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
Anna Benishek

Anna Benishek, Photo Editor

Hey, what’s popping Pablo. I’m Anna (also responds to ANNA BANNANAS). I like to stay busy 24/7 which includes working, playing soccer and stressing out about college. Last but not least a FUN FACT about me is that I will give my life up for a bunny.

All content by Anna Benishek
Freshman Thomas Shope releases the frisbee to one of his teammates June 3. The boys’ ultimate frisbee team beat Armstrong 15-9.

[Photo] Boys’ ultimate victorious over Armstrong

June 7, 2021
Seniors Alanna Franklin and Abby Meyer play the cello at the spring orchestra concert June 3. The concert took place outside of the school.

[Photo] Orchestra holds sole concert of the year

June 5, 2021
Freshman Sadie Livington speaks her opinion about the events happening in Israel and Palestine June 1. Students were able to speak at the open forum which happened during 4th hour and Park Connections.

[Photo] Students lead conversation on Israeli-Palestinian conflict

June 3, 2021
Sour fair use from Geffen Records.

Olivia Rodrigo’s new album ‘Sour’ won’t leave a bad aftertaste

Anna Benishek
May 26, 2021
Challenges of playing two sports

Challenges of playing two sports

Anna Benishek
May 20, 2021
The Dakota-Edgewood trial bridge is currently under construction May 17. The bridge will have an art wall created by groups that identify as Dakota tribe.

[Photo] Dakota-Edgewood bridge to feature Native artwork

May 18, 2021
Photo Illustration by Anna Benishek.

Anti-racist book club strives to educate community

Anna Benishek
May 7, 2021
Front entrance to the Roller Garden (April 27). The Roller Garden will officially close May 8 after 52 years of operation.

Roller Garden closing after five decades

Anna Benishek
April 28, 2021
Junior Ryan Rasmussen #12, running ball down field. Varsity lacrosse game April 15, ending score 15-2.

Girls’ lacrosse wins first game of the season

Anna Benishek
April 19, 2021
Junior Joe McGurgan launches his rocket at Minikahda Vista park April 18. McGurgan and his friends were influenced by others in the park to start building their own rockets.

[Photo] The sky's the limit

April 20, 2021
Freshman Thomas Shope passes a frisbee during practice at Minikahda Vista park is approved.

Ultimate frisbee hosts first information meeting

Anna Benishek
April 5, 2021
The new Brito’s Burrito restaurant in the Texa-Tonka neighborhood March 31. Brito’s Burrito’s grand opening was March 31.

Junior Stanley Regguinti faces off with Benilde-St. Margaret’s player senior Grant Ellings. Park lost to Benilde-St. Margaret’s Jan. 26 with a score of 6-1. Regguinti was recently chosen as a boys' hockey captain.

[Photo] First junior captain chosen for boys’ hockey

Colin Canaday
March 23, 2021

Park finishes season against Edina

Anna Benishek
March 21, 2021
Junior Ben Farley fights off two Edina players. Farley scored two goals throughout the 2020-21 season.

Sophomore Teddy Dahlin chases after the puck. Dahlin scored four goals during the 2020-21 season.

Sophomore Teddy Dahlin scores the second goal of the night for park. Dahlin tied the game 2-2.

Senior captain McCabe Dvorak attempts to shoot the puck at Edina’s goalie. Park's overall record for the 2020-21 season was 9-5-1.

Jack Wandmacher pushes his way to win the puck. The first period of the game ended 1-1.

Senior Jack Wandmacher tries to obtain the puck from Edina. Park finished second in its conference standings.

Junior assistant captain Stanley Regguinti faces off for the puck with an Edina hockey player. Park lost 5-2 to Edina.

Senior Cameron Donahue skates through the tunnel of hockey players to meet his parents for Senior Night March 13. Due to COVID-19, boys’ hockey did not have a scheduled game and Park held small, inter-squad scrimmages.

Boys’ hockey honors seniors

Anna Benishek
March 17, 2021
People should stop identifying as ‘super-straight’

People should stop identifying as ‘super-straight’

Anna Benishek
March 14, 2021
all sport senior night

Students getting on buses after school March 8. COVID-19 has created a different atmosphere where bus drivers and students must focus on adapting to the situation.

