Relation- Winter driv- ships are The ing requires strained as planning, people iso- caution to late during be safe on COVID the road Page 3 QuillMon., Jan. 4, 2021 Vol. 57, No. 3 Page 3 Robbinsdale Cooper High School chs.rdale.org/the-quill 8230 47th Ave. N., New Hope, MN 55428

ALSO INSIDE In-person assistance, News COOPER HAWKS ADJUST advisory questionnaire added to the existing stu- TO WEDNESDAY CHANGES dent support offerings teacher available from each subject area. “As part of the Dis- tance Learning Plus Debate squad model, the goal was to leaps online increase support for stu- dents this year,” Her- Despite a small- man said. “We started er-than-normal ros- out the year by creating ter and changes to our Student and Family the competition for- Support Center with the mat, the Hawks team plan of moving to in-per- is having success son support as the year progressed. During Sep- Page 2 tember and October, we worked on transportation, how many students could News come in, set COVID pro- tocols to follow and other details before we could roll this option out.” The first step in ac- cessing this support is signing up, which must happen in advance. If a student needs transporta- Proper sleep key tion, the student must call to teen health 763-504-8478 or email Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA nicole_williams@rdale. Experts agree that teens org to set up transporta- Students are asked to complete a Google form in which they indicate how they are feeling during that week of school. need to be consistent tion by Thursday before about their sleep habits By MAKAYLA HOTT port through which lim- you feeling this week on a students around academic the Wednesday they want to maintain their phys- Quill staff writer ited numbers of students scale of 1-5?” In order to and social-emotional well to come in for support. If ical, mental health as can sign up to work with be marked as present, stu- being so we can better a student does not need the pandemic continues Cooper introduced teachers on Wednesdays. dents must complete and support our students.” transportation, they must a pair of changes to the The Wednesday ad- submit a response. The larger change to Page 2 sign up by calling 763- Wednesday student sup- visory check-in is an “After the school Wednesdays was the in- 504-8478 or emailing ni- port day at the start of extension of the week- year started, we discov- troduction of an in-person [email protected] November. The first ly advisory class, which ered that the state re- teacher support option. before 2 p.m. the Monday Opinion change involved the start takes place on Mondays quires some sort of atten- Through this new system, before the Wednesday of a Wednesday advisory during fifth period. On dance-taking mechanism students can sign up to get they want to come in for check-in that is designed Wednesdays, students are be in place each day of support during an 8-10 support. to monitor how students now required to fill out the week,” Head Prin- a.m. or 12-2 p.m. slot. Students who come are feeling about school. a Google form on their cipal Mr. Herman said. Up to three students can in for support have a Meanwhile, the second Schoology advisory page “Instead of revising our be with a teacher during change was the begin- on which they respond to schedule, we decided to each two-hour session WEDNESDAY ning of in-person sup- the question, “How are offer a quick check-in for and there is at least one continues on page 2 Grading change provides hope Graduate gets national notice for published essay While there are some downsides to the new Donny Pearson, who graduated from Cooper in 2013, had an article featured on the Huffington Post website in October 2020 approach to grading, the scientific researcher who has faced this battle himself. guarantee of at least 50 Growing up in white suburbia and being raised by his white percent can give students a mother’s side of the family, Pearson had little-to-no exposure to chance to pass their classes Black culture. When his father died, Pearson said he grieved the ab- sence of his Blackness and resented that he never got the opportunity Page 4 to embrace this side of himself. In his published work, Pearson digs into intergenerational trau- ma, struggling to claim his Blackness and the importance and power Variety of voting. Pearson initially got involved in writing after publishing a piece on the murder of George Floyd. He got into contact with a family friend who was familiar with journal writing and taught him about the importance of telling your truth and being vulnerable. His writing eventually came to the attention of the Huffington Post web- site, which published his article, “I’ve Grieved The Absence Of My Blackness. Now I Want To Make My Black Vote Matter,” on October 23, 2020. After this article was published, Pearson said he received many Art staff alters responses. Pearson recalled people sharing how moved they were design of classes by his work and how well he showcased his belief in the power of feelings and vulnerability. Pearson credits Cooper and his time in IB Hawks art teachers English HL for the development of this belief. make great efforts to ¨I believe it is important to be authentic to ourselves and find a transform their usual way to express our emotions. I spent a lot of time at Cooper learning curriculum to meet Photo by CEYLON MITCHELL ii how to be a good writer, particularly in my time in IB English HL. the needs of students Donny Pearson is currently doing scientific research at the University of Illinois. Our voice can be a powerful thing, especially when it tries to trans- working at home By ANDREA TRIBBLE form great pain into hope,¨ he said. Quill staff writer Pearson graduated from Cooper in 2013. He also earned a full Page 7 IB diploma during his time as a Hawk. Whilst discussing his time at Stuck between two worlds, many biracial Americans struggle Cooper, Pearson said he had many important connections with his with being “too white” for one crowd but being “too Black” for the Sports other. Cooper graduate Donny Pearson is a 26-year-old writer and GRADUATE GETS NOTICE continues on page 3 Teachers become students on professional development days While Cooper students have the day off, their teachers spend days like January 25 learning new ways to do their jobs

By JACK ATKINSON Kope said. “We also have department meetings “There really isn’t a district group that Quill staff writer where we talk as a department about the work plans professional development. Instead, Football season that needs to get done, or for all advisors of a there are people, mostly former teachers, that ends with victory Students are about to have a day off of certain grade to be trained in how to proctor are part of the district curriculum and devel- school on January 25 as Cooper staff mem- state tests, help kids register, or plan for the opment team. These people help implement After nearly having bers take part in a professional development next big Cooper event. Sometimes, we have district-level initiatives by creating training for their season canceled day. These days take place several times specialized district meetings for all secondary building staff,” Cooper Administrative Intern or postponed, the throughout the school year so staff members language arts teachers or other district-level Mr. Nelson said. “At Cooper, there is a group Hawks beat South- can take part in workshops and meetings to groups to meet and work on district-level align- called the Instructional Leadership Team made west 39-19 in the sec- help them better perform their jobs. ment, standards, and best practices.” up of teachers, counselors, and administrators. tion semifinal game “We have large group meetings about The trainings that happen during profes- The team meets monthly to discuss the needs standards and best practices, updates on pol- sional development days are designed both at Page 9 icies and procedures, and get-to-know-each- the district level and at the building level by PROFESSIONAL DAYS other morale boosters,” English teacher Ms. different groups. continues on page 2 Page 2, The Quill News January 4, 2021 PROFESSIONAL DAYS continued from page 1 Debate squad excels in virtual season of the school and what types of Despite a smaller-than-normal roster and changes to the competition format, the Hawks team is having success training or professional devel- opment is necessary.” and I can wake up later than nor- Making professional de- mal before a debate tournament. velopment days challenging There’s no more waiting on the this year is the reality of dis- bus or sitting on long bus rides to tance learning. In order to different schools to debate. It’s follow COVID protocols, staff very comfy wearing sweatpants members attend professional while wearing a dress shirt and development days virtually blazer on top when doing debate much like students do during virtually. All of our debate prac- distance learning. tices are also virtual, which al- “The biggest hurdle for lows us to practice together with the team this year has been the debaters at Armstrong, which is unknown,” Nelson said. “We, as very nice,” Tran said. educators, are new to distance Due to the lack of travel learning, too. Last year, we to practices and tournaments, were trying to adapt as fast as Brynteson said he has tried to possible; this year, we are being recreate virtual versions of these much more intentional. Howev- trips to maintain some normalcy er, there is still a learning curve in the debate season. for the most effective way to “We have tried to keep as teach during distance learning.” many of the normal traditions Kope pointed out that this alive,” he said. “For example, year’s professional development typically we would have all met days have helped them appreciate at Cooper and rode the bus to what students go through during wherever the tournament was distance learning every day. being held. This year, we are do- “We have the same issues ing a virtual bus so all the stu- that students have: we feel dis- Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA dents can still meet in the morn- tant, separate, far away from ing. Then, we jump back on the The January 2020 practice pictured above was one the last in-person sessions before debate became virtual. each other. One of my students virtual bus after the tournament said it really well when I asked By FAITH KING ture of debate.” this year, we will be attending so we can talk about our suc- how they are feeling right now Quill staff writer Although some students Harvard and Stanford debate cesses.” about distance learning. They chose to skip the current sea- tournaments as well.” During the tournaments said, ‘We can’t talk to each Cooper’s award-winning son, Brynteson said that those Agreeing with Brynteson themselves, the processes look other to take the edge off,’ and debate team is heading into the students who returned had some about the unexpected benefits different this year due to the on- that sums up my feelings about final weeks of a 2020 regular unique opportunities that would of the virtual debate season line nature of the competition. professional development per- season impacted by the pandem- not have existed in a normal, is team member Andrew Tran “Debating in a Zoom call fectly. We don’t have the ability ic and the COVID rules current- in-person season. (11), who competes in the cat- with 10 to 20 other people is a to communicate privately with ly governing school activities. “Our tournaments are on- egory of Congressional Debate, lot different than debating with each other in real time except “All of our practices are line,” Brynteson said. “What has in which he said participants that many people in person,” by texting, and we all know being done online this season,” been exciting is that the entire “emulate the United States Tran said. “In every session, that it just isn’t the same with- head coach of the debate team country is online, so it's given Congress and debate over draft there’s one debater elected as out the face-to-face contact,” Mr. Brynteson said. “It has defi- us an opportunity to participate bills and resolutions.” Tran said the presiding officer and their Kope said. nitely caused us to rethink how at tournaments we would have he has enjoyed the flexibility he job is more important than ever According to Nelson, the we coach debate and interact never been able to in years past. has with online practices and to make sure the session runs with the students. We have had At the start of the season, we competitions. some students decide to take the took our students to the Duke “Because everything is on- DEBATE SQUAD “We have the season off due to the online na- University tournament. Later line, the travel aspect is gone continues on page 8 same issues that students have: we Proper sleep is key during distance learning feel distant, sep- Experts agree that teens need to be consistent about their sleep habits to maintain their physical, mental health as the pandemic continues arate, far away from each other,” By CHRISTOPHER NGUYEN awake during the day. Included Quill staff writer in this category of disorders is English teacher narcolepsy, which causes ex- Ms. Kope said. COVID-19 and distance treme daytime sleepiness. learning have led to students Circadian rhythm disorders and their families feeling more are another category of sleep stressed and worried. These feel- inability to socialize has had a problems that are connected to ings of anxiety don’t disappear negative impact on this year’s the sleep-wake cycle. People suf- when your head hits the pillow professional development days. fering from these disorders expe- at night, which can lead to stu- “In the past, teachers would rience the inability to sleep and dents not get enough sleep. use professional development wake at the right times. Getting proper sleep is cru- days to have a breakfast potluck, Some sleep disorders hap- cial. According to Cooper school where everyone would bring pen at night. One is sleep apnea, nurse Mr. Rosenblum, sleep is food to share. We would eat the which is when a person stops essential for students who want to food and socialize before start- breathing for 10 seconds or more do well in school and feel better ing the day. Everyone would get during sleep. There is also restless outside of the school day. to know each other better. Since leg syndrome, which is a tingling “Sleep for students is way the start of COVID last March, sensation in your legs