School safety levy: voters decide
| Anna Hayak and Leo Chen STAFF REPORTERS
According to a video by the Mounds View Public Schools YouTube channel, the district blocks over 60,000 unauthorized attempts to access students’ data every month. Outdated devices and infrastructure are making the job of securing students’ data and privacy harder by the day. To address these impending threats and modernize classroom technology, the district is proposing a $10 million annual capital projects levy on the Nov. 4 ballot.
If approved, the levy would cost the average homeowner living in the Mounds View Public School District (ISD621) $18 more per month for 10 years, funding upgrades like new Chromebooks, security cameras and more. District leaders say the plan is essential to ensure students’ privacy and safety, which could be compromised if funding falls short. The levy encompasses all residents living within the boundaries of the district, not just parents of students attending Mounds View schools, which may
raise some controversy around the additional costs that these homeowners will have to pay.
A comprehensive technology evaluation in 2024 uncovered issues within the technology infrastructure that prevent ISD621 from providing the most adequate safety and learning environments. A 2018 Public Service Announcement by the Federal Bureau of Investigation showed that the malignant use of sensitive data can lead to tracking, social engineering and other means for targeting children. Potentially unsecure systems at this school district can be at risk for cyberattacks. Exploitations could lead to identity theft and safety concerns for students’ families as well. Not only are devices in the district at risk of cyberattacks, the students’ devices such as chromebooks, ipads, and smart displays are in need of replacement.
The district has a clear intention for this levy, and some technologies will be prioritized over others. “On the front end of the levy: camera’s, visitor
management systems (VMS), locks, doors and fobs are critical infrastructure. A plan to replace outdated laptops, Chromebooks and Smartboards would be implemented over time,” said District Safety Coordinator Mike Schwartz. Technologies such as cameras and visitor management systems improve students’ safety and promote a healthier learning environment. Small improvements over the span of years will culminate into a robust cybersecurity infrastructure and generational improvement in students’ and staffs’ technology.
If this levy does pass, it will cost the average homeowner living in the Mounds View school district about $216 more per year for the next ten years. The amount homeowners would pay reflects their property value, with a higher cost for those owning properties of higher values and vice versa. If this levy passes, it will increase living expenses, making it harder for some homeowners to get by.
However, if a cybersecu-
rity attack does happen without the proper measures in place, it would be expensive. This summer, there was a cyberattack on the city of Saint Paul, and due to the attack, the city had to pay well over $1 million in upgrading cybersecurity, according to St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter in an interview with Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul. According to school board member Shauna Bock, if a cybersecurity attack does happen, the consequences that follow may outweigh the immediate cost of the levy. “It will eventually cost more in the long run,” Bock said.
With the new school year already underway, the district is putting a continuous effort on student safety in the face of rising rates of violent crimes.
“In order for us to have public safety, we need to have the public involved,” emphasized Director of Public Safety Tony Paetznick. “Everybody plays a role in this.”
In the end, the proposed levy is not just about dollars and devices, but also about protecting students in a rapidly
evolving digital world. If approved, the levy would fund the implementation of upgrades for building safer schools without pulling funding away from current projects and programs, but it will cause a strain on some homeowners. On the other hand, if the levy is rejected, the implementation of those safety measures will be shrunken down and will put more stress on the current operating budget, leading to outdated systems and older devices with limited technology support.
Ultimately, it is up to voters living in the Mounds View School District to decide in the upcoming November ballot how much they value student safety and whether the amount contributed is reasonable for them. With critical cybersecurity and school safety concerns in mind, the district aims to use this levy to provide specialized funding for improvements in digital and hardware infrastructure for years to come.
School board elections on the horizon
| Aliyah Rogers STAFF REPORTER
Four school board candidates will be on the Nov. 4 ballot this fall running for three open seats. Each candidate has a different vision and background, but all have the common goal of serving the Mounds View school district.
On October 24, 2025, Jonathan Weinhagen stepped down from the Mounds View school board after being indicted on federal charges for multiple counts of fraud and embezzlement, as described by Bring Me the News Minnesota. According to the district, someone will be put in place to serve the remainder of his term. This is an ongoing story.
When Mark Sacay thinks about his community, his passion is clear. “I wanted to do as much good as possible,” Sacay said. He has been dedicated to serving Minnesota for years, actively volunteering for over 10 organizations. Passionate about supporting fellow veterans, immigrant communities, the adop-
As a former educator, incumbent school board member Shauna Bock has plenty of experience when it comes to how schools work and what students and staff need. Serving in almost every role, Bock has seen all aspects of working in education over the past 22 years, including her time as a special
Approximately 5% of school-aged children globally have some sort of learning disability, according to a study published on ScienceDirect. This statistic may come as a surprise to many, but it is one Shea Bruce is very familiar with. One of her main goals is to help the school district include children who learn differently than others, whether that be mentally, physically, emotionally or re-
From the moment Tascha Just moved into the Mounds View district, she knew it was special. Whether it was the All Are Welcome Here signs, the neighborhood friendliness, or PTA events that allowed her kids to meet classmates, “It felt like home,” Just said. “Helping my kids feel welcome and a part of the community is what means the absolute most to me.”
tion system and the homeless population, Sacay has made it his goal to serve people. When he spoke with Minnesota State Representative Kelly Moller about ways he could make a difference, she pointed him toward the school board.
Sacay has clear ideas and plans on how he can improve
education teacher at Mounds View High School. She knows what it’s like to be a teacher and understands precisely how schools operate. As the only candidate running for a re-election, Bock carries insight and knowledge from her first term. Her goals are clear: updating technology,
garding behavior.
As the mom of a child who is likely autistic, Bruce’s personal experiences have helped shape her goals. “If he’s going to be here until he’s a senior in high school, then I have a long time to work with the school district,” Bruce said. “It’s for everybody, but it’ll be based on what my son needs.”
As a former teacher and current healthcare provider,
Just emphasizes how important it is to be someone with whom people can share their thoughts and feelings. “I am trying to give a voice to the voiceless and the people who have been too ashamed of their story,” Just said. Whether through speaking multiple languages or creating ways for people to reach out, Just is passionate about all people being
the school district. Among these goals, Sacay highlights financial transparency, academic excellence, mental health resources as well as community engagement. Sacay makes a point of talking to as many people as possible to ensure everyone feels advocated for and heard.
improving security measures (both online and in-person), providing mental health resources as well as recruiting and maintaining diverse teachers.
Bock has seen the impacts of implementing effective mental health services from her first term, believing there are still things that can continue to be
Bruce has experience to inform her decision making. Bruce currently is employed at JtC AUSM, an autism center, which has pushed her desire to help the district provide more resources for neurodivergent children. Through her work there, Bruce gained valuable insight into the needs of children with learning differences and developed strategies to help them.
able to express their concerns. Safety, communication, trust and academic excellence are among many things Just values when it comes to advocating for students’ wellbeing. While all of these things are essential for a school environment, it is the way students are included and have the resources to properly learn that Just finds especially crucial.
