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
Isabel Kjaer

Isabel Kjaer, Editor-in-Chief

Heyyyy buddies!! My name is Isabel Kjaer but you can call me Sr. hot stuff. This year my position on staff is Co-Chief. The highlight of my year is getting a new erasable highlighter. I am VERY excited to be on Echo for my third year. I started out as a simple journalism student and now I have grown to be a writer, designer, editor, chief, and hard working gal. Each year on staff has been the highlight of my whole freaking life and it gets better and better each time around. My interests this year outside of Echo include Synchro, skydiving, skiing, and sky jumping.

All content by Isabel Kjaer
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
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.

[Photo] Locker-clean out scheduled for May 11–14

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 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
Due to COVID-19 closures, Park's stadium is empty. In support of senior athletes, the stadium's light will be on for 315 seconds on at 8:20 p.m. April 22.

Park joins #BeTheLightMN project

Isabel Kjaer
April 21, 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. 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
Minnesota school closures effective March 18 through March 27

Minnesota school closures effective March 18 through March 27

Isabel Kjaer and Talia Lissauer
March 15, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. As of March 13, there is one case of COVID-19 in St. Louis Park.

COVID-19 case in St. Louis Park

Talia Lissauer and Isabel Kjaer
March 14, 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. 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

Daylight saving bills would allow for more stability

Isabel Kjaer
March 2, 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
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.

St. Louis Park adopts the Efficient Buildings Collaborative

Isabel Kjaer
February 26, 2020
Junior Danny Walsh competes in the Nordic State meet Feb. 14. Walsh participated in the freestyle and classic pursuit races.

[Photo] Junior competes in Nordic State meet

February 23, 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

[Video] Loppet ski event

February 9, 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
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
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
tika toka

TIK TAK TOK TEK

tik tok SUPER CUTEEEEE

[Photo] TikTok makes a meteoric rise to popularity

March 10, 2020
tik tok dancing

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
Club synchro teaches life lessons

Club synchro teaches life lessons

Isabel Kjaer
December 13, 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
Visitors view the 9/11 exhibit at the Newseum in Washington D.C. On display are various front pages from 9/12 and the antenna from the top of the World Trade Center. Free press was key in reporting on the tragedy of 9/11.

Social media posts generate controversy

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
November 10, 2019
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
Park trail, issue 2

Park trail, issue 2

Isabel Kjaer
October 31, 2019
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
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
Senior Anna Kasper flicks the disc to her teammate June 5 at Oak Hill Park. The Park ultimate boys' and girls' teams played the coaches and alum during this end of the year team bonding game.

Ultimate celebrates successes with community game

Isabel Kjaer and Kaia Myers
June 6, 2019
Junior Svea Bleske jumps to block a Blake player from catching the disc. Girls' Crush ultimate won the game against Blake 9-8 April 30.

Girls’ ultimate beats Blake

Kaia Myers and Isabel Kjaer
May 9, 2019
Junior Amelia Ryan attempts to defend the disc during the last game of the Madison Mudbath Tournament April 28. The next tournament will be the Hopkins Hustle Tournament May 11-12.

Echo Podcast episode one — Madison Mudbath Ultimate Frisbee tournament review

Kaia Myers, Carissa Prestholdt, and Isabel Kjaer
April 30, 2019
A cold press shake and lemon poppy seed bread from the new Caribou Coffee store in Edina at an invite only event March 25. The store features a new interior design and food and drink options unique to the location which opens March 27.

New Caribou opens in Edina

Maggie Klaers and Isabel Kjaer
April 11, 2019
Senior ultimate crush player Jack Ostrovsky signals to teammate to pass the disc during a game in the 2018 season. The team has been doing extra training drills to improve its strength for the 2019 season.

Boys’ ultimate basics quiz

Isabel Kjaer, Carissa Prestholdt, and Kaia Myers
March 19, 2019
Senior Grace Hamond throws disc to teammate at girls' ultimate first scrimmage of the season against Hopkins. The scrimmage Feb. 26 took place at Hopkins Junior High. Hopkins defeated Park with an undefined score.

First scrimmage motivates girls’ ultimate

Kaia Myers and Isabel Kjaer
February 28, 2019
Senior project manager Christian Vega Celis works with a team member and an adult mentor during ACE club meeting. ACE meets Thursdays after school in C250A.

ACE continues planning phase

Isabel Kjaer and Tennam Gyaldatsang
February 20, 2019
Fair use from Sony Pictures

Escape predictability

Isabel Kjaer
January 20, 2019
Junior Fellowship of Christian Athletes' (FCA) co-leader Aaron Ellingson asks questions relating to their final devotional during a meeting Jan. 10 in A304. According to Ellingson, the next FCA event will be held Jan. 22.

