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
Grace Farley

Grace Farley, Managing Editor

Hey, what’s up nerds! I’m Grace Farley and I’m a senior and a managing editor for the lovely Echo. I’m a Starbucks barista so you can almost always find me with my standard Swell’ coffee mug in hand. I’ve been a photographer for three years so if y'all have any questions or just wanna hang out lmk. I’ve been told that I give pretty good hugs and have mom energy so if you’re ever feeling down I so got you. Live, laugh, love Jojo Siwa.

 

All content by Grace Farley
Senior Sophia Davenport distributes yearbooks to students that purchased them May 29.

[Photo] Echowan celebrates distribution day

June 1, 2019
Graduate Ben Baaken celebrates with his fellow graduating seniors of the 2018 class. The 2019 seniors will be graduating June 6 at the Stadium.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: New Graduation speakers allow for inclusivity

June 5, 2019
Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson speaks to a small group of seniors in C350 June 3. Senior Cailey Hansen-Mahoney organized the event and allowed students to submit questions that they wanted Sherrif Hutchinson to answer.

[Photo] Hennepin County Sheriff visits Park

June 5, 2019
Principle Scott Meyers addresses students and their families at the start of the academic awards ceremony May, 21.

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Assistant Principle Jessica Busse hands senior Natalie Aune her academic award during the academic awards ceremony.

[Photo] Dollars for Scholars ceremony uplifts recipients

May 23, 2019
Rep. Ilhan Omar shares her story to 30-40 Park students in C350 April 23. Her visit was prompted by a personal message requesting her to speak at the high school by a student.

Rep. Ilhan Omar’s visit sparks concern

Grace Farley and Dani Orloff
May 14, 2019
Art by Maggie Klaers

Food choices raise health concerns

Abby Intveld, Grace Farley, and Dani Orloff
May 10, 2019
Rising controversy about the official name of Lake Bde Maka Ska or Lake Calhoun divides the city.

[Photo] Local lake name sparks controversy

May 9, 2019
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On a roll: Sophomore Ben Cantor unlocks his bike after school May 6. Many students ride their bikes to school and their routes will potentially be impacted by the light rail construction which is closing the bike paths near Park.

[Photo] Light rail construction temporarily closes bike paths

May 7, 2019
According to Pajor, the Nest strives for inclusivity of every student, making it accessible for everyone. We also try to keep it equitable and we try and keep all of our prices as affordable as we can. You don’t have to buy anything to be in (the Nest) – that was another thing that makes us different than other coffee shops, Pajor said.

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According to Pajor, the Nest will be hiring again in the fall, for students who would wish to join the team. “We will probably be hiring again in the fall and so you just can watch on Instagram and Facebook for a job post. (Employees) just run the coffee shop, make coffee, serve the food (and) clean it up at the end of the day,” Pajor said.

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According to the Nest youth coordinator Ellen Pajor, the coffee shop is an easy and accessible spot for students. “We are open after school and on weekends. That’s why we’re open after school, just to be a space where students can come and that’s accessible and near the high school, Pajor said.

[Photo] Tour of the Nest

Amaia Barajas and Jenna Cook
May 2, 2019
Photo illustration by Grace Farley

[Photo] Assassins prompts safety discussion

May 1, 2019
Prior to Rep. Ilhan Omar addressing the room about her experience as an immigrant and congresswomen, sophomore Abyan Moge excitedly called her mother on FaceTime and introduced her mother to Ilhan Omar.

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Rep. Ilhan Omar addressed a room full of students in C350. Omar shared her personal experiences with Park students and gave them insight on what it was like to run for office as an immigrant.

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Following the discussion with students April 23, Rep. Ilhan Omar took selfies and photos with students such as student Helen Tejera who had come to hear Omar speak.

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Rep. Ilhan Omar ponders a question asked by sophomore Samiya Mohamed about fighting for the right to wear her hijab on the house floor.

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Rep. Ilhan Omar laughs at a comment made by a student during the discussion section of her appearance at Park April 23.

[Photo] Rep. Ilhan Omar visits Park

April 23, 2019
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Junior Ayan Ahmed stares up at Rep. Ilhan Omar as she addresses her peers in C350. Attendees sat in a circle that included Omar and Park students of all ages.

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Senior Donovan Hill practices with his fellow track teammates by walking over hurdles before running. The recent snowstorm April 11 caused the team to again be indoors.

[Photo] Snow delays track

April 18, 2019
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Senior Aisha Abdi and sophomore Grace Kanyinku celebrate after the final performance.

[Photo] Evening multicultural show canceled

April 11, 2019
Senior Andreina Rodriguez sings “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony. Rodriguez sang alongside fellow senior Cecelia Brown.

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Senior Muna Ahmed smiles while the crowd applauds her after reading a poem during the multicultural show, April 12. During the show, students performed in a variety of different mediums such as song, rap, dance and spoken word.

[Photo] Evening show cancellation frustrates

April 18, 2019
Senior Aisha Abdi kicked off the multicultural show as the first performer, reading a spoken word about what the expectations of African immigrants are like in America.

