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
Ben Sanford

Ben Sanford, Entertainment Editor

Hey everyone!!!! My name is Ben Sanford and I am SUPER excited to be the Entertainment Editor this year! In my free time, I spend too many hours singing and acting and often find myself fantasizing about how much I want to be an airbender. I also can quote Ratatouille better than any person I know, so do with that information what you will. You can catch me listening to Harry Styles just about any time of the day, which is something I am very unashamed of! Very excited for a great year on Echo!

All content by Ben Sanford
Fair use from Netflix.

‘Inside’ explores isolation and the meaning of life

Ben Sanford
June 4, 2021

Classic series to revisit in the summer

Ben Sanford
June 4, 2021
Fair use from Prime Video.

‘Invincible’ elevates superhero genre

Ben Sanford
June 4, 2021

My favorite badly rated films

Ben Sanford
June 1, 2021
Fair use from Columbia Records.

Lil Nas X creatives innovative music

Ben Sanford
April 10, 2021
Fair use from Netflix.

‘Seaspiracy’ explores the damages of overfishing

Ben Sanford
April 8, 2021
Freshman Thomas Shope glides on his ski Feb. 17. During this meet, Park swept all 4 races.

Nordic prevails preceding sections

Ben Sanford
February 21, 2021
Fair use from Warner Bros Studios.

‘Locked Down’ reflects society accurately

Ben Sanford
January 28, 2021
Fair use from the Walker Art Center.

Virtual exhibitions prove insightful, engaging

Ben Sanford
January 27, 2021
Senior co-captain Mimi Kniser crosses the finish line during the first race of the season Jan. 14. Kniser placed first in the girls’ varsity race.

Nordic prospers at first meet of the year

Ben Sanford
January 20, 2021
Fair use from Disney / Pixar.

‘Soul’ inspires self reflection

Ben Sanford
January 15, 2021
Fair use from Netflix.

‘The Prom’ falls short

Ben Sanford
December 26, 2020
Used with permission from Claire Bargman.

Nordic practices go online

Ben Sanford
December 4, 2020
Senior co-captain Mimi Kniser warms up before captains practice Nov. 12. Kniser leads the medium length group.

Nordic hit with new COVID-19 restrictions

Ben Sanford
November 14, 2020
Senior captain Greta Kulevsky swim freestyle during a meet Oct. 8. Kulevsky has been swimming for Park for 5 years.

Girls’ swimming season comes to an end

Ben Sanford and Lilly Strathman
October 25, 2020
Senior co-captain Olivia Etz organizes the team into the groups Oct. 22. The groups were divided by the length they could run during practice.

Nordic continues its captains practices

Ben Sanford
October 23, 2020
Freshman Stephanie Stone swims the butterfly during her meet Oct. 8. The final meet for the JV girls was on Oct. 13.

Park beats Robbinsdale Cooper preceding sections

Ben Sanford and Lilly Strathman
October 14, 2020
Senior Gabbie Kruse swims in a freestyle relay Oct. 8. This was the last home meet for the seniors on the team.

Girls’ swimming suffers loss to Chanhassen

Ben Sanford and Lilly Strathman
October 9, 2020
Junior Freya Wade prepares to dive into the water during her race Oct. 1. This meet was Park's first away meet of the season.

Girls’ swimming embraces teamwork during a challenging season

Lilly Strathman and Ben Sanford
October 4, 2020
Freshman Stephanie Stone competes in her race Sept. 24. Benilde beat Park girls' swimming 51-37.

Girls’ swimming improves times and technique

Ben Sanford
September 25, 2020
Senior Maddy Doherty helps her teammate out during the JV 500 freestyle race by putting signs into the water Sept. 15. The signs let the swimmer know how many laps they have completed.

Girls’ swimming perseveres despite COVID-19 challenges

Ben Sanford and Lilly Strathman
September 22, 2020
Seniors Miriam Hope, Alyscia Thomas and Zara Fakier congratulate senior Hattie Kugler after being crowned Homecoming queen. Coronation was held Sept. 18 in the Auditorium.

Fair use from Broadway.com. Cover art for “Take Me to the World: A Sondheim 90th Birthday Celebration.” The virtual event was live streamed to honor the famous Broadway composer, Stephen Sondheim, and to raise money for Actors Striving to End Poverty.

Musical livestreams bring community together

Ben Sanford
May 10, 2020
Fair use from 20th Century Fox. Christian (Ewan McGregor) and Satine (Nicole Kidman) sing their love for one another amidst an extravagant musical number. “Moulin Rouge!” (2001) tells an updated version of a 100-year-old story.

Accessible musicals to turn home into a theater

Ben Sanford
April 24, 2020

[Video] Math department celebrates Pi Day

March 22, 2020
Fair use from Netflix. Klaus (Robert Sheehan) and Five (Aidan Gallagher) pose together for "The Umbrella Academy." Klaus and Five both have super powers, with Klaus being about to see the dead and Five being able to time travel.