[Photo] Driving into the storm of COVID-19

March 8, 2021
Junior Ben Farley fights with Hopkins senior Colin Geiser for the puck Feb. 25. Park defeated Hopkins 6-3.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey victorious against Hopkins

February 26, 2021
Freshman Kate Lemen uses the Oriole Study Nest Feb. 12 to work on her assignments during distance learning. Grades 9-12 will return to hybrid at 50 percent capacity starting Feb. 22.

[Photo] Walz pushes for accelerated return, Park follows suit

February 17, 2021
Junior Abby Turcotte works on her assignments in the Oriole Study Nest Feb. 12. Asynchronous times will be optional for online students but required for in-person students starting Feb. 22.

[Photo] Asynchronous periods restructured

February 16, 2021
Junior Murphy Fries and Ava Hanson work on their assignments in the Learning Lab Feb. 12. Seniors and freshmen will be returning to school Feb. 22, split into three cohorts with a new hybrid-learning plan.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Return to hybrid learning raises concerns

February 15, 2021
Senior Jack Wandmacher shoots and scores a goal against Edina Jan 14. Wandmacher will be playing next year for the Ice Rays in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Meet the Athlete: Jack Wandmacher

Anna Benishek
February 9, 2021
Sophomore Teddy Dahlin attempts to score a goal against Chaska. Park won 6-5 in a close game against Chaska.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey makes an unexpected comeback against Chaska

February 3, 2021
Senior McCabe Dvorak and junior Stanley Regguinti fight off two Edina players. Athletes have not been wearing their masks properly after Gov. Tim Walz new guidelines.

[Photo] Masks critical for sports

January 28, 2021
Junior Stanley Regguinti strives to beat junior defenseman Brady Yakesh. Park ends the first period with a score of 2-0.

Boys’ hockey falls to Benilde-St. Margaret’s

Anna Benishek
January 28, 2021
Seniors Zoe Frank, Audrey Long and Liz Hodges working at Seeds Feeds Oct. 24, 2020. The organization seeks to cultivate sustainable agriculture and eliminate hunger in St. Louis Park.

[Photo] Garden Club set to sprout

January 18, 2021
Social media needs to start establishing inclusiveness

Social media needs to start establishing inclusiveness

Anna Benishek
January 16, 2021
Senior Jack Wandmacher tries to skate pass Edina’s senior defenseman Owen Davis. Park tied 4-4 with Edina.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey ties first game of the season against rival Edina

January 15, 2021
Senior Abby Meyer skates up the ice with the puck during the team’s practice on Jan. 7. Hopkins Park prepares for their first game of the season 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at Princeton Ice Arena against Princeton.

Walz’s restrictions affects daily routine of exercise

Walz’s restrictions affects daily routine of exercise

Anna Benishek
January 1, 2021
Students eat their lunches at socially distant tables Oct. 26. Due to the budget overage, many nutrition staff providing these lunches will be voluntarily furloughed.

School district goes over budget during previous fiscal year

Adam Gips, Tenzin Gyaldatsang, Tobias Khabie, Jacob Khabie, and Anna Benishek
December 27, 2020
Senior captain Danny Walsh and senior Benn Katzovitz warm up during Nordic captains' practice. These practices were canceled due to CDC guidelines.

Gov. Tim Walz adjusts COVID-19 restrictions

Anna Benishek
December 17, 2020
Fair use from Island Records.

‘Shawn Mendes: In Wonder’ elaborates on album through film

Anna Benishek
December 15, 2020
Senior Claire Bargman delivers her soaps Dec. 5. Bargman hand packages the orders in an environmentally safe way.

Bar Squared Soaps aims to assist people for the holiday

Anna Benishek
December 5, 2020
Senior Davis Bye protects the puck from Osseo’s defenders Nov. 12. Governor Tim Walz new restrictions on high school sports have delayed them for four weeks.

[Photo] Student-athletes bare the brunt of winter season postponement

November 30, 2020
Senior Austin Amelse maintains control of the puck as he skates up the ice toward Osseo’s goal. Park lost 9-3 to Osseo.

