By KaiMing Peterson - Writer - May 19th, 2025

Schools across the country have just received notice that they need to eliminate all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs or risk having their federal funding cut.

School and state officials have been given 10 days to sign a certification letter affirming that they will eliminate any violations of civil law in their school system. This means the end of any programs that favor one race over the other, including DEI programs. If schools choose not to comply, they run the risk of getting their federal funding cut, specifically their Title I funding. Title I is a part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and provides funding to help low-income families allow their children to attend school. Losing that funding could reduce the amount of educational opportunities for children whose families live in poverty. 

This mandate not only applies to K-12 schools but also to universities. The main concern with colleges is that DEI programs are influencing admissions decisions, urging admissions officers to choose diversity over merit. While universities don’t receive Title I funding, they are at risk of losing their Title IV funding, which includes student loans and curriculum development. 

Here in Minnesota, state leaders are pushing back against this mandate. Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Willie Jett wrote a letter in response to the demand that their programs are not violating federal law. 

The Department of Education has not yet responded to Jett’s refusal to end DEI programs in Minnesota schools. Whether or not federal funding will be withheld from our schools is yet to be determined.

by Pranya Duvvuru - Writer - April 1st, 2025

When former President Joe Biden gave his White House farewell address around two months ago, he warned the United States of a “dangerous oligarchy” that was shaping America’s democracy and power in ways that it never had before. 

Months later, it is clear what he was talking about. 

Within the new Trump administration, a new “government” agency has been established: the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk and a team of 20-year-olds. The stated purpose of the Department of Government Efficiency is to eliminate waste within the federal government, and so far, they have been doing their best to fulfill that mission. 

The Department of Government Efficiency has effectively dismantled major U.S. agencies, like U.S.A.I.D., the premier source of humanitarian aid worldwide and a crucial source of American influence in developing countries. It has also threatened to fire thousands of federal employees, at one point accidentally firing scientists working on bird flu and nuclear safety and then having to rehire them hurriedly. In most departments, DOGE officials have canceled federal contracts and set up their own offices to monitor any “waste” they see throughout the government.

The power of DOGE within the federal government, especially considering that the head of the agency hasn’t been confirmed by Congress (Elon Musk has been labeled as an “adviser” rather than the person running the operation), hasn’t helped the political standing of Republican lawmakers in their districts. Repeatedly, Republican lawmakers across the country have had to face constituents angry about Elon Musk’s power and the proposed cuts to their Medicare and Medicaid. Despite this, however, DOGE has continued to be powerful within the federal government, and it seems as though Elon Musk will be behind the scenes for a long time. 

By Leila Dunfee - Editor - February 20th, 2025

At 8 p.m. on January 15th, 2025, President Joe Biden gave his farewell address as the 46th president of the United States. During this 17-minute speech, he reflected on his term in the Oval Office, and Americans across the country prepared for Donald Trump’s inauguration five days later. 

     In his address, he proposed the Statue of Liberty as a metaphor for the United States as a whole, naming her a “beacon of freedom.” He argued that the statue, like our country, “was built to sway back and forth to withstand the fury of stormy weather…but she never falls into the current below.” Maintaining a hopeful message and tone, Biden assured Americans of a bright future and emphasized the peaceful transition that he had facilitated.

     Despite the overall positive and uplifting feeling, Biden spent around half of the address warning the country of what he finds increasingly concerning. From misinformation and restrictions on the free press to the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, he discussed what steps the United States needs to take to progress forward. His most impactful warning, which has stirred the media, is that the wealth of the top few individuals is threatening our nation. “Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy,” he said. “It erodes a sense of unity and common purpose. It causes distrust and division.” 

     Of course, this is not a shock to most Americans; many were aware of these individuals’ growing power. What makes this remark off-putting is that just five days later, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sundar Pinchai—all tech billionaires—flanked Trump at his inauguration. Trump has denied these warnings, asserting that it is Biden’s fault these billionaires no longer back the Democrats while ensuring these individuals will receive nothing in return for donations to the Trump campaign.

By Leila Dunfee - Editor - November 15th, 2024

It is T-minus 0 days until the 2024 presidential election. With November 5th here, let’s take a look at the main topics of this election and where the two top candidates stand on these issues.

The economy is a critical issue in every election, but especially this year considering the lasting impact of inflation from the pandemic. Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump have both used their campaigns to discuss the economy. Harris plans to reduce grocery and healthcare prices while investing in small businesses and innovation. Donald Trump claims he will end inflation and instate large tax cuts for workers. 

Reproductive rights are becoming an increasingly important topic in the United States, especially since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Harris has made abortion a foundation of her campaign, saying she will never allow a nationwide abortion ban and will gladly sign a bill from Congress to restore reproductive rights. Trump meanwhile has maintained that the issue is best left with individual states to deal with.

Finally, immigration is a key issue in this election. Both candidates have expressed support for stricter immigration policies. Harris hopes to increase border security and has called on her experience as a California prosecutor to back this. Trump has taken it a step further, proposing that alongside stricter border laws, there will be operations of mass deportation.

Currently, Trump leads on the issues of economy and immigration, while Harris leads on reproductive rights. However, polls are constantly evolving, and there are countless more issues besides these three. This will certainly be a close election, so Eastview students who are 18, get out and vote!

By Peyton Gagning - Writer - October 9th, 2024

"The Icing Fishing Play" is a laugh-out-loud, dark comedy with a twist. Taking place on a lake in northern Minnesota, Kevin King writes a powerful story about the main character, Ron, who isolated himself, trying to catch a big fish in his ice house... during a blizzard. All this guy wants is to catch this fish and move onward, but you will soon meet some of the wacky but fun characters that come along and make the ride slightly more difficult. His wife, a talented painter, his brother, a local bait shop owner, and a pair of bible-bearing missionaries all will stop by at some point during this crazy show. Just when the laughter reaches its peak, "The Ice Fishing Play" takes an unexpected turn, revealing a shocking truth that will leave you reeling. The play will grip you with its humor, surprise you with its twists, engage you with its light and sound effects, and make you think long after the curtain falls. As Tina and Paula would say, "This show will bring you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, so take your seats and bundle up for the adventure."

By Mina Jansma - Writer - September 25th, 2024

Tuesday, November 5th is the date of the 2024 election. The media coverage of this election has been intense. Politics have flooded every source of media we consume and changed political conversations with peers. 

Although the current hostile political environment does not go unnoticed, there is still a joyous feeling amongst many Eastview High School seniors, as this will be the first major election they can vote in. Caroline Neuleib shared her excitement about being able to vote for the first time: “I’m excited to vote, I’m excited because I feel mature for being able to share my voice. All my life, I’ve had opinions but now I get to contribute as an adult through voting.” Caroline had registered to vote before her eighteenth birthday. Unfortunately, not everyone knows that registration is required to vote. Jenny Dao and Sophia Kachman both assumed that if you had an ID stating you were 18 or older, you could walk in and vote. Simply not being aware of voting registration could prevent some the opportunity to cast their vote for the first time. However, it is worth noting that the state of Minnesota allows same-day registration and voting.

Luckily, registration is easy. A quick Google search about registering to vote will lead you to the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Name, birth date, and driver's license number are required to register. Anna Nguyen was able to register in less than five minutes. She shared, “I did it before I turned eighteen, it was easy and just made me more aware that I’ve done all the duties to now take my first step into being an adult, having free will and a voice.” 

Even though the political climate has taken away from some of the casual conversations about politics and voting in schools, it doesn’t remove the sense of maturity many have for being able to vote for the first time. Registering to vote is crucial, and lack of awareness to register may take away the new right of adulthood, voting. 

By Kian Ghobadi - Writer - October 10th, 2024

As the leaves start to change color, students across the United States rush to fill in college applications, create lists of their dream schools, apply for financial aid, and begin to prepare for their life after high school as it pertains to higher education. Now, families are grappling with the stark reality of skyrocketing college costs. Tuitions, fees, and living expenses have surged dramatically over the past two decades, often outpacing inflation and wage growth. This trend poses significant challenges for students, families, and society at large. It is imperative that we understand the underlying causes of these rising costs and explore viable solutions.

To put the situation into perspective, the average cost of tuition and fees at public four-year colleges has tripled since the 1980s, while private institutions have seen even steeper increases. According to the College Board, the average tuition for in-state students at public universities for the 2023-2024 academic year is over $10,000, and for private colleges, it exceeds $38,000. These figures represent not only a financial burden for students and families but also a barrier to higher education for many who aspire to attend. Many qualified students who get accepted into notable colleges and institutions are not able to pay their total cost of attendance, even with financial aid. As one Eastview senior put it, “It’s really discouraging. It feels as if all our hard work doesn’t amount to anything in the end.”

Several factors contribute to this relentless rise in college costs. One of the most significant is the increasing demand for higher education. As the job market evolves, a college degree has become a prerequisite for many career paths. Consequently, more students are applying to and enrolling in colleges than ever before. This surge in demand has led institutions to expand their facilities, hire more faculty, and offer a wider array of services—all of which come at a cost. Moreover, administrative bloat in higher education has become a focal point of criticism. As universities expand, the number of administrative positions has grown disproportionately compared to faculty roles. According to a report from the Delta Cost Project, administrative spending per student increased by over 60% from 2000 to 2014, diverting resources from teaching and academic programs. This trend raises questions about priorities within institutions and whether they are focused on enhancing the educational experience for students or on maintaining extensive bureaucracies. Another significant driver of rising costs is the increasing reliance on student loans. As federal and state funding for higher education has decreased over the years, colleges have turned to tuition hikes to compensate for lost revenue. Many students are left with no choice but to take out loans to finance their education, leading to staggering levels of student debt. Currently, more than 45 million Americans owe over $1.7 trillion in student loans, a crisis that weighs heavily on the economy and the future of our workforce.

As college admissions processes are expected to become exceedingly more competitive, universities are expected to increase their prices for tuition. As this dramatic increase in cost continues to rise, we must ask the question: what is the limit of the price tag for our future students' education?

By Evie Swenson - Editor - October 9th, 2024

Many of Eastview’s seniors are turning 18 as the 2024 election gets closer. With two experienced opponents going head to head in the race for the presidency, new politicians are stepping up to accompany both Harris and Trump in the polls. Minnesota’s very own governor, Tim Walz, was selected to run alongside Kamala Harris. Now, Minnesotans are asking themselves “who comes next?”

If Harris and Walz were to win the election, Walz would step down from his role as MN’s governor. In return, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan would step up and fill his role as Minnesota’s first female and native American governor. Flanagan has worked hard as Lt. Gov. starting in 2018, and since then she has made countless improvements to laws for children and families, as well as being an advocate for tribal nations in state government.

So, what could Flanagan’s presence mean for the future of Minnesota? She openly wants to bring “more voices to the table” to increase representation. Though it is early to say, Peggy Flanagan wants to keep the true Minnesotan voice in mind and speak for the values of every voice of Minnesota.

Though it would be sad to Walz leave the Minnesota stage, he could be an excellent Vice President, and Flanagan will bring a new wave of strength to our state government.

By Lorelei Dunfee - Writer - October 10th, 2024

On September 10th, Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump participated in their first presidential debate for this year. Many topics were brought up, including the economy, cost of living, abortion, immigration/border security, the Israel/Hamas war, the Ukraine war, Afghanistan, healthcare, and climate change. During the debate, Trump made 35 total false claims, while Kamala only made one. There were many times that the moderators stepped in and fact-checked things they said. The moderators also brought up how Trump’s view on abortion has changed, and Kamala’s position on fracking has changed. 

Things got quite heated when Kamala pointed out that people get up and start leaving midway through Trump’s rallies; Trump clapped back and stated how people do not even attend hers. A moment in the debate that has been going viral on social media was when Trump falsely stated that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio have been eating pets. The moderator immediately stepped in and said that this was not true. Both Kamala and Trump interrupted each other and the moderators multiple times, even after the moderators stated they needed to move on as they had a lot to cover. Overall, Trump and Kamala had a heated debate this September, and it will definitely lead to an interesting election.

