“The fact that the moral fabric of America and Europe has been put under siege by the supporters of this creeping evil of homosexuality should not suggest that we follow suit.”

            This earthquake hit 15 miles out of Haiti’s capital and unleashed disaster in its wake; it was the worst earthquake in over 200 years.  The tremors lasted throughout Tuesday night and into Wednesday.

Haiti’s president, René Préval, told The Miami Herald, “Parliament has collapsed. The tax office has collapsed. Schools have collapsed. Hospitals have collapsed.” 

As Mr. Préval stated, the earthquake plunged the country of Haiti into a state of misfortune.  The government’s infrastructure was fragile already and many important cultural symbols were destroyed, including the National Palace and the main cathedral.  This earthquake was definitely not the first blow to the island.

In 1942, when Christopher Columbus first discovered the island, it became a Spanish colony where disease and harsh working conditions devastating the native population.   When Haiti is handed off to France in 1697, the island’s forests are torn down as slaves clear them for sugar fields.  The nation of Haiti is born in 1807 after 13 years of revolution; former slave Jean-Jacques Dessalines takes the title of Emperor but is assassinated two years later by rebels and a civil war breaks out.

In 1915, President Woodrow Wilson orders the U.S. Marines to occupy Haiti, citing the Monroe Doctrine.  The United States did not help out well, standing with the biracial elite over the black Haitians, and they withdrew in 1934.

By 1957, voodoo doctor Francois Duvalier is elected President and turns the country into a police state.  Duvalier’s son declared himself President for life in 1971.  Jean-Bertrand Aristide wins the country’s first free elections in 1990, but is disposed of in less than eight months.  This causes tens of thousands of Haitians to flee for Florida via small boats. 

Bill Clinton sent in 20,000 U.S. troops in 1994 after the militaristic government agrees to give up power, followed by an outbreak of HIV and entrenched poverty.  In 2001, Aristide returns to power but is forced into exile in 2004. 

Many natural disasters hit Haiti one after another, especially hurricanes in 2005 and 2008.  This earthquake that occurred in January of 2010 certainly is not the first disaster to hit the island nation of Haiti.

The impact of earthquakes in the Caribbean has been quite extreme, due to the fact that most of the islands rest on the Caribbean and North American plates.  One earthquake in 1692 caused Port Royal, Jamaica, to disappear underneath the Caribbean Sea.  It is still there today.  Not only was this earthquake very powerful but it was also very shallow.  Combine that with the soft ground and the muddy hills around Haiti’s capital made the impact of the whole event even worse. 

The worst part of it all was that it “struck at a rare moment of optimism,” writes Time Magazine reporter, Michael Elliott.  “After decades of natural and political catastrophes, the U.N. peacekeeping force an international investment campaign headed by former President Bill Clinton, the U.N.’s special envoy to Haiti, had recently begun to calm and rebuild the nation.”

The Haitian Red Cross has estimated the death toll to be between 45,000 and 50,000.  As with all earthquakes, the toll is merely an estimate.  Many bodies are trapped inside school building and others that collapsed due to the tremors.  Nearly 3 million people have been affected. 

Fifty percent of Haiti’s population is children.  Dr. Irwin Redlener, a professor of pediatrics at Columbia University’s medical school, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, and the president of the Children’s Health Fund, states, “Kids are much more fragile—a 30 pound block of a wall that would only seriously injure an adult will kill a child.  They die much more rapidly of dehydration, of loss of blood, of shock.  An infection will cause explosive diarrhea, which can kill a trapped child.  Everything about this is devastatingly worse for kids than for adults.” 

Many countries throughout the world are pulling together to send any relief to this island nation.  The United States alone is donating $100 million for rescue efforts, with President Barack Obama stating that financial assistance will increase throughout the coming year.  He says this to this to the people of Haiti in an address on January 14: “You will not be forsaken, you will not be forgotten. In this, your hour of greatest need, America stands with you.” 

