The basketball season here at Highland is coming to an end for both girls and boys. The boys last game was on February 19th at home against Washington, and the girls last game was a non-conference game on February 26th against Mounds Park Academy at Mounds Park Academy.
After the regular season is their section games, both teams play until they lose. The boys basketball team’s section games started on Wednesday, the 24th at home against Bloomington Kennedy, they got 1st seed in their 3AAA section. The boys won their first game is sections, however, they lost their next game on Saturday, the 27th against St.Thomas Academy. Unfortunately, this means their season is now over. The girls team however, is still alive and their first section game is on March 2nd, against Bloomington Kennedy at Bloomington Kennedy.
Overall, the boy’s varsity record was 15 wins-11 loses, conference record was 8 wins-4 loses. The boys were very close to winning conference this year, if they would’ve won their last game against Central, which was a very close game that went into overtime, they would’ve had a very high chance of being 1st in conference. Highland Park’s boys basketball was ranked 3rd in conference following Central, ranked 1st, and Johnson, ranked 2nd. The fan sections at the Johnson, Central, and Como games had great turnouts!
I asked some of the players a couple questions about their season.
“What was your best memory from this season?” I asked Khari Dennis (12):
“When we played Washington at home, it was senior night/parent night. All the senior’s started, I had a really good game that night and we won,” was his response.
My second question I asked was “What was your most proud moment from this season?” I asked Dreem Kelly (11):
“When I dunked at the Southwest game and we won,” was his answer.
“When I had a 4 point play in overtime against Johnson and I had the winning points. That was the first time in 7 years they lost in their home gym,” Michael Cornelious (12) responded.
The girl’s varsity overall record was 7 wins-17 loses, conference record was 4 wins-7 loses. The girls first home game against Central had a great turnout! Highland Park’s girls basketball was ranked 5th in conference, with Como ranked 1st and Harding at 2nd.
I asked some of the players the same questions I asked the boys.
Olyvia Mason (11) said her best memory from this season was “When I scored 17 points in the Johnson game.”
I asked Micheala Newman (11) “What was your most proud moment from this season and some of your best memories?”
“When our players worked as a team and with intensity during the SPA game, during which our youngest player played her best game,” she answered.
Both teams had a great season! Good luck at sections to both teams!
For more information, updated stats and games check out:
Highland Park Senior High is having a Winter Arts Show at Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church (2149 Edgcumbe Rd, St Paul, MN 55116).
The art show will take place from February 14th to March 14th, Tuesdays through Wednesdays, from 1pm to 4pm, and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm
This art show will be showing paintings, photographs, sculptures, and anything artsy. The art show is to represent Highland’s art department, and to bring Highland into the community. Also, it is for connecting and promoting the accomplishments of students. Everyone is welcome: parents, children, and anyone who knows about this can come.
All students that take Spanish, and who are in the Spanish Immersion program, went on a field trip to the Minnesota Zoo.
Why the zoo? The zoo hosts a Spanish language day where students from Highland Park Senior High and Great River School attend.
There were presentation boards set up around the zoo, and there were presentations as groups of students came around. The presentations were in Spanish and were presented on animals that they have at the zoo. The groups presenting where normally groups of two to three.
There was a specific set-up where you were meant to follow a path so you could see all the displays. You would need to follow a brochure that they gave you at the start of the trip. The students went in a circle and ultimately ended back up at the aquarium.
The whole field trip took 5 hours, and all students were back at school by 7th period. Overall, it was a fun day of learning, as students were able to walk around and explore outside of a typical classroom.
March is the month of health for you. Focus on your physical and mental health. Make a beneficial change in your routine. Go to the gym or incorporate healthier alternatives in your diet. Better yourself, and accept love. This is a good month for romance, with feelings blooming around the full moon on the 23rd. Open your heart while making sure that these new beginnings are healthy for you.
Aquarius (01/20 – 02/18)
March is the month to recognize your power. Realize the role you play in situations and the effect you have on others. Take responsibility for your part in conflicts this March and try to make peace in a stressful situation that may arise.
Pisces (02/19 – 03/20)
March is the month to find balance. Instability may become a problem this month for you, do your best to find a way to cope and steady these outside stressors. Focus on your goals and find a balance in order to accomplish them.
Aries (03/21 – 04/20)
March is your month for self-control. Urges and impulsive behavior will be your biggest self conflict. Focus on the positives and remember that feelings and emotions aren’t always reasonable. Remember to use your logic and common sense. Keep level headed and you could do big things this month.
Taurus (04/21 – 5/20)
March is the month to focus on your career and goals. Work for what you want in life and earn what you receive. However, make sure while doing this you don’t isolate yourself and get consumed within your craft. In your spare time, spend quality times with understanding friends. People who accept your newly busy lifestyle are the ones to keep around during this time.