By Isabelle Bruecken - Writer - October 9th, 2024

I can almost guarantee that you have either heard the meme “Kamala IS brat”, posted by pop star Charli XCX, or the “Coconut Tree Meme” that was said by current US Vice President Kamala Harris. Let’s dive into the meme that seems to be swimming through our social media feeds. In May of 2023, Harris delivered a speech for a White House ceremony and made this anecdote: “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” The line was meant to inspire new leaders, saying that those who work hard do not just “fall out of coconut trees”, or come out of nowhere. To the online community, that message didn’t come through and instead received a lot of controversy. Some said she’s completely losing her mind, while others used the coconut tree as a “badge of support”, buying merch or posting coconut tree emojis paired with the American flag. 

The meme is still relevant and is being reposted and paired with a Charli XCX “Brat” song. It has spread so far  that the senator of Hawaii, Brian Schatz, posted a picture of himself climbing a coconut tree with a caption reading, “Madam Vice President, we are ready to help.” At this point, the meme has either become irrelevant to some or a consequential campaign strategy used by voters around the world. Do you feel that this meme

needs to be stopped and people should move on, or that it is the greatest thing seen in all of this election season?

By Max Huberty - Editor - January 31st, 2024

Eastview has many exciting co-curricular opportunities to get involved in, and one of these activities is DECA. Standing for Distributive Education Clubs of America, DECA provides students opportunities to compete in business-related competitions. Matthew Vengal, a sophomore here at Eastview, told me a bit about DECA's different events: “There truly is something for everybody regarding tests and competitions. Whether it’s about automotive services or financial literacy, DECA’s events cover almost every sector in business. Similarly, there are a wide variety of tests such as the marketing or hospitality exams. Receiving the highest scores on these tests and events enables us to compete in future tournaments and receive awards.” Recently Eastview competed at the District Conference where the team saw a lot of success. Matthew said that “with numerous finalists and champions in every event, tons of our team were able to qualify for the state tournament in March. Overall, Eastview DECA has had some super successful competitions and results.”

The team puts in a lot of work to prepare for these tests. Matthew explained to me that “during practice, we meet with our coach and peers to build up skills, like interviewing and presenting, that will help us in competition.” It's clear that DECA is a great place to push yourself to grow and develop business-related skills. Unfortunately, registration for the team closes in December, but the team will be looking for new members next year. If you’re interested in DECA, the Eastview activities page is a great place to discover all that DECA has to offer!

By: Madeline Link - Staff Writer - January 31, 2024

You get five clues to guess the teacher.  The clues will get progressively easier, so the less clues you need to guess the teacher the more you know them.

1. Was an aspiring architect

2. Grew up in Ohio

3. Played football in high school and college

4. Teach freshman and juniors

5. Is married to another someone else who works at the school

If you know who it is, congrats!! If not, maybe next time.

By Pranya Duvvuru - Writer - November 13, 2023

Mean Girls is one the most iconic movies of all time, and now Eastview students can see it as a musical on stage.

The musical follows homeschooled teen Cady Heron as she navigates the treacherous waters of American high school. Featuring outstanding music composed by Jeff Richmond, the musical is sure to be an enjoyable production. Daliya Boulos, a member of the ensemble cast, describes the musical as being “really energetic, like there’s a bunch of stuff going on in every scene and it’s really big.” She adds that a big part of the show is the music, which is why the cast spent the first few weeks of rehearsal only working on the musical aspect of the production.

Rehearsals for the musical started immediately after the theater department performed their production of Almost Maine, the fall play. With five different directors for dance, music, and acting, the cast and crew of the musical have been working hard at rehearsals in order to make the production perfect. Daliya describes the cast and crew as “a community,” where everyone is working together to put on a great show. They only have one request for the audience: “The show has a lot of inclusivity, but it can be kind of inappropriate sometimes, so if you’re watching it, please be respectful!” 

If you want to watch the production, showtimes are on December 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, and 16 at 7:00 PM, with the production on the 10th being at 2:00 PM. They will be taking place in the Performing Arts Center. Enjoy the show and support the incredible Eastview Theater Department! 

by Max Huberty - Editor - November 13, 2023

In a flash, Halloween has already come and gone. For Eastview students, the school year has been ramping up in intensity, but Halloween has provided a needed reprieve to relax and have fun. Around Eastview, students have celebrated Halloween in many different ways. Some students chose to have a relaxing night like Momo Lee and Henry Langevin, 11th graders, who watched horror movies with some of their friends. Trick-or-treating was a popular activity as many including 11th grader Fienna Zhang and also 9th grader Baylor Peterson had fun walking around with friends and loved the opportunity to wear an outfit outside of the norm. Tanisha Senapati, a senior at Eastview, also went trick-or-treating and enjoyed Chipotle’s $6 “Boorito” deal. More than just Halloween, the event of Halloweekend, the Saturday and Sunday before the actual day, was celebrated by a lot of Eastview students. Madeline Link, an 11th grader, said that she thought Halloweekend was almost more important than the actual holiday and she loved the opportunity to spend her days off celebrating with friends. No matter what students did on Halloween, it is clear the holiday was important to get a break from the business of life and that is something we should all remember to do in the coming weeks, and the rest of the year. 

by Evelyn Swenson - Writer - October 10, 2023

Although it will be hard to beat Clue from last year, this year, Eastview’s theatre department is putting on the play Almost, Maine, which was written by John Cariani. Instead of following one long love story, the play covers nine different scenes and the only connections they share are that they take place in the town of Almost, ME, and they occur around the same time frame. Junior cast member Olivia Colchin, who plays Rhonda, describes the main theme of the show as “all about love.” She says that the main theme of the show is that love is a “complicated and universal thing” and that even though all the stories aren’t intertwined with each other, the play demonstrates that even though a person’s experiences can feel isolating, there are people all around (even in one’s very town) who are going through something similar. 

The fall play is one of the first student activities to get started every school year, and this is because they actually practice all summer! Colchin said that those rehearsals help cast members “perfect their skills” without the stress of a small time limit. Now, what really makes a show come to life is the audience. Cast members Olivia Colchin and Katie Opstad both agree that they’re excited to see the show that they’ve been spending hours rehearsing for become a reality. With the addition of tech elements like lighting and costume, as well as a live audience for actors to connect with, this becomes possible. These elements are some of the things Opstad and Colchin get most excited for every show they participate in. They hope that since the show has such a diverse collection of scenery and stories that every audience member will be able to relate or connect with some aspect of the show. 

This year’s play will be unlike anything done before at Eastview, so it’s very important to buy tickets now while they’re still available! The show will be performed on October 12, 13, and 14 at 7pm in the performing arts center. If you miss it, don’t worry too much, because the next production is soon to follow! Eastview’s theater department will be putting on the hit musical Mean Girls in December. 

By Rhea Saarang - Editor - October 10th, 2023

Eastview High School has many interesting clubs that have a lot to offer, and one of these clubs is Eastview’s Book Club! The leaders of this club are Aimen Patel, Ava Violette, and Abby Demaster. While a book club may seem like everyone is reading the same book at once, it’s actually not like that at all. Here at Eastview, the book club reads all types of books. Every month, a theme is selected (for October it’s thrillers/mysteries), and books are chosen within that theme! You can choose whatever book you want that happens to fit the theme of the month and read it, so you honestly have a lot of freedom in what you want to read. 

Book club is low stress, so you don’t have to finish a book every single month if you don’t have the time. The leaders encourage you to just enjoy what you’re reading! After interviewing Aimen Patel, I learned that Book Club happens to meet every Wednesday in the library/learning commons after school from 2:45-3:30 pm. Aimen encourages anyone who loves books or wants to make new friends to check it out! 

By Maggie Xu - Writer - October 10th, 2023

Driving home from work one day, I spotted the moon in the rearview mirror and I was in complete awe at its circular fullness; the focal point of the late-evening sky. She was glowing beyond the gray silhouetted commercial buildings and compassed by the sunset’s brilliant purple. It was the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival. And just then it made sense to me why such a sight was revered for thousands of years.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration that is held each year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Translated in terms of the Gregorian calendar (the one Americans use, along with the majority of the world), the day falls between mid-September to early October. A recognized holiday to communities across East Asia, it is called by many names: Chuseok, Zhong Qiu Jie, Pchum Ben, Tsukimi, Tết Trung Thu, etc. Historically, the festival celebrated the

fall harvest under the full moon. The Chinese mooncake, a savory dessert made of lotus paste and a salty egg yolk, has become a modern symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival, typically eaten and exchanged as gifts during the special occasion. In 2023, the official date of the Mid-Autumn Festival is on September 29, which will have already passed by the time you read this—but keep

an eye out for next year!

Now, I must mention the small in-class party Ms. Feng prepared for us in honor of the Mid-Autumn Festival that originally inspired me to write this article. Each student received a piece of mooncake, and in addition, chocolate truffles and fruit snacks while music from the Mid-Autumn Festival Show played in the background. We were introduced to Chinese customs and folklore with respect to the Moon Festival: families would gather and feast, then later participate in shan yue, or moon viewing, hoping to glimpse Chang’e along with her companion the Jade Rabbit. By the end of Chinese class I was left impressed and very grateful for the experience.

by Rhea Saarang - Editor - March 31, 2023

At Eastview, we have a lot of different clubs, ranging from Dungeons and Dragons Club, all the way to Knitting Club. Clearly, a lot is offered, but what about a club focused on the future? Project Career, a new club created this year by Sophomores Sumana Sadineni and Sahiti Atluri, is a club that focuses on different careers by doing activities/projects that relate to them. Their goal is to help Eastview students figure out what they want to do in the future, while also having fun. Every month, they meet and focus on one career—so far they have featured law, and in the future they are planning to feature medicine, education, business, psychology, and cosmetology. 

When talking to Sahiti, she outlined that the reason they formed this club is because of the stigma there is around not knowing what to do in the future. She emphasized that a school day may not be enough to truly understand what you want to do in the future, and in order to make that decision less daunting, they created Project Career. 

In addition, this club has very low pressure and commitment, you only really need to go to the meetings that you are interested in! Anyone who is interested in going to college or pursuing a career in the future is encouraged to join. Even if you have an idea what you want to do, they still encourage everyone to come and check it out as the environment is super chill and fun!

by Max Huberty - Staff Writer - January 8th, 2023

Have you seen the posters for Card Playing Club plastered around the school? Card Playing Club is one of the many new student-led organizations that have popped up at Eastview. The creator, Madeline Link, says, “I made Card Playing Club because I enjoy playing all types of card games. I wanted to have a place where people can have fun and play games.” Meeting in B125 every other thursday, the club has become just the place Madeline envisioned. 

Members of the club started meeting in December and have already played games such as Uno and Hearts. From personal experience, I can say that playing Uno at Card Playing Club was definitely a highlight of my week, and I am sure many other members would agree. In the next few meeting, the group plans on playing Spades and Spoons. If you’re at all interested in joining Card club, don’t hesitate. You don’t even have to know how to play cards, just show up. The meetings are very relaxed, so you can pop in and out or only go to the meetings that fit your schedule. The next meeting is on January 19th and will run from 2:40 to about 3:40. You can find updated information at the EVHS Card Playing Club Instagram. Hope to see you there!

by Emily Hering - Editor - January 10th, 2023

There is a large variety of clubs and activities available here at Eastview, but one that you perhaps don’t know about is our Dungeons and Dragons club. Now, you may be thinking, really? Dungeons and Dragons? But this club actually has high membership numbers and is a really unique community here at Eastview. Vincent Webster, freshman and “dungeon master” or “DM” talks about how gathering twice a week to play with other people is a great opportunity to have fun and play a game that you enjoy. 