Germany is sending $2.2 million for emergency assistance and China is sending 60 rescuers and sniffer dogs along with $1 million in aid.  The European Union pledged $4.4 million and various groups such as Doctors Without Borders have set up clinics and open-air triage centers to treat the injured. 

Relief is making its way to Haiti.  Although large shipments can be sent, they cannot be received as of yet due to heavy damage to the sea port in Port-Au-Prince.  Much relief cannot make it into the interior due to no railroad network.  It can be transported via trucks but it is a long and difficult journey due to debris.  The biggest challenge of it all is getting the relief effort coordinated in an orderly fashion—getting things unloaded and giving it to the people who need it.  The United Nations World Food Program plans to distribute200 tons of food to 95,000 people at eight location on January 18.

Day by day, more relief makes its way to Haiti.  For those of us who are unable to make the trip to Haiti to help out can do so here at home.  There are many legitimate websites that are raising money as well as other efforts:

American Red Cross— redcross.org

AmeriCares Foundation— americares.org 

Catholic Relief Services— crs.org

CARE— care.org

Doctors Without Borders— doctorswithoutborders.org

UNICEF— unicefusa.org 

There are many other organizations out there as well who are donating money to Haiti.

            For those of you who have an account on Facebook, there is a group called “Operation Help Haiti – Division: PHS.”  There you can also access information on how to help out here at Park, as well as other updates.  During Snow Week in February, all proceed from the Valentine Match results will be sent to Haiti. 

            If you do not have any money to donate, please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers. 

ALL INFORMATION WAS COMPLIED FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES AND TIME MAGAZINE.  PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK TIMES.

You know the feeling.  Your ride is waiting.  The clock is ticking.  You dipped and dodged through a crowd to reach your locker.  Clock still ticking, you spin to the right, spin to the left and spin to the right again. You give the metal latch a tug and… and… nothing! 

Any hallway, any passing time, you see sticky lockers causing problems for students, hall monitors and custodial staff.  These minty green monsters have been frustrating students for decades. (Oh if these lockers could talk, what stories they would tell…)

But that will all change over the summer.  All of the old lockers will be torn out to make way for new ones.  The new lockers will be three inches wider, allowing ample room for storing your gear.  The old display cases will be removed to make room for the more spacious installation, and you will also see significant changes in the back hallway.  In an effort to bring about world peace and happiness for humanity, administration made the bold choice to replace the industrial green lockers with industrial brown lockers. Keep rocking the world people!

The new lockers are just part of the overall renovation of the school.  “It will look awesome when it’s finished” says Mr. Bach.   So it’s good-bye to the old lockers. Though we welcome a fresh look, we sure will miss the stress release of kicking locker doors and that ever handy excuse for lateness: “My locker was stuck!”

On Monday, January 11th, parents met and discussed plans for the 2010 graduation.  As a result of this meeting, parents agreed that graduation will be held at Aldrich Arena this year.  They believe this site will give students the venue for a “dignified ceremony” and concerns about bad weather will be alleviated.  Another advantage is that there will be room to accommodate a larger number of guests than last year.

Graduation will be held on Saturday, June 12.

Aldrich arena is located at 1850 North Bear Avenue in Maplewood Minnesota.  Information is available at

 http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/Ice/aldricharena.htm

Map It!

The Blood Drive was held in the activity center and was said to have flowed very smoothly, according to Park Student Council President Tom Schultz.

“The Blood Drive turned out great,” Schultz stated, “It was not hectic at all and was successful in the fact that we reached our goal of 105 donators.”

While some students were turned down to give blood due to fear, illness, or because they did not meet the strict height and weight requirements, Park was rewarded with a $1,000 scholarship for having more than a hundred students donate.

One of these students was senior Anna Gunter, who gave blood for her second year.

“I gave blood last year and I just really want to help people,” Gunter smiled.