Gemini (05/21 – 06/21)
March is the month of new beginnings. Take risks and try new things. Find new hobbies, interests in career paths, and social atmospheres. Go new places and reach new levels in your life. If you have a dream this is your time to chase it. Run on your ambition this month.
Cancer (06/22 – 07/22)
March is the time to find your inner peace. Complications will overwhelm you. The little things may begin to add up and you will feel as if all the weight is on your shoulders. You may need to find a source of relaxation. Try things like working out, meditation, a musical instrument, a painting class. Find your outlet. This is a time of acceptance for what things truly are.
Leo (07/23 – 08/22)
March is the month of insight. Listen to yourself and process your observations on a deeper level. This will help you when having to read the people around you and making judgements on their intentions. Protect yourself but make sure not to come to conclusions too fast. Insight is not factual.
Virgo (08/23 – 09/22)
March is the month of good vibrations. Within yourself and those around you. Release a good aura and it will influence those around you to as well. There will be some complicated situations that may arise near the end of the month. If you don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed, these issues will soon resolve themselves.
Libra (09/23 – 10/22)
March is the month of expression. Share your thoughts and feelings, show your true personality, be bold with your moves, and make positive statements. You have a voice and this is your time to use it. You may find that people in your life have more of an interest in your opinions than you once thought.
Scorpio (10/23 – 11/21)
March is the month to follow your dreams. Whatever you set out in life to do should be pursued. You have the determination and drive. Make your dreams a reality. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Just be sure that it is a healthy decision and will benefit your life. Avoid making reckless moves that will throw you off track.
Sagittarius (11/22 – 12/21)
March is the month to embrace things. You can’t control everything around you and some things won’t change no matter what you try. Acceptance is key for a content life with moments of happiness. It is okay to be proactive, but sometimes you just need to go with the flow and see where it takes you.
Of all of the clubs in our school, there will definitely be one that suits your individual personality and interests. Whether it has to do with your cultural background or a personal hobby, clubs and extra-curricular activities are something that will promote diversity in the school environment. Here I have decided to spotlight a few of the offerings here at Highland.
Anime Club – Meets in room 2401 (Ms.Shomion’s classroom) every Thursday from 2-4pm.
As a devoted member who consistently attends these meetings, Lily Berg is the president of Anime Club. A wide variety of students join, but often times the people who are interested would overlap with members of the Asian Culture Club. According to Lily, these members tend to either be eccentric or quiet, but even so, anyone is more than welcome to join. Not only will you get to stay after school to play games and watch anime, this is also the perfect opportunity to make new friends.
On average, there are 11-12 members involved in the Anime Club. The number of members who attend these meetings around the spring time will gradually decline as more students participate in spring sports. Therefore, Berg is hoping for a more diverse group of anime lovers to come and join in the fun of foreign entertainment. All that she asks of prospective members is to be open minded and accepting towards the differences in preferences. “Not everyone will like the anime shows we watch, so be open minded,” says Berg. “At the same time, our options depend on the sensitivity of students, but we do still try to include some mature anime.”
Some members are also given the option to watch their own anime of interest on their iPads if they don’t like what is being played on the screen.
Earlier this year, the Anime Club had helped ACC with the Hmong New Year performance, and they are also looking forward to participating in Culture Day to represent Japanese culture. Berg is currently looking for new members, particularly sophomores or freshmen who are interested in becoming the new president after seniors leave. Berg is also hoping to organize a field trip to an Anime convention in the near future.
Book Club – Meets in the east side of the library every six weeks (or once a month) with Ms. Sabota as the adviser. Sarah Zaephel is the president of the club. They call themselves the Book Table, a book club for teens. Their acronym for Book Table goes as follows: Book Talking About Books in the Library while Eating.
Are you one of those kids who gets nagged at by the teacher for gluing your eyes onto the pages of five inch books in class? Then come join book club! Anyone is welcome to join and come every six weeks. To join, make sure to talk with Ms. Sabota beforehand. Most students agree that they joined the club either because they like reading, or because they were invited by a friend.
As a member of Book Table, students should be committed towards reading the books and to coming to the meetings prepared to discuss with the 25-30 other students in the club.
As a treat, students who attend these meetings will have the pleasure to indulge on slices of pizza, candy, and pop while talking about the book. Another bonus— you get free books!
“Anyone who is willing to read the book and talk with people should definitely come and join,” says Nelson, a book club member. “I joined the club mostly because I was invited by a friend, but at the same time I enjoy reading during my free time. It is something that takes you to a world where you get to decide how the story looks like.”