Dungeons and Dragons is an interactive game played by making up a character who is the hero of a creative story, and there are books specially created to guide your story. The DM runs all of the enemies and encounters that the characters you created may face. Then, you run through a series of adventures and quests, all while you get to play as the hero. It’s one long continuous game, or “campaign”, and it can go on for months. There’s one overarching plot that continues the whole time, and your characters change and get more powerful the longer you play.

Because the nature of this game requires multiple people to play, having a club gives kids who may not have people to play with at home the opportunity to get involved in a game. This brings people together in a strong community. Anyone from any grade level can join the club, although it is currently mostly freshmen and sophomores. 

One thing to keep in mind is that when people join in the middle of a game, or mid-campaign, a lot of pressure is put on the dungeon masters. They have to be planning the story and preparing everything for the game, which requires them to have a plan for as many situations as possible so regardless of what the players choose, they still can continue the game. If you want to join, it's best to email about a week ahead of time to give the dungeon masters an adequate amount of time to add you to the game. Contact Vincent Webster at 809172@apps.district196.org if you're interested, and he’ll get you in contact with the head dungeon master or add you to his own game!

Even if this doesn't sound like your thing, it's still really cool that Eastview is offering this opportunity to students. At its core, it's just like any other activity at Eastview. It's about bringing people together to do the thing that they love, and we should all be happy that these unique experiences are taking place in our own Eastview community.

by Chloe Larson - Staff Writer - Novemer 6, 2022

Have you heard about the EVHS Crochet & Knit Club? Founder of the club Abby Ward says, “I love Crochet & Knit Club because I get to come together with people who share the same interest with me, and who I can really connect with. It is so fun, and I am so happy to continue the club for a second year.” 

Other members agree. Aabha says it’s “The energy, the sunlight, the people, and the candy” for her. Gabby loves that it’s a “Super happy environment, and everyone is so nice and sweet and friendly”. 

We welcome students of all experience levels. Even if you’ve never held a crochet hook in your life, we can get you started with some beginning materials and tips and tricks! Regardless of your skills, this club is a great chance to hang out and get to know some new people with no pressure whatsoever. Feel free to drop in every once in a while when you have time, or come every week! 

We meet every other Tuesday in the Learning Commons (library) from 2:30 - 3:30 and our next meetings will be November 8th and November 22nd. Even if crocheting or knitting isn’t your thing, Crochet & Knit Club is just one of the many student-led clubs here at Eastview, so you’re certain to find something that suits your interests. For more information about this club, contact Abby at 864076@apps.district196.org and check out our instagram @evhs.crochet_and_knit_club. We hope to see you there!

by Chloe Larson - Staff Writer - October 11, 2022

Whether you're trying to fill another gym credit or replace that extra study hall, Unified Physical Education is a great class to consider.. In this class you’ll get the opportunity to hang out with some of your friends as well as meet some of the awesome DAPE (Developmental Adaptive Phy Ed) students—all while staying active and having fun!

When asking fellow classmates what they had to say about Unified P.E., the response was extremely positive. Nandini said, “I like that we get to play games with the DAPE kids. It’s like reliving elementary school” and Hatcher agrees, “I like that it’s a little more childish, a little less serious”. 

This gym class is a break in the day for kids and an opportunity to make new connections while strengthening old ones. Unified P.E. student Mia says, “It’s a break in our day. We don’t really have to do gym, we just get to hang out”. A lot of DAPE students think Unified PE is their favorite part of the day and something they like going to at school.

There is also a variety of activities that students get to participate in during this class. Already in the first couple weeks of school they have played basketball, kickball, floor hockey, baseball, bowling, tennis, bocce ball, and even soccer on scooters. Regardless of how good you are at these games, the atmosphere is always fun and supportive. It doesn’t matter if you are the best athlete or not-so-great at sports, Unified P.E. has a place for everyone. No matter what the rest of your schedule is like, it’s nice to have a break in your day to play some fun games with some really cool people.

 by Claire Vanorny - Staff Writer - October 11, 2022

Eastview High School has dozens of amazing clubs and activities, including the very successful and award-winning Lightning Dance Team (LDT). The pandemic has not stopped this team from achieving great success. Last year, they were crowned Jazz and High Kick State Champions for the third year in a row. During the 2019-2020 season, Eastview LDT won the Star Tribune All-Metro Team of the Year award. With 21 state championships under their belt, the Eastview LDT has proven time and time again that they are the team to beat when it comes to dance.

          Right now, LDT is welcoming its newest freshmen members who are already excited about their future on the team. “I like how we’re all a family and we all cheer each other on,” said freshman Abigail Smith. Fellow freshman Lilly Blumb added, “I like how positive and uplifting everyone is.” The team practices 4+ days a week to prepare for upcoming performances and competitions, and these frequent practices allow the girls to grow closer as teammates and as friends.

          After 20 years of coaching the team, Jenny Raiche has retired from head coach of the Eastview LDT and Taylor Varghese has stepped into her shoes. They have several events approaching including the Burnsville Invitational on November 19. More competitions include: the Eagan Meet on November 22, the Eastview Meet on November 29, and the South Suburban Conference Championship on December 17. You can also catch Eastview LDT performing at various events such as Eastview pep fests and football games. For more information about our amazing dance team, visit the LDT website or connect with them on social media. Go LDT!

Clare Murray • Staff Writer • March 17th, 2022

The Luck Of The Irish was a Disney Channel Original Movie released in 2001 and, in my opinion, one of the worst (but funniest) movies of all time. The movie is about this boy called Kyle who has always had a strange amount of luck… because his mom is secretly a leprechaun. I can’t remember too much about the plot of the movie (if there even was one) except that an evil leprechaun steals his lucky gold coin and suddenly Kyle can’t play basketball anymore. Reruns of this movie playing on Disney Channel, the dyed green waters of the Chicago River, and promotions for the McDonald’s Shamrock Shake going around can only mean one thing: St. Patrick’s day is rapidly approaching. 

When I was a kid my parents would surprise me and my siblings by dying EVERYTHING green on St. Patrick’s day. I would wake up to green milk in the fridge, the toilet water dyed green, and all sorts of green foods in the kitchen. Around Saint Patrick’s day in Chicago, similar to my house, the river is dyed completely green each year… and I guess my parents really liked the idea. 

Of course, not everyone celebrates St. Patrick’s day or even knows what it is. For some, it’s just what’s keeping them from getting a Shamrock Shake all year round. 

Historically, the holiday originated in Ireland following the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and has been celebrated by Catholics in Ireland for hundreds of years. Saint Patrick himself was said to have brought Christianity to Ireland. The Feast of Saint Patrick gave Catholics a day to drink and celebrate during Lent, a season of fasting and prayer. As Irish immigrants came to America in large numbers in the 1830s, the holiday was a way for Irish-Americans to connect with their community, recognize their Irish culture, and celebrate their religious identity in response to rising nativism/anti-immigrant ideas in the country. 

              Basically, the holiday has religious origins but today in the United States it’s seen more as a day to celebrate Irish culture with countless parades and festivities throughout the country. 

  St. Patrick’s day has religious and cultural significance. What confuses many about the day is more, why is it such a popular and widely celebrated holiday? 

  Personally, my family has always gone all out in celebrating Saint Paddy’s day but that’s because we’re Irish. We have Irish ancestors, relatives who live in Ireland, and my older sisters even did competitive Irish dancing growing up.

  Many people don’t have these connections though, so why celebrate? I asked a couple of Eastview students how they felt about the holiday if they celebrated it, and why/how if they did. One told me, “I celebrate it because it’s just a holiday designated towards fun, it’s simple…It’s not a major holiday and it doesn’t have any gifts, so there’s no stress or anything”. Though many just celebrate by wearing green to avoid being pinched, the holiday provides something to look forward to with simple, fun traditions. Another student said that her mom was raised in an Irish family, so her family enjoys food like reuben’s with corned beef and cabbage. Overall, everyone I spoke with had a similar message; St. Patrick’s day is a holiday that anyone can celebrate and get excited about, regardless of if they’re Irish or not. So while I’ll be going to Irish On Grand in Saint Paul to pick up some Irish candy, Eastview may be looking a little bit more green on March 17th.

Anushka Chaudhari • Chief Editor • February 5, 2022

At 12:07 p.m. in Richfield, Minnesota, a gunshot was heard. At this stage in American history, gun violence is no stranger. There are constant stories of gun violence hurting someone and consistent news footage of fatal shootings. This specific act of gun violence, however, hits closer to home for a few of us. Jahmari Rice was on his second day at South Education Center when he was killed in a shooting, while his friend was injured and is in critical condition. Both students were around the age of 15. The suspects were identified a few hours later and are in custody. Formal charges against Fernando Valdez-Alvarez, 18, and Alfredo Rosario Solis, 19, were filed on Thursday, February 3rd. 

The reason for this shooting was an altercation between Jahmari Rice and one of the suspected students. According to their file, there was a disagreement between the students which led to the use of a gun. 

“It’s really scary that this has become a reality for us,” says Alexandra Eernisse, a senior, “I never imagined that I would have to be worried about gun violence at school.” A lot of Eastview students feel the same about this topic. School has always been a perceived place where we can learn and share our concerns in a safe environment. It’s devastating to think that altercations and disagreements between students can lead some students to take rash actions. “I feel safe at Eastview,” Alexandra continues, “but there are many places where there are rumors that a student has a gun, and the administration doesn’t take action against it.” 

Gun violence in schools has only increased since the pandemic has started. “I think these active shooter drills need to be taken more seriously,” says senior Riddhi Suresh, “we are supposed to protect ourselves from shooters by stacking desks and covering windows with posters, but all we do is switch off the lights and sit in the dark for 10 minutes.” This opinion is found widely across Eastview. As we see the increase in shootings in schools, it’s time that we take the issue more seriously. 

“When I came to the US, I came to give my kids a better education,” says Nirmal Chaudhari, parent of an Eastview senior. “I didn’t think that I would have to worry about putting my kids in harm's way almost every day. I think schools can educate parents on how to identify the signs of anger in their kids because that sometimes is the main issue. They should also encourage parents to keep guns in safe places, away from the reach of children.” 

As the next generation, it will be our responsibility to deal with such heavy and dangerous problems. We must try our hardest to help solve these problems while we can. Our hearts sincerely extend out to the families in Richfield and Jahmari Rice’s family, as well as all other families who have been affected by gun violence in the United States. 

Anushka Chaudhari • Chief Editor • January 23rd, 2022

As we move into the colder and drearier months of the new year, the risk of driving gets worse. Every year, over 1000 people are killed due to icy road conditions. Most of us can admit: we’re terrible drivers when it comes to the winter. Understanding the importance of driving safely in snowy conditions has to happen as soon as teens start learning to drive. 

Eastview students say that the only difference between driving in winter and summer is that it’s important to go slower in the winter due to the ice. However, other than that, driving is almost the same. Here are a few tips as to how to drive better in the winter. 

1. Drive slowly. 

This is arguably the most important tip because if you drive recklessly and rashly, you slide across the ice and potentially crash. Make sure that you are being patient on the road, otherwise, you are putting yourself in danger, as well as other people around you. If you are late for school and are anxious that you will be marked tardy, do not worry. When driving conditions are bad, teachers are instructed not to mark people absent until 10 minutes after the bell rings. 

2. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. 

Make sure that you apply the gas slower and you push the brake down slower as well. If you accelerate too much or you apply the brake too fast, you could skid across the road. Remember that it takes a longer time and a longer distance for a car to stop at a light. 

3. Increase your following distance from other cars. 

With more people on the road, more things are prone to going wrong. The ice can make the busy roads even worse. Try to be at least 5 or 6 seconds behind the person in front of you. If something goes wrong with the car in front of you, you then have some distance to slow down. 

4. Keep an extra tire in your car. 

When the temperature outside drops, the pressure in the tires drops as well. It happens too often in cold weather: people don’t realize they have a flat tire and they end up in dangerous accidents. Have an extra tire in your car in case the pressure in your tires drops. 

5. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is full. When driving in snowy and icy conditions, this fluid is used often. The fluid helps take the snow and ice off the windshield to improve visibility.

For us drivers, we probably have encountered black ice or very icy situations when in the car. Black ice is a thin surface of hard, transparent ice. It’s very dangerous because the ice on the top isn’t noticeable. When driving on top of black ice or any other type of ice, resist the urge to hit your brakes. If you hit the brakes, you have a higher chance of skidding. Keep your steering wheel straight. If you are moving to the side or are skidding across the ice, turn your steering wheel slowly. Never overcorrect the steering wheel because it can make the situation worse. Slow down by letting go of the accelerator. If you have a lower gear on your car, shift to the lower gear. This can make your car easier to control in the winter. 

If you are unsure of what to do in other situations, make sure you do your research before heading out on the road. Living in Minnesota, we encounter many dangerous situations when driving. There are many articles, videos, and books put out on the internet to help you. Drive safely!

Riley Hetland • Staff Writer • December 20, 2021

Eastview has many great clubs that are centered around bettering the Eastview community. The clubs that tend to come to mind are ones like NHS or Climate Action Club, but there is one club that is often overlooked, Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA).  FCCLA is centered around growing leadership skills in members, all while completing service projects aimed at bettering the Eastview community. Over the past few years, FCCLA has been pushing through a lot of hurdles that COVID-19 has brought, such as lower membership and more restrictions on volunteering opportunities. However, these setbacks did nothing but light a fire under FCCLA and its members. Since the start of the pandemic, FCCLA has been focused on hosting service events to help those in need, such as hosting supplies drives for local women’s shelters, food drives for homeless shelters, NICU baby supplies drives for the influx of babies in the NICU, and writing cards to those in nursing homes. This year, FCCLA is focusing on the mental health of students re-adjusting to in-person school and is currently hosting an advisory day giving the Eastview community the resources it needs to help combat the struggles that students are facing. The members of Eastview’s chapter of FCCLA are motivated now more than ever to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Members of FCCLA meet once a month for a chapter meeting where they plan service projects and engage in activities to grow their leadership skills. On top of that, each month FCCLA hosts a service event that anyone can participate in, this ranges anywhere from a night at Feed My Starving Children to making blankets for the Children’s Hospital. Members can also compete at regional, state, and national levels for their service projects called, Students Taking Action with Recognition events (STAR events) and Power Of One projects. These projects are centered around growing leadership abilities while completing a project that benefits local communities. Last year, Eastview FCCLA had 5 members advance to FCCLA’s National Hybrid Leadership Conference in Nashville where they virtually presented their STAR events. Each came home with either a silver or gold medal for their individual STAR event. FCCLA brings a competitive aspect to community service and individual growth; just as the Central East Area President of FCCLA  Kamya Chakravarthi said, “FCCLA is a place where regardless of who you are, you can find your people. It’s an electric group of people who enjoy helping others and a community that inspires me every day.”

If you would like more information on FCCLA or want to join, go to @evhs_fccla on Instagram or talk to Mrs. Battistone in C129!!

Valerie Nguyen• Co-Editor in Chief • March 2021

If you’re an early 2000’s kid, you probably remember all the musical hits that came out when we were young. Songs like “Grenade”, “Since You Been Gone”, “California Girls”, and “Move Like Jagger” invoke a sense of nostalgia and fun in all of us today. There is one artist though who has hit the Billboard charts 20 times and has in my opinion, some of the catchiest tunes. Songwriter and singer Britney Spears, is known for her hits like "Baby one more time”, “Womanizer”, “Toxic”, and “Scream and Shout”. Sadly, Britney has been in the spotlight for not only her music but also her dramatic personal life. She rose to popularity when she was only 17 years old and has had her image on tabloids and magazines ever since then. She had a rough marriage with dancer Kevin Federline whom she later divorced, lost custody of her two sons in 2007, and was facing alcohol and drug addiction all while this was happening. That was when Britney was put under an emergency but “temporary” conservatorship; where she had to go rehab multiple times and had decisions regarding her estate, mental health, and business deals, be overseen by her father Jamie Spears. It is becoming more controversial, however, as Jamie keeps extending this conservatorship to today. A conservatorship is a court case where a judge appoints an individual or organization as a conservator, to take care of someone who cannot care for themselves or their finances. Conservatorship laws vary from state to state, which makes it difficult for people like Jamie, to be in control when they are on trips or vacations out of state. 

It has been over eleven years since Britney was legally her own person. At 39 she can’t buy things or see her friends without her father’s permission. Between 2008 and today, there has been a lot going on with the conservatorship. In 2019, Jamie stepped down as Britney’s primary conservator when there were accusations of him physically abusing Britney's son Sean. He is, however, still a part of her conservatorship team. Jodi Montgomery, a professionally licensed conservator, temporarily took care of Britney in Jamie's place. Since then, Britney has requested that Montgomery take her father’s place as a permanent conservator. She has also asked for Bessemer Trust; a private office that oversees wealthy families’ financials, to be the sole conservator for her finances and estate instead of her father. The court has denied Britney and her legal team the ability to remove Jamie from her conservatorship for now.  The next course case to determine Jamie's role in Britney's conservatorship is scheduled for March 17. 

What is important to note about this case is that Britney is not saying she doesn't need a conservatorship, or someone to take care of her finances and well-being. Britney has accepted the fact that she needs some help, but is opposing how her father gets to be in charge of all her actions. Britney's boyfriend of three years, Sam Asghari, has spoken out on how Jamie is “trying to control our relationship and constantly throwing obstacles our way”. Not only that, but Britney is not aware of what she is doing with her finances, and according to her attorney “she is afraid of her father”. While her father may advocate that it is for her own good, he is not allowing her to grow financially and develop from her mistakes either. It would seem that he is using what Britney has earned and worked hard for all for himself.  Britney's family is now divided against each other as Lynne Spears (Britney's mom) and her siblings are speaking out to end Britney's conservatorship. 

Fans and celebrities across the country are cheering on Britney in her legal battle against her father. You may have heard about the #FreeBritney movement that people are using on social media to bring more attention to Brittany's battle, and conservatorship in general as well. After the documentary from New York Times titled Framing Britney Spears came out, people are seeing firsthand what has happened and is happening to Britney. It talks more about her father, the paparazzi, and the press, as well as big names like Justin Timberlake. If you want to learn more about this issue, I highly recommend watching the film. 

If there is any takeaway from this that I have learned more about, it is the development of famous teens in the entertainment industry. Many people of power are abusing and using children for their own personal gain. Whether it be parents, producers, or directors, children in the entertainment industry can be used to make a profit off of, or be forced to do things they don't want to do. Not only that, we as consumers of their products can put inadvertently pressure on them to do well when they are just kids. It isn't only Britney who has faced early teen trauma and used drugs or alcohol to cope later in life. Macaulay Culkin, a child actor that starred in the Home alone series was mentally and physically abused by his father if he didn’t do well in a scene. Jennette McCurdy, an actress from Icarly and Sam and Cat, faced psychological trauma and abuse from her TV producer Dan Schneider. These are only some of the people who have gone public about their issues, many children stars today may not realize they are being used by people of power.  Yes, I know, it feels like I'm adding another issue to the large pile that we already have. But we need to stop the corruption and abuse of power in the entertainment industry at its source, or else we move on from #FreeBritney to #Free(insert famous person’s name here).

Anushka Chaudhari • Editor • 14 December 2020

‘Tis the season for new drinks! Here comes the new winter drinks from Starbucks, Caribou, and Dunkin’ Donuts! If you are not sure what to order the next time you pull up in the drive-through, here are the best seasonal drinks, according to Eastview scholars. 

1. Peppermint Mocha (Starbucks) 

This drink was voted the best by Eastview students. The Peppermint Mocha, back for its 18th year, is a holiday classic made with Starbucks signature espresso, steamed milk, sweet mocha sauce and peppermint-flavored syrup. It’s all topped off with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. Sounds pretty good! 

2. Toasted White Mocha (Starbucks) 

This drink came in with a close tie to being first! The festive flavors of caramelized white chocolate mocha sauce meet espresso and steamed milk to create Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, which is then finished with whipped cream and a celebratory topping of Holiday sugar sparkles and crispy white pearls. If you’re not a fan of peppermint in your coffee, there is an alternative!

3. Iced Ho Ho Mint Mocha Crafted Press (Caribou) and Signature Gingerbread Latte (Dunkin’ Donuts) 

These two drinks tied for third place! According to Caribou, the Iced Ho Ho Mint Mocha Crafted Press is a cold press with a splash of milk and a hint of chocolate and mint. There is another minty drink out there if you’re not a huge fan of Starbucks coffee. The gingerbread latte features the addition of gingerbread flavor to add comfort and cheer to every cup! It comes topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon sugar. If you like more Christmas-flavored drinks, this one might be the one for you!

4. Fa Fa Latte (Caribou) 

The drink nominated for fourth place was the Fa Fa Latte from Caribou. This drink is described as an espresso and steamed egg nog topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg!

5. Signature Peppermint Mocha Latte (Dunkin’ Donuts) 

The last drink that Eastview students ranked was the signature peppermint mocha latte. It is described as a fan-favorite Peppermint Mocha returns with its beloved flavor combination of refreshing mint and rich cocoa served topped with whipped cream, mocha drizzle and hot chocolate powder!

Julia Prewitt • Co-Editor-in-Chief • 13 Dec 2020

With the weather getting colder, and COVID-19 still lurking beyond the safety of our homes, it’s getting harder and harder to connect to friends. This challenge shouldn’t stop us from finding ways to connect and have fun with friends- it just means we need to pivot how we spend time together. Aside from meeting up outside with masks on, there are a lot of ways you can have fun over the internet. Read on for some ideas!

Movie Night

Watching a show or movie with friends is a tried and true way to spend time. There’s lots of options as to how you can do this virtually! One idea is trying browser extensions like Netflix Party, which let you watch a movie in sync. Disney+ also has a built in feature which allows you to do the same thing, opening up a chat box while you watch the movie in sync. Another work-around is to open up a zoom meeting and share screen and audio. So long as people are on computers, you can watch pretty much anything together with all the great benefits of a zoom meeting! *It will work best with a Chrome browser*

Game Time

While it’s hard to play more traditional games over the internet, there’s also a ton of free and fun games available for play. One game that most all of us have heard of by now, Among Us, has the ability to create private rooms. Just make a zoom call with friends and play the game as usual! You can also play a lot of the .io games (Scribbl.io is one of my personal favorites), creating a private room and letting the fun start from there. An old favorite of mine is Arcademia- if you’re in the mood for some childish and easy fun, check out this website for basic ideas. There are hundreds of online games you can turn to, these are just some of the ones I’ve really enjoyed.

In-Sync Activities 

I’ve always been of the opinion that life is more fun when you have someone by your side. With this in mind, I think it’s super fun to find activities you and your friends can do at the same time. Whether it’s baking, painting nails, or playing video games, doing activities “together” makes the distance between us seem all that much more manageable.

Study Sessions

With digital school feeling like a neverending barrage of homework and calls, having a friend to work through things with together can be invaluable. Try having a group study session, work on homework together, or even just keep each other company while you each work through material.

Just Be  Together

COVID-19 has changed our lives in a lot of ways, and will continue to do so for many years to come. We must all find ways to maintain, grow, and develop our friendships and relationships, in a safe and smart manner. There’s nothing like seeing each other in person, but to help protect others, we must each make sacrifices like not visiting with friends in person. I hope this list sparked some inspiration in ways to connect with friends. Stay safe and stay connected Eastview!

