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
Emily Ziessman

Emily Ziessman, Photo Editor

Hey!! I’m Emily Ziessman, I’m a senior this year and the photo editor for Echo! This is my second year on Echo and I could not be more excited! I’m on the gymnastics team and volleyball team, but I’m always injured so I never get to participate;). When I’m procrastinating doing the bucket loads of homework I get every night, I like to eat McFlurries, watch Netflix, and play with my puppy. I’m fluent in Friends quotes – feel free to quiz me!

 

All content by Emily Ziessman
Virtual conferences will take place Nov. 4-5. Each family should receive a link via email through the school support app to set up meetings.

[Photo] K-5 to transition to in-person learning

December 22, 2020
A volunteer adds garbage to a pile at the Lake Street Target. That location of the Minnesota-based department store was looted and damaged May 28.

Clean-up volunteers shovel debris from Minnehaha Post Office into buckets. Rioters burned the post office, causing extreme damage May 29.

Volunteers clean the streets with brooms. Following multiple nights of protests and riots, many streets were lined with ashes.

Volunteers clean out the shards of glass from a broken window. Businesses along Lake Street had varying levels of damage, ranging from minor graffiti to extreme fire damage.

In order to cover up graffiti, volunteers help repaint the exterior walls of the Lake Street Target. Other volunteers worked inside the Target, clearing out trash and flood water.

Volunteers help remove a parking block from the Minnehaha Post Office parking lot. According to Kare 11, the Postal Service relocated the Minnehaha and Lake Street post offices to resume service to the affected neighborhoods.

Kids take food from a table offering refreshments to volunteers while cleaning. The clean up crew varied in both age and race.

A man donates non-perishable items for community members affected by store closures in Minneapolis. A Minneapolis school, Sanford Middle School, as well as many other local churches and schools, were accepting donations.

A volunteer helps clean graffiti off of the East Lake Hennepin County Library. Some graffiti on the library included phrases such as “No justice, no peace.”

After having a passionate discussion about covering up graffiti, two volunteers fist bump May 30. The volunteers discussed the value of covering up graffiti even if it were to be redone.

[Photo] Community unites to recover, remember

June 10, 2020
Seniors Zoe Younger and Amaya Fokuo, the organizers of the event, thank the audience for attending the sixth hour show Feb. 28. The Black History Month presentation was performed during fourth and sixth hour.

Seniors Aaron Ellingson, Erik Piehl, Jacob Brown and Sammy Ruff cheer on Park. The volleyball State tournament took place Nov. 7-9 at the Xcel Energy Center.

Seniors Victoria Caraballo and Selena Nejib lead a group of Park students and alumni from the St. Louis Park City Hall building back to the overpass May 28. The George Floyd memorial began 5:30 p.m. and continued into the evening.

The senior class rises in applause to show Park pride Sept. 20. Court members were announced Sept. 13 at a previous Pep fest.

The senior class stands and cheers with excitement at the first day of school Pep fest Sept. 3. The class wore jerseys to show their senior pride.

Senior Amy Manzano-Foote stands up through a car sun roof while yelling "Justice for Floyd.” Drivers passing the memorial honked to show their support.

Two people chant during the event while standing on the median. Throughout the memorial they held signs up saying "No Justice No Peace" and "So bad even introverts R here!"

Seniors Victoria Caraballo and Selena Nejib lead a group of Park students and alumni from the St. Louis Park City Hall building back to the overpass May 28. The memorial began 5:30 p.m. and continued into the evening.

[Photo] George Floyd memorial organized in St. Louis Park

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
May 29, 2020
Park alumni hold up a "Silence=Violence" sign as well as the black power fist. The memorial was a nonviolent, peaceful event.

In a statement May 19, Superintendent Astein Osei announced Wendy Loberg as the interim Principal for the 2020-2021 school year. Loberg is set to being in the position in July.

[Photo] Interim principal announced for Park

May 19, 2020
Photo illustration by Emily Ziessman. Park students will receive a $25 refund for second semester parking passes, according to 6425 News May 15. Money will be returned via credit card or mail.

[Photo] Park issues parking pass refunds

May 18, 2020
Juniors Ben Sanford and Sophie Livingston and seniors Tennam Gyaldatsang and Maggie Klaers edit a page during Echo’s late night Feb. 25. Echo was recently awarded fifth in the Online Best of Show and Print Tabloid Best of Show categories, as well as named one of 16 to win the National Scholastic Press Association's Online Pacemaker.

