Issue 3, March 22

Monday, March 22, 2021 Volume 94 Issue 3 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

slpecho St. Louis Park Echo The St. Louis Park Echo St. Louis Park Echo Echo Newspaper

STAFF LIST Editors-in-chief: Talia Lissauer & Maddie Schutte Managing editors: Gabriel Kaplan & Lilly Strathman Photo editors: Anna Benishek, Abby Prestholdt & Ayelet Prottas Design editors:!Sophie Livingston & Emmy Pearson Copy editors: Adam Gips, Tenzin Gyaldatsang, Johanna Kaplan & Elena Ortiz-Fishman News editor: Tobias Khabie Features editor: Jayde Claussen Profiles editor: Andrea Melear In-Depth editor: Molly Schochet Sports editor: Kate Schneider Opinion editor: Maria Perez-Barriga Assistant opinions editor: Aisha Hersi Entertainment editor: Ben Sanford Business editor: Sam Swisher Web editor: Colin Canaday Staff:!Bahaja Alisahal, Ava Ashby, Sophia Curran-Moore, Lydia Dearking, Jordyn Deschamps, Crystal Diaz, Shaydi Falcon, Amalia Fischer, William Givens, Lilia Gonzalez-Baldwin, Nora Hall, Henry Harper, Michael Hoikka, Gillian Kapinos, Harris Keekley, Jacob Khabie, Jack Kroells, Samuel Listiak, Amelia Mickelson, Isra Mohamed, Armoni Monroe, Katherine Nelson, Jacob Perszyk, Jaida Puentes, Jane Pupeza, Grace Schultz, Aiden Shafton, Tednaisha Satterwhite, Danny Shope, Oliver Smith, Lauren Thon, La’niyah Thornton & Maren Wilsey Interim Principal:!Wendy Loberg Printer: North Star Media Adviser: Lori Keekley Awards: NSPA Hall of Fame member; 2011, 2016, 2017 NSPA Print Pacemaker finalist; 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2020 National Print Pacemaker Award recipient; 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 Online Pacemaker; 2013, 2015, 2016 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All State.

Editors

NOTE

W

e are so excited to present you with our second printed edition of the Echo newsmagazine, and the third ever edition.

Expanding outside of our comfort zone this year and creating content in a new way has been the best twist to an already challenging year.

We hope this issue is even better than the last, and that we can continue to improve each cycle.

This issue is packed with important stories, from transitioning to no assigned capacity for hybrid learning to the initiation of the Derek Chauvin trial. Right now, things are rapidly changing and emotions are high. We hope to offer some clarity and possibly a sense of normalcy as you read.

We know much is up in the air regarding the trial. With jury selection and parts of Minneapolis shut down, anxiety is piling up. This trial is something that hits close to home for many students.

For how students are feeling regarding the beginning of the trial, visit page six. Throughout the trial, visit slpecho.com for updates.

Park plans to return April 12 to “no assigned capacity,” meaning cohorts A and B will be combined and at school four days a week while cohort C will remain at home. Page five addresses the reasoning behind that decision and discusses how this will work for our school.

With vaccine rollout, the trial and a return to school, we know that this is a particularly heavy issue.

We hope throughout you can find small mo-

Photo: Kate Schneider Last Echo trip: Seniors Maddie Schutte and Talia Lissauer pose in front of the U.S. Capitol Nov. 20, 2019.

ments of joy and positivity to keep a light heart.

Thank you as always for reading and supporting our content. Thank you to our staff for working tirelessly both in person and on Zoom meetings to make sure we can get these in your hands.

We hope you enjoy your read, and find yourself reading our next issue as well.

Media

POLICIES

T

he Echo is the official student-produced news media of St. Louis Park Senior High School.

It is published for the school’s students, staff and community.

The Echo is a designated forum for student expression in which students make all decisions of content without prior review from school officials.

The adviser will not act as a censor, but will advise students. Students have the final decision on all content.

The Echo will work to avoid bias and/or favoritism. We will strive to make our coverage and content meaningful and interesting to all our readers.

We will make every effort to avoid printing libel, obscenities, innuendo and material that threatens to disrupt the learning process or is an invasion of privacy.

We will avoid electronic manipulation that alters the truth of a photograph unless clearly labeled as a photo illustration.

Staff editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board arrived at by discussion and will not be bylined.

Bylined articles are the opinion of the individ-

Want to have your voice heard?

Letters to the editor and suggestions must be signed and should be no longer than 250 words and may be emailed to slpecho@gmail.com or submitted in room C275.

ual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Echo staff or administration as a whole.

Emailed letters must be verified prior to publication. We will not necessarily publish all letters received and reserve the right to ask the writer to edit for length and clarity. Anonymous letters wherein the Echo does not know the identity of the writer will not be printed.

Advertisements will be sought from local businesses and school clubs and sports. We maintain the right to reject any ads we believe to be false, misleading, inappropriate or harmful.

The Echo does not necessarily endorse the products or services offered in these advertisements.

Table of

TABLE OF CONTENTS ECHO Monday, February 22, 2021

CONTENTS

3

NEWS 4 St. Louis Park Public vaccinations 5 Schedule change to exclude asynchronous classes

Photo Emmy Pearson Tuned in: Sophomore Jonah Schultz works in

6 Students' feelings apparent as Chauvin trial begins

State bound:

Photo Harris Keekley

FEATURES

SPORTS

OPINIONS

7 Girls United hosts panel of successful women

11 Boys’ basketball quarantined

13

8 In-Depth: The truth behind the posts

12 Boys’ swimming competes at Sections

14 Point counterpoint: Hybrid to begin with combined Cohorts A, B

10 Rehearsals for the musical begin

How to read the newsmagazine Talia Lissauer talialissauer@slpecho.com

T

hroughout the newsmagazine, there are 16 pages worth of content that feature a variety of stories.

These stories can range from news to sports to opinions.

Information can be found outside of the stories as well. This can include web previews, columns, infographics, captions, folios and much more.

To the right is a look at page 13, an opinions page.

Even though this is an opinion page, the information can be applied to other pages.

For more content visit slpecho. com.

News, features and sports stories are interview-based and do not reflect the views of the writer

Opinion and Entertainment stories are the opinions of the writer, not the staff unless clearly labeled as a staff editorial.

