The student news site of St. Louis Park High School

The Echo
The student news site of St. Louis Park High School

The Echo
The student news site of St. Louis Park High School

The Echo
Elena Ortiz-Fishman

Elena Ortiz-Fishman, Editor-in-Chief

Hi! My name's Elena and I’m so excited to be one of the chiefs this year! Aside from having the best paper ever, some of my goals for this year include learning to tie my own shoes (thanks Maten), drive on the highway, finish a matcha all by myself and try every single Crumbl cookie there is. I love to talk about my cat Geenie or discuss your favorite band with you (I probably discovered them before you did). For business inquiries, you can book an appointment with my secretary Maren Wilsey. She can probably fit you in between a shift at Panera or dancing it up in Spanish club. Roll Orioles!

All content by Elena Ortiz-Fishman
Fair use from HBO Max

‘Barry’ breaks hearts

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
May 31, 2023
Students work on assignments in IB History HL. There has been recent discussions by the district over the lack of diversity in advanced classes at Park.

Advanced classes for the masses

Elena Ortiz-Fishman, Katie Nelson, and Anya Panday
January 30, 2023
Senior Mikal Andrews checks back into building after lunch break on Oct. 17. Students are now required to check into the office after leaving school.

Is school safe – or is that not the case?

Anisa Kahin, Nafisa Kahin, Liz Williams, Katie Nelson, and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
October 18, 2022
Students board bus 213 Sept. 21. On Sept. 7, the bus stopped to aid a toddler found in the street.

Bus stops to help child

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
September 29, 2022
New Pragues gym banner returns to the wall of the gym. It was removed last year when Park ceased competition with New Prague.

[Photo] Competition with New Prague resumes

September 11, 2022

[Video] Freshman Orientation 2022

September 4, 2022
New assistant principal Alyssa Gardner talks to an incoming freshman during activity fair Sept. 1. Gardner watched as the new students checked out all the clubs .

Leadership forms new initiatives

Elena Ortiz-Fishman and Katie Nelson
September 3, 2022
Sophomore Will Carpenter runs along St. Louis Park Cross Country supporters. The team ran two miles 6:30 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Middle School Sept. 24.

Geezer chase raises a run of money

Elena Ortiz-Fishman and Maren Wilsey
August 28, 2022
Senior Ben Farley pitches June 14. Park got fifth seed for the state tournament, against fourth seed Maple Grove.

Maple Grove strikes out Park

Elena Ortiz-Fishman and Maren Wilsey
June 21, 2022
Seniors throw their caps in the air June 7. This tradition marks the end of the seniors time at Park.

Hats off to ’22

Katie Nelson and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
June 8, 2022

Cut Through the Noise: Kendrick Lamar, HUNNY, Bad Bunny

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
May 14, 2022
In a practice room, junior Greta Runyon and Gretchen Huebsch study sheet music May 9. In order to keep up with an IB course-load, the Independent Study Wind Ensemble allows students to practice band on their own time.

Study hall aims to help IB diploma candidates

Maren Wilsey, Cece Jensen, and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
May 10, 2022
Onstage, senior Carlitos Anguita-Smith receives a rose from Band Director Steve Shmitz May 3. After the band concert, Shmitz handed out roses to recognize the achievements of the graduating seniors.

Band concert wraps up year

Maren Wilsey, Elena Ortiz-Fishman, and Cece Jensen
May 9, 2022
Sophomore releases new single ‘Vertigo’

Sophomore releases new single ‘Vertigo’

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
April 20, 2022
In their science classroom, freshmen Kaylee Rice and Isaiah Brown hold Farkie the lizard April 8. Aside from being featured on his own Instagram account, Farkie has also brought educational opportunities to students.

[Photo] Lizards connect the school

April 19, 2022
Fair use from Warner.

‘Further Joy’ in rose-tinted glasses

Elena Ortiz Fishman
April 10, 2022
Coach Carolyn Guddal instructs swimmers March 10. This is Guddals first year of being the head coach for girls synchronized swimming.