Club meeting experiences low turnout

Marta Hill, Noah Orloff, and Isabel Kjaer
January 15, 2019
Sophomore robotics member Julia Salita discusses different ways to assemble materials with her fellow team members during a meeting Jan. 7. According to captain Anthony David, the robot has to be finished by Feb. 19 in order to compete in the Destination: Deep Space challenge.

Robotics attends season kickoff event

Marta Hill, Noah Orloff, and Isabel Kjaer
January 10, 2019
Seniors Neil Walsh, Danny Hunegs and Cailey Hansen-Mahoney during Sexual Health Education Club's meeting Nov. 8. The club's next discussion is Dec. 20.

Club educates on sexual health

Noah Orloff, Marta Hill, and Isabel Kjaer
December 19, 2018
Sophomore Julia Salita and junior David Prohofsky discuss plans for a robot during practice Dec. 13. The team is preparing for the 2018-19 season which will begin in January.

Robotics prepares for season

Marta Hill, Noah Orloff, and Isabel Kjaer
December 16, 2018
SHEC president Erica Dudley writes down ideas for the upcoming year Nov. 8. The topics brainstormed for future meetings included consent and contraception.

SHEC brainstorms topics to discuss

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Noah Orloff
November 17, 2018
Forensic psychologist Ernest Boswell speaking to MED club Oct. 8. The club has many guest speakers attend meetings throughout the year to inform students of different medical professions.

MED club learns from forensic psychologist

Marta Hill, Isabel Kjaer, and Noah Orloff
November 10, 2018
Freshman Sylvia Leppik shares her coming out story to GSA members during their meeting Oct. 25. In their weekly meetings, GSA also discusses current political topics.

Gay Straight Alliance plans activism

Isabel Kjaer
October 30, 2018
Sophomore Elizabeth Orton engages in Intersectional Feminism Club’s first meeting of the year. Members discussed their goals for the year.

Intersectional Feminism Club changes name

Isabel Kjaer
October 22, 2018
Freshman Josie Mosby runs with two competitors in the Griak race, Sept. 29. Mosby placed first individually and the team placed first overall.

[Photo] Girls’ cross country top runner

October 13, 2018
Varsity girls' cross country team surrounds freshman Josie Mosby as they celebrate winning the Roy Griak Invitational Sept. 29

Freshman Josie Mosby attempts to push past her opponents during the Griak meet. It took place Sept.29

[Photo] Girls' cross country places first at Griak

October 8, 2018
griak2

Freshman Josie Mosby and junior Kaia Myers begin their race at the Griak meet Sept. 29. Park runners competed in the Maroon race and placed first overall.

The AppleHouse sells apples, gourds and other fall items such as jam. They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until early November.

Fall favorites

Isabel Kjaer and Creston Halstead
September 27, 2018
Juniors Maddie Lind and Ally Feller share what they have planned for Feminism club this year. Their first meeting took place 8 a.m. Sept. 20 in B320 classroom.

Feminism Club anticipates new focus

Isabel Kjaer
September 24, 2018
Junior Noah Houser attempts to block a shot in a game against Breck 7 May 11 at Breck School. Houser has been a goalie since he started playing lacrosse in middle school.

Boys’ lacrosse junior goalie steps up

Isabel Kjaer and Sofia Seewald
May 24, 2018
Senior Liam O'Neil tries to block Breck player Senior Brendan at 7 p.m. game at Breck on May 11.

Boys’ lacrosse defeats Breck

Isabel Kjaer and Sofia Seewald
May 15, 2018
Juniors Natalia Caraballo and Esmeralda Perez perform a cultural dance at the Cinco de Mayo celebration during lunch May 4.

Latino Student Association celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Isabel Kjaer and Sofia Seewald
May 10, 2018
Junior KJ Preston Pepperell was a stage manager for the spring play, "The Philadelphia Story." There were two other stage managers for this production.

Junior takes on stage managing role

Isabel Kjaer
May 3, 2018
Students from various schools hold posters advocating for gun control. Students walked out of school to protest the cause April 20.

Rally at Capitol calls for gun reform

Sofia Seewald and Isabel Kjaer
April 23, 2018
Senior Mitchell Vortherms catches ball during Park’s game against Benilde-St. Margaret’s April 19. Park lost against Benilde 2-15.

Boys’ lacrosse loses to Benilde

Isabel Kjaer and Sofia Seewald
April 21, 2018
Senior Kai Mckee sprints to block Holy Angel's player from scoring point at Boys' lacrosse first game of the season. Park lost 6-21 April 17 at the Academy of Holy Angels.

Boys’ lacrosse loses indoor game to Holy Angels

Isabel Kjaer and Sofia Seewald
April 20, 2018
Senior meeting held April 11 discussing the Senior All Night Party and Prom. Prom will be May 5.

Senior All Night Party hopes to bring peers closer

Isabel Kjaer
April 11, 2018
Senior captain Kyle Hedblom works on passes at lacrosse tryouts April 4. The team started practice April 2.

