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
Marta Hill

Marta Hill, Editor-in-Chief

Hello! My name is Marta Hill and I am thrilled to be one of the Editors-in-Chief of Echo this year! When I’m not working on Echo you can find me playing Ultimate Frisbee (best sport ever!), reading, playing flute, or doing homework. My goal this year on Echo is to post content daily and reimagine the design of our print newspaper! I’m super excited to be on staff for another year and can’t wait to continue learning about journalism :)

All content by Marta Hill
Park graduates of the Class of 2020 enjoy French cuisine at the very first French Club meeting Oct. 11, 2019. French Club is one of many clubs at Park this year that will continue its program online.

[Photo] Clubs at Park offer social connection during the pandemic

October 29, 2020
The girls' volleyball team high fives the fan section after a victory against Moorhead Nov. 8, 2019.

[Photo] Introducing the new head volleyball coach

Colin Canaday
October 9, 2020
Principal Scott Meyers and assistant principal Jessica Busse take pictures of senior Elizabeth Reuter after delivering her Graduation box May 27. This year students will be able to enjoy cap & gown distribution with their peers.

[Photo] Interactive parking lot Graduation to be held June 23

June 14, 2020
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.

Community unites to recover, remember

Marta Hill and Talia Lissauer
June 10, 2020
Senior ladies lead a chant to cheer for the football team at the Homecoming football game Sept. 20. Seniors pumped up the crowd as Park played against Spring Lake Park.

A time capsule of a historic senior year

Marta Hill and Maggie Klaers
June 2, 2020
Why the press does what it does 

Why the press does what it does 

Marta Hill
May 31, 2020

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

May 29, 2020
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.

George Floyd memorial organized in St. Louis Park

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
May 29, 2020
Two protesters show strength with one carrying a “Black Lives Matter” flag while the other raising a fist. Following the death of George Floyd May 25, protesters gathered to honor Floyd and fight against police violence.

‘I can’t breathe’: protesters unite against police violence

Marta Hill and Talia Lissauer
May 27, 2020
After the traditional state championship for drone racing was cancelled due to COVID-19, Hydra FPV transitioned to a virtual event. Senior Rafe Covin and junior Clayton Horstman placed first in the team competition May 17 and senior William Schwietering and junior Marcos Tapia Vizcarra finished in fifth, according to drone team advisor Mark Miller.

Drone team recognized statewide

Marta Hill
May 23, 2020
In an announcement May 22, state fair general manager Jerry Hammer announced the Minnesota State Fair will not be opening summer 2020. The last time the state fair was closed was in 1946 for the polio epidemic.

COVID-19 cancels Minnesota State Fair

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
May 22, 2020
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.

Interim principal announced for Park

Marta Hill and Talia Lissauer
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.

Park issues parking pass refunds

Marta Hill
May 18, 2020
Principal Scott Meyers speaks at the Graduation ceremony for the class of 2019 June 6. Meyers announced his resignation effective June 30 and St. Louis Park Public Schools is currently searching for an interim principal.

Search for interim principal continues

Marta Hill
May 14, 2020
In a time of social distancing, playgrounds around Minnesota remain empty. Gov. Tim Walz announced May 13 that the stay-at-home order will be allowed to expire May 18 and will be replaced by a Stay Safe order. Walz also signed four Executive Orders aimed at reopening the economy safely.

Stay Safe Minnesota: Walz allows stay-at-home order to expire

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Talia Lissauer
May 13, 2020
Art by Sophie Livingston. Park moved to a pass-no credit grading system for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year May 1. According to Principal Scott Meyers, percentages this semester will not affect student's grade point averages and the passing grade is 60%.

Hold students harmless: Park moves to pass-no credit system

Marta Hill
May 8, 2020
Superintendent Astein Osei speaks June 6 at Park's 2019 Graduation. Osei will begin leading the search for a new principal after applications are due Feb. 24.

St. Louis Park Public Schools begin search for interim principal

Marta Hill and Talia Lissauer
May 1, 2020
Students will have an opportunity to clean out their lockers and retrieve any other items left at Park May 11–14, according to 6425 News. No more than 50 students will be allowed in the building at one time, and the time slots are based on advisory class.