The occasion took place between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on November 20^th, and was hosted by the Student Council. Members wore red tie dye t-shirts and eased the nerves and boredom of the donators by talking to the students, as it took about five to twenty minutes for each individual to give their pint of blood.  Other members were also sitting with students in the recovery area, in which benefactors were provided with water, cookies, and juice, so they could recuperate before returning to class.  Unfortunately, several students ended up fainting because they did not take enough time to rest and attempted walking back to class. Luckily, none of these students were injured and recovered quickly after they were given water. Other students simply experienced the common symptoms of light headedness, dizziness, or soreness in the arm after giving, but these symptoms dissipated quickly. In fact, contrary to what some of the students believed, giving blood is actually a painless act.

“The finger prick hurts the most,” Gunter reaffirms, “After that, it actually feels kind of good, as weird as that sounds.”

Overall, the event ran without flaw and was lucrative. President Schultz was really pleased with the results and had this message for all who took the chance to give back.

“Thank you to all who donated! As a school we saved over 300 lives with all the blood donations. So thanks again, and donate in the future!”

*Photo by:Jessica Knable

                The second annual Hat Day, hosted by National Honor Society, was a fairly successful endeavor, with scholars collecting about 200 items that will be donated to Minnesota troops overseas. Cans of soup, car magazines, and candy were traded in for the opportunity to don baseball hats, ski caps, or fashionable berets. Some students even went all out, wearing attention seeking Cat in the Hat hats or generously giving board games such as Clue and Scrabble. Even some teachers took the occasion to contribute such as Mrs. Shea from the math department.

                Miranda Solei, a senior who donated ramen noodles for the chance to wear a purple ski cap, thought that the Hat Day was a really worthy idea.

                “People miss wearing hats and it’s for a good cause” Solei stated.

                Also, some individuals seized the opportunity to provide without feeling the need to wear a hat in return.

                “I do not need an incentive to donate,” one anonymous woman said as she placed some canned food on the donation table, “I just wanted to help out.”

                However, while the Hat Day appeared to be decently successful, there was a feeling that the benefit could have been more fruitful if the event was promoted more. Posters and announcements were only put out the Monday before the actual event, leaving little time for students to prepare items to share. This caused a negative impact since it was recommended that magazines, paperback books, or snack foods be donated, so many had to shop to get items, which added inconvenience to the time crunch. However, this did not stop some from bringing in magazines from the early 2000’s or Mary Kate and Ashley chapter books, which were not necessarily suitable for the young men and women overseas. Yet, the thoughts were very generous.

                Unfortunately, many students claimed not to be aware that the event was happening and were disappointed that they missed the chance.  Luckily for these people, the National Honor Society will host a second Hat Day later on in the year, in which donated items will be brought to the Friends in Need Food Shelf. Hopefully, the members of the National Honor Society will learn that the more the event is promoted, the more students will give.

                The second annual Hat Day was a wonderful example of the generosity of the Park High School student body, and all who donated are much appreciated.

The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors from members of the JROTC, symbolizing the seriousness of the occasion and exhibiting respect for one of the Armed Forces revered traditions. Next, the veterans, who were guests of honor, were welcomed into the gymnasium by uproarious applause from the student body and walked underneath sword arches held up by the Park High School Saber Team. While the veterans varied in age from young to very elderly and were from various components of the Armed Forces, it could be seen that they all shared respect for one another as they convened in the gym. Senator Katie Sieben and several members of the school board were also in attendance, showing their deference for the valiant men and women.

Students involved in band and choir were able to demonstrate their admiration by experiencing the opportunity to perform for the assembly. The band, dressed in their beautiful formal attire played “The Star Spangled Banner”, all anthems for the Armed Forces, and “God Bless America” during the assembly while under the direction of new director Mr. Bergman. The choir, also dressed in their formal green robes, sang “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” crisply and harmonically, under the direction of pristine choir director Mr. O’ Conner. Both groups were very talented and epitomized the “thank you’s” from the student body and staff to the guests of honor.

