Robotics schedules late nights Page 4
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Friday, February 28, 2020 Volume 93 Issue 7 St. Louis Park High School 6425 W. 33rd Street St. Louis Park, MN 55426
SLPECHO.COM
Black History Month show highlights expression Presenters share experiences, stories through performance Grace Schultz graceschultz@slpecho.com
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Photo Noah Orloff
It’s been fun: Principal Scott Meyers speaks during the Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2019 June 6. Meyers began his career as principal in 2015 after working as an assistant principal for three years and a teacher at the middle school for 11 years.
Principal of five years resigns Decision made to prioritize personal health, family Marta Hill & Isabel Kjaer martahill@slpecho.com isabelkjaer@slpecho.com
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lthough the decision to resign was a difficult one to make, Principal Scott Meyers said it was ultimately made easier because of the potential positive effects on his personal life. “I’m going to miss being a part of almost 1,500 students’ lives. It is a really important thing and I take it very seriously. I’ll miss that a great deal,” Meyers said. “But getting more intentional around some of what I’m doing with my family and being present for my kids made it a little bit less difficult.” When reflecting on what he was most proud of during his time as principal, Meyers mentioned the Scheduling Task Force, teachers he has hired and expanding the BARR program from freshman to sophomore year, decreasing divisions within grades. “Elevating student voice, and looking for opportunities to make sure our students are able to interact with one another,” Meyers said. “When I first started, we had support blocks in ninth grade and honors blocks, and it was unintentionally separating and tracking students. So, I’ve been looking for ways to minimize that.” Freshman Winifred Fritz-Durocher said although she has not witnessed any widespread changes made by Meyers, new administration staff could affect her high school experience. “I guess that the change in leadership could change some things about the school. My parents might have
told me he was resigning, I just didn’t really know that much about it. The only place that I’ve really seen what he has done is in 6425 News, so I don’t really know what he has done here,” Fritz-Durocher said. Meyers said his message will not stop being spread just because he is leaving the high school. “I think the important thing for all of us to remember is when you leave something it doesn’t mean the work has to stop, it just means somebody else is going to continue the work,” Meyers said. “(Todd) Goggleye and (Jessica) Busse are great teammates and they’re going to do amazing things, and I know our district is going to do what they need to find somebody who’s ready to take on the challenge of continuing those things.” According to Meyers, although he won’t be directly involved in hiring the new principal, he predicts the district will lay out a process involving stakeholders to find a replacement. “I want to make sure that it’s a smooth transition for everybody. The students deserve it and the teachers deserve it, as well as the families,” Meyers said. According to freshman Luke Affeldt, the resignation was unexpected and he does not expect to be dramatically affected by the change in leadership. “I did not think that he was going to. It might be different from what I am doing now because there is a different principal there, I don’t think it will be that different, though,” Affeldt said. Meyers said one of his biggest focuses as principal was racial equity. He went on to say that he has seen the district go through a big transition with regards to equity and is proud to say the high school has been at the forefront of parts of that change. “I hope we continue to just internalize and make it what we do. And I already see it happening in our elementary schools, our middle school and our high school, where students can expect to have conversations about race and racial equity,” Meyers said.
reparing for his first Black History Month performance, sophomore Ezra Hudson said AfricanAmerican students don’t have enough representation in our school. “It’s important that we have a Black History Month show, as black students we aren’t always represented at the school so it’s an opportunity for us to get out there and represent ourselves in a positive way,” Hudson said. Grade level coordinator DJ Singer said he chose to get involved because black students can relate to him as they’ve experienced similar struggles. “It’s important for someone to step in who understands the culture and the students and will advocate for them and be a champion for them,” Singer said. “I know it’s hard. A lot of kids want to do things that are sort of stifled by administration.” Senior Alyscia Thomas is proud to know that she is getting her history out there, especially because it’s often overlooked in schools. “It’s important to learn history. We don’t learn about it in our schools so during the shortest month of the year, I think it’s very important to take time to learn about it,” Thomas said. “Even if it’s not your history.” The Black History Month performance will be during fourth and sixth hour Feb. 28.
Photo Abby Prestholdt
Planning: Senior Amaya Fokuo explains the plan for the Black History Month performance. Students can watch the show during fourth and sixth hour Feb. 28.
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NEWS
Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
There aren’t very many benefits that I can see to block scheduling. It would reduce productivity, and make the classes seem very long and tedious for students. Danny Shope, sophomore
WEB PREVIEW
Photo Ava Ashby
City Council plans to vote on bike project
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he City Council plans to vote on the Southeast Bikeway improvements March 2, according to senior city engineering project manager Jack Sullivan. “Our goal is to achieve a better network of mobility choices for the community,” Sullivan said. “By doing these projects with Connect the Park, it allows for everyone to have access to these types of facilities.” Sam Swisher samswisher@slpecho.com
Photo Kaia Myers
Scheduled: Assistant principal Jessica Busse explains the block schedule and seven-period schedule options to junior McCabe Dvorak and freshman Te’Seanna Tate Feb. 24. Students who participate in the survey will be entered to win gift cards.
Schedule options presented to community
Photo Anna Benishek
Leo Dworsky named featured artist of 2020
Choices include block, seven period days
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fter hearing he was named a featured artist for the Minnesota Varsity Classical Minnesota Public Radio, junior Leo Dworsky said it’s wonderful to be honored in an era where other genres of music are praised. “It’s amazing that there are organizations that will reward people for loving classical music. Our world is so dominated by other genres, and it’s awesome that there are other people that share the love for classical music,” Dworsky said. Jayde Claussen jaydeclaussen@slpecho.com
Marta Hill & Isabel Kjaer martahill@slpecho.com isabelkjaer@slpecho.com
‘To all the Boys’ sequel does not disappoint
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oing into the movie, I was concerned for how Lara Jean might have changed now that she had a boyfriend who liked to do different things than her, such as going to parties, but I was happy to see her character stay true to herself. I think the movie sends a very important message of not changing who you are for anyone.
Molly Schochet mollyschochet@slpecho.com For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho
to difficulties focusing for some students. “I have a hard time focusing for 40 minutes anyways, and if it is a class that I don’t like, I am not going to want to pay attention for even longer,” Johnson said. According to Krutina, in the block option, students would spend time on Tuesdays through Fridays with teachers or clubs on an alternating schedule. “Teachers would collaborate on the subjects they don’t teach on days they’re not supporting students,” Krutina said. Sophomore Greta Betzer said although students may like to move around the school more than the schedule allows, she thinks the longer classes will help. “You can just focus in for like an hour and a half on the same subject and you don’t have to go to like 50 minutes of each class and not really learn a lot everyday,” Betzer said. According to Krutina, the community can take a survey to give their feedback about the upcoming change, even juniors and seniors.