Minorities are especially important to him. With approximately 40% of the district’s enrollment comprising minority groups, his main goal for the district is to make every student feel seen and supported.
developed in regards to these systems. If re-elected, Bock hopes to work on having more mental health professionals in schools as well as advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves. “It’s about helping all of the students at all the schools, being a good advocate for all students.”
Mark Sacay
Shauna Bock
Tascha Just
Shea Bruce
Do self-driving vehicles belong on our streets?
Yes, they are beneficial
| Sam Aasen STAFF REPORTER
On the streets of Austin, Texas, a scooter rider tripped into the road directly in front of a car, according to a YouTube video by KXAN. What would be a possibly fatal crash was avoided because the car was Waymo’s fully automated robotaxi. The computer system had the car swerve out of the way, avoiding any injury to the rider.
When it comes to self-driving cars, safety is an important point. It is a fact that there have been crashes, but a study published in Nature Communications shows that human driving is more dangerous than self-driving vehicles. Self-driving vehicles not only allow for safer driving, but also safer for pedestrians. They have a faster reaction time than human drivers and can operate without distractions like fatigue or road rage. Safety data from personal self-driving cars such as Tesla’s autopilot and General Motors’s super cruise system further reinforces this point; these vehicles log millions of miles per year and report one crash for every 6.69 million miles driven compared to an automobile crash approximately every 702,000 miles with traditional vehicles.
Another reassurance for self-driving vehicles’ safety is federal and state approval. Legislation has been passed in 37 states for regulations and approv-
al on roads for their use. These approvals are not given lightly; they have happened after years of data collection and testing, even including how often they break rules and laws compared to human drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that self-driving vehicles are limited in number by state for testing and research. NHTSA monitors this through their Standing General Order, which requires manufacturers and operators to report crashes, damages and injuries involving automated systems. Additionally, there is a growing number of states allowing robotaxis on public roads, showing increasing confidence in their safety and reliability.
One of the biggest
... there is a growing number of states allowing robotaxis on public roads, showing increasing confidence in their safety and reliability.
Sam Aasen, senior
concerns about selfdriving cars is legal accountability. If a rare malfunction or accident occurs, the liability falls on the vehicle’s company rather than the rider. This means there is no risk for lawsuits or mov-
ing violations for people utilizing the technology, holding the company servicing the ride responsible for a malfunction accountable. However, for personal self-driving vehicles, some states issue partial liability for the operator of the vehicle.
When it comes to taxi services, many riders feel uncomfortable in traditional taxi services due to many reports of harassment, unsafe driving and even crimes such as sexual assault. Robotaxis remove risk factors, allowing for riders to feel more secure by eliminating a human driver. Taxi services are also incompatible with our modern day economy; Drivers often highly rely on tipping for their pay. If taxis can operate without a human driver, riders will not have to tip, offering a possibly more affordable taxi service than before.
Robotaxis and selfdriving personal vehicles are two sides of the same innovation, a future where transportation is smarter, safer and more comfortable. The evidence from its use shows its computer systems reliably make roads safer for everyone As technology advances, it will become cheaper, more accessible and even safer as more self-driving vehicles fill the roads. Selfdriving cars are a key in creating safe roads, offering quick and affordable transportation and keeping pedestrians safe.
WNo, they are dangerous
hen people begin to ride in a self-driven vehicle, their main concern is generally about the safety of the car. According to DriversEd, an online driving learning platform, three out of four Americans are currently afraid of self-driving cars and the technology involved. Most of this fear comes from Americans finding difficulty trusting a vehicle that has no actual human behind the wheel.
... the car’s system could create an incorrect decision that would result in an accident.
Kent Supena, junior
There is not actual information coming from the software that is driving self-driving vehicles. Passengers do not get informed on how the car operates, nor do they get informed how the selfdriving car knows where to go. Liability concerns come into play when deciding whether or not it is safe to allow selfdriving cars on the road. For starters, vehicles that are autonomous are heavily reliant on digitalized data. There are potential risks associated with data use, such as exploitation or a security breach. Technology in a selfdriving car is constantly advancing, but that also leaves room for vulnerability if its security systems were breached.
Hackers could target the safety-critical functions of a self-driving car, like misguiding the navigation system by displaying the road a different way or falsely classifying objects on the road to make the car misbehave.
Road safety is not the only problem with driverless cars. Waymo, a rideshare company that specializes in selfdriving vehicles, generally charges an average of $20 for a ride. Prices can vary heavily depending on time, location, distance and demand. Uber, which is a widely used rideshare service, will typically charge an average of $15 for a ride. The same situation applies for Uber, the price varies based on the location and time, since there are different times of the day where more mobile vehicles are commuting from one place to another. Although the system of pricing for Waymo and Uber are similar, the only significant difference with the two companies is that an online system needing only online maintenance workers will be paid rather than that plus a human driver.
Real people who work in the taxi service industry who need the money could lose their jobs to competition as their industry is overtaken by automated service bots.
There is also a limited supply of Waymo vehicles, which leads to longer wait times and less availability. By comparison, Uber can easily meet those demands by providing hundreds of
available drivers, even during any peak demand time, which Waymo cannot compete against. Creating unnecessary costs to increase a self-driving vehicle’s level of autonomy not only makes it inconvenient for companies, but also creates a financial barrier that will prevent consumers from accessing a self-driving car because of the rising cost of building one, partly because of the many components being implemented in the car’s systems. The money spent just is not worth it.
Lastly, there are many hypothetical consequences if anything were to cause a flaw in the car’s system. The most obvious, and probably the most important, risk is a malfunction in its software. A self-driving car is very reliant on any software and sensors to allow it to respond to its outside environment. If its software were to have any bugs or glitches, the car’s system could create an incorrect decision that would result in an accident.
Overall, being in a self-driving car can create many drawbacks to a person’s safety. The possibilities of a disaster are endless. Many safety hazards are placed into a self-driving vehicle just because no human is behind the wheel. Even with the rise of artificial intelligence and technology, there just is not enough trust to allow a self-driving car to get a person to their destination rather than a real person.
Kent Supena | STAFF REPORTER
Taking a stance: Mounds View Debate
| Logan Delahay STAFF REPORTER
After school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, passionate debate and preparation fills English teacher Ted Bennett’s room. This is where the students on the Mounds View Debate team hold their meetings and practice for their upcoming competitions.
Members of the team pair up and compete against other schools, debating various topics in hopes to score points for their team. While it was relatively small since its creation in 2022, the team’s roster is larger than ever before.
Each season, running from September to December, members debate two topics. Usually, the first topic of the season relates to domestic issues within Minnesota or the United States, while the second is dedicated to international topics. This year, the first topic covered the legalization of sports gambling in Minnesota, and the second topic will cover whether the United States should reduce its military commitment to South Korea.