Staff editorials are the opinion of the Echo editorial board. Staff editorials include a recommendation for what students should do, which is called a call to action.

schedule not necessary, adds screen time

ENTERTAINMENT 15 Review: WandaVision captivates viewers 16 Review: Three activities to do over spring break

Columns called "What’s the Point" or "Out of the Park" are personal experiences of the writer only

Tags indicate what kind of content something is. This may be web previews, columns, staff editorials or reviews

In addition to staff editorials, the other opinions page features a point-counterpoint, which two staffers write contradicting opinion stories

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NEWS Monday, February 22, 2021 ECHO

WEB PREVIEW SCAN TO VIEW

March 26

Hybrid with no assigned capacity to begin after spring break The School Board unanimously approved a transition to hybrid with no assigned capacity March 8. About 35 percent of students are in Cohort C and will remain in distance learning, while Cohorts A and B will be in-person.

SCAN TO VIEW

Photo: Talia Lissauer

Council reconsiders 45-year-old ban on residential protests After St. Louis Park officials learned that an ordinance prohibiting targeted residential protests has been on the books for nearly half a century, council members have been considering amending or revoking it. The council is currently considering whether to keep the policy or update it.

SCAN TO VIEW

Olivia Rabine, sophomore

St. Louis Park Public Schools staff receive vaccinations

QR code

Photo: Ryan Barrnet

I think it's a good idea because then we know that (all the teachers who want to) are vaccinated for sure.

Laniyah Thornton & Talia Lissauer laniyahthornton@slpecho.com talialissauer@slpecho.com

A

fter receiving an email from the president of the Park Association of Teachers regarding a link with information for the vaccine, superintendent Astein Osei said he reached out to a contact at the county to see if he could help staff with the vaccination process.

“She sent me back some stock response, so I was like, ‘Oh, that’s too bad.’ I was expecting her to give me more details. But literally, a couple hours after that, we got access to the link," Osei said. "Then later that night, she emails me and says, ‘Hey, give me a call.’ So I caught her at like eight o’clock and she said, ‘Hey, I want to know if you’re interested. We got this opportunity to do a vaccination pod with a Hennepin County School District, would you want to do it?'”

Osei quickly agreed. St. Louis Park is now the first school district in Hennepin County to offer the vaccine to all staff.

Those who participated received the Moderna vaccine March 5. Osei said they were planning for 400-450 staff members as many had already received the vaccine.

Although she is not attending in-person learning, sophomore Amira Abdirahman said she believes the vaccine is a good precaution for staff.

“I think that it’s good for them. They’re in a position where they have to be around hundreds of students a day,” Abdirahman said.

World history teacher Deb Skadden said she received her first dose of the vaccine late February and is awaiting her second dose. Skadden said she was thrilled to hear all staff would have the option to get the vaccination as it would offer relief for many.

“I’m very pleased about it,” Skadden said.

“It’s the biggest worry of teachers coming back to school in COVID(-19), the possibility of getting really sick or being in the hospital or dying.”

As more people get vaccinated, junior Kimberly Parkinson said she feels safer.

“It does make me (feel) safer. It gives me hope that COVID(-19) will end soon, and we can go back to semi-normal,” Parkinson said.

Skadden was skeptical about being in school during COVID-19, but now that teachers are getting vaccinated, she said she is more optimistic about teaching in-person.

“I’m not sure about the students, they’re not going to be vaccinated, but it calms my fears for sure,” Skadden said. “I have a whole different outlook now on school starting back up.”

CDC recommendations for when you are fully vaccinated Photo: Lilia Gonzalez-Baldwin

Park hits one year anniversary for distance learning March 17 will mark one year since Park began distance learning, a year that has brought unprecedented struggles to students and staff.

Since then, Park has gone through several schedule changes, and students and staff have been forced to adjust frequently.

Tip: scan QR codes by opening phone camera and hover over QR code

For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho

Still wear your mask and social distance in public and gatherings with people from multiple households

You can unmask and not social distance indoors around other people who are also fully vaccinated

You can be indoors with unvaccinated people from only one other household without masks

Infographic Sophie Livingston Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention DESIGN BY

Sophie Livingston

“

NEWS ECHO Monday, March 22, 2021

We might have to take a couple more precautions in the classrooms. It'll be nice to get everyone back in the school and allow kids to come every day.

5

Nick Kent, junior

Schedule change to exclude asynchronous classes Seven-period-day to be reimplemented Talia Lissauer & Maddie Schutte talialissauerl@slpecho.com maddieschutte@slpecho.com

A

fter spending most of the year with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous classes, freshman Niya Hollie said the switch to full in-person classes will demand too much energy from students.

“It’s a little aggravating going to all the classes because it requires a lot. You have to be focused, you have to do a lot and you have to move back and forth,” Hollie said.

Beginning April 12, Park will increase to no assigned capacity and transition to a seven-period all day schedule. All students will be required to attend all classes on Mondays, with Cohorts A and B in-person and Cohort C online. Wednesdays will remain a student-support day, especially focusing on students in Cohort C. Students in Cohorts A and B should attend class in-person daily. Cohort C students will have assignments on Schoology to complete by Friday and should log on for at least a check-in, but potentially a full class period if requested by the teacher during other days, according to interim

No assigned capacity: what to expect

Do I have to attend every class period?

In-person students will attend every class. There will be no more asynchronous periods.

Cohort C students will attend every class period on Mondays. Whether or not they have live class after Monday will depend on the class

DESIGN BY

Sophie Livingston

Principal Wendy Loberg.

“We want to go back to having kids understand school is all day,” Loberg said.

“We’re going to support kids while they do work within the classrooms. While kids work at home and they can either get on the link or get off the link (to reduce) screen time.”

With the previous setup, students were able to log in from anywhere. Assistant principal Jessica Busse said this posed an issue when students became too flexible with where they logged in from.

“The problem we’re running into is that parents think their kids are coming to school and kids are doing class all over the place and think ‘I can do school at Caribou’ … and parents don’t know where their kids are and they think that they’re in one place,” Busse said.

Sophomore Anna Hodges said she found asynchronous classes beneficial when teachers gave students assignments.

However, she feels there were asynchronous periods where students sat around and didn’t utilize their time well.

“I do (find asynchronous classes beneficial) for some classes because sometimes teachers will still give work and make it so they’re still engaging,” Hodges said. “But then there’s some where it’s like they don’t really care and you do whatever you want,

Photo: Emmy Pearson Writing: Freshman Evie Schmitz works on an assignment during her synchronous

"It’s a little aggravating going to all the classes, because it requires a lot. You have to be focused, you have to do a lot."

Niya Hollie, freshman

and kids take that for granted and instead of doing work they go on their phones.”