[Photo] Echo named Online Pacemaker winner

April 20, 2020
Senior and Editor-in-Chief of Echo Marta Hill films protestors at the presidential rally of Sen. Amy Klobuchar March 1 at Park. Hill was named a runner-up in JEA's 2020 National High School Journalist of the Year competition April 18.

[Photo] Echo Editor-in-Chief named runner-up for National Journalist of the Year

April 19, 2020
Senior and Editor-in-Chief Marta Hill edits a story Feb. 11. Hill was named JEA's runner-up in the 2020 National High School Journalist of the Year competition.

Photo illustration by Emily Ziessman. A homemade mask should cover ones mouth and nose tightly as well as lay flat on both sides of the face. Masks should be machine-washed frequently.

[Photo] Step-by-step instructions for homemade masks

April 17, 2020

[Video] New Athletic Office Tour

April 11, 2020
Senior Dayna Krause decorates a card for sick children during a Letters of Love meeting Dec. 19. During quarantine, Letters of Love is offering online card making in order to continue providing emotional support for kids in the hospital.

[Photo] Letters of Love makes digital cards

April 10, 2020
Senior Marta Hill instructs Echo staffers on what they need to work on in class Feb. 20. Hill is now in contention for the National Journalist of the Year, along with all the other State Journalist of the Year winners.

[Photo] Marta Hill wins Minnesota Journalist of the Year

March 17, 2020
A protestor argues with a Klobuchar supporter after the cancellation announcement was made. The rally was held in the field house of the high school.

A protestor leads chants over the megaphone. The cancellation announcement was made 8:40 p.m. after a 40 minute delay.

A rally attendee turns her back to protestors after grabbing at one of the "shame" signs. During the rally, Klobuchar supporters shouted new, pro-Klobuchar chants over the protest chants.

Women hold up signs in protest. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano were also scheduled to speak at the rally.

Senior Ky'Areia Malone raises her fist at the end of her spoken word presentation Feb. 28. The Black History Month presentation was performed during fourth and sixth hour.

[Photo] Voices rise up through Black History Month performance

February 28, 2020
Seniors Zoe Younger and Amaya Fokuo, the organizers of the event, thank the audience for attending the sixth hour show. The performance consisted of a rendition of the Black National Anthem, a video with interviews from both students and teachers, as well as student presentations.

Senior Neb Bekele recites his spoken word performance, which incorporated the show's them "Still I Rise." This theme was intended as a follow up to the 2019 Black History Month presentation theme — "#wearetired."

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.

[Photo] Park wins First Amendment Press Freedom Award

February 29, 2020
Senior William Pinney prepares to block a shot Feb. 6. Pinney will be leaving March 7 to play junior hockey in Alaska.

[Photo] Will Pinney leaves for Alaska to play junior-hockey

February 27, 2020
Senior Amaya Fokuo explains the plan for the Black History Month performance. Students can watch the show during 4th and 6th hour Feb. 28.

[Photo] Students prepare for annual Black History Month show

February 27, 2020
The city of St. Louis Park has recently adapted the Efficient Buildings Collaborative in order to help increase awareness about energy usage. Parkshore along with other large buildings will have to report their energy usage to the city.

[Photo] St. Louis Park adopts the Efficient Buildings Collaborative

February 26, 2020
Seniors Jacob Johnson and William Pinney embrace each other following the Feb. 20 Sections loss against Cretin-Durham Hall. The final score of the game was 3-6.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey season comes to an emotional close

February 21, 2020
Senior Bobby Doss shoves Bloomington Jefferson’s junior Pierce Thomka while reaching for the puck. Park finished the regular season with an overall record of 16-9-0.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey celebrates senior night

February 15, 2020
Seniors Jamie Sorenson and William Pinney high five in celebration after a save. Pinney had a 0.925 save percentage during the game against Benilde-St. Margaret’s.

The student section cheers on the boys' hockey team as they regain the puck. Park and Benilde-St. Margaret’s are currently the winningest teams in the Metro West Conference with a total of 15 wins each.

Junior McCabe Dvorak throws his arms up in frustration after a call by the referee. So far in the 2019-2020 season, Dvorak has scored 27 goals.

Benilde-St. Margaret's sophomore Ben Thompson shoves junior McCabe Dvorak Feb. 13. Park lost 0-4.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey loses in rivalry matchup

February 14, 2020
Photo Illustration by Emily Ziessman. The Iowa Caucus Feb. 3 failed to announce a winner for several days and was riddled with technical and human errors.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Iowa Caucus produces muddled results

February 11, 2020
Senior Bobby Doss checks Chanhassen player Parker Thomas into the glass Feb. 6. Park currently holds a winning record of 14-8-0.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey victorious despite prolonged time in penalty box

February 6, 2020
Seniors Flynn Spano and William Pinney talk center ice after practice Jan. 31. Spano and Pinney spent the first portion of practice working on goalie skills.