that caus- more important than students Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA we haven’t had the opportunity es a powerful urge to move them want to believe it is,” he said. to do that. That sense of commu- Removing electronic devices from one's sleep area is one key to good rest. while sleeping. Finally, there is “When we sleep, our bodies pro- nity and bonding, while it is still parasomnia, which is when people cess our food for energy, recharge a part of the Cooper community, effects of poor sleeping hab- to make sleep a priority, a number act in unusual ways while sleep- our brains for good decision mak- has suffered this year,” he said. its. Health teacher Mr. Rooney of different sleep disorders can ing, including walking, talking or ing, and circulate important oxy- Although the format of said that bad sleeping habits can result. First, there is insomnia, eating in their sleep. gen so our muscles stay strong and professional developments manifest themselves during the when you’re unable to fall asleep Given its impact on per- we can make it through the day.” days has changed this year, school day in many ways. and stay asleep. According to formance in school and mental When students get proper the benefits to staff members “When students lack sleep, the Marsh and McLennan Agen- health, getting proper rest is clear- rest, they can focus more in class of the various workshops have it can cause a myriad of prob- cy’s publication “Invest in Your ly important for students. Accord- and be more energized through- remained the same. lems, like poor attendance, low- Rest,” this is the most common ing to “Invest in Your Rest,” there out the day. “We work on being a better er grades, concentration issues, sleep disorder. are several ways students can get As the school year continues team, a unified force,” Kope anxiety and greater risk for de- A related disorder is hy- forward with distance learning, said. “It’s really important that pression,” Rooney said. persomnia. This problem leads PROPER SLEEP Cooper teachers have seen the continues on page 8 teachers and administration When students and adults fail to people being unable to stay communicate with each other often in order to make a school COOPER HAWKS ADJUST TO WEDNESDAY CHANGES continued from page 1 work, and professional devel- number of protocols they need second session will not be able tell the security staff at check on Minnesota Governor Tim opment offers some sheltered, to follow. First, students must to attend that day’s support in if they want a meal pack to Walz’s recommendations. protected time to do this. We fill out and submit the district’s sessions and will be asked to bring home. The meals will be “After learning about the also tackle some of the more “Health and Safety Screen- sign up for the next week. delivered to the classroom so governor’s recent COVID re- complicated tasks on days like ing Google Form” the morn- Once in their rooms, stu- the students can bring the food strictions, along with reviewing this, like standards work or cur- ing they are coming to school. dents must be seated at least home when leaving at 2 p.m. the local, county and statewide riculum alignment.” Bused students enter through six feet apart from one anoth- During dismissal from data, the district’s Incident Nelson added that profes- the Virginia Avenue entrance, er. Students are expected to in-person support, students will Command Team, which I am sional development gives staff while student drivers will en- remain in their assigned rooms be staggered and organized to a member of, recommended to members a chance to continue ter through the performing arts for the entire two hours. Stu- maintain social distancing. Stu- the superintendent’s cabinet to learning, which is an important entrance. dents are not expected to assist dents who are riding the buses pause most in-person support part of being educators. All students must be with the cleaning that teachers will not be released from their on Wednesdays,” Herman said. “Teachers are lifelong masked upon entering the and staff will do before and af- rooms until the buses are wait- According to Herman, the learners by nature and they are building and are expected to ter the sessions. ing outside, while students who hope is that the in-person sup- constantly reflecting on their maintain a six-foot physical Students who attend the have a ride or who are driving port will continue in a virtual teaching,” Nelson said. “During distance from other people first session will have the will go directly to their cars. form until it is once again safe and after professional develop- while in the building. There option of getting a prepared The first Wednesday for to have students and staff in the ment, teachers will apply their will be free masks available lunch. These students must in-person support took place building. new knowledge to their class- at both entrances for students tell the security staff at check on November 18. Although the “In-person support is set room. They also benefit from who might forget to bring one. in if they want a meal pack to new systems established for up for those students that may being a part of a community and After entering, students bring home. The meals will be this support went according need that face-to-face interac- sharing time with people who must check in and then report waiting for them at the sec- to plan, a statewide increase tion where something may get can sympathize with their situ- directly to their assigned class- ond floor Y as they leave the in COVID cases and infection missed in the virtual setting. ation. Professional development rooms. Students who arrive lat- school at 10 a.m. rates prompted the district to Students can still set up virtual is a very cathartic experience for er than 8:15 a.m. for the first Similarly, students who pause all in-person support meetings with their teachers,” most people.” session and 12:15 p.m. for the attend the second session will starting on November 20 based Herman said. January 4, 2021 News Page 3, The Quill Students share Relationships are being tested by COVID resolutions for From interactions with family members to touching base with friends, staying at home makes staying connected harder

siblings since her parents are di- brand new year vorced and she mainly lives with her dad. COVID has also impact- Hawks set various ac- ed her relationships with the peo- ademic, personal goals ple with whom she lives. as they head into 2021 “I feel like we either argue the whole day and stay away from By ANDREA TRIBBLE each other or we're the complete Quill staff writer opposite,” she said. “Our emo- tions I feel like are just all over the place because we don’t really The new year represents talk about it too much.” a fresh start for many people. On the other hand, some The start of a new year is also things have been easier for Sail- a chance to set goals that will er during the pandemic. She help you have the most produc- said school has become easier tive year possible. After the year because she now doesn’t have 2020 turned out to be, it’s safe to people distracting her from her say people will have a long list work. of things they hope to bring into “I would definitely say that their lives in 2021. Personally, I needed a break from others. It I’m going to hold myself account- helped me see what I can truly able to be consistent with practic- do,” Sailer said. ing gratitude and acknowledging Even though Sailer said it’s and prioritizing my mental health. difficult to maintain the energy I also am going to continue to get to do things in school, she sets better with saving money. The goals for herself and does not following are some resolutions give up on things easily during fellow Cooper students have distance learning. made for 2021. At the same time, Sailer said there are things she misses about Tori Dalton (9): “Get good grades and eat healthier.” Photo by DAVINA BELLINGER seeing her friends. For example, she said she misses hanging out, Seeing one's closest friends can be a challenge when one is trying to stay safe during the pandemic. being around people and being in Somah Kamara (9): “Save more money.” By SANDY VUE stay-at-home orders. This is a re- with both my dad and grandma a loud environment. Quill staff writer ality that has been faced by Coo- and they both have bad health,” “I miss not having to worry per students, whose access to the she said. “I have bad Wi-Fi, about people I care about get- Bre Frazier (10): “I want to A human relationship is the people with whom they have re- so when it comes to talking to ting sick. Thankfully, I haven’t get my first car.” state of connection between two lationships has been affected by friends online, it’s frustrating.” lost anyone close to me from people. There are many types of the pandemic this year. Sailer added that maintain- COVID,” Sailer said. Olivia Lauter (10): “I want to relationships that people have, Ashleigh Sailer (11) said ing long-distance relationships is COVID has also impact- get my license.” including friendship, romantic, COVID has caused her to dis- not her strong suit, so she is stay- ed the relationships of Christina familial or professional. During tance herself from the outside ing away from having a romantic Nguyen (12). Aaliyah Newman (11): “Try COVID-19, relationships have world. relationship for the time being. “I feel that physical interac- new things and be open to been subjected to stress as people “Since COVID started, my Another relationship chal- learning more.” have either been forced together dad wouldn’t let anyone over or lenge Sailer has faced is not be- RELATIONSHIPS or forced apart due to various have anyone leave because I live ing able to visit her mom and continues on page 8 Khadir Ahad (12): “I want to grow spiritually and work on being less judgmental.”

Winter weather requires teens to drive with extra care Lyrik Arie-Krogfus (12): Preparation before leaving home and precautions while actually driving can help make winter travel safer for everyone “Getting accepted into North Carolina A&T and into their By MAX REKELA-JASPER However, if your vehicle nursing program.” Quill staff writer is covered in ice, one great ice scraper to use is called the Ramon Arrington (12): “To Winter has finally arrived, Scrape-A-Round. This is a begin to discover my purpose and thus, cold weather has, circular, small scraper that is in life and to get closer to God.” too. One of the main concerns excellent for scraping ice off about winter arriving is that the your car. Plus, it only requires Tabitha Bergeson (12): “My roads are going to get slippery, one hand to use. main goal is to start to dig wet and icy. This can be a huge deeper into the bible.” hazard, not only for adults, but 2. Know the road conditions also for teens who are just before leaving for your des- JJ Collier (12): “I want to learning to drive. Thankfully, tination weigh 235 by the end of 2021, there are various ways to com- Knowing what to expect graduate in June with all As mute safely during this winter on the roads before you leave and have a car.” season despite all of the haz- for your destination can great- ards on the road. ly reduce the chance of an ac- Lamiaha Irons (12): “I want to cident taking place. There are make sure I work out every day of the week once my volleyball 1. Scrape down your entire Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA great traffic apps available car before leaving for your for download that tell you the season is over.” Ice and snow can make a daily commute anything but routine. destination conditions on major roads. Clearing your car of snow There are two specif- Snow Brush. This scraper in- One excellent app for Cyrus Jarjay (12): “I want and ice will greatly improve ic types of scrapers you will cludes a snow brush on one Minnesotans to download is to learn how to edit photos your vision on the road. First, want to use depending on the side, which is beneficial for called Minnesota 511. This through professional programs you should start your car and condition of your vehicle. If scraping off snow. Also fea- app will show you the con- and work hard enough to let it warm up. Then, you can your vehicle is covered with tured is a scraper blade with ditions of the roads and free- achieve my ideal body figure.” carefully scrape your wind- snow, one of the best snow tough ice chippers to break shield, your side windows and scrapers on the market is a through the ice on your win- WINTER WEATHER Jewel Lee (12): “I would love your rear window by hand. Hopkins 532 Mallory 26” dows. continues on page 5 to pick up painting again. I started to paint over quarantine but slowly faded out of it. It’d GRADUATE GETS NATIONAL NOTICE FOR PUBLISHED ESSAY continued from page 1 be nice to pick it up again.” teachers during high school. per guidance counselor and pursuing a career out in those tant of the year. Pearson later “Ms. Kilsdonk and I bond- published author Mr. Stewart, fields,” he said. packed up and moved to the AJ Massaquoi (12): “Be more ed over Star Wars in her His- for challenging him to be a bet- In fact, Pearson eventu- cornfields of University of Il- active and be consistent in ex- tory of the Americas class and ter and more passionate writer. ally went to Clark Universi- linois, Urbana-Champaign to ercising.” she is such a delightful person “That has stuck with me to ty, where he majored in both follow his Ph.D. advisor and and teacher,” Pearson said. this day and I think a lot about physics and chemistry. During continue his Ph.D. in physics. Victoria Ombuna (12): “I “20th Century Topics with Mr. what they have instilled in me his junior year, he studied As for what his next steps want to make a decision on Gagnon was one of my favor- as a writer,” Pearson said. abroad in England, where he might be with respect to his ca- what college I’m going to at- ite classes, mostly because he In addition to writing, felt he got the opportunity to reer, Pearson explained that he tend in the fall.” was always a fun teacher and Pearson is also passionate really experience living on his does not know what exact phys- gave us a lot of free- ics avenue he wants to Jayla Reliford (12): “I need dom with projects. go down. to work on being more grateful Theory of Knowledge “It’s okay,” he for the things I have.” with Mr. Zuccola was “Ms. Kilsdonk and I bonded over Star Wars in her History of said. “I just turned 26 a fun class, too. He and the Americas class and she is such a