Trio of ju- Spring niors wins The sports re- national turn after award for cancelation designing of 2020 application season Page 2 QuillFri., April 23, 2021 Vol. 57, No. 7 Page 10 Robbinsdale Cooper High School chs.rdale.org/the-quill 8230 47th Ave. N., New Hope, MN 55428

ALSO INSIDE Students in Ms. Huebsch's News U.S. REP. ILHAN OMAR VISITS course had a chance to hear from, and ask questions of, HAWK GOVERNMENT CLASS the local congresswoman Huebsch said the visit helped her students under- stand more about who Omar is and what role she plays in Students prepare the government. for annual IB tests “The students absolutely benefited from [Omar’s] vis- More than 100 Cooper it,” Huebsch said. “It was es- juniors and seniors pecially great because it was will be taking tests such a small group of people across multiple sub- in which she answered ques- ject areas between tions directly.” April 30 and May 20 Jaxson Ratliff (12), a student in Huebsch’s seventh Page 3 hour class, said he enjoyed the chance to hear from Omar. “I know I benefited from Opinion her visit because it showed that politicians aren’t just the people who we vote for, but people we can relate to as a whole,” Ratliff said. Ratliff added that Omar’s visit gave him more perspec- tive on what life is like for a politician, and, more specifi- Grading system cally, Omar herself. benefits Hawks “It’s amazing what she’s Photo by DERRICK WILLIAMS been able to accomplish,” Although some students Ratliff said. “Talking to her might exploit the fact that Helping make U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar's appearance possible was the fact that Cooper was still in distance learning. was a really positive experi- 50 percent is the low- By MAX REKELA-JASPER Omar’s staff reached out to seventh period class. know whether or not she is ence for me.” est score on unfinished Quill staff writer the Robbinsdale School Dis- In preparation for Omar’s their federal representative,” Huebsch said if she had assignments, the policy trict office to express interest visit, Huebsch had students Huebsch said. another opportunity to have gives other students hope Students in Ms. Huebsch’s in visiting a classroom virtu- learn about the legislative Huebsch also had stu- her students speak with an Page 5 seventh period government ally at Cooper. Head Principal branch of the government. dents in her seventh period elected official, she would do class spoke to U.S. Rep. Ilhan Mr. Herman forwarded that “I had students identify class identify issues that were so without question. Omar via a Google Meet on request to the government their congressional districts important to them and re- “I would welcome any February 18. teachers and Huebsch was and look up their current searched Omar’s positions on elected official into my gov- Variety According to Huebsch, able to have Omar visit her elected officials in order to those issues. ernment class,” Huebsch said. Andrea Tribble named Athena Award winner The annual award recognizes an outstanding female athlete from each of the 50 Minneapolis area city, suburban and private schools

By YORDANOSE MULAT Theater show Quill staff writer provides laughs Cooper named basketball player Andrea Tribble (12) as the winner of the 2020- Lights, Camera, Ac- 2021 Athena Award on March 5. The Athena Award recognizes one outstanding se- tion!, which debuted nior female athlete from each of the 50 Minneapolis metropolitan area city, suburban on March 13, features and private schools in order to honor their achievements in one or several sports. a Cooper cast perform- “It's very exciting and I'm very happy to have received this award. I'm grate- ing online in a show ful that my hard work and dedication on and off the court is appreciated by those viewers can still stream around me,” Tribble said. Nominating Tribble for the Athena Award was basketball coach Mr. Simmons. Page 6 “[Tribble] is reliable, consistent and always engaged with her teammates,” he said. “She works with the younger players outside of practice to understand what they can do to improve. She demonstrates what it means to be a student athlete.” The process through which the Athena Award winner was selected took Variety several weeks. After the senior student athletes were nominated, they had several steps to complete. “We all had to complete a form stating our athletic and scholastic accom- plishments, along with any community service,” Tribble said. “After winning the award, I had to submit another form to the Athena committee with similar prompts and also a head shot and in-game photo.” In a typical year, the Athena Award winners are recognized at a luncheon in early May. However, due to COVID, last year’s luncheon was canceled and this year’s may be canceled as well. Snyder cut brings “Due to COVID, there was not an in-school ceremony. There is usually a justice to League luncheon with Athena winners from all over, but as of right now there is no update Photo by MS. THURSTON to if that is happening or not. Hopefully, COVID restrictions continue to soften up Zach Snyder's Justice and we're able to safely have a proper ceremony,” Tribble said. Andrea Tribble was part of Cooper's state-winning girls basketball team. League is an expanded, Although she has joined the Cooper track team this spring, Tribble’s primary Tribble said. revised version of orig- sport throughout high school has been basketball. Outside of her interest in sports, Tribble said she enjoys reading and getting inal theatrical release, “The thing I've enjoyed most about playing basketball is all the connections involved in the community. which was a commer- I've made and all the lessons playing has taught me,” she said. “I get a great sense of pride being a part of constructive conversations and cial and critical failure One of the biggest moments during Tribble’s high school basketball career events that bring people together,” she said. came during ninth grade. Page 8 “My favorite memory is winning a state championship my freshman year,” ATHENA AWARD continues on page 6

Sports Robbinsdale approves annual audit of district finances State law requires that all school districts go through an external examination of their financial processes, actions

By SANDY VUE The annual audit is an examination of the district’s being in contracts involving the spending of federal Quill staff writer financial information. Per Minnesota law, all school program funds were not documented. As a result, the districts are required to have a financial audit per- district took steps to check and document the list of The Robbinsdale School District approved formed each year. MMKR is the firm that performed vendors who are suspended to correct this problem. the annual external audit of its finances at a school the audit of the Robbinsdale School District. At the school board meeting during which the Basketball team board meeting on February 1. “MMKR follows practices outlined in a guide report was reviewed, a representative from MMKR has great season According to the district’s Executive Director that is authored and updated each year by the Minneso- spoke about the state auditor’s petition report. This of Finance Mr. Hein, there were several positive re- ta State Auditor’s Office,” Hein said in a released state- petition asked the state auditor to examine the books, The Hawks boys marks on certain areas of the audit. One of them is ment. “They review internal financial and accounting accounts and affairs of the Robbinsdale School Dis- basketball squad fell that the district’s general fund saw its total balance controls to ensure processes are working properly and trict from 2015 to 2019. The MMKR representative one game short of increase by $1.6 million during the last year, which report on any areas needing improvement.” stated that the state auditor did not find anything that the state tournament means the balance is now positive. The audit also According to Hein’s statement, the district was wasn’t being properly addressed by the district. after a regular sea- reported that there were no deficiencies in the dis- issued an “unmodified opinion” by MMKR, which is “The findings of this report should give comfort son record of 15-3 trict’s control over financial reporting. In addition, “the highest opinion they can give.” to the petitioners, as no deep systemic problems were the district won the Certificate of Excellence in Fi- One area for improvement cited in the audit re- Page 12 nancial Reporting from the Association of School lates to nutrition services. The audit found that some DISTRICT FINANCES Business Officials for last year’s financial report. goods and services that are suspended or banned from continues on page 6 Page 2, The Quill News April 23, 2021 Literary journal Teams create plan for in-person learning seeks submissions School administrators, teachers and staff member collaborated on the new policies students follow when attending class at Cooper from Hawk writers ductory session with school admin- istrators in the auditorium, while Students with an interest in short the other spent that time doing an stories, poems and prose pieces activity in the main gym. These two groups then switched for the can contribute to Roundelay next 90 minutes of the morning. The opening portion of the day then By MAX REKELA-JASPER concluded with lunch and a return Quill staff writer to advisory. During the afternoon, fresh- Roundelay literary journal is men had a chance to follow their still seeking contributions of poems, schedule to learn the building and short stories and prose pieces written meet their teachers. Students spent by students for publication in this 10 minutes in each of their classes year’s edition. with a five-minute passing time be- Overseeing the annual creative tween each stop. After this walking writing publication is English teach- tour, the orientation day came to er Ms. Gosney, who is in her second a close and students were able to year as the advisor for Roundelay. catch their buses to return home. She has a strong passion for writing both inside and outside the class- Procedures and Protocols room and wants to share that experi- The final staff design team ence with students. worked on some general procedures “As a teacher, I think it is im- and protocols for in-person students portant to be passionate about what I Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA to follow so that their time in the teach,” Gosney said. “Creative writ- building is as organized and safe as The new class schedule for fourth quarter has many similarities to the previous distance learning schedule. ing is my passion.” possible in light of the ongoing threat As for the writing included in By JACK ATKINSON riod. Students will either have their ers. One is to use station rotation, of COVID. When moving through Roundelay, Gosney said it typically Quill staff writer 30-minute lunch at the start, middle in which students work in groups the hallways outside of the class- consists of poems, short stories and or end of the class period. Distance through a series of stations, each of room, students are asked to follow prose pieces. According to Gosney, Cooper administrators, teach- learners will follow the same lunch which include a different task and the traffic flow signs on the walls the intent is to share student voices ers and staff assembled in different schedule as the in-person learners different interactions with the teach- and floors in order to maintain a safe and student stories. design teams in March to work on for that class and teacher. er. A second method involves indi- distance from one another. Students “It gives students the opportu- the new policies and procedures for The last scheduling element re- vidual rotation in which students are also asked to keep their masks on nity to experience the creating, pub- the return to in-person learning. The lates to advisory, which will remain work through series of stations or at all times in the hallways and make lishing and editing process,” Gosney voluntary teams revolved around during fifth period on Mondays. steps at their own pace with teach- use of the hand sanitizer stations lo- said. four areas: scheduling; instruction; One difference during fourth quarter er check-ins used to assess student cated near the stairways should they When putting the publication ninth grade orientation; and proce- will be that students will also be with work. The third strategy is a flipped need to clean their hands. Addition- together, Gosney looks at the pieces dures and protocols. their advisory teacher during fifth model in which teachers record a ally, students are asked to limit the that have been submitted and care- period on Thursdays, during which lecture or activity that the students time they spend in the restroom and fully considers the order in which Scheduling advisory will be similar to a Hawks watch before completing work on the number of people in the restroom those pieces should go. The scheduling team worked Lunch and Learn session of the past. their own. The fourth suggestion at one time to help minimize the pos- “Sometimes, there are pieces on making adjustments to the exist- In addition, students will need to is that teachers use a livestream ap- sible spread of COVID. that compliment each other,” Gos- ing school schedule that would bet- check in virtually with their advisory proach in which the in-person and When it comes to the class- ney said. “Other times, [I] can find a ter meet the needs of both in-person teacher for attendance on Wednes- at-home students are watching, lis- room, students will have assigned theme or story that is told through the and distance learning students. The days just like they did during full tening and working simultaneously seats determined by the teacher. various submissions.” design team decided that the over- distance learning. with the at-home students connect- The reason for this policy relates to Distance learning is something all block schedule will remain the ed through Google Meet or Zoom. the need for contact tracing if a stu- that has definitely been a big ob- same. Students will have their peri- Instruction dent is diagnosed with the coronavi- stacle for the Roundelay this year. ods one, three, five and seven class- The committee working on Ninth Grade Orientation rus. Students are asked to maintain Gosney said she has seen a lack of es on Mondays and Thursdays, and issues related to instruction made The third design team worked a three-foot distance from other stu- student engagement in the publica- their periods two, four, six and eight some changes to the existing ap- on a plan for the ninth grade orien- dents in the classroom and they are tion as some students are struggling classes on Tuesdays and Fridays. proaches used during distance learn- tation day on April 6. Since fresh- asked to help clean their space at the with motivation. Gosney added that Additionally, Wednesdays will re- ing while also updating some items men never attended in-person class end of the class period so the next engaging in extracurricular activities main a student support day, during for students returning to Cooper. at Cooper during the first three students can come into a sanitized can sometimes feel like just another which Hawks can get in-person or First, all students are expected to be quarters of the school year, the pur- room. Finally, students must wear a “thing to do” with so much going on virtual help from their teachers. in class at the beginning of the peri- pose of this day was to give them mask at all times in the classroom in students’ lives. While the basic structure is the od, whether physically for in-person a chance to be in the building with- and cannot eat or drink. “I have had few submissions to same, the realities of passing time learners or virtually for those people out students in grades 10-12 so they The final set of procedures Roundelay and it worries me about and lunch for in-person students re- at home. Classes will typically start could meet each other, work with and protocols relates to lunch time. the outcome of our journal this year,” quired some changes. The biggest with attendance and an overview of their teachers and explore the build- Much like the classroom, students she said. “However, I’m trying to shift is that passing time will now be that day’s lesson, at which point the ing. Students who are not in ninth are asked to maintain three feet remain hopeful and reach out to seven minutes instead of the 10 min- students will begin their work. The grade spent this day completing of distance from each other while students and staff to find those op- utes used during full distance learn- students staying in distance learning asynchronous lessons at home in a eating and to keep their masks on portunities. Furthermore, I think that ing. That means classes are now 88 will have a combination of synchro- distance learning format. before and after eating. Addition- sometimes it is hard to turn to writing minutes long instead of the 90 min- nous and asynchronous instruction The orientation day started ally, students will scan a QR code or art during times like these, because utes seen during distance learning. depending on what the teacher is with a 40-minute advisory session at their table to ensure that staff can that means you must engage with the The one exception to that peri- doing in class that day. during which students met their contact trace should someone con- circumstances of the world. I think od length is seen in periods five and The instruction team made teachers in person for the first time tract COVID. Students will also be most of us need a break, even writers six, which are 125 minutes long due recommendations to teachers about and learned more about the struc- asked to clean their areas at the end and artists. However, not all have the to lunch. There are three different various ways they can organize ture for the day. After that opening, of the lunch period so the next group privilege or opportunity to take that lunch times that students will have their lessons to meet the needs students were split into two groups, of students coming in for lunch will break, and many must engage with depending on their teacher that pe- of in-person and at-home learn- one of which had a 90-minute intro- have a sanitized space to eat. these circumstances. Writing and art are methods in which we do so." Gosney is still deciding whether or not the publication will be digital Cooper juniors named winners of national app award this year. She said she’d like to provide Andrew Tran, Owen Smith and He Yang received recognition through Rep. Ilhan Omar's 2020 Congressional App Challenge a physical publication because it feels “more intentional” for herself and the By SANDY VUE students. However, safety is still a big Quill staff writer priority, so an online publication may be the safest way. The publication Andrew Tran (11) and Owen Smith (11) won the 2020 Congres- date is yet to be determined as Gosney sional App Challenge (CAC) for Congressional District 5. Also rec- continues considering her options. ognized was He Yang (11), a friend of Tran and Smith from South Gosney strongly encourages Carolina who contributed to the project. students to be involved with Roun- “It was a great experience. We learned so much and expanded our delay because it provides the expe- programming skills,” Tran said. rience of putting together a