It all began in 1985 with one man, named Dr. Gordon Klatt. Dr. Klatt was extremely dedicated to helping his cancer patients, as well as donating to the American Cancer Society. This inspired him to run around a track for 24 hours in Tacoma, Washington. In doing so, he raised $27,000 in the fight against cancer. From that point on, his idea began to spread. Today, there are over 5,200 Relays throughout the world, and they have raised over 4 billion dollars.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is more than an event, it is an experience. It’s about a community that takes up the fight. Our Relay will take place at East Ridge High School on Friday, June 8, from 6 P.M. to 8 A.M. It is an overnight event that lasts 14 hours. During this time, people can walk the track and participate in activities that other participants have to offer. Most activities that are present at the relay are usually created by teams. Teams consist of family and friends, with up to 15 members. At last year’s Relay, there were over 120 teams, and most of them were youth teams. Our Relay was the number one Relay in Minnesota, due to the East Ridge student involvement. Teams also can come up with ways to fundraise money. Some examples would be: selling food, creating a game, or doing people’s hair. The fundraising goal for each team this year is $1,500. If you are interested in starting a team, make sure to at-tend the next team captain’s meeting on April 19th at East Ridge. To get started, you can visit the Relay for Life website: www.relayforlife.org/sowashcomn

As a part of the youth committee, I think it’s really important to spread the word about this event, so students can realize they can make a difference. It’s important that everyone gets involved, so we can show there is hope, and eventually, a cure.

If you have any questions or need more information, contact Bridget Olson at bridgeto19@gmail.com or Kelsey Lisowski at lisow018@umn.edu

Emily Hagen, a sophomore, walked at the JDRF walk for Key Club. When asked why she decided to participate, she responded, “I thought it was a good cause to raise money for diabetes re-search and it promotes people to work for what they believe in.” Emily also responded, “I would love to do it again in the future! It was a wonderful experience.”

One of the ways that Key Club participated in the event was by selling ‘shoes’ that were displayed in front of the Loft Stage. Each paper shoe cost $1, and the proceeds went toward the walk. Key Club also gathered volunteers to walk at the actual event. Ac-cording to Hieu Nguyen, the president of the Key Club, the organization made around $400 to go towards the fundraiser. With a different approach, NHS formed a team for the event. Within the team, each member was responsible for raising their own money to go towards the event. Regardless of what group our Raptors went with, they showed East Ridge’s will to give back.

The general plotline was quite similar, and the actors did a splendid job of playing the characters and looking really good while doing it. The action and romance balanced well, and the moviemakers did an excel-lent job of transferring the first person point of view writing by Suzanne Collins to a movie screen without having Katniss narrating her thoughts during the movie. One thing I disliked was that the mayor’s family is not included, and their removal messes up the origination of the mockingjay pin which is from Madge (the mayor’s daughter) in the books. Another critique is that some of the romance got a bit cheesy, although it was funny to hear the audience in the theatre to react to the romantic scenes. In addition, the time it takes to get to the Capitol seems to be lengthened while the time in the arena seems to be shortened in comparison to the book. Besides those few things, I really liked the movie and applaud the moviemakers who made the movie enhance the book rather than ruin it like many have done before. I highly encourage others to read the book and then see the movie; it is worth the money.

According to Principal Harper, our school’s security cameras “act as a deterrent for misbehaving students,” helping staff “respond appropriately to situations and analyze how to respond proactively in the future.” Specifically, the cameras have been used to document student whereabouts related to various thefts that have occurred over the years. They have also confirmed people’s stories and have helped the administration see details of particular events. Mr. Harper believes the cam-eras have made a significant difference in creating a safer learning environment and are “a necessity for larger schools.”

Our school’s security cameras are located everywhere throughout the school except in bathrooms, locker rooms, classrooms, and conference rooms. They are activated and record video only when they detect light or movement, and are monitored daily by security personnel and ad-ministration. These cameras are definitely viewed by the East Ridge staff as important components of every school, but it seems most of our students could care less about having them around.

“They just waste electricity,” said one student, who was quite shocked to learn that administration actually monitors the cameras on a regular basis. “I really don’t think they make a difference. And it’s not like we need them at night or anything. I mean, who would want to break into school at night?”

Another student who was asked about the topic was slightly more lenient: “There’ll be those few times when the cameras help someone find something that was stolen or something like that, but other than that, I don’t think they really do anything.”

Many other students had similar opinions about the cameras making no difference or simply being unnecessary. However, even though students may say they are indifferent about having security cameras around, according to Mr. Harper they are still “generally aware of their presence and sometimes modify behaviors accordingly.”

Other popular traditions include wearing green apparel and various parades and celebrations. The leprechaun is a popular mascot and is seen wearing green as well. Finding the leprechaun’s golden pot at the end of the rainbow has been an unachieved goal for centuries.

Celebrities also show their affection for this holiday, by wearing green colors and promoting during these party-filled days. One Direction went green for the day and many fans at ERHS enjoyed that.

But is there a dark side to this fun-filled day? Could students really be drinking under-age? Is this holiday being twisted away from its Christian roots?