Locker-clean out scheduled for May 11–14

Marta Hill and Talia Lissauer
May 1, 2020
Park administration announced grading would be changed to a credit/no credit system in 6425 News May 1. According to the update, neither of these grades will factor into students’ grade point averages.

Park announces grading change

Marta Hill
May 1, 2020
Gov. Tim Walz extended the stay-at-home order through May 18 in a press conference April 30. Retail businesses can open on May 4 for curb-side pick up, according to Walz.

Governor extends stay-at-home order until May 18

Marta Hill, Talia Lissauer, Gabriel Kaplan, and Isabel Kjaer
April 30, 2020
Park has been closed since March 18, and in the midst of the pandemic is Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-8. Community members and students are encouraged to decorate the side walk outside Park May 3-8 and send photos of thanks to slphs.parentcommittee@gmail.com by May 1.

Opportunities arise to thank teachers, staff

Marta Hill
April 29, 2020

[Video] A look into the timeline of COVID-19

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
April 23, 2020
Park will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, according to Executive Order 20-41 issued by Gov. Walz. The last day of school for Park students was March 16.

Governor closes schools for the rest of the year

Marta Hill, Gabriel Kaplan, Isabel Kjaer, and Talia Lissauer
April 23, 2020
Principal Scott Meyers announced his resignation in February and St. Louis Park Public Schools is now moving into the second round of virtual interviews which are scheduled for April 28. To participate in the interviews, contact executive assistant to the superintendent Flower Krutina at krutina.flower@slpschools.org or by phone at 952-928-6001.

Second round of principal interviews commence

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
April 23, 2020
The senior section cheers during the pep fest Feb. 14. According to senior Anna Nicholls, seniors may be able to have their last school dance in the summer, because the in-person Prom April 18 was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Prom postponed due to COVID-19

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
April 15, 2020
Gov. Tim Walz extended the stay at home order through May 3, in Executive Order 20-33. According to the order, Minnesotans can still participate in outdoor activities. "Individuals may engage in outdoor activities (e.g., walking, hiking, running, biking, driving for pleasure, hunting, or fishing), and may go to available public parks and other public recreation lands, consistent with remaining at least six feet apart from individuals from other households," said the order.

Governor extends stay-at home order

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
April 8, 2020
Art by Emmy Pearson. According to a recommendation April 3, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising the use of cloth face coverings and continuing to practice social distancing.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing cloth face coverings

Marta Hill and Talia Lissauer
April 3, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. College Board announced exams will be given May 11-22, with makeup tests June 1-5. Each subject's test will be taken at the same time worldwide, and students can take the tests from home or school if schools are open, on any device.

College Board updates testing plan

Marta Hill
April 3, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. For the coming weeks, streets will remain barren as Minnesotans stay home. Governor Tim Walz said he is asking all Minnesotans to stay home if possible. Walz also announced online learning would continue until May 4 and public accommodations such as restaurants would remain closed until May 1.

Governor announces stay-at-home order, further school closures

Marta Hill, Gabriel Kaplan, Isabel Kjaer, and Talia Lissauer
March 25, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. As of March 13, there is one case of COVID-19 in St. Louis Park.

Park to begin distance learning March 18

Marta Hill and Talia Lissauer
March 17, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. At a press conference March 16, Governor Tim Walz announced the closure of in-person services for restaurants, bars and other public accommodations beginning 5 p.m. March 17 and until 5 p.m. March 27.

Governor closes restaurants, bars, other public facilities

Marta Hill, Gabriel Kaplan, and Talia Lissauer
March 16, 2020
Park releases schedule for March 16

Park releases schedule for March 16

Gabriel Kaplan and Marta Hill
March 15, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. The St. Louis Park Public Schools announced Park will close beginning March 17. The closure will roll into spring break.

St. Louis Park Public Schools announce school closure March 17 through March 27

Marta Hill, Gabriel Kaplan, Isabel Kjaer, and Talia Lissauer
March 15, 2020
Breaking: Governor closes all Minnesota schools

Breaking: Governor closes all Minnesota schools

Marta Hill
March 15, 2020
Benilde-St. Margaret's, a Catholic school less than two miles from Park, announced March 13 its students will be having online school until April 3. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has risen to 14 in Minnesota.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s moves to online instruction

Marta Hill
March 13, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. As of 3 p.m. March 13 the Minnesota Department of Health has not recommended cancelling schools. St. Louis Park Public Schools has canceled after school activities, field trips and is reconsidering all large gatherings.