Top six binge-worthy Netflix shows

Ben Sanford
March 17, 2020
Junior Bella Steward practices the butterfly stroke March 12. This was the first sychro practice held since the new team captains had been announced March 11.

[Photo] Synchro begins season by selecting captains

March 9, 2020
Art by Maggie Klaers

Health in the Park Fair open to all ages

Ben Sanford
February 22, 2020
Senior and Student Council president Anna Wert speaks to the crowd at the Nest’s open-mic event Feb. 20. The program aimed to give students the opportunity to show off their talents and participate in SnoDaze festivities.

[Photo] Nest hosts open mic night

February 21, 2020
bus

snow

Fair use from Disney+: Main cast members of "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" pose for the main poster. From left to right there is Gina (Sofia Wylie), Ricky (Joshua Bassett), Nini (Olivia Rodrigo) and EJ (Matt Cornett).

‘High School Musical’ spinoff surprises

Ben Sanford
February 6, 2020
Fair use from: The four March sisters Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Amy (Florence Pugh) and Beth (Eliza Scanlen) embrace each other on Christmas day in the new film "Little Women." This version of "Little Women" is the fourth film adaption, among many other TV productions.

‘Little Women’ strikes a chord

Ben Sanford
January 13, 2020
Sophomore Freya Wade poses as she is introduced at the gymnastics meet against Richfield. Park won with a score of 124.125.

[Photo] Gymnastics wins home opener

December 11, 2019
Art by Sophie Livingston

Minneapolis City Council bans conversion therapy

Ben Sanford
December 7, 2019
Pink T-shirts available for purchase at the St. Louis Park Fire Station 1. The shirts cost $20 and are being sold in support of breast cancer awareness.

[Photo] Fire department raises money for cancer awareness

November 25, 2019
School board candidate Jim Leuthner speaks to community members at SLP Seeds World Food Day event. SLP Seeds has started hosting discussions with the community to inform residents about the need to address city hunger.

[Photo] SLP Seeds emphasizes diversified discussions

November 20, 2019
SLP Seeds founder Julie Rappaport smiles as she engages with community members. SLP Seeds is an organization with a purpose of eliminating hunger in St. Louis Park through action-oriented goals.

SLP Seeds organizes community event

Ben Sanford
October 20, 2019
A protester waves a “love trumps hate” flag and holds a sign that reads, “Psst! MN Nice doesn’t cover: racism” at the anti-Trump protest Oct. 10 in front of Target Center.

Trump rally sparks protest

Ben Sanford and Tobias Khabie
October 12, 2019
racquel for print

Senior on the Homecoming court Ryan Erickson shakes senior Tobyous Davenport's hand in congratulations after Davenport was crowned Homecoming king.

Senior Hattie Kugler is crowned Homecoming queen by Principal Scott Meyers. Kugler won against seniors Alyscia Thomas and Donae Ives.

Senior Tobyous Davenport poses after winning Homecoming king Sept. 18. Davenport won against seniors Sam Sietsema and Colin Weingart.

[Photo] Homecoming royalty revealed

September 22, 2019
SLP Nutrition founders Alex Brose and Allyson Oman laugh as they wait for someone to order a drink. According to Oman, SLP Nutrition is a health club with a mission of creating a healthy community.

[Photo] SLP Nutrition partners with Student Council

September 19, 2019
Stricter driving laws will affect students

Stricter driving laws will affect students

Ben Sanford
September 5, 2019
Fair Use from The Walt Disney Studios

‘Aladdin’ remake leaves me speechless

Ben Sanford
June 6, 2019
Math teacher Anson Opara dances to music blasting through the hallway during passing time. The math teachers play the music to remind students to be on time to their next classes.

[Photo] Musical reminder encourages attendance

June 6, 2019
Junior Jackson McClain stands at the plate ready to hit the ball while playing against Benilde St. Margaret May 13. The game ended with Park losing 4-0.

[Photo] Baseball falls to Benilde

May 15, 2019
Rising controversy about the official name of Lake Bde Maka Ska or Lake Calhoun divides the city.

Local lake name sparks controversy

Ben Sanford
May 9, 2019
Photo illustration by Carissa Prestholdt

Cannabidiol oil generally not controversial

Talia Lissauer and Ben Sanford
May 8, 2019
Freshman Kristopher Hokenson pitches against Robbinsdale Cooper. Hokenson broke Dakota Park field records for being the first freshman to pitch a 10-0 game. This was Hokenson's first time pitching for the Park varsity team.

[Photo] Freshman pitches no-hitter

May 1, 2019
Senior Bryan Huynh poses with an United States Army personal after making his commitment.

Senior to serve in National Guard

Ben Sanford
April 29, 2019
Sophomore Drew Boyum throws the ball against Edina High School April 17. The team's current record is 5-3.