literary The CAC is a competition hosted by congressional representa- journal and it gives students the op- tives around the U.S. in their respective congressional districts. In portunity to have other people see this case, the award came from U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who represents their work. District 5. “Creative writing is very much The winning submission from Tran, Smith and Yang is a math alive and active,” Gosney said. “It’s tutoring app, MathIKnow Tutoring, that connects students who might an ongoing discourse, and is very not otherwise be able to afford tutoring services with volunteer math much involved in the shaping of our tutors. Smith said they created this app because they enjoy math and world.” want to help students succeed. If students would like to get in- “We created this app to make it easier for students to receive volved with Roundelay, they must online tutoring and resources as they shift into and out of distance contact Gosney through her email learning,” Smith said. address at megan_gosney@rdale. While working on this project, the trio faced some challenges. org. They can also submit a piece “One of the biggest challenges is the time constraint,” Tran said. through this Google form: https:// “We really rushed to get things done as the October 2020 deadline forms.gle/Eejo4GimFgiszJnW8. came up.” While the deadline to submit is April Meanwhile, Smith said his biggest challenge was learning and 24, Gosney may still be able to take better understanding how to create compelling website design. contributions after that based on the “There are a million small things, and if you are missing one, size of the pieces. then users might be missing the point [or] not getting the message,” “Literary journals are much he said. Photo by ANDREW TRAN more accessible now and the sub- An important part of their winning project was collaboration. Andrew Tran and his partners on the project designed an mission process, though defeating at They said that communicating through text and using Github to share application for finding tutors for academic help at school. times, is much more widely available computer code was essential. Ultimately, the group split up the work and doable,” Gosney said. “There between themselves so they all had an important part to complete. As part of the award, the students won a Southwest Airlines gift are so many opportunities. Rounde- “Andrew worked on back end, I worked on front end, and He card, although they said they don’t really have a use for it right now lay is an opportunity to practice put- Yang worked on testing and interaction between front and back end,” because of COVID. They also received an invitation to a virtually ting your work into the world.” Smith said. held celebration called the House of Code. April 23, 2021 News Page 3, The Quill School releases COVID safety protocols School unveils new option for The series of policies and guidelines are intended to keep everyone at Cooper healthy in order to support in-person learning sible spread of COVID is physical credit completion distancing in the classroom. Teach- ers will be making sure that students Ninth, tenth graders can are seated no less than three feet make up missed credits from one another. When interacting as part of new program with the teacher or other people in the room, students should also be By CHRISTOPHER NGUYEN mindful about staying no less than Quill staff writer three feet, and preferably six feet, away from each other. A new credit completion pro- At the end of the class period, gram was introduced after first teachers will have supplies so that semester to help ninth and tenth students can clean their areas in graders who did not pass classes in preparation for the next group of the core academic areas. students who will be in the room. “The credit completion pro- Students should follow the teach- gram is new at Cooper this year,” er’s cleaning instructions to keep science teacher Ms. Diamond themselves and their classmates safe said. “Through the program, stu- during the process. dents can work to finish and earn credits in their core classes [of] Safety in the cafeteria science, English, math and social Physical distancing will be key studies." in the cafeteria during lunch much The first run of the program, like it is in the classrooms. The seat- which took place from February ing in the cafeteria will be designed 10-25, was organized by Cooper so that students can maintain at least BARR Coordinator Mr. Haasch. three feet between themselves and Students were placed in the pro- Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA their neighbors. Students are expect- gram based on their first semester ed to follow staff instructions while The Minnesota Department of Health's decision tree can help students determine if they should attend school. performance. Ninth and tenth- in the cafeteria concerning where grade teachers were asked to iden- By YORDANOSE MULAT sues that students should consider Safety in the classroom and where not to sit. tify selected students who were Quill staff writer when it comes to deciding between The primary method of staying In order to help spread students close to passing a core class. These going to school and staying home. safe in the classroom is to wear a out in an effort to maximize physi- students were then placed in a sub- The resumption of in-person Students who have any combina- mask at all times. When wearing a cal distancing, upperclassmen will ject-specific session after school to learning brings with it a series of tion of a sore throat, nausea, diar- mask, it is important to do so prop- be able to use the upstairs commons earn their credit in that class. Ac- new safety procedures designed to rhea, chills, muscle pain, extreme erly; otherwise, you are putting area, the foyer commons area and the cording to Haasch, being a part of keep students and staff healthy and fatigue, new headaches or nasal yourself and those around you at outdoor commons area near the ten- this program helped save time for avoid COVID outbreaks at school. congestion should also consider risk. A properly worn mask should nis courts during the lunch periods. students. The safety procedures cover actions staying home. cover the nose, the mouth and the Even in these alternate locations, “This gave students a chance students should take at home, in the Another situation in which chin. If any of these areas is not cov- maintaining at least three feet from to complete their current class in classroom, in the cafeteria and in a student should stay at home is if ered, especially the nose and mouth, your peers will be an expectation. the credit completion program, other areas students share in com- they have come into close contact the mask is not protecting you or No matter which location you rather than having to take the entire mon. with someone who has COVID. your neighbors. use to eat your lunch, students will class over again in credit recovery A close contact would be someone Students should remember that be asked to scan a QR code to in- or summer school,” Haasch said. Safety at home who lives in the same household a bandana is not considered a mask dicate their location in order to The credit recovery program One aspect of keeping the as the student who has tested pos- and does not provide adequate pro- help with contact tracing should ran after school on Wednesdays school safe is not coming to the itive for COVID. Additionally, if a tection. Students who do not have a COVID issue arise. It is also out and Thursdays through a Google building if you are exhibiting any student has been within six feet of a proper mask and need one when of concern for contact tracing that Meet from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Dia- symptoms that are associated with someone who has been diagnosed arriving at school can pick one up at open lunch has been canceled for mond said her science students COVID. There are four key symp- with COVID, that would also fall the main office. fourth quarter. All students attending had a routine each day of class. toms that students should be on the within the definition of close con- Another component of safety Cooper for in-person learning are “We had prearranged what look out for when deciding whether tact. in the classroom is staying in your expected to stay at the school when work, formatives and summa- to attend school: a fever of 100.4 A helpful tool in assessing assigned seat. Teachers in all classes eating lunch. tives, students would still need to degrees or greater; a new cough or whether to stay at home is the will be assigning seats to students in At the end of the lunch period, complete in order to earn a pass in cold that is getting worse; difficulty COVID-19 Decision Tree for Peo- order to make contact tracing possi- students will be asked to throw away Physical Science. Some days, I had breathing; or a loss of taste or smell. ple in Schools, Youth and Child ble if someone contracts COVID. their trash, which is a normal cafete- students working together with me Students who have any of those Care Programs. Published by the Additionally, remaining in your ria expectation. However, students reviewing notes or concepts, and symptoms should stay home from Minnesota Department of Health, seat will help you avoid spreading may also be asked to perform addi- other days, I had students working school. this infographic can help one deter- or exposing yourself to COVID if it self-paced and checking in with In addition to those four key mine whether or not remaining at should exist in the classroom. COVID SAFETY me if they had specific questions,” continues on page 6 symptoms, there are additional is- home is the best idea. Also helping to avoid the pos- she said. According to English teacher Ms. Navalta, the students in her IB exam process resumes after 2020 cancelation credit recovery course were large- More than 100 Cooper juniors and seniors will be taking tests across multiple subject areas between April 30 and May 20 ly focused on finishing a summa- tive essay. In order to help them By MAKAYLA HOTT worth it for us to focus on preparing for in that process, she worked with Quill staff writer the May exams all year long.” them on learning plans. In addition to the in-class prepa- “For my English classes, it The next four weeks will see 108 rations, IB teachers also offer specific began with checking in with each Hawks take 183 International Baccalaure- study sessions as the dates of the ex- individual student to see where ate (IB) exams across a wide array of sub- ams get closer. they left off in their planning pro- ject areas. The first test, which is in the area “In the weeks leading up to the cess for the essay, such as asking if of Business Management, takes place on exam, there will be optional review they at least had started their essay April 30, while the last, which is in the area sessions for students who are testing,” back in semester one when it was of French, takes place on May 20. science teacher Ms. Hawkinson said. originally assigned, or if they even “Most of the exams will be held “I [also] encourage students to allocate had read the literary text. Once I at House of Hope Lutheran Church on 20-30 minutes per day, or every other knew where each student was at, Boone Avenue,” IB Coordinator Ms. day, to review the material as the ex- I was able to make individualized Christensen said. “Because of COVID ams get closer.” plans so that not all students were restrictions at the church, we may have to One student who is currently forced to start at square one,” she hold three IB exams at Cooper.” spending a large amount of time pre- said. The process of registering for paring for exams is IB diploma candi- The primary benefit of the the tests was different this year due to date Grace Hambike (12). Hambike is credit completion program relates distance learning. A registration form testing in HL Chemistry, HL French, to earning credits, especially for was sent through the mail to eligible Math, HL English and History. freshmen. students’ houses last fall and families “I plan to do past IB papers and “Ninth grade is such a tran- had several option for completing and review my notes to prepare for the sition year for my students and returning the form. exams,” Hambike said. “I believe that having students start off their high “New this year [was that] families taking the exams will help me be pre- school career already short on Photo by MS. CHRISTENSEN had the ability to pay for the exams with pared for college.” credits can be a tough hurdle to a credit card,” Christensen said. The school's IB office receives boxes of exam materials to administer the tests. According to Hawkinson, stu- overcome,” Diamond said. “The Once Christensen knows who is at regular intervals. Proctors are also cost-savings, as students earn credits dent success on the exams is often credit completion program was the testing in what areas, IB sends all test- there, available to support students with based on their score,” Christensen said. related to their mindset walking into perfect solution to give them that ing materials to the school. When the a variety of tasks.” “A student that tests in five or six areas the test. Hawkinson said it is key that hope.” materials arrive, Christensen and her IB When students are done testing, during their junior and senior years and students have confidence. However, teachers in the office educational assistant Ms. Meyer their materials are mailed to IB within scores well could begin their college “IB will have questions that ask credit completion program saw sort them and store them in a secure 24 hours of each exam. journey with a status of a sophomore.” you to apply what you learned to a many other benefits to the new location. Christensen will then take all “We typically prepare the exams Helping Cooper students to do brand new situation and it will feel like system beyond just earning a cred- needed materials to each exam. for mailing immediately following well on these exams are the school’s IB you never learned it,” she said. “You it. Navalta said she witnessed stu- “We also ensure that our exam each exam,” Christensen said. “We teachers, who have spent months guid- know it; you just have to figure out dents expanding their learning in supply box is replenished each spring,” work with a company that picks them ing students through the skills they need what the question is actually asking.” new ways. she said. up directly from Cooper.” for test success. Agreeing with that is Kope, who “The students were able to Students follow a similar routine Exam results are released July 6. “Everything that we do in class said she likes to remind her students learn from each other and have during each exam they take. Students Students have unique login informa- prepares students for the May exams be- that they are “geniuses.” more one-on-one guidance from have to arrive at the testing location 15 tion to be able to access their scores cause the exams are so comprehensive,” “They should walk into the testing me,” she said. “During my classes, minutes before the test starts. Students from the IB website. English teacher Ms. Kope said. “The room feeling like a genius that is going I was able to see and hear student also must leave their belongings out- Depending on each student’s May exams are very good assessments to kick the test’s rear end,” Kope said. collaboration and observe deeper side of the testing room. At the start of scores and which college they attend, in that they are not just multiple-choice “Having some confidence is key when thinking.” the exam, students have a five-minute the exams can allow the student to earn tests, but are substantive essays that taking high-stakes exams and I believe all Diamond added that students reading time to get familiar with the college credit. In some cases, this means show a student’s depth of knowledge students who have done the rigorous two- taking part in the program were layout of the exam and the questions that students may bypass the introducto- over breadth of knowledge and skill in year class should feel some swagger and able to use that momentum to help they will need to answer. ry courses offered by their college and literary analysis and interpretation over some pride for their accomplishments. I “Each exam is timed,” Chris- move directly to higher-level courses. memorizing the name of a literary era do believe students are geniuses and they CREDIT COMPLETION tensen said. “Time warnings are given “Almost always, it results in a or writer. For those reasons, I feel it is prove themselves of this every year.” continues on page 9 Page 4, The Quill Opinion April 23, 2021 Cancel culture Teens should avoid vaping at all costs can be helpful The adverse physical impacts of using vaping products may even outweigh those of traditional tobacco products as well as hurtful impact on a person’s body. The second obvious prob- While social media can lem with vaping is that you raise awareness about issues, can get addicted. Once you get addicted, you will not stop, it can also victimize people which leads to more of the physical impacts of vaping and By ANDREA TRIBBLE the waste of a lot of money Quill staff writer buying vaping products. The Cancel culture has become reason vaping is addictive is very active this past year. It’s al- because vaping products have most every week we hear of an- nicotine, even those products other celebrity being “canceled” that claim not to. In fact, a re- for doing something that raises cent CDC study found that “99 the outrage of different segments percent of the e-cigarettes sold of society. While there are defi- in assessed venues in the Unit- nitely times at which cancel cul- ed States contained nicotine.” ture is a necessary part of correct- That means teens who vape are ing famous people for their bad just as likely to get addicted as behavior, there are other times teens who smoke cigarettes. when it uselessly victimizes the The third reason not to person who gets canceled. vape relates to all of the stuff Cancel culture can be useful that vaping puts into your when it holds celebrities account- body. Beyond nicotine, most able for their poor actions. I imag- vaping products contain ad- ine it can be very easy to go on a ditional chemicals that are power trip and feel like you can highly harmful to the human say and do anything when you are Photo courtesy of GETTY IMAGES body. The CDC reports that vaping products have harmful of high social status. Cancel cul- Beyond nicotine, most vaping products contain additional chemicals that are highly harmful to the human body. ture can counteract those attitudes substances like “ultrafine par- when the public has a platform By MAJAY MURPHY This example is a good reason trol (CDC), vaping as a teen ticles that can be inhaled deep for reacting to the things celebri- Quill staff writer why all teens should give up can “harm the parts of the brain into the lungs; flavorings such ties do and say. For example, after vaping if they are already do- that control attention, learn- as diacetyl, a chemical linked Megan Markle exposed the rac- The U.S. Food and Drug ing it or avoid vaping if they ing, mood, and impulse con- to a serious lung disease; vol- ism within the royal family during Administration reports that never tried it. trol.” Each time a new mem- atile organic compounds; can- her