Valerie Nguyen • Co  Editor • December 13th, 2020

If you ask any senior what they are most stressed about right now, it’s probably going to be about college. Many may be worried about the application process and deadlines in general, but for those who have already applied by Early Decision, another thing is on their mind. Acceptance day. One very stressful point about the acceptance date is that we don't know exactly when it is. Many universities and colleges have their release date to be the “middle of December .'' What does that exactly mean? Don't ask me, I am also waiting for my decision to come out. 

The waiting part is easy, but being able to handle the thoughts you have during that waiting period is very difficult. Doubts can fill your head and you might wonder why you even applied. For me, I am already accepting that I didn’t get into my dream college. But what happens then, when you open the letter to find out that you have been rejected? Firstly, do not beat yourself up about it! You are not less worthy or dumb because you didn’t get accepted. Colleges might already have too many students like you in a particular major or field and needed to accept different students. Colleges will also reject you based on how well they think you will fit in their environment and how much you can contribute to them. So even though two seconds later you feel like crap, it is better than getting accepted and finding out that you don't fit in.  

Secondly, persevere through the process. You can find Youtubers and other people online who say that they got rejected from their first college choice, but are so happy with where they are now. Remember that you will get into a college if you keep working hard on your Common App and essays. Grades are not everything that colleges look for but can help the admission officers decide between you and another student, so don't be tempted to senior slide! Have a friend or teacher critique your essays, and run through your Common App for any mistakes. Lastly, be proud of yourself! I don't think anyone is proud enough of what they have done. The college application process is hard, the college application process during COVID-19 is even more difficult! Do not get discouraged by not making it in, be proud of yourself that at least you tried. Giving in the effort is always better than not trying at all. 

At the end of the day, what matters most is not what college you get into, but what college makes you feel at home. The Ivy leagues aren’t for everyone, and public universities give just as good of an education. The prestige of Harvard or Yale may look good, but it can come back to bite you when you find out the community is just a bunch of entitled rich white kids. The University of Minnesota is just a few miles away from Eastview, but it has a lot of diversity and culture to it. Whatever college you get into, trust that it is the perfect one for you. 

Allison Nathan • Staff Writer • November 15th, 2020

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the way we live our lives. From staying 6 feet away from friends to wearing a mask in public and not going to school full time, our world looks dramatically different. With the physical, and social isolation that many of us are experiencing right now, we often focus on the impact that the pandemic has on our own lives; however, we should also consider the ways that this new way of living impacts younger kids whose ideas about the world are developing at a much faster rate. 

For elementary and preschool-aged kids, living in a pandemic means less time at school, with friends, and in the activities that many kids take part in to help with their physical and social development.  As those of us with young siblings or children know, this is a big change for families of elementary and preschool students.

For younger kids, one of the most important aspects of early education is how to make friends, use manners, and how to interact with other students their age. Mr. Gerber, one of EVHS’ psychology teachers says that this socialization is the most missed aspect of early education, and will have the greatest impact on psychological development. In these trying times, when being around other kids in a social setting is so limited, it is challenging to develop these important skills. 

Mr. Geber assures students and parents that kids still have lots of time to develop these important skills; although it doesn’t seem like it, eventually the pandemic will end and kids will be able to return to more normal routines. In the meantime, it is important that we, as parents, teachers, siblings, and friends, do not try to force kids to develop these social skills in atypical settings.  Instead, we should focus on being “encouragers and supporters”, focusing on helping the people around us to develop the skills that they may be missing out on.

An additional concern for families is whether the reported news on the virus, its associated death toll, and impact on the community may cause children to develop psychological trauma. A report written for the British Broadcasting Center suggests that some children, especially those with parents who are frontline workers, demonstrate increased signs of stress, anxiety, and even some symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The truth that many families are facing is that the times we live in are frightening and stressful, and there is little that they can do to shield their children from everything that is happening outside of their home. As many of us at the high school level have seen, staying at home and hearing the frightening news about what is going on around us is emotionally challenging.

So what can you, as a parent, older sibling, friend, or neighbor do? The whole Eastview community would agree with Mr. Gerber when he states that “our community is very rich in supporting,” and one of the most important things we can do is spread that support. Talk to children and siblings about what is going on and make sure they know that this will pass. According to the CDC, taking care of yourself, physically, mentally, and psychologically is also important as it helps those around you do the same. When people around you see you managing the stress of this time well, they are likely to remain calm and learn to do the same. Creating opportunities for socialization such as going to a park, having an appropriately socially distanced Netflix watch party, or playing a board game over zoom can help children overcome the psychological and social barriers imposed by the pandemic. 

Living in 2020 is anything but easy. However, it is important for us to remember that this will pass, and when we stick together and support each other, we will get through it.

Meghana Anireddy • Rimika Dhara • Editors • 15 November 2020

If you are a Gen Z and claim to not have a TikTok, you’re either too smart for our generation or you’re lying. Whether it be Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, or any other social media platform, you cannot escape the ever-growing wrath of TikTok videos that are all over the internet. If you somehow don’t have any social media accounts and have successfully preserved your sanity, congratulations, you’re basically a superhuman and saving A LOT of time. But this article is for my obsessed TikTokers. Whether you are on alt TikTok, straight TikTok, messy TikTok or even college TikTok, there are common mannerisms that we all have somehow picked up and songs that are constantly playing in the back of our heads. 

Exhibit A: The finger pointer 

I was raised believing that you should never point your finger at someone because others will then begin to point their fingers back at you, at least that’s the rough English translation. But no matter who I'm speaking to or what the subject matter is, I somehow manage to emphasize all my points by pointing my finger. And for all the millennials who don’t know what I’m talking about, by pointing I do not mean what trump does to emphasize a point, think of it more like a finger gun that is used to emphasize a point. Where did this come from? I have absolutely no idea. Can I stop doing it? I honestly don’t think so. 

Exhibit B: Tucking your hair behind your ear

This is the one and only mannerism with which I can trace back its history. I don’t know who first got the idea to binge Debbie Ryan Movies and saw the trend, but I’m not complaining. I think this move has evolved throughout TikTok and is used for far more things than just when you’re shy. If anything, I think of it as more of a sarcastic move for when you’re pretending to be shy. That’s pretty much all I have to say about this. Let's also take a moment to appreciate the fact that Debbie Ryan didn’t shy away from the fact that everyone was laughing at her and instead decided to join the fun. We stan.

Exhibit C: Clapping our hands over our mouths at the smallest of surprises

Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure that this move came from a single TikToker who just had a habit of doing this and many people thought it was...cool? I don’t even know how half of these things became trends, or why I use them everyday, but this may be the most dramatic one. It can be something as small as forgetting to take out the trash, to realizing you’re two weeks behind in a class and the quarter ends this week (theoretically). At the end of the day, it doesn’t hurt anyone but yourself. 

Exhibit D: The Facebook mom selfie angle 

I don’t even know how to explain this in English. If you know, you know. 

This may not encompass all the things we have picked up from TikTok, but I think it's a good start. TikTok was created not too long ago but many of us have spent countless hours on this app during the pandemic. We were bound to pick up a couple things here and there. 

Exhibit E: PERIODTTT.

Anushka Chaudhari • Editor • 14 November 2020

Almost every high schooler gets excited when the first official day of fall starts, which for many of us is the day the Pumpkin Spice Latte comes out. It almost feels like without that nice coffee in your hand, fall really isn’t fall until you’ve had that first sip of the sweet, earth-smelling coffee. If any student is looking for a good drink to start their fall off strong, here are a few that Eastview students have recommended! Some of them may surprise you!

1. Salted Caramel Mocha from Starbucks

This drink is described as “Mocha sauce and toffee nut syrup are combined with coffee and steamed milk, then topped with sweetened whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a blend of turbinado sugar and sea salt.” It comes either hot or iced. Based off of the reviews, this drink seems to be a pretty popular choice for many!

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks

According to Starbucks, this drink is “espresso and milk are combined with a blend of pumpkin and traditional fall spice flavors. Enjoy it finished with whipped cream and Pumpkin Spice topping.” This drink can be served iced or hot as well. There actually has been a lot of thought that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is overhyped. It’s up to the taster to decide that!

3. Chai Latte from Dunkin’ Donuts

This drink is described as “While the spices used to make chai can vary depending on where you buy it, at Dunkin', our chai features a blend of spices including cinnamon, ginger, clove, cardamom and nutmeg.” This drink also seems to be popular among the high schoolers. 

Next, are the top three drinks that high schoolers at Eastview High School have rated to stay away from!

1. Pumpkin Flavor Swirl from Dunkin’ Donuts

“A fulfilling taste of pumpkin combined with nutmeg and cinnamon - made even better with the addition of cold or hot coffee.” This drink was one that Eastview students rated the worst, but feel free to try it!

2. Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte from Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin’ describes this as “The Signature Pumpkin Spice Latte mixes espresso with pumpkin and vanilla flavors and comes topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and cinnamon sugar.” In essence, this drink seems to almost be the same as the Pumpkin Spice Latte in Starbucks. 

3. Pumpkin Pie Latte from Caribou 

This latte has “A distinct taste of pumpkin pie combined with the comforting taste of hot or cold coffee (your preference!)” Personally, I’ve never had this drink, but according to Eastview students, it’s not the best!

Akshara Molleti • Co Editor-in-Chief • November 15th, 2020

Let’s be honest. This pandemic has been hard for everyone. As students, we have to deal with the many emotional and mental challenges that come with a complete change in lifestyles. As the United States begins to reach another peak, and different parts of the world are going on lockdown again, it is important to understand how we can stay positive and keep ourselves mentally healthy over the next few months.

First: Give yourself a break! This is obviously easier said than done, as school, work, family, and other responsibilities seem to be constantly piling up. However, the winter season brings many breaks that we can use to prioritize ourselves. It is important to understand that whether you realize it or not, no one is at their best right now. Do not have extremely high expectations and instead focus on how you can be kind to yourself through this time. Everything that we thought we knew has been temporarily thrown out the window, and it is okay to struggle. Practice self-care and nurture yourself, whether it be through exercise, painting, reading, or whatever else you enjoy doing. 

Next, it is important to find time to connect with those around us. It is so easy to just sit in one place and stare at a computer screen all day, but we should be taking advantage of being at home. Make sure to create time where you are not just working on homework. Have a meaningful conversation with your parents, or discuss with your siblings and begin watching a show together. Creating a sort of routine with the people around you will help you feel a lot better. Additionally, do not forget your friends just because you cannot see them in-person all the time. The upcoming cold winter months will make it difficult for outside, socially distance activities. Though it may not be ideal, try to create times where you allow yourself to relax and talk with your friends virtually. Whether you are playing Among Us together or watching Netflix at the same time, there are so many different ways to sustain those strong friendships without meeting in person. Relationships are essential to also helping your own mental health during this time.

Most importantly, we must learn to have hope. Eventually, this pandemic will end and life will go on. Hopefully, we can learn from this difficult time and improve how we treat others and ourselves when we can go out in-person. Until then, grab a warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and start to take care of yourself. More than anything, that is what matters most.

Valerie Nguyen ~Editor ~14 November 2020 

Everyone has their own special traditions as the holiday season comes around. No matter what you may celebrate, there’s one event that I believe really defines Americans. My mother is the most festive person on this day and is willing to stay awake for hours to get a vacuum cleaner. Yes. I'm talking about Black Friday. At the peak of capitalism in America, people turn into wild beasts at Walmart's grabbing that flat-screen TV. Over the years, I have seen a decrease in interest for Black Friday. With computers so readily available, people are more drawn to cyber Monday. I don't know about you, but Black Friday was really fun. It was so chaotic, I got to drink caffeinated drinks at 1 am on Thanksgiving night, and met new friends in that long line to checkout. 

