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
Talia Lissauer

Talia Lissauer, Editor-in-Chief

Hi everyone! My name is Talia and I am so excited to be one of your editors-in-chief this year with the amazing Maddie Schutte. I’m going to be a senior this year and it’s my third year on staff. On the rare occasion that I am not doing Echo stuff, you can find me rewatching Friends for the hundredth time, teaching swimming lessons or making a big mess in my kitchen. 

All content by Talia Lissauer
Seniors Hannah Howell and Sadie Yarosh and freshman Josie Bohrod applaud a speaker during the George Floyd anniversary memorial organized by SOAR. The memorial took place during fourth hour and Park Connections May 25.

SOAR holds memorial for George Floyd

Talia Lissauer and Jacob Khabie
May 25, 2021
Junior Stanley Regguinti swings at the ball during the game on Friday. Park lost with a final score of 1-3.

Baseball falls to Hopkins

Talia Lissauer and Jack Kroells
May 23, 2021
Student teacher Joy Dunna leads her class April 19. All teachers and students are required to wear a mask at all times.

Safety of return to unlimited capacity

Jacob Khabie and Talia Lissauer
April 29, 2021
Senior Lauryn Hill talks to interim principal Wendy Loberg during third lunch April 26. Loberg made herself available to talk to students during lunch.

SOAR holds open mic forum

Andrea Melear and Talia Lissauer
April 27, 2021
Senior Grace Kanyinku speaks to students during the walkout April 19. Park was one of many schools statewide to participate in the "Justice for Daunte Wright" walkout.

‘Justice for Daunte Wright’ walkout takes place

Talia Lissauer and Crystal Diaz
April 19, 2021
Junior Olivia Cosey gives a speech during the walkout April 12. Everyone had the opportunity to speak if they chose to.

SOAR members protest at an event hosted by the club April 12. The group hopes to hold more in-person events this coming school year.

[Photo] SOAR eager to start the new year

September 30, 2021
A mural at George Floyd Square March 15. Almost a year after the death of George Floyd, Daunte Wright was killed by police in Brooklyn Center sparking protests.

Outrage follows death of Daunte Wright

Talia Lissauer
April 12, 2021
Used with permission from Rob Griffin.

Assistant football coach passed away

Andrea Melear, Talia Lissauer, and Elena Ortiz-Fishman
March 28, 2021
Junior Cameron Delorme goes for a layup in the game Feb. 16. Park lost to Cooper 64-56.

Boys’ basketball quarantined

Henry Harper and Talia Lissauer
March 22, 2021
Protesters hold signs on a bridge during a family-friendly protest June 3. St. Louis Park leaders are considering amending or repealing an ordinance banning targeted residential protests.

[Photo] Council reconsiders 45-year old ban on residential protests

March 16, 2021
Freshman Evie Schmitz works on an assignment during her synchronous, first period French class Feb. 25. Park will combine Cohorts A and B to attend school in-person four days a week beginning April 12.

Schedule change to exclude asynchronous classes

Talia Lissauer and Maddie Schutte
March 15, 2021
Protesters hold up a "justice for George" sign at a protest June 4. Former police officer Derek Chauvin is being charged for the murder of St. Louis Park resident George Floyd.

[Photo] Derek Chauvin trial begins

March 9, 2021
Students walk through the hallway Oct. 26. Park returned to hybrid learning at 50 percent Nov. 22.

Hybrid with no assigned capacity to begin

Talia Lissauer and Tobias Khabie
March 8, 2021
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A student works in the cafeteria Feb. 25. Superintendent Astien Osei will presenting a potential start date to hybrid to the School Board March 8.

Return date for 100 percent to be announced

Talia Lissauer and Oliver Smith
March 7, 2021
St. Louis Park Public Schools staff members had the option to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine March 5. Staff members had to sign up ahead of time for a slot.