Loberg said it's important all follow the mitigation strategies, including social distancing at 3 feet apart if 6 feet is not possible, along with wearing masks, washing hands and staying home when feeling ill.

“Right now, we are cleared to have a Prom and Commencement, and I don’t want anything to happen to jeopardize both of those,” Loberg said. “We don’t know what they’ll look like yet, but we’ll do something, and they will be awesome.”

Students in Cohort A and B will return to school at no assigned capacity April 12, with students attending school everyday in-person expect Wednesday.

What will Cohort C do aside from Mondays?

Is it safe to have Cohorts A and B in school at the same time?

If I'm in Cohort A or B, can I do school from a different location?

Teachers should have a weekly folder on Schoology with assignments for Cohort C for the week. Teachers may ask that Cohort C students attend class when needed after Mondays.

They will at least check-in to all classes

As of March 15, 33 percent of students are in Cohort C. A minimum of 3 feet of social distancing will be in place when 6 feet is not possible, which will be enough to keep the students safe

No. If a Cohort A or B student is not in class in-person, they will be marked as an unexcused absence unless excused by a parent. It is no longer an option for Cohorts A and B to login online to make sure students stay in school

Infographic Maddie Schutte Source Jessica Busse & Wendy Loberg

6

“

NEWS Monday, March 22, 2021 ECHO

Obviously (Derek Chauvin) is guilty, so it’s an appropriate trial and they should follow through (with conviction).”

Eli Kaufman, sophomore

Derek Chauvin trial begins Simultaneous feelings of doubt, hope emerge Jacob Khabie jacobkhabie@slpecho.com

A

ttempting to put her emotions aside in fear of being let down later on, senior Grace Kanyinku prepared herself for the trial of Derek Chauvin.

“Until I see the result of (the trial), I don’t really have any super hopeful or super cynical thoughts on it,” Kanyinku said.

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is being tried for the murder of St. Louis Park resident George Floyd, which set off Black Lives Matter protests across the country. Jury selection began March 8, and opening statements are scheduled for March 29.

High achievement coordinator Lee-Ann Stephens said while she would like for Chauvin to be convicted, she is doubtful that it will actually happen.

“Bottom line: I want Derek Chauvin to go to jail,” Stephens said. “But as a Black woman in America and understanding our history of racism and the value that is not placed on a Black man’s life, I’m not hopeful that it might happen.”

While he is hesitant about the outcome of the trial, junior Ezra Hudson said he believes public is in favor of convicting Chauvin.

“This is the first case where people are like ‘Oh, maybe the police officers are wrong’ or ‘Maybe we should take Black lives seriously,’” Hudson said.

According to Kanyinku, one aspect of the trial that is particularly traumatizing for her is the reposting of the video of George Floyd’s death, along with other videos of Black people experiencing severe violence, at the hands of the police.

“I understand knowledge is key, information is key, but seeing it all the time, it hurts,” Kanyinku said. “Everyone posting it all the time ends up doing a lot of harm, especially for the people that look like the people getting beaten in the video.”

Photo

by Emily Ziessman Protests last May: Park alumni Victoria Caraballo and Selena Nejib lead a group of Park students and alumni at a memorial for George Floyd

Although the conviction of Chauvin wouldn’t solve the systemic issues at hand, Hudson said, it would still provide motivation for those fighting for racial justice. “(If Chauvin is convicted) that’s not necessarily going to change the justice system, because it’s going to take a lot more than that, but is going to a positive boost of hope, per se,” Hudson said. “It’ll be like they finally got one right.”

Stephens, who is also the adviser of the Students Organized for Anti-Racism club, said she hopes the results of Chauvin’s trial create permanent change, as opposed to the performative changes she saw over the summer.

“For me, what’s so disappointing when it first happened there was this outrage,” Stephens said. “But I feel like that was all performative, it was for optics, because I haven’t heard a lot of those voices anymore.”

For Kanyinku, her work fighting for racial justice isn’t done, even if Chauvin does get convicted.

“Another thing we need to look at is — the justice system worked in this situation,

great, but let’s look at why this happened,” Kanyinku said. “Let’s get to the root of the problem and work to fight that.”

For students who would like to talk through the emotions that are bound to come up in the next couple of weeks, Stephens said it is a priority for her to be open.

“I’m here to

process, have conversations with them, to be silent, to grieve, just being available is super important for me,” Stephens said.

Hudson said the best way for administration to support students during Chauvin’s trial is to prioritize having conversations surrounding race and racism.

“There is not a single assignment that you could assign right now that is more relevant than what is going on right here in our city,” Hudson said.

Photo Activists: Protesters address racial injustice and police brutality at a family-friendly protest DESIGN BY

Jacob Khabie

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FEATURES ECHO Monday, March 22, 2021

and help them see their options.

Eva Bentley, freshman

WHAT’S THE POINT

Girls United hosts panel of SUCCESSFUL W MEN Event integrates all Girls United chapters Maria Perez-Barriga mariaperezbarriga@ slpecho.com

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long with Girls United chapters from Hopkins, Wayzata, Minnetonka and Armstrong, Park Girls United co-president Ella Roether organized a panelist event with six diverse groups of women.

“I think it was really awesome to have her there along with all the other panelists because I think a lot of times we shy away from people who have different views then us,” Roether said. “It feels really impactful and special to me that we were able to bring such a diverse group of people together.”

Senior Ruth Erist said that the meeting held March 7 felt more lively than previous meetings with only Park students.

“Compared to the last Girls United meeting in February with other panelists, it was just our school so it’s a smaller community

and less people were comfortable with their cameras on and didn’t engage as much with the speakers,” Erist said. “But there was a lot of engagement (this meeting) and a lot cameras were on, which was also pretty cool. It was a very cool environment.”

Senior Bella Steward said she enjoyed getting to know new people and listening to different views participants had for discussions.

“I liked having people that I haven’t met yet because they have a lot of different perspectives and different questions.

(Hopkins) started Girls United before us, so I liked hearing their perspectives and their questions since they have been doing this for longer,” Steward said.

Erist said a memorable moment she had during the event was meeting Rao and other panelists talking about their jobs and giving out meaningful advice to students.

“I really liked talking to the circuit judge (Rao). She was talking a lot about how demanding the job was and how she has kids and that is something I have always thought

about balancing your life and your kids,” Erist said “It was just cool hearing all of these people who are in cool positions there was even a surgeon that was cool too.”

Steward said during the Zoom meeting with the panelists she felt an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere talking to the speakers and students.