SOAR discusses racial, cultural issues Students hope for change Ryan Barnett & Grace Schultz ryanbarnett@slpecho.com w@slpecho.com
Fair use from Netflix
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ark has had a seven-period schedule since the 1980s and according to assistant principal Jessica Busse, it is no longer realistic. “Look at how many kids are going to PSEO classes, and online classes and doing education differently. What worked in the ’80s might not work in 2020,” Busse said. Flower Krutina, executive assistant to the superintendent, said a task force looked into a new schedule at Park, and narrowed it down to two options, which can be found online at slpecho.com. The block schedule option has eight classes Mondays, followed by four 80-minute alternating classes Tuesday through Friday, according to Krutina. The seven-period option keeps the same number of classes and incorporates an intervention and collaboration time. According to sophomore Emelia Johnson, who experienced block scheduling in middle school, she likes the seven-period option because longer class times can lead
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hile reflecting on the Students Organized Against Racism meeting, senior Zoe Younger said she is optimistic for a change in the curriculum. “The experiences of multilingual students was super eyeopening, for cabinet members and students alike,” Younger said. “I feel there’s going to be change in (curriculum), which
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Working in collaboration is absolutely essential for us to make a change in our system. Patrick Duffy, director of curriculum and instruction
is making me very hopeful.” Students Organized Against Racism (SOAR) met with Superintendent Astein Osei and his administrative cabinet Feb. 24 to continue their conversation regarding race. Osei said the administration has previously met with SOAR to discuss issues with race. “As I think about our historic mission, we specifically talk about energizing, enhancing the spirit of students,” Osei said. “Some of the things I heard today tells me that we’re still far off.” Junior and multi-lingual program member Helen Tefera said she was frightened to speak at first, but felt empowered to share her experience. “I was nervous at first, but I know it’s my right to say something,” Tefera said. “I felt more comfortable as the meeting went on.” According to Osei, he wants to incorporate racial issues in future curricula. “We need to stay on the
Photo Ryan Barnett
Empowered: Director of assessment, evaluation and research Silvy Un Lafayette and junior Helen Tefera listen to junior Iqra Abdi share her opinion during the SOAR meeting Feb. 24. SOAR met with the superintendent and his administration to discuss issues surrounding race in the district as a whole. course we are on and go deeper,” Osei said. “We need to continue to look at what we’re doing from a curriculum standpoint.” Director of Communications Sara Thompson said students help push the administration to work efficiently. “(It’s) always great to hear from students, they challenge us and encourage us to do more,” Thompson said. Director of curriculum and
instruction Patrick Duffy said the administration must work with students to make positive changes in the school district. “Working in collaboration is absolutely essential for us to make a change in our system. We need to work in tandem with our students,” Duffy said. “If as adults, we are going to eradicate systemic racism in our schools, we need to understand who we were, who we are and who we want to be.”
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There are no reported cases in Minnesota, so I think we’ll be fine.
STUDENT LIFE
Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
John Lawrence, sophomore
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Number of confirmed cases per country as of Feb. 26
19 2
13
11 18 300+ 13
59
78,000+ 1
1
800+ 1,200+
3 100+ 2 9
1 22
COVID-19
spreads across world Fear increases as virus comes closer to home Colin Canaday colincanaday@slpecho.com
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he coronavirus, now named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, has spread worldwide. Beginning in China, COVID-19 shortly thereafter brought isolated cases into the United States, having killed more than 2,618 people in total, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. COVID-19 has brought much concern around the world, even calling into question whether the 2020 Olympics will be canceled. Now with an isolated case in Wisconsin, it brings concerns over the safety of those in Minnesota. Even so, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is not yet labeled as a pandemic. Dr. Mark Schleiss from the University of Minnesota said he believes COVID-19 already meets those criteria. “I think (COVID-19) probably already meets the definition of a pandemic because all that a pandemic is, is a widespread outbreak across many continents. The World Health Organization will typically declare a pandemic if those criteria are met,” Schleiss said. “When it’s all said and done and the dust all settles, I think we will end up calling this a pandemic.” Sophomore Tommy Hiemenz said he tries to stay up to date with COVID-19. “I check (the news) like every two days to see what’s going on because it’s a scary thing,” Hiemenz said. According to Schleiss, the origins of COVID-19 are still unclear, although scientists have their speculations. “We don’t know why it emerged in the first place. The current evidence suggests that it emerged by jumping species, possibly from snakes to humans and possibly through intermediate species,” Schleiss said. Sophomore Jonathon Draheim said as the virus has come closer to home, his fears have increased. “I feel that when it was still abroad, I didn’t really have to worry about getting sick with it. Now
that it is in the U.S., it is more of a threat to my health and my family’s,” Draheim said. According to Schleiss, budget cuts under the Trump administration may inhibit our ability in the future to detect outbreaks. “Back in October, the Trump administration shut down a program that was funded by the United States Agency for International Development, which had a budget of over $200 million a year, and had been charged to try and do surveillance and anticipatory monitoring for the emergence of new viral infections,” Schleiss said. “That was an unfortunate decision by the Trump administration, and it may compromise our ability to identify future outbreaks.” Senior Jackson Kubitza said he doesn’t feel any elevated risk now that COVID-19 is in the United States. “I don’t feel anymore at risk now,” Kubitza said. “Plus they are in quarantine.” Schleiss said he believes the use of face masks is excessive, and in many cases, ineffective in prevention without constant use. “These discussions of face masks are rather ridiculous. If your goal is to say, ‘Look, I’m not going to let myself get exposed to any kind of germ that might make me sick,’ and that’s your rationale, you should wear a mask all of the time, 365 days a year,” Schleiss said. “The risk is so small that it’s preposterous to wear I feel that when it face masks. You can’t was still abroad, I protect yourself against didn’t really have to everything and the worry about getting likelihood that you’re sick with it. Now that going to catch something going to school, it is in the U.S. it is or going to church, or more of a threat to going to the mall, just my health and my doesn’t justify wearing family’s. a mask.” According to Schleiss, people can fol- Jonathon Draheim, sophomore low basic rules to avoid being contaminated and contaminating others. “If you’re sick, you shouldn’t go to school, you shouldn’t go to work, you should stay away. Avoid exposing others to your illness,” Schleiss said.