Unfortunately, according to some teachers and students, the behavior displayed by the audience was less than honorable.

                “I was very disappointed with the behavior of some of the students,” English teacher  Ms. Block frowns, “I was glaring at some talking students hoping that they would show some respect. Several students need to realize that the ceremony is not a Pep Fest and that respect for these brave people is expected. The disrespect of a few overshadowed the majority.”

                Another student admitted to hearing a peer booing the veterans as they walked into the gymnasium.

                “I thought that the person booing was very rude. Even if you do not agree with war it does not make it okay to boo a veteran. It was just unnecessary,” the anonymous student grimaced.

                However, overall the observance was an admirable display for the veterans, which was hopefully well received by the courageous men and women. Veterans are very important to the history of the United States and deserve this national holiday celebrating their dedication and strife for American rights and citizens. The assembly held by Park is a very honorable tradition that should continue in the decades to come.

            These are the memories of child soldiers. A child soldier, as defined by UNICEF, is “any child under 18 who is part of any kind of regular or irregular armed forces or armed force or armed group in any capacity.” Any job a child does against his or her will that is affiliated with an armed militia is considered to be the task of a child soldier. Being a child soldier is not only limited to being in combat. This includes tasks such as cooks, porters, messengers, lookouts, spies, etc.

            There have been over 2 million children killed in wars involving over 20 countries. These countries include Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, and Columbia, but the problem of child soldiers is most severe in Africa.  It is estimated that there are currently about 300,000 child soldiers fighting in armed conflict. In Liberia, children make up a quarter of all civil war combatants.

Most children who are serve in armed conflicts are between the ages of 14 and 18, but children as young as 9 have been known to be recruited. These children are often kidnapped or unwillingly recruited from their homes and villages. Recruiters sometimes use violent and threatening tactics to collect child soldiers. Some enlist “voluntarily”, mainly because they see their only hope for survival in joining the armed forces. Young boys are ideal soldiers for these militias, as they are easily manipulated and not yet mature enough to understand their actions. They are given drugs such as cocaine to make it easier for them to cope with murdering other people. Girls are often used as cooks or domestic sex slaves and endure copious amounts of domestic abuse and violence. One Ugandan girl recounts her experiences in the armed forces:

“One boy tried to escape, but he was caught.  They made him eat a mouthful of red pepper, and five people were beating him.  His hands were tied, and then they made us, the other new captives, kill him with a stick.  I felt sick.  I knew this boy from before.  We were from the same village.  I refused to kill him, and they told me they would shoot me.  They pointed a gun at me, so I had to do it.  The boy was asking me, “Why are you doing this?” I said I had no choice.  After we killed him, they made us smear blood on our arms.  I felt dizzy.  They said we had to do this so we would not fear death, and so we would not try to escape.”

                                                                                    -Susan, 16

Without the aid of government infrastructure, it is very easy for children to become involved in civil conflicts.

The long term effects that participating in an armed war can have on children are devastating and hard to treat. Most children become orphans or refugees when the conflict ends and those who do still have family are often not welcomed back to their village due to cultural superstitions. Relief for children usually becomes the last priority in war. Many child soldiers suffer from diseases caught in combat and lasting disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress. Since the governments of the countries with these child soldiers have neglected them, the question arises, who is responsible for taking action to help these kids?

International documents and institutions have been developed to protect children’s rights. The United Nations Conventions on the Rights of a Child have 21 articles that are put in place to assure that children’s rights are not violated. When these articles are violated, it is seen as a war crime and the criminals are put on trial.