St. Louis Park Public Schools staff receive vaccinations

Laniyah Thornton and Talia Lissauer
March 6, 2021

[Video] Precautions for hybrid learning

March 5, 2021
Sophomore Ella Wasvick sets up to work on her assignments during first hour in the cafeteria Feb. 25. Park is continuing to push the importance of students utilizing asynchronous time for getting help and doing work.

Cohort A, B required to attend asynchronous classes

Talia Lissauer and Adam Gips
March 1, 2021
Students board buses after school March 1. Late buses March 1 caused many students to be late to school.

No-show busses cause mass absences

Talia Lissauer and Tobias Khabie
March 1, 2021
Based on current guidelines from the CDC, schools do not have to wait for teachers to be vaccinated.

Vaccines not considered necessary for hybrid

Tobias Khabie and Talia Lissauer
February 26, 2021

[Video] Park returns to hybrid learning

February 23, 2021
Photo illustration by Talia Lissauer. "Please keep 6 feet distance” stickers have been placed throughout the hallways at Park. Other precautionary measure have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including following social distancing guidelines and the use of face coverings.

Hybrid safety procedures

Talia Lissauer
February 17, 2021
Senior Derric Standifer goes for a heavily contested layup in the game Feb. 16. Park lost to Cooper 64-56.

Boys’ basketball perseveres through rough season

Talia Lissauer
February 16, 2021
Staff member Asya Phillips hands out free lunches to students on Feb. 4. Every Wednesday from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. students can drive up to the school for a free lunch, each student is allotted one lunch.

Free food available for all

Talia Lissauer
February 16, 2021

[Video] Seniors work on Seeds Feeds’ winter project

February 15, 2021
Senior Jarielyz Lopez-Barrera carries the puck towards the goal Feb. 12. Park lost 3-1.

Gallery: Girls’ hockey falls to Minneapolis

Talia Lissauer and Lilly Strathman
February 14, 2021
Junior Greta Betzer skates with the puck Feb. 12. Park is placed sixth out of seven in its conference.

Senior Erin Brousseau celebrates with the team after a goal against Minneapolis. Park led 1-0 after the first period.

Senior Erin Brousseau waits for the puck to drop during the game Feb. 12. Brousseau has six goals and seven assists this season.

Junior Cameron Delorme drives towards the hoop for an and-one layup in the game Feb. 11. Park lost to Jefferson 39-37.

Boys’ basketball loses to buzzer-beater

Talia Lissauer
February 12, 2021
Senior Danny Walsh carries federally funded meals to his car to be donated. Walsh will be donating unneeded meals twice a week for the rest of the year.

Danny Walsh organizes donation drive of federally-funded meals

Talia Lissauer
February 12, 2021
Junior Henry Odens goes for a contested shot in the game Feb. 5. Park lost to Benilde 65-47.

Boys’ basketball falls to Benilde

Talia Lissauer
February 7, 2021

[Video] Join Echo

February 5, 2021
Sophomore Henry Eaton does make-up work at the Oriole Study Nest Jan. 13. The Oriole Study Nest is open to all students.

Opt-in pass/no-credit grades available for first semester

Talia Lissauer
January 14, 2021
The St. Louis Park City Council voted to allow two youth voting members on four commissions Jan. 4. City Council members passed the ordinance unanimously.

St. Louis Park to allow two youth voting members on four commissions

Talia Lissauer
January 11, 2021
Photo illustration by Ava Ashby. Twitter banned President Donald Trump from its platform Jan. 8.

Social media isn’t a news source

Talia Lissauer
January 10, 2021
Students study in the lunchroom Dec. 16. Virtual learning can have negative effects on both mental and physical health.

Unintentional consequences emerge during virtual learning

Adam Gips and Talia Lissauer
January 1, 2021
Fair use from Warner Bros.

‘Wonder Woman 1984’ flies into homes, theaters

Talia Lissauer
December 26, 2020
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.

K-5 to transition to in-person learning

Talia Lissauer
December 22, 2020
As of Dec. 8, there are 356,152 cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota.

The reality of COVID-19 pods

Molly Schochet and Talia Lissauer
December 7, 2020
Junior Tommy Hiemenz studies in the Orioles Nest Nov. 20. The Orioles Nest is open all day during school hours and provides a space for students to work productively away from their homes.