Park’s goalie corps has teamwork at its core

Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
February 5, 2020
Junior McCabe Dvorak skates toward the puck during the Eastview game Jan 2. Dvorak is currently running the Boys' Hockey team instagram which has recently gained popularity.

[Photo] Hockey player takes over Instagram account

January 27, 2020
Junior Carly Joseph positions her cast for the play she co-wrote and directed, “The Only Star I Remember” Jan. 19. Performances were held Jan. 23, 24 and 26.

City Council member Nadia Mohamed tells a story about her experiences with race Jan. 15. City Council members and senior Amaya Fokuo spoke to students at Talmud Torah of Minneapolis about Martin Luther King Jr. and his relationship with Jewish leaders.

[Photo] Talmud Torah hosts commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

January 16, 2020
Senior Jack Townsend skates after the puck, while senior Avery Pittman battles with Hopkins player Troy Landschoot Jan. 14. Park defeated Hopkins in a shutout 4-0.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey continues winning streak

January 15, 2020
Junior McCabe Dvorak checks Eastview senior Ben Malloy against the boards Jan. 3. Park 3-4 in overtime against Eastview.

[Photo] Outdoor battle ends in overtime loss

January 5, 2020
St. Louis Park residents discuss conversion therapy at Union Congregational United Church of Christ Dec. 19. The meeting was hosted by OutFront Minnesota, who will be hosting another meeting Jan. 9.

[Photo] Community meeting held to discuss banning conversion therapy

January 1, 2020
Fare For All employee Linh Xiong helps a St. Louis Park resident pay for his goods Dec. 18 at Vista Lutheran Church. An inexpensive, healthy pop-up grocery store is held every month at a new location.

Seniors Will Pinney and Jacob Young work to stop a shot against Minneapolis Dec. 10. Pinney has a save percentage of .887 in the 2019-2020 season, according to the Star Tribune.

Boys’ hockey loses to Minneapolis

Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
December 11, 2019
Junior Drew Boyum fights for the puck against Edina's junior Emmett Wurst Dec. 3. Boyum has scored or assisted in at least one goal every game in the first three games of the 2019-2020 season, with a total of four points.

Boys’ hockey falls to Edina

Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
December 3, 2019
Senior Robert Doss fights off a defender as he reaches for the puck Nov. 21. Park beat St. Paul Academy 3-1.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey hits the ice for its first game

November 21, 2019
St. Louis Park resident heads into the Fieldhouse in order to cast her vote in the election Nov. 6. Voting was held in the high school, as well as other locations around the city.

2019 St. Louis Park city election results announced

Emily Ziessman
November 10, 2019
Head coach Whitney Meierotto-Simon critiques her team on their performance during a time-out. Meierotto-Simon recently won section 6AA coach of the year.

Junior Faith Johnson waves to the student section during the introductions before the Nov. 9 State match. Johnson plays as a right-side hitter.

[Photo] Information to know for the Nov. 9 volleyball State match

November 8, 2019
Senior captain Makaila Winward sets the ball to junior Kendall Coley Nov. 8. Students rode fan buses to the Xcel Energy Center from the high school.

Coach Whitney Meierotto-Simon gives feedback to the team during a timeout. Meierotto-Simon is assisted by coaches Devin Diedrich and Emily Minnick.

Seniors Aaron Ellingson, Erik Piehl, Jacob Brown and Sammy Ruff cheer on Park. Park's dress code was tropical.

Juniors Faith Johnson and Kendall Coley interact with fans after defeating Moorhead 3-0. Park's regular season record was 21-6.

Junior Hannah Howell rushes to pass the ball to a teammate. Tickets will be sold for $10 at the Xcel Energy Center for the Nov. 9 match.

[Photo] Gallery: Park defeats Moorhead

November 8, 2019
Senior Ivy Jones prepares to serve the ball to Moorhead. Park students cheer her on from the stands.

Junior Faith Johnson celebrates with teammates after scoring a point Nov. 8. Park will play Lakeville North at 9 a.m. Nov. 9 in the second round of the consolation bracket, according to Minnesota State High School League.

Junior Kendall Coley hits the ball over the net Nov. 8. Park played Moorhead in the first round of the consolation bracket.