There are also many agencies dedicated to rehabilitating and protecting child soldiers. Amnesty International is a global movement that campaigns for internationally recognized human rights to be respected for everyone. Members are made up of individuals who support these causes and exert influences on governments, political bodies, and companies. UNICEF is an organization focused on protecting children from abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation. They’ve provided camps for refugees and their families, as well as establishing rehabilitation centers for former child soldiers. The Children and youth in Organized Armed Violence (COVA) works to raise awareness and share solutions to the problem of child soldiers.

The issue of child soldiers is one of the most neglected of this century. Every child has the right to freedom and a safe, secure childhood as well as the resources to fulfill their maximum potential and survival. It is crucial that we take action against the violent groups that instill terror and chaos into the lives of these children. Provided below are links to organizations that help fight against the issue of child soldiers and information on the issue:

http://www.child-soldiers.org/childsoldiers/child-soldiers

http://www.un.org/children/conflict/english/links.html

http://www.amnestyusa.org/children/soldiers

            It happens to all of us. Sitting in class, nursing your sore throat and feeling sorry for yourself, you begin to realize: “I’m sick.” All week you’ve tried to convince yourself otherwise. It’s only a cough, you say, as you struggle through the cloud of fatigue and discomfort that can only mean one thing: the flu. Once denial is no longer an option, your parental units call you in sick for a couple of days. And then it’s over. You’re back to school, feeling good, with only sunny skies in sight. But just when you think you’ve got the disease cycle under wraps, nature hurdles a curve ball your way.

            The Swine Flu (perhaps known better by its other alias, H1N1) began making headlines earlier this year as a new, killer strain of the traditional Influenza. Reports were sketchy. Some called it just a slightly different version of everyone’s favorite headache. The symptoms were to be mild and the only real danger lies with the very old, very young or immune deficient. Others, however, snatched up the story and ran with it like a gazelle. With limited factual information, these startled media outlets printed alarmist headlines saying that a pandemic (a global epidemic) of disastrous proportions would soon ravage the globe, killing freely and mercilessly. It was starting to sound like the bird flu all over again (remember that?). But rest assured, swine lovers, this flu ain’t yo daddy’s flu!

            There are a couple of main reasons that some are showing legitimate concern as this year’s flu season approaches. One is this strain’s history. 1918 is a year everyone around the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) office knows as the year nature stamped its cruel foot on all of humanity. It was the year of the Spanish Influenza pandemic. The exact name of the strain was, you guessed it, H1N1. Millions the world over perished from this disease, and some say that is a real possibility in today’s world. Those with common sense tend to reply, “nay.” 90 years ago there were no antibiotics, no indoor plumbing, few received proper nutrition and hygiene was an afterthought. I would be legitimately surprised if no virus seized the opportunity to earn its place in history.

            Another key difference between this flu and bird flu is that bird flu never really got off the ground. Its potential for mutation was great, but perhaps it was too lazy or something, because it remained unchanged for the most part. Once the media found something else to terrify you with it slipped out of the collective consciousness of America and into obscurity. This flu, on the other hand, has already mutated and can now easily spread from person to person. Cases have been confirmed all over the globe. But so far, the deaths toll hasn’t been catastrophic: according to the European Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, the H1N1 virus has killed 4,494 people worldwide as of October 5^th of this month. Less than 1,000 in North America have succumbed to the piggy. Right now it’s behaving just like a normal flu, just on a global scale.  Still, one can’t help but think that we could be on the precipice of something potentially devastating. But never fear, for your federal government is here!

            The modern vaccine arrives almost as quickly as the disease in some cases. To prevent panic and uncertainty, the government rolls out a giant shield to hinder the progress of our dreadful enemy. The swine flu vaccine, in this case, is more of a precautionary measure because most victims recover from the illness in only a few days time with limited treatment. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. Again, this flu has massive potential. And with anything big, like the vaccination effort, it can a get a little complicated.