“It was pretty comfortable when you asked a question. You didn’t feel dumb and the panelists were really nice and took you seriously. They are really kind, especially the business woman,” Steward said.

According to Roether, in the future she plans to continue holding Zoom meetings about professional women, not only locally but expand globally as well.

“It’s definitely something we are talking about.

Now that we have done it once, we sorted out the kinks. I think it can be awesome to continue doing these,” Roether said.

“There are so many amazing women not only in the Twin Cities in Minnesota but all over the country that we can hopefully get to speak.”

Anti-maskers further the divide Jayde Claussen jaydeclaussen@slpecho.com

The powerful panalists

Jordana Green WCCO radio host

Rahel Ghebre Gynecological oncologist surgeon

Neomi Rao Circuit judge of the U.S. Court

Renay Dossman

Sandy Sondell & Ellie Covin

Crystal Ballard

Business woman, entrepreneur

Psychologists

Hopkins High School principal

Art DESIGN BY

Johanna Kaplan

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I

remember vividly the moments that precipitated my bitterness like it was yesterday. A woman walked into my place of work and didn’t have a mask on. We are now a year into the pandemic, and yet, some Minnesotans are still not following the mandate.

I asked her if she could put on her mask and she looked at me with pity in her eyes. She said, “I will not do that. I’m being free. I’m being a patriot, and I will not put on a mask.” At first I thought she was joking and responded with “funny,” but, I realized she was not as she responded “I am not a sheep. I will not wear a mask.”

I was taken back to the first week I started at this company and encountered the same problem. When I attempted to refuse service, I was reminded by my manager that we are not allowed to do that. In this moment, I faced a dilemma as I am now the manager and free to do the “right thing” by refusing service. I had to think about my representation of the What’s the company. I didn’t want to lose my job POINT? over a five-minute mask dispute.

Frustration overtook me, and I said to my coworker “just deal with her please.”

The woman left, and I talked with my coworkers about the incident. We have very different political views, but we agreed that this shouldn’t be a political issue. This was a matter of taking other people into consideration.

One coworker told me that despite his disbelief in the severity of the COVID-19, he still wears a mask regularly and takes the issue seriously because he tries to understand how other people feel about it to be considerate.

Later that day, a young guy came in and didn’t have a mask, this time another manager was there. I told him to put his mask on, or I would not serve him. My fellow manager pulled me aside to tell me we were there to inform customers of our policy and the mask mandate put in place by Gov. Tim Waz. Once again, I let the frustration devour me and took a break to collect myself. “This is stupid.” I thought to myself, “why am I getting so worked up over a mask?”

It didn’t take long for me to answer that question — I remembered why I wear a mask. I care about stopping this virus in its tracks and protecting people who need it most.

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IN-DEPTH Monday, March 22, 2021 ECHO

“

(Social media) is both good and bad because there is a lot more representation but I feel like you can easily compare yourself more with social media.”

Alicia Margalli, freshman

The truth b

The impact of socia body-positive move

Jacob Khabie, Andy Melear & Jayde Claus jacobkhabie@slpecho.com andymelear@slpecho.com jaydeclausmann@slpecho.com

Understanding the movement

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Photo: Molly Schochet Post this: Park students describe what they love about themselves on post-it notes March 12. Social Media and

lthough her club focuses on empowering specifically women, junior and co-president of Girls United Ella Roether said the body-positivity movement still has a long way to go to ensure inclusive representation for all.

“A big part of it is (making sure) that all body types and skin colors and genders are represented,” Roether said. “It’s importa to recognize that it’s not just women, and it’s not just made for bigger women. Everyone can participate in it, and it’s not just fo white women. I think that it’s important to make sure that the movement is intersectional.”

The body-positivity movement started to gain popularity around 2012, and the original idea behind the movement was t confront the senseless beauty standards placed on women.

For junior Symone Morrison, the body-positivity movemen is about empowering people of all shapes and sizes.

“It’s something that we really needed as a society,” Morrison said. “For years, we put people down for what they looked like because it’s not what you see in magazines and on prints.”

Through her experiences providing clothes for others, Cat Polivoda, a self-identified fat-liberation activist and plus-sized clothing store owner, said she has been able to spread bodypositivity through her work.

“I’m sure fashion is fun, but what I really care about is peop being comfortable and confident in their bodies,” Polivoda said. “I found that clothes are a really good way into those conversations with people.”

Body-positive social media influencer Brianna Tam has amassed over 4 million likes on TikTok. While her success rose because of her outspoken advocacy for self-love, Tam said her role in the community is still fluctuating.

“It’s a community that I’m a part of and trying to strengthen and bring attention to, but also I’m still learning from other people,” Tam said.

Women are not the only ones who have faced unrealistic beauty standards. Health teacher Amy Pieper-Berchem said me

DESIGN BY Molly Schochet

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IN-DEPTH ECHO Monday, March 22, 2021 Yalet Ortiz, junior

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authentic life to other people.”

Room to grow people who fall anywhere really on the gender spectrum that are falling into these ideas of needing to look a certain way to be accepted.”

Teacher

have as well, but they aren’t advocated for as frequently.

“It’s not only (affecting) women. It’s also (affecting) men, or people who fall anywhere really on the gender spectrum that are falling into these ideas of needing to look a certain way to be accepted,” Pieper-Bercham said. “Instead of getting better, it seems like now it’s crossing over where that pressure is really hitting more on the male gender, and it’s getting worse on this side.”

While the majority of her experiences have been positive when using social media, Tam said some people use their platforms to spread negativity due to ignorance. “(Social media) has really helped the movement but also with social media there is hate and you’re opening up yourself to be commented on by people who don’t understand the movement,” Tam said. “It does breed toxicity because some people are seeing ‘oh I can comment whatever I want because this person

@curvynyome Nyome Nicholas - Williams Model @kai__wes Kai Wes Mix Media Artist/ Actor @dietitiananna Anna Sweeney MS, RDN, CEDRD-S Infographic Molly Schochet Source

en

DESIGN BY Molly Schochet

can’t see me and I can try to tear them down.’”

The ability to self-curate her social media feeds has led Polivoda to silence hate and have an overall positive experience on most platforms.

“There’s a lot of gross (stuff) on the internet or really fatphobic stuff or things that pretend they’re body positive but are really just damaging messages,” Polivoda said. “I have no qualms about silencing that, unfollowing, turning it off, reporting it whatever. I think because I take that strategy, I’ve had a really positive interaction with social media.”

While Morrison feels like the movement has been resonating with people, traditional beauty standards are still ingrained in our perception of ourselves. Additionally, while the movement may reject an old body standard, it can often adopt new ones that are enforced in the community.