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A destroyed sink placed in one of the toilets of the boys bathroom in the B3 hallway March 28. According to Meyers, the district is working on various other projects, which has slowed the repair process for vandalism in the high school bathrooms.

[Photo] Facility vandalism locks bathrooms

April 21, 2019
The ceiling of the boys B3 hallway bathroom is pulled down.

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Junior Neb Bekele recites an original spoken word that he wrote for the Black History Month presentation.

#Wearetired show calls out systematic racism in society

Grace Farley and Dani Orloff
March 19, 2019
Student participants hold up signs of famous black individuals while other students speak during the introduction to the Black History Month presentation.

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Senior Thomas Pelowitz practices his skills during eSports practice Feb. 28.

[Photo] eSports virtual game makes real world cash

March 12, 2019
Journalism adviser Lori Keekley reads aloud a pre-prepared speech to a committee of representatives urging them to pass the New Voices act that she as been working on. Cheekily spoke alongside Hopkins journalism adviser, Jeff Kocur and senior Emma Yarger.

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Senior Charisse Ondara raises her fist in solidarity with her fellow classmates during the Back History Month presentation March. 8.

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At the beginning of the Black History Month presentation students sat on the stage holding signs with the names of famous and acclaimed people of color. Students announced that they are tired of the treatment of black people and how little it has changed.

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Junior Amaya Fokuo speaks to the crowd of teachers, students and administrators alongside six other speakers.

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Junior Zoe Younger reads aloud a spoke word poem that she wrote during the Black History Month presentation. Younger said that sharing experiences is a important part of understanding each other. (Understanding) is just a really big part of American culture right now, Younger said, Throughout all of our history we have had problems dealing with race and I think that everyone, no matter your racial background it is relevant to you.

[Photo] Gallery: Black History Month presentation

March 8, 2019
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According to St. Louis Park Public Schools Superintendent Astein Osei, the weather-related cancellations and delays have jeopardized the senior class ability to fulfill state instructional requirements. Osei said the district is working to create a plan if additional winter delays or cancellations occur.

[Photo] District discusses options after cancellations

March 8, 2019
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Senior Erica Dudley laughs with her fellow Quiz Bowl members during Quiz Bowl practice in preparation for Nationals.

[Photo] Quiz Bowl eliminated in State tournament

February 21, 2019
The girls and boys locker rooms will be renovated to create separate gym and athletic locker rooms, according to athletic director Andy Ewald. The renovations under the referendum will begin in the spring.

[Photo] From blueprint to reality

February 24, 2019
A snow blower at the high school Feb. 7. Students will be released one hour early due to the snow conditions.

[Photo] Park to be released one hour early Feb. 7

February 7, 2019
Senior Quiz Bowl member Quinn Whitlow beams alongside his teammates after accurately answering a question during Quiz Bowl practice Feb. 5.

[Photo] Quiz Bowl advances to State

February 7, 2019
Senior Echowan managing editor Ilsa Olsen takes attendance during the beginning of 5th hour. Echowan sales are currently extended to Feb. 5. due missed school the week of Jan. 28.

[Photo] Yearbook sales close

February 16, 2019
Gov. Walz speaks to a room of climate activists including students from across Minnesota Jan. 9.

Fight for a future

Grace Farley, Abby Intveld, and Dani Orloff
January 19, 2019
Women United: Senior Emma Kempf hugs her mom, Mary Beth Lamb, during the 2016 Women’s March at the Min- nesota State Capitol Jan. 21-22, 2016. There will be another Women’s March Jan. 19 at the United States Capitol as well as State Capitols.

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During and directly after the kitchen fire all entrances to the lunchroom and neighboring areas were locked off by the staff and firefighters. Following the evacuation, students returned to classes as usual.

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A lunch lady speaks to assistant principal Todd Googleye about how many pizzas they have distributed during first lunch. Due to the kitchen fire, lunches were unable to be prepared for students and were ordered from the nearby Dominos pizza on Minnetonka Blvd. and West Lake street Jan. 15.

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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks to a room filled with students. Walz and Lutinnent Governor Flanagan addressed climate change and the policies in which they wish to enact throughout their term.

[Photo] Roots and Shoots drives for more progress in march to Capitol

January 13, 2019
Senior Alexis Machoka volunteers with children during DECAs annual visit to Family Partnership to celebrate the holidays with children in 2016.

[Photo] DECA works with Family Partnership

December 18, 2018
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[Photo] Minneapolis 2040 Plan passes vote

December 23, 2018
The view of the Minneapolis skyline from Lake of the Isles during the sunrise.

[Photo] NCAA Final Four events in Minneapolis

March 27, 2019
Senior engineering project manager Phillip Elkin talks to community members at the Water Plan meeting. Elkin referenced the poster with information about rain gardens and their effect on the St. Louis Park community as a whole.

Rainwater management program revitalized

Grace Farley
December 16, 2018
Senior Greta Long sits and laughs on top of a lab table in room A313 alongside her fellow puzzle club members. Long is a co-president of the club with fellow senior Claire Middleton.