Boys’ Hockey loses second preseason game

Anna Benishek
November 13, 2020
The new announcement by Gov. Tim Walz restricts gatherings and closes bar early in hopes to reduce the number of rising cases in Minnesota. 189,681 Minnesotans have tested positive for the virus, with 2,698 deaths since the first cases of COVID-19 found in Minnesota.

[Photo] Gov. Tim Walz announces new COVID-19 restrictions

November 13, 2020
Junior Juan Russy keeps the puck under control while trying to score against Osseo. Boys’ hockey was down three players due to COVID-19 exposure.

Senior Davis Bye skates by an Osseo defender as he carries the puck up the ice. Scoring by periods was 2-5, 3-5 and 3-9, respectively.

Sophomore Cole Taylor keeps the puck in position as he attempts to score a goal against Forest Lake. Park lost 5-3 against Forest Lake Nov. 10.

[Photo] Boys’ hockey loses to Forest Lake during bridge season

November 11, 2020
Junior Gavin Thoe makes a dancing TikTok while on break at his job at Five Guys. Thoe has gained 103 thousand followers since he began making TikToks in November 2018.

Student reaches over 100k followers on TikTok

Anna Benishek
November 6, 2020
Fair use from Disney Plus. As Zach Sobiech (Fin Argus) fights his cancer, his best friend Sammy Brown (Sabrina Carpenter) and him write music and produce videos together. Throughout the film, their music goes viral.

‘Clouds’ exceeds expectations

Anna Benishek
October 30, 2020
Senior Liz Hodges is a part of the SLP Seed Hydroponics team. Once a week, the team checks on their green houses where the plants are grown and makes any improvements to their environment.

[Photo] SLP Seeds begins new hydroponics initiative

November 1, 2020
Senior captain Erin Brousseau runs in her last sections meet Oct. 14. The girls team placed 6th out of 16 teams.

Cross country finishes the season strong

Lilly Strathman and Anna Benishek
October 23, 2020
The district is moving forward with the plan to put solar panels on every roof of St. Louis Park public schools. The solar panels are still in the design phase but the schools need to be re-roofed before putting the solar panels on them.

[Photo] Park to install solar panels on school roofs

October 11, 2020
Junior Danny Lainsbury runs to take the ball from the opposing team Oct. 1. Park won 3-2 against Bloomington Kennedy.

Boys’ soccer struggles to start off strong in first half

Anna Benishek
October 4, 2020
Senior Liberty Powers and junior Anna Overall are making jewelry together for their business Jewelry Junkies. After finishing the business innovations class, they are now an independent business.

[Photo] Students find success in upcycling jewelry

September 25, 2020
Senior Alex Ruiz-Shimada goes to kick the ball while blocking the opposing player Sept. 24. Park tied 0-0 against Chanhassen.

Boys’ soccer ties with Chanhassen 0-0

Anna Benishek
September 19, 2020
Sophomore Amanuel Shetaye goes to pass the ball to a teammate. Park’s next game will be 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at the St. Louis Park School Stadium.

Boys’ team keeps shutout against Robbinsdale Cooper

Anna Benishek
September 11, 2020
Sophomore captain Tommy Kniser celebrates with his teammates after he scores the second goal of the game. Park won their first conference game against Bloomington Jefferson 3-0.

Boys’ soccer wins first conference game

Anna Benishek
August 29, 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
3

[Photo] Graduation to be held in person

June 4, 2021
5

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.

[Photo] A time capsule of a historic senior year

June 2, 2020
Fair use from Netflix. Kiara (Madison Bailey), Pope (Jonathan Daviss), John B (Chase Stokes) and JJ (Rudy Pankow) are hiding behind planks of wood because the cops are after John B. "Outer Banks" recently aired on Netflix April 15 with 10 episodes.

‘Outer Banks’ is the next series to binge on Netflix

Anna Benishek
May 25, 2020

[Video] How to make chocolate chip banana bread

May 11, 2020
Junior Leo Dworsky and other members of the "Hairspray" cast perform their final dress rehearsal Feb. 19. Dworsky was announced as a Minnesota Varsity Showcase Artist for Classical MPR of 2020.