The rounds can get confusing for new members, so debaters are scored on two things: by winning the round and by speaking well. The speaker can win the round by using their ability to persuasively present their argument at the discretion
of the judges. Debaters are also scored out of 10 points for their ability to speak clearly and confidently during the argument.
The team is open to seasoned veterans as well as brand new members, with plenty of ways to support inexperienced debaters. “If you’re scared to speak up, don’t worry, you’re not alone. You’re put on teams of two and compete against other teams of two, so you won’t be nervous or scared to speak out for your debate,” said senior co-captain Salma Sharara.
Members start off as a novice their first year, but do have the choice to debate in junior
“If you’re scared to speak up, don’t worry, you’re not alone. You’re put on teams of two and compete against other teams of two, so you won’t be nervous or scared to speak out for your debate.”
Salma Sharara, senior
varsity if they want to. After one year of junior varsity, they
are eligible for varsity. Lettering in debate requires attending at least two thirds of the eight tournaments, held almost every Saturday, as well as actively participating throughout the season. The tournaments consist of six invitationals, one scrimmage and then the statewide competition.
Debate requires a lot of research, planning and practice for the tournaments. That work can overwhelm people, especially new members. However, everyone on the team contributes to the research and the co-captains compile it on a large shared document, guiding
Cracking the case with forensics
| Jameson Durk STAFF REPORTER
he start of the school year brought several new changes to Mounds View High School, with one notable difference being the addition of the new forensics science class taught by science teacher Samuel Perry. The study of forensics, scientific tests and techniques used with the goal of investigating a crime, has offered a different take on science and critical thinking to students.
Forensics, being an elective class rather than a science credit, has plenty of unique opportunities that students will not find in other classes. In the class, students do an extensive dive into what they could expect to see if they were interested in a law enforcement career. Some professions in forensics include crime scene investigators, commonly abbreviated as CSI, lab technicians and blood spatter analysts, all of which can be critical to solving a crime.
Perry has had a positive experience with the class so far, citing the students and flexibility of the curriculum. “It is the first time I have run the class, and I am by no means perfect, and my students have been
wonderful and kinda giving me feedback and constructive criticism,” said Perry. “We are kinda building the class together and improving it as we go.”
In the forensics class, students are presented with several situations that can be applied to real-world scenarios. Perry believes that the class’s favorite activity so far was the large crime scene activity that the forensic class conducted in Kauls Court involving a mannequin “victim” and various pieces of “evidence” for the class to figure out who committed the “crime.” Another method the students learned was how to pull fingerprints off of evidence to identify who may have been at the crime scene.
Students from the forensics class had plenty to say in regards to the class, praising the alternative learning style and interactive elements. “I love how it is so hands-on, and we have so many labs,” said junior Chelsea Hanson.
Perry believes that the skills utilized in the class have many applications within and outside of the forensics field.
“The real benefit of the class goes beyond the content itself; It’s about how the students learn to think,” said Perry. “Through
deductive reasoning and solving forensic-based problems, students learn to analyze evidence, think logically and come to informed conclusions. These skills would be valuable in any future career or subject.”
“Through deductive reasoning and solving forensic-based problems, students learn to analyze evidence, think logically, and come to informed conclusions. These skills would be valuable in any future career or subject.”
Samuel Perry, science teacher
Students have many exciting opportunities to look forward to in forensics class, and whether they are interested in pursuing a career in the field or just trying something new, the topics they cover contribute fun and interesting experiences to the Mounds View culture.
other members on their arguments. “We put together most of the constructives [ourselves] because we have the most experience. One of the biggest responsibilities, I think, is that we tutor all the novices and our first-year debaters,” said senior Nadyne Sattar, co-captain of the debate team.
Along with learning to debate current issues, the team teaches people how to work together as a team while having loads of fun. “I like this club because it mixes learning and fun and helps me learn about new topics like sports gambling and the increase in price in feminine beauty products,” said sophomore Shaurya Jaswal.
Some members find the team as a good opportunity to make friends and learn about relevant topics. “This is more fun than any sport because you don’t need any prior experience, and it’s easy to get better at it because we’re always going over different topics,” Sattar said.
The debate season is already underway, with the last of their sports gambling debates on Oct. 11 with their competition at Mankato East High School. The team will continue with the first tournament of their second topic at Irondale High School on Nov. 1.
The Mounds View Debtate team at their tournament at Mankato East High School on Oct. 11.
PHOTO Mounds View Debate
Fake blood is common in the many “crime scenes” created for forensics students to solve, as shown above.
Jon Doe
PHOTO | Laken Bartel
Moving Mustang Mocha
Mustang Mocha, the school coffee shop, replaces DECA store.
| Max Swanson STAFF REPORTER
In 2015, Mounds View High School opened Mustang Mocha. Outside of the refreshments offered, this beloved cafe became a social outlet, continuing to embrace a flourishing community. Multiple changes have been made over the years, but one that cannot go unnoticed is the new location as of the 2025-2026
school year, now occupying the space Mounds View DECA previously resided.
The current advisor, business education teacher DaNae Klimek, is very happy with the change. “Since I started working at MVHS in 2019, I have wanted the location of Mustang Mocha to be more centralized,” said Klimek. This had been something that she had known would be beneficial to the cafe, allowing the coffee shop to be
more out in the open instead of being tucked into the library. “The biggest benefit is the visibility and traffic. People know where we are, and it’s convenient to stop in and purchase something.”
Mustang Mocha has been able to help the school in so many ways because all their profit goes back to Mounds View. With the increase in customer numbers, they have been able to continue to support the school. “The money raised helps support SkillsUSA students to attend conferences as well as fund other teacher and
student needs,” said Klimik. Mustang Mocha allowed a diverse, hard working community in Mounds View to grow. The growth of a community of employees has given them an opportunity to work along with their peers and build relationships with coworkers and classmates. “We are all friends once we put the aprons on. We’re all there to do the same thing, and we have to work together,” said sophomore Adeline Bauer.
The student-led staff also allows an entry into the working field, giving them experience while not getting in the way of their classes or most other activities. “My favorite part of Mustang Mocha is having responsibility and pressure to not mess up, be efficient, fast and welcoming. I like working, running around trying to be as efficient as possible and serving people,” said Bauer. Customers are also able to
Vista Ensemble enters the stage
| John Liu STAFF REPORTER
hen the Vista Ensemble steps onto a stage, senior living home, cultural event or museum, their music carries more than a melody. It carries the message that classical music still has a place in modern life, and that young musicians can be the ones keeping it alive.
The Vista Ensemble is a student-led string quartet formed by Mounds View High School musicians aiming to spread music to the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group began informally when a few students gathered to sightread pieces for fun and have since gone on to perform at many events and places around the Mounds View area.
After one performance, the members realized they wanted to make it something lasting.
“Last year during Christmas, we performed at the New Perspective in Arden Hills for a Christmas performance. And we really liked that, and we
thought it was fun,” said junior Jessica Huang.
Since then, the ensemble has performed at other venues like the Bell Museum and the National Honor Society induction ceremony. “I think we kind of want to bring more awareness and to show how classical music is actually not that boring,” said Huang.