delightful person and and still don’t know Henry Suah (12): “I want to I both love film and teacher,” Pearson said. “20th Century Topics with Mr. Gagnon what I want to be when work on staying true to myself.” have a similar sense I grow up.” of humor. One of the was one of my favorite classes, mostly because he was al- Although his fu- Meme Wheeler (12): “I’m going compliments that has ways a fun teacher and gave us a lot of freedom with projects." ture in physics is un- to become more independent and stuck with me from decided, his time at work on being responsible.” high school is that I re- Cooper has taught him minded an old friend of something that will Whether they’re big goals Mr. Zuccola. Sra. Whitehead is about scientific research and own and grow his passion for stick with him. like saving money for college about the same age as my old- traces that passion back to his his field. “If it is one thing I have or smaller ones like working on er brother, so she and I always time in Cooper’s science de- After graduating with high learned since my time at Coo- keeping your room clean more clicked, and she was always partment. honors in physics, Pearson was per, it’s to trust that things have often, new year’s resolutions like a big sister figure as a men- “IB Physics HL and Chem- accepted into a Ph.D. program a way of eventually working can help you create some or- tor in my time at Cooper.” istry HL were two of my favor- at the University of Maryland, out in the end and things will der in your life and give you a Pearson also acknowl- ite classes in high school, with College Park. He assumed a be okay,” Pearson said. reason to hold yourself account- edged his former English Mr. Geldert and Ms. Hawkin- teacher assistant role and won You can read Pearson’s ar- able. Make those goals and ded- teachers Ms. Pulling and Ms. son, respectively. They both a runner-up award for being ticle on the Huffington Post’s icate yourself to accomplishing Kope, along with retired Coo- challenged me and I ended up an outstanding teaching assis- website at www.huffpost.com. them. Carpe diem! Page 4, The Quill Opinion January 4, 2021 From the Editors Altered grading policy brings benefits Hitting deadlines While there are some downsides to the new approach to grading, the guarantee of at least 50 percent can give students hope adds up to the fact that students important during are stressed about their grades in classes. However, always be- ing guaranteed 50 percent of the distance learning points on any given assignment can relieve student stress to an The temptation to take advan- extent. Knowing that they will tage of teacher flexibility can for sure get at least 50 percent of lead students to bad habits the points on a challenging sum- mative may prompt students to The end of the semester is actually do the summative with- a time when every student is out the usual stress that might scrambling to turn in their as- hurt their performance. signments in order to earn a de- However, it must be noted cent grade. This is also a time that the change to the grading when some students take ad- system might cause students to vantage of teachers’ tolerance choose not to do their work since toward late work as a way to they will rely too heavily on the turn in their assignments after 50 percent policy. Since we are in their original due dates. Unfor- a virtual model of learning, many tunately, when teachers toler- students already feel tempted to ate late work, it causes students not complete tasks, especially if to turn in their work whenever they feel like they have less over- they feel like it, which creates sight. Add to that the guarantee a negative cycle that hurts stu- of 50 percent and those students dent learning. Even during dis- may stop working in class. tance learning, it is important Moreover, this new grad- for both students and teachers Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA ing system also awards students with points they did not earn. to stick to the established dead- The revamped approach to assignment scoring can give struggling students a chance to pass at the semester mark. lines for assignments. For example, if a student does One type of assignment By YORDANOSE MULAT of time. teachers. However, if a student not complete an assignment for where late work seems to be an Quill staff writer This new grading system gets 50 percent of the points that any reason, that student will still issue is formative assignments. has both pros and cons. First, it are able to be earned, then it is get half the points. This leads These are the day-to-day as- The 2020-2021 school year is good for students because they much easier to get a better grade to an over-reliance on the 50 signments students have to do has been proceeding in a vir- have a better chance of raising since starting at half is clear- percent policy, which is not a to demonstrate their learning tual model since the first day their grades. Additionally, it is ly higher than starting at zero. good lesson to learn for the fu- and develop the skills they of school on September 8 due less stressful for students when For example, a student who has ture, when those same students need to eventually do well on to COVID-19. This change in they know that they for sure will an overall grade of 30 percent will face a college experience in the summative. Many teachers model from in-person to virtual receive 50 percent of the points. would need to raise it by anoth- which the traditional methods of are lenient on when the for- learning impacted many things However, the bad impact of this er 30 percent to get to a passing grading are used. matives come in, so students about school, including the grad- policy is the fact that students grade, which would be difficult. Overall, the change to the learn that they can turn them in ing system. One way the grading get points for tasks they did not However, if that same student is grading system has impacted stu- late. What happens in this case system was adjusted is that the complete, which may lead to already at 50 percent, it would be dents in both a good and a bad is that students try to finish up lowest score that a student will them relying on this system to much easier to raise their grade way. Students may now find it all of the late formatives right receive on a summative or for- the point that they do not com- the 10 percent that is necessary easier to improve their grades, before the summative, which mative assignments this year is plete their work. to earn a passing grade. which relieves their stress during does not help them learn or 50 percent of the total number The change to the grading The relative ease with which these difficult times. Although demonstrate their skills. As a of points for that task. For exam- system has a good impact on stu- a struggling student can get a some students may overly rely on result, the summative perfor- ple, if a test or quiz is worth 30 dents’ ability to raise their grades. passing grade brings the benefit the new system, its positive im- mance tends to suffer. points and a student receives 10 This is especially important of less stress for students. The pacts may outweigh the negative. When a majority of stu- points out of the 30 points, then when one considers the fact that times we are living through have What matters most is how stu- dents in a class get in the habit the student will automatically virtual learning is not as effec- been difficult for many students dents approach and use the sys- of turning in their work late, receive a 15 out of 30 instead. tive as in-person learning. Many and teachers. What is more, the tem. If students use the change to it causes the teacher to slow This means that even if a student students have a hard time under- fact that students are not able the grading policy with good in- down his or her lesson plan. doesn’t complete a task, they standing and completing tasks to ask their teachers questions tentions, then it will have a good That is because teachers can- will still get half of the points because of the lack of in-person freely and easily has affected impact on us all and may contin- not move on with a new les- that it is worth after a set amount contact between students and everyone’s learning. All of this ue to be used in the future. son when half of the class is behind on turning in materials from the old lesson. One can Second semester may give Hawks a chance to return to Cooper see how this quickly turns into a cycle that it is hard to escape The promise of eventual in-person learning would be welcome to students who do not enjoy virtual school from. While it is definitely the case that many students have By MAJAY MURPHY dents get stressed out, which can jobs and other responsibilities Quill staff writer have an impact on their mental outside of school that some- health. While in-person learning times keep them from working The Robbinsdale School can also be stressful, it is a dif- on assignments, not turning District is getting close to an- ferent type of stress, a type that in work on time holds the en- nouncing its decision about how students are more used to. tire class back and takes away school will start in second se- The final reason why I en- learning time from students mester. After going through one joy in-person learning more than who want to go forward. semester of distance learning, I distance learning relates to extra- Another bad aspect of am not sure I want to go through curricular activities, especially turning in work late is that it another. Distance learning can be sports. When you are already at eventually has an impact on hard for some students thanks to school during the day, it is obvi- the summatives in class. In its impact on our mental health ously much easier to stay after some cases, students will rush and the stress of knowing we school for whatever sport or ac- at the last minute to finish have a lot of work to do without tivity you might be involved in. all of the formatives before feeling like we have the personal Having to attend school at home the summative, but this rush support to keep up with that work. all day and then go to the building does not help them to learn While the teachers are doing their Photo by LOU VANG for your practice leads to students best in helping us get through the rushing around and wasting gas the necessary content or skills Some students are starting to miss the crowded school hallways. to do well on the summative. work, distance learning is still a money as they have to go back Instead, it is often just one tough way to do school. This is hours during the pandemic to learning relates to screen time. and forth from home to school. students copying the answers especially true for seniors as they help make money. Students find It is hard to be on the comput- It is clear that distance learn- from another student’s sheet. try to finish up their last year of it hard to wake up in the morning er all day and that is why some ing is serving a purpose. We need Making matters worse is high school. after working a 3-10 p.m. shift students decide to skip or leave to be learning but we also need to that students will even be late The first reason I think the and then doing homework when class early. Relying on a device be safe, and the decision to stay at in taking care of their summa- district should not stick with dis- they get home. While this same to do all of your school work home for school has been for ev- tives. If they learn that teach- tance learning relates to atten- problem exists during in-person also means that your technology eryone’s benefit. Still, I am ready ers will take formatives late, dance. Basically, it is too easy and learning, the fact that we have to needs to be working properly. If to get back to school. For me, and they assume the same thing tempting to decide to skip class. go to school makes students less it isn’t, it is hard to do your work many students like me, in-person One reason many older students likely to skip class. and do it successfully. Between learning works better. I hope we HITTING DEADLINES skip class is because they have The second reason we the screen time and technology have the chance to return to Coo- continues on page 7 jobs and they are working more shouldn’t stick with distance issues, it is easy to see why stu- per at some point this year.

THe Staff Writers Letters to the Editor Editorial Policy Yordanose Mulat Quill Nolan Andler The Quill welcomes Letters to the Editor. The Quill is an open and public forum Jack Atkinson Majay Murphy If you would like to send The Quill your for the thoughts and opinions of all Leadership Staff Ariel Christensen Christopher Nguyen thoughts about a story that ran in the students at Robbinsdale Cooper High Editor-in-Chief Max Rekela-Jasper Erin Chunn Luke Rekela-Jasper paper, or your thoughts about an issue af- School. Editorials contained in the Tiona Edwards Max Rekela-Jasper fecting our school or community, please Opinion section of the newspaper are News Editor Andrew Hagge the views of their respective authors Andrew Hagge Davis Ruppert-Kan word process and email your letter to [email protected] as a text-only alone. They do not necessarily repre- Features Editor Christopher Nguyen Makayla Hott Andrea Tribble file. The Quill reserves the right to edit sent the views of Cooper High School Opinion Editor Sandy Vue Faith King Sandy Vue all Letters to the Editor for space. or Robbinsdale School District 281. Variety Editor Luke Rekela-Jasper Sao Moua Zacari Watson Robbinsdale Cooper High School's Sports Editor Nolan Andler Advertising Support Staff The Quill is a member of the Na- Copy Editors Yordanose Mulat Photographers Erin Chunn To advertise, please write to The Quill, tional Scholastic Press Association. Max Rekela-Jasper Tiona Edwards Robbinsdale Cooper High School, Illustrator D. Ruppert-Kan 8230 47th Avenue North, New Hope, Advertising Jawenah Freeman Advisor Eric Zuccola MN 55428; call at 763-504-8500; or Circulation Zacari Watson Principal Frank Herman email [email protected]. January 4, 2021 Variety Page 5, The Quill Werewolf myth First Home Alone is holiday perfection gets revamped If you are feeling the post-winter break blues, the classic Chris Columbus film can be the best way to raise your spirits in novel Shiver Maggie Stiefvater's 2009 book is an entertaining paranornal romance tale

Photo courtesy of SCHOLASTIC CORPORATION Shiver led to an eventual series of novels featuring the central characters.