With COVID this year, I fear the worst. Will we have a normal Black Friday? What are the stores doing with this situation? Looking at popular stores and malls, I have found that they are choosing to spread the day and night out. At the Mall of America, they are doing 8 days of giving from November 23 to 30 which gives two extra hours for customers to shop. Old Navy is opening right away at 12 am on Friday for customers to pick out fuzzy socks for their loved ones. Best Buy opens on Friday from 5 am to 10 pm with deals such as 100 dollars off Bose Headphones, and 200 dollars off Samsung 70 inch Smart TV. Many stores like Target and Ulta Beauty are choosing to release limited time offers between now and Black Friday. They sadly won’t be opened for Thanksgiving hours like last year, but their hours for Black Friday are TBD. Don't fear, your savings will not go away! Instead of waiting in long lines in the frigid cold on Thanksgiving night, you can stay cozy near your laptop. I think it’s safe to say that Black Friday has become a long Cyber Black Friday this year. New deals are popping up every week so keep your eye out for them. You might not be physically grabbing for items, but your virtual shopping cart might have a time limit if you don't plug in your credit card number fast enough.  If you prefer being able to see the item and pick it out for yourself, it is best to go right away when the deals come out so that you don't get stuck with crowds on the actual date. 

 As a rule of thumb if you care about saving money and love Black Friday as much as I do, be on the lookout for good deals now! Those who are planning to go on the actual date need to be careful of crowds and further spreading the Coronavirus. Don’t forget to wear a mask as well as keep hand sanitizer on you at all times when you are shopping this November. Happy Thanksgiving and Black Friday!

Anushka Chaudhari and Elisabeth Nielsen • Editor and Writer • 14 November 2020

The online game “Among Us” has taken the internet by storm. It resembles the classic, childhood game Mafia. Regardless of how much parents may dislike the game, they must admit that this new game has brought the community together and has taken communication to a new level in quarantine. 

In the beginning of the game, each individual is deemed as a crewmate or an imposter. The imposter is supposed to try to kill all of the crewmates before the crewmates can guess who the imposter is. During the game, the crewmates have to complete a series of tasks such as administration, electrical repairs, or playing small games. While the crewmates are completing tasks, the imposter(s) kill the crewmates. Each time a dead body is found, any individual can call an emergency meeting and discuss who they think the imposter is. Then, each individual votes, and the individual with the most votes gets kicked off of the spaceship. If the imposter gets kicked off, the game is over. If a crewmate gets kicked off, the game continues. If an individual dies and is a crewmate, they can float around as a ghost until the imposter is identified. 

Among Us was originally created by a game studio named Inner Sloth. They released the game on June 15, 2018. It suddenly became popular when twitch streamers had found the game and streamed it on their account. The audience really enjoyed the game and more streamers started to play the game until it became so popular that well-renowned Youtubers were playing it on their accounts. That’s when the game became popular. 

Among Us is directly related to Eastview students as well as some middle school students. Many middle school students have taken on the trend from older Gen Z’ers and have become pretty successful in playing the game. “I started playing the game around September,” says Katie Porter, a middle schooler at Falcon Ridge Middle School, “it wasn’t very popular when I first started playing, but now it’s very popular.” Keira Schumacher, a middle schooler at Dakota Hills says she started playing the game a few weeks ago. “I started playing the game because a lot of my friends were playing it and I wanted to know what they were up to. Soon, I started really enjoying the game because of how you can connect with others without seeing each other's faces.” It’s clear that the middle schoolers have taken a liking to the game, Keira and Katie both agree that it’s a very fun game with a lot of strategy. 

It’s not just middle schoolers, who have taken to playing the now infamous game. Among Us has become increasingly popular with high school, and college-age students. This game has picked up popularity in the pandemic because it allows many people to interact with their friends, as sophomore Caden Hubbs explains, “The reason I’ve played it before is for the sole reason to play with friends, that’s  one of the major reasons why many other[s] play.” While gaming and live streaming are becoming more popular amongst friends, and celebrities, to keep in touch, they are not the only ones using it. Representative Ocasio-Cortez of New York state, as well as Minnesota’s fifth districts’ representative Ilhan Omar, took to twitch to play the game. The stream netted over 439,000 synchronous viewers, drawing audiences from all over later through social media platforms such as Twitter. 

This new style of campaigning is being used to energize youth voters, a previously tricky demographic to energize for either party. Eastview alum, and eligible voter Madeline Swenson explains why she thinks it’s effective: “In order to gain the attention of people, you have to go to where you’ll find them, and to where you know they’ll pay attention.” To many youth, eligible voters, or otherwise gaming and live streaming is where they will be listening, making Among Us a strategic, and new way for politicians to connect with their voters. Although this is no substitute for other more orthodox means of voter engagement, it certainly is a type tailored to the youth vote. 

Among Us has served as a way to connect, to kids of all ages during this pandemic. From connecting friends, through a computer, to a way to energize and talk to young voters, on a familiar platform.  

Julia Prewitt • Editor-in-Chief • 27 October 2020

“Skincare” was not even half of what it is now ten years ago. As the mainstream media became more and more obsessed with beauty, skincare advice blogs, skincare subscription services, and skincare focused influencers followed right behind. However, the increased awareness of skincare in today’s world has not made it any easier for the average consumer to understand. Over the past two years, I have dived deep into the world of skincare. I watch videos, do research, and have worked hard to get my skin to where it is today. Whether you have a specific skincare goal in mind, or are just interested in maintaining a healthy hygiene routine, read on for some of my best tips and tricks to work towards your healthiest skin!

In the great wide internet, there are a lot of opinions on the best products and methods. Some people say rubbing lemon slices on your face can make your skin brighter, or that toothpaste will cure your acne. Others say that a certain face wash will harm your skin, while hundreds love it. With all these opinions out there, it can be hard to tell fact from fiction. Whether you believe wholeheartedly in “natural” skincare, or want to focus on products with research backed ingredients, find an influencer to help guide you through. Personally, I love Hyram, who posts on Youtube and TikTok. He focuses primarily on ingredients and affordable options. After watching his videos over the years, I feel much more informed. However, he may not fit your needs, or you may prefer someone who has a degree. That’s just fine! There is a whole world of influencers out there waiting for you. Just focus on an influencer that matches your skincare ideas, and someone you won’t be bored while watching!

When picking products, my personal rule of thumb is looking at the ingredients themselves. As my favorite skincare influencer Hyram says: “the ingredients don’t lie”. If you want to know how good or bad a product may be for helping with your skincare goals, just turn to the label.  Understanding what you are putting onto your skin is key, but it’s not always easy. With ingredients like niacinamide and glycolic acid, filling up the label, knowing what is good, bad, or pretty useless can be hard. Luckily, there are ways to figure this out! Paula’s Choice has an ingredient dictionary, where they explain how beneficial or harmful ingredients are (using science as a backing!). Taking a look at the first six listed ingredients will give you a pretty good idea about how much the product will address your skincare needs. 

Once you’ve found products you like, it can really help to ensure they are being applied properly. Make sure you wash your hands before diving in- even before COVID, it has been vital to wash your hands before touching your face, and our current situation makes it ever more important. Whenever you use a wash off product, ensure you gently wash all of it away with lukewarm water before moving onto your next steps. Another key thing to remember while washing your face is that you should avoid putting any applicator directly onto your skin. It may look cool when influencers do it, but if the applicator goes back into the bottle or jar, it could carry bacteria from your face and turn the product into a breeding ground. Really make sure the product is absorbed by giving your face a light “massage”! This will also boost blood flow and ensure your skin gets that glowy feeling. Finally, whether your skin is oily or greasy, MOISTURIZE AND USE SUNSCREEN! These two steps are vital to protecting your skin over the years.

While you learn more about skincare and how to maintain your skin’s health, it is important to remain patient. With our fluctuating hormones and high stress levels, it can be almost impossible to keep our skin clear of pesky pimples and blemishes. This is normal. Even adults still deal with skincare concerns. If you want to see true results, there will be setbacks. Finding the right product, letting your skin purge out impurities, and waiting for change to occur can take a long time. Ultimately, however, you can find results. Eating healthy, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and changing your pillowcase weekly can all help to boost the natural glow that all of our skin holds within. Ultimately, everyone has to find their own skincare journey. What has worked for me may not help the next person whatsoever. My biggest advice to you is to keep informed, keep healthy, and be gentle with yourself. Your skin will thank you later!

Anushka Chaudhari • Editor • 21 October 2020

When searching up a synonym for "social" on google, one finds the word "pandemic." How ironic. Our social lives have been manipulated. Communication has been lost, frustration and stress have caused some of us to go into isolation, and the feeling of being overwhelmed has eaten away at our ability to be productive. Socializing is seen as a key to making friends. These friends are the ones who help you get through troubling times. Our situation may have driven us to socialize less, and I think we all know that socialization is crucial for our sanity. Regardless if you are an introvert or extrovert, there are many ways to conquer social isolation so that we can be better people. 

1. Connect to others instead of scrolling on social media. 

It's safe to say that many of us high schoolers have social media to connect with our friends outside of school. While we spend hours scrolling on Instagram or Snapchat to see what others do, sometimes we forget the real purpose of social media - to connect with others. Using the apps to connect with others increases the value of your friendship with others. These things can help you feel better about yourself. Other than connecting with friends, social media allows you to participate in activities that mean a lot to you. For example, during quarantine, many fitness stars have done live streams on Instagram to introduce others to their fitness journey. If exercising is your hobby, then it is a great idea to join in. This keeps us connected to the outside world, which proves to be helpful in the end. 

2. Small acts of kindness for your friends

Small acts of kindness can help you reconnect with your friends during quarantine. Some examples include bringing cookies or coffee to a friend's house for fun. Those gestures help you keep connected with your friends. A lot of friends are even doing a Netflix party or watching movies together online. These little things lift our spirits and allow us to have something to look forward to when nothing seems to be going our way. 

3. Find something you love!

I know it sounds super cheesy, but this really helps. Finding something that you look forward to every day can help you feel better about your day. It also helps your social health. Scientifically, when we do something close to us, we want to tell others what we did and why we love it so much. This reaction allows you to connect with friends and you have a very productive conversation. Not only does it help in a social aspect, but it improves your mental health too. 

I think we all know that social interaction is crucial to our well-being, especially now. It boosts our mental health and helps us look forward to many things in our lives. While it may seem like our social lives are being thrown out the window, we have to remember these hindrances make us stronger for the future!

Julia Prewitt • Editor • 18 October 2020

I’ve never really enjoyed math class. Whether it be the content, the teacher, or even the ease of understanding, math has rarely been something I liked. Yet, this year I’m having quite a different experience. AP Statistics has been the most fun and fulfilling math class I’ve taken in years. The content is helpful to my day to day life, and the workload balance is perfect. However, one of the most significant reasons why AP Statistics is a zoom I look forward to as opposed to dreading is the teacher: Mrs. Hoffman. Someone who can make a math class enjoyable for me, is someone worth getting to know further. With this in mind, I decided to interview her. Keep on reading to learn more about one of Eastview’s great teachers! (Answers edited for length and clarity!)

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Question (Q): How long have you been teaching?

Mrs. Hoffman (A): About 25 years, and about 17 years at Eastview

(Q): What made you decide to start teaching?

(A): It’s something that came naturally. If you’re a teacher, there are some things that just come naturally. It is a way to be a helpful person without dealing with blood and guts, and students keep you young.

(Q): How would you describe yourself?

(A): Helpful, patient, and easygoing- comfortable

(Q): How is teaching different this year as compared to others?

(A): It’s really really hard, and keeps us really busy. There are things we do in class that we can’t do in online class, and vice versa. It’s hard to recognize people when you can’t see anything but their eyes. It’s a lot more of the personal things. It gets really busy- for every class you teach, you do it three times. If I have 4 classes, I’m doing it 12 times a week- it’s hard to stay fresh.

(Q): Any upsides to the new way of learning? Anything you’d like to keep?

(A): I really like having smaller groups of students. My largest group of students is 15, and it’s so nice to get more individual one on one. I’m also the digital resource teacher, and I hope that teachers in general are getting more comfortable with digital means of communication. 