The group includes Huang, senior Fiona Dong, junior Jason Chang, and senior Evan Chu, playing the cello, violin, viola, and violin, respectively. All four musicians perform in the top Minnesota youth orchestras, including the Minnesota Youth Symphonies and the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies.
Balancing schoolwork with rehearsals can be difficult, but the group meets regularly.
“Especially like the weeks upcoming to performances, we rehearse like twice a week.
But now since our next performances are in December, we’re rehearsing like once a week,” said Huang. Each member contributes to organizing performances.
Dong explained that she main-
ly handles outreach and works with venue managers to organize performances. Chang takes charge of the musical side, choosing the repertoire and arranging the set order, while Huang leads public relations, creating posters and other promotional materials. Chu, meanwhile, coordinates rehearsals and ensures everything stays on schedule for each performance.
Their programs vary depending on the audience. “We basically pick it based on what the gig is about. If we’re performing at a children’s theme park, we usually pick more contemporary music, but if we’re going back to a senior living home, we’ll mostly play classical music,” said Chu.
Beyond the music, the members value the bond that they have built. “It gives us more of a connection on a deeper level where we have to connect together and be able to take criticism,” said Huang.
Additionally, playing in the quartet lets them recall some of their fondest moments as friends. “We started talking as usual, and then we started
enjoy the cafe as an important community space at Mounds View with the new furniture. Students use this area to speak with their friends and enjoy their time before school and in between classes. “It’s nice to not feel rushed to get out of line or just lean against a wall while I wait for my drink. There’s enough room to talk to my friends and not feel like I’m in someone’s way while I wait,” said junior William Diao. Students and staff are also able to enjoy the convenience of the coffee shop instead of relying on getting coffee elsewhere before school starts.
Mustang Mocha continues to be an essential part of Mounds View’s community, and with each change, it can continue benefiting all students
laughing. I was like, this kind of thing I’ll look back on and say, ‘I wish I could be there again,’” said Chang.
The most rewarding part, they say, is seeing the joy their music brings. “It’s also seeing the smiles and the reactions of our audience, especially when they come up to you and they just appreciate how you’ve taken the time to do this for them,” said Dong.
Looking ahead, the Vista Ensemble plans to continue performing at schools and community centers and some even plan on performing after graduation. “I definitely want to keep playing music. If I make friends that also play music, I can also form a little quartet with them as well,” said Chu. Whatever they plan for their future, their shared goal to bring people together through music remains clear.
The staff at Mustang Mocha working during second period.
PHOTOS | Gabi Skiba
Small films, big change
| Ava Wagner STAFF REPORTER
Ever since the rise of the nickleodeon of the early 20th century, movies have been the cornerstone of global pop-culture. Since the beginning of modern film, demand for new content has always outnumbered the supply, leading the film industry to have an abundance of inde pendent film studios pumping out quick and easily compre hensible films for audiences. As the larger commercial film industry began to grow in the late 1910s and into the early 1920s, many in dependent film studios either were bought out or went out of business.
For many people at Mounds View, large production movies are the easiest way to access film and media, but many people believe that the stories shown in movies lack the originality that they once had, with the growth of media franchises taking over the industry. “Hollywood is dead, in the way we’ve always known it,” said English teacher Ted
Bennett. “All through my childhood … and your childhoods, those type of movies have become, again, the same rehashed ones. That’s always happened, but now they’ve run out of movies to even rehash.”
In recent years, Disney has remade several of their classic movies, like “Snow White” (2025) and “Mulan” (2020). However, the films were gen-
on IMDB respectively. This has led film enjoyers to seeking alternative outlets of media, hoping to break away from the mainstream industry.
While many indie projects never reach mainstream success, others have gained cult
followings and earned their spot in cinema history. 1999’s foundfootage horror film “The Blair Witch Project” achieved universal praise for its innovative filming techniques and secured $248.6 million at the box office, around 4,000 times larger than its budget of around $60,000. “Napoleon Dynamite,” an indie comedy movie directed by Jared Hess, earned a massive following since its 2004 release, with some claiming it as one of the most quotable movies of all
With the growing number of streaming services for consumers to choose from, including HBO Max, Hulu and Paramount+, the average person has more access to film, but this has also made it harder for viewers to access films that are not available on their platforms. Some independent studios have taken advantage of the streaming boom by partnering with larger corporations to feature their productions. “Hazbin Hotel,” an animated indie series originally featured on YouTube, later partnered with Amazon Prime Video for viewers to
stream the full series. “The Amazing Digital Circus,” another popular indie series, was featured on YouTube until creator Gooseworx and Glitch Productions partnered with Netflix to bring the show to their streaming platform.
Media created by artificial intelligence has also been a large topic of controversy amongst film writers and producers, but another layer has recently been added to the issue: AI actors. Prior controversies included debates regarding the use of CGI to resemble actors’ likenesses on other actors’ faces, with a recent example being in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” when the CGI-animated face of late actor Peter Cushing was generated on the face of of actor Guy Henry as Grand Moff Tarkin.
This debate was reignited after Particle6, a British AI production studio, created the first AI actress, Tilly Norwood. The company created her to market a way for actors to get paid for use of their image without having to be an active part of a film, enabling them to star in more films, but many ac-
Diversification of gaming
| Norse Anderson STAFF REPORTER
pon opening Steam, a popular gaming marketplace, the average user is met with several big games that they recognize. Digging a little deeper, however, shows a different sight: scores upon scores of games they may not have heard of, made by people and studios they may not recognize. Titles like Hotline Miami, Hollow Knight and Stardew Valley stand out for their unique ideas and art styles. These are known as independent games, commonly known as indie games.
Indie games are video games developed independently of a large company. Historically, the only major options available to consumers were games released by large companies, with customers buying them for a fairly standard price of $50 to $60. While indie games have existed for as long as video games themselves, the barrier of entry to the distribution system made independent publishing prohibitively expensive.
The turning point for indie games was when the game company Valve released the online marketplace Steam in 2003. This event, combined with the increased availability of game development tools, such as RPG Maker, and easy-to-use
game engines like Unreal Engine reduced the distribution barrier in the gaming industry.
According to Sensortower, a data analysis company, 58% of units sold and 48% of the revenue generated in the industry in 2024 belonged to indie games. This has led to optimism among many experts, with some claiming that the indie game industry valuation may double by 2030.
Some people, including science teacher Samuel Perry, claim that indie titles are the future of the gaming industry and increasingly look to them when considering the next game to buy. “I think we are possibly going to finally be able to have some higher quality video games produced by smaller studios, because right now, for the past decade, it’s felt like a monopoly by the big studios and publishing companies … and most of the stuff that they were pumping out was not good,” said Perry. “I have an optimistic view of the future. I feel like we might actually have some good stuff coming.”