Synchro dives into new waters

Elena Ortiz Fishman
March 12, 2022
Junior Stefano Giovannelli walks down the stairs maskless March 10. On March 9, the School Board accepted a revision to policy 808, causing masking at schools to be optional.

Maskless made effective immediately

Elena Ortiz Fishman
March 8, 2022
Juniors Abby Bauduin and Elliot McGary-Walters discuss the newest spring play, Mutually Assured Destruction, at the interest meeting Feb. 28. The final show will be held April 29 – May 1.

‘Mutually Assured Destruction’ to take center stage

Elena Ortiz-Fishman, Danny Shope, Cece Jensen, and Modesty Manion
March 6, 2022
Senior Louise Marshall and junior Emma Samuels rehearse a pivotal scene Feb. 3. In the show, Catherine Donahue goes to the company doctor to receive medical aid, following radium poisoning.

Winter One Act places top three at Sections

Elena Ortiz-Fishman, Cece Jensen, Danny Shope, and Modesty Manion
February 27, 2022
Senior Louise Marshall delivers a monologue to the audience Feb. 3. After their final performance Feb. 5, Park won third place.

[Photo]

Senior Louise Marshall and freshman Miles Johnson converse on stage Feb. 3. The two depicted the true story of Catherine and Tom Donahue in These Shining Lives.

[Photo]

Park students attend a boys basketball game against Waconia on Feb. 18. There has been less fans present at girls sporting events.

Fan disparity impacts athletes

Elena Ortiz-Fishman and Danny Shope
February 24, 2022
Fair use from Dead Oceans

‘Laurel Hell’ to break the world

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
February 13, 2022
Used with permission by Hanna Anderson.

Mi Perú-Minnesota enriches community

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
February 13, 2022
Junior Cece Jensen and Spanish club adviser Hanna Anderson dance together Jan. 20. Club members learned merengue, bachata and salsa.

[Photo] Spanish club dances into the new year

January 26, 2022
Freshman Henry Horstman Olson throws the disk toward a teammate. Boys ultimate held their first practice Jan. 8.

Boys’ Crush ultimate indoor practices set foundation

Lily Nugteren, Katie Nelson, and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
January 23, 2022
Former School Board chair Mary Tomback suggests alternate schedule options for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years during the school board meeting Jan. 27, 2020 in C350. Tomback and other School Board members recently met to discuss potential options for distance learning as COVID-19 rates rise.

Distance learning looms as cases rise

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
January 14, 2022
Students hold up sign in support of a safe community. Walkout was held from 6th hour until the end of the school day.

Student empowerment brings attention to social change

Elena Ortiz-Fishman, Katie Nelson, and Lily Nugteren
January 12, 2022
Seniors Caroline Butler and Louise Marshall, and juniors Gwen Rocker-Gladen and Abby Baudhin rehearse for the Winter One Act “These Shining Lives” where they play workers plagued with radium poisoning. The show is opening Jan. 14 and closing Jan. 16.

Theater awarded Spotlight honors

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
January 7, 2022
La Bodega Taco Bar on Jan. 4. The Taco Bar recently opened on Minnetonka boulevard.

La Bodega Taco Bar offers authentic meals

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
January 7, 2022
Junior Molly Horstman Olson passes the frisbee while dodging a defender during a scrimmage September 26. Ultimate is looking to gain more players as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Ultimate prepares for upcoming season

Lily Nugteren, Katie Nelson, and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
December 14, 2021
Fair use from Sony Pictures

‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ is nostalgic

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
November 30, 2021
Used with permission from Fiona Petrie.

Senior invited to All-National Symphony Orchestra Honor Ensemble

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
November 30, 2021
IB Extended Essay advisor Jane Dorn talks to senior Ella Runyan about the Extended Essay during Park Connections Nov. 13. IB Diploma candidates are required to write a 4,000 word essay called the Extended Essay.

Decreased enrollment in IB diploma program

Lily Nugteren, Katie Nelson, and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
November 13, 2021
Pride flags displayed around C367 Oct. 28. GSA takes place 3:30 — 4:15 p.m. Wednesdays after school.

