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
Mira Swartz

Mira Swartz, Photographer

Hey guys, my names Mira and I would rather be snowboarding. If I’m not doing that I’m probably taking photos somewhere. My dream job would be to write the descriptions of movies on Netflix. I’m 1 inch above legal midget status so if you ever see me and bring that up I will get very mad. I guess you could say I’m a MIRAcle  *mic drop*

 

All content by Mira Swartz
Students play at Park talent show in 2016. This year's show, planned by DECA students, has been canceled due to low levels of interest.

[Photo] Curtain closes on talent show

January 21, 2022
Senior Raphy Gendler throws the disk during the Boys' Ultimate teams' last game vs Cooper.

Junior David Salamzadeh catches the disk in the end zone to tie the game with two minutes left until halftime.

Senior Erik Haroldson reaches out to catch the disk in the end zone.

Senior Ian Juaire throws the disk to a teammate during the last Boys' Ultimate game May 25 vs. Cooper.

Senior Ian Ian Juaire catches the disk from teammate Senior Jacob Raatz during the last Boys' Ultimate game of the season May 24.

Senior Talia Simonett sings "Million Reasons" accompanied by Carlos Siguenza during the 2016-2017 Senior Vocal Recital, May 22.

Senior Cole Fahey sings "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" by Tony Bennett during the 2016-2017 Senior Vocal Recital.

Senior Tori Carroll sings "Warrior" by Demi Lovato during the 2-16-2017 Senior Vocal Recital on May22.

Senior Michael Donahue sings "Simple Man" By Lynard Skynard during the 2016-2017 Senior Vocal Recital.

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[Photo] Seniors choose gap year options

Max Bechtold, Izzy Leviton, and Nicole Sanford
May 24, 2017
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Senior Deanna Afremov sings "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac, accompanied by Jacob Zweigbaum on the electric guitar.

Senior Anna Albrecht sings "Titanium" during the 2016-2017 Senior Vocal Recital May 22.

Senior Kaleb Schweizer opens up the 2016-2017 Senior Vocal Recital on May 22, with the song "Be Our Guest" by Alan Menken from the original movie "The Beauty and the Beast."

Senior Camaja Byrd sings "The Prayer" by Jessica Sanchez for her solo performance during the 2016-2017 Senior Vocal Recital on May 22.

Chance the Rapper preforms at Rock the Garden June 2016. Chance returned to Minnesota and preformed May 12 at the Xcel Energy Center.

[Photo] Review: Chance the Rapper’s ‘Be Encouraged Tour’ promotes self-confidence, individuality

May 16, 2017
Senior guard Richard Green defends Washburn's Cortez Adams in the second half of Park's Section 6AAAA game against Washburn March 8. The team won 61-59 and will face Wayzata March 11.

[Photo] Boys’ basketball beats Washburn in Section playoffs

March 9, 2017
Senior captian Bauer Neudecker skates past Benilde senior Nick Sims Feb. 23. The Orioles won 5-3, advancing to Section 6AA semifinal against Edina Feb. 25, where they lost 7-1. Neudecker is no in Fairbanks, Alaska playing in the North American Hockey League for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

Senior Mykal Howards jumps to grab the ball while freshman Jacob Brown aims to hit Howard.

[Photo] Student Council runs Sno Daze dodgeball tournament

Hannah Leff
February 23, 2017
Seniors Drew Davidson and Noah Fracassi celebrate the beginning of Sno Daze week at the pep fest Thursday, Feb. 16. The Sno Daze dance is Saturday, Feb. 25.

[Photo] New Sno Daze theme brings variety

February 23, 2017
Student band "Dopeamine" performs during the Feb. 16 pep fest previewing the upcoming Battle of the Bands. "Dopeamine"members and juniors Ben Romain, Liam Sivanich, Lukas Levin were joined by sophomore Martin Scalici for a one time performance during the pep fest. Battle of the Bands takes place Feb. 23 in the HS cafeteria at 7 p.m.

