“You guys should be very proud,” Coach Werner beamed on the bus ride home after the first meet, “Over twenty percent of our team made it to finals. Go Wolfpack!”

                The speech season will continue for another seven weeks, with hopefully many more awards to come to Park High School.  Trophies and ribbons are showcased in the Speech trophy case, located across the hall from the second staircase, next to room 112. With the help of the seven coaches, Park plans to fill the case by the end of the season.  

Eden Prairie Meet:

THIRD PLACE

Dorsey Sprouls and Brittany Affolter, Duo Interpretation (Novice)

FOURTH PLACE

Nicole Schank. Extemporaneous Reading (Varsity)

Navita Lakhram, Storytelling

Ariel Kleidschmidt, Great Speeches (Novice)

FIFTH PLACE

Rebecca Holland, Great Speeches (Novice)

Prior Lake Meet:

FIRST PLACE

Camira Houston, Drama

Gabrie Riley, Humor

SECOND PLACE

Elena Christensen, Disco

Emily Beaver, Poetry

THIRD PLACE

Frannie Sprouls, Poetry

Ariel Kleinschmidt, Great Speeches

Brittany Affolter & Dorsey Sprouls, Duo Interpretation

FOURTH PLACE

Kayla Green, Drama

Navita Lakhram, Storytelling

FIFTH PLACE

Jacob Hitchcock, Extemporaneous Speaking

Nicole Schank, Extemporaneous Reading

Emily Evans, Humorous Interpretation

SIXTH PLACE

Brittany Eckes, Storytelling

Forest Lake Meet:

 FOURTH PLACE

Navita Lakhram, Storytelling

SIXTH PLACE
Kayla Green, Drama
 
 TENTH PLACE
 Brittany Affolter, Duo Interpretation
 Dorsey Sprouls, Duo Interpretation

 ELEVENTH PLACE
 Emily Evans, Duo Interpretation
 Frannie Sprouls, Duo Interpretation
 Ariel Kleinschmidt, Great Speeches

COACHES

Liesl Werner Thomas
 Maria Tol
 Brandon Scholl
 Jim Schofield
 Dana Larson
 Nancy Bielski
 Laura Beard

Picture by: Rebecca Holland

“I think that the caroling went great,” she grins, “I believe that the residents really enjoyed hearing some of the kids from the community perform for them.”

As a group, the scholars were able to sing for three different groups of elders in various areas of the grand nursing home. Each audience, which included dementia residents, dinner guests, and visiting family members, was treated to five or six classic songs that alternated between each set. The seniors seemed to appreciate the music deeply as they smiled, sang along, or tapped their feet to the beat.  Before departing, the students would finish with “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” to finalize their endeavors to spread good cheer.

Unfortunately, because this was the first year that the National Honor Society went caroling at the Nursing Home, the members were a little confused on what to sing and where they were going at first. Although each student was provided with a packet of about twelve songs, there was not a set pace, which caused many of the songs to be sped up. Fortunately, the junior members learned many ways to improve the event if the activity were to become an annual tradition.

“I think that adding more songs, longer songs, or instruments, such as jingle bells or tambourines could greatly improve the caroling. It was just over very quickly and they didn’t get to hear much,” Schwen adds.

Generally, the night went very well for the students, and despite a bit of a hectic start, the students sang well together by the end of the hour.

“It would be sweet if it became a tradition!” Schwen exclaims, ”It was really fun, and as I said, the residents seemed to really enjoy it.

Photo by: Samantha Hartfiel

                 The Park girls volunteered on December 14 and 15 outside of the local Rainbow from 5 PM to 7 PM, so they encountered many people coming home from work. Even though it was bitter cold, the girls utilized many techniques to stay warm, including wearing numerous layers of clothing, using hand and feet warmers, and donning Santa hats. However, the most effective and entertaining way that the youth kept warm was singing Christmas carols as well as dancing for incoming customers. “It was really enjoyable to sing carols while we were volunteering. Not only did it help pass the time and distract us from the cold weather, but it also seemed to make people more apt to donate,” one of the young volunteers believed.

               The girls sang several holiday classics including “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, “Frosty the Snowman”, and “Jingle Bells,” causing many consumers to smile or even sing along. Yet after two hours of singing holiday songs, the girls added variety to their musical repertoire and belted several Disney songs and Speech warm ups to passerby. Largely, the girls found the experience to be very enjoyable and gained a new appreciation for the Salvation Army volunteers.

                    “It’s not easy to stand outside in such cold weather,” the girls agreed “However, people seem to recognize the good cause and are openly willing to donate. It was really great to have that experience. ”

                The coordinators of the Friends in Need Food Shelf were very enthusiastic about the outcome, affirming that this was the utmost amount of food that the event has gathered in several years and the largest sum of money raised in all participating years. The facility even filled all of the banana boxes that were available to hold the food, which totaled to be approximately 300 cardboard containers.

                “There were a lot more checks than last year as well, which definitely goes a long way” stated Venture scout Brian Caswell, “Since the Food Shelf has the ability to get discounted food, money is a big help.”