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Art Emmy Pearson Source New York Times
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WHAT’S THE POINT
PSEO offers expanded opportunities Abby Prestholdt abbyprestholdt@ slpecho.com
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FEATURES
Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
s soon as I received the email at the end of my sophomore year saying I was accepted into the University of Minnesota for their Post Secondary Enrollment Options program, I was ecstatic about this new chapter in my life. I was inspired to do Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) through my sister who attended PSEO at Bethel. I started taking classes in the fall of 2019. I took three courses and spent my entire first semester relaxing around campus and feeling free from the stresses of high school. My first semester was a huge adjustment from being stuck in school for seven hours a day to only having classes two hours a day. The types of classes are different from high school as well. There was much less class time What’s the but it’s all POINT? made up by homePSEO work. The bridges main transition resource from high that got me school to through college last semester was my ability to time manage; teachers provide a syllabus and expect you to remember all the deadlines and get all your work in on time. Many classes in PSEO have the common treatment of their students as adults and expect everyone to act like one. Students can choose between many different colleges for PSEO, including private schools, community schools and technology schools. My choice to go to the University of Minnesota was centered around the fact that it’s a well-known university with a variety of classes and majors I could explore. Another factor that helped me decide is that they provide free college for PSEO students. They do not charge students for books or classes. One negative is it took a lot of effort to connect to friends from high school. This has allowed me to explore my interests with many resources as well as obtain many credits for college. PSEO gives opportunities to those who are motivated to get an extra challenge and obtain extra freedom.
I think it’s really great that someone who is so young is starting their own organization. It takes a lot of leadership. Mona Regan, sophomore
Robotics prepares for competition Team seeks new female members Gabriel Kaplan & Noah Orloff gabrielkaplan@slpecho.com noahorloff@slpecho.com
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hile reflecting on her goals for robotics, junior Julia Salita said increased female involvement in the leadup to the competition in March to help diversify the field. “My goal for the team in general is to not only get new members but also get more female members, because at competition the judges love it when more females are on the team, and especially when they’re in charge,” Salita said. According to junior Nick Perszyk, the team is preparing for competition in March. “For this year’s challenge, we’ve got to make a robot that can shoot dodgeballs into goals and lift up onto a pivoting balance beam,” Perszyk said. Although the team has made progress, it still has a ways to go before being prepared for competition, according to adviser Trevor Paulson. “We still need to finalize our bit design, our swag, our shirts, stuff that we need from sponsors. There’s a lot to do behind the works,” Paulson said. Persyzk said the competition includes specific activities performed by the robot.
Photos Noah Orloff
Beep-boop-bop: Junior Julia Salita works during robotics practice Feb. 10. Salita said the team is currently strategizing before working on the robot for competition. “This year, we score points by having an automated portion at the beginning where we program our robot to operate itself,” Persyzk said. According to Salita, robotics is conducting preliminary tests to what will be in the final product. “Right now, we’re mainly prototyping and most of the stuff that we’re building right now probably won’t be in the final robot,” Salita said. Persyzk said the team decided it would be beneficial to hold late nights each week. “Depending on the week, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, we will stay late and eat dinner here just so we can get a lot done,” Persyzk said. Salita said she encourages those interested to try robotics. “You don’t have to join in full force or go to every meeting every second, but come in and talk to us,” Salita said.
Dodgeball: Robotics adviser Trevor Paulson works on a prototype robot by tightening a piece to pick up dodgeballs.
Robotics upcoming competition details • Robotics team prepares for competition March 25–28 • This competition’s theme is renewable energy Infographic Molly Schochet & Kaia Myers Source firstuppermidwest.org
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Junior works to brighten hospital stays with gifts Jae Stanberry spreads positivity through Packages of Hope
Jae Stanberry, junior
What is Packages of Hope? Packages of Hope is emotionalbased rather than charity. I put together care packages fit to one’s needs and hand deliver or ship them out to patients. What is the mission of Packages of Hope? Our saying is “giving a different type of care than in a hospital” or also “delivering one package at a time.” Why did you decide to start this organization? I’ve been in the hospital a lot for different surgeries, mental health, my parents have been sick, friends and other family too. It’s always dull and there’s not a whole bunch of interesting stuff there. Let alone, when you’re in the hospital, you
don’t really get a bunch of hope because you’re just there. You’re a patient and there’s nurses. We want to be there to be the highlight. What does a typical package look like? I have an application process with a Google form. It typically asks about what things you like to do. (The boxes) are all customized. Other generic things I include are hats, scarves, stickers, coloring pages, paint supplies, or fidgets, that’s a big one. I also put in hospital gowns, which aren’t normal and so dull and boring, they’re from Gift Gowns that have peace signs, little quotes and things like that. I include anything that’s not dull, something with colors or meaning that’s bright. What is your goal with Packages of Hope? The biggest thing is to bring a smile and offer a sense of hope because that’s what kiddos and teens need the most today.
Photo Kaia Myers
Pack it: Junior Jae Stanberry packs a weighted aromatherapy teddy bear into a bag for a patient Feb. 20. Stanberry stores supplies and boxes in her room to assemble the packages she makes. You’re participating in the Polar Plunge, what is your goal with doing it? It’s not completely related to Packages of Hope. However, I’m trying to have at least two-thirds of the funds go toward Packages of Hope. Otherwise I’ll find a hospital — and I’m thinking Children’s Minnesota — to do a big donation. How can Park students get involved? The biggest thing for right now
is donations. I’ve been needing some self care supplies, things like that. Or little stickers, stuffed animals, little blankets or detoxifiers. Donations are helpful. Otherwise, also just sometimes helping me put together the package. Students can contact me through my Instagram, @packages.of.hope.
Kaia Myers kaiamyers@slpecho.com
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I really liked it. The dancing was really good, the singing was good and the sets were also good.
FEATURES Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
Maya Frank, sophomore
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Photos Carissa Prestholdt
Good morning: Junior Leo Dworsky and other members of the ‘Hairspray’ cast perform their final dress rehearsal Feb. 19. Choir performed the musical “Hairspray” Feb. 20–Feb. 23.
‘Hairspray’ performances delight Cast members, students, director reflect on successes Sofie Geretz sofiegeretz@slpecho.com
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eflecting on his and the rest of the cast’s performance on choir’s production of “Hairspray,” senior Yoni Potter said the cast was able to pull everything together in time for the produc-
Lollipop: Sophomore Jada Mclemore playing Penny Pingelton sings the song Big Dollhouse during choir practice the week before the first performance Feb. 20.
tion. “I was kind of nervous. I wasn’t sure if we were going to get it all together but I think we pulled through by the end,” Potter said. “And I was really proud of everybody by the end, so that was really cool.” Sophomore Jacob Khabie said he enjoyed seeing his friends perform their parts in the musical. “It was really fun to watch all my friends perform on stage,” Khabie said. “You could really tell the performers were having lots of fun doing what they love to do.” According to stage director Lil Zumberge, being a part of the musical can elicit a lot of improvement for the students.