By ZACARI WATSON Quill staff writer

Shiver was written by Mag- gie Stiefvater and published by Scholastic Corporation on August Photo courtesy of 20TH CENTURY FOX 1, 2009. Shiver falls under the paranormal romance genre. When Kevin's clever battles with the hapless home invaders Harry and Marv are at the heart of the humor in this Christmas-set movie. I first read this book, it was hard to By LUKE REKELA-JASPER iconic as his work in the origi- thing you see, but watching and Daniel Stern. I think what put down. I found myself wanting Quill staff writer nal Star Wars trilogy or Super- the movie five years later with makes Harry and Marv such an to keep reading. man, the Home Alone music is, more knowledge and insight iconic and entertaining duo is Shiver is about a girl named Home Alone is one of those hands down, one of Williams’ about things you didn’t know the great chemistry between Grace Brisbane and a boy named movies everybody knows. Its greatest achievements. as a kid adds to the charm of Pesci and Stern. Aside from Sam Roth. Sam is a werewolf, and iconic scenes, lines of dia- Another one of my abso- Home Alone. It is ridiculously them falling into dumb house in this book, werewolf transfor- logue, and memorable mo- lute favorite aspects of Home easy to escape into this world traps set by an eight-year-old mations are triggered by the cold. ments have molded the movie Alone are the moments that and its many iconic scenes. boy, Harry and Marv are ac- During the winter, Sam sits at the into a pop culture phenome- provide comic relief. These Finally, one of the best tually pretty smart house rob- edge of the woods outside Grace’s non. As an innocent, early ‘90s moments make the world of things about Home Alone has bers. One of my favorite mo- house, where she watches him Christmas movie, Home Alone Home Alone feel very lived to be the characters. Kevin, ments is in the beginning when through her window. They contin- has a certain charm to it. The in while at the same time re- played by Macaulay Culkin, Harry is disguised as a police ue this routine for six years. direction by Chris Columbus maining fresh with each view- starts off the film as a self- officer investigating Kevin’s One day during the school (who would later di- family’s house so he year, thanks to certain circum- rect the first two Har- can plan to rob them stances, they meet in person and ry Potter films), the once they go on vaca- they get to know each other. musical score com- One of the best things about Home Alone is the music. John tion. It is a small detail She learns more about Sam and posed by the legendary Williams, best known for composing music for films such but one that reinforc- more about the other wolves. He John Williams, and the es the importance of then becomes more involved in acting by the famous as Jaws, Star Wars and Superman, delivers one of his ab- character development Grace’s life. child star Macaulay solute best scores to date. His composition just screams in the film. One of the most interesting el- Culkin resulted in an In conclusion, Home ements of the story relates to how intelligent yet very Christmas whenever I hear it, regardless of the time of year. Alone remains one of it handles werewolf mythology. In goofy and entertain- my favorite Christmas Shiver, the wolves don’t need the ing family movie that films to date, primarily full moon to turn; instead, it’s the still satisfies viewers because of its incredi- cold that turns them. They also ex- to this day. ing. For example, there are the ish brat who gets bullied by ble soundtrack, the charm of its plain in the book that the warmer One of the best things original crime films featur- his entire family into wishing fictional universe and the per- it is, the less cold it takes to turn about Home Alone is the mu- ing an obnoxious psychopath they all disappear. Culkin’s formances of the main actors, the people into werewolves. sic. John Williams, best known armed with a tommy gun; there performance is what makes especially Macaulay Culkin, for composing music for films is the pizza delivery boy hit- the character of Kevin as like- whose portrayal of our protag- such as Jaws, Star Wars and ting an outdoor statue twice; able as he is because, on pa- onist is perfect. Although it is One of the most in- Superman, delivers one of his and there is the infamous “Old per, Kevin should not be very very unrealistic for any fam- teresting elements absolute best scores in this Man Marley” and house-trap likeable. I doubt Home Alone ily to accidentally leave one film. His composition just sequence. When you are a kid would have been a success if of their children at home for a of the story relates screams Christmas whenever I and around our main charac- it weren’t for Culkin. vacation, Home Alone is both to how it handles hear it, regardless of the time ter Kevin’s age the first time The two other main charac- a classic Christmas and ‘90s of year. While I do not think you watch Home Alone, you ters are the antagonists, Harry film that deserves four out of werewolf mythol- Williams’ score here is as believe pretty much every- and Marv, played by Joe Pesci five stars. ogy. In Shiver, the wolves don’t need WINTER WEATHER REQUIRES TEENS TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE continued from page 3 the full moon to turn; ways you plan to travel on. It day, having a flashlight will the usual “three-second rule” holders to use is called the instead, it’s the cold will tell you whether the road help you see your surround- won’t work during winter is Mpow car phone mount. All is slippery or dry, where con- ings much better. Finally, with due to the amount of ice on you have to do is attach the that turns them. struction is on the road, and the COVID-19 pandemic still the road. If you need to come suction cup to your dashboard the amount of traffic you will proving itself to be deadly, to a sudden stop, your vehi- or window, and place your Another aspect of Shiver encounter on the road. Using bringing a mask along will cle may slide across the road device inside. The telescopic that I enjoy is that the story ex- this app will greatly increase help reduce the spread of the and rear-end the car in front arm on the Mpow car phone pands over the length of the nov- your safety on the road and virus when talking to police of you. mount goes from 4.6 inches el and it subsequent sequels. As reduce the risk of an accident or other drivers if you are Finally, you should prac- to 6.6 inches, so drivers have the series progresses, the stakes happening due to the various stopped along the side of the tice accelerating and deceler- easy access to their devices. get higher as Grace and Sam, winter driving risk factors. road. ating slowly. Applying the gas The Mpow car phone mount along with two other important With this app, you can find slowly will help you regain can hold devices between 1.6 characters, Cole and Isabel, are the safest route on the road 4. Drive extra cautiously traction on the road and, thus, inches and 3.5 inches wide. placed in more danger. There and, potentially, even a faster Operating with extra cau- avoid skidding. It takes longer Using a phone holder will help are people who want to hunt the route, too. tion while you are driving in to slow down on icy roads. you navigate to your destina- wolves, not knowing that they’re the cold weather is essential to tion in a much safer fashion. people. Grace has to try and keep 3. Keep cold-weather gear in being safe while on the road. 5. Refrain from using your If you do not want to pur- Sam safe, not only from people your car Driving slower than the speed phone while driving chase a phone mount, anoth- who want the wolves dead, but Keeping a cold-weather limit will greatly reduce the This one may seem ob- er recommendation is to pull even her own parents. Grace, gear bundle in your vehicle chance of slipping on snow or vious, but some people (es- over to use your phone. You Sam, Cole and Isabel eventually will help keep you safe in the ice and help you avoid skids. pecially teenagers) still use can also have a passenger in come together in the end to help event of an accident. The es- Another thing to know is their phones while driving. the car go on your phone for the wolves survive. sential items to keep in your how your car’s brakes work. Using your phone while driv- you. Better still, you could I also enjoy how Shiver goes cold-weather gear bundle are Whether you have antilock ing is dangerous enough, but just put your phone away if into the characters’ backstories a a blanket, a flashlight, a mask, brakes or not, keeping your using your phone while driv- you don’t need to use it. That lot. The novel talks about Sam’s warm winter clothing, a first- foot on the floor and using the ing in the cold weather during way, you won’t feel tempted tragic childhood and Cole’s aid kit and a glass scraper. ball of your foot to provide harsh conditions can prove to use it while driving. past. Sam has a lot of childhood The blanket and the warm steady pressure on the brake fatal. Last summer, Minneso- trauma, while Cole has a lot of clothing will help you stay pedal is key in case of a sud- ta Governor Tim Walz passed Driving in the winter can problems with his old life. Mean- warm if you are stranded den stop. the "hands-free" law. This law be a frightening experience while, Grace helps Sam deal with in the cold and are waiting In addition, increasing prohibits Minnesotans from for many. As long as you are his problems and Isabel tries to for someone to pick you up. your following distance to having an electronic device ready for the endeavors of help Cole. The first-aid kit can be used about six or seven seconds like a smart phone in their winter driving, you can keep I recommend this book to to provide aid to yourself or from the vehicle in front of hands while at the wheel. yourself safe. These tips will anyone interested in werewolves, those in the vehicle if there is you will prevent you from A good recommendation prove beneficial to you during romance and fantasy. If you are in- some sort of accident. If you rear-ending the car in front of if you absolutely need to use this winter season and help terested in those things, you might end up getting into an acci- you and give you enough time your phone is to get a phone you commute safely to your like this series. Overall, Shiver de- dent in the later hours of the to stop. The main reason why holder. One of the best phone destination. serves five stars out of five. Page 6, The Quill Variety January 4, 2021 Premier Performers Gamers should move to Arkham City The story of the musicians and artists who bring their talents to Cooper This 2011 release gives players the experience of living in Batman's world Paige Hennen By MAX REKELA-JASPER For Wind Ensemble, Hennen said Quill staff writer she enjoys the Fall Festival performance every year. Paige Hennen (12) is a student “It’s a really fun day and an amaz- who has thrived in her arts activities ing opportunity to play in an amazing throughout her time at Cooper. Hen- hall,” Hennen said. nen participates in Wind Ensemble and In school, Hennen’s favorite class Marching Band. According is the history and pop culture to Hennen, this is her third course she takes at North season in Marching Band. Hennepin Community Col- “I joined Marching lege. She said it teaches her Band because I really en- how to evaluate history in joyed playing in the band at today’s society. Cooper and wanted to con- As for her plans for tinue learning more about the future, Hennen wants music,” Hennen said. to attend the University of

Hennen is also en- Photo by PAIGE HENNEN Minnesota or North Dakota tering her second year as a State University to major in drum major for the Cooper civil engineering. Marching Band. “Civil engineering is interesting to “In the Marching Band, I am the me because the profession helps build senior drum major,” Hennen said. “This the roads and cities we live in,” she said. Photo courtesy of ROCKSTEADY STUDIOS means that I am the lead conductor of the Outside of school, Hennen said band and help our directors with tasks in she enjoys working and listening to all The developers of Batman: Arkham City pack the game with countless Easter eggs for the true Batman fans. and outside of rehearsals.” types of music. By LUKE REKELA-JASPER game. Rocksteady clearly wants feels accurate to the character be- Quill staff writer the avid Batman fans to feel re- ing used. In sections of the game spected and even honored for do- when the player is not Batman, Bianca Hott Batman is one of the most ing all of their “research” on the the combat and stealth abilities well-known comic book heroes Dark Knight. In effect, the world are scaled down and the battles By MAX REKELA-JASPER Ragtime. in the world and his populari- of Batman within the game feels are more difficult. This makes Quill staff writer “I joined to see if I would like it ty has spawned several films, real and it helps the players feel perfect sense in light of the fact and to try something new,” Hott said. “It games, television shows and like they are part of that world. that Batman would be the most Bianca Hott (12) is a student who was a very welcoming atmosphere and I other projects across various Another one of Arkham well-prepared character out of has excelled in her Cooper arts activities. made some pretty great friends.” forms of media. One exception- City’s greatest strengths is its them all. Hott participates in choir, theater and col- In the classroom, Hott’s favorite al release related to Batman was use of built-in Batman lore and My favorite gameplay en- or guard. subjects are AVID, choir, IB chemistry the 2011 video game Batman: its references to other forms of counters would have to be stealth “I have been in choir and history. Hott said AVID Arkham City, which is a sequel Batman media. There are certain missions, or “Predator,” as they all of my life, but I started is one of her favorite class- to the highly praised 2009 video points in my playing of the game are called in the game. In these to take it more seriously in es because it helps her get game Batman: Arkham Asylum when I catch something new that sequences, Batman is forced to high school,” Hott said. ready for life “outside of developed by Rocksteady Stu- I really like. For example, I like use high vantage points and dark For choir, Hott said she high school” and develop an dios. For a variety of reasons, I how the police officers who speak areas to hide from enemies and enjoys the “fun events” and “open mindset.” think it is the greatest Batman about or acknowledge Batman’s pick them off silently, one by one. activities the most, like per- Hott is still undecid- video game ever made. presence show that they respect Another aspect of Arkham forming at Orchestra Hall ed about what college she The story is set sever- him and think of him as a leader City that I really like is the pac- and going to Texas. would like to attend. Howev- al months after the events of instead of an outlawed vigilante, ing of the story. Every change in “Some of my favorite Photo by BIANCA HOTT er, she plans to major in nurs- Arkham Asylum, which had one which is how he is portrayed in level or upgrade acquired along memories are from after the ing or pre-med. Hott said she of Batman’s enemies, Batman’s quest in the concerts where we just talk would love to continue choir the Joker, take over citywide prison feels and sing in the choir room,” Hott said. after high school, whether that is joining the prison for the men- natural and not forced. In choir, Hott has held various lead- the college choir or minoring in music. tally unstable, Arkham It is clear that the devel- For the duration of the ership roles, such as music librarian, robe “I will continue choir after high Asylum, and enact a opers are massive Batman main story, Batman is manager and section leader. school because it has always been a huge scheme in an attempt fans because of the count- running around the en- As for theater, Hott joined in her part of my life and I enjoy it very much,” to release an army tirety of Arkham City junior year, taking part in the musical Hott said. of performance-en- less number of Easter eggs to pretty much every hanced criminals into they have placed through- major location in order Gotham City. Howev- to accomplish his goal. Lois Mokaya er, in that game, he was out the game. Rocksteady This creates fun en- stopped by Batman. clearly wants the avid Bat- counters with villains hundreds of people. It’s also the biggest By FAITH KING Now, in Arkham City, man fans to feel respected such as the Joker, the Quill staff writer stage I’ve personally played on, so it a whole chunk of Go- Penguin, Mr. Freeze was