Oprah Winfrey interview in “28 percent of high school One reason to avoid vap- ory is created or a new skill cer-causing chemicals; [and] March, TV personality Piers Mor- students and 11 percent of ing is because it has a physi- is learned, synapses are built heavy metals such as nickel, gan was fired fromGood Morning middle school stu- tin and lead.” What Britain after audiences reacted dents used e-cigarettes makes this scary is negatively to his words of criti- by 2019.” This sta- One reason to avoid vaping is because it has a that companies do not tistic shows that teen disclose those items cism about Markle. physical impact on your body. The human brain Cancel culture also can al- vaping is a growing on their packaging. low marginalized people to seek concern in our coun- keeps developing until about age 25 and the use Overall, the mes- accountability when the justice try. I have first-hand of vaping products could affect that development. sage is to stop vaping system fails. A great example of experience with this if you already started this happening was the #MeToo problem thanks to a or to avoid vaping if movement, which gave thousands friend who was vaping you have never tried of women and men the ability to and playing sports at the same cal impact on your body. The between brain cells. According it. Vaping is clearly bad for call out their abusers in a space time. It was making him tired human brain keeps developing to the CDC, the brains of teens your body. In some ways, it where accusations could be heard so we made him go to the doc- until about age 25 and the use build synapses faster than adult is even worse than smoking and respected. The presence of tor. They said he should stop of vaping products could affect brains, but vaping can change cigarettes. The evidence about cancel culture within social media vaping or he would develop that development. According the way these synapses are the negative impact of this ad- broadcasts messages out to mil- breathing and heart problems. to the Centers for Disease Con- formed. Clearly, vaping has an dictive habit is overwhelming. lions of people, exposing those predators on a large scale. This resulted in powerful figures in en- Returning to in-person learning has been beneficial tertainment, broadcast news and publishing losing their jobs and While things are definitely far from normal, there have been advantages to coming back to Cooper for school their ability to continue their abu- By ERIN CHUNN study time with their teachers sive behavior. Quill staff writer and classmates. For someone Cancel culture can play a role like me who really struggled in exposing people who have done After four academic quar- studying from home, being or said discriminatory things. For ters of distance learning, it able to come here and still have example, YouTube star Shane seemed like we’d never be my own space is great. Dawson is constantly under fire back at Cooper. However, now Speaking of space, the from the cancel community after that we are in the building, it’s lower number of students com- videos of him making tasteless a lot to get used to. Besides ing for in-person learning has jokes about race, pedophilia and waking up earlier and actual- been a positive change. First, bestiality resurfaced. In this in- ly leaving home, the biggest the bathrooms aren’t crowded. stance, the benefits of cancel cul- adjustment is that you’re ac- Also, we get our own space ture clearly show: a person who is tually in the presence of other in class. This has helped stu- comfortable with making jokes in people. Of course, most peo- dents feel comfortable despite such a disgusting manner should ple are happy to be back with COVID. not be in a place where he is ad- classmates they haven’t seen With the world feeling mired by millions of fans. in 13 months. While everyone so chaotic right now between The Dawson case also sheds has their own reason for com- Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA COVID, police brutality and light on the potential bad side ing back, we can all agree that Asian discrimination, coming of cancel culture: it can punish Students have more space in most classrooms due to safety protocols. it is a big change. back to school might not be the people for things they did years Due to COVID, a lot has tion, we have three lunches, the Teacher are giving students a most important thing on any- ago. Cancel culture has no expi- changed about what an average latest of which starts at 12 p.m. lot of personal time to work on body’s mind. However, I am ration date when it comes to what school day looks like. First of Another change now that their assignments. glad I came back in person to someone can be canceled for. We all, we still have block sched- we are back is that teachers are While these changes make finish out the school year. As a were all young once and made ules, so it feels like we’re in teaching distance as well as school feel a little different, part of the black community, I mistakes, even celebrities. Can- the same classroom for hours in-person students at the same being in the building does have know we’re going through a lot cel culture holds celebrities to the on end. Also, to keep hallways time. While this has made some benefits. For example, right now, so it feels good to be expectation that they have to have clear, we don’t have lockers, so things a little awkward, things students now have the chance able to just disconnect all day a perfect track record to stay rel- we keep our stuff on us. In addi- have started to settle over time. to get more in-person work and and focus on my studies. evant. Another downside to cancel culture is that it is not always pro- ductive and rarely brings about Going to college right after graduating from high school is best plan significant social change. In fact, The many legitimate reasons for delaying college are outweighed by the importance of academic momentum, earning potential it can even be viewed as a form of online bullying. Celebrities By MAKAYLA HOTT and do what is best for them, to school right away is a good doing school work. I also want and regular people who are can- Quill staff writer there are many advantages to choice is because you are already to be able to go with the flow of celed can face intense harass- going to college right after high in the habit of going to school. I things, make new friends, and ment, threats and mockery from The pandemic has many school. feel like going right away will take part in fun activities. hundreds or thousands of people high school students thinking I think that going to col- be easier than waiting and try- In conclusion, going right online. about whether or not it makes lege right away is a great choice ing to get motivated to return to into college after graduating has Given the complexity of the sense to go to college right away if you have a pretty good idea school later. Also, by going to many advantages. It gives you benefits and detriments of can- after graduating. Given the un- about your education plan. For college right away, you can get a way to prepare for the rest cel culture, it is tough to say that certainty of what life on college example, I am choosing to go to done with it faster and move on of your life and it gives you a canceling is all good or all bad. campuses might look like next a technology school first and then to the next phase of your life. A chance to have fun social expe- As is shown by the examples fall if COVID is still an issue, moving to a four-year university. person’s future earning potential riences. At the same time, it is discussed above, cancel culture some people are thinking about That is because the cost of tak- improves with a college degree, true that going right into college can be positive when it leads to delaying college for a year or ing general classes is lower at a so having one before moving might not be the best choice for breakthroughs like the #MeToo two. Of course, even without the technology school than it is at a into the work force will help everyone. Each graduating senior movement. However, it can be pandemic, some graduating se- university, so I will not have to your eventual salary. has to choose wisely and do what awful when regular people find niors might think waiting to go to waste money and get loans that I A third aspect of starting makes them comfortable. Wheth- themselves at the center of being college is what is best for them, will have to pay back. Being able college right away will be to er it is waiting to go to college or wrongly bullied by the people try- while others think going right to get the college experience in get the social part of the college going to school right away, mem- ing to cancel them. One thing that away is best for them in order to an affordable way is important to experience. I want my college bers of the class of 2021 are right is certain is the continuing power just get it out of the way. While I me as I go on to the next step in years to be just like we see in the now making big decisions about of social media means that cancel feel that everybody should really my education. movies. I don’t want to always how they will move into the next culture will not be going away. think about what’s best for them Another reason why going be on the computer and always phase of their lives. April 23, 2021 Opinion Page 5, The Quill Racial traumas New grading approach helps students on full display Although some might exploit the fact that 50 percent is the lowest score on unfinished assignments, the policy gives others hope in Chauvin trial By JACK ATKINSON Quill staff writer While it is good to watch the jus- One change that happened tice system at work, the trial is a during the 2020-2021 school reminder of America's problems year that some students might not have noticed given all of By ANDREA TRIBBLE the other changes that hap- Quill staff writer pened during distance learning relates to the school’s grading It’s been almost a year since policies. Cooper made a num- the murder of George Floyd, a ber of updates to the old grad- black man who was killed by ing policies in order to make former Minneapolis police of- the system more flexible and ficer Derek Chauvin on May focused on student success 25, 2020 for allegedly using a during a challenging learning counterfeit bill. Since his death, situation that kept students at there has been a national uproar home. While there are some of people expressing their anger negatives to the changes that and exhaustion when it comes were made, they are largely to the racism and prejudice that positive and definitely benefit is ingrained within this nation students. and its legal system. The changed policies re- Derek Chauvin’s trial start- volved around grading, retak- ed on Monday, March 8 when ing summatives and late work the initial jurors were selected. submission. The first shift is Personally, I have not been able that the minimum grading a to tune into the streaming of the student can get is set at 50 trial. As a black American, it is percent instead of zero per- Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA extremely traumatizing to con- cent, as it was in the past. In The new grading policies, which were introduced during distance learning, may continue in the future. tinuously watch the system fail addition, during first semes- these black men and women ter, students received letter til the completion of the unit's D on their transcripts instead dents to get a better grade in who have been, and continue to grades of A, B, P for Cs and summative assessment for full of a P, but it seemed like a lot class. be, murdered by those who have Ds or DLNP if they did not credit. of extra work. Overall, the updated grad- a supposed duty to protect our pass. When it comes to sum- The new grading system The new policies on retak- ing policies make it clear that well being. As the abuse of pow- matives, students are given has a good side and a bad ing summatives and turning the school and its teachers er from law enforcement against a minimum of one retake per side. One of the things I like in late work are very benefi- know that students are hav- black and brown Americans con- summative at the discretion of about it is that if you fail a cial to students. In a situation ing stress trying to teach and tinues to be exposed, a raw and the teacher if a student com- test, instead of it just being like the one mentioned earli- learn over a computer this brutal truth sets in for those who pletes steps such as reviewing a zero, you get a 50 percent, er when a student fails a test, year. While the school can’t don’t share the complexion of the assessment, completion which still allows you the they can turn that 50 percent make this unusual year total- domestic terrorists like Dylann of missing work, seeking ac- chance to get a good grade in into a higher score by request- ly stress free, these policies Roof, who got fast food deliv- ademic support or having a class. However, one thing that ing a retake. Likewise, they are at least reducing some ered to him by police officers af- reflective conversation with seemed harder first semester can turn their 50 percent for of the stress. It wasn’t our ter killing nine innocent people, the teacher. As for late work, is that you had to get an 80 not turning in formatives to a choice to stay home for al- or 17-year-old vigilantes like summatives can be accept- percent in order to get a letter higher score as long as those most the whole year because Kyle Rittenhouse, who received ed for full credit within two grade of A or B on their report assignments are turned in by of COVID-19, so at least the refreshments and praise from the weeks of the due date and for- card. Students did have the the end of the unit. These pol- school is trying to be more police for taking the law into his matives can be submitted un- option to request to see a C or icies make it possible for stu- flexible with its students. own hands with a semi-automat- ic rifle and killing two protesters who were executing their First Amendment rights. Picking an ideal college is still possible during pandemic One key moment in the Even if you are unable to visit a potential school in person, there are other ways to make sure you find the perfect college fit Chauvin trial so far has been the testimony of Seth Stoughton, a people look at tuition as the police use-of-force expert, who central issue when choosing a testified that it was not nec- From the Editors college, many people don’t re- essary to place George Floyd alize that there are many ways in the prone position once he Students are told through- that the school you like can was removed from the back of out high school to keep an eye help you with money. By com- the police car by the officers. out for colleges and universi- pleting the FAFSA, applying As the trial moves toward a ties they might be interested for scholarships and looking verdict, community members in attending. Despite this ad- into on-campus jobs, there are continued to demand justice for vice, many juniors and seniors many ways you can get help George Floyd by staging pro- find that they have a hard time with the cost of school and not tests throughout Minneapolis in picking colleges once the time have to worry as much about a continuing effort to make our to do so arrives. Added to that your choice of college. voices heard. stress over the last year is the One obstacle to these var- While the community is additional challenge of picking ious tips is that many students still dealing with the death of a school when in-person visits struggle with procrastinating. Floyd and his murderer’s tri- are more difficult due to the Pushing things to the side to al, we are also being forced pandemic. Clearly, this entire Photo courtesy of UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA avoid dealing with them can to grieve yet another innocent process can be stressful for make the college decision black man who was killed by a Visiting nearby campuses can help those students who might not want to travel. many students. However, there more difficult than it needs to police officer. Daunte Wright, are some ways you can make doing more research on it. You list relates to majors. Your po- be. More importantly, if you a 20-year-old man, was fatal- choosing a college easier. can watch videos about the tential major will have a big im- procrastinate, you may unin- ly shot in Brooklyn Center on The first thing students school, which is a great method pact on what college you would tentionally miss deadlines for April 11 during a traffic stop. should do is make a list of for learning more about it. You like to attend. Many univer- college and scholarship appli- Kim Potter is the officer respon- all the colleges and universi- also can follow the school on sities have specific programs cations. sible for the death of this young ties they might like to attend. social media accounts, which that they emphasize more than These are some strategies man. Although she is a 26-year This list could be based on gives you an idea of what they others. For example, some col- for picking a good college or veteran of the police force, she what characteristics students are about. Even more impor- leges may provide good nursing university to attend after high claimed to have mistaken her might want in a college. For tantly, students should visit programs while others focus on school. While you will still gun for her taser. instance, students can think their potential schools if they engineering programs. Ask- experience some moments of As we mourn and add about what state they want to feel safe doing so during the ing questions about majors is stress during the process, the Wright’s name to the long list be in for college or how large pandemic. When visiting, you something that you should not final goal of gaining entrance of black and brown people who the school’s student population can ask for a tour and they will shy away from when choosing into your top school makes it have died due to police care- might be. These basic elements show you the class buildings, your potential college. worth the work. Plus, given lessness and ignorance, we must of a school will serve as a good dorms and other important Once you have zeroed in the unprecedented stress stu- stay a united front. It is up to us starting point for a list. sites that students will experi- on schools that offer key ma- dents have dealt with over the to continue this fight for libera- Once students have a list, ence when they are eventually jors in an area that you like, the last year due to COVID, the tion from the chains of a system the best way they can get a on campus. cost of tuition is an important challenge of picking a college that constantly dehumanizes good feel for a school is by Another key to creating a factor to consider. While most should feel easy in comparison. and terrorizes our community.

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]. Page 6, The Quill Variety April 23, 2021 COVID SAFETY continued from page 3 Virtual theater show delivers laughs tional cleaning tasks should unfore- seen situations come up. Complying Lights, Camera, Action!, which debuted on March 13, features a Cooper cast performing online in a show viewers can still stream with staff requests for cleaning help will be part of the process of eating in the cafeteria during fourth quarter.