“From an educator viewpoint, I think it’s a really huge opportunity for growth for the performers,” Zumberge said. “Many of them are performing for the first time and this opportunity is different because it’s a class project.” Zumberge said the show was not very publicized at the high school, so there was less of a turnout than expected. “More people come out to support the experience. I know it was not broadly advertised,” Zumberge said. “I noticed I didn’t see a ton of teachers and a lot of people in attendance.” According to Khabie, the characters were cast well, making the quality of the musical higher. “They did a lot of things really well. I think the casting was perfect,” Khabie said. “You could tell the people who played certain roles were very into their role and very committed.” Potter said he enjoyed being surrounded by all of the emotions and enthusiasm during the process and productions. “I just really liked seeing it all come together and everybody’s extreme passion, dedication and excitement,” Potter said.
ACTIVITIES & AWARDS
Storiole approved as gold level store, heads to national DECA competition Maria Perez-Barriga mariaperezbarriga@slpecho.com
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Want your voice heard?
Photo Jayde Claussen
Sales: Senior Darion Lovely checks inventory at the Storiole Feb. 18. The Storiole received the gold level after being reviewed by DECA.
Echo is looking for artists, designers, photographers, reporters* and videographers for next year. Applications are available in room C363 and are due Feb. 28. *Reporter applicants who have taken Intro to Journalism are preferred.
he Storiole was approved as a gold level store, as ranked by DECA, said adviser Sophia Ross. “The Storiole submitted a schoolbased enterprise project to National DECA and they have recertified our store as a gold level store, we had to meet certain standards in the area of
pricing, finance and service management,” Ross said. Senior Storiole staffer Lola Ruff said she predicted the achievement. “It’s exciting, the whole class worked pretty hard so it’s good that our hard work paid off,” Ruff said. The DECA International Career Development Conference will take place April 29–May 2nd in Nashville, Tenn.
Park journalism wins First Amendment Press Freedom Award for ethics Ruthie Posada ruthieposada@slpecho.com
A Photo Emily Ziessman
Free speech: Sophomore Ayelet Prottas and junior Maria Perez Barriga edit a page on Echo’s late night Feb. 25. Park recently won the First Amendment Press Freedom Award.
fter being awarded the First Amendment Press Freedom Award, coEditor in Chief of the Echo and senior Marta Hill said it represents Park’s emphasis on the value of journalism. “From my understanding it means that as a school we uphold the First Amendment and we practice good journalism,” Hill said. “It shows that as a
school we value journalism and we value good journalistic ethics.” Echo adviser Lori Keekley said she is grateful the school puts an emphasis on the freedom of student voice. “It’s great that the school is being recognized in this way,” Keekley said.
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For more content go to slpecho.com twitter.com/slpecho facebook.com/slpecho
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IN-DEPTH
Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
Some people just want space, and having people watching you all the time just gets annoying and creepy. No one likes that feeling of being watched. Katiya Wandrie, sophomore
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Ease and availability of hidden cameras puts privacy in danger Marta Hill & Maggie Klaers martahill@slpecho.com maggieklaers@slpecho.com
Screw camera $19.99
Pen camera $39.99
Gage’s story may Kruchten was accus students’ hotel room was charged in Hen interfering with priv Just this week in filming two women Madison Delaney sa Advancements in cameras, according “Technology has lenses, the electronic them so that you ca ting easier to make t Though cameras this new technology cameras in a produc “We end up mou where we’re going a to see first person w Cameras may be on, according to Tom Health Board of Mi “Where I work, w we all park our cars surveillance, and the to anything,” Murp that someone with a that and move along
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Maybe you’re texting a parent, or you’re texting your friend and a camera could pick up on that and you might want that to be private.
IN-DEPTH
Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
Will Graves, freshman
ng the release of YouTuber Shane Dawson’s hidden conspiracy video, some raised concerns about
atched. This, coupled with the increase in reports
en cameras in Airbnbs and other short term rentals,
e question: is our privacy guaranteed?
er a frightening encounter on a trip to Spain, junior ate Gage was left with many questions and a conrn for her privacy. As Gage was going to bed, she and her roommate, nior Dare Kroeten, noticed a light coming from hind their mirror. When they pried the mirror off heir phones to record what was behind it, they were ey found. rly lit room with stains everywhere. There were ings plugged in. It looked like someone could live “And so we were like, ‘Can someone come into our in and out of this area? And is anyone in there and ere?’” was no camera or person behind the mirror, Gage n were rattled. Eventually, they decided they were went to bed.
gy improves, privacy worsens
y seem far-fetched, but Wisconsin teacher David sed of planting surveillance devices in three of his ms, according to the Star Tribune. On Feb. 5, he nnepin County District Court with three counts of vacy. New Jersey, a man was arrested for allegedly in a Barnes & Noble bathroom after 18-year-old aw the camera, according to CNN. n cameras have made it easier to use and abuse small to technology education teacher Trevor Paulson. s improved greatly over the last decade. Those cs, the sensors, all the stuff that goes into building an record images,” Paulson said. “It just keeps getthem smaller.” s can be used to surveil people, it isn’t the sole use of y. Paulson said the Robotics team is able to use these ctive way — vision tracking. unting them on robots so you can get a field view of at because if you’re standing on a wall, you don’t get what is going on,” Paulson said. e used to prevent crime, even if they are not turned m Murphy, a staff psychologist for the Indian inneapolis. we have this parking lot across the street where s and there’s a sign there that says you are under ere’s a camera there. The camera is not hooked up phy said. “But it’s hopefully some level of deterrent, a passing thought of breaking into a car would see g.”
n our side
y law varies on a state-by-state basis, it all boils idea of a reasonable expectation of privacy, accordwen, a privacy attorney and co-chair of the Internaof Privacy Professionals. ally when we’re talking about film and recording d in a lot of different legal protections. But it comes ly: what is the reasonable expectation that a particugiven situation or location. Do you have a reasonprivacy?” Schwen said. “Generally, when you’re out ide in public, you do not have a reasonable expectaso you can typically be recorded or photographed
Gage said she expects a certain level of privacy in places like Airbnb rentals and hotel rooms, which makes the invasion in Spain much more alarming. “Just the thought that you’re there and you know it’s someone else’s property, but you still expect a certain amount of privacy. Especially in a place where you’re paying money to be there,” Gage said. “You want a little bit of a safe, secure feeling.” Schwen said legislators, such as Reps. Mohamud Noor and Steve Elkins are working on passing new, more comprehensive privacy laws in Minnesota. This includes proposed House Bill 2917, which aims to create more protection for personal data. “Privacy is going through a renaissance, at least in the United States. In the U.S., it’s not, legally-speaking, traditionally treated as a fundamental human right. However, it is in a lot of other countries,” Schwen said. “Regions like Europe, for example, have historically treated privacy and the right to privacy as a fundamental human right … they also can’t really violate those rights without violating some sort of law.” Schwen said there is gray area in the prosecution of this invasion of privacy. The degree of danger the victim is put in can direct the severity of the punishment. This gray area becomes even murkier in the case of Airbnbs, as the rules for camera usage are dictated by the company’s Terms of Service.
