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
Maggie Klaers

Maggie Klaers, Design Editor

Sup nerds! This is Maggie, and you’re watching Disney Channel! Klaers, Maggie Klaers. (pronounced “Claire’s,” like the store) I am a senior this year (thank god)! I do lots of designy-type things for the paper, probably because I am a design editor! I do art stuff, so go check that out too s’il vous plaît! In my free time, I like to drink coffee! Like lots and lots of coffee! By the time you read this I have probably already had a few cups of it today! 365 cups of coffee, that’s how I measure, measure a year!! C8H10N4O2 runs through my veins, if you know what I mean! Ok children, time to stop stalking the Echo staffers’ bios! Go enjoy your day and eat lots of snackies and take lots of nappies!

 

All content by Maggie Klaers
Park went into lockout after student incident took place outside of the school building Oct. 19. Local police continue the investigation

[Photo] Altercation sends Park into lockout

October 19, 2021
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.

Black Lives Matter protests continue

Maggie Klaers and Molly Schochet
June 26, 2020
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
Kids pose with their signs for a picture. The gathering was advertised as a family-friendly event, with sign making stations, sidewalk chalk, bubbles and snacks.

A protestor holds up a sign with the words “Stop The Hate.” Protestors were encouraged to wear masks and maintain social distancing while protesting.

A woman leads the chant “George Floyd.” In the Facebook page for the protest, organizers said, “George Floyd deserves our respect, our grief, our outrage and our commitment to disarm racism. Let's gather in peaceful, socially distanced solidarity to show George's family our love and support.” 

A protestor holds his sign toward northbound traffic. Protestors lined both sides of the pedestrian bridge, making their signs visible to both directions of traffic.

A protestor holds a “Black Lives Matter” sign over the fencing next to Interstate 394. Other signs included phrases like “We Can’t Breathe,” a nod to George Floyd’s final words.

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

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

May 29, 2020
An attendee holds a sign saying "George was one of us." According to the the New York Times, George Floyd was a St. Louis Park resident.

Park alumnae Anna Dusaire and Malaika Bigirindavyi lead a chant during the memorial. Throughout the protest, common chants included, "Say his name! George Floyd!" and "No justice, no peace! Prosecute the police!"

A memorial attendee raises her fist, a common symbol of black power. The memorial spanned across the Minnetonka Boulevard overpass.

Park alumna Elise Bargman raises her fist during a chant. Bargman and her sister, junior Claire Bargman participated in many chants throughout the memorial.

Senior Ava Tronson and alumna Estelle Tronson hold signs up to passing cars from the median on Minnetonka Boulevard. Throughout the memorial, participants stood on both sides of the road as well as the median.

A child wearing a mask holds a "Black Lives Matter" sign. In the invitation to the memorial, organizers urged participants to wear masks and follow social distancing.

A women holds up a "Justice for George Floyd" sign. In the Facebook invitation, the organizers wrote the intent of the memorial was to "gather peacefully in remembrance and in solidarity in seeking justice."

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.

[Photo] COVID-19 cancels Minnesota State Fair

May 22, 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.

Senior Aaron Ellingson passes the ball in a game Dec. 10 against Henry Sibley. Ellingson was named one of 28 recipients of the All-American Award.

Park tri-sport senior named All-American Athlete

Maggie Klaers
May 21, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. Ahmaud Arbery was shot Feb. 23 in Satilla Shores, Georgia. Gregory and Travis McMichael were arrested for the shooting May 7.

[Photo] Being black in America cost Ahmaud Arbery his life

May 8, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. Superintendent Astein Osei announced in 6425 News May 1 that St. Louis Park Public Schools would begin the search for an interim principal for the 2020-2021 school year. Prior to this announcement, the candidates had participated in two rounds of virtual interviews with stakeholders.

Mexico City Cafe has been doing takeout only since March 17 due to COVID-19. Executive Order 20-24 made all Minnesota restaurants close for in-person service through May 17.

[Photo] Three local restaurants to support during COVID-19

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.

[Photo] Park announces grading change

May 1, 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.

[Photo] Opportunities arise to thank teachers, staff

April 29, 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.

[Photo] Park coffee shop, student hangout shuts down

September 2, 2020

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

Talia Lissauer and Marta Hill
April 23, 2020
COVID-19 is a global pandemic that was infected 2,701,924 world wide as of April 23. In a press conference April 23, Gov. Tim Walz closed all Minnesota schools for the reminder of the 2019-2020 school year.

Photo illustration by Emily Ziessman. A homemade mask should cover ones mouth and nose tightly as well as lay flat on both sides of the face. Masks should be machine-washed frequently.

Step-by-step instructions for homemade masks

Maggie Klaers
April 17, 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.

[Photo] Governor closes schools for the rest of the year

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.

[Photo] Second round of principal interviews commence

April 23, 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.

[Photo] Governor extends stay-at-home order until May 18

April 30, 2020
empty field

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.

[Photo] Park joins #BeTheLightMN project

April 21, 2020
library

Superintendent Astein Osei proposed a plan to begin the transition to hybrid learning at 25% capacity. The plan was approved unanimously by the School Board.