“With the whole movement, I feel like it’s finally starting to uplift people, but at the same time there’s always that one standard that people will initially hold you to. Because we have that, not everyone’s perfect and we still judge ourselves off of that one initial thought,” Morrison said.

Social media has developed into a space that only showcases highlight reels of others’ lives, which can cause unrealistic body and lifestyle expectations, according to Roether.

“The main part of social media is that it only shows the good parts of people’s lives and the perfect things. Posts are edited and use Facetune filters, so it’s not realistic in any way,” Roether said.

“It’s still hard to see those things and also recognize those people don’t have a perfect life.”

For Tam, social media has allowed her to present a version of herself that is more true to who she really is.

“I’ve started to show my authentic body, unedited, stretch marks, all of that because I want other people to feel more comfortable doing that,” Tam said. “It comes with an individual responsibility to make it more casual, more authentic and make social media what it was intended for which was to show your

Although Morrison said things are on the right track, advocacy for the movement can still be improved.

“I feel like we preach it more than we actually show it, and try to improve. You first have to start with yourself and then you can love others and show others that their body is perfect just the way they are,” Morrison said. “There’s a lot of improvement to do, but we’re heading toward the right direction.”

The body-positivity movement is still struggling with representing marginalized groups within the greater community, according to Polivoda.

“There’s a lot of people still left out. We are replacing beauty standards but if you look at the face of body positivity right now in this moment, it is a lot of white women or maybe women of color with lighter skin tones who maybe are a little bit curvy or maybe a plus size, but in a ‘curves in the right places’ kind of way,” Polivoda said.

Standing up for someone can be a simple act that can cause people to be mindful of their actions Pieper-Berchem said.

“The biggest thing is to step in and to step up. It doesn’t have to be a big huge thing, but just one simple little comment and walk away. Just to make the person aware of what they’re doing,” Pieper-Berchem said.

Polivoda said a great way to take action is to use critical thinking and apply it to everyday scenarios when encountering the body-positive movement.

“Question what’s around you,” Polivoda said. “If someone shares a really compelling Instagram post or when someone is talking about anything, think about who’s making money from this? Who is this speaking to? And why?”

@curvy_roamer Lauren Talulah Entrepreneur @rossmcclure_ Ross McClure Digital creator @denisemmercedes Denise Mercedes Infographic Molly Schochet Source

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FEATURES Monday, March 22, 2021 ECHO

Daniel Cameron, freshman

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Junior’s article highlighted in Star Tribune’s Criminal Justice Opinion Essay contest Semona Robel Junior

What made you want to participate in the contest?

A lot of it just stemmed from anger. I was really mad at the world and the current state of American politics and the Minneapolis police department. I took it upon myself to write the essay. I saw an opportunity and took it.

Photo Molly Schochet

Jazz hands: Senior Carly Joseph follows choreographer Julianne Mundales instruction. Joseph is a waitress in the upcoming spring musical.

What did it feel like to have your essay showcased?

Amazing. It was just an honor to be chosen among the thousands of essays the Star Tribune received. It felt so great to finally get my voice out there and just be heard.

How do you think your story is

Photo Molly Schochet

Rehearsals for the musical begin during hybrid

Simba: Sophomore Gwen Rockler-Gladen rehearses. The musical ‘Working’ features interviews from working Americans.

impacting the community?

It continues to shed light on an issue that wasn’t really talked about until George Floyd’s murder. It’s really important for people to hear my story not only as a person who goes to St. Louis Park, but as a Black woman. It serves to educate and make people aware of what’s going on through more of an interpersonal lens.

inspired you to write this piece?

It was the video (of George Floyd being murdered). It’s one thing to hear about the murder of a black man due to excessive force by the police on the news, it’s another thing to just be scrolling on Instagram and see a Black man very obviously being choked to death. It felt very personal to me because George Floyd lived in St. Louis Park. He was killed seven minutes away from where I live. Being able to not only see the video, but knowing that George Floyd was a part of my community really took it to the next level for me.

What feedback have you recieved on the writing?

I have been getting a lot of support overall.

Nothing negative. People have been learning a lot more about the militarization of the police and the 1033 Program. Maybe not everyone agrees with what I wrote, but people are definitely learning.

roles for actors Molly Schochet mollyschochet@slpecho. com

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s the audition period for the spring musical has ended and each role has been cast, actors started learning choreography March 5.

Apart from looking forward to playing the waitress Dolores, senior Carly Joseph said she is excited for her fellow castmates.

“Everybody has a specific role in the show, which is nice, because everybody gets an opportunity to have a moment on stage,” Joseph said.

The musical — “Working” — features a compilation of interviews from Americans talking about their jobs. Freshman Avery Cournya said she is very excited for the opening number “All The LiveLong Day.” “(‘Working’ has) a really nice intro song and it tells you a lot about the story,” Cournya said.

Besides wearing masks, choreographer Julianne Mundale said she has had to do things a little differently than she normally would in order to stay safe from COVID-19.

“I'm spacing kids out and transitioning so that everyone is obviously remaining six feet apart,” Mundale said. “It puts limitations, unfortunately, with some things that I'd maybe like to do physically.”

“Working” was written by multiple composers, which makes the musical very unique, according to Joseph.

“Usually musicals are written by a single composer, but this was written by five different famous composers so it's kind of a compilation of a bunch of different styles of music,” Joseph said.

Mundale said she is excited to keep teaching choreography and countinue working toward the final product with the cast and crew. “(I love) the teaching of choreography and how it works with the vocals and the music,” Mundale said.

“Obviously still remaining safe during COVID, but yet challenging the kids and being able to tell these really cool stories that are in the show.”

role in the

Carly Joseph, senior

Senior cast members As ...

Delores Denice, waitress

As ...

Rose Hoffman, teacher

Ben Sanford

Lily Strathman

As ...

As ...

Freddy Rodriquez, worker

Kate Rushton, housewife

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SPORTS ECHO Monday, March 22, 2021 Maia Seidel, 12th

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OUT OF THE PARK

Jayde Claussen jaydeclaussen@slpecho.com

U Photo: Abby Prestholdt

Flying:

Boys’ swimming competes at Sections Kate Schneider kateschneider@slpecho.com

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fter winning its conference earlier this season, boys’ swimming went on to place third in Sections March 13 and sent multiple swimmers to state.

Senior captain Ben St. Clair said his favorite part of Sections was supporting his teammates and dropping time along with everyone else.