Sophomores Olivia Brown and Mackenzie Peshong rehearse the opening number of the upcoming fall musical "Legally Blonde" Sept. 30. Dancers for the show routinely meet to drill the numbers. "Legally Blonde" will open at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Auditorium.

Theater rehearses dance numbers for ‘Legally Blonde’

Maggie Klaers and Emily Ziessman
November 4, 2019
Junior Liz Hodges practices while debate coach Samantha Leo times her. The debate team is currently preparing for an important upcoming tournament Nov. 8-9 at Apple Valley High School.

Debate team practices for upcoming tournament

Maggie Klaers and Emily Ziessman
November 3, 2019
Math teacher Chad Austad helps senior Keke Bennett with geometry homework Oct. 28. The St. Louis Park Public Schools Foundation has raised over $44,000 through Give to the Max Day 2019.

Senior and Clothing Closet manager Hayden Haase hangs a dress Oct. 28 in the recently opened Clothing Closet. Students can come in during third hour to pick out clothes for free.

[Photo] Birdfeeder expands impact on Park

October 31, 2019
Junior Meredith Reise states her argument on standardized testing Sept. 5 at the Lakeville North debate tournament. This was Park's second tournament this season.

Debate team begins competitions

Maggie Klaers and Emily Ziessman
October 6, 2019
Choreographer Julianne Mundale, junior Lilly Strathman, sophomore Dayanara Mora Zengel and freshmen Haley Nielson and Gwendolyn Rockler-Gladen rehearse the opening number of “Legally Blonde”. The show will open 7 p.m., Nov. 15 in the Auditorium.

Theater prepares for fall musical

Maggie Klaers and Emily Ziessman
September 30, 2019
The senior class rises in applause to show Park pride. Senior ladies wore decorated overalls to school and the Homecoming game.

Senior Miriam Hope serves the ball during the teacher versus Homecoming court volleyball game. The game began with only six students playing, but by the end all of the Homecoming court played together.

Sophomore Katrina Nevinski walks around with a sign to announce meme day dress code for Sept. 17. Student Council planned a school wide dress code for every day in the week leading up to Homecoming.

[Photo] Homecoming week kicks off with Pep fest

September 16, 2019
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[Photo] Expanding appreciation of nature through hiking

March 28, 2020
Senior Mitchell VonEschen plays chess in the LMC during the carnival. Other activities were scattered around the school building, as well as outside.

The senior class stands and cheers with excitement at the first day of school Pep fest Sept. 3. The class wore jerseys to show their senior pride.

[Photo] Students return to school

September 8, 2019
Senior Colin Weingart attempts the half court shot during the Pep fest the first day of school. The event also included a dance performance from the teachers and a sibling relay race.

Senior Al Woida speaks with freshmen about the Gay Straight Alliance at the activities fair Aug. 28. Freshmen had the opportunity to speak with upperclassmen about extracurriculars they are in to find the perfect sport, activities and clubs for them.

[Photo] Freshmen learn the ropes

September 1, 2019
Junior Isela Perez-Kauhaihao talks with incoming freshmen about her experience on the Police Explorers. This program is one of the many students could learn about during the activities fair Aug. 28.

Junior Koby Davis promotes DECA to incoming freshmen at the activities fair Aug. 28. Freshmen also met their advisors, learned their way around the high school, and found their classrooms.

[Photo] Week one schedule 2019

September 2, 2019
An incoming freshman signs up to receive information about joining DECA. At the activities fair Aug. 28, freshmen could walk around to different tables to learn about the sports, clubs and activities the high school offers.

Former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley spoke at Beth El Synagogue May 19. Haley spoke as Beth El's 16th speaker in their ongoing series.

[Photo] Nikki Haley speaks in St. Louis Park

June 7, 2019
Senior Nietzsche Deuel passes down her legacy to freshman Kenzie Peschong June 4. Theater had its end of the year banquet, in which they voted for a new Thespian Society president and said goodbye to the seniors.

A curtain call for theater

Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
June 5, 2019
Senior Altheagrace Tyler packs a bag for students in need of food May 28. Birdfeeder is accepting applications from students who need food over the summer until May 31.

Birdfeeder offers summer meal plans

Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
May 30, 2019
Junior Ellen Poulter shops for supplies at REI for her upcoming hiking trip May 21. Poulter will be hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain by herself this summer over the course of six weeks.

[Photo] Junior plans trip to hike alone for six weeks

May 23, 2019
Psychotherapist Lynn Lyons speaks at Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School May 13. Lyons spoke to parents about anxiety and how to stop the worry cycle.

[Photo] Anxiety workshop provides guidance

June 2, 2019
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Emily Ziessman