(Q): What has been the hardest thing to adjust to?

(A): There’s so many things that have been really hard to get used to. In the springtime, we didn’t see anybody live, and it was just screens all day. Especially after the murder of George Floyd, not being able to have that community was really really hard. That was the point where a lot of teachers and students alike were ready to hang it up. That was probably the hardest week ever. 

(Q): What’s the best part of your day?

(A): Taking the mask off, honestly. I think a lot of people would agree with that. That’s one thing I really like about digital learning, I can actually see student’s faces!

(Q): What are your hopes for this year?

(A): It would be so nice to be able to go to school as normal, the way we used to go to school. I don’t know if I see that happening, but that would be a really good thing. That’s probably the biggest one. 

(Q): Any message for students?

(A): We are all in this together. We are all doing the same thing, and we are all struggling through this. I don’t want to use the words “patience and grace” because they’ve been overused this fall, but honestly we all just have to have an understanding of what one another is going through. 

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Mrs. Hoffman has made her weekly class one I look forward to, and gaining an insight has only boosted my respect for her. In these tough times, it’s more important than ever to foster connections between us- reach out to those around you, whether they be peers, teachers, or family. We can get through this together!

Rhea Rajvansh - Editor - September 18th, 2020

Back in July, teachers and policymakers had to make the difficult decision on whether we would return back to school. District 196 ultimately decided to go with the hybrid model. While many students have voiced their opinions on this model, it is time we get our teachers' opinions. Today, take a look at the hybrid model through the lens of Ms. Feng. 

Q: What was your initial reaction to the hybrid model?

Ms. Feng: Initially when I heard about the hybrid model, I didn’t really know if I liked it. I was really excited to see my students, but at the same time I was confused on how it would work. Luckily, it is working out really well, and I am happy with this model! 

Q: Do you like this plan better than spring of last year?

Ms. Feng: Since last year everything happened so suddenly, full time e-learning was the best option. But for this year, I am glad they used the hybrid model. I think one of the best parts is that I get to meet the hybrid students in person. Not only am I able to explain concepts more easily, but just engaging with other humans is very important. Especially, in the midst of a pandemic. 

Q: What are some difficulties that come with this model?

Ms. Feng: The main difficulty is that there are so many details that teachers need to keep up with. Small things like due dates, and creating weekly calendars are hard to keep track of because of the different cohorts. Sometimes I even mix up the Zoom links! 

Q: What are the benefits of this model?

Ms. Feng: The nice thing about the hybrid model is the in person human connection students get. While school is meant for learning, school is also a great place to make friends and connections. The hybrid model allows us to do that. 

Q: What are your hopes for the coming semester? 

Ms. Feng: It really depends on the situation. If COVID-19 cases start to decrease, of course, I would love for everyone to come back to school. It would be easier since it is one group, and I will get to teach everyone in person. However, if there are still many confirmed cases, then obviously we don’t want to put our students at risk. We will see what happens in the coming months. Let’s just hope for the best. 

While we all patiently wait to go back to - normal - school. It is important to note that our teachers and policymakers chose this model to ensure our safety. Hopefully, things get better by next semester. Ms. Feng says it best - lets just hope for the best! 

Akshara Molleti  •  Sports Editor  •  May 7th, 2020

     The coronavirus symbolizes different things for different people. For high school students, it is a force that ruined the end of their school year. For many parents, it got rid of their income and destroyed any form of child care they might need for their children. However, no matter what you may see coronavirus as, it is still a virus. The most effective way to stop the effects of a virus? A vaccine. 

In an unprecedented move, scientists and medical researchers from all over the world are working together to create a vaccine that can be mass produced and distributed to people. With a vaccine, our lives could go back to normal. We would all be safe from the coronavirus and be able to safely leave our homes and meet others again. While a vaccine may seem unrealistic right now and it seems that this pandemic will never end, that is not the case. Many researchers have already created a vaccine and have begun human trials.

In Italy, researchers have claimed that they have developed a vaccine that will be effective. The vaccine has been tested on mice, and was able to generate antibodies to block the virus from human cells. In Israel, the Defense Minister stated that Israeli scientists have developed an antibody that can effectively neutralize the coronavirus in human cells. Plasma therapy has been used to help people fighting the virus. Plasma from coronarius survivors has been transfused into the blood of suffering patients, and has been proven effective in aiding people combating the virus. Many people, including celebrities and healthcare workers, who have survived the virus have stated that they would donate plasma. At Oxford University, a vaccine has been successfully tested on animals. Researchers there have already begun human trials, and hope to have the vaccine accessible to the public this fall. Pharmaceutical companies have targeted their vaccine platforms toward the coronavirus.

With over 110 potential vaccines being created and tested all over the world, it is clear that researchers and scientists are doing their best to save millions of lives. The coronavirus continues to hurt people every single day. But, this pandemic will not last forever. At the end of this long, dark tunnel that is called a global pandemic, there is clearly light that we are getting increasingly to. That light is a vaccine.

Nikhil Kapur - Editor-in-Chief - May 6th, 2020

Graduation is right around the corner. At least, it should have been. It is truly a somber time for this year’s graduating class. The culmination of 13 years of hard work, friendships, and growth seems to be lost forever. In the face of this brutal reality, it is important to find ways to pay tribute to graduates. In a time of trouble, there are other options that can, and should, be explored instead of a physical graduation ceremony. 

Other schools have already come up with some interesting ideas. Senior Campbell Bernstein explains that “[her] cousin goes to the Academy of Holy Angels and they rented a drive in movie theater for their graduation. They ended up playing a slideshow for seniors and people could drive by to get diplomas”. While, AHA’s class size is smaller than EVHS Class of 2020 of over 500 students, the measures taken by surrounding schools are a testament to our creativity and resilience as a society. Right here in Eastview, there have been rumors about pushing graduation into  late summer, and EVHS faculty are continuing to work on arrangements for distributing diplomas and choosing a graduation speaker. Eastview students have even started their own Instagram page which honors graduates by sharing their senior pictures and future plans. 

Yet the decision of how to celebrate Seniors is not one exclusively held by our school; it’s a decision that is falling on families as well, as students question whether to hold their own graduation parties. Senior Brendan Wilhelm is trending to pushing back his party, or even outright cancelling. “It depends on the limitations at the time, but it might just come down to holding a small family gathering towards the end of the summer”. Fellow Senior Amber Connors agrees. “I think we’re cancelling. Most people are canceling. But then again, I’m not sure”. Instinctually, it makes sense to think that everyone has cancelled plans, as it appears that our society as we know it has shut down until further notice. However, not only do students and families have a deep emotional connection to holding graduation parties, but some have already made arrangements ahead of time. Senior Jordan Adams acknowledges that although she will most likely be postponing her party, she can’t get some of the money back that she invested. “Mine is supposed to be June 26 with R Taco and bouncy houses. And the bouncy house was non refundable so I’ll have them for three hours. I guess I’ll have my own little party at home.” 

Another issue arises from the social pressure of not attending a graduation party that is still being held. For students who worry about potential health risks, it is hard to make the decision between choosing to honor their close friends, or keep their distance. It is difficult to tell that the “right” choice is when the situation rapidly evolves. Adams continues, saying that “Everything changes from day to day, but if people still plan parties and things are still bad, I’d probably drop something off as a gift, but I wouldn’t end up going.”

At the end of the day, it is of utmost importance to watch the situation and recommendations closely before planning, or attending, a graduation party/ceremony. Don’t forget to see the silver lining. Adams is looking forward to eating tacos and her spending time in her bouncy house. Connors is hoping to save the money and maybe go for a trip when this is all over. Until then, all we can do as a community is take this situation one step at a time. 

Thomas Nelson - Opinion Editor - April 21st 2020

On Sunday, April 12, many Minnesotans celebrating Easter were shocked to see several inches of snow falling outside their windows. Many a comment was made about how it “looked much more like Christmas”. For the next three days, the snowy weather continued, to exhausted Minnesotans’ dismay. Finally, the sun came out, and, by the next weekend, the snow had melted.

Although April snowstorms are becoming less of a rarity for Minnesota, this one proved especially painful because it came at a time when everyone was cooped up at home, jumping at any opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. As a matter of fact, ever since the covid-19 outbreak caused lockdowns and stay-at-home orders to go into effect across the country, many people have spent more time outside than they ever would have otherwise. Because people don’t have jobs to commute to or school to attend, a nice walk around the neighborhood can prove to be a delightful distraction from the boredom that sets in from spending every day doing the same thing. Especially in a time of year when warm, sunny weather finally starts to show up, it would be a shame if we didn’t get to experience any of it for ourselves. 

However, there are still several obstacles for those wishing to enjoy outdoor activities, besides inclement weather. The federal government has closed down virtually all of the national parks. Many local jurisdictions have taken similar steps. Although Minnesota state parks remain open at the moment, the Minnesota Department of Health advises that people from the cities don’t travel far to go to them. The logic behind this advice is that, if people who are tired of staying at home flock to more isolated parts of the state, their poorly-equipped health systems will have to bear a larger share of the covid-19 cases in the state. Instead, MDH hopes to keep people contained in the Twin Cities, where there are more hospital beds and medical supplies.

Luckily, the state has permitted some outdoor activities to go on. Fishing and hunting are allowed, as long as you adhere to the normal laws and practice social distancing, and the new revision to Minnesota’s stay-at-home order allowed golf courses to reopen.

Hopes remain high that Minnesota will lift restrictions on movement and interaction in time for us to enjoy the plethora of outdoor activities that summer has to offer. With many foreign countries and U.S. states making the first moves towards reopening, the momentum seems to be headed in that direction. That being said, if increases in case numbers or shortages of medical supplies start to be seen, we may have to head back towards a long-term shutdown. Even if restrictions are lifted and outdoor activities are allowed once again, we have to be careful to continue to follow social distancing rules, in order to ensure that they can stay that way.

While there may be some limitations to what you can do outside right now, it’s still a great idea to enjoy some fresh air and admire the unique sights and sounds of springtime in Minnesota. Even if it means just taking a short walk or bike ride, it will help significantly with your mental and physical health. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed that nature doesn’t dash our hopes with another April blizzard.

Nikhil Kapur - Editor-in-Chief - April 21st 2020

As we become confined to our homes, it is growing ever more difficult to find ways to return to normalcy. However, many have discovered that they can still engage in the activities and events they used to in new and creative ways. Take for instance birthday parties. 

Often held as events to celebrate our loved ones, a traditional birthday party is not ideal under current circumstances, given that social distancing is of the utmost importance. Nevertheless, students at EVHS are finding ways to celebrate the joyous occasion. Senior Natalie Wilson experienced her own unique version of a birthday last week. Dozens of her friends scheduled a drive-by parade at her house, waving and honking as they passed. “I was pretty surprised, people kept coming around multiple times, honking and saying hello”. It was a unique experience, but it would have been impossible without crafty friends. Fellow Senior Campbell Bernstein, a close friend of Wilson's, organized the birthday parade. “It was fairly easy to put together. I spread the word amongst some of her friends about where to meet and at what time. At that point, Natalie’s mom sent her out to ‘get the mail’, and everyone drove around to honk”. 

This isn't the only occurrence of drive-by birthdays. Bernstein continues, “I have been a part of other birthdays like this over the past couple weeks. They are all a little bit different, but the idea is to celebrate our friends." As students are becoming more creative, it raises questions about whether similar ideas may be applied to other forms of celebration. Could there be a parade version prom? Or maybe a unique graduation by cars? These are indeed unique and strange times, so it is impossible to tell what may happen. However, as long as students maintain the safety of their friends and family, finding new ways to celebrate happy moments can be an important way of bonding as a community and maintaining strength. Wilson concludes, "something like this shows you how much people care and are willing to come together during this time.”