            People never change. The government, corporations, and anyone trying to make a buck will use fear as a weapon. And not even the swine flu vaccine is immune to this (haha, get it? Immune? Never mind…). While some corporations make enormous profits over the production of the vaccine, others (mostly anti-vaccine advocates) are fear-mongering people away from even considering it. They print exclamatory stories about how the vaccine is deadlier than the real flu. Sometimes it’s hard to discern the facts from the flab.

To be fair, no one really knows what will happen this winter. Experts can spend weeks coming up with algorithms and hypotheses to predict the future, but no one knows. My advice? Take what you’ve learned from this article, expand your knowledge, and formulate your own opinion. If you are adamant about the need for a flu shot, they will be available in most doctors’ offices as early as October 5^th of this year according to The Associated Press. Regardless of your viewpoint, you should form some habits for the common decency of those around you this winter. It’s very simple: just observe proper hygiene as you would in a normal winter. That means washing your hands, staying home when ill and (as funny as it may be) don’t sneeze all over people.

            Good luck this winter, and remember, it isn’t all bad. After all, swine may give you flu, but you can still eat bacon!

Sources

http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/healthtopics/Documents/091005_Influenza_AH1N1_Situation_Report_0900hrs.pdf

http://virus.stanford.edu/uda/

http://www.kare11.com/news/national/national_article.aspx?storyid=825202&catid=18\

Homecoming King Candidates:

Jared Flaata:

Derek Glazier:

 Favorite Class: Human Relations with Mr. Schwartz

 Activities involved in at Park: Link Crew, Yearbook, Super fan Club, President of BPA, and hopefully student council

 Three Words that describe him: Trustworthy, Determined, and Awesome (haha)

 Favorite Park memory: Owning the seniors last year at every Pep fest.

 Reaction to Homecoming King Nomination: I was surprised and pretty excited.

 How he would represent Park: I would represent Park as being a positive role model for students by encouraging them to get involved in different activities because I’m involved in a bunch of them. Also I maintain good grades and have good Park Pride.

Plans after high school: I plan on going to school in California and majoring in Business Administration  and specializing in the entertainment industry.

 What he’s looking forward to the most about Homecoming: I’m looking forward to the football team destroying East ridge at the game.

Chris Nimely:

Favorite Class: Spanish

Activities involved in at school: Football, basketball, Track, and Link Crew

 Three Words that describe him: Fly, Fresh, and Swag
 Favorite Park memory: Singing a poem in English with Matt Ressler. It was hilarious!
 Reaction to Homecoming King Nomination: I thought it was cool that people voted for me.

 How he would represent Park: I would represent Park to the fullest.
 Plans after high school: Play college football somewhere.
 What he’s looking forward to the most about Homecoming: The game!

Kevin Pattain:

Tom Schultz:

Favorite Class: English with Mega Block

Activities involved in at Park: Student Council, Drama Club, Yearbook

Three Words that describe him: Do Something Crazy

Favorite Park memory: English classes with Ms. Block and going to football games.

Reaction to Homecoming King Nomination: More excited about the people I get to be with.

How he would represent Park: Just like I always have, by painting up and going wild!

Plans after high school: Go to college and find my way on to SNL.

What he’s looking forward to the most about Homecoming: Dominating the volleyball tournament! Go team ROYALTY!

 Dalton Vance:

 Tyler Zurn:

Favorite Class: Physics

Activities involved in at school: Football, Track, and Link Crew

Three Words That Describe You: Motivated, Goofy, and Pranksta

Favorite Park memory: Mr. Swenson being carried around the gym as the “Blazin’ Champion.”

Reaction to Homecoming King Nomination: Nothing on the outside but on the inside lots and lots of butterflies.

How he would represent Park: Being a kind person to everyone else and just letting my personality that Park formed me into shine.

Plans after high school: Attend college and work on trying to obtain a job in the medical field.

What he’s looking forward to the most about Homecoming: All of the fun events that are planned out and whooping the Raptors.