“It was great. Just getting to cheer everyone on because at Sections the energy is different because you never know how much time people are going to drop. So I really liked watching all my teammates swim and seeing everyone go personal bests,” St. Clair said.

According to assistant coach Joe Yaeger, COVID-19 changed the pace of the season, but the team adapted to it and ended the season on a high note at sections.

“With this year being so different, and it went really fast,

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meaning the boys didn’t have a lot of breaks and it was just go, go, go. The boys were able to change their mentality and swim very well,” Yaeger said.

Senior captain Connor Coleman said Sections felt different due to COVID-19, but he thought the meet went very well.

“Sections was awesome this year. It was a lot different without the fans in the stands and being closer to your team,” Coleman said.

According to St. Clair, the lack of fans was most noticeable during the relays, but challenged the swimmers to keep the energy up themselves.

“Usually during the relays, all the fans get really hyped up. Since there was no one in the crowd, you had to find that motivation from yourself,” St. Clair said. “You had to be more self motivated and count on your teammates to cheer you on.”

According to Coleman, he enjoyed seeing his teammates’

Boys’ swimming Andre Barajas: 500 freestyle

Connor Coleman: 400 freestyle relay

Hiro McKee: 400 freestyle relay 100 freestyle 400 freestyle relay

400 freestyle relay determined as of March 17

hard work pay off at sections.

“I loved seeing the improvement from each of the boys and seeing so many people qualify for state,” Coleman said.

St. Clair said making it to State is a big accomplishment.

“It’s really fulfilling because it’s my last season. Also, I think everyone’s just grateful that we get to have state this year with COVID(-19) so I’m just really excited,” St. Clair said.

According to Yaeger, everyone on the State team earned their spot, and he is excited to see how the team ends its season at the meet.

“I’m excited about all the seniors and upperclassmen swimming at state because they’ve worked really hard throughout their entire high school career. I hope they take it in this one last time and understand how good they are and that they deserve it all,” Yaeger said. “And I hope they have a good time and drop some time and earn the respect that they deserve.”

sually by this time of year, the lacrosse team has captains’ practices to work out together and practice our skills in preparation for tryouts, which begin in April. To my surprise, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) has still mandated that there can be no captains’ practices. The idea that I’m on my own to get in shape frightens me.

I can barely walk up the stairs without being winded, so running three miles in 30 minutes with a mask on seemed unimaginable. Nonetheless, I went to the gym that night and began my journey to the finish line. I was ready, motivated and anxious. I decided to take it slow with a fastpaced walk on an incline for an hour to start.

Running is one of my least favorite activities, especially on a treadmill. To spice things up and fight the boredom while working out, I opened up Hulu on my phone and randomly chose a show to What’s the watch.

POINT? An hour later, I had finally walked Captains’ three miles. This practices seems small, but by should still be staying consistent, held despite I am hopeful that I will build up stamina pandemic and cut down that time as the month progresses. With the stress of work and school, I have had to cut down gym time, forcing me to take a break from my workouts.

After planning a visit to the gym, I was sure I was going to stay persistent. However, as soon as I entered my house, I found a welcoming spot on my bed and slept for the rest of the day. I had been worried about finding motivation all on my own. In previous years, I would have the accountability of a set practice to attend or the general motivation to workout with my teammates and have fun while getting in shape.

When working out, I like to push myself as hard as I can, but with the mask, I have to pace myself more, which I wasn’t used to. I’m hoping that with time, I become more accustomed to it.

In retrospect, there have been things that have gotten in my way of getting in shape. While these are all things I’ve had to adapt to, I’m just fortunate to be able to complete this season. I would do anything to have just one more season, and I am so lucky that I get that chance this year.

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SPORTS Monday, March 22, 2021 ECHO

I’m really proud of them because it’s probably harder to get out and practice because of COVID.”

Maia Seidel, senior

MEET THE ATHLETE Stayci Spates, sophomore basketball

How long have you been playing basketball for?

I started playing on a team in kindergarten. I started playing on a rec league, and that was fun.

What do you like most about playing basketball?

I like playing with other people. I like that it’s a team sport. I like making plays and seeing my teamates score. I love playing with other people that’s my favorite part.

Why did you decide to play basketball?

My dad played in high school and was really good, and my mom played too. So I thought I would be good too. I kept playing and still am.

What is your favorite basketball memory?

My favortie basketball memory is the first game I was able to play after I tore my ACL.

What motivates you to keep going My mother she has been very helpful, and motivated me during the past five years. I have wanted to quit multiple times because I have had two knee injuries, but my mom kept me going, because basketball is something I genuinely love to do.

How does your team support eachother?

Since were not at school and home sitting on computers all day the captains will make sure to send a text saying things like make sure you’re getting enough sleep and staying hydrated and things like to remind us to take care of ourselves.

What are your future visions with basketball?

I am hoping it can get me a scholarship. I don’t want to go to a big school. I want to go to a HBCU so I can play college ball and be able to study law. I don’t really want to go to the WNBA because I don’t think they get paid enough. I also think I can’t play basketball forever because of my ACL.

Photo: Henry Harper

Boys’ basketball quarantined

Layup: Sophomore Stefano Giovanelli goes for a layup in the game Feb. 5. Park lost to Benilde-St. Margaret’s 65-47. After a player tested positive for COVID-19, the boys’ basketball season ended.

COVID-19 cuts season short Henry Harper & Talia Lissauer henryharper@slpecho.com talialissauer@slpecho.com

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fter starting his first year on varsity, junior Evan Donesky said he was upset the season was cut short before Sections.

“There was such a little amount of games left in the season. And I feel we were very close to making it through the offseason.

And also I wanted to play in our section again,” Donesky said.

When a boys’ basketball player tested positive for COVID-19, the boys’ junior varsity and varsity basketball teams’ seasons ended and players were asked to quarantine, according to athletic director Andy Ewald.

“They are supposed to quarantine (for 14 days) to keep themselves and everybody else safe and we encourage them to go get a test,” Ewald said.

In the preceding weeks, junior Gavin Thoe said the team followed COVID-19 guidelines as best as it could.

“It’s the smart decision to shut us down.

Every time we practiced we all stayed safe with our masks up, socially distanced and cautious of each other,” Thoe said.

Photo: Henry Harper

“I think it’s the smart decision to shut us down, though every time we practiced we all stayed safe.”

Gavin Thoe junior

Look up: Junior Cameron Delorme goes for a layup in the game Feb. 16. Park lost to Cooper 64-56.

