The presentation began with Park’s Step Team, known as the Wolf Riders.  This popular group, which is in its second year,

performed their African style dance techniques in which intricate percussive rhythms are created by using one’s body as an instrument. The Wolf Riders combined these rhythmic moves with hip-hop dance and their signature howl to impress the audience.

Next, Park High School’s Hip Hop Crew performed. Dressed in green t-shirts and black pants, the team, created last fall by senior Sandra Yang, danced to a montage of songs including energetic tunes such as “Tic Toc” and some slower ballads. 

Several members of the Hip Hop crew stayed on stage after their number to display their break dancing moves .These five young men, who won last fall’s talent show, are the Funky Munkys, and have become a very well known group at Park High School. The men impressed the audience with their break dancing skills including several handstands and head spins in their

short routine.

Finally, the last of Park’s students displayed their dance moves. Seniors Chris Nimely, Peterson Pierre, and Nick Pieper did a tribute to the late Michael Jackson by free style dancing to Jackson’s song “Smooth Criminal”.  The three men were dressed in suit coats and fedoras, matching the outfit that Jackson wore when performing this song for the musical movie Moonwalkers   . The student’s performance featured some Jackson moves including the moonwalk and some unique moves such as back flips by Pierre.

To close the event, Park allowed the special guests, a group of Mexican folk dancers to take the stage. The group had prepared a special routine for the students that included dance styles, music, and clothing from three states of Mexico. The first state shown was Yucatan and two women came on stage wearing white floor length dresses with flowered embroidery and bright bows in their hair. The women danced a singular da

nce that featured feet tapping and twirling a bright colored scarf around in the air.

Next, a young boy and girl came out to represent the Mexican state of Chiapas.  The two teens danced a partner dance, in which the girl and boy would dance across from one another, making eye contact but not touching. The girl wore a beautiful flowing dress and the boy looked distinguished in a white dress shirt and black pants.

Woman dancing in a Mexican ribbon dress

Finally, the last state featured was Jalisco. This area’s style of dance, known as ribbon dancing, is the most well known dance style in Mexico.  The routine featured a woman wearing a purple pastel ribbon dress that she twirled to make an intriguing optical display.

Diversity Day offered the students to see some of the unique cultures in the world through various types of dancing. Students of all different races were featured in the show and all came together to bring entertainment and awareness to the student body.

Trashcans are strategically placed all over the school, in classrooms, hallways (now marked by neon tape), the lunchroom, and even the exterior of the building. The only place that I know of that doesn’t have trashcans, are the bathrooms. Is it really that hard to walk maybe 50 feet to a trashcan? Personally I don’t believe that it’s too difficult. 

Pride in our school is something that Park students greatly show. Any day, you’ll see Park students representing their school by wearing their forest green and white Wolfpack apparel. However, clothing isn’t the only way we can show pride in our school. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, we all can show more school spirit by keeping our school cleaner. Even a simple task such as picking up a piece of paper on the floor can demonstrate pride in our school, and community.

As many of you know, Park High School has gotten a face lift over the past few years. Some of the many new spaces gained are the large group room, front entrance and the activities and Administrative offices. Showing respect to these spaces for future generations use is something we must do. By keeping everything clean and tidy, it shows that we really do have respect for our school, community, and others.

Lastly, keeping our school clean, shows that we are a mature student body. High school is a place where we come to learn and grow. School should be a safe, sanitary learning environment. It can be very distracting, annoying, and just plain nasty to have to deal with other people’s trash and or messes. Being mature and responsible means that you are able to take care of yourself, others and the spaces around you. By doing your part, you are showing that you are mature, respectful, and responsible.

In conclusion, I think we can all say that keeping our school cleaner would be beneficial for everyone. It could mean as much as you wont ruin your brand new 80 dollar shoes by stepping in a piece of sticky gum or  in a pool of murky purple  juice. Or it could even be something as little as not having to brush those annoying paper frizzles off your desk. Showing more pride, respect, responsibility, maturity is something we can all perform. Lets all try to be more respectful towards our school, community and others. Remember, we are PHS!

            Usually, when the question of what is your favorite subject of the day is asked, witty students would reply with lunch. Even though lunch is technically not a subject, it is widely known for its popularity. It is where students satisfy their hunger while catching up on their social lives. But now when the question is asked, lunch is no longer an answer that comes up. Maybe that is a sign, a sign that Park High School lunches are not up to par of what defines an enticing lunch. The foods are too costly. The regular lunches are $2.00 a meal, but everyone who has eaten one of these lunches would agree that it is not satisfying enough. The pizzas at school are too overpriced, and the serving sizes are too tiny. The pizza slices would be perfect size if we were ants!  A statement that is repeatedly heard when a student buys pizza is “what a rip-off”!