Safety in other shared spaces There are a number of spaces that students returning for in-per- son learning will share throughout the school day that also have new safety expectations. One key area for many students is the school bus. Much like the classrooms at school, every bus rider should wear a mask covering their nose, mouth and chin at all times. Depending on the number of riders there are on the bus, the driver may have varying expectations about physical distancing, the number of students who can sit in each seat, and whether those seats will be assigned. The key will be for students to fol- low the driver’s instruction, be aware of the need to maintain a distance of three-to-six feet from other students, and be respectful of other students’ wishes if they do not want to have you in their personal space. Another shared space all stu- dents will use throughout the day is the Cooper hallways. The hallways now feature decals on the floor and on wall signs indicating the proper side of the hall to walk on and the proper direction to walk in. Similar Photo by MR. ZUCCOLA directions will be posted in the stair- Despite some issues related to plot and editing, the streaming show is worth watching thanks to the great performances. cases so that students are maintain- was, “What the heck is this?” That he played several. (In fact, a lot of Something else I also enjoyed ing the proper traffic flow. By LUKE REKELA-JASPER line sums up my thoughts on the the cast members played multiple was how goofy and ridiculous the When moving through the Quill staff writer play. Even when I became more at- roles.) Nyabuto’s standout role was show was. After all, the premise it- halls, it is important for students to Forrest Gump once said, “Life tentive than usual, I still was having playing one of the characters from self is wacky, being that it is about maintain the maximum personal is like a box of chocolates. You never trouble figuring out what exactly was the film The Breakfast Club, giving the ghost of a dead agent who takes space possible. Also important is for know what you’re gonna get.” That happening. But the basic premise of a two-minute long monologue in her client on a history trip through students to avoid touching through would be the most accurate descrip- the show is that a struggling screen- which he conveyed the emotion and different points in several films. For handshakes and hugs, which can tion of what I experienced while writer named Charlie becomes ac- guilt that his character was feeling the most part, Lights, Camera, Ac- possibly spread illness. Congregat- watching the virtual theater show quainted with the spirit of his dead very well. While I do think there are tion! does not take itself that serious- ing in groups in the hallways is also Lights, Camera, Action!, which was agent, who takes him on a trip across way too many characters that are ly. There are some obviously inten- prohibited given the various traffic directed by Cooper theater teacher film history to help improve his played by the same people, every tionally goofy moments that are just and safety issues already covered. Ms. Wurzer-Palm. After I sat down knowledge as a screenwriter. cast member really gives it their all, there to make the audience laugh at A third shared space in which stu- with the whole family to watch the There is a lot to cover when it which I could tell as a viewer. how absurd it is, which makes it a dents need to be cautious is the bath- show on its March 13 streaming comes to what I liked about Lights, Another thing I enjoyed about charming piece of entertainment. room. Since COVID can be a partic- release date, our home was seem- Camera, Action! First off, I think the show was the costumes. Being However, while Lights, Cam- ular concern in small, enclosed spaces ingly transformed into a live zoo most of the actors and actresses were that each cast member plays at least era, Action! had its funny moments, without the ventilation a window can for orangutans, because our living excellent. Even though I had no idea two or more characters, costumes had its negative aspects are tough to provide, restrooms can be a risky place room echoed with laughs at the what was happening in a given scene, to be a priority to make each charac- overlook. Before I get into what to spend too much time. Students are show’s gut-wrenching humor and my attention was primarily piqued ter feel distinct. Performances aside, I I disliked, I need to acknowledge encouraged to keep their restroom knee-slappers, but also at the plot’s by the well-done performances. One think almost every costume or outfit that I am aware that the production visits short, to avoid socializing in the confusing elements. actor in particular, Jason Nyabuto in the show was distinct enough for a restroom, and to keep their masks on The final line in the show, cour- (11), gave great performances for stupid audience viewer like myself to at all times. Additionally, if you arrive THEATER SHOW tesy of the end-credits blooper reel, every character he played and, yes, identify the different characters. continues on page 9 at a restroom that already has more than two people in it, you might want to consider returning later when the crowd has gone down in size. Minecraft still delivers gaming fun after a decade First released in 2011, the game has seen its universe expand, with updates providing players with reasons to stay engaged ATHENA AWARD continued from page 1 By ZACARI WATSON defeat the dragon, you have to destroy Quill staff writer its healing crystals. Once you defeat it, Tribble said her favorite class at you’ll be rewarded with a lot of expe- Cooper is AVID because Ms. Wine- Minecraft was designed by rience points and a dragon egg, which berg is an “amazing teacher.” She also Markus Persson and Jens Bergensten, currently has no use. You will also said the class has been key in prepar- also known as “Notch” and “Jeb.” It gain access to end cities, which are a ing her for life after high school. was produced by Mojang Studios, bunch of floating ships where you can Tribble’s next step in life after which was founded by Notch after find treasure. high school will be college. Next fall, the success of Minecraft when it was Besides the ender dragon, the she will attend Seward County Col- released in 2011. Now that we have game has one other boss fight. When lege on a basketball scholarship. After reached the tenth anniversary of this you place three wither skulls on top of that, she will transfer to a four-year game’s release, it is a good time to soulsand, it creates a creature called university and continue her basketball revisit it and recognize what a great the wither. It is a three-headed flying career. game Minecraft is. monster that shoots fireballs and can “I've been fortunate enough to Minecraft is known as a “sandbox break through almost anything. When get the opportunity to use basketball game.” It isn’t a story-driven game, but you defeat it, the wither gives you an to get me where I want to be, which is it does have achievements and goals. item called a nether star, which can be a public interest lawyer helping those The game takes place in a world where used to create a beacon, which can be who are marginalized in our society,” Photo courtesy of MOJANG everything is cubical. The terrain is modified to give you special effects. she said. Minecraft is known as a "sandbox game," in which players made of blocks, and everything you While we are on the topic of special Simmons said Tribble will con- have achievements and goals but do not follow a central story. interact with, such as tools, food and effects, you can also brew potions. tinue to be a great player as she heads treasure, are known as items. es created by players. game. The first is The Nether, which Minecraft also has what’s known into college. The game has four different Finally, the last game mode is is filled with lava and fire. To get there, as enchanting. You can enchant your “She has an amazing work eth- game modes that you can choose spectator. If you play in this mode, you you need to build a portal out of obsid- armor and weapons, giving them ic,” Simmons said. "[She is the] first from. The first is survival, in which are basically a ghost. You aren’t able ian. The Nether had an update recently special abilities. For example, un- player in the gym and the last to leave. you are able to take damage and die. to interact with anything and you can that gave it different biomes. There breaking increases durability and can She is a player the opposing teams You have to keep your hunger up, and go through everything. In fact, when are forests with red trees and there is be applied to all gear. Thorns can be fear and work hard to contain. She has if you are underwater for too long, you you go through the ground, you can a place called Soul Sand Valley, which applied to armor, which deals damage a great motor and is fearless.” can drown. see all the different cave systems and has fossils everywhere. Another part to anything that attacks you. Other In addition to Tribble, the other The second game mode is cre- lava. of the Nether update is the introduction enchantments include speed, fire pro- Cooper nominees for this year’s Ath- ative. In this game mode, you don’t Minecraft has a variety of an- of netherite armor, which is stronger tection and sharpness, which speak for ena Award were Isabella Grandbois take damage from anything except the imals and monsters. Some of those than diamond armor. themselves. (12), Grace Hambike (12), Trophina void, which is underneath the lowest include exploding creepers, teleport- The second dimension you can As this overview makes clear, Mentoe (12), Amalia Villalobos (12) layer of the world. In creative mode, ing endermen and zombies. There are travel to is called The End. Unlike the world of Minecraft has expand- and Pazong Xiong (12). Like Tribble, you have automatic access to an in- farm animals that you can keep as pets nether portals, The End portal has to be ed greatly over the last decade of the these students were nominated by finite amount of every block and item or farm for food. You can even tame found. The portal is located in an un- game’s existence. I would recom- their coaches as outstanding senior in the game. wolves and cats, and trade with villag- derground stronghold. In order to find mend Minecraft for anyone who en- female athletes. Tribble said she had The third game mode is adven- ers. the stronghold, you need to craft eyes joys building, crafting weapons and some advice for younger athletes who ture. This mode is almost the same as Another interesting aspect of of ender. Once you get to The End, fighting monsters. Minecraft contin- hope to one day be Cooper’s Athena survival, but it is intended to be used in Minecraft is that there are two other you have to fight the ender dragon, ues to deserve a rating of five out of Award winner. maps, which are games and challeng- dimensions you can travel to in the one of the game’s two boss fights. To five stars. “My advice to anyone who hopes to win this award is to make sure you push yourself athletically, ROBBINSDALE APPROVES ANNUAL AUDIT OF DISTRICT FINANCES continued from page 1 academically and do things for your found. We found no evidence of the positive balance, the impact of the health support, robust summer edu- pacts on schools and students. She community. Being more than just an suspicions of wrongdoing lodged pandemic will likely lead to some cational programming and technolo- reported that, to meet the needs of athlete is very important. Never be against specific employees,” Ms. financial challenges in the coming gy access,” Hein said. students, a total of $1.6 million was afraid to make your voice and opin- Blaha, the state auditor, said in the school year. Additionally, Interim Super- used by the district to purchase 5,588 ions heard. You'd be very surprised report. “Schools will need increased intendent Dr. Burrage has testified iPads and Chromebooks, as well finding out how many people will be While the audit found that funding in order to support student’s to the Minnesota legislature about as hotspots and accessories, during inspired by your courage,” she said. the district’s general fund has a needs, such as additional mental COVID-19 and its financial im- distance learning this school year. April 23, 2021 Variety Page 7, The Quill Cyberpunk 2077 Lecter connoisseurs will eat up Hannibal creates a world The underwatched NBC show has become a pandemic hit on Netflix, prompting rumors of a brand new season

showing how Lecter and Gra- worth visiting ham are connected as they solve murders together. In fact, the Some gameplay glitches are murders they solve help them offset by Cyberpunk 2077's learn even more about one an- compelling environment other. Hannibal’s writers are also strategic in their decision to wait until the third season to incorporate characters who were in the original trilogy of movies, such as Francis Dollarhyde, Ma- son Verger and Rinaldo Pazzi. That allows viewers to become more invested in the new char- acters and to the developing re- Photo courtesy of CDPROJEKT lationship between Will Graham Work on Cyberpunk 2077 took near- and Hannibal Lecter. ly 10 years, which is obvious given The last element that makes the details in the game's design. this show so great is the music. Composed by Brian Reitzell, By SAO MOUA the soundtrack perfectly depicts Quill staff writer someone losing their mind. In this case, the one losing his mind Cyberpunk 2077 was re- is Will Graham. Throughout the leased on December 10, 2020. series, he struggles with getting The game has reportedly been Photo courtesy of DINO DE LAURENTIIS COMPANY himself out of the mind of a se- under development for rough- rial killer and the psychotic and A highlight of Hannibal is the cat-and-mouse relationship between Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham. ly nine years by developers CD eerie music shows this well. On Projekt and CD Projekt RED. while also battling one another. I so special is the way they both By MAX REKELA-JASPER top of that, the music playing This game has an intriguing story think what makes this chemistry try to undermine and figure out Quill staff writer when Hannibal Lecter is cook- set in a futuristic, action-packed so great is the way the relation- each other. As the series pro- ing meals out of human remains environment. Although the game Hannibal is a TV show ship between Lecter and Graham gresses, Lecter and Graham re- has more of a classical tone, has a lot of bugs if you do not that aired on NBC from 2013- is developed. In the beginning, alize that they are both alike and which makes it even scarier to play it on a high-end PC, I’d still 2015. Created by Bryan Fuller, Special Agent Jack Crawford their doctor-patient relationship the average viewer because it recommend Cyberpunk 2077 as this show is based on Thomas wants Graham to be psychoan- becomes more personal than shows how cooking and eating an outstanding, open-world ad- Harris’ novels about notorious alyzed due to his ability to see either of them could have ever people is routine for Hannibal venture. cannibal serial killer Hannibal the emotional point of view of imagined. Without the chemis- Lecter. To add another element Cyberpunk 2077 is set in Lecter. Although it only aired serial killers. In other words, he try between Mikkelsen’s Lecter of fright to this, when showing Night City. In this game, you for three seasons, this show can empathize with the serial and Dancy’s Graham, this show the dark personal lives of the play as V, the main character. gives a fantastic insight into the killers on an emotional level to would not be as interesting as it other various serial killers on V is a mercenary going after an relationship between psychia- determine how they committed is. the show, the music is very low “immortality implant.” As you trist Hannibal Lecter and crim- their crimes. Crawford even- Another thing that makes and dark, with some occasional follow the story, you explore inal profiler Will Graham. tually connects Graham with this show a success is the writ- upbeat tones to really frighten various districts of Night City, Hannibal focuses on the Hannibal Lecter, a well-known ing. Given the existing trilogy the audience. meeting different characters that time period before Hannibal psychiatrist living in Baltimore. of Hannibal Lecter movies, the Overall, the fantastic chem- give you missions. Lecter was in prison and how As Lecter begins to psychoan- show’s writers knew that audi- istry between Mikkelsen’s Lecter Given the fact that Cyber- he kept his murders a secret alyze Graham, Graham catches ences would already be aware and Dancy’s Graham, the bril- from the FBI. The roles liant writing, and the of the main characters eerie soundtrack make The setting of this have been recast for this show a must-watch this show when com- The show starts with Hannibal Lecter still oper- for fans of the Hanni- game, Night City, pared to the movies. ating as the killer cannibal known as the Ches- bal Lecter books and is creative and well Most notably, the show movies. While it may designed. To put it features Danish actor apeake Ripper. The twist is that he has not yet take some time to ad- Mads Mikkelsen as been caught and is still working as a psychiatrist. just to the series due to into perspective, the Hannibal Lecter, Hugh the complete recasting map in this game Dancy as Will Graham of all the characters we and Laurence Fishburne know, it is definitely is almost as big as as Jack Crawford. What makes on to it and demands Lecter stop of who