News

Appreciate your elders

March 31, 2016 mariaaroldann Leave a comment

Your elders are very important, they are people that have many experiences and wisdom, but are also very under appreciated. Often, we look past all the advice and love that not only our grandparents give us, but many elders like maybe your old neighbor, or someone that has helped you through a rough situation. Many times, it takes a death situation, or a near death situation to realize how much you need your elders, or how much you would miss them.

A recent picture that went viral online showed a picture of a grandfather known as “Papaw” that was photographed by his granddaughter eating a burger by himself. She captioned that photo “He made 12 burgers for all six grandkids and I’m the only one who showed. Love him.” This caused a lot of commotion online showing sympathy for Papaw. Many were upset that his grandchildren didn’t show up. Many were upset, but didn’t realize that they may not appreciate their elders either, just in a different manner.

There are many ways to appreciate your elders. One of them can be to express to them how much they mean to you at a unexpected time. By doing this you surprise them and show them you care and were thinking of them. Also, thanking your elders for the little things they do whether it’s the advice they give to you, words of wisdom, their cooking, or for simply being apart of your life. Make your elders feel like they’re needed is also appreciated. Often, older people are not able to do most things that the younger can, so do something with them that you both will enjoy and they can take part in.

Kenny “Papaw” Harmon, know as the sad grandpa, had a cookout in Oklahoma this weekend and it attracted thousands of people from all over the world. Brock (one of Papaw’s grandkids) said, “The most special moment of the day was seeing my grandpa cry.” He also added that he never saw his grandfather cry before, but there were “a couple of people telling their stories that made him tear up. He was really touched.” Brock said the event helped “make people realize that your grandparents aren’t going to be around forever and to call them up and tell them you love them. Whether it’s in whatever way or form your elders should be treated with respect and love they truly deserve.”

Editorials/Student Voice, Local, News

Harsher penalties for bias crimes

March 31, 2016 foxmorral1 Leave a comment

Minnesota lawmakers recently passed a bill to increase the penalty of crimes committed for bias reasons. The problem was brought to light by a case in October, when Asma Jama, a Muslim women was attacked. While dining in a Coon Rapids Applebee’s, Jama was struck across the face with a beer bottle, for speaking Swahili. Jama received deep cuts to her right eyebrow, nose, and lower lip, needing a total of 15 stitches. Jama was attacked by Jodie Burchard-Risch, a 43 year old Ramsey Resident.

Third-degree assault charges are classified under felony with up to 5 years of imprisonment, whereas a hate crime would be classified under a misdemeanor, which has a far less harsher punishment. Burchard-Risch was charged with third-degree assault by the Anoka County District Court. Members of the Minnesota Council on Islamic-American Relations were pushing for Burchard-Risch to be charged with a hate crime. However, the Members of the Minnesota Council on Islamic-American Relations were not only pushing for a hate crime, but they also wanted the severity of hate crime punishments to increase.

Increasing the penalty on bias crimes in Minnesota should help to lower levels of hate crimes. By not allowing hate crimes to fly under the radar like as third-degree assaults, and charging the attackers with felonies instead of misdemeanors, Minnesota is not only making an effective step to stopping hate crimes, but is also showing where it stands when it comes to discrimination.

For more information: http://bringmethenews.com/2016/03/19/proposed-bill-would-see-harsher-penalties-for-crimes-motivated-by-bias/

Badminton, Sports

Highland’s badminton team

March 31, 2016 karla598 Leave a comment

One of the spring sports at Highland Park Senior High is badminton.

First, off here are some things to know about practice and how it works. The players in badminton practice from 2:20-4:00 pm. They set up the nets and do some warm ups. Warm ups include: running back and forth (in many ways), 50 crutches, planks, and stretches.

Now, about how games work. First, they wait for the other school to show up, if it’s a home game. After both teams practice for awhile, getting themselves ready to play against each other, they then line up in ranks depending on which team there on.

Lastly, after the game players usually play with other members just to relax after a long game.

Fact: Highland Senior High School started the season right by beating Pairie Seeds Academy winning 7-0 on their first game, which was a home game.

Clubs and Activities

Speech Sections

March 31, 2016 feveng514 Leave a comment

On Wednesday, March 16th, Highland Park’s Speech Team competed in their sectionals at Eagan High school. Each school sends representatives, and Ramona White was Highland’s representative in Poetry. She was the only person from Highland to final, which means she made it to the top seven, however she only placed fourth which means she didn’t make it to State. Only the top three finalists in each category go to state. White placed in finals last year in the Poetry category as well. There are twelve other categories in speech, some of which include: duo, drama, humorous, discussion, and creative expression.

The Speech Team also has other school events, for example, at the end of the season they come into English classrooms showcasing the piece they have performed for the whole season. Before sections, there are almost weekly tournaments on Saturdays at different high schools.

Kaylee Voigt, a freshman at Highland Park Senior High, talked about her experience in this speech season. “I think that for me speech was about confidence and being able to put myself out there. Like for most people speaking in front of an audience was scary but after a while I didn’t care. Even though it’s a little scary getting up and talking in front of a group of people it helped a lot.”

Speech has a category for almost everyone’s interests – and there may be something for you. The Speech Sections were a great opportunity for everyone to be proud of the hard work they had done with their pieces over the past year.