Based on reviews, students at Park High School feel the lunches are unsuitable for their appetite. According to Tyler Thompson, “Chicken Patties are the only decent thing at lunch, yet they don’t even serve them everyday”. Mark Carson agrees by adding in, “The lunch servers really don’t care to make any appealing lunches, and they would just throw together what is available”. Usually, as the intercom announces the lunch items for the day, students tend to show a look of disgust on their faces. Many accuse the lunch servers of using leftovers. Nick Pieper once announced, “Wow these school lunches are getting worse by the day”! I personally would agree with this. For example at school today, the lunch item was spicy pepperoni on rice. You can’t be serious. That shouldn’t even be considered a meal!

            The unappealing lunches have caused many students to want to go out to eat lunch. Fast food places are unhealthy, yet students would rather go to these places because all agree that they are more edible than school lunches. Many students would compare Park High School to East Ridge. East Ridge has a spacious environment where students eat their enjoyable lunch. When asked what would make students stay to eat lunch at school, August Omot and many other students agreed that, “Park High School needs a Food Court”! They said that even though food courts are placed in the school, the food items could still meet the health nutrition policy. Subway and Chipotle are popular choices. Maybe getting a food court would be practical. Just imagine: no more dealing with rubbery tasting French toast sticks, cold hard fries, or those disgusting wraps! That sounds a lot like heaven to me. We are a world of developing technology, so let’s start with Park High School’s cafeterias.

               Another thing that really restricts our freedom is the dress code, specifically the no hat rule. This is a new rule that has come into effect only within the last couple of years because hats are thought to be “distracting” towards others’ learning. While it may have been an acceptable restriction in elementary school it makes no sense to high school aged students. Anywhere you go today you will see someone wearing a hat, whether it is a sporting event or even just a night on the town with friends. Hats are very common and in no way do they distract from school work. Hoods are also a major cause for controversy as they cannot be worn inside the building. They are connected to our sweatshirts and there is no way of detaching them. Who would honestly be bothered by someone putting their hood up in class or in the hallway?

Although we have been told our entire lives that we need to prepare ourselves for the real world, it simply cannot be done if our freedoms are limited within these walls.

The IB program will give students a head start into a music program. Students will be able to increase their knowledge of music while earning what could become college credit. Junior Lowell Hagberg states: “Being in a music based class is educational as well as a ton of fun”.

 Statistics show that, on average, a student involved in music does better in school than one who does not. Lizzy Bunton, member of the advanced band, says “The music programs in school not only are fun, but they help the students learn and grow together…The people in the music programs have known each other for years, and they’re all really good friends. Music brings people together”. Musicians are able to form a community with each other through their creation of music. Not one person is more important than the rest; everyone has their part to play—literally.

 In the last ten years music programs have been diminishing in size. People have been unable and uninterested in fitting band or choir into their schedules forcing the ensembles to grow smaller in size and make cuts in directors and opportunities. The advanced band currently has less than 30 students, when it should have at least 40 to 50, if not more.

Moving back into the 3×6 schedule and the addition of the IB program hopefully will spark more interest in music. Students will be able to jump-start their abilities in music. Theory classes, intertwined with the normal band and choir classes, will be offered. These classes will especially help students who are interested in music as a profession. Students will also be able to be involved in both band and choir, without filling too many electives. Choir director Ben O’Connor, and Band director Peter Bergman, are very interested in allowing students the ability to take part in both ensembles, spending every other day in each group.

 Creativity and imagination are essential in building one’s own character. Through music programs, students are able to exercise the use of these skills. IB programs will only improve what is already an incredible music department.

           One of the first things a student learns when they attend classes for the first time is that not every class is taught by a professor.  Some lectures are given by graduate students in that particular field that are looking to make some extra money between their classes, while others are taught by teaching assistants.  A basic rule of thumb to distinguish professors from the rest is what they ask you to refer to them as.  If they allow you to call them by their first names, they are most likely not a professor.

            The stereotype of professors is not far off the mark in some cases like my Calculus professor.  On the first day of class a short, balding man with grey hair entered and set down his supplies at the front table.  Upon removing his coat he revealed a nice suit complete with a chalk fanny pack strapped around his waist.  As the week progressed it became obvious that while his capacity for calculus was astounding, his short term memory left something to be desired.  While my Calculus professor fit the description of an older professor, my Physics professor fits the scientist stereotype.  At first glance my Physics professor looks like the traditional science fanatic with mussed, grey hair and the slightly distant look of someone used to pouring over their calculations and graphs.  However, he quickly changed all assumptions as he immediately proceeded into a rant about the system (the university system, the physics system, the government system, you name it).  An act we were soon to discover would become a habit.  The third and most disheartening of stereotypes is the “I don’t care about your issues” mindset.  Fortunately I have yet to see this idea embodied in any professor, in fact, most professors go out of their way to create leeway because all of them know that life happens.  Consequently, many create a certain number of allowed absences or missed assignments before your grade begins to drop, and give you ways to make them up if you miss too many days.  They really do care about your success in school as long as you care enough to put the effort in.