Governor Walz declares peacetime state of emergency

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Talia Lissauer
March 13, 2020
Photo illustration by Kaia Myers. A light switch is disinfected March 10.

District pursues plans for COVID-19

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Kaia Myers
March 13, 2020
Photo illustration by Kaia Myers. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advised people to disinfect frequently touched surfaces, like phone screens to decrease the spread of the virus. President Donald Trump will be announcing a national State of Emergency to aid in coronavirus response, according to NBC Universal.

Trump to declare national state of emergency

Marta Hill
March 13, 2020
Photo illustration by Kaia Myers. A doorknob is sanitized by a disinfecting wipe. The district has cancelled all after-school events and field trips in response to COVID-19.

St. Louis Park Public Schools communicates regarding COVID-19

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
March 13, 2020
Photo illustration by Kaia Myers. A desk is sanitized with a Clorox disinfecting wipe March 11. Park purchased many sanitizing products, soap and tissues to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Park health officials, administration develop plan for handling COVID-19

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Kaia Myers
March 12, 2020

Privacy under attack

Marta Hill and Maggie Klaers
March 10, 2020
Protestors lead chants from the stage. At the beginning of the rally, the group flooded onto the stage and didn't leave until the event was cancelled.

Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar rally derailed by protestors

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
March 1, 2020
Junior Lydia Hammond gets her blood type taken during third lunch Feb. 28. Memorial Blood Drive will be hosting a blood drive hours 1-6 March 4 at Park.

Park to host blood drive March 4

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
February 28, 2020
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.

Schedule options presented to community

Marta Hill, Kaia Myers, and Isabel Kjaer
February 27, 2020
Principal Scott Meyers speaks during the Graduation ceremony for the Class of 2019 June 6. Meyers is resigning June 30.

Principal of five years resigns

Isabel Kjaer, Marta Hill, and Kaia Myers
February 16, 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.

Boys’ hockey celebrates senior night

Maggie Klaers and Marta Hill
February 15, 2020
President Donald Trump was acquitted February 5 from both charges. Article one was denied 52-48 and article two 51-49. Senator Mitt Romney was the only senator to cross party lines. 

Impeachment explained

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
February 10, 2020
Photo illustration by Abby Prestholdt. The new app Vitals allows students to alert first responders with important information about themselves.

Police department starts use of Vitals app

Talia Lissauer, Marta Hill, and Isabel Kjaer
February 9, 2020
Echo website recognized for journalistic excellence

Echo website recognized for journalistic excellence

Marta Hill
February 8, 2020
According to Principal Scott Meyers, an increase in vandalism leads to more restorative conversations with students who draw graffiti and their families. This piece of graffiti was located in the B1 hallway.

Vandalism instances increase

Talia Lissauer, Isabel Kjaer, and Marta Hill
February 7, 2020
Junior Ella Atlas attends a SLP Mind club meeting Jan. 31. SLP Mind does calming activities such as coloring and listening to calm music.

Mental health club begins new semester

Marta Hill
February 5, 2020
Photo illustration by Kaia Myers. Students follow the lockdown procedure by crouching in the corner of C377.

New lockdown procedure put in place

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Kaia Myers
February 4, 2020
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.

School Board outlines 2020-2021, 2021-2022 schedule

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Kaia Myers
February 4, 2020
Confetti is thrown into the crowd of excited participants during the dance party portion of the gala.

Gala attendees dance at the end of the gala Jan. 31. The Letters of Love Gala was an opportunity to make cards, tie blankets, hear speakers and dance with other club supporters.

letters of love PARTAY

hamiltoons

[Video] Impeachment explained

January 28, 2020
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.

Talmud Torah hosts commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

Marta Hill and Talia Lissauer
January 16, 2020
In the midst of the construction in the high school, construction workers built a snowman on the roof near the C2 hallway Dec. 10. In light of the expected snowfall Jan. 17, Park announced students will be let out two hours early.