[Photo] Battle of the Bands tradition lives on

February 22, 2017
Juniors Jacob Zweigbaum and Joey Litton along with sophomore Martin Scalici practice for their bands performance during the Sno Daze pep fest on 2/16. Two student bands will perform at the pep fest including The Outlanders and Dopeamine.

[Photo] Student Council plans Sno Daze events

Will Huyck
February 12, 2017
Junior Jonny Sorenson was nominated for Player of the Week Jan. 9-14 in account of the boys' varsity hockey game against Chaska Jan 10. Sorenson scored three goals and an assist during the game, resulting in a 4-2 win for Park.

[Photo] Hockey players nominated for Player of the Week

Hadeal Rizeq
January 31, 2017
Junior Katie Fredrickson, #20, chases after the puck against New Prague Nov. 15. The Park/Hopkins team went on to win the game 8-3.

[Photo] Meet the athlete: Katie Fredrickson

January 13, 2017
Superintendent Rob Metz will retire at the end of the school year. Friends and community members will celebrate his career at the DoubleTree Hotel May 18.

[Photo] Friends, community prepare for Metz farewell reception

May 17, 2017
Senior Mikel Howard shoots the ball over an East Ridge player Dec. 13. Park lost the game 65-69.

Senior Jack Lynch shoots the ball during a close game against East Ridge Dec. 13. Park lost the game 65-69.

Senior Varsity Captain Bauer Neudecker scores two goals with 2 assists during the Varsity St. Louis Park High School Boys Hockey vs. Osseo High School on Tuesday Dec. 6, resulting with a 10-0 win for the SLP HS Varsity Boys Hockey team.

[Photo] Captain recognized for performances on ice

December 22, 2016
Bus 212 waits to pick up students outside the high school in the afternoon Nov. 28. Rachel Rickert, whose sons ride the bus, is ending the boycott she began after an alleged incident of racism involving a student and the driver.

[Photo] Families, administration resolve bus boycott

December 1, 2016
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[Photo] Election sparks interest

Atticus Raasch, Alex Balfour, and Lukas Levin
November 7, 2016
Varsity football players watch their teammates during their Homecoming game Oct. 7.

[Photo] Park football looks for improvement

October 14, 2016
Sophomore Cole Beaton faces an opponent in the boys' game against Benilde-St. Margaret's Oct. 6. The boys' next game is Oct. 13 at 5pm at Hopkins High School.

Team falls short against opponent

Mira Swartz
October 11, 2016
Sophomore Fabio Leyva prevents an opponent from obtaining the ball in the boys' game against Benilde-St. Margaret's Oct. 6. The boys' next game is Oct. 13 at 5pm at Hopkins High School.

Senior captain Ian Lockhart dribbles with the ball as sophomore Sam Diamond runs to meet him. Lockhart said he needed to step up as a leader this season.

[Photo] Boys’ soccer seniors reflect on final season

November 8, 2016
Senior captain Miguel Ocampo

Junior Charles Schuebel plays on despite the rain at the boys' game Oct. 6 against Benilde-St. Margaret's. The boys' next game is Oct. 13 at 5pm at Hopkins High School.

Senior captain Miguel Ocampo pulls back his leg in preparation for a kick in the boys' game against Benilde-St. Margaret's Oct. 6. The boys' next game is Oct. 13 at 5pm at Hopkins High School.

Senior captain Ian Lockhart

Sophomore Ben Klepfer heads the ball in the boys' game against Benilde-St. Margaret's Oct. 6. The boys' next game is Oct. 13 at 5pm at Hopkins High School.

Senior captain Ian Lockhart

Senior Bre Dickens is crowned as Homecoming queen on Wednesday Oct. 5.

Homecoming royalty crowned

Jane Anderson and Mira Swartz
October 9, 2016
11th graders celebrate homecoming week at Park. Students cheer on student council.

Park kicks off homecoming week

Hanna Schechter and Mira Swartz
October 7, 2016
Boy brings homecoming king's crown up onto the stage. At coronation the homecoming king and queen were announced.