Hannibal Lecter is, so worth it to watch this series, even that in Grand Theft this show just as great as the immediately because Graham the show starts with Lecter still though season three ends on a lit- Auto V. Night City trilogy of Hannibal Lecter mov- knows all the psychology tricks. operating as the killer canni- eral cliffhanger. That is because ies are the chemistry between This intrigues Lecter and he be- bal known as the Chesapeake the show was canceled after three has four points of Mikkelsen’s Hannibal Lecter gins to develop a personal re- Ripper. The twist is that he seasons in 2015 by NBC due to interest: City Cen- and Dancy’s Will Graham, the lationship with Graham, some- has not yet been caught and is “low viewership.” However, new well-written dialogue, and the thing he has never done before still working as a psychiatrist. fans of the series have emerged ter, Heywood, San- brilliant soundtrack. Hanni- with a patient. In addition, because the show during the pandemic thanks to the to Domingo and bal manages to be scary to the Lecter soon begins to help starts off prior to any of the show’s presence on the stream- Westbrook, which viewer while also showing the Graham solve the case of a man, events covered in the movies, ing platform Netflix. Due to the internal struggle Will Graham nicknamed “The Minnesota the relationship between Han- show’s rise in popularity on Net- all look amazing. has within himself. Shriek,” who is killing young nibal Lecter and Will Graham flix, there have been rumors cir- One of the best things about girls all around Minnesota. is able to become the key fo- culating about a potential fourth punk 2077 has been in devel- this show is the chemistry be- Slowly but surely, Lecter begins cus of the show, as opposed to season, but we will just have to opment for nine years, it seems tween Mads Mikkelsen’s Han- to unlock places in Graham’s the relationship between Lecter wait and see. Personally, I’d love like the development of the nibal Lecter and Hugh Dancy’s mind that intrigue him as they and FBI agent Clarice Starling, to see a fourth season of this story and the optimization of Will Graham. Right off the bat, work on this case. What makes which is the focus of the films. five-star show and I know many the game play should both be they connect with one another the chemistry between these two The writers do an excellent job fans would like to as well. excellent. However, that clearly isn’t the case for this game. The game is riddled with countless Older anime show K-On is worth another look bugs, whether it’s falling off the map or images that clip in Produced by Kyoto Animation, K-On follows the story of four aspiring musicians as they journey through high school and out. If you’re into beautiful games with great graphics, you By CHRISTOPHER NGUYEN or mouth over pre-recordings. may be disappointed by Cyber- Quill staff writer This connects the K-On anime punk 2077. to the real world in a way that On the flip side, I think the Hirasawa Yui has never is unique to the show. setting of this game, Night City, joined a club before. But due Beyond the music, the is creative and well designed. to unfortunate events, she actual story in K-On is inter- To put it into perspective, the finds herself enrolled into the esting. You get to witness the map in this game is almost as light music club. There, she four aspiring musicians grow big as that in Grand Theft Auto meets the three other mem- together as they form a band V. Night City has four points of bers, Tainaka Ritsu, Kotobuki and overcome daily obstacles. interest: City Center, Heywood, Tsumugi and Akiyama Mio, You also get to have a good Santo Domingo and Westbrook, with whom she establishes laugh out of the comedic el- which all look amazing. I love a friendship. Together, the ements of the plot. Usually, the layout of the setting and the four of them face the ups and Kyoto Animation tends to in- gloomy weather throughout the downs of school. This is the corporate some sadness and game. premise of the excellent show drama in their works, and The music in Cyberpunk K-On, which follows the story you will be able to see that in 2077 fits really well with the of these four aspiring musi- K-On as well. As one of the atmosphere of the game. All of cians as they journey through Photo courtesy of KYOTO ANIMATION first slice-of-life shows Kyoto the songs have an intensity that high school together. Animation attempted, K-On is matches the action on screen. In The band featured in the show, Ho-kago Tea Time, also exists in real life. K-On comes from Kyoto truly refreshing and relaxing addition, the running time of the Animation, a company respon- season of the series, you can ly exists in real life. This is a to watch. game’s soundtrack is massive. sible for creating hit shows see a major shift in animation good method to create actual All in all, K-On is an ex- There is around two hours worth like Hyoka, Sound! Euphoni- quality. That is because Kyo- original songs strictly dedicat- ample of a well-rounded anime of excellent music in the game. um, A Silent Voice and Violet to’s animators and illustra- ed to the anime. Additionally, from its time period. Its com- Overall, I recommend Cy- Evergarden. In terms of show tors are eager to deliver some it works as a way to promote bination of comedic and mu- berpunk 2077 because I love and animation quality, Kyoto breathtaking scenes and pro- the anime through accompa- sical aspects make the show its open-world action, its ex- has a really good reputation. vide eye candy to the audience nying shows and live concerts. enjoyable to watch. If you cellent setting and its great mu- Although K-On is one of Kyo- of K-On. It was shocking to me when I want to sit back and have a sic. While the game has a lot of to Animation’s older works, One element of this show first found out the voice ac- good laugh, K-On is the anime bugs, its positive elements make first released in 2009, it is still that amazes me is the fact that tors for the main cast actually I recommend for you. You can it worth checking out. Cyber- pretty decent. Moreover, if the band they formed in K-On, sing the songs and, when they watch this five-star show on punk 2077 deserves three out of you watch the first and second Ho-kago Tea Time, actual- perform, they don’t lip sync Netflix and Crunchyroll. five stars. Page 8, The Quill Variety April 23, 2021 Premier Performers Snyder does more justice to League The story of the musicians and artists who bring their talents to Cooper Zach Snyder's Justice League is an expanded, revised version of original theatrical release James Horns By FAITH KING make whatever I want,” Horns said. Quill staff writer Horns said they enjoy sharing their knowledge of art and showing James Horns (12) takes art classes their brother different ways to make at Cooper. Horns has been involved in art and be creative. Horns also plans on making art since they were just three remaining in their arts classes for the years old. remainder of the year and continuing to “I’ve always loved the draw recreationally outside aspect of being creative and of school. being able to draw and illus- As for outside-of- trate anything I can imag- school hobbies, Horns en- ine,” Horns said. joys “sleeping, watching One of their favorite Netflix and hanging out memories from art class with [their] dog.” has been Cooper’s annual Horns plans on at- Project Greenway fashion tending University of design competition. Photo by JAMES HORNS Minnesota, Duluth to ma- “It was so cool to be jor in psychology. able to think outside the box “I want to be a psychi- and create fashion in a non-conven- atric technician for children,” Horns said. tional way and then show it on stage,” Horns plans on continuing with

Horns said. art in the future. Photo courtesy of HBO MAX Horns said their favorite subject in “I want to continue making art as a school is art. hobby; however, I don’t plan on follow- The director's cut of Justice League makes an effort to more fully develop the characters and fix plot holes. “I get to create and design and ing a career path with art,” Horns said. By LUKE REKELA-JASPER has to be Bruce Wayne, a.k.a. Bat- torial decisions. For instance, during Quill staff writer man. While I dislike Batman v. Su- every single action scene, Snyder uses perman, I think Ben Affleck gives slow motion. While I think he uses Jordyn Spears Zack Snyder’s Justice League the best performance he could for slow motion effectively in some ac- is a new film exclusive to the HBO the material he is given in that film. tion sequences, he ultimately uses it By FAITH KING cial leadership roles in Bel Canto, Spears Max streaming service. As the However, in Zack Snyder’s Jus- way too much. It’s like eating an en- Quill staff writer said “everyone is a leader in some way.” name suggests, the film is written tice League, the character of Bruce tire stick of butter when you only need Outside of Bel Canto, Spears said and directed by Zack Snyder, who Wayne is awkward, dry and stupid a slice, which I do not recommend. Jordyn Spears (12) is involved in her favorite class in school is foods. famously left the director’s chair of in certain situations. Even worse, he An additional trait I dislike about the Bel Canto Choir and dance team. “I love to bake and cook,” she said. the original Justice League during always sounds like his mouth is full the film is its tone, which is consis- Spears has been involved in choir Spears said she enjoys hanging out post-production in March 2017 due when he speaks. tently downbeat. I think it certainly is since she was in elementary school. with all of her friends outside of school. to a family tragedy. Joss Whedon, This flawed depiction of Bat- possible that you can make a dark and “I started singing be- Additionally, one of Spears’ who directed two previous Marvel man leads to an important point: I depressing comic book movie. The cause it was something outside-of-school hobbies is Cinematic Universe films, came in don’t think Zack Snyder fundamen- movies Logan and Watchmen (also that my elementary school longboarding. to finish Justice League, which went tally understands the characters he directed by Snyder) are some good teacher got me into because “I love to longboard,” on to become a critical and box of- is adapting from DC Comics. For examples of doing this well. How- I was looking to learn some- Spears said. fice disaster when it was released example, Superman is typically a ever, if you give the film a sad tone, thing new,” she said. Spears plans to at- in November 2017. For many years hopeful and upbeat superhero who it needs to feel earned. The viewer What she has enjoyed tend Southwest Minnesota now, there have been rumors that a also leads a very human, relatable life needs to feel some sort of emotional most about being in Bel State University in the fall “Zack Snyder cut” of the film exist- as his alter ego, Clark Kent. In Zack connection to the characters to care Canto was a music tour her of 2021 to major in justice ed. In 2020, Snyder, DC and Warner Snyder’s DC universe, Superman is about them within that larger tone. sophomore year. Photo by JORDYN SPEARS administration. Bros. confirmed its existence and as- a sad, depressed and expressionless Unfortunately, in Zack Snyder’s Jus- “Two years ago, [we “After college, I want to sured fans that it would be released in anti-hero who I cannot possibly root tice League, the two male leads are took] a trip to Texas and become a detective,” she said. March 2021 on the new HBO Max for thanks to his lack of depth and monotone anti-heroes who, quite [got] to see things and learn new things Though she will not be continuing streaming service, which brings us to character development. Similarly, literally, “answer to no one,” which about this world,” she said. with Bel Canto in college, she will be the subject of this review. Batman, a superhero best known for makes them hard to connect with. Spears said she also enjoyed “do- continuing to dance. Let me being by saying I do not following a rule that he will not kill I just can’t get with the tone of Zack ing the fall festival and getting to know “Dance is my outlet that I’ve like the theatrically released Justice his enemies, is often shown in Sny- Snyder’s Justice League. some of the kids at Armstrong.” used my whole life and I’m not ready League. However, I think it is better der’s films as an angry, dark execu- Despite the many things I dis- Though she does not have any offi- to give it up just yet,” she said. than the previous two DC films that tioner who uses machine guns and like about the movie, there are a few Snyder made, Man of Steel and Bat- brands bad guys with a cattle iron. things I do enjoy. I think Snyder is man v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. I think what Zack Snyder’s Justice really talented at making movies that Lucy Moore As for Zack Snyder’s Justice League, League and the other DC films need look good. Zack Snyder’s Justice I ultimately find myself overwhelmed to succeed are good characters. They League is shot in IMAX, and despite By FAITH KING been many benefits to the arts activities by its concurrent storylines and inter- all don’t have to be relatable, but we me not loving the 4:3 aspect ratio, I’m Quill staff writer in which she takes part. She said she en- esting filmmaking decisions. In this need to understand why these charac- cool with it in this case. Snyder is also joys the creative aspects of her Cooper review, I will primarily be discussing ters do what they do. great at directing action scenes. Be- Lucy Moore (12) has been involved art classes and the chance to learn new what I dislike about the film. Howev- Fortunately, Zack Snyder’s Jus- side his overuse of slow motion and in many different arts-related activities in- chords and songs when playing her in- er, there are a few things I do enjoy as tice League does a better job with his downbeat tone, he makes some side and outside of Cooper. struments. When it comes to dance, she well. As I run through these observa- some of the other characters. For good action sequences. “I have been dancing the longest, said she enjoys the element of teamwork. tions, I assure readers that this review instance, while the antagonist of the In conclusion, as much as I can but I have also taken many art classes “In dance, I like the commitment will be free of any spoilers. Finally, film, Steppenwolf, is still a generic rant about the flaws in this film, I such as painting, drawing and routine that being in- at the end of this review, I will reveal and bland evil-doer like he was in the think it is admirable for DC and War- and photography. I have also volved takes. It made my whether or not I recommend this original theatrical cut, Zack Snyder’s ner Bros. to allow Zack Snyder to recently started trying to play days feel more productive unique film. Justice League gives him a little more complete his vision of the movie he instruments like the guitar and fulfilling. It also took a lot The first thing I dislike about depth. In this film, we learn he is a ser- could not finish. It must be thrilling and ukulele,” Moore said. of teamwork and work itself Zack Snyder’s Justice League is the vant trying to impress his master, an for Snyder himself to actually release Moore’s work in art to be able to create such intri- characters. Given the fact that Zack alien tyrant named Darkseid, who is his movie and actually get critical classes started when she cate routines,” she said. Snyder’s Justice League is a four- not in the theatrical cut. Additionally, praise for it. I may not like Snyder’s came to Cooper. Over the Along with her talents hour movie, it seems as though there the depictions of some of the central three DC films, but I do think he is years, she has been in mul- in the arts, Moore said her is plenty of time to develop its char- heroes in the film, such as Aquaman a respectable filmmaker. When it tiple drawing, painting and Photo by LIFETOUCH favorite school subjects are acters. Instead, the characters are of- (Jason Momoa), Wonder Woman comes to comparing the theatrical cut photography courses. As for math and chemistry. Outside ten underwritten, bland or monotone (Gal Gadot) and The Flash (Ezra of Justice League to the Snyder cut, I dancing, she has been in- of school, Moore enjoys throughout the whole film. That is not Miller), are fine and their respective do prefer Snyder’s version just a bit volved in that for six years. playing video games, watching YouTube to say all of the characters are bad. actors do a solid job. more than what was released in 2017. “I started because I loved watching and taking care of her pets. My favorite character is Victor Stone, Another element I dislike about However, I give both the 2017 cut and Dance Moms and creating dances with After high school, Moore will go to a.k.a. Cyborg, played by Ray Fisher. the film is its pacing. As I mentioned Zack Snyder’s Justice League two out my friends in middle school,” she said. college for something related to computer He is clearly given the most depth and earlier, this film is four hours long and of five stars. I would not recommend According to Moore, there have science and information technology. background. However, almost every it features several scenes that add no these films to average moviegoers, other character is not someone that I depth to the story and characters that but I think DC fans should give them could root for. could easily be removed. Pacing also both a watch, develop their opinions Maria Panora My biggest character letdown plays a role in some of Snyder’s direc- and move on with their lives.