Waterproof camera $20.00
Behavior changes and paranoia When Gage discovered the room behind her mirror in their hotel, she felt her right to privacy was violated by the mere possibility of being watched. “I felt so freaked out, just knowing the possibility of someone could be watching you,” Gage said. “You always hear about stuff like that and you never think it’s going to happen to you, which it didn’t happen to me, but the possibility was really real.” The effects of being recorded or watched can affect people in both good and bad ways, according to Murphy. “It’s a double-edged thing, it can change people’s behaviors in a positive way,” Murphy said. “But at the same time, it can be negatively used against you without your consent. That is a real problem.” According to Gage, as someone who has experience with an invasion of privacy, the fact that so much information is readily available online about her does not make it less scary. “It just seems like so much is out there, that in a living space the only thing you can really control is how much you put out there,” Gage said. “By having that one security taken away from you, (or) feel like it might be, I think that’s why people get so freaked out.” Schwen urges people to exercise caution when staying in short-term rentals, but not to let paranoia overtake reason. “You should feel safe from being recorded if someone was following the law in the bathrooms and bedrooms and that kind of stuff. But as Airbnb says, they totally allow cameras in public living spaces like living rooms, so keep that in mind. I would say look around. Don’t be paranoid,” Schwen said. “I also wouldn’t do anything in any sort of public space, or space controlled by another person that I wouldn’t want recorded.” If people feel they are overly paranoid, they should talk to a trusted peer or professional, according to Murphy. He also said the odds of being recorded or watched are very slim, so it shouldn’t be an issue in most cases. “Life is not like the movies, life is often more boring than you see. For example, I have clients that think all these people are watching them,” Murphy said. “I tell them, ‘the amount of money it would take, the amount of resources you’re talking about would be a huge enterprise. Frankly, you’re probably not that important.’ So, kind of reality check yourself about the level of scrutiny that you might be under.”
Infographic Lilly Strathman Source Amazon & Ebay Art Maggie Klaers, Sophie Livingston & Emmy Pearson
Outlet camera $29.99
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SPORTS Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
OUT OF THE PARK
Nordic bond feels everlasting Adam Gips adamgips@ slpecho.com
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fter 10 years of skiing, I joined Park Nordic and the relationships I formed with my teammates have come to reflect an integral reason of why I keep skiing. In ninth grade, two friends told me about the Nordic team. I was nervous and unaware of what the team was going to be like. Before I joined, I had not learned the proper technique, and I did not know what to buy. Fortunately, the captains and my friends helped explain the essentials and made me feel more prepared for the season. After being on the Nordic team for a few months, I developed a close relationship with my team. I quickly felt at home with an inclusive and respectful environment. I felt incredible support from the Nordic community. Team-bonding events allowed me to get to know my teammates on a personal level. We What’s the cope with extreme POINT? temperatures, horrible snow conditions and long wax lines, bringing everyone together. I went out of my comfort zone and decided to join Nordic to explore my interest in skiing, and I discovered a close-knit community of dedicated people. Through Nordic, I have developed and strengthened many friendships, and have improved as a skier. I believe students should try to find a community like Nordic. These connections have deepened my commitment to the sport and my team. Before I joined, I did not have a real community to be myself in, but Nordic changed that. I became more social and ultimately, a better person. Through Nordic, I have gotten to know new people. For many sports, middle schoolers are not included, but through Nordic I made connections with a lot of younger skiers. Each year, the team grows and bonds become stronger making the community feel everlasting. I encourage students to find a close-knit community where they can be themselves. It gives people the opportunity to meet new people and develop special friendships.
Find a close-knit community
The boys’ swimming season went really well. They are an enthusiastic team and are very supportive of each other. Nadia Mburu, sophomore
Swimming places second at Sections Boys’ team sends swimmers to compete at State Tobias Khabie tobiaskhabie@slpecho.com
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hen Park boys’ swimming placed second at Sections Feb. 22, coach Amanda Forsberg said the team’s success was greater than she had anticipated. “They far exceeded my expectations, so it’s been a great season. They put in the hard work and it paid off,” Forsberg said. According to senior and captain Zachary Weiser, this is one of the team’s most successful seasons. “We got second place for one of the first times ever in this Section, so that was super exciting,” Weiser said. “It’s exciting to see how we can improve for next season.” According to Forsberg, because the boys don’t have a diving team, it makes the success the team had even more remarkable. “It’s always going to be an uphill battle for the second spot against the (other) teams’ diving points,” Forsberg said. “So I was excited to see that happen. We haven’t
Photo Ava Ashby
Splashing: Junior Zach Affeldt swims the 100-yard butterfly at Sections Feb. 22. Affeldt finished day two of Sections in fifth with a time of 53.22 seconds. Affeldt will swim the 50yard butterfly in the medley relay at State, which starts at 6 p.m. today. gotten second at Sections since I can’t even remember.” Weiser said a factor in the team’s success was almost everybody improved their times. “A lot of people were trying to get some better times and almost everyone was able to continue to improve, or at least be happy with the way they were swimming,” Weiser said. “Everyone competed well and it really showed in the results.” According to freshman Denly Lindeman, day two of Sections was more competitive and fun than the first day. “It’s always fun because day one, no one’s really trying. You’re just trying to get to the top eight or top 16,” Lindeman said. “But once you’re at day two you’re giving it everything you got.” Forsberg said while the team will lose some seniors next season, the underclassmen
Boys’ swimming State events •
200-yard medley relay
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200-yard freestlyle relay
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200-yard individual medley
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100-yard breastroke Infographic Claire Bargman Source Minnesota State High School League
on the team are ready to take their place. “We’re losing four incredible seniors, but we had a lot of underclassmen step up,” Forsberg said. “We also had two junior high kids who were the only two in the meet, both made day two of Sections so I’m very excited for next year.” Park will compete at State Feb. 29 at Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center at the University of Minnesota.
