-called mock government. The goal is to imitate everything that the real government does but the only difference is that it is completely student-run. Two juniors at Mounds View, Alex Vijums and Carter Jones, won the position of Governor and Lieutenant Governor just a month ago as they ran against several other candidates across the state. “YIG has taught me how to negotiate to an unbelievable degree. Before I was involved, it was easy to get cornered in an argument or debate, but now it’s evident there’s always a way out,” said Vijums. It’s not unheard of to hear kids mumbling about how much they hate the government, but in reality it is difficult to assess if they can even grasp what really happens. YIG throws participants into the heat of trials, attempting to pass bills, and so much more. It forces one to understand the ins and outs of what happens on an average day at the capitol. “Being so involved opened my eyes to how politics run and that is
something that will always stick with me,” said Vijums. Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) gives students the chance to develop business skills at a very early age. They are put into situations such as attempting to sell a fictitious product to a panel of judges or creating a portfolio to enhance a product. This is a skill that can’t be replicated to this degree within the walls of a classroom. “When you’re taking a test, people skills don’t help at all,” said River Thompson, 10. “During DECA you can really stand out above the rest if you have [people skills]. Even if you don’t really understand the business aspect of it at first, by the end you could consider yourself an expert,” he said. Many jobs require at least some understanding of business in order to succeed. Whether that be complex marketing or just simply managing funds it all comes from the same origin. “The amount of stats or random facts you can memorize in school will only get you so far. It’s necessary to take that to the next level and DECA teaches you how to do just that,” said Mitch Vaske, 10. In the world of technology, face-to-face communication seems to be a lost art. However, Speech Team is an exception from this statement. This group can teach the shyest of kids to excel when put in a speaking situation. With categories such as storytelling, creative expression, expression, and duo interpretation, there is a category for everybody. Speech has had a profound affect on senior captain Chance Carnahan. “It has given me the ability to improve on my presentations and I feel much more informed when it comes to conversing about politics with adults,” said Carnahan, 12. It is inevitable that at some point in one’s life they will need to speak in front of people and this club allows students to attain the skills to do so to the point of excellence. They practice posture, tone, rhythm, and many other finer points that ensure an enjoyable speech. Certain clubs and activities across Mounds View are doing wonders for students. They have been able to take a skill that may having been lacking for them, and amplify it to where they can now teach their peers. It will stick with them longer than just these four years of high school and allow them to utilize these abilities wherever they choose to go.
photos provided by Alex Vijums, Annalee Blake, Persis Ke, and Emily Ruan
Top: Student Council members volunteer at Feed My Starving Children. Middle: John Duffy teaches his DECA students the importance of business. Bottom right: Alex Vijums, 11, gives a speech at YIG while Carter Jones, 11, looks on.
GOT S
Busy high school students seldom take the time o
photo by Neha Set
James Zhang, 12, falls asleep in class after suffering from sleep deprivation
information compiled by Jonathan Kim, staff reporter
Long-term effects of sleep deprivation
by Aaron Adams staff reporter Sleep. We all need it. We know that a lack of sleep can cause all sorts of problems. While the short-term downsides of a lack of sleep are relatively well-known, the longterm effects are often a bit more vague. These longterm effects are far more damaging, regardless of how little they are currently understood. Students at Mounds View have a lot of experience with sleep deprivation. “If you stay up super late to try and do your homework and stuff, and
then try to go to sleep after that, your brain’s still going crazy and then you can’t sleep,” said Abby Mulligan, 12. “And then you have to get up at five in the morning,” she said. Students can also be susceptible to insomnia, keeping them perennially fatigued. “I was an insomniac for two years in high school, so I’d get maybe two hours of sleep a night,” said Dan Kroll, 12. The immediate effects of missing out on sleep are well-documented. Ask any high schooler, and you’ll probably hear stories of staying up late cramming for tests, trying to get an assignment in before midnight on turnitin.com, or even just trying to contain the masses of homework they often have on your plate. You’ll also hear how the day after, they felt a bit out of touch with the world, or were unable to recall the knowledge they were forcing into our
brains only a few hours ago. This lack of alertness and damaged memory are huge parts of shortterm problems associated with sleep deprivation. Other issues include increased stress from the same situations, increased distractibility, and a higher risk of injury during the day, especially in alreadyrisky circumstances. These problems are obviously no picnic, but are usually survivable. When chronic sleep deprivation leaves its mark, however, the
The Science
Sleep is vital to your ed
damage can be far greater. Sleep deprivation long-term effects are detrimental, as well. Aside of the obvious concentration of short-term effects, there are some problems specific to long-term sleep deprivation. Since sleep-controlling neurons in the brain are often associated with the immune system, a lack of sleep can leave you vulnerable. Over time, that vulnerability and weakened immune system could even lead to a premature death. Other effects can directly kill you. A lack of sleep can lead to heart attacks, strokes (strokes occur most often during the nighttime or the early morning), seizures in the epileptic, depressionlike symptoms, obesity, ADD-like psychological
problems, retardation of fetal growth during pregnancy, and many other problems besides. These long-term effects outclass the short-term problems both in lethality and in danger to others. While sleep is still something we don’t completely understand, it is certainly something we need, and in higher quantities than most of us get.