During each meeting, Ms. Sabota would start off the discussion
From the Highland Website
with a few questions. “The process is nothing intimidating like in English class,” says Xe Chang, a book club member. “No hand raises. If you have something to say, you just say it!” She mentioned that developing a community of book lovers that can gather around a table to simply talk about books is one of the significant accomplishments of Book Table.
Among some of their goals as a club is to organize field trips to meet some of the authors whose works they have read over these past months. Like any other club out there, they are also hoping for more students to take an interest in joining, despite already having 25-30 frequent members. “We want to show people that it’s not just about being a book club, it’s more than that.”
The biggest struggle for them is getting people to actually finish the book and come prepared to discuss. Nelson admits that there were some awkward moments for newbies which he could relate to, but once people start seeing how open minded we are as a group, you notice the sense of acceptance and comfort from feeling belonged.
Math Team – Meets every Monday and Wednesdays in room 2305/2304 led by math teacher, Mr. O’Connell.
Are you a good math student who is looking forward to fulfill math, science, technical, and professional majors in college? Join Math Team! Math Team is an opportunity to unleash your ability to creatively think, potentially become a better math student, and meet both students in and out of our school. The benefits of joining Math Team includes: gaining extra assistance with math problems and homework, getting time to prepare for college entrance exams, learning to solve problems quickly, increasing chances for scholarships, and even earning a Highland letter.
Math Team has a current record of 21 years at state tournaments. Last year they came in tenth place for state divisions and first in the St. Paul division.
Union Latina – Meetings are held every Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:15. Lesly Gonzalez-Barragan and Zaira Gutierrez are the presidents of the club and it is advised by Ms. Romero.
Union Latina is another perfect opportunity to meet more people and be a part of a cultural club. This is the third year since the club was formed at Highland, but this is considered to be the first year where everything is much more organized with people cooperating. Members of the club are known to be individuals who want to achieve and change the community in out school. They strive to change the views of how people see Latinos and minority groups.
Walking into one of their meetings, one will find themselves in the middle of a discussion revolving around ideas for what they what to achieve in the future. Earlier during the school year, Union Latina had joined forces with the Asian Culture Club and Anime Club for the production of Hmong New Year. Currently, they are starting to make plans for the Cinco de Mayo performance in the spring.
Their biggest achievement this year was their participation in the tailgating event during Homecoming week. “We were able to sell tamales that earned satisfaction from parents and students, and at the same time were are able to raise enough money for the club.”
Among some of their top goals for Union Latina is to develop new ways to promote their club and include more members who are not just Latinos.
This year at Highland Park, the girls Nordic Skiing team along with some individual qualifiers have been sent to state. Before the state tournament, some of the Nordic Skiers, along with their coach Mr. Moening had been interviewed.
photo courtesy of Mr. Moening
Mr. Moening was asked, “In what ways had he seen his Nordic Skiers improve from the previous year?” The main focus of Mr. Moening’s answers was commitment. He had mentioned how he had seen more determination among his skiers, not only when it came to preparing for a meet, but as well as exercising in the off season.
Nordic Skiers are recommended to continue cardio exercises in the off season, and Mr. Moening mentions a noticeable improvement in skiers who continue their workouts throughout the summer.
Coach Moening is not the only one who recommends regular exercise. His daughter, Erin Moening, who earned a place among the top ten individuals at the state tournament, would also recommend committing to exercise in off season.
The times earned by the Highland Park participants in the state tournament are available to the public at:
There has been an uprising from Flint residents about the water that is contaminated. This is a problem that started all the way back in March of 2013 when the Flint City Council agreed to stop buying Detroit water and start a new pipeline with the Karegnondi Water Authority Project. This pipeline would bring Flint water directly from the Flint River. This would save them approximately 18 million dollars over several years.
In April 2013 the pipeline was officially changed. High levels of lead have plagued Flint’s municipal water supply for at least a year, prompting extensive emergency measures to keep residents safe.
The Flint Residents started to notice the water tasted weird and looked unfamiliar, and started to complain that the water did not seem suitable to consume. Studies showed that the lead piping being used, elevated lead levels 10 times higher than they had previously measured.
The governor’s office has said that they have “requested funding to switch the source back to the Great Lakes Water Authority,” in order to combat the lead leaching. They have also “appointed an independent task force to identify possible missteps and areas for improvement.”
It is going to take much more then changing the water source back to the Detroit water source to fix Flint’s problems though. The pipes are very damaged and need to be replaced, but the cost of replacing the pipes city wide could total 1.5 billion dollars.
