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
Sofia Seewald

Sofia Seewald, Managing Editor

Heyo! My name is Sofia Seewald and I am a proud Managing editor for Echo! When I’m not doing Echo things, I spend my time playing tennis, cross-country skiing, volunteering at hospitals and eating sushi (specifically sweet potato sushi from Wakame). I love adventuring and trying new things with friends and family. I can’t wait to acquire more knowledge throughout this year on the Echo team!

All content by Sofia Seewald
Fair use from Getty Images. Former First Lady Michelle Obama travelled all over the United States for up-close interviews about her book "Becoming." Obama starred in the Netflix documentary "Becoming," released May 6.

‘Becoming’ beautifully captures story of former First Lady

Sofia Seewald
May 16, 2020
Minnesota golf courses reopened as of 5 a.m. April 18 because Executive Order 20-38 was signed by Gov. Tim Walz. Tee times at Theodore Wirth Park Golf Course are 20 minutes apart with stoppers around the holes for health safety reasons.

Reopening of some outdoor recreation beneficial to Minnesotans

Sofia Seewald
May 5, 2020
Juniors Ben Sanford and Sophie Livingston and seniors Tennam Gyaldatsang and Maggie Klaers edit a page during Echo’s late night Feb. 25. Echo was recently awarded fifth in the Online Best of Show and Print Tabloid Best of Show categories, as well as named one of 16 to win the National Scholastic Press Association's Online Pacemaker.

Echo named Online Pacemaker winner

Sofia Seewald
April 20, 2020
Sections of Cedar Lake Parkway, East Bde Maka Ska Parkway, Lake Harriet Parkway, Lake of the Isles Parkway, Lake Nokomis Parkway, Main Street SE and West River Parkway will be closed to motorized traffic and open to pedestrians until the stay-at-home executive order is lifted May 4. This gives pedestrians more space to maintain an appropriate social distance.

Streets closing around lakes is a smart precaution

Sofia Seewald
April 18, 2020
Expanding appreciation of nature through hiking

Expanding appreciation of nature through hiking

Sofia Seewald
March 28, 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.

Theodore Wirth Trailhead to open Mill Valley Market

Sofia Seewald
March 19, 2020
The Galaxy Drive In lights illuminated at night. The last time the restaurant was open was 2015.

Galaxy Drive In to reopen mid-April after five years of closure

Sofia Seewald
March 15, 2020
Junior Joelle Sheffield dribbles the ball around Wayzata freshman Brynn Senden during the Section game against Wayzata Feb. 29. Park lost to Wayzata 64-71.

Girls’ basketball finishes off season

Sofia Seewald and Maddie Schutte
March 10, 2020
Senior and captain Jordyn Turek looks for a team member to pass the ball to. Park won its first Sections game 74-40 against Southwest Feb. 26.

Girls’ basketball pulls off 74-40 win

Maddie Schutte and Sofia Seewald
February 28, 2020
Junior Raegan Alexander takes a shot at the basket at the game against Benilde-St. Margaret's Feb. 18. Alexander scored her 1,000th point at the start of the game.

Girls’ basketball defeats Benilde

Sofia Seewald and Molly Schochet
February 19, 2020
Teacher Alexander Polk attempts a shot while playing the student team during the pep fest Feb. 14. The Sno Daze week dress code for Thursday, Feb. 20 is hats.

Sno Daze week events, dress codes

Sofia Seewald
February 18, 2020
Junior Raegan Alexander looks for a teammate to pass the ball to Feb. 7. Girls' basketball beat Chanhassen 80-75.

Girls’ basketball pulls out a win after tight game

Sofia Seewald and Maddie Schutte
February 9, 2020
This ice castle luminary was located in the Icecropolis display on Lake of the Isles. The Luminary Loppet was hosted as a part of the 2020 City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival Feb. 1.

Luminary Loppet illuminates city

Sofia Seewald
February 4, 2020
Sophomore Adam Gips helps a girl off the tow rope at the Theodore Wirth Trailhead-Park tubing hill. Gips works at the hill alongside sophomores Tait Myers and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Nordic skiers put to work at Theodore Wirth Park Trailhead

Sofia Seewald
February 4, 2020
Junior Faith Johnson looks to pass the ball to one of her teammates. Park won against Robbinsdale Cooper 77-73 Jan. 30.

Park scores a victory after 14 years

Sofia Seewald
February 1, 2020
Juniors Kendall Coley and Raegan Alexander to block Robbinsdale Cooper defender junior Meme Wheeler Jan 3. Park lost to Robbinsdale Cooper 62-69. At one point during the second half, the team was down by two points.