SLEEP?
out of their schedules to do the thing they might need the most
thi
The real reason students struggle with slumber by Emma Blume staff reporter Almost 70 percent of high school students are not getting the recommended hours of sleep on school nights, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Teenagers should get eight or more hours of sleep a night to function properly, but their overpacked and overwhelming schedules don’t allow it. When high school starts to amp up with advanced classes, extracurriculars, after school jobs, and everything else life throws at students, it’s no wonder kids aren’t getting enough sleep. Senior Joe Morey, who takes two APs classes, a CIS course, and is in skiing and theatre, knows what it’s like to be overbooked. “On average I get
five and a half hours or so,” said Morey. “I do sports all day and homework all night.” Lack of sleep affects all aspects of a student’s life. Zach Litzinger, also a senior, feels his packed schedule of AP and CIS classes, skiing, cross-country, track and boy scouts is a detriment to his overall school performance and health. “I get about four to five hours of sleep per night, it makes it very very hard to be successful in my schoolwork,” said Zach Litzinger. “My health has gone down dramatically so I’ve had to increase my sleep to at least six hours a night.” With the pressure put on students to have a well rounded rigorous schedule, sleep tends to take a back seat.
e Behind Sleep
ducation and health
information compiled by Neha Sethi, spread editor
Sleep and learning by Thomas Doty staff reporter Although everybody sleeps, not many people understand how crucial sleep really is. They obviously know how to fall asleep, but what exactly happens when all the sheep are counted remains a mystery. While we are awake, our body temperature, blood pressure, levels of oxygen and glucose usually remain constant. But while we’re sleeping, our body temperature and blood pressure drop, and oxygen and glucose levels vary. For many years, scientists believed that sleep was a state of inactivity in the brain, but recent tests have proven otherwise. For the first time, scientists have finally figured out why we need sleep in order to survive. While we’re sleeping, our brain takes time to clear out the clusters of information we gather throughout the day.
“During sleep, our bodies release hormones that help the body repair damage that occurred throughout the day. It is also a time during which we process memories and thoughts and store information from the day,” said school nurse Sarah Osterman. While sleeping, the brain consolidates the learning occurred throughout the day by essentially practicing it. This mainly happens during two phases of sleep: slowwave sleep and Rapid Eye Movement, or REM. Dr. Robert Stickgold of Harvard University Medical School believes that slow-wave sleep is crucial because certain brain chemicals drop during it and information in transferred from the hippocampus, an important memory processor in the brain, to the cortex. The brain distributes the information, categorizing it accordingly. To consolidate the information, proteins strengthen connections made between nerve cells. During REM sleep, which occurs after slow-wave sleep, the brain practices and solidifies information learned throughout the day.
A lot is still unknown about the exact effects of lack of sleep, but studies from Harvard University Medical School have shown that healthy amounts of sleep produce better focus, which leads to increased memory and improved learning. Scientists are currently investigating whether or not there is a correlation between the storage of memory and the phases of sleep. Tests on declarative memory, knowledge of fact-based information, have researchers theorizing significant roles of soft-wave sleep, which is deep, restorative sleep. These studies have shown no clear result and are still under further exploration. Through many tests and studies, it is clear that there is a direct relation between amount of sleep, and our brain’s ability to receive and interpret information. Widespread knowledge of this could possibly lead to better student performance in schools.