really fun,” she said. tham has been walled- and even honored for do- and many more. Lois Mokaya (12) plays in the For the remainder of the year, out into Arkham City, ing all of their “research” A final aspect of Cooper orchestra. She has been part of Mokaya will be playing in the school’s a giant citywide prison the game I enjoy is the orchestra since she was in fourth grade. Chamber Strings group. created by shady Dr. on the Dark Knight. voice acting. The per- “I started doing it because I thought “Chamber Strings is a small or- Hugo Strange to house formances of Kevin it was really cool and something new to chestra group that uses their music to the criminals. This Conroy as Batman and try out. I chose to play the perform for others and im- raises the suspicions of Batman, most of the Batman movies. Mark Hamill as the Joker are spot violin because, compared to pact the community in a who decides to investigate what An additional aspect of on. Also perfect are the assorted the other instruments, it was positive way,” she said. Strange is really planning. Arkham City that makes this an supporting voice actors through- smaller and sounded way Outside of orchestra, The first element for which excellent release is the game- out the game. better to me,” she said. Mokaya’s favorite subjects Arkham City and the Arkham play itself. For a game released In conclusion, Arkham City Mokaya said she has are English and AVID. series of games deserves praise almost 10 years ago, Arkham is an excellent game that features enjoyed the environment “I like these classes is that the world feels lived in. City’s combat system remains one of Batman’s greatest stories. that exists in the orchestra. because they have amazing Based on clues within the game one of the best systems I have Whenever I look back at the “It is very positive and teachers that have helped series, it appears that Batman is ever used. Arkham Asylum rev- game, I am going to remember everyone builds each other Photo by LIFETOUCH me prepare for my future,” in his eleventh year as a crime olutionized free-flow combat in my positive reactions to the lore up,” she said. Mokaya said. fighter and almost all of his vil- games and made stealth game- built into the world of the game, Mokaya’s favorite or- When she is not in lains have been established or are play more popular. The game’s the effective gameplay and the chestra memory was performing at Or- school, Mokaya enjoys playing soccer, introduced in these games. It is mechanics feel refined and in- all-around pacing of the story. I chestra Hall in Minneapolis during the traveling and cooking. clear that the developers are mas- clude new gadgets, abilities and give Batman: Arkham City five Fall Music Festival. For college, Mokaya plans on sive Batman fans because of the takedowns that players can use stars out of five. It is both a great “This was an amazing opportunity "majoring in nursing to become a nurse countless number of Easter eggs while fighting enemies. Batman game and a great video because we got to perform in front of practitioner," she said. they have placed throughout the What is more, the gameplay game in general. Isabelle Peterson Quill Comics Corner Uhmm...Working Title By Davis Ruppert-Kan By FAITH KING songs in front of little kids who would Quill staff writer hopefully be inspired to join orchestra,” she said. Isabelle Peterson (12) plays the In addition to orchestra, Peterson viola in the Philharmonic Orchestra at said her favorite school subject is English. Cooper. Peterson has been involved in “I enjoy the orchestra due to the orchestra since she was in fourth grade. creative activities we get to do and get- “I decided to start playing the viola ting to learn new music that I normally because my oldest broth- would have never listened er had played it in middle to. I enjoy English because school and I wanted to be of getting to read different just like him,” she said. “My types of literature and genres grandmother was also a of books,” she said. huge inspiration to me since Peterson also has a few she played the piano and I hobbies she enjoys. wanted to play with her.” “I spend a lot of my free Peterson said that time reading and writing,” performing at concerts and Photo by LIFETOUCH she said. “When I’m not do- hearing their hard work pay ing that, I like going on drives off is something she enjoys with my friends exploring about orchestra. Meanwhile, she said different locations to take photos.” one of her favorite memories involves After high school, Peterson plans performing at their Halloween concerts. on majoring in psychology or pre-law, “I liked the fact that we got to dress although she is not sure yet which up in costumes and perform Halloween school she will attend. January 4, 2021 Variety Page 7, The Quill Sports drama Art staff makes the most of virtual learning All American Hawks art teachers are transforming their usual curriculum to meet the needs of students working at home

By SANDY VUE has wide appeal Quill staff writer Season three of the CW COVID-19 has made neces- sary some changes to the art cur- show is about to debut riculum and art teachers are de- in late January 2021 veloping ways to reach students in the new virtual environment. By ARIEL CHRISTENSEN Mr. Molitor who teaches Quill staff writer Clay 1, Clay 2 and Sculpture has recreated his usual curriculum The CW show All American, to do hand-building projects. created by April Blair, is an excellent The Clay curriculum is normally drama that captures what it is like to rooted in the process of teaching be in high school. This show first de- students how to make pottery buted in October 2018 and currently on the kick wheels, which they has two seasons with a third season do not have access to this year on its way starting in January 2021. during distance learning. All American is a sports drama re- “[We work on] subtractive volving around a main character sculpture as well as additive named Spencer, who is a football sculpture. Some examples in- player. The show is based on a true clude wire sculptures, cardboard story that shows the challenges it sculptures, rolled paper sculp- takes to get to where you want in life. tures, and carved foam and plas- The show also makes you understand ter,” Molitor said. the importance of family and friends. To help his students have There are many important char- a productive class experience, acters throughout the show. Spencer, Molitor has clay bagged indi- Photo by LOU VANG the protagonist, grew up in a rough area known as Crenshaw, Los An- vidually for students to pick up The access to supplies students normally get during in-person learning is not possible this school year. at school. In addition, he “also geles and attends Crenshaw High delivered clay for students who faces is that there is a difference and other drawing standards. ress of her students' artwork in School. After working hard all his cannot arrange transportation in seeing a student’s artwork on McNeil explained that she tries person. She only gets to see the life at playing football, a coach from during the hours that the school camera and not in person. to have students use household finished products and misses out Beverly Hills High School notices is open.” Molitor added that it “If they follow the steps items on their projects. on the highs and lows of the cre- him and gives him a life-changing would be easier if he could send [and] methods I have instruct- “For drawing, we have been ation process. offer to play for that team. When tool kits to students at home, ed, I can get a very good idea exploring what household items “It’s difficult to encourage Spencer moves to Beverly Hills, ev- however the tool supply at Coo- of how they did on the assign- one can use,” she said. “Pens, students to do more, try some- erything changes and he meets new per was only designed for stu- ment,” he said. pencils, markers, whatever.” thing else, or point out where people. Coach Baker is an import- dents to share in person, which Despite these challenges, Similar to Molitor, McNeil fixes might need to be made,” ant character who has an impact on means it isn’t accessible to them Molitor said he has given a lot of said she rates her experience she said. many people’s lives, including his at home. thought and time to developing with distance learning at a three To make sure her students own kids, Olivia and Jordan Baker. Working as an art teacher, new ways to give his students or four out of 10. get the most out of her class, Throughout the story, you see the Molitor finds that he has a mix- more meaningful learning oppor- “It has been pretty difficult. McNeil said she spends time at many challenges each character faces ture of good and bad moments tunities that do not “burden them I’m new at Cooper and have the beginning of each period try- and the changes that happen. throughout his days of distance with busy work.” Furthermore, never met any of my students in ing to get to know the students. One of the best scenes that learning. He said he rates his he points out that he tries his best person. I miss seeing them enter “Truthfully, we’ve start- demonstrates why this show is whole experience in distance to keep the workload of his stu- the classroom and getting to ask ed with just a lot of chit chat at worth seeing takes place when the learning at a three or four out dents within the 90-minute time- about their lives,” she said. the beginning of class, and that Beverly Hills football team plays of 10. One reason for that stems frame of class and makes sure to Another thing that has been makes it feel good. It helps keep against the Crenshaw football team. from his struggles with the ener- have private meetings with his challenging for McNeil is not students engaged, too,” she said. At this time, Spencer is playing for gy levels of students while in the students to help with their proj- being able to provide all stu- Overall, McNeil said she Beverly, so the game against Cren- virtual classroom. ects individually. dents with supplies. misses her students and looks shaw means Spencer is facing his “Talking to a blank screen Also adjusting to distance “It’s also tricky not being forward to eventually seeing old teammates. During this scene, and waiting for typed responses learning is Ms. McNeil, who able to provide all materials them in person. Chris, who is Spencer’s friend, is draining [and] asking students teaches Drawing 1. In her class- necessary: nice drawing paper, “I just miss in-person class,” ends up getting hit, which results in and families to bring clay, which es, McNeil said her students are charcoals, fun kneading erasers. McNeil said. “I also believe that him being paralyzed. As you watch can be quite messy, into their learning observational drawing All the best parts of art,” McNeil distance learning is keeping us this unfold, the acting by everyone living space is also a significant and improving their drawing ac- said. safe and healthy. I really look during this scene is incredible. Each challenge,” he said. curacy. Along with this, they are Furthermore, McNeil said it forward to a time where we can person reacts differently and it’s a Another challenge Molitor also learning shading techniques is a struggle to not see the prog- gather again safely.” very emotional scene that makes viewers feel like they are right there with the characters. Another great scene that high- Makoto Shinkai's Weathering is anime at its best lights the good acting in the show is when Spencer, played by Daniel Changes in the weather serve as a compelling metaphor for the developing relationship between the film's main characters Ezra, and Jordan, played by Michael Evans Behling, get pulled over by the some valuable lessons from the By CHRISTOPHER NGUYEN police. Coming from the very differ- film. Some topics on display in the Quill staff writer ent areas of Beverly Hills and Cren- movie include the impact of cul- shaw, respectively, Jordan and Spen- Hodaka Morishima is a teen- tural differences, the importance cer were taught different ways of ager who runs away from his rural of perseverance, the value of hard how to act around police. During the home to Tokyo. Upon arriving in work and the benefits of love The scene, the police pull them over for Tokyo, he realizes that the city is overall message of the film is that no reason, and when the police are experiencing an odd phenomenon one must find the inner strength to interrogating both of them, you can of extra rain. He soon befriends face life’s challenges. Although I see how scared they are and it makes Hina Amano, a girl who is able to thought this message was corny at you scared for them. Ultimately, it manipulate the weather. Together, first, it eventually was eye opening becomes clear that the actions of the they start a business and she uses for me. police are based on race and that be- her power to clear the rain in lim- The soundtrack to Weath- comes an important part of the story. ited areas for the citizens. This is ering With You is also amazing. The show deals with what is really the premise of the excellent 2019 Shinkai pairs excellent music with going on in our society. film by Makoto Shinkai, Weather- his beautiful animation to create Another interesting aspect of ing With You. an impressive mix. The music and the show is its focus on the charac- This film is the most recent Photo courtesy of BEIJING ENLIGHT PICTURES colors used in the film are vibrant, ter Layla, who is played by Greta release from CoMix Wave Films which makes the film seem hap- The 2019 film features consistently excellent animation. Onieogou. She is an only child who Story, Inc., a studio responsible py in contrast to the gloomy state lives in Beverly Hills with her dad, for producing stunning movies his last release, Your Name, while Also contributing to the in- Tokyo is in. Not surprisingly, this a music mogul who is always on like Your Name, The Garden of still making use some of the core credible cinematic experience movie won the Japan Academy tour. Added to the challenges of her Words and Children Who Chase components one expects from a is the character development. Prize for Outstanding Achievement dad’s frequent absences is the fact Lost Voices. This studio is also Shinkai movie, such as teen ro- Shinkai displays each character’s in Music, not to mention the Japan that Layla’s mom recently passed known for the short films and mance and drama. emotions through changes in the Academy Prize for Animation of away. Layla goes through a lot being feature-length movies created by The first element of Weather- weather and uses this symbolism the Year and a Bandung Film Festi- alone and ends up showing signs of Makoto Shinkai, who is arguably ing With You that deserves praise to communicate various messag- val award for Imported Film. depression. During one episode, she one of the best anime filmmakers is the animation. I remember the es to his audience. It is enjoyable In conclusion, I think Weath- has a panic attack and trashes her in the business. Shinkai writes, awe I felt when I first sat down in seeing Hodaka and Hina try to ering With You is a must-see whole house while her dad is gone. directs and draws most of the el- the theater to watch this movie and make a living in Tokyo while film. The storyline is unique and Onieogou’s acting in this sequence ements of his films. He has a very experienced its animation. Mako- also getting to see a bit of fight- the animation is incredible. The is perfect. After her dad eventually specific style as a writer and artist to Shinkai always delivers when ing action in the film. Addition- movie teaches you about facing tells her that her mom had depres- that sets him apart from other an- it comes to illustrating his movies ally, throughout the film, there life’s challenges and finding your sion, Layla’s actions start to make imators. In Weathering With You, and Weathering With You is no ex- are several cameos by characters strengths. Additionally, the film’s sense, and Layla’s struggle with de- he combines the realism of his To- ception. The animation quality is from Shinkai’s other films, which pacing is good and it might get pression becomes an important part kyo setting with the use of various especially apparent when it comes I think is cool. you emotional. You can watch this of the show’s plot. science fiction concepts. This film to the various forms of weather Something worth mention- five-star movie on YouTube or on I highly recommend All Amer- represents a huge advance from depicted in the film. ing is the fact that you can learn Blu-ray and DVD. ican for everyone. The series teach- es viewers many life lessons about HITTING DEADLINES IMPORTANT DURING DISTANCE LEARNING continued from page 4 the importance of having