Nikhil Kapur - Editor-in-chief - April 21st 2020

In times of uncertainty, we often look to our leaders for reassurance. In the case of students at Eastview High School, our faculty is facing the everchanging challenge of helping students navigate confusing times. It is a struggle that Mr. John Kelly, an Economics and History teacher here at EVHS has embraced his own unique ways. 

He noted a general effort that Eastview staff has taken to boost morale in the school. “As teachers, we came up with school spirit ideas, you may have seen the hashtags or the themed days on Fridays. Eagan High School was exploring an idea of online pepfest, but nothing has happened there yet”. Additionally, steps have been taken within our district to address students It is clear that initiative is being taken across the district. Amongst his classes, Mr. Kelly has found that he can connect to students by making a song recommendation every day. When asked why, he simply replied, “Why not? I had my music playing, and I thought you know why not send out music that students maybe haven’t heard before: songs from the 90s or older music. I add songs to my Spotify Covid 19 playlist that I will eventually release to students”. The gesture is a way to continue to connect with students. 

Mr. Kelly recognizes the downsides of the system we operate in, mainly in that he can't connect to students easily. “The information with testing and this entire situation is constantly changing, and I can’t stand in front of you every day and get your attention. I miss the communication piece. Some students may thrive with the online school, but a lot of people need that routine”. 

Ultimately, Kelly is hopeful in the situation. “I am reassured because people are very resilient. Students are able to adapt”. 

Akshara Molleti • Sports Editor • April 22nd, 2020

      While staying at home everyday, it may be easy to forget what is truly going on outside and how terrible the situation truly is. Hospitals are unable to keep up with demand as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout different areas. However, while we are doing our part by staying at home, there are even braver heroes that are actively fighting the virus every single day. The doctors. The nurses. The people in the Emergency Rooms all over the country who are fearless enough to risk their lives with the hope of saving someone else’s lives. We are all currently making the right move by practicing social distancing and staying at home, but it is important to understand what is actually going on in hospitals right now.

The situation and atmosphere of hospitals has drastically changed over the last few weeks and months. Junior Kelsey Lindell’s older sister, a medical scribe, describes how her “job has drastically changed as this pandemic is impacting our community larger. We are required to wear PPE [Personal Protective Equipment] at all times in the ER. I have seen some severe possible covid cases and it has been scary how fast things can go downhill for patients.” It is clear to see that doctors, whether or not they have the virus, face a daily struggle. In addition, there is always the fear that they will get the virus but, likely even more frightening, that they could bring the virus home and infect their families. All doctors are currently making a great sacrifice for all of us, and we should continue to do our part by staying home. 

Now, more than ever, is when our community needs to work together in every way possible. Lindell’s sister continues to describe  how “it is important that we are all on top of our game and supporting each other to help our parents. The community outpour has been amazing, restaurants are donating food, and people are writing thank you cards. The support makes hard shifts so much better.” Clearly, business and people all over Minnesota have been working together so that our medical workers can continue to fight the virus with strength and courage. 

I would encourage you all to thank a health care worker if you see them, as they are ones working the hardest right now. In addition, remember to stay home. They are doing their part to end this pandemic, and we should all make sure we are doing our part too.

 Akshara Molleti • Sports Editor • April 14th, 2020

Social distancing and quarantine has been going on for several weeks now, and will continue to go on for many weeks to come. All over the world, people are taking the necessary actions to keep themselves safe from the coronavirus. While this sacrifice is essential to staying healthy, there is one group that has been significantly hurt by this. The extroverts. The main difference between introverts and extroverts is where they get their energy from. Extroverts struggle to gain energy and to release all the energy inside themselves. Junior Maddie Massman describes how she has “been going a little crazy not being at school, where” she “usually gets most of her energy out. ” 

While staying at home, people have been getting extremely creative with how they maintain the interactions they used to have in person. Massman describes how she “and some friends sometimes go to an empty parking lot to park our cars (6 feet away of course) to talk to each other and get fresh air. Also, I’ve been doing a lot of tik toks because dancing and music helps so much when I’m full of energy.” Many people have also found different ways to do activities with their friends, even if they cannot be in person together. Junior Lili Nikilova describes how “being in this quarantine has led me to come up with a lot of new ways to keep myself entertained and connected with my friends. I Facetime my friends daily and even do Netflix movie nights with them.” Technology has definitely aided all of us in surviving this quarantine and it is frightening to think how we would communicate without it. As extroverts, not being able to meet people in-person can often be frustrating but we have found innovative ways to make up for the loss of communication. 

However, there is a bright side to all this. Junior Aishu Vinod states “I think this quarantine has taught me how to be happy with my own company and I’ve realized that I’m not as extroverted as I thought I was because I’m doing just fine without talking to anybody. Initially, it was hard but now, as time passes, I’m becoming more accustomed to spending time with family and not being around a lot of people.” I am sure many people can relate to this, as we are able to reconnect with ourselves and our family. Throughout the school year, I rarely spend quality time with my family, since I am always occupied with school work, extracurriculars, and hanging out with friends. However, being in quarantine has allowed me to connect with my family and spend hours throughout the day with them. Nikilova feels similarly when she states that “this quarantine has also helped me become even closer to my little sister as well. We have a lot of new inside jokes between each other and have been watching a LOT of movies together.” As extroverts, we often feel that we constantly have to be on the move with new people and new adventures. However, this quarantine has given us the opportunity to slow down and really appreciate the people and things we have around us. 

Introverts and extroverts alike can likely agree that we are missing our ‘normal’ lives, which included seeing our friends, teachers, and being able to go outside. However, this quarantine has proven that we all have an extroverted and an introverted side inside of us, allowing for stronger understanding and connections between the two groups in the long run.

Julia Prewitt • Editor • April 6th, 2020

As Americans began confining themselves to their homes in the face of the pandemic, millions of events were shut down in an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. While this is a necessary sacrifice we all must make to prevent the spread, it is still a disappointing change that we have to learn to live with. With District 196 students not scheduled to return until May 4th at the earliest, many highschoolers are struggling to adjust to the new status quo. However, there is one group of people that are well versed in the practice of social isolation: introverts. While introverts still need, value, and enjoy being social, we also love to have some alone time at home. As an introvert myself, my experience in quarantine is far different to that of my more extroverted friends.

One of the staples of a typical introvert is the tendency for our “social battery” to be easily drained. After some time out and about, we flock home with the goal of recharging. With the government itself telling us to do just that, I am lucky enough to have a stable situation at home and am free to enjoy the extra emotional rest that any introvert needs for standard upkeep. Others are experiencing similar situations. Junior Andrea Wallick says that “I can be more of myself and more energized in general without the normal anxiety and difficulties that come with being in big groups”. For many high schoolers, having time to sleep in, rest, and do things at home is a welcome reprieve from the pandemic  we are facing.

To many introverts, spending months at home with no social expectations  sounds like a dream come true. However, some introverts face challenges with being home as well. Junior Valerie Nguyen says that “my introvert battery that needs to get refilled everyday after school has been overcharged in a sense. So now I’m all energized and ready to talk to people and hang out, but I can't and it really sucks”. Being an introvert does not mean avoiding all social contact. It simply means wanting to be in control of that interaction, and having the time to recharge after it. While I, and many others, are experiencing personal benefits such as better sleep or emotional wellbeing, I am certain it will soon become far too much of a good thing.

So many of us live at such a fast pace that we have hardly a minute to stop and breathe. Being given this opportunity to spend some time with ourselves, while it comes at a high cost, can come with some good. In these times of turmoil, it is more important than ever to seek the light in the darkness. Extroverts, especially: Use this opportunity to experience life in a new way, and reconnect with who you are. Recharge your own social battery and seek new ways to socialize with friends. Even though these are trying times, we can still learn from them. Discover things about yourself, learn how to manage unstructured time, and find new ways to keep yourself occupied.

The issues we are facing in quarantine may be dismissed by some as unimportant when compared to the dire situation the globe is currently facing. However, we must recognize that while there are indeed issues that may outpace our emotional health in severity, we cannot neglect our well-being. It is not a competition to see which problem is more pressing–everyone is facing unique challenges during this time. Personal struggles are just as valid as the worries about public health, food insecurity, and the economy. We will be getting through this together. Friends, family, and the Eastview community are already coming together to support one another. And, take it from an introvert: it’s not so bad to be alone for a little while.

Akansha Kamineni • Editor • April 6, 2020 

If the past two weeks and the first few days of e-learning have taught me anything, it’s the importance of a daily routine. Routines can help us keep our stress levels down and sleep better by giving us more time to relax while also being more productive. Though a regular school day is very rigid and structured and distance learning allows us a bit more freedom, it’s still important that we set a schedule for ourselves to stay on top of our learning. Here are some tips on how you can create an effective daily routine for yourself while we continue on our distance learning journey for the next few weeks.

First, set up a morning routine. Maybe a 5 a.m. alarm isn’t necessary anymore, but try to have a certain time you’d like to wake up at. Office hours for my first class begin at 9:00 a.m., so I like to wake up by 8 a.m. to give myself time to get ready and start some classwork in case I have questions. Try to keep your morning similar to a regular day. Brush your teeth, wash your face, do your hair, drink some coffee if that’s what you normally do before school. It’ll help you feel more prepared for the day and get you in school mode. It’s really important to get dressed. While one of the best things about distance learning is that you could do it all in your pajamas if you really wanted to, getting ready for the day helps you become more productive. I don’t know about you, but the second I put on pajamas, all I want to do is go back to bed. Instead, pick out something that you would wear to school on a regular day. You don’t need to walk around in slacks and dresses, but maybe a pair of jeans or a fresh pair of sweatpants, something to get you up and moving.

Second, create a space for yourself. It’s important to have a designated spot to work on your schoolwork on any day, but especially now. Don’t do homework on your bed or park yourself in front of the TV, but pick a space that works for you. I like to do my schoolwork in places with a lot of natural light to keep me focused and motivated. I also have a desk so that I have enough space to work and so that I can keep anything that I might need nearby. If you need tips on how you can organize your own desk space, check out some of our articles!

Third, create a new plan daily. Most teachers will update Schoology with their lesson plans for the day before you even wake up or have weekly schedules up, so in the morning, write down all your tasks for the day. I like to use a planner, but starting a Google doc or putting it down on a calendar is also helpful. Writing down all your tasks for the day can help you plan accordingly. It may be helpful to create a class schedule by giving yourself a certain amount of time to work on every class, but with distance learning, you can spend whatever time you need on assignments. You may have a biology worksheet that only takes you 20 minutes, but an English essay that takes you an hour. The important thing is that you keep track of due dates and new assignments. I like to get anything that’s due that day done right away, then I like to spend a little bit of time each day on assignments that are due the next week so that I’m not overwhelmed by work. Find a process that is helpful for you. Make sure you stay on top of your work. Some days may require you to spend a little bit more time on school, but finishing up your work will definitely make you feel better than watching that Netflix show and letting everything pile up.

Fourth, give yourself breaks. Since we don’t need to walk between classes anymore, stand up and stretch between assignments and Zoom meetings. Don’t forget to eat lunch! You can use your lunch break to decompress and keep your mind off of school. If the weather is nice, it can be helpful to take a short walk to revitalize. You could schedule FaceTime calls with friends during lunch. Give yourself a set amount of time for your breaks and lunch so that you don’t get sucked into the endless stream of TikToks and Instagram posts. Around five minutes between classes and half an hour for lunch seems like a good amount of time.

Find a schedule that works for you and use distance learning to your advantage. Fit breakfast or a workout into your mornings with time you might’ve normally spent driving to school. Stay active, take walks in the afternoons or try new drills for a sport that you play. Try new hobbies with your extra time. Maybe you had always wanted to learn card tricks - this is your chance! The most important thing is that you stay positive and follow regulations to prevent the spread of the virus. Stay healthy both physically and mentally by washing your hands, maintaining social distancing, and finding ways to keep yourself occupied. Find ways that you can positively impact your community, even if it just means staying home to limit the spread of the virus, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your community for help.