[Photo] School board approves return to in-person learning

October 14, 2020
city hall

track

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.

[Photo] Governor extends stay-at home order

April 8, 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.

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

May 13, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. COVID-19 is labeled as a “novel coronavirus” but COVID-19 is not the first coronavirus. SARS in 2003 and MERS in 2012 are other coronaviruses that have had significant outbreaks before COVID-19.

[Photo] How COVID-19 compares to previous coronaviruses

April 7, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. According to St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano, the city is declaring a local state of emergency.

[Photo] Virtual dress codes strive to unify students

March 22, 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.

[Photo] Governor closes restaurants, bars, other public facilities

March 16, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers.

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.

[Photo] Benilde-St. Margaret’s moves to online instruction

March 13, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. As the pandemic spreads, misinformation seems to spreading more and more. Echo seeks to answer your questions and concerns on the virus.

[Photo] Fact-checking the pandemic

March 15, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. According to the Echo, St. Louis Park Public Schools will remain closed from March 17 to April 6 in order to stem the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic. As of 4:15 p.m. March 15, there are 35 cases in Minnesota, 2,815 cases in the United States and 156,800 infected worldwide with 5,762 dead, according to The New York Times.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: School closure necessary to protect community

March 15, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers. As the pandemic spreads, misinformation seems to spreading more and more. Echo seeks to answer your questions and concerns on the virus.

Art by Maggie Klaers. The St. Louis Park Public Schools announced Park will close beginning March 17. The closure will roll into spring break.

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

March 15, 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.

[Photo] Governor Walz declares peacetime state of emergency

March 13, 2020

Privacy under attack

Marta Hill and Maggie Klaers
March 10, 2020
TikTok makes a meteoric rise to popularity

TikTok makes a meteoric rise to popularity

Maggie Klaers
March 10, 2020
House files 8 and 9 were sent through Minnesota House of Representatives Feb. 27. The State Capitol houses the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate.

Minnesota House of Representatives passes two gun violence prevention bills

Maggie Klaers
March 8, 2020
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders addresses the crowd at the March 2 rally at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Sanders received 26 delegates from the Minnesota primaries, according to The Associated Press.

[Photo] Minnesota Super Tuesday results

March 4, 2020
Two rally attendees dance together during one of the musical performances before Sanders spoke. Several speakers and performers took the stage during the evening, including Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.

[Photo] Sen. Bernie Sanders holds rally on eve of Super Tuesday

Talia Lissauer
March 2, 2020
A protestor leads a chant through a megaphone during Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar's rally at St. Louis Park High School March 1. Klobuchar announced she would be suspending her campaign March 2.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Protest brings important issue to national stage

March 3, 2020
According to a campaign spokesperson, the campaign offered the group of protesters a meeting with the senator if the group would leave the stage after being on for more than an hour. After initially agreeing, the group backed out, and the campaign canceled the event.

A young girl sits on someone’s shoulders and holds up a “win big” sign in support of Sen. Klobuchar. Klobuchar announced she would be leaving the race March 2.

A protestor raises his fist during a chant. Signs for the protestors included phrases such as, “Jail killer KKKops,” “Free Myon,” “What’s the sentence for being innocent” and “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

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.

[Photo] Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar rally derailed by protestors

March 1, 2020
A protestor holds up a poster designed like a Minnesota license plate with the word "shame." The group was there to bring attention to Myon Burrell's imprisonment, a case Sen. Klobuchar prosecuted.

According to a campaign spokesperson, the campaign offered the group of protesters a meeting with the senator if the group would leave the stage after being on for more than an hour. After initially agreeing, the group backed out, and the campaign canceled the event.

Seniors Ky'Areia Malone and Tobyous Davenport high five after the sixth hour performance. Following the conclusion of the show, many of the performers danced and took pictures together on the stage.

Senior Nevaeh Emerson holds her hands in the likeness of a gun during a poem about police brutality. The poem was written and performed during the Black History Month show by senior Lyric Robinson.

Senior Neb Bekele and junior Grace Kanyinku pose for a selfie after the sixth period Black History Month performance. Both Bekele and Kanyinku had speaking roles in the show.

Seniors Jacob Johnson and William Pinney embrace each other following the Feb. 20 Sections loss against Cretin-Durham Hall. The final score of the game was 3-6.

Boys’ hockey season comes to an emotional close

Maggie Klaers and Ruthie Posada
February 21, 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
Benilde-St. Margaret's sophomore Ben Thompson shoves junior McCabe Dvorak Feb. 13. Park lost 0-4.

Boys’ hockey loses in rivalry matchup

Maggie Klaers and Ruthie Posada
February 14, 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. 

[Photo] Impeachment explained

February 10, 2020
Senior Bobby Doss checks Chanhassen player Parker Thomas into the glass Feb. 6. Park currently holds a winning record of 14-8-0.

Boys’ hockey victorious despite prolonged time in penalty box

Maggie Klaers and Ruthie Posada
February 6, 2020
Seniors Flynn Spano and William Pinney talk center ice after practice Jan. 31. Spano and Pinney spent the first portion of practice working on goalie skills.