The beginning of the season was pushed back because of restrictions put into place by Gov. Tim Walz, so Ewald said players and families were just happy to have some type of a season.

“People have been disappointed, but they also get it and understand that ultimately our job first and foremost is to keep everyone as safe as possible, and trying to have sports happen during a global pandemic is a tough go,” Ewald said. “Most people are just happy that, especially with (the) boys’ basketball team, (we) made it through (almost) the entire season without missing any games or being shut down.”

Park returned to hybrid Feb. 22, which Donesky said could have contributed to the season ending.

“I think we did an OK job as a team taking good precautions. It’s just the back-to-school thing.

That’s all it was. We can’t just stop kids from learning. It’s just a tough situation,” Donesky said.

Thoe said he’s excited to return to school after the quarantine, so he can see his friends again.

“I’m really excited to come to school since they’re making us quarantine right now,” Thoe said.

“It sucks we got our season ended, but I’m still happy I got to play at all since it wasn’t guaranteed.”

DESIGN BY Jaida Puentes

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OPINIONS ECHO Monday, March 22, 2021

I don’t think (changing the schedule) is a good idea since it would be too much screen time.

Erick Perez, senior

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WHAT’S THE POINT

STAFF ED

Classroom connection reappears in hybrid learning Aisha Hersi aishahersi@slpecho.com

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Photo Abby Prestholdt Listening: Freshman Sarah Rappaport takes notes during her synchronous class time March 11. The School Board approved a plan to combine Cohorts A and B.

Adjusting schedule not necessary, adds screen time All synchronous classes poses risks

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ith students returning to hybrid learning, some students, parents and staff have questioned the current schedule and whether it could be changed now that Park has returned to hybrid learning.

While the change could benefit the people in hybrid a little bit, it would likely be detrimental to the students in distance learning because of the extra screen time.

In addition, the asynchronous time is also beneficial to students in-person.

Park has had a mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes in its

DESIGN BY Jordyn Deschamps

schedule. This asynchronous time has been critical in helping students to complete assignments, to ask questions and to interact with peers.

This allowed for a much needed break from screens for both students and staff in-person and online.

Making all classes synchronous will give students in distance learning too much screen time.

Doing three to four classes a day in a pandemic is already tiring enough.

Doing seven classes and homework, as well as any other activities, is far too much screen time.

This leads to fatigue, which could decrease productivity in students.

Additionally, an all

synchronous schedule puts more stress on students since they no longer have the asynchronous periods to do work.

This would affect students especially in classes with a lot of homework who would now have to take more time out of their day to do assignments rather than getting them done during the school day.

There are some substantial benefits for the students in hybrid, however.

Since those in school are already there the entire day, it would be nice to have more in in-person class time to learn more material and have social interactions with teachers and other students.

Teachers could use

synchronous time to do things other than lectures, while the distance students can get homework to complete during the class period.

This way, teachers are continuing to give built in work time.

The Echo Editorial Board believes students should voice their opinions regarding the schedule to the administrators and consult parents about the problems in the new schedule.

While changing the old schedule has its benefits, it would be more beneficial to use asynchronous times to work with students in-person and give students in distance learning a break from screens or extra work time.

hrough the screen of my computer, I could see the bubbling excitement on my teachers’ faces as they welcomed students back to hybrid learning Feb. 22.

Their enthusiastic moods radiated onto me, giving me a boost of energy in the morning to fix my composure and start my day ready to learn.

Staying in distance learning was a decision I made to ensure the health and safety of both my family and myself.

Although this decision means I have to stay in Cohort C until the end of the year, I am OK with that because there are now more large group discussions, easier one-on-one meetings, and more lively classes.

There was a rise in large group discussions in my class because more hybrid students What’s the were engaging in POINT? the discussions. This really helped with Hybrid my classes that have better than lectures as they were distance now engaging and beneficial. learning That small, yet drastic change, profoundly reflected on my learning.

The first few days of logging onto Zoom with the majority of the class in-person felt like an experiment. Even my teachers felt a bit hesitant to try out new learning methods.

But these days, I noticed a change. More of the class was participating in discussions, and we were getting through our lessons faster.

Even though a lot has changed, there is still a sense of normality within my learning. The only problems I’ve faced these past two weeks were mere tech issues, ones that have been resolved with a quick email.

Something that has not changed is the Oriole Study Nest. If I am ever struggling or just looking for a place to quietly work, I’ll always have the option to attend the Oriole Study Nest. On Wednesdays, students of Cohort C are allowed to come into school.

I have not attended the Study Nest so far, but will be looking out for it in the future. Overall, my experience in distance learning these past few weeks has been all but dull.

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OPINIONS Monday, March 22, 2021 ECHO

WEB PREVIEW SCAN TO VIEW

I enjoy still being in distance. It gives me more time to learn and work on myself.

Anna Overall, junior

POINT COUNTERPOINT

Hybrid to begin with combined Cohorts A, B Cohort C to stay in distance learning for remainder of school year STUDENT VOICES

Park should integrate Cohorts A, B

Photo: Toby Khabie

Calling out racism in pop culture leads to more inclusive future When in comes to the famous and beloved figures in our society, their racist and offensive views are dismissed. It is time for us to start calling out these people as doing so will lead to a more inclusive future.

SCAN TO VIEW

Photo: Tenzin Gyaldastang

Hybrid learning helps to bring back sense of normalcy As students like myself return to hybrid learning, a sense of regularity and liveliness was in the air during my two days of in-person classes. My first day back felt somewhat refreshing. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to be able to attend classes in person.

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Should Park increase the 50% capacity for hybrid?

Jayde Claussen jaydeclaussen@slpecho.com

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ith the return to hybrid at 50 percent capacity, the question of when normality will return becomes even more prevalent. While opposers’ of four days a week in-person learning say it is unsafe, science proves the contrary.

After looking at the results of a study by Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, the conclusion is: it is safe to return to schools in-person because students have a lower risk of getting infected at school than other places in the community. When considering the precautions Park has taken to ensure students’ safety, transitioning to four days a week for all in-person students doesn’t seem to be that far-fetched.

This change does not mean the whole school.

This means Cohorts A and B would be attending school in-person, but Cohort C would remain at home. Although the thought of fully returning to school might seem scary, it isn’t that much of a change from 50 percent and could benefit more students.

This option seems like the best plan because students who feel more comfortable in a distance learning format can stay home and get their education. Meanwhile, students who might be struggling to stay on task or would like more social interaction can come in and get the maximum time they need for help.