In recent years, several indie games have gone on to gather massive followings and compete with major titles. The Five Nights at Freddy’s horror franchise gained popularity in the late 2010s, to the point that Blumhouse Productions, an independent movie studio,
released a movie in 2023 based on the games, with a sequel coming later this year. Minecraft, the best selling game of all time, started out as an indie project produced by the Swedish studio Mojang until it was purchased by Microsoft for $2.5 billion in 2014. Other releases including Undertale, Deltarune and Hollow Knight: Silksong have become pop culture phenomenons and greatly impacted the gaming landscape.
However, the rise of indie games was caused by more than just a higher quantity. Indie games offer benefits lacking in the rest of the gaming industry, including lower and more flexible price points. “Especially as we’re starting to move towards $70 or $80 games, I like the
price of a lot of the indie ones,” Perry said. Many indie games cost between five dollars and $20, often going on sale and making them very affordable.
Another major appeal to indie games is their variety of genres and styles. According to Steam, over 1,300 indie games were released through the platform in 2024, making up about 99% of all games released. For a long time, consumers that favored genres other than shooter or action RPG were lucky to see maybe two games in their preferred genre released in a year. But with indie games, fans could see multiple releases in a single day by different people with different takes on the genre.
tors and film-enjoyers find the idea strange. “There’s no soul there,” said Eric Beaudry, a film producer and writer. “We need to see [and] hear the struggle of forming talent to be inspired and amazed, not manufactured ‘entertainment’ by tech bros.”
The rise of independent films has brought widespread change of the movie landscape, and while large film corporations retain much of their power and influence, indie studios continue to provide a niche alternative to mainstream content.
The Rise
Indie Media
“They’re usually very creative and not very expensive,” said junior John Phillips. For many, indie games represent an exciting addition to the gaming sphere, a place to go for more unique experiences and a competing force pushing the medium to new heights. “I like how indie games are disrupting the industry by how good they’ve gotten,” Phillips said. “I hope [larger] developers try to innovate and create new [intellectual property] instead of coming out with Battlefield 6 or [Call of Duty] Black Ops, whatever we’re on.”
Underground sounds
| Rue Royer STAFF REPORTER
ndependent musicians are artists who produce and release their music without the assistance of a major record label. By now, the word “indie” has come to encapsulate an entire genre of music. Indie music first got its start around the 1970s, taking inspiration from punk and other rock genres. Artists at the time had very few ways of getting their start, so live performances and word of mouth were some of the only ways they could gain popularity. While often difficult, being separate from record labels allowed for more musical freedom for the artist. The
ability to express much more creativity is part of what makes indie music so unique.
In the present day, it has become easier for musicians to separate from bigger corporations and record labels and make their start independently, which is one of the main reasons as to why there has been a rise in indie music. The internet and access to social media have made it much easier for artists to promote themselves, promoting a visible rise in the production of indie music. Some examples of current indie musi-
cians include artists like singer Phoebe Bridgers, folk band Bon Iver and pop group AJR. Streaming services have been important to indie musicians as well. Having the ability to upload their own music helps artists gain an audience without being tied to or needing the assistance of a record label.
Mounds View High School is home to numerous indie musicians of its own, such as senior Ben Schnarr. “I’ve had a band with my cousins for a couple years and through that I guess that’s kinda how I got my start playing what my main instrument is, which is drums,” said Schnarr. “I think that inspired me to do more songwriting and actually work on some of my other skills.”
Indie Media
Mounds View itself has band, choir and orchestra as ways for students to learn and play instruments.
Other musical performances include the rock orchestra concert and the Shakespeare talent show, both events that the school’s independent musicians can perform in. The rise of artificial intelligence in media has also brought about a visible rise of its use in streaming services. Spotify, one of the largest music streaming services in the world, has welcomed AI to its platform, introducing the Spotify AI DJ in February 2023 with the goal of personalizing the listener’s experience. However, even with the extra assistance in some situations, some feel that AI lacks human creativity and the rawness that comes from the art of real people. “Anyone can make music [using AI], but if it has no heart, it’s not worth it. Your music is not art, it’s just sounds,” Schnarr said.
“Anyone can make music [using AI], but if it has no heart, it’s not worth it. Your music is not art, it’s just sounds.”
Ben Schnarr, senior
Indie artists encounter many useful tools and challenging obstacles during their careers, and their work plays an important role in the music industry. Their creativity, expressed with limited resources, ensures that no matter what someone’s musical tastes may be, there is almost always an artist for them.
by the numbers of artists are not signed to a record label, according to Catapult, and indie artist promoter. 95%
$0.003 is paid per stream to artists on Spotify, according to Ditto Music, a music distribution company.
Turning the page on publishing
| Vedant Vashishtha STAFF REPORTER
takeaways
n an industry that is led by bestselling books and publishing companies, independent publications have become new platforms for achieving recognition. These publications create a totally different world next to the traditional corporate-controlled one. The creative freedom and the specialized topics draw distinct audiences that have an interest pushing them to read these pieces of works. The way things shape up in the indie world of comics and books tells society that an established setting
1. The rise of modern indie publishing allows for new creations to be displayed to the community without the restrictions of large publishers.
2. Indie authors tend to have more creative freedom over their work and can explore and blend genres that are not frequent in mainstream media.
does not always mean that the product will be better.
In this growing world of creators and their content, top publishers have to add more restrictions in order to prioritize works that they believe could become bestsellers. To avoid that competition, many new authors with enriching but not best-selling books choose to work with local publishers or self-publish their work. This helps them be visible in the community and also be recognized for it. This platform of independent issues is also used for new writers or people who want to write as a secondary activity in their lives rather than a full-time profession.
Authors and creators tend to be more connected to the publishing process with indie publications. Sophomore Durga Garimella, an indie author, wrote the books “Unsung Hero Of The People” and “Animal” inspired from her grandma’s stories of local activists who had an impact on local society. “People should know about the moral values as well as they should know the people who have been hidden, the people who fought every single aspect of their life, but they were hidden in the stories. I want to bring that up to let people know about it,” said Garimella.
With the indie work being on a small scale, the authors are also local, enabling them to be near their community and specifically their audience. Authors organize events, creating relations between them, their
“[Indie
publications are] giving each opportunity for everyone to write their own books. It’s like having a person’s thoughts being written somehow, and publishing and knowing that people know their thoughts.”
Durga Garimella, sophomore
audience, bookstores, local publications and even other indie authors. Indie publications lean towards being open in all senses and tend to experiment in their work. The elimination of public or corporate pressure helps independent publishers to work on topics and details that
some may consider to push the limits. Writers can take more risks, which helps the readers to learn about something new and personal to the author. The new topics in popular culture and media often blend genres and spark new interests. “Due to these publications, I had an opportunity to give the stories that people don’t know, like introducing a social worker to the world, and giving the moral life stories that people might know and might not know,” said Garimella. “So I feel like this publication has given me an opportunity to give something for me to publish, something that people can use. They can get help from it. They can know information from the past, from what has happened.” In the end, the rise of modern indie publishing allows for a way for new creations to be displayed to the community in a diverse way. Independent reflection of content shows a wide variety of experiences that readers have thoughts about and will influence the future of pop culture for years to come.