[Photo] Seniors use passion, create puzzle club

December 19, 2018
Senior Natalia Caraballo speaks about her experiences at Park at her second SOAR uncensored forum. “I felt really good. I felt like I shared everything that I needed to in order to get my message and experience across to people,” Natalia Caraballo said.

Let’s talk race

Grace Farley and Dani Orloff
December 7, 2018
Junior SOAR member Zoe Younger speaks to the crowd during SOARSs uncensored race panel.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Race panel highlights community-wide issues

December 3, 2018
Speak up: SOAR representatives hosted an uncensored panel for students and community members in C350 Nov. 27. Students answered anonymous questions about being a student of color at Park.

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Senior SOAR panelist Jada Witherspoon addresses the difficulties students of color face at Park. This is the second year SOAR has conducted an uncensored race panel to promote conversations on the topic of race.

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Equity coach Lee-ann Stephens shares her personal experiences at the uncensored panel Nov. 27. The questions answered during the forum focused on asking people what their race is, touching natural hair, feeling alienated in honors classes and prejudices students of color face everyday.

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Assistant principal Todd Goggleye smiles as he listens to the panelists answer questions. Students, teachers and community members attended the uncensored forum Nov. 27.

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SOAR panelists listen as junior Zoe Younger speaks at the uncensored race forum Nov. 27. This student-led event sought to issues Park students of color face.

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Back home: Lt. Gov.-elect Peggy Flanagan spoke to civics teacher Brad Brubaker’s freshman honors civics Nov. 15. Flanagan is a graduate of Park and returned to record an interview with Park alumna and journalist Mary Lahammer.

[Photo] Lieutenant Governor-elect, journalist visit Park

November 27, 2018
Minnesotas Lieutenant Governor-elect Peggy Flanagan spoke to Brad Brubakers 9th grade honors civics class. As a high schooler, Flanagan attended St. Louis Park and spoke to the students about her time at Park as well as her time in the government.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Successful alumna inspires community

November 25, 2018
Mayor Jake Spano speaks at the Surface Water Management Plan Meeting Nov. 8. According to the city of St. Louis Park, the agency review period ends Dec. 20.

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Thespians painted the senior wall Nov. 3 to advertise the fall musical 9 to 5. The wall was repainted Nov. 8, after offensive slurs vandalized the wall.

[Photo] Fall musical advertisement vandalized

November 10, 2018
Sophomores Sadie Yarosh and Sophie Livingston chat with Senior sports editor Sophie Olmen during Echo period 5.

[Photo] Echo receives Newspaper Pacemaker Award

November 5, 2018
Freshman students help each other fill out their bingo boards during an activity during their social studies class in C350 Nov. 6.

[Photo] Freshman classes play suffrage bingo

November 7, 2018
Loud and proud: Junior Maddie Lind marches alongside juniors Zoe Younger and Isaac Wahl while holding a sign that reads We Rise. Lind marched Oct. 28 at the Minnesota State Captiol to advocate for a Fossil Free Future. All three are members of Roots and Shoots.

Youth-led march against fossil fuels

Grace Farley and Dani Orloff
November 3, 2018
rock em sock em 3

[Photo] Political dialogue packs a punch

November 2, 2018
Vandalism: Posters about the upcoming election NTA teacher Debra Skadden created with her class were recently vandalized. Students of social studies teacher Kara Ciscos class responded by creating posters to counter the discriminatory comments.

[Photo] Discriminatory statements written on political poster

November 4, 2018
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Youth were not the only ones attending the march. Adults took part in the march to encourage youth to take action and be leaders within the community.

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DECA adviser Sophia Ross removes frozen pizzas during distribution Oct. 25.

[Photo] DECA sells pizza to raise money

October 30, 2018
A freshman student fills out a ballet during the school-wide mock election Oct. 16. The mock election was a way to involve students under 18 in the civic process.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Student election judges present opportunity in politics

October 25, 2018
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Vote: Civil Rights leader Dr. Josie Johnson speaks to the senior class at the voter registration assembly Sept. 26. Johnson encouraged seniors to keep her legacy alive by voting.

[Photo] Assembly inspires voter registration

October 11, 2018
Seniors Claudia Stone, Lexi Lee and Cecilia Brown play in the pep band during Parks homecoming game Sep. 21. Lee participated alongside her peers at the Metro West All-Conference band.

[Photo] All-Conference provides learning experiences

October 8, 2018
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Minnesota Department of Human Rights reached an agreement June 25. The district is fixing suspension disparities within the student body as part of the arrangement.

[Photo] District to reduce suspension disparities

Gabriel Kaplan and Noah Orloff
October 9, 2018
Senior Gavin Carpentier signs a voter registration application during the national high school walkout last year on March 14. ACT SLP is leading a voter registration assembly Sept. 26 to encourage eligible seniors to register to vote for the elections in November.

[Photo] Voter registration assembly to occur Sept. 26

September 25, 2018
The student section cheers for the Park football team as it enters the stadium.

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Senior Ben Hauer celebrates alongside his teammates following the third touchdown of the game. Park beat Richfield with a final score of 41-14.

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