8 variety
February 21, 2014
Olive’s Fresh Pizza and Pizzeria Pezzo have sprung up across the street from one another in White Bear. Both restaurants take on their own form of tribute to old pizzerias. While Olive’s includes a wood fire stove and Pezzo
uses a coal fire stove, both serve fresh handmade pizza. Olive’s serves unique, yet strangely tasty pizza with interesting combinations. While at Pizzeria Pezzo, the deep dish is the prized recipe and highly recommended.
Though the wait might be long as the chefs hand stretch the dough, layer veggies and meat combinations across the sauce, and slowly bake it to perfection, both restaurants’ food is worth the wait.
artwork by Michaela Morse
Olive’s
Pizza Fusion
Pezzo
Taste of Chicago
photo by Phoebe Ke
by Phoebe Ke editor-in-chief Located in the heart of downtown White Bear Lake, Olive’s Fresh Pizza is the place to enjoy fresh, homemade pizza in a comfortable setting. Known for their gourmet woodfire pizza, this restaurant is the place for a nice meal out for family and friends. A step into the restaurant transforms guests into the 1900s with an East Coast feel with classic tunes, paintings, and decor. Rustic chandeliers hang from the intricately tiled ceilings and add to the classic atmosphere. Customers can sit at the tables and look out the large bow window onto Washington Ave. while enjoying their meal. Olive’s specialty, thin crust, square-shaped pizzas, are baked fresh out of the oven. The large-sized pizza with rectangular-cut slices offer a fun way to share pizza with your party. With over 10 different types of
pizzas, a great variety of flavors are offered. Some of the pizzas are traditional in their toppings, but others are more unique with toppings such as cream cheese, salmon, parmesan chicken, zucchini, and bacon. The Margherita pizza is a fragrant mix of cheese, tomatoes, and basil. Though the crust is thin, the pizza is topped generously. Another pizza, the Mediterranean pizza, offers a myriad of spices and vegetables garnished with pesto sauce, olives, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, onions, and feta cheese. If you want to put your own twist, you can create your own pizza. All of the pizzas are priced from $1823. A short drive away from Mounds View, Olive’s Fresh Pizza is located on 4746 Washington Ave., White Bear Lake. The restaurant is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 4:30-9 p.m.
photo by Namrata Gadela
Above left: The exquisite decor transports one back to vintage times at Olive’s. Above right: The delicious tomato, mozzarella, basil pizza sold at Pizzeria Pezzo.
by Namrata Gadela variety editor The delicious aroma of freshly baked pizza fills the air at Pizzeria Pezzo and offers a modern take on the old school pizza. Elevating the level of a typical casual dining into a fine dining delicacy, Pezzo offers a hip way to enjoy pizza. Set in an open layout, the restaurant offers a variety of seating for the customers. One can sit at the bar seats to enjoy the game on TV or spend time with family at the booths. While waiting for the pizza, customers can enjoy the many options of appetizers offered such as chicken wings or carpaccio. Pezzo offers two varieties of pizza—basic coal fired pizza and the Chicago style deep dish. Their coal fired pizza is hand stretched and uses all of the freshest ingredients. The smoky, crisp crust is an
excellent base for the delicious toppings, while the cheese is melted to perfection and oozes off the slice. The veggies are not too large and are spread evenly over the whole slice. Reminiscent of the original deep dishes served in New York and Chicago, the deep dish is very authentic. The only downside is the long wait for the pizza as it bakes. Layers of ingredients in the pizza are surrounded by a thick doughy crust. A perfect choice for cheese lovers, the deep dish is packed with gooey cheese. Tomato sauce on top is the finishing touch to this tasty bite. Prices for the coal fired pizza range from $10-16 and the deep dish is priced at $23. Open Tuesday-Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4-11 p.m., and Sunday 4-9 p.m. Pizzeria Pezzo at 2143 4th Street, White Bear Lake is a pizza paradise.
9
reviews
February 21, 2014
“And the Oscar goes to...” Managing editor James Birr makes his 2014 Academy Awards predictions.
Collider
Best Director
From the beginning, Alfonso Cuarón’s direction of his visual masterpiece Gravity has dominated the awards circuit; to see someone else win this category come March 2 would be a major upset. His closest competition would be David O. Russell for American Hustle, as this makes his third nomination for the category, and voters might feel he deserves recognition. However, voters will probably rightfully think that Cuarón’s direction and visual panache in Gravity should win this award.