Girls’ basketball loses to Cooper for 14th year in a row

Sofia Seewald
January 7, 2020
Junior Raegan Alexander

The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train made its way to St. Louis Park for the third year in a row 6 p.m. Dec. 12. The train stopped right outside of STEP, south of Lake Street, so people could bring in money and food donations while enjoying music at the event.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train returns

Sofia Seewald
December 12, 2019
Junior Raegan Alexander guards Como Park player Cloey Dmytruk at Park’s home opener game. Park defeated Como Park Dec. 6.

Girls’ basketball breaks losing streak

Sofia Seewald
December 7, 2019
Senior Michael Ramirez works with eSports team to plan strategies for their next game. eSports has its next meeting Dec. 12 to prepare for upcoming tournaments.

[Photo] eSports adviser helps create Minnesota league

December 9, 2019
Junior Alena Jaranilla blocks senior Shalya Miller during practice. The first game will be 5:30 p.m. Nov. 22 against Hill-Murray at Hopkins High School.

Girls’ basketball eager to win conference

Maddie Schutte and Sofia Seewald
November 17, 2019
Photo Illustration by Sofia Seewald. Latino Student Association's next meeting will be held during 3rd hour Nov. 7 in C350.

Latino Student Association initiates meetings

Maddie Schutte and Sofia Seewald
November 6, 2019
Senior Maddie Lind writes postcards to St. Louis Park residents informing them about the upcoming election. Lind is campaigning for Larry Kraft along with several other students.

City election provides opportunity

Sofia Seewald
November 5, 2019
Freshman Laniyah Thorn ton expresses her anger regarding the use of homophobic and gender-based insults around school during the Intersectional Feminism Club meeting Oct. 24

Intersectional Feminism Club talks vocabulary

Sofia Seewald, Maddie Schutte, and Emma Leff
October 25, 2019
Senior Aliviah McClinton fights for the ball in the game against BSM. Due to the game the soccer teams record is now 5-3-2.

Meet the Athlete: Aliviah McClinton

Sofia Seewald
October 10, 2019
Co-presidents of GSA Club and seniors Anika Jamison and Al Woida discuss plans to paint the wall for National Coming Out Day. The first club meeting took place at 8 a.m. on Oct. 3.

GSA reflects on low turnout

Maddie Schutte and Sofia Seewald
October 9, 2019
Freshman Amalia Fischer draws on a coloring sheet hand out during the first Intersectional Feminism Club meeting of the year. The club met Sept. 12 to collaborate on its goals for the year.

Intersectional Feminism Club kicks off

Maddie Schutte and Sofia Seewald
September 16, 2019
Juniors Leo Dworsky and Amara Foner perform Aug. 24 at the Three One Six Bar + Grill. Dworsky sang covers and played piano, while Foner played cello.

Juniors perform for a cause

Sofia Seewald, Emmy Pearson, and Annica Schultz
August 27, 2019
Meet the Athlete: Tommy Tight

Meet the Athlete: Tommy Tight

Sofia Seewald
June 7, 2019
Sophomore Izzy Segal watches her ball after she hits it May 2 at Theodore Wirth Golf Course. Segal was the only girls' golf player to make Sections this year.

Girls’ golf player heads into second round of Sections

Sofia Seewald, Ethan Meisler, and Ruby Stillman
June 2, 2019
Senior Owen Goddard winds up for a swing at the second hole during a match against Minneapolis Southwest May 15. The next match will be at the Minneapolis Golf Club May 19.

Boys’ golf celebrates win over Southwest

Ruby Stillman, Sofia Seewald, and Ethan Meisler
May 17, 2019
Senior Luke Anderson competes in butterfly during a meet against Bloomington Jefferson. Anderson recently committed to continue swimming at the University of St. Thomas next year.

Senior verbally commits to Division III swim team

Sofia Seewald
May 7, 2019
Sophomore girls' golf member Brianna Dahl takes a swing on the fairway at the match May 2 against Southwest at Theodore Wirth Golf Course. The next match will be May 6 at Crystal Lake Golf Course.

Girls’ golf suffers loss to Southwest

Ruby Stillman, Sofia Seewald, and Ethan Meisler
May 5, 2019
Sophomore Michael Boxley practices his swing at practice April 15. The boys' golf team practiced inside the school gym because of bad weather.

Boys’ golf anticipates challenging match

Ethan Meisler, Sofia Seewald, and Ruby Stillman
April 26, 2019
Freshmen Maree Lasala and Caroline Butler test their oxygen levels with a representative from the Hennepin County Medical Center at the career fair. The medical center's booth also included an emergency medical technician that spoke to students about her career.