All of these mitigation strategies have worked well so far for our community. Other schools in Minnesota have already made their plan to go back at a larger capacity, and Park would benefit from doing the same

“I am against since there are active COVID cases and it’s just putting the students and teachers at more risk ... so it wouldn’t be a good idea.”

Reem Elbassal, sophomore

“If it’s proven to be safe, and we can all take it seriously then (increasing the capacity) would be OK.”

Elizabeth Orton, senior

Increasing capacity shouldn’t be an option Laniyah Thornton laniyahthornton@slpecho.com

J

ust recently, Park decided to start hybrid learning back up again after the first attempt in late October. Now, Cohort A and B will be combined when Park goes to hybrid with no assigned capacity April 12.

The best idea would be to stay with the original plan of doing 50 percent capacity. Most students miss being in school, and by countinuing to implement 50 percent capacity it will benefit those who want to return to school, but also honor and respect the fact that we are in a pandemic.

With COVID-19 cases still rising especially in our county, we need to continue to practice social distancing as much as possible to try to bring the number of cases down. Additionally, I fear that the plan will fail — as this time Park is proposing having both cohorts together. Not only that, but even from home I have seen people not following protocol.

On the first day of hybrid learning, I saw students not staying 6 feet apart and a teacher continuously coughing.

If people aren’t able to take precautions seriously and follow social distancing, then how are people able to trust that it will happen with this increase of capacity?

Having these issues and returning with both cohorts will surely bring a potential threat to students and staff. Staff needs to make sure that students are following the rules to ensure a smooth and safe process. If people aren’t doing their part, the plan is bound to fail.

Photo: Laniyah Thornton

attacks against Asian Americans Since the first COVID-19 case appeared in in Wuhan, China, there have been a series of violent attacks on Asians in the United States.

It’s frustrating to know that people are being harmed just because of their ethnicity.

PARK TRAIL Jordyn Deschamps Back in the building I hope all the students don’t destract me

Wait a second...

Nevermind.

Tip: scan QR codes by opening phone camera and hover over QR code For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho

DESIGN BY Jordyn Deschamps

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ENTERTAINMENT ECHO Monday, March 22, 2021

movie, especially because ever since “Endgame” (the Marvel Cinematic Universe) has been kind of bland.

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Nadia Kovalchuk, sophomore

REVIEW:

captivates viewers Plot, design amaze Jacob Khabie jacobkhabie@slpecho.com

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n its first television show to be released on Disney+, Marvel Studios brings “The Truman Show” and “The Twilight Zone” together to create the instantly, addictive hit, “WandaVision.” Filled with insanely clever writing and captivating aesthetics, this show is not to be missed.

“WandaVision” follows the life of Marvel superheroes Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) as they settle into their idyllic television sitcom life in the suburban utopia of Westview, New Jersey. Initially framed as a ‘50s-style sitcom, the show follows the couple as they face a variety of classic

television tropes, all while attempting to hide their powers from their friends and coworkers. As the story progresses, some characters realize that not all is as it seems, and perhaps Wanda and Vision’s lives aren’t as picturesque as they thought.

Among many other wonderful aspects of this show, the design of each episode is an immediate standout. Using the showwithin-a-show plot device, each episode follows the couple to a new decade of sitcom life, and everything surrounding the episode — theme song, costumes, set designs and even camera angles — changes accordingly. This attention to aesthetics

makes the show so much more believable and allows viewers to be truly immersed in the world of “WandaVision.”

Aside from the design, the plot of “WandaVision” is what has kept me craving more. Although the episodes are short, generally clocking in at around 30 minutes, the writers do an amazing job of incorporating sitcom-style mini-plots into each episode, as well as fabricating an overarching story of mystery and drama. The series also does a great job of incorporating details from the greater

Fair use from Marvel Studios

Marvel Cinematic Universe, hinting at details from other Marvel works such as “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and “Captain Marvel,” to name a few.

I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up the talented duo of Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany. Olsen, already a fan-favorite from prior Marvel films, plays perfectly to all aspects of her character, from classy housewife to grieving woman, and Bettany brings a perfect duality of naivety and intelligence to Vision.

Together, they create one of the most

charismatic couples in modern entertainment.

Overall, “WandaVision” is another amazing addition to the works of Marvel

Studios. The series has truly captivated many, including myself. Whether viewers are superhero fans, science-fiction lovers or if they’re just there for the aesthetic, “WandaVision” truly has something for everybody.

“WandaVision” is now available for streaming on Disney+.

Fair use from Marvel Studios

Which ‘WandaVision’ character are you?

SCAN TO FIND OUT

Fair use from Marvel Studios Art: Emmy Pearson

DESIGN BY Grace Schultz

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ENTERTAINMENT Monday, March 22, 2021 ECHO

3

I am most excited to make new friends over spring break this year.

Amanda Kasper, freshman

Activities to do over spring break Colin Canaday colincanaday@slpecho.com

Two

One Learn a new skill

Go for a hike

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ith all of the extra free time that spring break gives, there is plenty of time to learn a new skill like how to speak a new language.

Whether just for fun or in anticipation of international travel, learning a new language provides many benefits and is a great use of time.

H

aving dealt with cold weather and snow for far too long, spring break denotes the changing of the season, and, hopefully, the start of nicer, warmer weather.

Because of that, spring break is the perfect time to get out of the house and go for a walk or a hike.

There are many great tools for finding hiking spots near you. The website AllTrails finds trails near your location.

Web development Public speaking Digital literacy Playing an instrument Infographic Colin Canaday Source College Info Geek

Three

Support local businesses

Trails to try:

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f you have the means, making a conscious effort to support local restaurants and other businesses can go a long way. Spring break is the perfect time to branch out and try new food near you.

Minnehaha Park Theodore Wirth Long Meadow Lake Trail Bloomington Ferry Trail Nine Mile Creek Loop Infographic Colin Canaday Source

Art: Emmy Pearson

Skills to learn:

Businesses to support: Restaurants Bowling alleys

Retail Infographic Colin Canaday

Ben Sanford bensanford@slpecho.com Fair use from ViacomCBS, Marvel Museum of Fort Worth

Now-May 16

Now Streaming service CBS All Access replaced and rebranded with the new Paramount+. The new service will have shows like “iCarly” available for $5.99 a month.

“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” is set to release its first of six episode series on Disney+. The show will connect to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer star in the new superhero comedy “Thunder Force.”

The film will be available with a Netflix subscription beginning April 9.

The Modern’s “Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again” is an artistic exhibit that shines a spotlight on photographers and videographers exploring history, gender and politics.