                In regards to the food, approximately sixty to seventy members of the region volunteered their morning to help store the provisions in labeled boxes. These volunteers stood in an extremely organized assembly line, in which an individual was in charge of one of thirty five different food items, such as macaroni and cheese, beans, or spaghetti sauce, that would be placed in an individualized box.  Once a box was full, a volunteer would replace the package, and the assembly line would continue to move with ease.

                “The assembly line was pretty intense,” declared one volunteer, “I do not think I stopped moving the whole five hours we were there.”

                Several Park High School students volunteered to help out in this event as well, including members of the Boy scouts, Venture Scouts, Park dance team, and other scholars who read about the event in the paper.

                Alison Dahedl, a Park junior who was in charge of boxing Spaghetti-O’s and ravioli, came in order to aid people in the community.

                “I feel like such a good person,” Dahedl beams, “I believe we are actually making a difference in people’s lives.”

                After five hours of intense sifting, the volunteers discovered that the most commonly donated items were pasta, macaroni and cheese, and pasta sauce. Common inedible materials provided included soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, which are also very helpful to the indigent.

                Overall, the event was a remarkable triumph. It appears that with the economy turning around that people are able to give back to their communities again, which is very beneficial to all. The Friends in Need Food Shelf appreciates all the food donated and the help of the volunteers, for without them, the event would not have been a success.

             Park High School’s production of the play, directed by Tracy Caponigri, was a wonderful representation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy. The lead roles were played by senior Jasmine Branum as Hermia, junior Logan Greene as Lysander, junior Alex Dean as Demetrius, and senior Erica Ashelson as Helena. All the actors did a marvelous job of bringing their characters to life. Logan’s intensity and passionate acting made him a believable lover. Erica portrayed Helena’s unrequited love for Demetrius convincingly and in a comical way. Other actors that stood out for their exceptional performances were junior Brittany Affolter as Snug playing a cute, but rather absurd lion, and junior Sylvia Lowry as Puck, Oberon’s mischievous and clever servant. The last scene of the play, when Quince and his actors perform their “tragedy”, had the audience laughing hysterically in their seats with particularly amusing and entertaining performances from senior Sandra Yang as Bottom playing Pyramus and freshman Lucas Lindstrom as Flute playing Thisbe. Laughter erupted from the audience when Lucas appeared wearing a dress and squeaking out his lines.

            The actors left the audience with a better understanding of the play. It was clear which scenes Shakespeare intended to be humorous. Also, when the play ended, the audience was able to see the questions the play proposes about life. Through Oberon’s interference in Bottom’s and the young lover’s lives, the audience is left to wonder whether there is such thing as fate or destiny and ponder the idea of life itself being a play. Overall, the show was fantastic and the whole cast did an outstanding job.

The entire cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream

             “We got a lot more than I thought we would,” Holland grins, “It is nice to see such generous souls in our community.”

             On Friday afternoon, the students distributed about seventy informative flyers around their neighborhood and said that on Saturday night; nearly fifty percent of the residences had food ready for them. The majority of individuals donated a can or two, while some others had whole bags prepared. Surprisingly, the most common item donated was macaroni and cheese, with a total of forty boxes collected. Many of the residents were also very enthusiastic for the opportunity to donate, vocally thanking the teens.

The students collected about 179 items, filling the entire trunk of a Blazer.

             “It is really great that you guys are doing this,” one elderly woman beamed, “Thank you!”

              The teens also found the evening to be very enjoyable and unique.

               “It was awesome that our last Halloween before graduation was spent giving back to the community,” Hartfiel states “I really appreciate all those who donated.”

         On Monday afternoon, the students brought the trunk load of victuals to the Friends in Need Food Shelf, where families will be able to appreciate the generosity of their community.

 Some of the most common items found were cigarette boxes, plastic grocery bags, and beer cans.  However, each year the youth encounter some random objects, including car parts and shoes.

Juniors Amanda Och and Ashley Delosreyes stated “We found some weird stuff like a Harley Davidson floor mat and a muffler. It makes you wonder how some of that stuff got out there in the first place.  ”

The efforts of the members did not go unnoticed either, as many passing vehicles honked their horns in appreciation. One man even yelled out his window, “You guys are doing a great job! Keep up the good work!”

Overall, the day was a success and while the grass was a bit damp from the previous day’s rain, the sun was shining and the temperature was at a comfortable 40 degrees. Members of the National Honor Society will clean Highway 61 once more this school year, in late spring.

“It was really fun. The best thing I found was $10,” Och smiled, proving that volunteering actually does pay off.

                Speech team is a highly revered and notable academic club that is a key part of the extracurricular infrastructure of Park High School. It consists of students who, with the help of a speech coach, memorize and hone a speech that they present in Twin Cities metro area wide competitions during late winter. Scholars have the opportunity to receive trophies and medals for notable speeches at these weekly competitions, which occur every Saturday in February and March.