[Photo] Gallery: Career EXPO

April 26, 2019
Freshmen Maya Frank and Isra Mohamed spin a wheel at the Pros of the Rope booth to win a prize. The founder of Pros of the Rope Jon Reese interacted with Park students at the career fair April 24.

Freshman Charlie Poulter chips at the first hole during a match against Armstrong April 9. The match took place at Brookview Golf Course.

Boys’ golf suffers first loss

Sofia Seewald, Ruby Stillman, and Ethan Meisler
April 14, 2019
Junior Lily Rostal practices her short game at the Brooklyn Park Golf & Sports Center. Girls' golf had its first practice March 18 and will have its first match at 3:00 p.m. April 8 at Bluff Creek Golf Course.

Girls’ golf begins practices

Ruby Stillman, Ethan Meisler, and Sofia Seewald
March 28, 2019
Park parent Paula Engelking attends a parent workshop with therapist Marc Hertz March 22. Engelking attended the conflict resolution session in order to find solutions for disputes with her children.

High school holds free parent workshops over conferences

Sofia Seewald
March 24, 2019
Social studies teacher Jillian Merkle looks at the merchandise to be raffled off laid out in the staff lounge. All of the merchandise is made by a spirit company called Park Prints.

Freshman prospective girls' golf member Jordan Clarke talks to coach Kevin Jones about the season's goals at a meeting Feb. 28. Kevin Jones, Matt Stangl and Stacy Seidel will be the three new coaches for girls' golf this season.

Girls’ golf brings in three new coaches

Ethan Meisler, Ruby Stillman, and Sofia Seewald
March 15, 2019
During the 2018-2019 tennis season, senior Susanna Hu returns a serve at a home match. Hu verbally committed to play Division 3 tennis at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in February.

Senior verbally commits to Division 3 tennis program

Sofia Seewald
March 4, 2019
Sophomore Maia Seidel hits an approach shot during a match on May 9 at Brookview Golf Course. The girls' golf 2019 season will hold their first practice March 18.

Girls’ golf prepares for spring season

Ethan Meisler, Sofia Seewald, and Ruby Stillman
March 4, 2019
Sophomores Deo Shindano and Cal Stokes practice singing their part with the rest of choir Feb. 7. Shindano and Stokes both play Rolf in Park's rendition of "The Sound of Music." Park choir will be performing "The Sound of Music" Feb. 28, March 1, 2 and 3.

Choir works to make ‘The Sound of Music’ a success

Ethan Meisler, Adin Zweigbaum, and Sofia Seewald
February 20, 2019
Sophomore Ivy Houts races in a Nordic Ski race Dec. 13 at Hyland Park. Girls' Nordic Ski finished the season as conference champions, and Boys' Nordic Ski finished third in the Metro West conference.

Current winter sports’ statistics

Sofia Seewald
February 19, 2019
Junior presidents Maddie Lind and Ally Feller organize a meeting Sept. 24. Lind and Feller will co-lead this year's chapter of Intersectional Feminism Club.

Intersectional Feminism Club presidents recognized for dedication

Sofia Seewald and Adin Zweigbaum
February 11, 2019
Boys' Crush ultimate team huddles after practice during the fall season in preparation for the upcoming season. They will compete in the Wind Chill Invite at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 2 at Champions Hall in Eden Prairie.

Boys’ ultimate team to play in competitive tournament

Sofia Seewald
February 1, 2019
Senior Lindsey Epstein drills a board onto the Winter One Act’s set Amish schoolhouse during a set crew meeting Jan. 9. The set crew and costumes crew worked to ensure the show is authentic and respectful to Amish culture. “The Amish Project” will be Jan. 18, 19 and 20 in the Auditorium.

Company strives for authenticity with play

Maggie Klaers and Sofia Seewald
January 17, 2019
The new Allianz Field, home of the MN United FC soccer team, will open in the spring. The Allianz Field will host its first match April 13 against the New York City FC soccer team.

New stadium to open in spring

Sofia Seewald
January 16, 2019
Senior Ayanna Nathan sings center stage with other cast members in the opening number of “9 to 5 the Musical”.

Theater program receives Spotlight Awards

Maggie Klaers and Sofia Seewald
January 9, 2019
Senior Gabby McCaa signs a contract to play D1 volleyball at Boston College. McCaa was first committed to the University of Southern California, but then changed her mind.

Senior changes school commitment

Sofia Seewald
December 22, 2018
Student managers of the Birdfeeder, senior Althea Tyler and junior Victoria Martinez, pack winter meal packs during their community service class on Dec. 14. Forms to receive food from the Birdfeeder will be available in the counseling office until Dec. 17.