Senior commits to Milwaukee School of Engineering

Sofia Seewald and Isabel Kjaer
April 10, 2018
Boys' lacrosse team conducts tryouts despite snow at Park's stadium. Tryouts took place April 2-5.

Boys’ lacrosse conducts tryouts outdoors

Sofia Seewald and Isabel Kjaer
April 9, 2018
Used with permission from Jared Mickelson.

JV head coach works to develop players

Sofia Seewald and Isabel Kjaer
March 16, 2018
Boys' Lacrosse players hold pre-season practice at the St. Louis Park High School Stadium.

Boys’ lacrosse team prepares for season

Sofia Seewald and Isabel Kjaer
March 7, 2018
Freshman McCabe Dvorak fights Edina defense player Jake Boltmann for the puck in Park's second Section game of the season. Park lost to Edina 6-1.

Boys’ hockey season ends with loss to Edina

Isabel Kjaer
February 25, 2018
Park boys' hockey celebrates after the final buzzer of their game Feb. 22. Park beat Benilde 2-1 to advance to the section semi-finals.

Boys’ hockey beats rival Benilde

Isabel Kjaer
February 24, 2018
Senior Luke Mobley faces off against Chanhassen player Charlie Montag. Park beat Chanhassen 3-1 Feb. 8 at Victoria Field House.

Boys’ hockey beats Chanhassen

Isabel Kjaer
February 9, 2018
The 2018 Luminary Loppet takes place Feb. 3 on the frozen Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis.

Annual event highlights Minnesotan traditions

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
February 2, 2018
Senior and Captain Jonathan Sorenson fights for the puck against a Chaska forward in its outdoor game Jan. 30 at the ROC against Chaska. Park lost in overtime with a final score of 6-5.

Boys’ hockey loses to Chaska

Isabel Kjaer
January 31, 2018
Freshman Jack Wandmacher looks to play the puck during the Orioles win against Hopkins. Park won 5-0, shutting out the Hopkins offense.

Boys’ hockey shuts out Hopkins

Isabel Kjaer
January 3, 2018
Senior Jonny Sorenson forward attempts to steal the puck from Benilde-St. Margret defense player Nate Schweitzer Dec. 22. at the Rec Center.

Boys’ hockey ends in a tie against Benilde

Isabel Kjaer and Ella Hammerstrand
December 24, 2017
Senior Willy Basil lines up for a faceoff against a Lakeville South center. Park beat South 2-1 in overtime Dec. 14.

Boys’ hockey beats Lakeville South

Isabel Kjaer
December 15, 2017
IB Coordinator Jenny Magdal consults juniors on their extended essays Nov. 30 in C153. IB Diploma Candidates work on their papers every Tuesday and Thursday.

IB Coordinator strives to make a change

Isabel Kjaer
December 1, 2017
Senior captain Luke Mobley makes a move around Edina's Ben Brinkman. Park played Edina in their first game of the season on Nov. 28 at the St. Louis Park Rec Center.

Boys’ hockey loses to Edina

Isabel Kjaer
November 29, 2017
Spanish cub members practice Salsa dancing. They learned the dance through Profe Anderson's class.

Spanish club combines fun and education

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
November 16, 2017
Natural Helpers discuss how their training went and the overall effectiveness of the program. The all-day session took place Oct. 27.

Natural Helpers improve their techniques

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
November 10, 2017
Spanish club members make paper decorations called 'Papel Picado' during the first meeting Oct. 25.

Spanish club faces challenging start

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
October 26, 2017
Sophomore Maggie Klaers poses with her teammate Melanie Smith after a long day of shows starting at 4 p.m. Aug. 13 on Harriet Island in St. Paul. This show at the Irish fair is one of many Maggie performs in around St. Patrick's Day.

Sophomore dances her way to a confident lifestyle

Isabel Kjaer
October 24, 2017
Senior Ubah Abdullahi speaks at the second NHS meeting held on Oct. 6

NHS members gain leg up with college applications

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
October 13, 2017
Natural Helper students attend the first meeting of the year. The meeting took place Sept. 14 and club changes were discussed.

Natural Helpers start a new year with new emphasis

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
September 27, 2017
Zero hour choir members practice their piece Loch Lomond for an upcoming concert.

Concert Choir begins preparations for prestigious concert

Isabel Kjaer
September 27, 2017
Senior public relations officer Savannah Kjaer speaks at the first NHS meeting Sept. 13

NHS officers gear up for new year

Marta Hill and Isabel Kjaer
September 25, 2017
Senior football captain Ryan Klaers gathers team Cool Beans to discuss strategy while playing in the final Powder Puff game Sept. 11. Members of team Cool Beans wore tie-dye as their uniforms.

Competitive Powder Puff kicks off Homecoming week

Isabel Kjaer
September 11, 2017
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