- David O. Russel, American Hustle - Alfonso Cuaron, Gravity - Alexander Payne, Nebraska - Steve McQueen, 12 Years A Slave - Martin Scoresese, The Wolf of Wall Street
Paste Magazine
Roger Ebert
Best Actor
- Christian Bale, American Hustle - Bruce Dern, Nebraska - Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street - Chiwetel Ejifor, 12 Years A Salve - Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club
- Dallas Buyers Club - Gravity - Her
Like many of the categories here, Best Picture is shaping up to be a gamble between different titles. As one of the earliest releases, Gravity was the favorite to win up until 12 Years A Slave took its spotlight, and then American Hustle surprised with 10 nominations, indicating strong support in the Academy. It’s too close to create a clear frontrunner, but the BAFTAs might indicate Slave is a frontrunner. However, Jennifer Lawrence’s surprising win for Best Supporting Actress may point to a stronger support for Hustle from the acting portion
- Nebraska - Philomena - 12 Years A Slave - The Wolf of Wall Street of the Academy, who make up the majority of the voting society. And then there are those who might think that Gravity’s pure technical prowess and ingenuity might constitute honors, but it might just be giving director Cuarón a consolation prize of Best Director that will show their admiration for his work. In the end, if trends remain true—the small, intimate film versus the visually explosive blockbuster— 12 Years a Slave might best Gravity, but that leaves a lot of wiggle room for Hustle to jump in and take home the prize.
Best Actress
Like Best Director, this category has been locked from the beginning: Cate Blanchett’s phenomenal performance in Blue Jasmine has been the frontrunner since its August release last year. The only true things working against Blanchett are 1) the Woody Allen sex scandal controversy that is misleadingly directed at the actress and 2) the Academy’s apparent love for American Hustle, which might give Amy Adams a slot to jump through to victory.
Sleicher Spin
New York Post
Entertainment Weekly
Hustle Best Picture -- American Captain Phillips
- Amy Adams, American Hustle - Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine - Sandra Bullock, Gravity - Judi Dench, Philomena - Meryl Streep, August: Osage County At one point or another in the season, almost all the actors here seemed to be a favorite to win. Chiwetel Ejiofor was originally the predicted favorite for his portrayal of a slave in 12 Years A Slave, followed by Matthew McConaughey for his character portrayal of an AIDS patient in Dallas Buyers Club. Leonardo DiCaprio has won love more recently for his portrayal of a seedy Wall Street broker in The Wolf of Wall Street, and Bruce Dern has always been a favorite among the older voters in the Academy for his humorous turn in Nebraska. The surprise nominee here was Christian Bale for American Hustle, beating out the likes of Robert Redford and Tom Hanks for the coveted final spot. As we come closer to
March 2, the race seems to be heated between McConaughey and DiCaprio. Although McConaughey has won many precursors indicative of Oscars success, DiCaprio has never won, even with five nominations under his belt. Causing even more confusion is Ejiofor’s recent win at the BAFTAs, making the race a threeway between McConaughey, DiCaprio, and Ejiofor. While the Academy loves a new face like McConaughey, they might surprise and award the most nominated actor here— DiCaprio—with a statuette come Oscar night.
10sports
Family names
February 21, 2014
in the
Olympic Games
by Ryan Yoch features editor Please excuse Quinn McDonagh, 9, for being a bit distracted this week; he has a lot on his mind. I apologize if he was checking his phone for score updates during your lecture or streaming the games on his iPad during work time. It’s really not his fault. What else is he supposed to do when he has a brother in the Olympics? Quinn’s brother, 24-year-old Ryan McDonagh, is representing Team USA in men’s hockey at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Ryan, a 6’ 1’’, 213lb defenseman, logged 23:39 minutes of ice time during the 3-2 victory against Russia on Saturday and scored the fourth of five US goals against Slovenia on Sunday. Quinn says competing in the Olympics is a dream come true for Ryan, who played Division 1 hockey at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and currently