Birdfeeder creates winter meal packs

Maggie Klaers and Sofia Seewald
December 16, 2018
After school Nov. 30, sophomore Phoebe McKinney and cast read through the script of the upcoming winter one act.

Winter one-act to be ‘The Amish Project’

Maggie Klaers and Sofia Seewald
December 3, 2018
Sophomore Phoebe McKinney, junior Isaac Wahl and seniors Evie Nelson and Emma Yarger, perform a scene from '9 to 5 the Musical'. Opening night for the musical took place Nov. 9th with more performances to come Nov. 11, 16, 17 and 18.

Theater performs opening night of ‘9 to 5 the Musical’

Maggie Klaers and Sofia Seewald
November 10, 2018
Sophomore Phoebe McKinney and seniors Evie Nelson and Emma Yarger rehearse a song during tech week for the fall musical. Opening night for '9 to 5 the Musical' is Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. with more performances to follow next weekend.

Theater prepares for opening night of ‘9 to 5 the Musical’

Maggie Klaers and Sofia Seewald
November 8, 2018
Cecilia Brown, Lara Garcia, Delany Wallerich, and advisor Al Wachutka begin their meeting around the stove on Oct. 31.

Approved clubs, activities this year

Sofia Seewald
November 5, 2018
Jeff Cohen points out to students where his European history trip will go over spring break. He plans to go to Ireland, England and France from March 28 to April 8.

Europe trip to go to Ireland, England, France

Sofia Seewald
October 30, 2018
Senior Nietzsche Deuel feeds lines to actors during theater rehearsal Oct. 24. Deuel is the active stage manager for '9 to 5 the Musical.'

Stage manager for ‘9 to 5 the Musical’ works towards success

Sofia Seewald and Maggie Klaers
October 25, 2018
Juniors Izzy Kanne and Zoe Younger participate in a community discussion led by the Community Education Advisory Council Oct. 11 at the Rec Center. As members of SOAR, they attended this event to discuss racial issues in St. Louis Park.

SOAR kicks off year by attending community panel

Sofia Seewald and Maggie Klaers
October 13, 2018
A parking pass hangs from Park students car in the student lot. Students can buy their parking passes in the student office for $50.

Parking passes continue to sell

Abby Intveld and Sofia Seewald
October 13, 2018
Freshman Cole Blavat throws disc during a warm-up drill at a captain's practice Sep. 24. The boys ultimate team recently started a fall league to get more practice.

Crush takes up fall league

Sofia Seewald
October 5, 2018
Bird Feeder supervisor Sophia Ross, explains to Bird Feeder members what needs to be done to the food shelf, Sept. 20. The Bird Feeder recently got a donation of food and backpacks and are always looking for more donations.

Birdfeeder starts fresh with new student managers

Sofia Seewald and Maggie Klaers
October 2, 2018
Junior Annie Breyak and last year senior Savannah Kjaer practice a routine to prepare for last year's state meet.

Athletes seek recognition from school

Sofia Seewald
September 20, 2018
Senior Emma Yarger, Junior Ruby Stillman and Sophomore Phoebe MicKinney rehearse their lines in preparation for their upcoming musical '9 to 5'.

Theater to put on ‘9 to 5 the Musical’ this fall

Sofia Seewald and Maggie Klaers
September 18, 2018
Photo Illustration

How to prepare for testing

Sofia Seewald
August 28, 2018
new-piktochart_31766035

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
City and school calendar art competition comes to a close

City and school calendar art competition comes to a close

Sofia Seewald
May 11, 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
Photo illustration by Katie Hardie

Step to it challenge encourages physical activity

Sofia Seewald
April 26, 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 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
Vibe Organic Juice Bar opened March 17 on excelsior boulevard. They serve a variety of juices, smoothies and snacks.

New juice bar opens early at Excelsior & Grand

Sofia Seewald
April 6, 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
The exhibit is located at the University of Minnesota Weisman Art Museum and is open to the public for free.

New exhibit at Weisman Art Museum tackles global warming

Sofia Seewald
March 1, 2018
Vibe Organic Juice Bar opens on Excelsior blvd March 19. The juice bar will serve a variety of juices and organic foods.

Juice bar looks to attract Park community

Sofia Seewald
February 24, 2018
Seniors Ndunzi Kunsunga and Eva Arago rehearse their roles as Prince Charming and Cinderella for the upcoming choir musical "Cinderella" Feb. 11. The show opens March 1 and will run through March 3.

Choir works to defy stereotypes in ‘Cinderella’

Sofia Seewald
February 14, 2018
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