By FAITH KING mances at Orchestra Hall and taking part Quill staff writer in Pit Orchestra for the musical Ragtime. Quill Comics Corner Panora’s long involvement in mu- Uhmm...Working Title By Davis Ruppert-Kan Maria Panora (12) is a musician sic has led to her taking on many lead- who plays in Cooper’s Symphony Or- ership roles. chestra, Philharmonic Orchestra and “I have been section leader for either Chamber Strings. first or second violin several times. It takes “I have been playing the violin in on a responsibility of keeping the section orchestra class since fourth together through communi- grade. I remember that cating with the other section teachers came to Noble and leaders through gestures demonstrated the different while playing, especially if instruments that we could there is no director,” she said. choose. I was originally go- Outside of music, Pan- ing to play the viola, but I ora's favorite class is math switched at the last moment. because she likes how math I am happy that I was able problems have a solution. to pick up the viola this year Photo by LIFETOUCH “I also really enjoyed IB though,” she said. Chemistry last year,” she said. Of the many high- After high school, Pano- lights of being involved in music, Panora ra will pursue a bachelor's degree in music said a sense of community has been the education with an instrumental emphasis. biggest one. This was especially the case “I am still considering a couple of in some of her favorite music memories, schools and have not yet made my final which include her junior year perfor- decision,” she said. April 23, 2021 Variety Page 9, The Quill THEATER SHOW Sci-fi fans should discover great Trek show continued from page 6 was messed with because of the Star Trek: Discovery is the first in a series of new television programs that expand the Star Trek universe COVID-19 pandemic, which result- ed in the actors and actresses having to wear giant, janky, transparent face masks that are extremely distract- ing from the story. Also, because of social distancing guidelines, the cast was forced to do many of their scenes from home and via Zoom calls. Clearly, it was incredibly chal- lenging to make this show and I re- spect each and every member of the cast and crew who helped make it possible. With that said, I’ll now get into what I think went wrong with Lights, Camera, Action! Right off the bat, the editing for the play was atrocious and took me out of almost every scene. If a character was stand- ing in front of a green, blue or white screen, there was some sort of blur or smudge that either covered their face or body. I am not expecting per- fection here, but the technical errors from the white screens became dis- tracting from the plot and pulled me out of the narrative. Also, the audio and music bounced off the walls. In certain scenes, music would blare from the top of the speakers, and at scenes right afterward, characters would be speaking like they were whispering in a library. Much like the editing, the sound issues became distracting enough to pull me from the story, Photo courtesy of CBS TELEVISION STUDIOS which in turn, only made me even Having just completed its third season, Star Trek: Discovery is now available on the new Paramount+ streaming service. more confused. Another challenging aspect of By ANDREW HAGGE that the Discovery is a top secret re- work and that comes through in ev- too much. the show was the story. I sat down Quill staff writer search vessel working to develop a ery scene. While the special effects The introduction of interesting in a room with three people and spore drive, a new way of travel that are most noticeable during all of the species on the show also leads to one watched Lights, Camera, Action! Star Trek: Discovery first aired is faster than using a warp drive for combat scenes, you can even see ev- of its best characters: Saru. Saru is Afterward, I asked all of them to tell in September 2017. CBS launched lightspeed. idence of good effects work in the the first Kelpien to enter Starfleet and me exactly what happened in the this series in hopes creating a new Discovery’s captain offers Burn- background during scenes when the represents a new species created for play and none of them “knew” what wave of Star Trek shows and it effec- ham a spot on his crew because of her characters are just talking to each oth- this show. He has heightened senses, they had just seen, including me. All tively caught everybody’s attention. expertise and the desperate state of the er. I have not seen anything like this especially when it comes to fear. With I know about the play is that our pro- Discovery, along with all other Star Federation’s war against the Klingons. from a show before. enhanced vision and hearing, Saru tagonist, Charlie, goes across several Trek movies and shows, was recent- Burnham starts working hard to help Another element of Star Trek: can detect things most of the other points in film history with the ghost ly brought to Paramount+ crew cannot, which makes of his dead agent and learns...some- when they launched the the character an appealing thing. I guess how to be a better writ- new streaming service in one. An interesting element of Star Trek: Discovery is the diversity of er? Because that was his ambition at March 2021. Discovery is Ultimately, Star Trek: the start of the play, right? Anyway, a great show that develops the species the crew discovers when they are travelling around Discovery has successful- about halfway through the show, I its clear potential in the first from planet to planet. Each new creature they introduce in the ly kickstarted a new age just stopped caring about what was season by becoming even in Star Trek shows. While going on in the story and just enjoyed better in seasons two and series has some sort of special trait that makes them unique. all of the new series are the ride. three. Discovery is a great exceptionally good, Dis- Another thing I sometimes dis- show for Star Trek fans covery is the absolute best. liked about Lights, Camera, Action! who have been waiting a Despite the high level of was the jokes. At the same time, long time for more journeys into the defeat the Klingons; however, with the Discovery I especially like is seeing hype around the program, Star Trek: there were many parts of the show Final Frontier. development of cloaking technology, the diversity of the species the crew Discovery doesn’t disappoint. With a that were funny both for intentional In season one, Star Trek: Dis- the Federation is soon overrun by the discovers when they are traveling fourth season scheduled to air in late and unintentional reasons. For ex- covery follows Michael Burnham, Klingons. Through perseverance, the around from planet to planet. Each 2021, it is a great time to get caught ample, in Charlie’s apartment, he is who is stationed on the USS Shen- Federation and Klingons stop the war new creature they introduce in the up on the show’s 42 episodes. In fact, often lying down on a bed and for a zhou. After committing mutiny, she is ravaging the stars. series has some sort of special trait if you sign up for a free, one-month blanket, he has a sheet of wrapping stripped of her rank and sentenced to Beyond its interesting plot, a that makes them unique. For exam- trial subscription to Paramount+, you paper that constantly wrinkles during life in jail. During transport to another highlight of Star Trek: Discovery ple, they find an animal that can work can watch all of Discovery when you scenes when characters were trying compound, the transport is rescued is its amazing special effects. The the spore drive, although it goes into have the chance. Star Trek: Discov- to be serious, which I found funny. by the USS Discovery. She learns show goes for movie-quality effects a hibernation of sorts after being used ery deserves five out of five stars. Also, for a couple of scenes, the ac- tors were just out of frame, which also became humorous. Danganronpa is good game for mystery buffs Overall, Lights, Camera, Ac- tion! was a fascinating show to Although it did not arrive in America until 2014, Danganronpa has deservedly amassed a large fanbase watch given the obstacles the cast and crew faced in putting it together By CECILIA NICHOLS on the case. during a pandemic. I do not think it Quill staff writer Over the course of the class trial, is fair to give this play a star rating the player must participate in sever- out of five simply because I know Danganronpa is a game series al “nonstop debate” sections. During how challenging the production was not many people know about. The first these debates, the students will argue due to COVID-19. What I will say game, Trigger Happy Havoc, was first amongst themselves in a series of is that I had a great time watching released in Japan on November 25, 2010 statements. Certain phrases will be Lights, Camera, Action! It was full on the PSP. It wasn’t localized in Amer- highlighted in orange; these phrases of spoofs, goofs, some laughably ica until February 11, 2014. My overall are called “weak points.” Truth bullets bad editing and some enjoyably opinion on the series is that it’s something are used in class trials to fire evidence at cringe-worthy humor. In short, I had everyone should try out if they enjoy the weak points in students’ arguments. a good time, which I think is perfect- the visual novel genre and crime solv- If the correct truth bullet is selected and ly fine for any theater show. ing. However, if you’re not into blood, fired at a weak point, it either shows the For those people who are in- intense violence or strong language, this contradiction in the statement or proves terested in viewing the show, it is may not be the game for you. its accuracy. In later stages of the game, still available to stream at https:// The game takes place in Hope’s additional truth bullets can be absorbed w2films.live/chs2021/. Although it Peak Academy, a school for people from students’ arguments and used at a can be watched for free, viewers are with ultimate talents. These talents are Photo courtesy of SPIKE CHUNSOFT different point within the same debate. requested to make a donation to cov- the things the students in Hope’s Peak The game is designed like a novel, giving players the chance to solve a crime. When the killer is finally discov- er the show’s costs. Academy are the absolute best at; no ered, the closing argument begins. This one can match their skill when it comes the story. When speaking with other deadly life. In this mode, you can look is a puzzle in which the player pieces to these talents. These talents range characters, some comments from the around the crime scene and other areas together a comic strip depicting how the CREDIT COMPLETION continued from page 3 from being the ultimate baseball star to students can be “reacted” to in order to of the school for clues to help you figure murder went down. After this, a punish- the ultimate pop sensation. reveal new information. Daily life also out who the killer is during the class tri- ment scene plays in which the accused them in second semester. You play as Makoto Naegi, the ul- features some “free time” segments, al. After you’ve found all possible clues, student is executed for their crime. “I think the program really helped timate lucky student. He enters Hope’s during which the player can spend their the class trial begins. These scenes generally relate to their tal- them find success midway through the Peak Academy through winning a time with other students and give them The class trial is where all the stu- ent in some way. At the end of a trial, the year and re-energized them for semes- lottery due to his lucky talent. This is presents. You can get presents through dents get together to figure out who the game ranks the player’s performance ter two,” Diamond said. where the game’s story sets off: You the MonoMono machine, which you killer is using the clues they’ve found. and rewards them with Monocoins. There were 46 total students find yourself trapped in this school and can use by paying the machine with The player also has “influence” upon Overall, I really enjoy the first who were able to earn their credit are introduced to the rest of the students Monocoins, a type of in-game curren- the other students, which is represented game of the series. The characters are through the program. Given those and their talents. Afterward, you’re in- cy gained by performing certain tasks by hearts. This is reduced whenever the interesting and unique; however, it’s numbers, Haasch said the imple- structed to go to the gym and meet the or completing class trials. Interacting player makes errors in shooting contra- probably best if you don’t get too at- mentation of the program had a headmaster, Monokuma, the black and with other students reveals more infor- dictions or presenting evidence, and is tached to them, as many of the charac- positive impact. white bear who rules over Hope’s Peak mation about them and unlocks skills, slightly replenished once the player gets ters will die over the course of the game. “We are looking forward to and demands the killing game to begin. which aid the player in certain aspects things right. The game ends if the player The story kept me guessing who the next year,” he said. “We hope to The game is split into two sections: of the class trial, and skill points, which loses all their influence or if they run out next murderer would be, how the oth- build on the program’s success. school life, which is split into daily life determine the amount of skills that can of time during a segment. Aside from er students would figure out who that This might include adding 11th and deadly life, and the class trial. Daily be used. that, the class trial section is basically killer was, and how the murder would and 12th grade and/or maybe ex- life is where the players converse with Whenever a murder occurs, the a series of mini games and segments actually play out. I give this game five panding to other subject areas as other characters and progress through game is set into investigation mode or where the characters speak their minds out of five stars. well.” Page 10, The Quill Sports April 23, 2021 Hawks spring teams are geared up to get outside Cooper athletes are primed to pursue their 2021 athletic goals after their ability to do so last spring was cut short due to the coronavirus

By NOLAN ANDLER Quill staff writer

Six hundred and sixty two. That is the number of days that have gone by since a Cooper spring athletic team last took the field for an official game. The long hiatus was forced by the pandemic, which led to the cancel- ation of the 2019-2020 spring season. While that left players and coaches heartbroken last year as they were unable to have a season, Cooper’s spring teams are finally able to show what they are made of in 2020-2021.