Park’s goalie corps has teamwork at its core

Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
February 5, 2020
Spano said he chose to be a goalie because he like the equipment. "At the beginning it was really just the pads, I thought the pads were really cool, so I decided to play goalie and the association needed goalies, so it kind of just worked out," Spano said.

According to Pinney, he began his goalie career in order to get his friends involved in the sport. “I started out playing hockey and I wanted to play hockey with my other friends, but none of them wanted to play hockey unless there was a goalie so I always got suckered into playing goalie," Pinney said.

[Video] Impeachment explained

January 28, 2020

[Video] St. Louis Park High Schools Winter One Act Play

January 17, 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.

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

January 16, 2020
Senior Jack Townsend skates after the puck, while senior Avery Pittman battles with Hopkins player Troy Landschoot Jan. 14. Park defeated Hopkins in a shutout 4-0.

Boys’ hockey continues winning streak

Maggie Klaers and Ruthie Posada
January 15, 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.

[Photo] City Council bans sale of vape products, e-cigarette products

January 8, 2020
Junior McCabe Dvorak checks Eastview senior Ben Malloy against the boards Jan. 3. Park 3-4 in overtime against Eastview.

Outdoor battle ends in overtime loss

Maggie Klaers and Ruthie Posada
January 5, 2020
Fair use from Universal Pictures. According to Vogue, Victoria Hayward, a Royal Ballet principal dancer, made her debut acting performance in “Cats.” She played Victoria, the abandoned cat that the Jellicile cats befriend.

‘Cats’ got my tongue

Maggie Klaers
December 22, 2019

[Video] St. Paul Turkey Trot 2019

December 12, 2019
According to the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, 7% of Minnesota’s population were in foreign countries as of 2017. Minnesota has a history of accepting large numbers of refugees, including Hmong and Somali populations, who began settling in the late 20th century. As of 2015, Minnesota has the largest Somali population and the second largest Hmong population in the nation.

[Photo] Staff Editorial: Hennepin County should vote to welcome refugees

December 13, 2019
Seniors Will Pinney and Jacob Young work to stop a shot against Minneapolis Dec. 10. Pinney has a save percentage of .887 in the 2019-2020 season, according to the Star Tribune.

Boys’ hockey loses to Minneapolis

Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
December 11, 2019
Junior Drew Boyum fights for the puck against Edina's junior Emmett Wurst Dec. 3. Boyum has scored or assisted in at least one goal every game in the first three games of the 2019-2020 season, with a total of four points.

Boys’ hockey falls to Edina

Maggie Klaers, Ruthie Posada, and Emily Ziessman
December 3, 2019
Senior Robert Doss fights off a defender as he reaches for the puck Nov. 21. Park beat St. Paul Academy 3-1.

Boys’ hockey hits the ice for its first game

Maggie Klaers and Ruthie Posada
November 21, 2019
Senior and libero Addie Warg passes the ball to senior and setter Makaila Winward. As a libero, Warg specializes in back row passing.

Players rise from the bench in celebration after winning a point. Multiple JV level players were brought up to join the varsity team at the end of the season.

Junior Faith Johnson waves to the student section during the introductions before the Nov. 9 State match. Johnson plays as a right-side hitter.

Information to know for the Nov. 9 volleyball State match

Maggie Klaers
November 8, 2019
Junior Kendall Coley spikes the ball to the opposing team. Busing will function the same way as the first day of State Nov. 7. Buses will board 7:15 a.m Nov. 8.

Information about the Nov. 8 volleyball State match

Maggie Klaers
November 7, 2019
The girls' volleyball team celebrates after scoring during the sections game against Washburn Oct. 24. Park won with a final score of 3-0.

Schedule for Nov. 6

Maggie Klaers
November 5, 2019
Sophomores Olivia Brown and Mackenzie Peshong rehearse the opening number of the upcoming fall musical "Legally Blonde" Sept. 30. Dancers for the show routinely meet to drill the numbers. "Legally Blonde" will open at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Auditorium.

Theater rehearses dance numbers for ‘Legally Blonde’

Maggie Klaers and Emily Ziessman
November 4, 2019
Junior Liz Hodges practices while debate coach Samantha Leo times her. The debate team is currently preparing for an important upcoming tournament Nov. 8-9 at Apple Valley High School.

Debate team practices for upcoming tournament

Maggie Klaers and Emily Ziessman
November 3, 2019
cycle three school drawing

[Photo] Rumors of gun threat to St. Louis Park prove false

October 24, 2019
According to Associate Director for the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) Donnel Probst, social media is more convenient than a news site because of convenience.

[Photo] Social media posts camouflaged as news

October 8, 2019
Art by Maggie Klaers. According to pediatric lung specialist Dr. Brooke Moore, when looking at an x-ray of healthy lungs, the lungs should appear dark black, as they are filled with air. However, as of Oct. 1, over 1000 cases of a vaping-related illness have been reported. This illness causes otherwise healthy teens to present with pneumonia-like x-rays. White fluffy clouds of inflammation replace the black coloration of air in the x-ray.

Vaping can lead to serious pulmonary illnesses

Maggie Klaers
October 9, 2019
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