                  There are also many professors who break the stereotypical mold.  Take, for example, my biology professor from last semester.  When he would get excited about something he would jump up and down with his arms in the air.  He would attempt to make jokes about almost everything, some of the funniest ones were the ones that fell flat.  He shared stories about his studies on lions in the Serengeti and had slides filled with interesting pictures to illustrate the points he was making.  Once when he was explaining pre-humanoid forms he paraded in front of the giant class in an ape walk, demonstrating what the different forms between humans and apes looked and acted like.  I learned so much from him and looked forward to his class every week.  One slightly entertaining thing that professors, usually the young ones, attempt to do is connect with the student body by speaking like them, or more specifically swearing.  It is funny when a word or two slips out in frustration, but some, like my Political Science professor last semester, get a little carried away and what was initially funny just becomes annoying.  Others connect to the students by just being themselves, like my down to earth writing teacher.  He was not a professor but I learned a lot about writing from him and some pretty neat words along the way too.  We learned some new writing techniques while bonding as a class, all thanks to our outgoing, organized yet relaxed writing teacher.

                  So whether professors are stuck in their ways, lenient, completely hilarious, or a little too eager to please, there is no doubt that no matter what the class if the professor is adamant about their subject it tends to rub off on the student.  A good tip to remember is to keep in touch with friends that you make in class and share reviews about professors.  It is much easier and more enjoyable to learn from someone who truly loves their job and who fits your learning style than to struggle with a subject you don’t comprehend because you find the professor dull and difficult to understand.

Throughout the year of 2010, the Boy Scouts of America has many activities planned to celebrate the centennial. They compiled a list of special merit ribbons that aid in the ultimate celebration and highlight five important values of scouting: Leadership, Community Service, Character, Achievement, and Outdoors.  By completing a variety of tasks that involve each skill, such as participating in Scouting for Food, the youth can earn special ribbons to compliment a special Centennial Patch.

In addition, on the weekend of May 21-23, the Northern Star Council, which contains troops in Cottage Grove and St. Paul Park, will host a council wide campout deemed StarCamp.  This once in a lifetime celebration will take place in Stearns Boy Scout Camp and is open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, and Explorers.  Scouts will spend the weekend participating in various games and activities that will highlight the history of scouting and celebrate the elements that make scouting unique.

However, for those not involved in scouting, there are several opportunities to engage in the festivities.  On the weekend of May 15, a traveling Boy Scout exhibit, called Adventure Base 100, will arrive at the Mall of America.  This fold out exhibit will be traveling across the country from January to November and features a museum about the history of Boy Scouts, a rope course, and a video about Scouting.

At Park High School, several students honored the 100^th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America by wearing their troop uniforms on February 8, an act that is normally restricted by the organization.  These students, including Boy Scouts and Venture Scouts, wore their shirts and brought recognition to the significant day.

“Since my uniform is green and it is also Park pride day it was really convenient to wear my crew shirt today,” stated one Venture Scout during the Snow Week pep fest.

                Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has had over 2 million Eagle Scouts, which is the organizations highest award. Several students at Park High School have earned this prestigious award including senior Brian Panek and junior Brody Weber.

                The impact of Boy Scouts on the community of Cottage Grove is extremely evident.  Through community projects such as Scouting for Food and various Eagle projects that have taken place at churches, parks, and the Armory, the city has grown to be a kinder, beautiful place.  Scouting has been a key part in the past 100 years to making communities better and will continue to do so for many years to come.

                “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

                A lot of enthusiasm met Park High School’s performance of “Flaming Idiots”. First, on January 20 during the evening of One Acts hosted by East Ridge High School, audience members laughed uproariously at the show.  

                “It was ridiculously awesome,” grinned junior Logan Greene, “It was hilarious and far exceeded expectations.”  Other Park students, such as Nikki Soler and Ann Haering also agreed, saying that the performance was very funny.

                Then on January 26, Park performed the comedy in front of judges in the prelims, against Woodbury’s dramatic performance of “Crimes of the Heart” and East Ridge’s bleak play “Dracula.” At the end of the night, Park had received all ones from the judges, meaning that they had done the best. Therefore, the seven actors went into the section finals with some added confidence.

                The section finals took place on February 3 in Park’s auditorium.  These performances had increased pressure because whoever won would proceed to the State competition on February 11.  Park competed against Eagan and Tartan in the section finals, with the winner advancing to state. Unfortunately, Park received second place to Eagan’s “Aftermath”, which was a drama about an Iraqi family’s reaction to the war that was occurring in their country.

                “Eagan’s play was very good,” stated one anonymous audience member, “At one point an actor was asking the audience ‘Why did you kill my family?’ and I actually felt guilty. It was very moving. ”

                However, while “Flaming Idiots” did not make it to State, the cast has a lot of which to be proud.  The comedy was cast impeccably and the actors provided many laughs for the audience. Senior Erica Ashleson, who played a deaf cook, was excellent at portraying a humorous character by using only body language and facial expressions, senior Sam Salwasser was wonderful at dramatic entrances, exits, and poses, and Thomas Lankow was exceptional at being the naïve and somewhat dense sidekick. The entirety of the cast shared a good amount of laughs and represented Park very well despite the title of “Flaming Idiots.”