plays for the New York Rangers. “When you are a hockey player, there are three things you dream of: Playing D1 college hockey, winning the Stanley Cup, and representing your home country in the Olympics,” said Quinn. “He’s got two of them now and he’s on track for the third. It’s incredible. For him, it’s the experience of a lifetime.” Though Quinn, his mother, and his oldest brother Colin, are staying in Minnesota for the duration of the games, Quinn’s father is currently in Sochi cheering on Ryan and Team USA. Communication has been difficult, but the two brothers exchanged texts after USA’s 7-1 victory over Slovakia. Quinn plays goalie for the Mounds View Bantam A team, but the lessons he’s learned from Ryan extend far beyond the rink. “When I was a skater, I tried to learn things from him. But ultimately, that’s not what I learned from my brother,” said Quinn. “He’s one of the hardest workers that I know and to follow in his footsteps is all I want to do.” Following in the footsteps of an olympian would be no easy feat, so Quinn chooses to walk a path entirely his
own. “I’ve never felt any pressure, especially from my parents,” said Quinn. “A lot of people might think my parents would push me to be exactly like him, but they let me be what I want to be.” Quinn isn’t the only Mounds View student with ties to the US national hockey team. It’s no secret that Alyssa Parise, 12, is related to Zach Parise, a forward for the Minnesota Wild and captain for Team USA. Though “Captain America” and Alyssa are only distant cousins, Alyssa admires the way he handles himself off the ice. “I’m really not that close to him, but everytime I see him he’s always a really great guy,” said Alyssa. “He’s really down to earth.” The last time the two spoke was at a family reunion over the summer, yet Alyssa says her family often attends Wild games and plans on gathering to watch him compete in the Olympics. Like Quinn, Alyssa doesn’t feel any pressure to live up to Zach’s legacy and is inspired by his powerful work ethic. “Zach is a role model for a lot of [my family]. I’m not a hockey player, but he worked really hard to get to where he is,” said Alyssa. “He dedicated his life to hockey, and I think that’s really cool.”
Above: Ryan McDonagh, plays for the US Men’s Olympic team. Right: Quinn McDonagh, 9, is a goaltender for the Bantam A team.
photos courtesy of Quinn McDonagh
February 21, 2014
Dalton’s Drive for State
by Katrina Renacia staff reporter After a disappointing end to the season last year when Dalton Pauly, 12, failed to make it to State, he came back this year with a determined edge and hunger for victory. Pauly was rewarded for his years of hard work when he placed 20th out of 120 skiers at state, making him an All State skier. Unlike most athletes who may have started as young as middle school, Pauly first joined the ski team in his freshman year in Mounds View. “I haven’t tried it much before. But I picked up pretty quick,” said Pauly. Pauly’s first year in the ski team was primarily a learning process. “It was really tough at first. I fell a couple of times,” said Pauly. “A lot of it was just getting comfortable in the snow and the cold.” He watched other members ski and tried to imitate what they were doing. Often times, his teammates and coaches would critique his skiing. “I had to focus on not going too fast but just getting the techniques down,” said Pauly. Pauly’s first race as a freshm a n motivated him to become a lot better. “I remember being passed by other guys who were a lot faster than me,” said Pauly. He wished he could go faster than them. Skiing involves a lot of strength, endurance, timing, balance, coordination and mental discipline. It also needs resistance to the cold. “In skiing, warming up is a little bit more difficult because your muscles have to be super relaxed to avoid the risk of straining something,” said Pauly.
As he practices more and more, his passion for skiing gradually increases. “Skiing relaxes me... You get to see a lot of the view of nature and get in
year. “I was super nervous before the race for not making it to state last year,” said Pauly. “There was a lot of pressure for me this year since I’ve never been to state before.” He gave everything he got in the race and eventually finished third in the section meet. “When I crossed the finish line, I just closed my eyes and felt so relieved that I made it,” said Pauly.