Students wait for the homecoming king and queen to be announced at coronation.

Senior Ian Lockhart plays defense against Hopkins at the boys' soccer varsity game. St. Louis Park tied two to two against Hopkins Oct. 1. The next varsity game is a home game against rival school Benilde-St.Margaret's Oct. 6 at 5pm.

[Photo] Boys’ soccer to play rival

October 5, 2016
Senior Sofia strides for the ball as she is pressured by 2 Richfield opponents. The team won 8-0 and included seniors from JV and varsity in the senior night game.

[Photo] Girls’ soccer celebrates senior night

Alec Pittman
October 2, 2016
Junior John Schuebel tries to dribble the ball past freshman Thomas Salamzadeh at practice Sept. 26. The team plays its next game at 5 p.m. Sept. 27 against Bloomington Jefferson.

[Photo] Boys’ soccer relaxes after double header

September 27, 2016
Junior Nicole Sanford practices intervals with the rest of the girls' swim team on Sept. 19.

[Photo] Positivity energizes swimmers

September 25, 2016
Sophomore Fabio Leyva played midfield during the Park vs. Bloomington Kennedy home varsity game on Sept. 13. The next boys' soccer game is a home game on Sept. 22 at the St.Louis Park High School stadium.

Sophomore Nicolas Beaton plays midfield during the Sep. 13 game vs Bloomington Kennedy on home turf. The next boys' soccer game is a home game on Sept. 22 at the St. Louis Park High School stadium.

[Photo] Fans impact team performance

September 21, 2016
Fans cheer on the boys' soccer team at the varsity game on Sept. 13 vs Bloomington Kennedy. The next boys' soccer game is a home game on Sept. 22 at the St. Louis Park High School stadium.

Junior captain Anthony Brandel plays defense against Bloomington Kennedy during the varsity Boys' Soccer game Sep. 13 at the St. Louis Park stadium. The next boys' soccer game is a home game on Sept. 22 at the St. Louis Park High School stadium.

Senior captain Kailey DeLozier practices her freestyle stroke. The team’s next meet takes place at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 at Park.

[Photo] Girls’ swimming prepares for first home meet

Anna Albrecht, Isaac Wert, and
September 20, 2016
Pep band performs during a home football game against Robbinsdale Armstrong Sep. 9.

[Photo] Pep band changes song selection

Devin Raynor, Annabella Strathman, and
September 16, 2016
Junior Abati Dedefso plays defense during the home varsity game Aug. 29 vs. St. Cloud Tech. The next Boys' Soccer home game is Sep. 13 against Kennedy at 7 p.m.

Boys’ soccer falls to St. Cloud Tech

Mira Swartz
September 13, 2016
Senior Daniel Decker plays mid field during Aug. 29 varsity home game against St. Cloud Tech. Decker is one of the Boys' Soccer team captains this year. The next Boys' Soccer home game is Sep. 13 against Kennedy at 7 p.m.

Junior Abdikafi Warsame plays forward during the home varsity game Aug. 29 vs. St. Cloud Tech. The next Boys' Soccer home game is Sep. 13 against Kennedy at 7 p.m.

Senior Miguel Ocampo, a midfielder, charges the ball across the field during Aug. 29 varsity game vs. St. Cloud Tech. Ocampo is one of this years Boys' Soccer team Captains. The next Boys' Soccer home game is Sep. 13 against Kennedy at 7 p.m.

Senior Jose Sanchez slides in on defense to take the ball at Thursday Aug. 29 varsity game against St. Cloud Tech. The next Boys' Soccer home game is Sep. 13 against Kennedy at 7 p.m.

The senior class cheers for the beginning of the school year at the pep fest Aug. 29. According to Cosgrove, the Wisdom Retreat's goal is to create closure for the senior class.

[Photo] Wisdom Retreat allows seniors to reflect

April 26, 2017
The Spanish club gets together and decorates cookies for the Day of the Dead celebration.