Two-hour early release announced for Park schools Jan. 17

Marta Hill
January 16, 2020
According to Time, Trump issued a partial ban on the sale of certain e-cigarette flavors Jan. 2. Under the ban, companies like JUUL Labs will be prohibited from selling cartridges with mint and fruit flavorings, but will still be allowed to sell menthol and tobacco flavors. In this image, menthol is represented with the blue pod and tobacco is represented with the orange pod.

City Council bans sale of vape products, e-cigarette products

Marta Hill
January 8, 2020
Junior Clayton Horstman-Olson holds the door at the entrance of the school Dec. 20. Winter break for the 2019-2020 school year was Dec. 21 - Jan. 1.

Attendance numbers low following break

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Kaia Myers
January 7, 2020
Park’s winter break for the 2019-2020 school year is Dec. 21 - Jan. 2. It is four days shorter than the 2018-2019 school year’s winter break.

Shortened winter break prompts discussion

Isabel Kjaer, Marta Hill, and Kaia Myers
December 25, 2019
City Council member Margaret Rog, City Manager Tom Harmening, and Mayor Jake Spano listen to public concerns regarding the new economic issues with vaping Dec. 16. Citizens of St. Louis Park including students from Benilde-St. Margaret's spoke their opinion regarding the laws of vaping in the city at the meeting.

Ordinance in process to ban vaping products, e-cigarettes

Marta Hill
December 17, 2019
Seniors Ruby Stillman and Sam Sietsema rehearse their roles for "Legally Blonde" Nov 14 in the Auditorium. Renovations to the Auditorium will start in June 2020 and end in November 2020.

Theater renovations to update lights, stage, dressing rooms

Marta Hill
December 9, 2019
The A3 girls' bathroom is one of the bathrooms available for student use in the building. The 2019-2020 school year updated bathroom practice restricts students from using the bathroom to only during passing time.

New administration procedures prove successful

Kaia Myers, Marta Hill, and Isabel Kjaer
December 4, 2019
Front pages from every state and some countries are displayed at the Newseum Nov. 24. The papers represent the pressing issues in a variety of locations, allowing for the dissemination of key information to the public.

[Photo] Where free speech and press meet

December 4, 2019
Junior Talia Lissauer interviews Mary Beth Tinker at the JEA/NSPA Fall Convention Nov. 22. Tinker has spent decades advocating for student press rights following her involvement in a Supreme Court case over the issue.

[Photo] Free expression at home

December 4, 2019
Junior Talia Lissauer interviews Mary Beth Tinker at the JEA/NSPA Fall Convention Nov. 22. Tinker has spent decades advocating for student press rights following her involvement in a Supreme Court case over the issue.

Voices matter

Marta Hill and Talia Lissauer
December 4, 2019
Photo fair use from Hennepin Theater Trust. Henry VIII's six wives pose as part of a pop group that forms the basis of the musical. "SIX "runs through Dec. 22 at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts.

Six stars for ‘SIX’

Marta Hill
December 3, 2019
Junior Elie Grassley competes in the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 5:23.53 minutes, placing 16th overall. Park competed at the State finals Nov. 16. at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center at the University of Minnesota.

Girls’ swimming competes in finals Nov. 16

Marta Hill
November 16, 2019

Social media posts generate controversy

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
November 10, 2019
The girls' volleyball team high fives the fan section after the victory over Moorhead. After the game ended, students went to support Minnetonka in its game against Eagan.

Junior Kendall Coley smiles for a selfie with her dad and fellow teammates following the match. Park won 3-0.

Teachers Bobby Otto and Chad Austad cheer on the Park volleyball team during its first state match. Otto led cheers throughout the match to promote Park pride.

Some teachers take personal day to attend State tournament

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Kaia Myers
November 7, 2019
Seniors Hibo Salah and Zamzam Abdullahi walk back from McDonald's during 3rd lunch. The open campus policy for the 2020-21 school year will be updated to no longer allow seniors to leave campus.

Open campus policy leads to controversy

Isabel Kjaer and Marta Hill
November 6, 2019
Trump rally and protest prompt waves of mixed emotions

Trump rally and protest prompt waves of mixed emotions

Marta Hill
November 6, 2019
Hopeful Trump attendees wait in line to get into the Trump rally Oct. 12. The rally was closed because the capacity of Target Center was reached. Doors were opened at 4 p.m., and supporters lined up hours prior to the event.