family will apply to summatives, so low quality and does not prop- time, these realities don’t ex- when work will be turned in. support and the importance of deal- students will procrastinate and erly reflect one’s skills and cuse the fact that students If teachers decide to no lon- ing with life’s difficulties. Programs take care of the final assign- learning. and teachers need to stick to ger accept any late work after like All American show viewers ments well after the due date, Clearly, late work is a the established deadlines for its due date, it will encourage that they are not alone and that usually suffering a reduction problem at every school, not work. The only way to solve students to keep up with their many other people deal with simi- in points as a penalty. Much just Cooper. Moreover, late this problem and get students school work. This is especially lar problems in life, no matter what like finishing the formatives work issues are even more to start turning in their work important as we wrap up first their skin color or socio-economic at the last minute, late work on exaggerated this year due to on time is for teachers to semester and make the transi- status might be. I give All American summatives also tends to be of distance learning. At the same start setting stricter rules on tion into second semester. five out of five stars. Page 8, The Quill Variety January 4, 2021 DEBATE SQUAD continued from page 2 Riverdale remains relevant after five seasons smoothly. Delivering a speech is different because I no longer Based in the world of the original Archie comics, this CW series makes murder and mayhem entertaining have to project my voice but I’ve had judge critiques about By ZACARI WATSON not making enough eye contact.” Quill staff writer Another challenge point- ed out by Tran is related to the Riverdale is a TV show technology itself. He said there on the CW that was created by have been some occasional is- Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and is sues with internet connectivi- produced by Aguirre-Sacasa, ty that have had an impact on Greg Berlanti and Jon Gold- tournaments. water. The show takes place in “At every single debate the world of the classic Archie event I’ve been to, at least one comics, but it has been updated person has lost connection in and transformed into a drama. their middle of their speech, The show is filmed in various which makes everyone wait up locations in Vancouver, Canada. to five minutes for them to re- First released on January 26, connect. A few times, the plat- 2017, Riverdale is heading into form where we debate on has its fifth season in January 2021. crashed and everyone lost con- If you have not yet given this nection. Sometimes, cameras great program a try, this may be just stop working during debate the perfect time to do so. sessions, too,” Tran said. The series starts off with Despite these challenges, the disappearance of Jason the debate team has looked to Blossom, the twin brother of continue its successful ways Cheryl Blossom. After days of during the 2020 season. Hawks searching for him, two teens Photo courtesy of THE CW debaters have had a history of who are in the forest stumble Riverdale stacks up mystery after mystery to keep longtime viewers wondering what will happen next. success over the last two de- across his body and see that he cades at the state and national has been murdered. This opens Important supporting actors Another impressive thing show of mystery, mayhem and level. In fact, Brynteson said up an investigation and starts include Casey Scott as Kevin about the show is the character murder, it’s also a show about the team “finished as the top- the plot of the show. Now, Keller, Vanessa Morgan as Toni development. All the main char- family, friends that have your ranked debate school in the Archie, Veronica, Betty and Topaz, Luke Perry as Fred An- acters go through a multitude back, and having a place to state” during the 2019 season. Jughead have to find out who drews and Ashleigh Murray as of experiences that make them hang out after getting chased by While the loss of some debaters killed Jason. They realize that Josie McCoy. grow as people, but they never various serial killers. Anyone this season due to the pandem- it could be anyone, even the One of the many things that lose sight of who they are. Archie interested in those things should ic has made it unclear how the people closest to them. make Riverdale such a good experience a lot of loss, but still definitely consider watching postseason competitions will The cast of the show is one show is the suspense in every tries to look after everyone else. Riverdale, and if you do, try go for the team, they have man- reason for its appeal. Included episode. After watching the first Veronica gets betrayed by her binge watching it before season aged to maintain their winning in the cast are KJ Apa as Archie episode, you find yourself want- family over and over again, but five comes out. You don’t want ways during the regular season Andrews, Camila Mendes as ing to know what happens next. she always gets back up. Jughead to miss it and you really don’t so far. For example, Connor Veronica Lodge, Cole Sprouse Between the mystery, mayhem and Betty both deal with drama want to start on one of the later Brynteson (10), who also com- as Jughead Jones, Lili Reinhart and murder, Riverdale is a show in their families, but they keep seasons with no idea what’s petes in the Congressional De- as Betty Cooper and Madelaine that will constantly have you on each other grounded. going on. Overall, Riverdale is bate category, has scored sever- Petsch as Cheryl Blossom. your feet. Although Riverdale is a a five-star series. al victories in 2020. “I have taken first at the RELATIONSHIPS ARE BEING TESTED BY COVID continued from page 3 Minnetonka Invitational Tour- tion with friends and families is normal because everyone is stuck position that would make the other A challenge Nyabuto has faced nament, I got first at the MDTA a must for relationships. But now together. In addition, she said her person want to depend on me and with his relationships is losing con- Jamboree and I placed 18th at that we are restricted, it’s hard to relationship with her boyfriend has that I’m always there for them if tact with the people in his life. Ny- the largest tournament of the maintain a stable relationship and faced similar struggles. needed. The challenge is that I’m not abuto observed that the relationship year, the Miniapple, which is at- or my sanity,” she said. “I think that everyone de- always going to be there,” he said. challenges caused by COVID can tended by students from across According to Nguyen, serves personal space and distance Unlike Sailer and Nguyen, show you who your closest friends the nation,” he said. COVID has separated her from for themselves and being cooped Xiong said he did not need the break are. Other than being able to meet Despite the changes to how her friends and family and she of- up together in the same area or from other people that COVID has friends a couple times face to face practices and meets are con- ten finds it depressing and hard to house can get very conflictive,” caused because having social com- while following health guidelines, ducted, the debate season is maintain her relationships. How- she said. munication with other people is Nyabuto said he has struggled to still going forward with its usu- ever, she said she has no problem Nguyen recognizes that the something that he misses. Xiong maintain his relationships. al end-of-season competitions. wearing a mask because it keeps relationship issues caused by also said he misses the brotherhood Furthermore, just like Xiong, Mr. Brynteson said the Minne- everyone safe as we work to beat COVID have affected her mental he gets through participating in or- Nyabuto said he hates being alone sota State High School League the virus. health severely. ganized sports or the fun he used to and did not need this break from other (MSHSL) Section tournament Nguyen also said distance “I feel at times that I am more have attending parties. people. and the National Speech and learning has been easy for her. depressed and don’t have a will “I feel disconnected every “Yes, I’m with family, but Debate Association National Nguyen said that being in school or desire to do anything because day even from my family and I really need to be around my Qualifier both took place in with hundreds of kids can be very there’s nothing to do,” she said. close friends. Going to parties or friends to feel the most comfort- December and more events will tiring; therefore, she thinks that Another student who has had small events with friends and fam- able,” he said. occur in late January 2021. taking a break from the What he misses most “Cooper students will still world over the last few about his friendships is be able to participate in both months has been benefi- being able to go out with- state and national year-end cial for her. “I feel disconnected every day even from my family out any restrictions on events and we are excited to “It made me focus what you need to wear, be able to keep that option for and close friends. Going to parties or small events more on my studies, my when you can go, and them,” he said. “Hopefully, mental health, my over- with friends and family puts a smile on my face, but I how big of a group it can we will have students com- all health and just reflect be. While Nyabuto said peting in January then at the always feel disconnected,” Timothy Xiong (11) said. and go at my own pace,” he has not lost any friend- MSHSL State Tournament and she said. ships, he has gotten more the National Tournament in However, Nguyen distant from his friends June 2021.” does feel that she has lost many some challenges maintaining his ily puts a smile on my face, but I due to COVID. At the same time, Although it is unclear friendships and is missing out on relationships during COVID is always feel disconnected,” he said. he said his relationships with his what format debate will take the interactions she would normal- Timothy Xiong (11). COVID has However, even though his re- family members have not changed. in 2021 based on the status of ly be having with other people. brought his family closer together, lationships may be put on hold due As these students demon- the pandemic, Tran encouraged “Now it seems like every- but it has also distanced him from to COVID, he is trying to focus strate, there are many ways that students to consider getting in- body is busy in their own world his friends. What is more, his rela- on himself and do hobbies that he COVID has impacted Cooper stu- volved. He said there are a col- trying to figure out their own tionship with his girlfriend did not enjoys. dents and their relationships with lection of benefits to joining the agenda. I definitely feel discon- last during quarantine due to a lack Like many other Cooper stu- other people. While it has given debate team. nected from everyone and every- of communication. dents, Jason Nyabuto (11) also some students a chance to reflect “Debate has made me a thing. I feel like I have stopped A relationship challenge feels it has been difficult to stay on themselves and get closer to better speaker and presenter,” being social and checking up on Xiong has noticed is that people in contact with his peers or get their families, it has caused oth- he said. “It has also improved people,” she said. are not the same and they are hav- together because of regulations er students to lose friendships or how I approach research and When it comes to the rela- ing different experiences during placed on people to stop the spread watch them go downhill. In every has taught me how to identify tionships she has with the people COVID. As a result, while some of COVID. case, the challenges of COVID bias in sources. Through the re- she lives with, Nguyen said she people may need someone to be “We can stay in contact over have taught students to recognize search I’ve done in debate, I’ve feels like they have gone down there for them, others may not. This our devices, but you can only do it the value of relationships and learned so much about the cur- hill. She notices that her family has lead to Xiong’s main challenge, for so long before you start to miss what one must do to be able to rent state of the United States has more arguments and that they which he said is “being too nice.” seeing and being with a person build a strong and trusting bond domestically and its position in are feeling more agitated than “Being too nice puts me in a face to face,” he said. with someone else. the world. It allows one to be really knowledgeable with cur- rent topics in the U.S. and the PROPER SLEEP IS KEY DURING DISTANCE LEARNING continued from page 2 world. It also really helps with the proper rest they need. Caffeine use can prevent you from cising too late in the day. or a television, there are many dis- understanding civics and the falling asleep “when consumed in tractions that can make it harder to structure of the United States 1. Be consistent in your sleeping the afternoon or evening,” accord- 4. Set up your bedroom to sup- go to sleep. According to “Invest government.” habits ing to “Invest in Your Rest.” port good sleep in Your Rest,” noises, bright lights Tran added that the team The first thing students can In order to get good sleep, a and electronics in the bedroom are welcomes members from any do is be consistent about when 3. Make time to exercise person must be comfortable and “a recipe for disaster at bed time.” grade level and that first-time they sleep. This means creating a Exercising is a good way to have a quiet and dark space to go to debaters are always supported proper schedule for your body to release some of the leftover energy bed. “Invest in Your Rest” suggests 6. Try meditating before bed when they become part of the rest and wake up. Over time, your you have left. It’ll tire you and will having a cool room at around 60- Meditation and mindfulness squad. body will eventually get used to help you fall asleep faster. It also 68 degrees, which stimulates mela- have been getting more attention in “The debate we do at Coo- this schedule. Following your reduces your chances of having tonin production and helps you fall recent years, especially since the start per is very friendly to beginners body clock, which is called the insomnia, anxiety and depressive asleep faster. of the COVID pandemic. Research and has no prerequisites for “circadian rhythm,” will help you symptoms. According to "Invest has shown that the calming impact joining. First-year debaters of- get better sleep. in Your Rest," “exercise increases 5. Avoid electronic devices at of meditating before bed time can ten debate with other debaters body temperature and the post-ex- bed time help people get better sleep. There at the same skill level, which 2. Be careful about caffeine ercise decrease promotes falling Most students have electronic are many apps students can down- makes learning debate comfort- Another tip is to avoid caf- asleep.” However, much like caf- devices in their bedrooms. Whether load for free that can teach medita- able,” he said. feine, especially later in the day. feine use, one should avoid exer- it is a Chromebook, a smart phone tion and mindfulness techniques. January 4, 2021 Sports Page 9, The Quill Football season ends with win Cooper Competitors The story of the athletes who strive for success in Cooper sports After nearly being canceled, the 2020 campaign saw the Hawks achieve a 4-3 record Grace Hambike By FAITH KING pond her first time trying the sport. Quill staff writer “It was so embarrassing,” she said. During the fall, Hambike runs cross Grace Hambike (12) runs cross country. She was a team captain in 2020 country in the fall, competes in snow- and said the season “was awesome.” shoeing in the winter and takes part in In the spring, Hambike runs track track at in the spring. and serves as a team captain. Hambike has been snowshoe- “Last season was a little weird be- ing competitively since the cause of COVID. We had fourth grade. about four practices before “I picked up this sport everything became virtual,” after my elementary school she said. took the fourth grade class Hambike’s favorite skiing and snowshoeing,” subjects in school include Hambike said. chemistry and math, What Hambike said although she said she she enjoys most about snow- “love[s] all [her] classes

shoeing is the freedom that Photo by LIFETOUCH and teachers.” comes with the sport. Hambike’s outside- “To me, It feels like of-school hobbies include I am running in a cross country race,” running, baking, cooking, reading, volun- Hambike said. teering and sewing.