                      Speech team is a favorably flexible club, and offers thirteen different categories for members to present from, including Creative, Discussion, Dramatic Duo, Humorous, Storytelling, Serious Prose, and Original Oratory. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors choose one category and therefore one speech to work on for the Speech season, which runs from the end of November until April. Then, once a week, the youth meet with their assigned speech coach and practice their oration. Seniors are required to choose two categories and two speeches to work on for the year, and meet with their speech coach once a week as well.

                Frannie Sprouls, who is entering her third year of speech this year, highly recommends Speech team, believing it has numerous benefits.

                “Speech team has improved my glossophobia.” Sprouls informs. “Before, I was nervous to talk in front of people because I thought that they would judge me. However, they do not; they are just worried about their speech. It helped me to get more comfortable in my own skin when I have to present to others.”

                Frau Tol, who has been a Speech coach at Park for the past seven years, also feels that Speech Team does wonderful things for students, not only for their self-esteem, but also for their future careers.  

                “Speech team looks excellent on a high school transcript.” Tol explains. “Also, Speech is beneficial because you get to hang out with fun people, become better at speaking, and it is a lot of fun!”

                 Members of speech team also learn valuable life skills including diction, poise, discipline, and respect throughout the season, which are priceless assets after high school.

                Alex Astin, senior, will be returning once more this November to have fun and hang out with friends, which he considers the best part of Speech team.

                Sprouls will be returning one last time too. “Between getting up at 5:00 AM every Saturday, talking to walls, the one clap rule, and standing up on stage to get an award, I would have to say that my favorite part is talking to walls, although standing on stage to get an award is a close second.”Sprouls laughs.

               For students who wish to join speech team, coach Tol advices “One should prepare for Speech team with a positive attitude. Be ready to put in some effort and have fun.”

                An informational meeting for the 2009-2010 Speech team will be held on Wednesday, November 4^th and is open to the whole school. Auditions will occur at the end of November.

                “If you want to join speech team, I say go for it!” Sprouls finishes, “It is possibly the best experience you will have during high school. If you do have glossophobia, what better way to conquer that fear?”

            Our journey began at 8:30 AM on Friday, the 27^th of February. The long bus ride lasted over 5 hours, which cadets spent studying inspection questions, having fun, or catching some “Z”s. We eventually arrived at the National Guard base for the athletic portion of the competition. The PT competition consists of timed Pull-ups, crunches, a shuttle run, and a long jump. After the main events, we took part in a Tug-of-War and a Dodgeball tournament. Though we held our own in both games, we did not place in the tournament. When the competition culminated for the day, we took off to the Golden Corral, a massive buffet, where we recovered from PT. We then retired to the barracks at the Air Force Reserve Base where we prepared for the challenges ahead the next morning.

            After packing our bags again, we confirmed all our uniform items were in order and headed to breakfast. After our meal, we rushed to Fargo South High School, where the main drill competition was being held. We unloaded our equipment and prepared for what was going to be a busy day. With three color guards and a drill team competing in six events, we struggled to keep up with our demanding schedule. After the main competitions were over, every cadet from every school fell in to compete in Knockout Drill, essentially a military version of Simon Says. After Knockout, Several schools put on a show of Exhibition Drill, an entertaining drill sequence made to show off precision and skill.

            Our nervousness peaked at the awards ceremony. Every school’s unit fell into formation, eager to hear their school called up to receive the trophy they had trained so hard to earn. As the winners of the events were called up, the cadets of MN-871 were on the edge, waiting to hear their school called for a trophy. We left with our heads held high, earning third place in Varsity Color Guard, Second place in Varsity Drill, and our Junior Varsity Color Guard earned first place. Trophies in hand, we packed our uniforms and headed home, basking in the glory of our victories at this very prestigious competition.

            The Park High School Math Team had their final meet on Monday, February 9^th, held at our school, finishing off their season with a bang. You may have seen them around school wearing their “Unstoppable” t-shirts. It was a year of ups and downs, but was a great opportunity for the members not only to challenge themselves and improve their math skills, but to make new friends also.

            The math leaguers often joke that the only reason they come is for the doughnuts and soda and that the math part is just a bonus. Since this last meet was held at Park, the members passed the time by organizing the sodas into neat rows and shooing away any hungry or thirsty non-math leaguers.

            As the other schools arrived, the team spread out over the lunch tables. Some to do their homework, others to listen to music, but most gathered to talk. Then it was time for the events. There were four events, and each person chose two events to participate in. When it was time for their event, they were led into a classroom and given twelve minutes to work on a set of problems. After each event, the answers were posted and the mathletes lamented over simple mistakes and laughed about lucky guesses.

            The last meet of each season is always special because it includes the awards ceremony, with first through tenth place from the conference of seven schools. This year, Cody Morin, a sophomore, won tenth place. Way to go Cody!

            So the year is over for these Math leaguers, but the memories will always be there. It will most definitely be back next year with new captains and a cool new t-shirt design! If you are interested in joining, please see Ms. Paleen in room 215.