Oriole Study Nest opens

Talia Lissauer
November 22, 2020
Senior Zoe Frank cleans the containers to make sure the plants are growing properly. SLP Seeds celebrated its five-year anniversary by reconstructing its program and renaming itself Seed Feeds.

Seeds Feeds undergoes rebranding

Talia Lissauer
November 22, 2020
Junior Ben Farley high-fives his teammates after a goal was scored Nov. 12. Boys’ hockey is one of many sports that has been down players due to COVID-19 exposure.

Sports delayed four weeks

Talia Lissauer and Molly Schochet
November 18, 2020
Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks to the crowd as she introduces Bernie Sanders March 2. Omar was reelected to represent Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.

[Photo] Ilhan Omar reelection reflects poorly on 5th District

November 17, 2020
Students walk to lunch during the first day of hybrid learning Oct. 26. Park will restart distance learning Nov. 16.

Distance learning to return Nov. 16

Molly Schochet and Talia Lissauer
November 10, 2020
Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks to the crowd as she introduces Bernie Sanders March 2. Omar was reelected to represent Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District.

The 2020 election results provoke varying reactions

Talia Lissauer and Tobias Khabie
November 9, 2020
Early voting began Sept. 18. Voting in St. Louis Park ended Nov. 3.

Delayed election results creates suspense

Talia Lissauer
November 7, 2020
An early voting sign is placed outside the St. Louis Park City Hall. Voters are able to cast their ballot here among many other places before election day Nov. 3.

The 2020 ballot explained

Amalia Fischer and Talia Lissauer
October 30, 2020
Freshmen Graham Sullivan and Charlie Odens wait for math class to begin during freshman orientation Oct. 21. Park will return to a hybrid learning model Feb. 22.

[Photo] District prepares for hybrid learning

January 29, 2021
Photo illustration by Talia Lissauer. "Please keep 6 feet distance” stickers have been placed throughout the hallways at Park. Other precautionary measure have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including following social distancing guidelines and the use of face coverings.

Precautionary measures in place for Hybrid learning

Talia Lissauer and Maddie Schutte
October 20, 2020
Eighth grader Paxon Myers dashes to overtake Benilde-St. Margaret runner in the last stretch of the race. Myers finished the race with a time of 19:31.

Girls’ cross country wins conference

Talia Lissauer
October 9, 2020
Gov. Tim Walz held a press conference with 10 student journalist from across Minnesota Oct. 2. Walz was asked about hybrid learning, a COVID-19 vaccine and voter suppression.

Schools across Minnesota adjust amidst pandemic

Talia Lissauer
October 5, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers.

School Board votes to delay hybrid for grades 6-12

Maddie Schutte and Talia Lissauer
September 29, 2020
Photo illustration by Talia Lissauer. "Please keep 6 feet distance” stickers have been placed throughout the hallways at Park. Other precautionary measure have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including following social distancing guidelines and the use of face coverings.

Park prepares transition to hybrid model

Talia Lissauer
September 29, 2020
Photo illustration by Talia Lissauer. Park is taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as wearing face masks, following social distancing guidelines and the use of dividers in the classroom. Park is planning to transition to a hybrid model Oct. 5.

Concerns for Oct. 5 return to school arise

Talia Lissauer and Maddie Schutte
September 26, 2020
Juniors Will Dvorak and Christian Arteaga participate in the KARE-11 News Sunrise Spotlight Virtual Pep Rally Sept. 18. Students celebrated Park over zoom and talked about their hopes to return to in-person school this fall.

Park students participate in KARE 11 sunrise

Talia Lissauer
September 23, 2020
Interim Principal Wendy Loberg takes a call while working. Loberg previously served as principal of Maple Grove Senior High School.