Boys Track The main focus for boys track this season is to develop the talent they already have and improve the skills of the incoming athletes. “We would like to see our team be more competitive across all of the track and field events,” Assistant Coach Mr. Zuccola said. “Right now, we are strong in the sprinting events, but sometimes struggle against our conference and section rivals when it comes to the distance events and the field events.” The track team did not lose many seniors to graduation during the canceled 2019-2020 season, which means that the returning athletes now have a chance to show their skills. Photo by DACK NEHRING “One of our top competitors is Members of the boys baseball team are looking forward to finally making use of the new field and dugouts during the 2021 season. sprinter Kahlil Borden (12), who won all-conference and all-conference years away from the Cooper coach- broken. In the previous season, we which will be both a challenge and an “A typical day would be players honorable mention awards during the ing staff while she coached track had above a .500 average season and opportunity. arriving from their various schools, 2019 season. In addition to Borden, at the college level. Since that time we were going into last season with a “Our areas for improvement and once everybody is there, we do some of our other top athletes include away has led to her being unfamil- feeling we could surpass that winning will be leadership because, this year, some warm-up stretches, play catch, sprinter Tarnue David (11) and dis- iar with many athletes on the team, average,” Emma Jennings (11) said. it is a younger team with a lot of ju- and work on ground balls, fly balls tance runner Magnus Korstad (11),” Schuelke said she is looking forward With the 2020-2021 season un- niors and a few seniors,” he said. “We and hitting,” he said. Zuccola said. to meeting the younger athletes and derway, Jace Herman (11) said that need to learn how to use our game DeMorett said some chief com- According to David, who is also recruiting new ones. younger players will be key to the and leadership on and off the field to petitors for the Hawks are the teams one of the team’s captains this year, “We are excited to see who we team’s success. show we can be a team that competes from Osseo, Anoka and St. Cloud, the loss of last season “hit deep.” have returning after this long break, “I think we have a strong team in the long run.” but that may also be affected by the “It felt like all the work me and but we are also really pumped about going into the 2021 season,” Herman Due to COVID restrictions, COVID situation this season. No my teammates did was all for noth- new arrivals and what they can bring said. “We are young, but we have so Niebuhr said that practices will be matter what the season looks like, ing,” he said. to the team,” she said. much talent that everyone brings in.” “pretty structured.” however, DeMorett said there are At the same time, David said the In order to get the track athletes One thing players are looking “We usually do conditioning many benefits to getting involved. time away made him work harder to up to speed after such a long break, forward to this season is getting back at the end of practice or something “The benefits of being on the prepare for the current season. Schuelke said hard work and consis- into the routine of daily practices. fun where we compete against each team include building friendships “I feel like this time we took off tency during practice will be key. “A normal, everyday practice other. We have a couple fun practic- with kids from their school as well has helped me grow and take time to “For the first couple of weeks, generally is the girls warm up and es in there to but we usually get our as other schools, participation in an work on my sprinting skills and en- we will be focusing on conditioning, begin with fundamentals like throw- business done and get ready for our activity that gets you moving, and durance,” David said. so we will do a conditioning work- ing progressions and grounders for upcoming season or game,” he said. earning a high school letter for par- Agreeing with David is Korstad, out before splitting up into individual our infielders and pop flies for our Niebuhr said he is looking ticipation in a varsity sport,” he said. who is looking forward to helping event groups,” she said. “When ath- outfielders,” Arianna Drinkwine (12) forward to playing some of the said. “Once we have warmed up, Hawks’ main rivals, which include Boys Lacrosse we practice defense first and have Benilde-St. Margaret’s and Mound The new head coach of the everyone take their positions they Westonka. Helping Cooper beat these Hawks boys lacrosse team, Mr. would play in a game or wherever the squads will be their ability to come to- Whiteis, has been connected to the coaches place the girls. After defense, gether as a team. squad for many years. He played we take turns with the girls practicing “It is a team effort. We have on the team during the four years he their offense and sometimes do live each other’s backs on and off the attended Cooper, from 2002-2006, hitting with our pitchers pitching to field,” he said. “Also, our coaching and he also coached the team from us. We end our practices with condi- staff is always warm, welcoming, 2012-2014. He said he is looking for- tioning.” gets the best out of us at each prac- ward to guiding his players through A key benefit of these practices tice, and makes us improve through- the new season after last season was is working on the ability of the team out the year.” canceled. to play together. “After a canceled 2020, my goal “We are a strong team and we CI Softball for the 2021 season is to simply en- will get though it together,” Pip- The 2020-2021 CI softball sea- joy the game and have fun. We play er Harms (12) said. “One of our son is one of uncertainty due to the because it’s fun, so while we will be strengths is that we communicate a impact of COVID. The fact that CI working hard and pushing each other, lot and we never give up, no matter softball games take place indoors I’m also going to be making sure that the situation.” means that safety will be an issue for we’re enjoying our time on the field In addition to social distancing both practices and games. that last year’s seniors didn’t get to and masks, COVID will be caus- “[We are] not sure how many experience,” he said. ing the team’s competition schedule players will be joining because of the Whiteis said that players com-

Photo by MR. DISALVI to look a bit different this season, continued COVID situation,” Head ing out for the team will spend a lot of with more in-conference games and Coach Mr. DeMorett said. “[We time working on their ball-handling The boys track team looks to be more competitive across all 18 events. competitions that take place closer to are] not sure if there will be enough skills. the team make its mark in distance letes have that individual event group home. However, there is one match players to field a team to play other “Practice will start by taking events. time with their coaches, it’s all about up the team is looking forward to that schools. We will have a team; we are advantage of the Community Gym “Not having last year really skill work specific to whatever event happens every year. just not sure if there will be enough wall. Catching and throwing is im- makes me want to work even harder they do. For example, jumpers might “We always have a big game for games.” portant in the sport of lacrosse, so for it,” he said. be working on runway approaches, at the end of our season against our Depending on the final roster, it’s something we’ll be focusing on In addition to the competitive while throwers could be focusing on rivals Armstrong and tons of people all year. We’ll then make our way to aspects of track, Zuccola pointed out footwork” come out for it,” Drinkwine said. the turf where the start of practice will that involvement in the sport has oth- According to Schuelke, track “It’s a really competitive game that is focus on individual skills with each er benefits as well. is a unique sport that features both memorable but also a good time and a position: attack, midfield, defense “Track is a sport that can teach individual and team elements. She fun way to wrap up our season.” and goalies. We’ll finish practice with athletes about lifelong fitness and said this gives practices and meets a lot of small ball dynamics,” he said. healthy living,” he said. “Addition- moments to compete and moments Baseball One important aspect of the new ally, participants get a chance to de- to relax. The 2019-2020 baseball season lacrosse season will be recruiting ath- velop friendships and work alongside “There’s a team culture of sup- was one of the most anticipated in a letes to join the team. According to their peers in pursuit of common port, but you also have those close re- long time. With upgrades to the field, Whiteis, lacrosse is a good activity goals. Track is also a way to gain lationships with your individual event new dugouts and a new scoreboard, for athletes looking to improve their speed and strength for other sports in groups. Also, since events are spaced the Hawks were looking forward skills for other sports. which the athletes might participate.” out throughout the meet, there’s a lit- to taking on their area rivals. Unfor- “Lacrosse is a great off-season tle bit more down time for some peo- tunately, this did not happen due to sport for basketball, soccer and foot- Girls Track ple. This means they get the chance the pandemic. Now, those hopes are ball players,” he said. “Footwork, After the scrapped 2019-2020 to watch their teammates compete being renewed for the 2020-2021 conditioning, vision, speed and phys- season, Head Coach Ms. Schuelke before, after or in between their own season. icality are the building blocks of a said the biggest challenge this year events,” she said. “Our season outlook is looking Photo by ERIN BROWN lacrosse player, just as they are for will be to make sure she has the right pretty good with all the new upgrades The girls softball team will see those three sports. Playing lacrosse amount of students join the team. Softball we got on our baseball field,” team many young players on its roster. will not make you a worse athlete.” “Once we get our numbers up, A solid 2018-2019 season cre- captain Spencer Niebuhr (12) said. that will allow us to really focus on ated high hopes and optimism for the “This means a lot to us players to get DeMorett said the captains for the Girls Lacrosse making practices more competitive,” 2019-2020 softball season, but the these upgrades because we have had squad will likely be the seniors who Heading into the 2020-2021 she said. pandemic left the team heartbroken. those dugouts for a very long time.” sign up. These players will help lead Schuelke said she is excited for “After COVID canceled our According to Niebuhr, the the rest of the squad through a typical SPRING TEAMS the new season after spending two 2020 season, most of us were heart- Hawks squad is young this season, day of practice. continues on page 12 April 23, 2021 Sports Page 11, The Quill Twins enjoying strong start Cooper Competitors The story of the athletes who strive for success in Cooper sports After falling in the postseason in 2020, the Twins have their sights set on the World Series Grace Sodd By FAITH KING During the winter and fall seasons, Quill staff writer Sodd said she focuses on bettering herself as a softball player to come back even Grace Sodd (12) plays softball stronger the next season. in the spring. Sodd found her love for Sodd’s favorite subjects in school playing softball when she was in mid- this year are marketing and accounting. dle school and, since then, it has be- “I really enjoy the creativity in my come a big part of her life. What Sodd marketing class and the challenge in my has enjoyed most about accounting classes,” she said. softball is her teammates. As for outside-of- “My favorite thing school hobbies, Sodd said about being in my spring she enjoys being active. sport is the community and “You can find me at family that my teammates the lake, doing all things and I have built,” she said. from snowmobiling to In fact, Sodd’s favorite boating to fishing to cut- memories from her sport in- ting some wood,” she said. volve her teammates. Photo by GRACE SODD Sodd plans on attend- “Some of my favorite ing the University of North memories are the bus rides to Dakota in Grand Forks and games or the team dinners,” she said. majoring in marketing starting next fall. Last softball season, Sodd held a lead- “I am not sure exactly what I want Photo courtesy of GREG HARDING ership role on the team as a junior captain. to do with this degree yet, but on the The Minnesota Twins faced the Boston Red Sox during a spring training match up in Florida on February 28. This season, Sodd is returning with a leader- side, I plan on getting my private pilot’s ship role, serving on the Captains’ Council. license," she said. By ANDREW HAGGE training, which does not always the offense can’t produce, the de- Quill staff writer mean too much. fense isn’t able to hold off most Spring training did give fans teams. The Twins play a style of Arianna Drinkwine The Minnesota Twins have a sneak peek at what the Twins defense which is able to hold the started the 2021 season by going could look like, but many of the opposing team for most of the By FAITH KING tribute to the team’s wins and skill growth. back to a swing hard, swing fast starters hardly played as much game, but if the Twins’ bats get Quill staff writer During the winter and fall seasons, strategy in order to beat other as some of the secondary play- nothing done, then the team is Drinkwine continues to train and become teams through powerful batting. ers. That is because Baldelli was bound to lose that game. Arianna Drinkwine (12) plays soft- a better softball player. This includes hit- This is nothing new to Twins trying to get a grasp on who they Being offense-minded worked ball at Cooper during the spring season. ting clinics and doing fitness training with fans, who saw this beginning a could expect to take charge in the in many ways during spring train- Drinkwine started playing softball when her club team to stay in shape. few years ago while ing, but it still causes she was in sixth grade shortly after she Drinkwine’s favorite subjects in the team transi- some problems. During stopped dancing. school are government and English. tioned into a batting spring training, oppos- “I started because I “Government because first, defense second Being offense-minded worked ing teams could not al- wanted to find a new hob- we learn things that are mindset. ways score as many runs by besides dance that didn’t helpful in the real world and At the same in many ways during spring as the Twins, but when consume so much of my English because it’s always time, manager Roc- training, but it still causes they did, it wasn’t pretty. time,” she said. been my strong subject and I co Baldelli was de- In many of those games What Drinkwine has just enjoy doing it,” she said. fensively focused some problems. During spring the Twins lost, the mar- enjoyed most about soft- Outside of school, this offseason after training, opposing teams gin of loss was often ball is “being around great Drinkwine enjoys hanging many blunders on could not always score as five or more runs. This girls" who are some of her out with friends and snow- the field last season. is a pattern the team will "best friends now." Her fa- Photo by A. DRINKWINE boarding. The Twins were able many runs as the Twins, but hopefully correct as the vorite memory from soft- As for college plans, to acquire Andrelton when they did, it wasn’t pretty. regular season moves ball was going to Missouri Drinkwine said she just Simmons, who is a forward. for a tournament and meeting girls committed to St. Thomas University. well-known short- In many of those games the As of week four of from other states. “My major is undecided as of right stop with four gold Twins lost, the margin of loss the regular season, the As a returning senior on the team, now, but my plans are to go into nursing gloves to his name. was often five or more runs. Twins have been hov- Drinkwine said she does her part to be a school in the fall of 2022 and start pre- Another focus was ering around .500 in the role model to the younger girls and con- med this fall,” she said. on the Twins bull- win-loss column. Addi- pen, which has a tionally, they are cur- couple strong players rently in second place Spencer Niebuhr but isn’t very deep when it comes bullpen as well as on the field. in the American League Central to solid players. There were many One encouraging fact is that, in division behind the Cleveland By FAITH KING “I have to be a leader on the field instances last season when the most of the games the Twins won, Indians, who are battling to keep Quill staff writer for the younger boys and in the dugout Twins lost in the final innings due they scored four or more runs. the top spot in the division. With to make sure we don’t put our heads to poor relief pitching. Another component to spring the team currently in a decent po- Spencer Niebuhr (12) has played down,” he said. During spring training, the training was that the Twins had to sition in the standings, fans will varsity baseball since seventh grade. In the off season, Niebuhr spends Twins won 12 of their 28 games deal with many defensive battles. be looking for key players on the "I just fell in love with the sport be- time working on his baseball skills, with 14 losses and two ties in tow. As they upgraded their defense, Twins to step up by midseason cause I got to make new friends, challenge such as hitting baseballs to become a Although this record did not look they still have a fairly big weak- when they really need to get and myself to be better, and I wanted to create better player. promising, it was only spring ness to their name. As a result, if stay on top. my own legacy because I “I also started to weight- looked up to the MLB players lift to get my body in shape that made me want to play for the season,” he said. NCAA's March Madness lives up to its hype baseball,” he said. When it comes to After the pandemic led to the cancelation of last year's tournament, fans were ready for 2021 Niebuhr said he enjoys school, Niebuhr said his the competitive aspects of favorite subjects are gym By NOLAN ANDLER North Texas 78-69 and No. 9 Wis- which beat No. 3 Texas 53-52. baseball. In fact, his favorite because it keeps him active Quill staff writer consin, led by guard Brad Davison, memory of the sport involves and engineering because he manhandled No. 8 North Carolina The Second Round: South Region a triumph over Chanhassen likes to be challenged. The coronavirus canceled last 85-62. No. 9 Wisconsin did their best in seventh grade. Photo by S. NIEBUHR Next fall, Niebuhr will year’s NCAA men’s basketball to hang with No. 1 Baylor but the “I got my first-ever attend college as an engi- tournament after a crazy season The First Round: Midwest Region Bears were simply the better team, high school win against the neering major. He has been filled with upsets. Fortunately, the No. 8 Loyola Chicago re- winning 