After eight days of preparation, Pauly participated in the State Nordic Ski Tournament held on Feb. 13 at Giant Ridge. Being a first timer, Pauly was quite nervous about the whole race. Although he felt prepared, he was still worried about his lack of knowledge on what the course would be like. It snowed about half a foot prior to that day which made touch the ground very soft. “It was a really with yourtough course,” said Pauly. “ A lot of self,” said people fell. I luckily didn’t, but it was Pauly. “A lot of really hard to get up.” times my parents said The tournament was composed of that I go home from two races: the freestyle and the classic. skiing a lot happier.” The freestyle race was quite intense Pauly had his first because of the three massive hills. “It real shot of going to required a lot of endurance to finish state during his junior the race,” said Pauly. year. However, he The classic race was even tougher got sick before the with a new person entering the course section meet and was every second. “The lane was not feeling well during getting packed and crowded,” his race. said Pauly. “It was a lot harder “I raced to get through.” photo provided by Ruth Pauly and I was doing The 13th of February pretty good in didn’t only mark one of the first half. But then people started Pauly’s most important days among passing by me and at that point, I just his skiing career, but a bittersweet knew I wasn’t gonna make it,” said ending to his last Nordic season in Pauly. “I just tried my best to reach the high school as well. finish line. I was pretty disappointed But although the season has come with myself but there’s nothing that I to an end, the memories shared with can do.” his friends remains unforgettable for After four years of hard work, Pauly. Pauly finally qualified for state this
11
sports
Athlete of the Issue
Tanner Day Sophomore Wrestling
Q:How long have you been wrestling for? A:I have been wrestling for 11 years. Q:How did you get into wrestling? A: I got into wrestling when my stepdad signed me up. Q:What do you like the most about wrestling? A: The thing that I like the most about wrestling is the mental discipline it gives me and the bonds I’ve made with my teammates. Q: What has been your favorite match this year? A: My favorite match this year was at the Minnesota Christmas tournament in Rochester where I beat Andrew Smith from Amery, Wisconsin. Q: What do you plan to improve on in the near future? A: In the near future I plan on improving my endurance. Q: What do you use for motivation? A: I use all of the time I have put into wrestling and to make my stepdad proud as my motivation. Q:What’s the most rewarding part about wrestling? A: The most rewarding part of wrestling is winning because I know all of the time and hard work I have put into the sport is paying off. Q: If you could have one superpower what would it be and why? To have the power of teleportation because I could go anywhere anytime I want.
infographic by Kyoka Millard information compiled by Molly Hancuh
12gallery
Febuary 21, 2014
High tech toy or learning tool? informati
on compil
56 students
Work 21%
Both
ed by Reb
ecca Nara
For better or worse by Eva Hoffman staff reporter
In just our parents’ lifetimes, cell phones and handheld technology have moved from corny, farfetched props on Star Trek to companions that never leave our pockets. They are everywhere, impossible to ignore, and the impact that they have on us has not been fully absorbed and understood. We would all like to think that technology provides a tool for more productivity and more connectedness but if you ask high school students how they are really using technology, you might conclude that our iPhones and iPods are being used mostly as high tech toys. Most students say that they use their phones more for games and other entertainment apps. “I watch Netflix and play games a lot more than using it for school work,” said Sara Anderson, 10. Bo Lovdahl, 10, agreed. “I use my phone more for games 66 students polled for sure,” he said. “Flappy birds information compiled by Rebecca Nara instead of Moodle.” People, especially teenagers,
42%
20%
14%
Other
14%
4%
Snapchat Music 5%
5%
Safari & Internet YouTube
8%
9%
76 students polled
20% 24% 12%
28% 9%
Google Translate
9%
Other
Google Drive
Search Engine
Safari & Internet
27%
7%
The constant use of our phones is affecting how we communicate with others in both positive and negative ways. Some believe that technology helps us connect with people when sometimes it is more difficult in person. “You talk to a lot more people than you would on an average day basis,” said Seth Cline, 11. “You can talk to people you don’t see everyday.” On the other hand, many believe that technology is breaking our relationships with others more than nurturing it. “You communicate with more people but you don’t have as strong of a bond,” said Cal Kleppe, 9. Technology could also be affecting our futures. “For success in the real world you need to be able to communicate with people face to face,” said Ryan Poepard, dean at Mounds View. “I think obsessive use of the cell phone stunts your growth of social skills and closes doors to meeting new people.”
Other
7%
Tumblr
4%
seem to check their phone almost subconsciously. Is there really a reason to check Facebook and Twitter even though you just checked two minutes ago? Scientists have done countless studies on why we feel the need to check our phones constantly and it seems that it is starting to bother students just as much as teachers. “Sometimes you will have a conversation with someone face to face and they will be texting and not pay attention to you while you are talking,” said Cadrian Axelson, 12. Although games are fun and we enjoy the excuse to stop doing our homework for a little bit, many students also use their technology for school work. “When I go home, I do my math homework on my phone,” said Luke Alice, 9. Some students even have specific apps that help them throughout the day to keep track of everything. “I use an app called My Homework Student Planner,” said John Snyder, 10. “It lets you put in your classes, assignments, and dates. I think it is a helpful app.”
Flappy Bird
Reddit Facebook
9%
Play 70%
Social media sites with the best mobile app
11%
polled
6%
Calculator
4%
Notes
4%
Calendar & 4% Reminders Text
4%
Doc Facebook
information compiled by Rebecca Nara