Gymnastics falls in Sections Season leaves room for improvement Talia Lissauer talialissauer@slpecho.com
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lthough only a select number of gymnasts competed in Sections, junior Courtney Hanson said those who didn’t compete still showed up and motivated their teammates. “I think the team cheering for us really helped,” Hanson said. “Even those who weren’t competing still came to watch and cheer us all on.” Park gymnastics Even those participated in Sections at who weren’t Hopkins High competing still School Feb. against came to watch 15 eight other and cheer us schools. No Park students all on advanced to State. Courtney Hanson, junior According to junior
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Photo Ava Ashby
Barz: Junior Marissa Boettcher preforms her bar routine at Varsity Sections Feb. 15 at Hopkins High School Park placed sixth overall in the meet. Josie Briant, she enjoyed successfully showing her new skills. “My favorite part of (Sections) was competing my new skills in my floor routine, which went really well which was exciting for me,” Briant said. Coach Dawn Thielen said the team struggled with confidence on some events. “It wasn’t one of our best meets. The girls definitely let their nerves get to them, but we have a tough Section. All in all, they handled it pretty well in the end,” Thielen said. “The floor ended up being our best event.”
According to Hanson, even though mistakes were made, the team didn’t let it affect them during other events. “My favorite part was watching those who might not have done well in one routine still get up and go work on another routine and stick that routine perfectly,” Hanson said. Briant said the mistakes made gave the team something to work on for next season. “We didn’t get our best team score but that just shows room for improvement next year,” Briant said. This Sections meet was Parks’ final meet of the 2019-2020 season.
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They played really well, and they had a lot of supportive fans at their game.
SPORTS
Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
Ben Mathews, sophomore
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MEET THE ATHLETE
Who Ben St. Clair Grade Junior Sport Swimming How long have you been swimming for Park? For the high school team, this will be my fourth year. I’ve been swimming for around six or seven years in total. Have you played any other sports? I haven’t played any other sports for high school, but when I was younger I played hockey and soccer.
Photos Emily Ziessman
Last embrace: Seniors Jacob Johnson and Will Pinney hug each other following the Feb. 20 Sections loss against Cretin-Derham Hall.
Boys’ hockey season comes to an emotional close Park loses to CretinDerham Hall in Sections
Attack: Junior Drew Boyum and Cretin-Derham Hall senior Matthew Gleason fight over the puck. Boyum scored a total of 11 goals throughout the regular season.
What’s your favorite thing about the sport? I like all the friends I’ve made. There’s a lot of nice, fun people that swim, especially on the high school team. Also, it’s a really good workout so it helps me stay in shape. How do you think this past swim season went? We went undefeated in our dual meets, which was really exciting, and we won our Conference for the first time in a while, so that was really fun.
Maggie Klaers & Ruthie Posada maggieklaers@slpecho.com ruthieposada@slpecho.com
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fter the Feb. 20 Sections loss to Cretin-Derham Hall, Park players gathered around each other on the ice in tears. Senior Will Pinney said the emotions were running high throughout the game. “They were a really good team. The energy on the ice was unreal. It definitely was an emotional game. Last game for all the seniors, last game for myself,” Pinney said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better city to play for and a better team to have.” Senior Jacob Johnson said the close friendships between teammates transcends grades. “Just three years of kids — seniors, juniors and sophomores — the dynamic was great and everyone came together as the year went on. They just seem like brothers now,” Johnson said. Pinney said growing up playing in the St. Louis Park Hockey Association created a unique bond among his teammates. “We’ve been playing with each other for I don’t know how long, since (we) were like little kids, and we got to learn a lot about each other over the years,” Pinney said. “We definitely had a lot of good times with each other, this year especially.” Immediately after the end of the season, senior Jacob Young said the seniors were already discussing games they could come back for and watch from the stands next year. “They’re definitely going to be there. Boys are already talking about coming to games next year. The team next year is probably going to be a strong team too,” Young said. Although Pinney’s time in the net isn’t over, he said leaving behind his long-time teammates will be bittersweet. “It’s weird growing up playing with St. Louis Park my whole life, it’s definitely going to be a big change going to play for a junior team — (a) team other than St. Louis Park, and it’ll be fun,” Pinney said. “I’m excited for my future and what (it) has to hold but you know, definitely is going to be weird not playing with the boys again.” Johnson said his time playing at Park will continue to impact him, even as his hockey career comes to a close. “There’s always bigger and better things. It’s just nice to know that I’ve got an entire team of guys behind me no matter what,” Johnson said.
What led you to choose swimming over other sports? I got head injuries with the other sports, so I decided to try something new and swimming happened to work for me.
Puck fight: Senior Jacob Johnson protects the puck from Cretin-Derham Hall freshman Attila Lippai and sophomore Gabe Rasmussen. Park lost the game 3-6.
Did you meet your goals for the season? So far, practices have been going well. I feel like I’m on track to do what I wanted to do in the 100 free and the 50 free. How do you prepare before meets? Before meets, I like to stretch out (and) focus on my races, visualize how I’m going to try to swim. Before Varsity Sections, our team tapers, which means the yardage goes down at each practice but the intensity goes up. So more sprinting and stuff, which really helps you do better. What are some of your favorite swim memories? Just the jokes that people make during hard sets. That’s probably my favorite part, smiling through the pain. What is the hardest thing about the sport? The practices. Day after day of hard practices can really get to you. But the team really makes it worth it I’d say.
All together: Players huddle after a first round Sections loss. Park ended the season with a record of 16-9-0.
Gabe Kaplan gabekaplan@slpecho.com
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OPINIONS
Echo Friday, February, 28 2020
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Editors-in-chief: Marta Hill* & Isabel Kjaer* Managing editors: Gabriel Kaplan*, Kaia Myers*, Noah Orloff*, Carissa Prestholdt* & Sofia Seewald* Photo editor: Emily Ziessman, Anna Benishek* & Abby Prestholdt Design editors: Maggie Klaers & Sophie Livingston Assistant Design Editors: Grace Schultz Infographic editor: Ryan Barnett* Copy editors: Ruth Posada, Sofie Geretz & Tobias Khabie Assistant copy editors: Tenzin Gyaldatsang News editor: Talia Lissauer* Features editor: Molly Schochet In-Depth editor: Maddie Schutte Sports editor: Sadie Yarosh Other editor: Emelia Pearson, Opinions editor: Maria Perez-Barriga* Entertainment editor: Ben Sanford Video/broadcast editors: Isabella Kanne & Lilly Strathman Staff: Ava Ashby, Neb Bekele, Colin Canaday, Jayde Claussen, Adam Gips, Alenea Green, Tennam Gyaldatsang,* Megan Hoenie, Harris Keekley, Isra Mohamed, Henry Nelson, Mackenzie Peschong, Ayelet Prottas, Jane Pupeza, Samuel Swisher Principal: Scott Meyers Printer: North Star Media Adviser: Lori Keekley *Denotes editorial board member MEDIA POLICIES
The Echo is the official studentproduced newspaper of St. Louis Park High School. It is published triweekly 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 individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Echo staff or administration as a whole. The Echo welcomes reader input. 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. 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 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. NSPA Hall of Fame member; 2011, 2016, 2017, 2019 NSPA Print Pacemaker Finalist; 2013, 2014, 2015. 2018 National Print Pacemaker Award Recipient; 2014, 2015, 2017 National Online Pacemaker Finalist; 2018, 2019 National Online Pacemaker Award Recipient; 2017 CSPA Hybrid Crown Finalist; 2013 CSPA Gold Crown; 2015 CSPA Hybrid Gold Crown; 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 CSPA Silver Crown; JEM All-State.