Junior named Minnesota Varsity 2020 Showcase Artist

Anna Benishek
May 2, 2020
Fair use from Sony Pictures Entertainment. Phil Connors (Bill Murray) sits next to Rita Hanson (Andie MacDowell) on his bed as she wonders what will happen to them the next day. Earlier in the day, Phil tells Rita that he's lived this day already and she wants to understand why it only effects Phil.

Self isolation feels like ‘Groundhog Day’

Anna Benishek
April 13, 2020
The new Trailhead restaurant, Mill Valley Market, was suppose to open March 14-17 during the World Cup. However, the restaurant is postponing its opening because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Photo] Theodore Wirth Trailhead to open Mill Valley Market

March 19, 2020
Junior Sophie Yakes speaks on behalf for the club Roots and Shoots during the Children's First Champion Breakfast March 5 at Double Tree Park Place Hotel. Yakes said she wants to promote awareness to citizens of St. Louis Park on how to take action.

Children’s First program brings community together to discuss climate change

Anna Benishek
March 8, 2020
Senior Isaac Wahl participates with the Spotlight Inclusion Program Feb. 27. The final performance is on 2-6 p.m. March 15th at the JCC.

Hennepin Theatre Trust prepares for performance

Anna Benishek
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.

Will Pinney leaves for Alaska to play junior-hockey

Anna Benishek
February 27, 2020
Junior Leo Dworsky was announced as a featured artist for Minnesota Varsity classical MPR. Parks Varsity choir is putting on the play "Hair Spray", featuring Dworsky as Corny Collins.

[Photo] Leo Dworsky named featured artist of 2020

February 24, 2020
Junior Erin Brousseau skates toward the puck, bringing it up to the goal Feb. 8 at the Blake Ice Arena. Hopkins/Park girls’ hockey lost to Blake 0-9 in their final Sections game.

Hopkins/Park loses final Section game

Anna Benishek
February 9, 2020
Junior Erin Brousseau battles in the goal crease against Edina goalie junior Sarah Swann Feb. 1. Brousseau has scored 15 goals and made four assists in the regular 2019-2020 season, with a total of 19 points.

Hopkins/Park ends regular season with loss to Edina

Anna Benishek
February 2, 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.

Hockey player takes over Instagram account

Anna Benishek
January 27, 2020
Junior Abby Meyer fights to gain control of the puck Jan. 25. Wayzata defeated Hopkins/Park 7-0.

Hopkins/Park falls to Wayzata

Anna Benishek
January 27, 2020
The St. Louis Park Rec Center is hosting an entertainment swap Jan. 22. The purpose is to encourage the community to recycle and reduce wasting old items.

[Photo] Rec Center hosts entertainment swap

January 17, 2020
Peggy Flanagan talks about people from different upbringings coming together to form a community. Over 1,400 people showed up to the rally.

Minnesota: No Hate. No Fear. unites community

Anna Benishek
January 8, 2020
The ROC hosted the Discoball ice skating Dec. 21. The next major event at the ROC is the New Year’s Eve ice skating 3:30-6 p.m. Dec. 31.

Methodist Hospital Gift Shoppe is selling hijabs in St. Louis Park. Methodist hospital is a part of the first health care system to sell hijabs in the country.

[Video] Winter sports tryouts: Ben Olson

December 12, 2019
Art by Emmy Pearson

Disney+ sparks controversy

Anna Benishek
November 19, 2019
Sophomore Tenzin Dedhen swims the 100 yard butterfly at the second Section swim meet Nov. 8. The State finals will be at 12 p.m. Nov. 15-16 at Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center at the University of Minnesota

Girls’ swim sends qualifying members to State

Anna Benishek
November 10, 2019
Junior Esther Putzier swims the 100 yard butterfly for Park's first Section meet Nov. 6. The second Section meet will be 6 p.m. Nov. 8. at Richfield Middle School.

[Photo] Girls’ swim break new records at first Sections

November 9, 2019
Sophomore Danny Shope intercepts the disc from Bloomington Jeff erson Oct. 26. At time of print, Crush’s record is 4-1.

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