GSA promotes inclusivity

Lily Nugteren, Katie Nelson, and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
November 13, 2021
Senior Kim Parkinson shares thoughts during open forum Nov. 9. Students in SOAR hosted the safe space to discuss racism at Park and the white faculty member who said the N-word.

SOAR discussion facilitated to express emotions, reactions

Molly Schochet, Elena Ortiz-Fishman, and Andrea Melear
November 10, 2021
Flaws emerge in distance learning

Flaws emerge in distance learning

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
October 30, 2021
Used with permission from Anna Overall.

Jewelry Junkies rebrands

Maren Wilsey and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
October 19, 2021
Photo illustration by Crystal Diaz. Students laying in circle while using phones.

Social media turning you green?

Grace Stillman, Elena Ortiz-Fishman, and Katie Nelson
October 18, 2021
Sophomore Greta Gable and Silas Cowell use practice buzzers to improve their reaction time Oct. 5. Quiz Bowl is holding practices at 3:30 p.m. in room A304 and Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Quiz bowl gears up for season

Katie Nelson, Lily Nugteren, and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
October 15, 2021
Seniors and co-presidents of Girls United Gracia Rettig and Semona Robel pose for a photo Sept. 16. Girls United is a non-profit organization created to support girls.

Girls United ambitious for year

Katie Nelson, Elena Ortiz-Fishman, and Lily Nugteren
September 21, 2021
Return to school poses challenges

Return to school poses challenges

Elena Ortiz Fishman
August 31, 2021
Used with permission

Grad Grams sells gifts for class of 2021

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
June 2, 2021
Fair use from Penguin Random House.

Must-read novels for the summer

Elena Ortiz Fishman
May 14, 2021
Fair use from Sundance Institute.

‘In the Earth’ confusing, disorientating

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
April 29, 2021
Seniors Emma Amon and Jack Fredrickson work during english class April 19. Many students were involved in the interview process for the new principal.

New principal announced

Elena Ortiz-Fishman and Maddie Schutte
April 23, 2021
Used with permission from Rob Griffin.

Assistant football coach passed away

Andrea Melear, Talia Lissauer, and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
March 28, 2021
Sophomores Fiona Shaack and Fiona Long working together March 19. Along with their group, they advocated for feminine hygiene dispensers to be put in at Park.

Feminine hygiene dispensers to be implemented at Park

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
March 24, 2021
Fair use from Peabody Essex Museum.

‘Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle’ proves worthwhile

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
March 1, 2021
Illustration by Isaac Wert

Cut Through The Noise: Brent Faiyaz ft. Tyler, The Creator, Victoria Monét & Cardi B

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
February 9, 2021
‘Clue’ still a fan favorite

‘Clue’ still a fan favorite

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
January 23, 2021
Jeffrey Cohen works with students over Zoom during an asynchronous period Jan. 8. The Echo Editorial Board believes one-on-one or optional asynchronous classes like these should be implemented at Park.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Check-ins for asynchronous classes unproductive

January 9, 2021
Fair use from Disney Plus.

‘Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions’ evokes nostalgia

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
December 11, 2020
Fair use from Minneapolis Institute of Art. This is a woodblock print using ink and color called The Sky is Aflame by Hagiwara Hideo.

Hideo Hagiwara portrays beautiful abstract artwork

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
November 19, 2020
Used with permission from Arika Mareck.

English teacher returns to Park

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
November 18, 2020
Illustration by Isaac Wert

Cut Through The Noise: Lana Del Rey, Cavetown, Lauv & Conan Gray

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
October 25, 2020
Fair use from 88rising.

‘Nectar’ captures melancholic mood

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
October 8, 2020

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
October 4, 2020
In an article posted by the SLP Nest, the Nest closed its doors Aug. 31. Senior Rachel Stein says the nest has had a large impact on her.

Nest student worker adjusts to Nest closure

Elena Ortiz-Fishman
September 5, 2020
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