(The bike path) is a positive improvement. With the amount of people that use their bikes to get to school, it’s safer and reliable transportation. Mason Boesche, sophomore
OUR PERSPECTIVE
Permanent block scheduling feels unnecessary
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s new start and end times come into effect in the 2020-21 year, the Scheduling Task Force has turned its focus on the 2021-22 year. Currently, it is presenting its options for the daily schedule.The seven-period option allows for meeting time before school and collaboration during the day. The block schedule option has eight classes on Monday and four alternating Tuesday through Friday, with rotating time for clubs, subject help and collaboration. Students and community members are able to give their feedback using a survey on Instagram through Feb. 24. The Echo Editorial Board applauds the Scheduling Task Force for asking for community input. Students are being affected by this change, and we appreciate students have a voice in the matter. However, we find the block schedule option ill-informed. Having seven classes a day already gives students enough stress and adding an eighth could increase stress. Additionally, in a lot of subjects it is important to have daily reinforcement, particularly in music and art programs. According to the administration,
Photo Kaia Myers
Did we ask?: Assistant principal Jessica Busse and executive assistant to the superintendent Flower Krutina present the new schedule options for the 2021-22 school year during third lunch Feb. 24. Students who vote on which option they’d prefer on Instagram or the survey will be entered to win gift cards. next year will be spent training teachers on how to make engaging 80-minute classes. Teachers will also be forced to entirely restructure their classes. The collaboration and help time implemented in both options has the opportunity to be beneficial to students and staff, but again, we fear it may become free time that is wasted. Finally, the current schedule does not seem to be causing too many issues among students and it doesn’t make sense to change a system that works for students now. The administration should be
focused on much greater issues, such as widespread vandalism, lack of locks on bathroom stalls and general school cleanliness. Because of these considerations, the Editorial Board proposes a seven-period schedule with only two days of block scheduling per week for the 2021-2022 school year. This would provide the school with the benefits of limited block scheduling days, without the stress of an additional class. We ask every student to make an informed choice that takes into account all factors and influences of their decision.
Bike path construction inconvenient Construction causes unsafe bike commute Harris Keekley harriskeekley@slpecho.com
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ike paths provide a safe and fast route for students to get around the city, but the ongoing construction on the Cedar Lake Trail has restricted access to the paths and has forced students to bike on the road. For me, this means biking on West 36th Street on my way to school every morning, which currently has no bike lanes. Since May 13, 2019, the paths have been closed and roads near the high school were hazardous. It is more of a hassle to get to school than it should be. The city is currently building the Southwest Light Rail
Art Maggie Klaers
Photo Emmy Pearson
Construction here: Cedar Lake Trail is closed and under construction, among other bike paths in St. Louis Park, because of the installation of the light rail. The trail will reopen fall of 2021 according to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board website. Transit — where the Cedar Lake Trail was located — causing the inconvenience. Removing the paths, building the light rail and rebuilding the paths is scheduled to be completed in 2021. Until then, I urge the city to consider putting in bike lanes on roads near the trail. This way, students and bikers can get to their destinations safely. Although the Connect The
Up to privacy: One, two, three, eyes on privacy. One, two, eyes on you.
Southwest Cedar Lake Trail information •
Construction to last through 2021
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Closed from Excelsior Blvd. in Hopkins east to France Ave.
Infographic Harris Keekley Source Three Rivers Park District
Down to schedule change: Why mess with my routine?
Park plan already states that there will be more bike lanes by 2025, there should be more bike lanes on roads by the Cedar Lake Trail this year. The paths are still closed and no bike lanes exist on certain routes, such as mine. The city of St. Louis Park should consider speeding up the timeline for the Connect The Park project, as bikers are currently inconvenienced and unsafe.
Up to YouTubers: Getting money, becoming rich. #YouTubelife
M.K., M.P., M.P.
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I think they should ban kneeling. If you are representing your country, you should stand for the national anthem.
OPINIONS
Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
Olivia Brown, sophomore
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Olympic protest ban limits fundamental right Ban sets bad precedent for Olympic committee Colin Canaday colincanaday@slpecho.com
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tanding on the podium at the 1968 summer Olympics in Mexico, American John Carlos historically raised his fist in a Black Power Salute. One of the most memorable moments in Olympic history, and one which got John Carlos kicked out of the Olympics and he will no longer be able to participate. Published Jan. 9, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) released Rule 50 Guidelines, in order to diminish athletes’ and attendees’ rights to protest in future Olympic games. The upcoming 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics rules state, “No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.” By not allowing the right to protest, the committee promotes injustice in the world. Protest has always been a normality within the Olympics, long before the iconic 1968 Black Power Salute. The history of protest at the Olympics notably began in 1906, 10 years after the first
Olympics when Irishman Peter O’Connor smuggled in an Irish flag to protest being forced to compete for the British team. Protests occurred again in 1964, although surprisingly, by the IOC against South Africa’s apartheid practices, announcing it would refuse to allow white and black athletes to compete together. The South African government was told by the IOC that they could either allow all athletes to compete equally, or be barred from participating. After much back and forth, South Africa was ultimately barred from attending the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. This act by the IOC directly demonstrates contrast between willingness to talk about political issues half a century ago and now. I firmly believe that the right to protest is a fundamental human right everywhere. I firmly believe As long as the that the right to protest is peaceful protest should and does not spread a hateful message or be a fundaaffect other athletes mental human performances, I see right everyno reason not to let athletes to protest. where.