Photo courtesy of MINNESOTA SCORE Hambike said that snowshoeing After high school, Hambike’s plan can be difficult. In fact, her favorite snow- is to major in either epidemiology or anat- Cooper claimed a 39-19 victory over Southwest in the section semifinal game before the playoffs were canceled. shoeing memory was when she fell into a omy in college. By NOLAN ANDLER score. As a result, Cooper fell to a eventually closing the gap to 21-19. Quill staff writer record of 1-1. Fortunately, Royal once again had “The game against Orono was a great game with 180 yards and a Makiah Burnaugh The 2020 season for the a fun game,” Easley said. “The de- touchdown. Also helping were the Hawks football team will long be fense was able to execute and play 54 yards from Connors, the Hawks’ By FAITH KING ite volleyball memory has been spend- remembered as an unusual one. Af- the whole time. We gave a few leading receiver. Ultimately, Coo- Quill staff writer ing time with her teammates during ter going 6-2 last season, falling just touchdowns but we kept up and per was able to grind out a 33-26 practice and all the after-game bus rides short of an appearance in the state kept going.” win. In a season like 2020, this was Makiah Burnaugh (12) plays vol- throughout the season. tournament following a loss in the an important win for the team. leyball at Cooper in the fall and rugby During the spring, Burnaugh Section 5A championship game, Cooper vs. St. Louis Park “The team came out and played in the spring. Burnaugh started playing plays rugby. Although her 2020 season the Hawks came into the 2020 sea- Week three brought an Oc- like they should have,” Easley said. volleyball in sixth grade. was canceled due to COVID-19, she son with some great returning tal- tober 23 away game against St. “I got into it because I wanted to looks forward to the potential of the up- ent and rising talent on both sides Louis Park. This game was all Cooper vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s try something new. Basket- coming season. of the ball, including two transfers Cooper as the Hawks dominated Last year’s game against Benil- ball was not my strong suit, “I am excited to see from Benilde-St. Margaret’s. But the overwhelmed Orioles. In fact, de-St. Margaret’s was a 35-0 blow- so I picked volleyball and what this season will hold complicating things right away was Cooper dominated in all phases out loss during Cooper’s homecom- have loved it ever since,” for me,” she said. the reality of COVID. of this game. On offense, Russell ing week. The Hawks played much Burnaugh said. As for school, Bur- At first, the fall football sea- went 17/22 with 221 yards and two better this time around during the What Burnaugh has naugh said her favorite sub- son was going to be postponed to touchdowns, while on the ground, week six matchup on November enjoyed most about the jects are English and history. spring due to concerns about the Camden Royal (11), Terrence Mat- 11. Cooper’s quarterback Russell sport is learning how to be Meanwhile, when it comes virus. This decision caused a lot thews (11) and Elvin North (12) had himself a night, going 22/30 disciplined. She also said she to hobbies, Burnaugh said of anger and confusion for every- each amassed some impressive for 327 yards, while wide receiver likes being a role model for Photo by M. BURNAUGH she is a “shopaholic” who one on the team. The athletes were rushing yards. In addition, wide re- Williams had 10 receptions for 119 her team through her posi- spends hours shopping in even unsure if there would ever be ceivers Dave Connors (11) finished yards. Meanwhile, Royal had four tion as a co-captain. stores and online. a season. As time went receptions for 109 yards “I hold a high leadership role and After high school, Burnaugh on, the MSHSL even- and two touchdowns, I love it. I feel that I bring a high level of said she plans on attending a two-year tually decided to cancel despite not having a big positivity and energy to my team that is college to save money and give her- the postponement and, “The last game against South- night in total rushing very contagious,” she said. self “time to find a career [she] genu- instead, allow a short- west was a awesome game,” yards. However, Benilde According to Burnaugh, her favor- inely love[s].” ened fall season for saw good performances football. After a short Nico Easley (12) said. “The team from veteran running back preseason preparation, came out and played like we William Petty (12), who Trophina Mentoe the first game finally should have through the whole went for 113 yards on 22 took place on October 9 attempts, and quarterback By YORDANOSE MULAT bleachers cheering on the varsity team at Waconia. season. Seniors played their Jackson Leischow (12), Quill staff writer with my friends. Another memory is hearts out. The underclassmen who went 10/16 for 267 being moved up to varsity during my Cooper vs. Waconia came out and played like it was yards and three touch- Trophina Mentoe (12) plays vol- junior year. I also love when I get a great The October 9 downs. Cooper went on to leyball in the fall and runs track in the block or hit,” she said. game against Waconia their last game as well.” lose the game 36-34. spring. Mentoe has been playing volley- In the spring, Mentoe runs track. was a rematch from the “We played as hard ball since seventh grade. The last season of track was canceled 2019 season opener, as we could but we just “I picked this sport because many due to the pandemic. during which the Hawks couldn’t make the last of my friends were playing it “We had a week of fell short to Waconia 14-12. This with 68 total yards, Donte Williams touchdown to win,” Easley said. in middle school and I found practice until COVID-19 season, the game went the other (11) finished with 45 total yards and a love for it,” she said. canceled the whole season,” direction with the Hawks earning a Jaxon Howard (10) finished with Cooper vs. Southwest One thing Mentoe en- she said. “W” by a score of 20-13. Although 48 total yards. While the final score Cooper finished the regular joys about volleyball is the When it comes to aca- Cooper won, it wasn’t always pret- was 41-20, it should be noted that season with a 3-3 record, which “combination of individual demics, Mentoe enjoys En- ty. Waconia’s rushing attack domi- 13 of St. Louis Park’s points came gave them the second seed in the work and teamwork.” glish and history. nated the game and they pounded during garbage time, so the game section 5A playoffs. In the No- “Everyone’s actions “I love manipulating out 212 total rushing yards. In re- wasn’t even that close. vember 20 section semifinal game, contribute to the team as a letters to make beautiful sponse, Cooper’s quarterback Joe “The game with St. Louis Park Cooper faced Southwest. While it whole. I also enjoy getting a Photo by LIFETOUCH words. I also love learn- Russell (11) went 12/17 for 184 was a game full of excitement,” Ea- wasn’t a pretty start, Cooper went great hit as a middle hitter,” ing about history because yards and two touchdowns, which sley said. “It was a fast-paced game into halftime with a 19-13 lead. The Mentoe said. knowing your history will was enough to hold off Waconia. where we kept going and fought Hawks then cleaned up their play Mentoe has favorite memories in tell you your future,” Mentoe said. “Personally, the game against hard.” in the second half and thoroughly volleyball dating back to her freshman As for college, Mentoe will attend Waconia was kind of tough for me. dominated Southwest with 528 to- and junior years. North Carolina A&T State University I wasn’t able to do much against Cooper vs. Holy Angels tal yards of offense and the defense “My favorite memories are from and major in international business man- their team but I kept pushing and During week four, Cooper shutting down the Southwest run freshman year. I loved sitting in the agement or supply chain management. played until the end,” player Nico faced off against Holy Angels. This game. The Hawks eventually put Easley (12) said. “As a team, we October 30 game was another case their stamp on this one, winning came out and fought. It was tough of costly mistakes that ultimately 39-19. Abby King because we didn’t get much prac- saw the Hawks lose. When Cooper “The last game against South- tice as a team.” jumped out to a 29-14 lead, it looked west was an awesome game,” Ea- By YORDANOSE MULAT the girls on the team improve over the like they were going to dominate the sley said. “The team came out and Quill staff writer season,” she said. Cooper vs. Orono entire game. One place they domi- played like we should have through Last winter, King participated in The home opener on October nated was on the line of scrimmage. the whole season. Seniors played Abby King (12) plays girls tennis Nordic skiing. 16 was another tough game against In fact, running back Royal had a their hearts out. The underclassmen in the fall, she skied on the Nordic team “I got most improved for the sea- an Orono team that was improved monster game, pounding out 172 came out and played like it was their last winter and she will be playing girls son, which felt good because it was defi- from last season. It was a physical yards. However, Holy Angels had a last game as well.” lacrosse in the spring. King has been nitely a struggle at first,” she said. game that saw both defenses domi- player named Emmet Johnson (11), playing tennis for two years. Although King will not be partici- nating the entire first half. The Coo- who, unfortunately for the Hawks, Cooper vs. COVID “I started my junior pating in Nordic this season per defense, led by the D line and had an even better night, running for Unfortunately, the semifinal year. I joined because I because of her new job, she Raheem Akindele (12), kept Orono 281 yards and scoring all five of the win was the last game of the season. wanted to get out there and hopes to play girls lacrosse out of the end zone and kept the team’s touchdowns as they escaped Due to a dramatic rise in COVID do a high school sport and in the spring. game alive. However, in the sec- with a 35-29 win. cases across the state, Minnesota Coach Navalta encouraged When it comes to aca- ond half, Orono was able to grow “The game against Academy Governor Tim Walz had to make me to join tennis,” she said. demics, King’s favorite class their lead to 15-0. In response, the of Holy Angels was a game that we the call to end the fall football sea- One thing King enjoys is AVID. Cooper offense found its mojo and could have won,” Easley said. “We son early. Even though the Hawks about tennis is how “close- “Right now, we are they were able to cut the deficit to just couldn’t finish out the game.” did not get their chance at the state knit and welcoming the getting help applying to 15-13 in the fourth quarter. Later tournament, they went out in style. sport is.” Photo by ABBY KING colleges, which is very help- in that quarter, some self-inflicted Cooper vs. Jefferson All the uncertainty and adversity “Everyone on the ful,” King said. wounds hurt Cooper when, on an Cooper’s November 6 game the Hawks had to overcome in 2020 team is very helpful with tips Outside of school, option play, Orono’s Graham Bel- against Bloomington Jefferson was should only make them better head- and still makes you feel good even if you King’s activities include “hanging out trand (12) found the team’s star an example of the old saying that ing into 2021. felt like you had an off day,” King said. with family or friends and working.” player Noah Arneson (12) deep for all that matters is the win. Cooper “We came out and played as a King was one of the captains for As for college, King said she wants 64 yards and a touchdown to go jumped out to a 21-0 early lead, but family through the whole season,” tennis this season. to major "in pre-physical therapy then ahead 22-13, which was the final then Jefferson started to climb back, Easley said. “[I enjoyed] being able to see all get into a physical therapy school." Page 10, The Quill Sports January 4, 2021 NFL strategies World Series provided a thrilling diversion to fight COVID The matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays went to six engaging games are falling short While games are still getting played, it is often with shorthanded teams

By ANDREW HAGGE Quill staff writer