Homecoming Queen Candidates

Wunmi Alowanie:

Favorite Class: English
 Activities  involved in at Park: Soccer,  Lacrosse Manager, Link Crew, and hopefully Deca
 Three Words that describe her: Creative, Hardworking, and Outgoing
 Favorite Park  memory:Performing the Micheal Jackson “Thriller” dance with the Senior soccer girls for overnight!

 Reaction to Homecoming Queen nomination:I was surprised & excited!
 How she would represent Park: By being respectful and by showing a lot of Park pride!!!

 Plans after high school: Go to Colorado State, major in marketing/advertising,  minor in Spanish, and study abroad.

 What she’s looking forward to the most about Homecoming:Playing and seeing our old classmates from East Ridge and being with my friends one last homecoming before we graduate!!

Kate Black:

Favorite Class: AP World History

Activities Involved in at school: NHS, yearbook, Cross Country, and track

Three Words that describe her: Talkative, Busy, and Active

Favorite Park memory: Running the 2008 section meet for cross country.

Reaction to Homecoming Nomination: Excited!

How she would represent Park: I would set an example by being involved in a lot of activities and by leading younger students.

Plans after high school: Major in Microbiology in North Dakota, Texas, or Colorado.

What she is looking forward to the most about Homecoming: Volleyball, the talent show, and being with the group.

Hannah Davy:

Favorite Class: Team Sports

Activities Involved in at Park: Soccer, Track, and Student Council
  Three Words that describe her: Outgoing, Happy, and Spontaneous

 Favorite Park memory: Football games, 11th grade pep fests, and summers!

 Reaction to Homecoming Queen nomination: I was surprised and excited!
 How she would represent Park: I would represent through the soccer team and student council. Also, I am hard working.
 Plans after high school: Attend Central College in Pella Iowa and major in pre-dentistry. Also, I will play soccer.
 What she’s looking forward to the most about Homecoming: The dress up days and all the activities that we are involved in, especially the talent show.

Rachel Klein:

Favorite Class: Criminology

Activities involved in at Park: Link Crew and Circle of Friends

Three words that describe her: Outgoing, Odd, and Smiley

Favorite Park memory: The time I saw Ms. Jorgenson laugh until she cried.

Reaction to Homecoming Queen Nomination: I was surprised, overwhelmed, and happy!

How she would represent Park: I would represent Park to the best of my abilities. I would try to be a good role model, attend sporting events, and show my school spirit!

Plans after high school: I would like to go to a four year college. I hope to be in the F.B.I.  but if that doesn’t work out then hopefully an elementary school teacher.

What she’s looking forward to the most about Homecoming: I’m looking forward to just having school spirit and hopefully our football team winning!

Shelby Moline:

Favorite Class: Art (drawing, painting, ceramics)

Activities involved in at school: SADD, Circle of Friends, and Girls Soccer

Three words that describe her: Smiley, Outgoing, and Loving

Favorite Park memory: Going up to St. Cloud for soccer and dressing up as zombies with Wunmi as Micheal Jackson when we reenacted Thriller.

Reaction to Homecoming Queen Nomination: I was happy and excited!

How she would represent Park: By supporting all groups, activities, and sports. Also, by having school spirit and wearing school colors.

Plans for the future:  Go to school in New York for fashion design and meet a handsome model.

What she is looking forward to the most about Homecoming: The talent show because the Girls soccer team is reenacting the “Thriller” video.

Ashley Wallace:

Angela Zarich:

Favorite Class: Criminology

Activities involved in at school: Key Club

Three words that describe her: Goofy, Honest, and Optimistic

Favorite Park memory: Definitely being nominated for Homecoming!

Reaction to Homecoming Queen Nomination: Very surprised and overly excited!

Plans after high school: Attend college at the University of St. Thomas or St. Kate’s. Eventually I will get married and have a family.

What she’s looking forward to the most about Homecoming: The volleyball tournament! Playing volleyball is always fun!

                         Good luck to all of the candidates and have a great Homecoming week!