Art Alenea Green
POINT COUNTERPOINT
Daylight saving time impacting many Minnesotans Two bills were proposed in February to the Minnesota legislature – HB 1397 and SF 1416 – debating on making daylight saving time permanently. Daylight saving bills would allow for more stability Switching clocks tedious, harmful Isabel Kjaer isabekjaer@slpecho.com
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t this point, switching clocks to “spring forward” in March and “fall behind” in November has become automatic for most. However, this switch can cause a brutal change in our internal clocks. With the new bills in place, we will no longer be forced to adjust every six months. There have been problems since the Uniform Time Act of 1966, according to the Department of Transportation. According to the Department of Transportation, daylight saving time is useful for reducing energy, by lowering need for
CORRECTION PARK TRAIL
lights. However, we can be heavily affected as our bodies adjust to the time. One study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the risk of heart attacks increases during the transition after switching the clock. Also, the sleep loss by the time change has lead to severe effects, such as an increase in traffic accidents, according to another New England Journal of Medicine study. While some may say daylight savings increases the amount of sunlight we see, according to a study published in Epidemiology, there is actually a large uptick of depression cases in the month after we change the clocks in the fall. This all begs the question, is daylight savings really helping?
More sunlight leads to increased happiness
STUDENT VOICES Should Minnesota get rid of daylight saving time?
Time change leads to benefits Tennam Gyaldatsang tennamgyaldstang@slpecho.com
“Daylight saving time isn’t necessary anymore.”
Tommy Hiemenz, sophomore
“We should keep daylight saving time, it doesn’t affect my life.”
Dylan Peck, sophomore
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aylight savings is beneficial to most of the country because it adds to the amount of natural sunlight people receive. With the seasonal depression that some experience during winter, daylight saving time makes it so people can receive more natural sunlight. The increase in natural light from the sun leads to less of a reliance on artificial light during the day. Having daylight saving time is favorable because it counteracts the sedentary life that many Americans are accustomed to during the win-
tertime. I enjoy going to the gym while the sun is out and the time change also allows for individuals to exercise outside with sunlight, such as walking dogs or going on strolls with their family. The time change has a large economic impact in some areas of the United States. According to Fundera, with the sun up longer, more people are willing to go outside and eat at restaurants and shop at stores outdoors in the sunlight. I know business owners see an increase in foot traffic and purchases if there were more sunlight. I feel the change is good for everyone because it leads to an increase in natural sunlight, economic impact and more time to exercise.
In Issue 6, Page 9 of Echo, the swimming caption misidentified the swimmer. The swimmer is sophomore Tenzin Gyaltso. Echo apologizes for this error.
Abby Prestholdt abbyprestholdt@slpecho.com
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12 ENTERTAINMENT
Echo Friday, February 28, 2020
It’s kind of cool that people are able to do that and it doesn’t really bother me that they have them, so I think if they find it fun they should do it. Victoria Schmelzle, sophomore
Content by the numbers
Photos used with permission from Helen Tefera and Jalen Witherspoon
Over 2 billion users 1 billion hours watched daily Over $2 billion earned by monetized videos
Never have I ever: Junior Jalen Witherspoon introduces his friends for a video titled “never have I ever.” The video is one of many on the channel that Jalen shares with his friends.
Infographic Izzy Kanne Source YouTube About
5:11 / 10:32 Photo Staff Member
YouTuber fame in today’s pop culture Students hop on trend to create content Maria Perez Barriga mariaperezbarriga@slpecho.com
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s YouTubers are on the rise in today’s society, their growing fame has allowed some creators to be invited to big events such as James Charles and Emma Chamberlain, who attended the Met Gala in 2019. The popularity of YouTube creators can open opportunities outside of the platform. According to assistant professor at the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota, Diane Cormany, the impact of YouTube has caused people to want to attain a certain lifestyle. “I would say that it kind of works with what the influencer culture goals contribute to it and influences people wanting to get into that. So people have been able to make them stars using YouTube, it has become a big pop culture influence in itself. People look up to that and want that for themselves,” Cormany said. Junior Jalen Witherspoon YouTube really said the reason for creating stands on it’s own content for his YouTube in many ways. channel is the financial There is no direct reward and entertainment aspect of it. competitor to it. “We want to make people interested in our videos Diane Cormany, that we draw everyday. Get assistant professor
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METRO AT A GLANCE Ben Sanford bensanford@slpecho.com Fair use from Disney/Pixar, Sony Music Entertainment, HBO, Minneapolis Institute of Art
money and entertain all the fans,” Witherspoon said. Cormany said YouTube is a part of a massive society in which YouTubers are able to make videos that could be shown worldwide. “YouTube specifically works within a larger culture that is known as convergence culture, where people kind of create and modify content and share it across multiple different platforms,” Cormany said. According to Business Insider, there are more than 1.8 billion users who have access to YouTube. Cormany said YouTube will remain popular due to aspects of the platform, such as the competition and popularity. “I don’t see it going away anytime soon. You just see that every couple of years, some new social media platform grabs everyone’s attention. YouTube really stands on its own in many ways. There is no direct competitor to it,” Cormany said. Junior YouTuber Helen Tefera said a number of people go on YouTube for entertainment purposes rather than educational purposes. “Some people watch it about how to cook food and how to speak another language. Mostly I think people see it for fun and to learn things from it,” Tefera said. Tefera and Witherspoon are among the YouTubers that have gained many subscribers and views. Tefera said there is an upsurge of YouTubers for the wealth you can attain from making videos. “There’s a lot of people who want to do it for fun, for money, for everything,” Tefera said. Cormany said due to the increase in content creators it has become difficult for channels to gain popularity. “YouTube has made it harder to reach that level because of changing algorithms and changing terms of what content will get boosted,” Cormany said. To check out Witherspoon and the rest of his group’s YouTube channel is YSN. Tefera’s YouTube channel is Helen Fanta.
Up next
Truth or dare: Junior Helen Tefera plays a game of truth or dare on her YouTube channel Helen Fanta. The video is titled “Oromo / Somali Truth or dare.”
Fun times: Junior Jalen Witherspoon poses for the camera with co-stars of his YouTube channel YSN. The video is titled “Bodyguard Frying”
Ring ring: Junior Helen Tefera acts in a skit for her YouTube channel. The video is titled “OROMO MOM BLAME EVERYTHING ON PHONE WITH BAD ENGLISH.”
March 6
March 6
March 15
Feb. 28 – May 24
Pixar’s “Onward” follows the story of two brother elves as they journey through their fantastical world to resurrect their deceased father with a magic staff.
Being the first album from Mandy Moore in over a decade, “Silver Linings” brings the famed “Tangled” and “This Is Us” star back to the spotlight.
Two years since the season 2 finale, HBO’s “Westworld” looks to change direction of the story as the TV show moves from western fantasy to a more sci-fi genre.
This new Minneapolis Institute of Art exhibit hopes to bring light to stories of immigrants, giving voice to those that don’t always have the opportunity to share.