Illustrations | Rue Royer
OPINION
The East Wing should not have been demolished
A historical tragedy for US past relics
Wing also functioned as the primary entrance for visitors and tourists to the White House.
In late October, the East Wing of the White House and its elaborate row of columns were completely demolished under the authority of President Donald Trump to make way for the $300 million White House State Ballroom. The controversial project had been discussed for months leading up to the demolition, and people on both sides of the political spectrum have criticized the move to demolish the historic building. I believe that the construction of a lavish ballroom and the destruction of a portion of the White House go against the core values of American history.
The destruction of the East Wing was a significant loss of history. The office of the First Lady, the White House Family Theater, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden and two historic magnolia trees commemorating the lives of former President Warren G. Harding and Franklin D. Roosevelt, both of whom died in office, were among the many features lost in the demolition.
The East Wing was first built in 1902 under the administration of former President Theodore Roosevelt, primarily serving as an entrance for large social gatherings. The building was renovated to add a second story and an underground bunker in 1942 during the presidency of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Starting with First Lady Rosalynn Carter in 1977, the building has often contained the office of the First Lady and her staff. The East
The original concept to construct the White House State Ballroom was announced in late July with the plan to build the 900-personcapacity ballroom in addition to a “modernized” East Wing. The project is expected to cost around $300 million, with the president stating that all costs will be covered by himself and several private donors including Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Apple, Caterpillar, and Microsoft. Trump had stated that the construction would pay total respect to and not interfere with the current building. However, these statements were the complete opposite of what ended up happening, with the revised plan resulting in the total de-
struction of the East Wing.
The idea of building a large, fancy ballroom is very similar to other changes Trump has already made to the White House, including the addition of gold decorations to the Oval Office. To me, it seems that the president is trying to flaunt the wealth of the United States and himself as a means to assert self-proclaimed superiority over other countries. The project is not even supposed to be completed until 2029, when Trump’s term will end, showing that he cares more about his long-term legacy than the present moment. His construction of the ballroom at the expense of the East Wing demonstrates the president’s goal of rewriting himself over history.
The White House is a culturally and historically significant American landmark that is protected and administered
by the National Park Service.
Destroying the East Wing and replacing it with a modern ballroom is the equivalent of replacing former President Abraham Lincoln’s face on Mount Rushmore with actor Timothée Chalamet. I would be fine with renovating the East Wing to modernize and improve it, but destroying it goes too far.
This is not the first time that a part of the White House has been modified by a president and certainly not the first time controversy has stemmed from said modifications. Former President William Taft added the West Wing in 1901, and Theodore Roosevelt expanded it by adding the Oval Office in 1909. The construction of the modern East Wing itself was met with controversy by opponents of Franklin D. Roosevelt, claiming that it was a waste of resources to improve his image
during World War II. However, these were practical improvements to add more offices for the growing executive staff and never threatened a large portion of the building. Trump’s ballroom project not only reduced a major portion of the White House to rubble, but also has no real benefit besides showing off to the rest of the world.
The White House is more than just a building, it is a symbol of American democracy. While the White House may be temporarily inhabited by a president, it has always been owned by the American people. Regardless of your beliefs if you are a Democrat, Republican or anywhere in between, seeing the president take a wrecking ball to one of the very symbols that connects the people to the government should be a disturbing metaphor for our current political situation.
What is Diwali and its traditions?
| Henry Hamilton STAFF REPORTER
This time of year, the fall season turns many Americans’ thoughts toward Halloween, Thanksgiving or maybe even Columbus Day. However, there are plenty of fall holidays that go unnoticed to some but are just as important to many others. Each October, millions of Hindus around the world, including at Mounds View, celebrate Diwali, a fiveday religious holiday and festival of lights.
During Diwali, families get together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Many celebrations include homemade food, gift exchanges, fireworks, prayer and time spent with extended family. During the festival, participants often light up their homes or temples with “diyas,” shallow oil lamps small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Diyas are used in multiple Hindu ceremonies but play an especially big role in Diwali. This is because Diwali always starts on the night of the new moon, when it is very dark. The diyas
are the means to light the night up as a way to visualize the victory of light over darkness that the holiday celebrates.
The meaning of Diwali to Hindus varies between community and region. The history of Diwali goes back thousands of years, with the first records of the festival dating back to over 2,500 years ago. One of the most common legends links Diwali to a story found in the Hindu epic of Ramayana, in which the four deities Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman defeated the demon king Ravana and returned to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. When they heard of his return, the townsfolk cleaned their houses and put out diyas to light their path. In another popular legend, Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu and the god of love and protection, defeated the demon Narakasura and released the 16,000 women who were held captive by him. While there may be different historical narratives, they all ultimately represent the victory of good over evil.
Sophomore Shiven Kharidehal celebrated Diwali with his family this October. Each year, he and his family take time to meet with friends and relatives, clean the house, light diyas and set off fireworks. Not all celebrations are the same for every family, however. “Diwali is such a diverse tradi tion,” said Kharidehal. He points to the fact that Diwali is a very complex holiday, not only being an important holiday in Hinduism, but also the other religions that celebrate it: Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism. The holiday marks numerous events across the four religions. These individual events can make cel ebrations look different from family to family. Sikhs celebrate the release of one of their early 17thcentury leaders Guru Hargobind from 12 years of imprisonment, Jains cel
ebrate Diwali as a commemoration of when the last great Jain teacher Lord Mahavira reached nirvana, and Buddhists ob-
What are guardian caps?
| Davin Bowlby STAFF REPORTER
n 2011, Erin and Lee Hanson founded the company Guardian, with the goal of innovating current sports equipment. In 2012, Guardian debuted their signature product, the guardian cap. The guardian cap is designed to fit over lacrosse, hockey and football helmets in order to reduce impact and redirect rotational forces upon collision.
The company hopes to prove that soft-shell helmet technology is superior as opposed to hard shell designs. The soft outer layer has helped reduce impact to ribs, hands, fingers, knees and heads. Guardian caps have two layers, one soft and one hard. Initially, the soft layer absorbs the impact, which reduces the impact on the inner hard layer. In addition to providing extra protection against direct impacts, lighter colors can lower helmet temperature by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit for more comfort.
Since their release into the commercial market, their usage and media presence has only continued to grow. Every level of football has players using guardian caps. “You see them in
“There’s a drawback to kids putting them on and thinking they are invincible, so while they can be an extra layer of protection, they also do not give you 100% protection”
Coach Aaron Moberg
the [National Football League] and some college teams use them as well. It’s an extra layer that goes on top of the helmet that is supposed to give extra protection to the helmet,” said Aaron Moberg, Mounds View’s head football coach. “A lot of the time, they are used in practice and then not in the games. There is one team that I am aware of in 6A that uses them for games and practices, and that is Park Cottage Grove. So I assume they use them all the time,” said Moberg.