The 2020-2021 NFL season started with many anomalies. Due to COVID-19, the league had to figure out how to organize the season and whether they would keep teams in a bubble or allow teams to travel from city to city with some quarantining protocols in place. The NFL even- tually decided to let teams play as normal and have fans in their stadi- ums based on the rules of the local governments. This has created some advantages as some teams’ fans are allowed at games, while others can’t have supporters in attendance. Due to the decision to cancel the usual pre-season games, week one and two of the NFL season brought with them many injuries to well-known players. In fact, some of these players were even sidelined for the whole season after very little playing time. Our own Minnesota Viking Anthony Barr, for example, was injured early into the season Photo courtesy of MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL with a pectoral muscle tear. Mean- while, torn ACLs took down both The Los Angeles Dodgers take to the field to celebrate their World Series triumph, the first title for the team since 1981. Odell Beckham, Jr. and Saquon Bar- kley for the remainder of the season. By NOLAN ANDLER attendance. Ultimately, this was developed into the baseball game ace Blake Snell, the pitcher who As these injuries accumulated, more Quill staff writer a pretty intense series that had of the year. It seemed as if both already shut down the Dodgers teams faced problems with having to some huge storylines. teams had answers for everything in game two. Snell had himself find qualified players to fill positions. The 2020 World Series was Game one was all Dodgers. the other team threw at them. The another amazing game, holding What has hit teams harder a pretty interesting end to the With the final score of 8-3, it was Dodgers’ Corey Seager and Justin the Dodgers scoreless for five in- than these injuries has been the season. The top two teams from a struggle for the Rays all game Turner and Rays’ Randy Arozare- nings. However, the Rays’ man- many players testing positive for both leagues, the Los Angeles long. They had no answers for na and Kevin Keirmaier carried ager, Kevin Cash, made the con- COVID-19. Not only do these pos- Dodgers and the Tampa Bay the power hitters of the Dodgers. the load for both teams. However, troversial call to pull Snell out itive tests affect the player who has Rays, both made the World Se- Right fielder Mookie Betts and in the end, it was the Rays’ Brett of the game in the sixth inning the virus, they also affect the other ries, which seemed appropriate. first baseman Max Muncy led Philips who was the hero. Late in after he allowed his first two hits. people with whom they have had However, they didn’t have the the way for the Dodgers with two the game, Philips came up to the This decision would cost them contact. Additionally, according easiest roads to get there, which runs each. It was a perfect start plate when the Rays were down dearly as the Dodgers’ Mookie to sportingnews.com, players and one would not expect for the to the World Series for Dodgers 7-6. With two outs and two men Betts got a double that helped the personnel who are in close prox- top-seeded teams. Manager Dave Roberts. on base, Philips got a base hit to team go up 2-1 and a home run imity with players get daily testing First, during the American During game two, the Rays center field and, with a little help that put them up 3-1 in the eighth with faster results than typical tests. League Championship Series, answered in a big way. They had from mistakes by the Dodgers, inning. This sealed the deal for However, many problems have aris- the Rays faced the Houston As- a fast start in this one, jumping drove home the two base runners, the Dodgers, who won their first en with the faster tests. Some play- tros, who made an impressive out to a 5-2 lead. Helping main- Keirmaier and Arozarena. The World Series since 1981. ers have been getting false positive playoff run just a year after their tain this lead was Rays pitcher Rays won and got the series back For the Dodgers’ manager, tests, which has sidelined them for cheating scandal. The Rays bare- Blake Snell, who had a great to 2-2. The momentum looked Dave Roberts, this win was crit- a while until they get more reliable ly held off the Astros by winning performance. He shut down the like it was starting to swing in the ical. The team’s players and fans testing done. the final game in the best-of-sev- Dodgers hitters and held them Rays’ favor. had to go through the Dodgers Following positive tests, play- en series 4-2. Meanwhile, in the scoreless for four innings. In During game five, it was the falling short in the World Series ers have to sit out either 10 days after National League Championship the end, the Rays held on to Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw that in 2017 and 2018, and then los- the test, or five days if the player is Series, the Dodgers came back win 6-4 and tie the series at one took over. Kershaw is a player ing in the 2019 playoffs to even- asymptomatic and has two negative from a three-games-to-one defi- game a piece. who always seemed to fold when tual National League champions nasal swab tests spaced out by at cit to edge out the Atlanta Braves Game three saw the momen- it came to the postseason. How- the Washington Nationals. least 24 hours. If they are symptom- 4-3 in game seven. tum swing back to the Dodgers. ever, he became clutch during While the World Series win atic, the player has to wait at least This set up what was clear- A first inning homer by Justin this game, holding the Rays was great for the Dodgers, it 10 days since they first experienced ly going to be a pretty fun World Turner set the tone for this game scoreless for four innings and produced some unexpected dra- symptoms and 72 hours since their Series. Also making the series as the Dodgers cruised to a 6-2 setting the tone for the Dodgers’ ma related to the coronavirus. last signs of symptoms. This can interesting was where it took win. Star pitcher for the Dodgers eventual 4-2 victory. In fact, the It turned out the Dodgers third sideline a player from out of no- place. Traditionally, the games Walker Buhler had a great game, Rays only scored two runs in the baseman Justin Turner learned where, which could play a factor in would have taken place at each holding the Rays to only three third and were then shut out for in the middle of the game that he who wins that week’s game. team’s field: Dodger Stadium for hits and one run. The only other the rest of the game. The Dodg- had tested positive for the coro- There are many ways that the the Dodgers and Tropicana Field run for the Rays came against re- ers took the series lead back and navirus. Despite that, he came NFL has dealt with this year’s oddi- for the Rays. However, due to liever Kenley Jansen. The Dodg- had the World Series in their back out at the end of the game ties. For instance, in order to address the coronavirus, the whole series ers reclaimed the series lead 2-1 hands if they could win just one to celebrate with his teammates, empty stadiums, the league decid- was held at Globe Life Field in and looked to take a command- more game. which violated league protocols. ed to add fan noises into the back- Arlington, Texas so the teams ing lead in the series heading into However, the Dodgers did Aside from that, it was a great ground through speakers. Yes, it is could stay in a quarantined bub- game four. not have an easy time in game World Series that should lead weird, but it helps make the games ble and there could be fans in As it turned out, game four six. They had to face the Rays’ into a great 2021 season. a lot less abnormal while giving the players some cheers. Additionally, some stadiums have been adding Columbus wins second crown during MLS playoffs cardboard cutouts of people. In fact, After Seattle defeated Minnesota 3-2 during the conference finals, they were downed by Columbus 3-0 in the championship Denver has used cutouts of charac- ters from South Park to help with the By ANDREW HAGGE where most other teams were set During the second round, Seattle scored three goals in the absence of fans. Quill staff writer in the playoffs. also known as the conference last 18 minutes to steal victo- The NFL also had to create a Throughout the first round semifinals, fireworks explod- ry from the Loons. Meanwhile, way to force players to be respon- The 2020 Major League of the playoffs, there were ed for some teams, while for the amazing run of eighth-seed sible outside of the playing field. Soccer (MLS) season was an only a few upsets, but those others, they fizzled out. Min- Seattle finally was stopped by They instituted a $5,000 maximum abnormal one due to the COVID that took place were quite big nesota (the fourth seed) took Columbus, who won 1-0. fine if players are caught doing reck- pandemic. After the nail-biting considering the seeds of the on Kansas City in the confer- This brought around the less activities during the pandemic, season ended with Minnesota affected teams. The biggest up- ence semifinals and won with a long-awaited MLS final game, according to sportingnews.com. almost losing a home game to set was when Philadelphia (the shocking 3-0 victory. This win which was a matchup between Players who refuse to wear a mask start the playoffs due to a tie, top seed) went up against New was helped by Kevin Molino, Seattle from the western con- will receive fines up to $15,000 after MLS moved toward the post- England. The New England who carried the Minnesota ference and Columbus from the repeated offenses. Individuals teams season. Much like the regular Revolution managed to pull team on his back with multiple eastern conference. Seattle was have even been willing to cut play- season, the postseason, which away with a 2-0 win against goals in two consecutive play- going for back-to-back cham- ers who try to evade these rules, as ran from late November to the Philadelphia, despite them be- off games. pionship wins while Columbus was seen in Seattle after a player was championship game on Decem- ing the number one team in the Meanwhile, New England was there to win their second caught trying to sneak in someone ber 12, took many unexpected eastern conference. Another managed to pull off another cup in club history. Columbus dressed to look like a player. twists and turns. unexpected outcome was when stunning victory by beating eventually scored in the 25th, After the rescheduling and post- The eastern conference has Nashville beat Toronto (the Orlando (the fourth seed) 3-1. 31st and 82nd minutes while ponement of several games, includ- two more teams than the western second seed) by one in a shut- Nashville then lost to Colum- managing to shut out Seattle ing the Thanksgiving Day matchup conference. With there being two out against a very consistent bus (the third seed) by two in a for the entire 90 minutes. between the Pittsburgh Steelers and extra teams in the eastern con- Toronto club. game where they couldn’t put This was a surprising fin- the Baltimore Ravens, the hope is ference, four teams played for a Although it was not an in any goals. Finally, Seattle ish compared to Seattle’s game that the rest of the NFL season will go chance to move into the playoff upset, a big surprise in the (the second seed) barely es- against Minnesota, during forward as planned. However, you bracket with the play-in round. first round was when the num- caped the sixth-seed Dallas by which they were able to come never know with the rising number In this round, New England (the ber-one seed, Kansas City, beat a final of 1-0. from behind and score three of COVID cases, which could cause eighth seed) beat the Montreal San Jose (the eighth seed) in a Next up were the confer- goals within the final 18 min- possible changes to when teams play. Impact (the ninth seed), while game in which San Jose man- ence finals, which ended with utes. In the end, for the second Stay alert for an odd NFL postseason Nashville (the seventh seed) beat aged to send Kansas City into the top teams pulling away. In time in Columbus’ existence, in the coming weeks given the num- Miami (the 10th seed). Those penalty kicks. Kansas City its match against Seattle, Min- they were able to hoist up the ber of players who are still testing winners then moved on to play managed to go 3-0 during the nesota went up 2-0, only to be MLS cup for all to see in an positive around the league. in the next round, which was penalty kick phase. stunned late in the game when amazing 3-0 showing.