76-63. Next, No. 5 Villa- defending state champions Chanhassen accepted at Northern Illinois University Madness returned this year, but un- turned to the big dance for the first nova cruised to a win over No. 13 and we won the game 9-5,” Niebuhr and Kansas State University. like usual years during which the time since their Cinderella run in North Texas, while No. 3 Arkansas said. “I also got a hit that started a rally.” "I hope to continue playing base- games take place in arenas and sta- 2018 and they brought the well- survived against No. 6 Texas Tech As a senior player, Niebuhr said he ball after high school because the sport diums throughout the country, this known Sister Jean, the team’s chap- 68-66. Finally, No. 15 Oral Roberts works hard to be a role model. just means a lot to me,” he said. year’s entire tournament took place lain, along with them. She worked continued on their Cinderella run in Indiana due to COVID and the her magic as the team beat No. 9 by beating No. 7 Florida 81-78. fact that the Final Four was already Georgia Tech 71-60. Led by coach Piper Harms scheduled to take place at Lucas Oil Wayne Tinkle, No. 12 Oregon State The Second Round: Midwest Region Stadium in Indianapolis. The lim- continued their Cinderella streak af- No. 1 Illinois and No. 4 Okla- By FAITH KING always help,” Harms said. ited number of fans allowed at the ter winning the PAC-12 tournament homa State were two of the favor- Quill staff writer In order to prepare for the current tournament games this year were by beating No. 5 Tennessee 70-56. ites from this region to make a run season, Harms said she went to differ- treated to many surprises. Finally, No. 11 Syracuse, led by at the Final Four. In fact, the teams Piper Harms (12) plays for the ent softball trainings to work on her guard Buddy Boeheim, upset No. 6 featured two of the best players in Hawks softball team in the spring. skills during the fall and winter months. The First Four San Diego State 78-62. the nation in Illinois’ Ayo Dosun- “I've been playing since sev- During the school day, Harms The fill-in games provided mu and Oklahoma State’s Cade enth grade for Cooper,” Harms said. said she enjoys her English class- a lot of action at the start of the The First Round: West Region Cunningham. But these elements “I've played softball since I was in es the most because her “teachers tournament. No. 16 Texas South- No. 3 Kansas survived an up- didn’t stop the two teams from third grade.” are amazing.” Outside ern outlasted No. 16 Mount Saint set bid from No. 14 Eastern Wash- getting tripped up by No. 8 Loyola Taking part in soft- of school and softball, Mary’s 60-52. Then, No. 11 Drake ington 93-84, while No. 13 Ohio Chicago, which beat Illinois 71-58, ball has given Harms the Harms said she spends her beat No. 11 Wichita State 53-52 af- upset No. 4 Virginia 62-58. Also in and No. 12 Oregon State, which chance to make good time working and “hang- ter Wichita State missed a potential this round, No. 7 Oregon advanced beat Oklahoma State 80-70. Mean- friends. ing out with friends.” game-winning shot. Finally, No. after No. 10 Virginia Common- while, No. 11 Syracuse continued “I've met so many After graduating, Harms 11 UCLA edged No. 11 Michigan wealth University canceled due to their run, beating No. 3 West Vir- wonderful girls,” she said. will go to Hennepin Tech- State 86-80 in overtime. COVID issues. ginia 75-72, and No. 2 Houston It is her interactions nical College for two years survived a 63-60 upset bid by No. with her teammates that before going to Daytona The First Round: South Region The First Round: East Region 10 Rutgers. have made for some of Photo by PIPER HARMS State in Florida to major in No. 2 Ohio State looked like No. 12 Georgetown’s un- Harms’ favorite softball sports medicine. they were going to able to compete expected run ended as they were The Second Round: West Region memories. She said she Harms said she hopes for a spot in the Final Four but they blown out by No. 5 Colorado 96- No. 1 Gonzaga rolled over especially enjoys the team’s pasta to continue playing softball in the fu- were tripped up by No. 15 Oral 73. No. 11 UCLA was then upset No. 8 Oklahoma 87-71 and No. parties. ture, whether or not it is for a her col- Roberts and the nation’s leading by No. 6 BYU 73-62. Perhaps the Harms is one of the team cap- lege team. scorer, Max Abmas, 75-72. Mean- biggest upset of the day in this re- MARCH MADNESS tains on this year’s softball squad. “I will continue to play softball, while, No. 4 Purdue lost to No. 13 gion was No. 14 Abeline Christian, continues on page 12 “Even if I wasn't a captain, I still just not professionally,” Harms said. Page 12, The Quill Sports April 23, 2021 MARCH MADNESS continued from page 11 Hawks hoops squad enjoys '20-'21 success 6 USC demolished No. 3 Kansas The boys basketball team fell one game short of the state tournament after a regular season record of 15-3 85-51. More notably, No. 7 Oregon crushed No. 2 Iowa 95-80, ending By MAJAY MURPHY player of the year Luka Garza’s Quill staff writer dreams of winning a title. The Hawks boys basketball The Second Round: East Region team had a successful 2020-2021 No. 1 Michigan beat No. 8 season that saw the squad tie for LSU 86-78, No. 4 Florida State first with Chaska in the Metro beat No. 5 Colorado 71-53, No. 11 West Conference thanks to a final UCLA beat No. 14 Abilene Chris- conference record of 11-1 and an tian 67-47, and the No. 2 Alabama overall record of 15-3. Crimson Tide rolled over the No. 10 “We had a great season,” Maryland Terrapins 96-77. Head Coach Mr. Powell said. “The guys played really well with The Sweet 16: South Region all the COVID protocols. We fin- No. 5 Villanova, which lost ished ranked fourth in the state in their best player, guard Collin Class 4A. This was a big accom- Gillespie, two weeks before the Big plishment for the program.” East conference tournament, was in The Hawks also enjoyed a league of trouble without him, but postseason success by beating they were able to get to the Sweet Armstrong in the Section 6AAAA 16. Villanova had the No. 1 Bay- semifinal game 84-57 before los- lor Bears on upset alert early in the ing to Wayzata 67-59 in the Sec- game, but they weren’t able to close tion 6AAAA championship. it out, and the Bears won 62-51. A The success of the season closer game took place between was especially important to the the story of the tournament, No. 15 players and coaches given the Oral Roberts, and No. 3 Arkansas. fact that COVID brought the Oral Roberts had Arkansas on their 2019-2020 season to an early end. Photo courtesy of EARL EBENSTEINER heels all game long, but Arkansas Additionally, COVID safety pro- Cooper triumphed over district rivals Armstrong 84-57 during the Section 6AAAA Semifinal game. survived 72-70 when Oral Roberts’ tocols during the current season Max Abmas missed the potential meant changes to practice lengths Cooper vs. Bloomington Jefferson win. ready to play,” Broderick Powell game winner. and formats, and to the ways in Finishing third in the Metro “We didn’t play well against said. which the games themselves were West Conference this season with this team, but we played them The Sweet 16: Midwest Region played. a 7-5 record was Bloomington Jef- twice and still won,” Broderick Cooper vs. Armstrong No. 12 Oregon State didn’t “The hardest adjustment was ferson, which fell to Cooper twice Powell said. “We came out slop- Cooper’s winning ways con- get tripped up against No. 8 Loyola wearing mask during the games. in their two games. The first game py and tired, but still pulled off the tinued into the postseason with an Chicago, winning 65-58. Mean- The guys did a great job adjusting between the two teams was a blow wins.” 84-57 home victory over Arm- while, No. 2 Houston crushed No. to this new normal,” Powell said. out, with Cooper beating Jefferson strong on March 19 during the 11 Syracuse 62-46. With the 2020-2021 sched- on their home court February 3 by Cooper vs. St. Louis Park Section 6AAAA semifinal game. ule being driven by the need to a score of 76-46. However, the Finishing in sixth place in One of the standout performances The Sweet 16: West Region play conference schools and other second meeting between the two the conference this season was in that game came from Murphy, In the west, No. 1 Gonzaga schools located close to Cooper teams was closer, with Cooper St. Louis Park, which had a final whose no-look pass was featured beat No. 5 Creighton 83-65, while due to COVID protocols, look- emerging victorious with a 57-51 record of 3-8. Cooper played and as Play of the Week on CCX Me- No. 6 USC cruised over No. 7 Or- ing at how the Hawks matched win at home on February 26. beat them twice this year, with a dia. egon 82-68. up with their key opponents is home win of 79-62 on January 22 “We had so many people say- important in assessing the team’s Cooper vs. Benilde-St. Margaret’s and an away win of 62-54 on Feb- ing we were going to lose,” Brod- The Sweet 16: East Region success during the season. Benilde had a fourth-place ruary 16. erick Powell said. “We played No. 1 Michigan beat No. 4 finish in the Metro West Confer- “Majay Murphy (12) and I with anger that game and man- Florida State 76-58. Next, No. 2 Al- Cooper vs. Chaska ence with a losing record of 4-7. had good games against them both aged to pull off the win.” abama got into overtime against No. Chaska was Cooper’s clos- Contributing two of those losses times and dropped over 10 points 11 UCLA after a game-tying shot at est competitor in the Metro West was Cooper, which won 74-57 at each game,” Broderick Powell Cooper vs. Wayzata the buzzer. However, UCLA, led by Conference this season. In fact, home on January 26 and 69-43 at said. “We ran our Diamond Press The Hawks’ exceptional sea- star Johnny Juzang, pulled away in each team handed the other its Benilde on February 19. and 22 defenses and beat them son came to a close during the OT, winning 88-78. lone conference loss during the “We came out and trapped both times.” Section 6AAAA Championship regular season. right away and they were one sec- game at Wayzata on March 25. The Elite Eight: South Region The season opener for the ond late every time,” Broderick Cooper vs. Bloomington Kennedy After Wayzata built up a 35-24 The No. 1 Baylor Bears were Hawks was against Chaska on Powell said. “We came out and In contrast to some of the lead heading into halftime, Coo- just too much for the No. 3 Arkan- January 15, a game that saw Chas- played good D and took the wins.” closer games Cooper played per played hard to close the gap sas Razorbacks, winning 81-72. ka achieve a convincing 67-49 against conference opponents, in the second half. Although Da- win. However, the Hawks came Cooper vs. Chanhassen the Hawks played the 1-11 Ken- vion Evans (11) had 15 points and The Elite Eight: Midwest Region back during the second match up While the two matchups nedy team twice this season and Powell had 14 points for Cooper, No. 12 Oregon State’s fairy between the teams, beating Chas- against Benilde-St. Margaret’s beat them by large margins both the Hawks still fell 67-59. tale run ended with a 67-61 loss to ka 56-54 at home on February 9. went well, the two games against times. The first game, which took “I felt like we played well all No. 2 Houston. “We lost the first time be- the 3-7 Chanhassen team did not. place on February 4, saw Cooper season,” Mr. Powell said. “Even cause we all came out lazy and However, the Hawks managed to rack up a resounding 75-42 win. in our last game, we just made a The Elite Eight: West Region weren’t ready to play, but the sec- win both games. The first game, Even larger was the margin of the few mistakes, but, overall, they No. 1 Gonzaga again crushed ond game, we watched their film which was at home on January 19, Hawks’ 76-37 victory on March 8. played hard and together. I am so a tournament opponent. This time, and studied, and we came out and resulted in a 54-49 victory, while In both games, every starter on the proud of this group of young men the victim was No. 6 USC, which beat them,” Broderick Powell (12) the second, which was away on team had more than 10 points. for playing at a high level and be- fell to Gonzaga by a score of 85-66 said. February 12, ended in a 57-52 “We came out strong and lieving in each other.”

The Elite Eight: East Region continued from page 10 No. 11 UCLA got another up- HAWKS SPRING TEAMS ARE GEARED UP TO GET OUTSIDE set, beating No. 1 Michigan 51-49 season, Head Coach Ms. Gelhar es,” she said. 2019-2020 season was a disappoint- Boys Tennis to go from First Four to Final Four. said her biggest concern for the girls ment for Cooper’s girls golfers, it was Much like Oscarson’s expe- Making this victory even more of a lacrosse squad is how COVID will Boys Golf also a letdown for Mr. Oscarson, who rience with the girls golf team, Mr. surprise was that Michigan missed continue to impact the team after the The main focus for Head Coach was just hired to be the team’s new Lithun was looking forward to his a potential game-winning shot three cancelation of last season. Mr. Fitze is for the Hawks golf team coach when the pandemic hit. first year as the head coach of the times in a row. “Many other schools are seeing to continue to grow and develop. In “Not having a season was very Hawks tennis team when the 2019- lower numbers for registration,” she fact, he said the team’s numbers are frustrating. I was excited to coach and 2020 season was shut down due to The Final Four said. “Our team is incredibly resilient, on an upswing this season. worked hard to find a group of girls the pandemic. He said he is looking After not being able to show especially during these difficult times. “We are looking to field a larger who were interested in golf,” he said. forward to this spring and the chance what they were about last season, Their attitudes have held strong and team than we have had in the past, Oscarson said the biggest focus to get out on the court. No. 1 Baylor was in a different positive throughout the canceled season which is great news,” he said. “We this season is getting more girls to “This will be my first year league in this game compared No. of 2020 and the offseason between.” will have a young team this year. Of- play. coaching the Hawks boys tennis 2 Houston, dominating 78-59 and While the lack of a 2019-2020 ten, this might be a weakness, but this “A few of the golfers who team, so regarding previous years earning a spot in the national cham- season means that the lacrosse team’s could mean a solid core of golfers for signed up were in middle school and teams and expectations, I am coming pionship. This win meant that Bay- captains have not been chosen, Gel- several years. Our main [goal] is in were not seniors. Our numbers are in with a clean slate,” he said. lor was one win away from their har said there are returning players growing those skills that the golfers expected to be lower so anyone who According to Lithun, a chief focus first title in men’s basketball. who will definitely provide leader- bring to the team.” wants to go out for the team will be a for this year’s team will be for players to In the second game, No. 11 ship. One of those athletes is Anna Fitze said a typical golf prac- part of it,” he said. simply enjoy the game of tennis. UCLA was supposed to get rocked Palony (11), who said she is grateful tice consists of individual and group For practice, the girls golfers ei- “Tennis is a lifelong sport that by No. 1 Gonzaga, but UCLA gave for the 2021 season after what hap- work on a variety of different skills. ther go to the Columbia Golf Club or can be enjoyed for a very long time,” Gonzaga a run for their money, get- pened last year. After a team warmup, the players the New Hope Village Golf Course he said. “My goal is to do my best ting the game into overtime. With “To be able to come back and will work on basic skills as a group to play nine holes. Depending on the to help improve the game of every 3.3 seconds to go, UCLA’s Johnny play this spring feels amazing,” she before breaking off to work on spe- skill level of the players, Oscarson student who comes out to play tennis Juzang got the game-tying two, but said. “I’m very grateful we have a cialized skills as individuals or pairs. said the team will either have an all- and help show each student how fun that left enough time for Gonzaga chance to play again.” The team will also spend time on the JV competition schedule or a mix of the game can be.” freshman guard Jalen Suggs to go The Hawks will be facing some driving range, a practice green and varsity and JV. Compared to some other down the court and bank the game tough competition within and outside a nine-hole course to get ready for “We play the JV schedule spring sports, one advantage of winner, giving Gonzaga the 93-90 of the Metro West Conference during competitions. against schools near Cooper. If some playing tennis during the pandemic win and punching their ticket to the the current season. “As we rebuild our program, we girls are shooting low scores, they is that competitors are already dis- national championship. “Other teams in our conference will become more competitive as a will also have the option to play var- tanced from each other on the court. are always tough competition,” Gel- team, so all schools will be top com- sity meets. Many of the courses we Lithun said this gives veteran and The National Championship har said. “For our non-conference petition,” Fitze said. play in meets are some of the nicest new members of the team a chance No. 1 Baylor and No. 1 Gonza- games, we are playing a couple teams Helping lead the golfers this ones in the state,” he said. to work on their skills without too ga were the two best teams all year that we have not played in the past. year will be the team’s captains, Car- For athletes who are considering many adjustments. long, but their match up was lopsid- We are excited for those games to see los O’Keefe (11) and Brady Enger golf but have never played before, “If you’re a beginner or an ad- ed. Led by guards Jared Butler and how competitive they will be.” (10). Fitze said these two players will Oscarson said there are many bene- vanced tennis player, we’ll have a spot Mark Vital, Baylor had an answer In addition to the chance to help instill the importance of “com- fits to the sport. for you to enjoy and improve your for everything Gonzaga tried, even- compete, Gelhar said a benefit of munity, teamwork, confidence-build- “Golf is a great activity that game,” he said. “Whether hitting a tually demolishing the Zags 86-70. playing lacrosse is the camaraderie ing [and] passion for the sport” to the you can play for your entire life,” he bomb ace serve, or a massive forehand After first being hired in 2003, Bay- between teammates. incoming team members. said. “On top of this, when you are winner, or a clean volley at the net, or lor coach Scott Drew finally deliv- “The friendships made in la- an adult, golf could open up many just grinding out a big win over your ered the Bears their first national crosse season are unforgettable, as Girls Golf opportunities for you in your profes- opponent, tennis is a great game that championship. well as the clever puns from coach- While the cancelation of the sional life.” anyone can play at all levels.”