A study performed by Boston University found that every year, male hockey play-
ers increase their chance of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) by 34%, and every year, more athletes are being diagnosed with it. CTE, a brain condition commonly found in high-contact sport players such as football or hockey, is associated with a myriad of negative symptoms including cognitive and motor impairment as well as behavioral and mood changes. The purpose of guardian caps is to prevent and mitigate these adverse effects from sports. Guardian caps are a new innovation designed to help prevent and reduce the effects of hits to the head and its concussive effects.
Mounds View currently does not use the caps, but they have potential to be used in the future. “[We are] still learning more information about guardian caps and how effective they are … The helmets we use are high-end helmets, so when you put something else to attach them to that helmet, it can have an impact on the functionality of the helmet,” said Moberg. “And also, there’s a drawback to kids putting them on and thinking they are invincible, so while
serve it as the day Hindu emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. All these traditions make Diwali the diverse festival it is today.
In short, Diwali is not just a single story or celebration, but a holiday with many traditions and many meanings. While there are differences between how and why people celebrate the holiday, there is always one common theme: Good has victory over evil and light has victory over darkness.
they can be an extra layer of protection, they also do not give you 100% protection, and [players] could get injured if you do not use proper form.”
The NFL began mandating guardian caps for select position groups during practices. Caps are not required for games, however, they are permitted per each player’s choice. Notable players who often wear them in games include Los Angeles Rams guard Kevin Dotson, Green Bay Packers wide receiv-
er Romeo Doubs, and Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp. Guardian caps are a useful tool for player safety, and their use is becoming more common in recent years. As players, coaches and fans learn more about the science behind concussions and try to innovate new ways to combat them, guardian caps have prevailed as one of the most prominent methods to improve the games that millions of players love.
PHOTOS VIA Sidharth Sharma
Mall of America’s “Twin Cities Fear Fest”
| Curtis Lee STAFF REPORTER
his fall, the Mall of America welcomed a new haunted attraction taking place on the second floor. The mall has supported similar attractions before such as last year’s “Onionheads Revenge.”
However, this year’s “Twin Cities Fear Fest” promised to bring even more horror to the mall than ever before.
I purchased my ticket online for $35.99 a few days in advance, however, upon enter-
ing, I discovered that tickets could only be purchased online anyway with the establishment using a QR code to direct customers to the website. This was
convenient considering the time and stress it saved.
I waited through a short line formed for scanning tickets followed by another line distributing groups into the event itself. Together, they only took 10 to 15 minutes. Before we entered the attraction, we noticed groups needed a minimum of four people to enter, so my friend and I were grouped up with another pair.
I approached the decorated entrance. The line was short, so getting in was simple. The interior was more spacious compared to
the entrance. There was light peering through from outside as well as signs giving directions to different attractions offered with staff present to assist. The smoke-covered room successfully spooked me and kept me on course with the attraction.
What especially caught my attention were the scare actors who were propped up just outside the event, scaring those
The staff did a great job keeping the guests entertained, even during the parts that were supposed to be boring.
lack of light and space, it was much harder to differentiate actors from props, making great opportunities for them to pop out and jumpscare those making their way through the event. I immediately noticed the animatronics used. The functionality was fine, but I was not impressed with their scaring abilities. Despite the mediocre props, the scare actors made up for it with technique, body language and even humor. By the end of the night I was very happy with each trick they had up their sleeves. The casual nature
of the job description seemed to allow actors to have fun with it, creating a perfect combination of fright and comedy.
My expectations were high, however, I left with a pleasant experience instead of the anticipated terror I had envisioned. It set a Halloween atmosphere, but lacked horror themes and genuine frights. Aside from the lack of terror, overall, I would rate Mall of America’s “Twin Cities Fear Feast” a solid three out of five.
waiting in line. An actor startled my friend and me before we even noticed they were in line. The staff did a great job keeping the guests entertained, even during the parts that were supposed to be boring.
With this being my first haunted house experience, I expected a dramatic race against death, but the attraction was centered around walking through rooms and being jumpscared. The actors did phenomenal jobs at this, especially with such small rooms. With the
What does Atomic Wings have to offer?
in New York City in 1989. Lippin was inspired by the wings he ate in Buffalo, New York. He kept innovating and made his own unique wing recipes.
Atomic Wings currently has 23 locations around the U.S., and the franchise keeps growing.
ut of all common meats in the United States, chicken is the most consumed, with 68.1 pounds per person in 2021, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In recent years, there has been a surge in fast casual chain restaurants with chicken strips, hot chicken and chicken wings as their featured menu items. Atomic Wings is one of these chains, and one location recently opened in Fridley on Sept. 27. This is the second Atomic Wings opened in Minnesota, and I think it is a great opportunity for Mounds View students wanting to try something new.
The founder, Adam Lippin, opened the first Atomic Wings
Atomic Wings has pledged to always use fresh chicken in their products. Their chicken is never frozen and is never exposed to antibiotics or artificial hormones. This pledge has been in place since the very start of the chain, and Atomic Wings claims to keep this pledge at every location. Lippin believed that chicken wings should not only taste good but also be healthy, and his vision is going strong so far.
Atomic Wings offers a huge variety of options including 15 unique wing flavors, ranging from sweet to super spicy, which can all be applied to buffalo wings, boneless wings or chicken tenders. They also have many chicken sandwich options including the AW chicken sandwich, which includes their signature Awesome Aioli sauce,
the barbeque chicken sandwich and the chicken buffalo ranch sandwich. There is also a wide variety of sides to pick from,
If students want to try a new chicken wings place, I would definetly recommend Atomic Wings. The relaxed atmosphere of the place makes a great place to eat, socialize and hangout after a long day, and the prices are pretty agreeable for high school students.
Keaton Howard, junior
like waffle fries, salads or mac and cheese. Desserts such as deep fried oreos and cookies can top off an Atomic Wings meal.
When I visited, I got the five-piece boneless wings combo with the honey barbeque flavoring. The honey barbeque was very good and flavorful. In my combo were five boneless chicken wings that had hot buffalo and jerk barbeque flavoring, waffle fries and a drink. I felt the combo was a good amount of food. I also got five-piece boneless wings that were hot buffalo and jerk barbecue flavor. I am not a huge fan of spice, but I still enjoyed the jerk barbecue. The sauces were flavorful and complemented the chicken well. Although they were a little soggy when I brought them home, my family enjoyed them as well. Combo meals are priced at around $10-20, which is a pretty good price considering the inclusion of consumer-choice chicken, a side and a drink. The chicken sandwiches are priced at about $8, which is an alright deal compared to some other places. All the chicken sandwich combos are $12 and include a sandwich, fries and a drink, which is a good deal.
The staff were very kind and friendly. They were amazing at helping all customers decide what they wanted from the expansive menu, making the ordering process smooth and easy. The staff even let people try some of the sauces to decide what they wanted.