Flint residents are very concerned for their children, and not having clean water. Residents are very outraged about the fact that they are basically paying for poisoned water, and the health of their children because of their consumption of lead laced water. The effects of drinking lead water is irreversible,and it is easier for children to be affected by the lead.
This whole incident has been a big catastrophe for the town of Flint, making the city go into an emergency state of crisis.
Former Flint resident, Michael Moore’s website: http://michaelmoore.com/10FactsOnFlint/ has a lot to say about the crisis. There is much more then lead in Flint’s water. The number of cases in Flint of Legionnaires Disease has increased tenfold since the switch to the river water. Doctors are finding that a half-dozen other toxins are being found in the blood of Flint residents. This is very frighting to the doctors as there might be other health catastrophes that may soon come to light.
These side effects affect much more then just peoples’ health. The residents of Flint can’t sell their homes because under the current conditions nobody would buy a house in Flint. This also does not take into account the damage to pipes in their homes. Home owners in Flint are now stuck with homes that are not worth anything. That’s a total home value of $2.4 billion down the economic drain.
On Tuesday, February 2 Saint Paul Public Schools did not cancel school. There is no specific policy in place about closing schools due to snow as there is for cold weather days.
The district specifically states that if the temperature is projected to be -35 degrees, with windchill, school will be cancelled. This is very specific. The district snow policy states that if school buses cannot get through the streets, and it is extremely dangerous for the bus drivers to get to work, then school will be cancelled. This policy is more vague and can be left open to interpretation.
On the 2nd, there was at least 12 inches of snow that had fallen.
The Saint Paul Pubic School district has come close to canceling school this year, but has not yet done so. There was one day, specifically, that was -30 degree windchill, but the district decided that it was not cold enough and that kids needed to go to school.
I feel that it is crazy that it has to be a -35 degree windchill for school to be closed. I think that -20 or -25 is a more appropriate temperature.
When the district does not close school, and it is super cold, kids don’t want to come to school. Class sizes are impacted, and teachers then have to change their plans because half of their students don’t come to school. This ends up affecting overall student learning because there ends up being just a wasted day.
Every week there are either boy’s or girl’s home and away games for basketball. During home games for both teams cheerleaders cheer to support their peers and the school sport. Even though both teams have cheer support, there are still many differences between boys and girls basketball teams. We want to look at how we can make them equal.
Some of differences between the boys and girls are that more people go to the boy’s games than the girl’s games. A way we can change this is by promoting the girls basketball games more by making signs around the school, and getting people to talk about it on social media.
Another difference between the games is how the concession stands are only open at the boy’s games and not girl’s games. An easy way we can solve this is by opening the concession stand up for both girl’s and boy’s games.
Also, when the boys go against rivals like Central, the cheerleaders decorate boy’s varsity team lockers, so to make this fair when girls play against Central they should get the same treatment of getting their lockers decorated too.
Overall, we just want for both the teams to be treated equal and to be taken as seriously as the other.
Have you ever noticed how much professional athletes get paid compared to the average American doing manual labor? The highest paid American athlete in 2015 earned around $300 million dollars in 2015, meanwhile the minimum wage is $7.25. Minimum wage jobs like fast food cooks, cashiers and dishwashers are daily, hard working, manual labor jobs and the benefits usually aren’t great. Professional athletes like boxers, basketball players and football players do their job occasionally and get paid millions of dollars and the benefits are endless.
I believe that this is quite a big problem. Workers who do hours of labor get paid very little and have to support themselves, and maybe even a family while earning just over $15,000 dollars annually. This seems quite unfair compared to athletes who have weekly games where they do their job and get paid millions for very little labor.
Now, I do understand that you have to be in excellent shape to be a professional athlete, and there are some risks while playing these sports, but it doesn’t seem fair that they are being paid millions of dollars when many manual labor jobs also include those risks. For example in order to be a quick and efficient waiter/waitress you do have to be in shape as well.
These jobs do require different skills and different types of hard work but the difference in the amount they get paid is far too large. Now, of course I do not think minimum wage jobs should earn millions of dollars but neither should professional athletes.
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Overall, the boy’s varsity record was 15 wins-11 loses, conference record was 8 wins-4 loses. The boys were very close to winning conference this year, if they would’ve won their last game against Central, which was a very close game that went into overtime, they would’ve had a very high chance of being 1st in conference. Highland Park’s boys basketball was ranked 3rd in conference following Central, ranked 1st, and Johnson, ranked 2nd. The fan sections at the Johnson, Central, and Como games had great turnouts!
The girl’s varsity overall record was 7 wins-17 loses, conference record was 4 wins-7 loses. The girls first home game against Central had a great turnout! Highland Park’s girls basketball was ranked 5th in conference, with Como ranked 1st and Harding at 2nd.
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