Park Spanish Immersion Principal Corey Maslowski discusses the newly renovated school with a retired Cedar Manor teacher Oct. 27. As a part of the Parade of Schools, community members were invited to tour Park Spanish Immersion, Aquila Elementary School and the Park offices.

‘Parade of Schools’ highlights newly completed facilities

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Kaia Myers
October 29, 2019
Rumors of gun threat to St. Louis Park prove false

Rumors of gun threat to St. Louis Park prove false

Marta Hill
October 24, 2019
Senior Patrick Djerf writes ideas for future French club meetings at the club's first meeting 8 a.m. Oct. 11 in B231. Attendees were able to eat French foods and listen to French music.

French Club kicks off new year

Marta Hill
October 24, 2019

[Video] Office Renovation Walk-Through

October 4, 2019
GLC DJ Singer patrols outside of the high school building during 3rd lunch Sept. 27. As of the 2020-2021 school year, it is likely seniors will no longer have an open campus during lunch.

Administration introduces new approach to discipline

Isabel Kjaer and Marta Hill
October 3, 2019
GLC Tony Schrepfer introduces the new policies to the class of 2023 Sept. 6. Grade level meetings were held the first week of school during advisory to introduce the policies.

Administration faces uproar from students

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Kaia Myers
September 17, 2019
If you skip class, you may be sidelined

If you skip class, you may be sidelined

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
September 5, 2019
Show some pride: A Teen Pride volunteer serves free Chipotle to Pride attendees. The Teen Pride event was June 1 at Loring Park. The celebration included many booths and activities, informing people about the LGBTQ+ community. Pride will be June 22-23 at Loring Park.

Teen pride creates inclusive community for youth

Marta Hill, Maggie Klaers, and Kate Schneider
June 5, 2019
Senior Greta Long rejoices after placing the last piece in the puzzle at puzzle club May 23. Puzzle clubs leaders are seniors, and do not have a plan for next year, according to Long.

Puzzle Club finishes year

Marta Hill and Noah Orloff
May 27, 2019
puzzleclub

Natural Helpers adviser Allison Luskey smiles in the middle of Natural Helpers spring training March 22.

Interns for Change to Chill grant announced

Marta Hill and Noah Orloff
May 21, 2019
Construction workers install a pole that will be part of the fence surrounding the construction of the new fitness center. According to facilities manager Tom Bravo, the center should be completed by January 2020. Other renovations on the school will begin in fall 2019.

Fence installed in Park field May 16

Marta Hill
May 17, 2019
Freshman James Vournakis and other Natural Helpers participate during spring training March 22.

Park wins Change to Chill grant

Marta Hill, Emma Leff, and Noah Orloff
May 5, 2019
Photo illustration by Grace Farley

Assassins prompts safety discussion

Marta Hill, Kaia Myers, and Noah Orloff
May 1, 2019
Roots and Shoots painted the wall April 18. According to Senior Katie Christiansen, the wall is painted with symbols that represent Minnesota's environmental habits and expectations.

Roots and Shoots paints wall for Earth Day

Noah Orloff, Marta Hill, and Emma Leff
April 21, 2019
Junior Brandon Wetterlin discusses with a fellow volunteer about their bowling team's performance during the Bowl-A-Thon April 13 at Park Tavern. This was the 27th annal Bowl-A-Thon for Reach for Resources.

Bowl-a-thon fundraises for nonprofit

Marta Hill
April 16, 2019
Sophomores Gabe Kaplan and Carly Joseph chat with junior, Editor-in-Chief Marta Hill about design for the opinions page April 11.

Echo wins Silver Crown

Marta Hill
April 11, 2019
Snow falls April 10 outside Park. According to district communications director Sara Thompson, all St. Louis Park Public Schools are closed April 10.

Administration closes school April 11

Marta Hill
April 11, 2019
Sophomore Ryan Barnett interacts with fellow Natural Helpers during spring training March 22. According to Barnett, the training day was educational and enjoyable.

Natural Helpers hold training session

Noah Orloff, Marta Hill, and Emma Leff
April 6, 2019
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