I really liked the atmosphere of the place. It felt cool and relaxed. The workers were not slow, but they were not rushing anything either, which I appreciate. There were a couple of unexpected problems that are expected with newly opened business locations, but overall, it was a pretty awesome experience.
I had a very enjoyable time there and would definitely go again. The place is really small, but this makes it feel personal. If students want to try a new chicken wings place, I would definitely recommend Atomic Wings. The relaxed atmosphere of the place makes a great place to eat, socialize and hangout after a long day, and the prices are pretty agreeable for high school students.
| Keaton Howard STAFF REPORTER
Curtis Lee, junior
PHOTOS Curtis Lee
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2025
Athletes of the Issue
Justin Sosnouski: Soccer
| Aidan Beisang STAFF REPORTER
ophomore Justin Sosnouski is a midfielder for Minnesota United FC 2 (MNUFC2), the reserve team for Minnesota United, playing in 11 of their games and starting in seven. Previously, he played for many clubs such as VSA Rush, MNUFC Academy U16, and MNUFC Academy U18. Outside of soccer, Sosnouski enjoys playing pickleball, going on walks with his family fishing and occasionally playing other sports like basketball or skiing. An average day of school for Sosnouski is very different from that of the average student, “I practice from eleven to one. So what happens is, I show up to the facility at like, nine-ish, and maybe I could do some online school there. But usually what I do is just prepare for practice, train from eleven to one, and then go to school for the last two periods of school,” said Sosnouski. Most of his day is spent at a training facility, so he takes online courses for four
of his six classes.
Sosnouski has been playing since he was three or four years old. He was 12 when he made the decision to stick with soccer. “I had the choice between hockey and soccer, and I just remember, like, I was just thinking, man I’m really built for this soccer stuff. And also my twin brother Jacob, we both loved it. We played on the same team, and we were really successful in it,” Sosnouski said. Sosnouski’s twin brother plays for a different team, a club level team called Manitou FC, and has been a varsity soccer player since his freshman year.
Sosnouskis’s dedication to soccer has clearly paid off, with him playing at a much
higher level than most kids of his age. He describes how this difference makes it hard for people his age to relate to him just because of the level he is playing at and the settings this puts him in. “It makes me mature, in both the aspect of soccer and off the field. So that definitely helps,” said Sosnouski. Playing for MNUFC2 means that his teammates are much older than he is, with many in their 20s while he is still a sophomore in high school.
He is hoping to continue his soccer career far beyond high school, “I’m planning on hopefully [Division I] soccer, right? That would be the dream, and I think it’s pretty hopeful, but the other option is
just going straight pro and signing for Minnesota United,” said Sosnouski. Although he has some tough decisions to make,
Godson Rufus-Okomhanru: Football
| Anas
Abdulkader
STAFF REPORTER
Senior Godson RufusOkomhanru has made a name for himself on the football field. At age 17, the six-foot wide receiver, running back and outside linebacker has already committed to play Division I football at North Dakota State University. He committed late into his junior year and fostered many other Division I football offers from universities like Northwestern, Cornell, the United States Military Academy at West Point, the Air Force Academy, Kent State, Murray State, Northern Iowa and North Dakota.
he still has two more years of high school to decide.
Before every game, RufusOkanhanru has a routine that helps him get focused and ready to perform. Taking time to himself before stepping on the field is important to him for getting in the right mindset. “Before every game, I sit down and listen to music,” said Rufus-Okomhanru. For him, music helps block out distractions and allows him to think about the game ahead. It is a simple habit, but it helps him stay calm, confident and focused before the kickoff.
leader on the field,” said RufusOkomhanru.
His ability to speak up motivates his teammates. “Yesterday in practice, he was showing a sophomore the ropes on how to play outside linebacker,” said senior Bennet Smith.
In addition to his pre-game routine, Rufus-Okomhanru’s presence on the field stands out because of his leadership and communication. He does not just focus on his own performance; he makes sure the entire team is focused and working together. “I’m vocal and I’m a
“I go to a personal coach after school to help me get better at my game.”
Godson Rufus-Okomhanru, senior
Tate Sorensen: Volleyball
| Aubrey Cummins STAFF REPORTER
any high school athletes have the dream of competing at a Division I level, but for senior Tate Sorensen, it is reality. Although Sorensen plays both volleyball and basketball for Mounds View, he has officially signed to play Division I volleyball at Lewis University. There, Sorensen plans to major in business administration.
Sorensen has been a varsity starter for two years. His dedication and attention to detail to
every game, even in practice, has played a huge role in his success. Some of his success comes from pre-game rituals to prepare himself for matches.
“Before every game, I like to stretch and go for a nice run and I usually eat a good protein bar too,” Sorensen said.
He is very excited to play Division I volleyball but is also aware that it will not be easy. “It will be a challenge, but I am excited to grow and improve as a player. It will be a battle to get
playing time. I am also a little nervous,” Sorensen said.
“Just the chance to play at a Division I college level, [is] a great opportunity.
Tate Sorenson, senior
Sorensen regards his commitment as one of his greatest athletic achievements to date.
“Just the chance to play at a Di-
Rufus-Okomhanru’s ability to keep everyone on the same page makes a huge difference during intense moments in the game. Even when things get tough, he stays composed and encourages others to do the same. His combination of confidence and teamwork helps set the tone for the team every time they play.
Although Rufus-Okomhanru has already committed to a university, he still continues to work hard to improve. “I go to a personal coach after school to help me get better at my game,” said Rufus-Okomhanru. His commitment to continue growing as a player sets him apart from others. His consistent
dedication, work ethic, tact and leadership qualities have allowed him to be successful on and off the field.
vision I college level, it’s a great opportunity. It will be tough but fun,” he said.
As Sorensen begins to wrap up his final high school year on the court, he is very determined and committed to leading his team through one fi nal season. He has always cher ished the memories from vol leyball. Even after he graduates and begins his collegiate career, his legacy at Mounds View and on the boys volleyball team will live on.
PHOTO VIA Godson Rufus-Okomhanru
Sophomore Justin Sosnouski drives the ball forward in one of his semi-professional soccer matches.
PHOTOS VIA Justin Sosnouski
Sudoku Crossword PUZZLES
Across
2. The turning point for indie games was the release of the game company _____ in 2003.
3. The “Twin Cities _____ _____” was held at the Mall of America, a new haunted attraction.
4. What position does sophomore soccer player Justin Sosnouski play?
5. What is the most consumed type of meat in the U.S.?
6. What is being built in the East Wing of the White House?
9. Where did the Vista Ensemble perform last winter?
11. Senior football player Godson Rufus-Okomhanru has committed to _________ _________ State University.
12. What rideshare company specializes in self-driving vehicles?
Down
1. Which 1999 found-footage horror film achieved universal praise for its innovative filming technique?
7. Who encouraged Mark Sacay to run for the school board?
8. During Diwali, what do participants often light up their homes or temples with?
10. Football players have started putting the ________ Cap, a soft-shell covering, over their helmets.