[Photo] Baseball beats Benilde after three years

April 27, 2019
Senior Matt Lidenberg pitches against Edina High School April 19. Park beat Edina 9-8, giving Park a record of 4-1.

[Photo] Senior baseball player recently committed to Luther College

May 28, 2019
Fair use from CBS Films

‘Five Feet Apart’ explores struggles of cystic fibrosis

Ben Sanford
April 17, 2019
Illustration by Isaac Wert

Cut Through the Noise: Jonas Brothers, Sara Barelilles, Molly Turtle (Week of April 12)

Ben Sanford
April 16, 2019
Sophomore Sam Hunt throws baseball back to the pitcher. Park Baseball won the game against Bloomington Jefferson 1-0.

[Photo] Baseball wins season opener

April 10, 2019
Co-founder of SLP Nutrition Alex Brose washes dishes after preparing shakes for customers. SLP Nutrition is a health club with a mission of creating a healthy community.

[Photo] SLP Nutrition to create a healthy, happier community

March 18, 2019
Junior Lauren Schmelzer paints with watercolors in Martha Ortman's painting class March 8. On her own time, Schmelzer takes nature photography and sells her work at the Nest.

The Nest displays amatuer art

Ben Sanford
March 12, 2019
Band teacher Steve Schmitz enjoys time during class conducting his students. Schmitz was nominated for teacher of the year. Results will be announced May 5 at the St. Paul River Center.

Minnesota teacher of the year candidates announced

Ben Sanford
February 8, 2019
Freshman Hiro Mckee practices butterfly stroke following the Jefferson meet Feb. 5. He is preparing for the upcoming meet Feb. 9 at Oak Grove Middle School.

[Photo] Boys’ swimming blows out Bloomington Jefferson

February 7, 2019
Students line up for the buses after their arrival 10 minutes late Feb. 5. According to an announcement over the loudspeaker at the high school, the snow conditions impacted transportation routes and caused some after school activities to be canceled.

[Photo] Snowstorm delays after school transportation

February 5, 2019
Sophomore Connor Coleman practices the breast stroke Jan. 2. Coleman and his team are preparing for the upcoming Bloomington Kennedy meet Jan. 3.

[Photo] Boys' swimming to take on Bloomington Kennedy

January 3, 2019
Illustration by Isaac Wert

Cut Through the Noise: Jaden Smith, Kodak Black, The Chainsmokers (Week of Dec. 21)

Ben Sanford
December 22, 2018
Senior Max Bechtold, practices kicking for the Chaska meet by using a kick board. He swam in the Chaska meet Dec. 13.

[Photo] Boys’ swimming takes loss to Chaska

December 18, 2018
Sophomore Conner Coleman uses a kick board at swim practice. Coleman and his team are preparing for the upcoming relay meet Dec. 7.

[Photo] Boys’ swimming heads into practice relay meet

December 5, 2018
Amaya Fokuo rehearses in the VocalEssence choir Nov. 19. The group of high school students rehearses every Monday 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Augsburg University. The next VocalEssence concert is at 7:30 p.m. Dec.1.

[Photo] Junior sings in selective youth choir

December 7, 2018
Senior Boys Swimming captains Luke Anderson and Max Bechtold practice their kicking technique during practice Nov. 26. As the captains Anderson and Bechtold lead captious practices before the season begins.

[Photo] Boys’ swimming introduces new captains

November 27, 2018
Amaya

A mother teaches her daughter how to skate during open skate time at the Rec Center Nov. 17. The Turkeys on Ice event will take place Nov. 21.

Annual Turkeys on Ice continues

Talia Lissauer and Ben Sanford
November 19, 2018
Josie Mosby running close to the finish line placing 20th at State. She received her second best time 18:32.20 Nov 3.

Freshman runner places at State tournament

Talia Lissauer and Ben Sanford
November 7, 2018
Freshman Josie Mosby holds up sophomore Erin Brousseau after a race Oct. 16. Both are exhausted after the strenuous run.

[Photo] Girls’ cross country wins conference

October 26, 2018
Freshman Josie Mosby surges towards the finish at the conference meet. Mosby was the sole Park qualifier for State. Other season highlights include winning both the Maroon Griak and Conference title. They placed sixth at Sections.

[Photo] Freshman qualifies for State

November 2, 2018
UMTYMP students work together on team building games. Students from different districts come together to learn math.

[Photo] Math program encourages girls in STEM

Marta Hill
November 1, 2018
Solving the scam: what’s on the other end

Solving the scam: what’s on the other end

Talia Lissauer and Ben Sanford
October 12, 2018
Illustration by Isaac Wert

Cut Through the Noise: Lil Wayne, Lady Gaga and Logic (Week of Oct. 5)

Ben Sanford
October 5, 2018
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