[Photo] Spanish Club

September 11, 2016

2016 Commencement ceremony

Mira Swartz, Malaika Bigirindavyi, and Hanna Schechter
June 9, 2016
Graduates throw their caps in the air at the end of the 2016 Graduation ceremony, celebrating the end of their high school career. Graduation 2017 will be held May 25 outside at the football field, weather permitting.

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[Photo] Legislative feud digs into deeper problem

June 9, 2016
Junior Eric Jones participates in the high jump at the conference track meet at Richfield High School. The team competes this week at the section track meet at Hamline University.

[Photo] Conference meet prepares boys’ track for Sections and State

June 2, 2016
Students eat food during the last Latino Student Association meeting on May 26.

Students share their plans for the summer during the last Latino Student Association meeting of the school year.

Carmen Rudin thanks students for coming to the Latino Student Association meetings throughout the year.

Junior Ernesto Garcia shares with his friends during the last Latino Student Association of the school year.

Sophomore Izzy Leviton models one of the Dress CLoset prom dresses. A variety of these dresses are available for student use until the Friday before Prom weekend, May 20.

New girls' lacrosse coach Amanda Loth works with JV team members before their game May 16 against Visitation/St. Paul Academy. JV and Varsity both play against Benilde St. Margeret's May 19 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. at the home stadium. The team's next game is May 19.

[Photo] Team grows with new routines

Sam Crary
May 20, 2016
Sophomores Jacob Zweigbaum (Vocals/Guitar) and Ben Romain (Vocals/Keyboard) perform in their band The Lookout. The band played "The Scientist" by Coldplay, in tribute to the late Prince Rogers Nelson at Jam Sesh on April 23 at the Depot Coffee House in Hopkins.

[Photo] Students showcase musical talents

William Phelan
April 28, 2016
Freshman Mathan Aknin prepares to toss the Frisbee during practice as his teammates, juniors Ronen Pink and Jesse Schwartz, watch from behind. Ultimate captain junior Jacob Raatz said he loves playing with the team.

[Photo] Leaders share enthusiasm for Frisbee

April 30, 2016
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[Photo] Sustainability must start with administration

April 18, 2016
Junior Jacob Raatz practices his flick throw with the rest of the ultimate team on April 11 to prepare for the next game. The game takes place 6:30 p.m. on April 14 at Carpenter Park.

[Photo] Ultimate team moves outdoors

Mimi Fhima
April 14, 2016
Students cheer on the Orioles at the homecoming football game Oct. 2 against Park Center.

[Photo] Staff plead for more spirit

March 24, 2016
Sophomore Rafferty Kugler breaks away down the field during an away game against Benilde-St. Margaret's School Oct. 10. The team lost 0-2.

[Photo] Soccer player verbally commits to play Division I

March 18, 2016
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[Photo] Apple’s refusal to hack iPhone protects user security

Peter Sherno
March 16, 2016
Sophomore Doreen Moranga recites the words to the song "Where Is The Love" by The Black Eyed Peas during the Black History Month Performance Feb. 29.

Senior Sharon Moranga announces the next act at the Black History Month Performance Feb. 29.

Seniors Cha Hixon and Sharon Moranga join the world drumming teacher in singing at the Black History Month Performance Feb 29th.

Senior Sharon Moranga helps host this years Black History Month Performance Feb. 29.

[Photo] Presentation creates discussion

March 4, 2016
Seniors Jonathan Ayele and Zoya Block help host this years Black History Month Performance Feb. 29.

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[Photo] Kendrick Lamar’s superb Grammy performance creates controversy

Max Blackburn
February 26, 2016
Students in the Latino Student Association play games to find connections between cultures.

[Photo] Latino Student Association gathers for deep talk

March 4, 2016
Senior Henry Feldman shoots from half court during the Snowdaze pep fest.

[Photo] SnoDaze Pep fest

February 12, 2016
Senior Mike Collins

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Sophomore Annika Eldridge finishes her routine on the balanced beam.

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