Introducing interim Principal Wendy Loberg

Talia Lissauer and Maddie Schutte
September 4, 2020
Breaking: School year to kick off at a distance

Breaking: School year to kick off at a distance

Gabriel Kaplan and Talia Lissauer
August 10, 2020
Senior Abby Meyer competes in a tennis match Sept. 22, 2019. Tennis, cross country, soccer and girls’ swimming will begin modified seasons Aug. 17.

Fall sports to continue with restrictions

Anna Benishek and Talia Lissauer
August 8, 2020
A group of young protesters protest racial injustice and police brutality at a family-friendly protest June 25. Protesters gathered from 5-6:30 p.m. at the France Ave. bridge over Hwy 62.

[Photo] Black Lives Matter protests continue

June 26, 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.

Interactive parking lot Graduation to be held June 23

Talia Lissauer
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
Artists paint a mural of George Floyd May 31 on Lake Street. Murals are being created worldwide to honor Floyd and call for change.

A group of protesters June 4 walk across a bridge on Louisiana Ave. holding signs that say “Floyd” and “Black Lives Matter.” Protesters gathered for the “SLP: Honoring George Floyd - peaceful/socially distant gathering” at the pedestrian bridge on Wayzata Blvd between Winnetka and Louisiana and the Louisiana Ave. bridge.

Gallery: Family-friendly memorial organized in St. Louis Park

Maggie Klaers and Talia Lissauer
June 5, 2020
A family takes a selfie while holding a sign that reads “Black Lives Matter.” The pedestrian bridge on Wayzata Boulevard between Winnetka & Louisiana Avenue was reserved for families.

A protester holds a sign above the highway for people driving by to see. Cars on Highway 100 honked as they drove by.

An attendee holds her her fist up while holding a sign that reads “remove Bob Kroll from power.” The gathering was originally scheduled for June 2, however the event was rained out.

A woman colors a sign that says “Black Lives Matter.” Attendees were able to make signs as they arrived at the pedestrian bridge.

A woman holds a sign with the words “‘To protect and serve’ my ass” during a protest on Chicago Avenue to honor George Floyd May 25. After protests turned violent, many cities and counties have implemented mandatory curfews.

St. Louis Park imposes mandatory curfew

Talia Lissauer
May 30, 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
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
Park alum Natalia Caraballo gives her classmate a hug during Graduation June 6, 2019. After Gov. Tim Walz banned all large in-person commencement ceremonies for the class of 2020 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic May 8, Park had to reevaluate its Graduation plan.

Seniors await Graduation plans

Talia Lissauer
May 19, 2020
Art by Emmy Pearson. Recently there has been an increase in COVID-19 testing in Minnesota, allowing for more cases to be confirmed in the state.

Breaking down the surge in COVID-19 testing

Talia Lissauer and Maddie Schutte
May 13, 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
The class of 2019 throws its caps in the air after graduation June 6. The graduation for the class of 2022 will take place at 7 pm June 7 at the stadium.

Minnesota bans in-person commencement ceremonies for class of 2020

Talia Lissauer
May 8, 2020
Park alum Jake Olson receives a diploma during Graduation June 6, 2019. According to 6425 News, this year’s Graduation has been rescheduled to June 23.

COVID-19 interrupts commencement  

Talia Lissauer
May 1, 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
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
SLP Nest closed its doors to the public Aug. 31. According to Program Coordinator Symone Wilson, the coffee shop served as a place for students to freely express themselves.

Businesses adjust to the pandemic

Talia Lissauer
April 24, 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
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
Art by Maggie Klaers.

Prom delayed until summer

Talia Lissauer
April 10, 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 Maggie Klaers. Minneapolis Parks and Recreational Board announced all beaches, wading pools and other outdoor aquatic facilities will be closed this summer.

Minneapolis closes beaches, pools all summer

Talia Lissauer
April 3, 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 Marta Hill. As the pandemic spreads, misinformation seems to spreading more and more. Echo seeks to answer your questions and concerns on the virus.

Fact-checking the pandemic part two

Gabriel Kaplan and Talia Lissauer
March 26, 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
IB exams cancelled

IB exams cancelled

Isabel Kjaer and Talia Lissauer
March 23, 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
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