So, to the numerous juniors out there who are still unsure as to what they’re going to do about that final year that’s right around the corner, listen up. No one has more experience when it comes to senior year, than seniors themselves. Chatting with a couple of them, I was able to figure out what being a senior is really all about. “[Senior year] is crazy, but stressful,” says Annie Zacho, class of 2012. “You have the anticipation of wanting to get out of high school–not in a bad way, but it’s so close!” Senior year is likely to be one of the most exciting and enlightening years of your life, because as Annie said, you’re walking the line between being “just a teenager” and being a young, independent, adult.

When thinking about senior year, one thing that often comes to mind for several students is applying for colleges. I was able to ask senior, Katie Argo, about how her application process was going and she replied, “Applying to colleges was easy. It’s the waiting period and applying for scholarships that’s hard.” Her advice to juniors on applying for college was to “apply early and make sure you check the admission requirements.” These are things that can easily slip one’s mind when they are focused on the big picture. It’s also important to look closely at the colleges that fit your own personal requirements. Think about what you want in a college and what kind of school you’d like to see yourself attending in the coming years. Keep your options open and keep an open mind as well. Your perfect school might not be the one that you’ve been planning on attending since you were in kindergarten.

Another issue that pertains to seniors is whether or not grades are really important. Rumors about the “senior slide” have gone around, as several upper class men forget the importance of keeping their grades up, despite having already applied for their selected colleges. Argo agrees, directing a message towards future seniors, “Do not do the senior slide, it only makes things harder. Enjoy your time in high school though. Spend time with your friends and not just with your homework.”

This is a very valid point, because it reminds juniors that even though senior year is your last year of high school, do not take it lightly.
Many seniors have stated that the homework load does not get any lighter, and may even increase in some classes. Remember to enjoy senior year, and work hard at the same time.

Senior year is a time to make memories. It is your final chance to create moments that will last a lifetime, as redundant as that may sound. “My favorite memories include my last season of marching band and being on winter court” says Argo. Annie, when asked about her favorite memories of senior year, replied “All of the extra curricular activities I have been involved in–such a blast!” This proves another important point, which is that senior year is your last year to get involved in all of the extra curricular activities you weren’t able to be a part of in the past. It’s never too late to try new things. In fact, trying new things during your last year can prepare you for the numerous opportunities you’ll have during your freshman year of college.

It can seem like a lot of pressure, but your final year shouldn’t be all about stress. Senior year should be about reflection and preparation for what’s to come. Both of the seniors I was able to interview seemed to have good solid future plans laid out. Annie has high hopes of majoring in instrumental music education and becoming a high school band director. Katie, on the other hand, hopes to become a nurse and get a four-year degree specializing in cardiology. Sometimes, it may seem as though everyone has it all figured out. But no matter who you are and where you are in the process of planning for your future, you are not alone. Whether you are/aren’t positive about what you want to do after high school, remember to keep an open mind because you never know when your plans may change. “Examine what classes you like best or enjoy the most. Google what fields or careers are in those areas, and don’t be discouraged if you are undecided”, advises Argo. You can get the biggest hints about the fields you would be most successful in, just by looking through your classes and deciding which ones you really love and enjoy being a part of. Zacho provides the most important advice for upcoming seniors, “Enjoy every moment…it sounds cheesy, but savor the time you share with friends, because high school flies by.”

This winter, The Lion King performed its 15th anniversary showing on its off-Broadway tour in Minneapolis.  The first-ever production of the show was held at the Orpheum 15 years ago, so it was spectacular to see the show at its original location.  For those unfamiliar with the plot or Disney movie, the story follows the life of a young lion prince in Africa, named Simba.  Simba’s uncle, Scar, is plotting to kill Simba, along with his dad, Mufasa, to gain control over the pride lands.  It is up to Simba to take back his homeland and make it prosper once more.

Ben Gotz, who has seen a handful of shows on Broadway, says “Lion King is my favorite out of all of the ones I’ve seen.”  The story is enhanced with beautiful music, a detailed set, and creative costumes.  As the ‘Circle of Life’ states, “There is far too much to take in here”. The live orchestra and percussion match the skillful actors’ singing perfectly.  My favorite number was “Endless Night” because of the beauty and power in Simba’s voice, along with the wooden lion head projected into the sky.   The set was complex and kept on changing throughout the play.  I was amazed that Pride Rock, the graveyard, and everywhere in between fit backstage.

Yet, what most people remember from their night at the theater is the creative costumes.  The actors portray the characters with masks and puppetry. The choreography is so well done and the dancers are so skillful that soon all you can see are the wild, proud animals prancing up on stage. One of the most impressive costumes is that of the lions. Scar, Mufasa, and the adult Simba have complicated masks that perfectly match the faces of the movie. When standing upright, the masks are above the actors’ faces so it is easy to see their body language and expressions, but when they are crouched, the masks swing down in front of their faces so that you only see the prowling lion with a fierce demeanor.

Zazu, a government official and friend of Mufasa, has the most colorful costume.  To seem British compared to the native African lions, he wore a bright blue suit with tails to represent the bird that he is.  Above his hat, he flew a puppet resembling the Zazu seen in the movies.

If you ever have a chance to see the play, do so.  You won’t forget the acrobatics, dancing, singing, or costumes.  The best seats are on the aisles.  I sat on the aisle, three rows from the stage.  The actors walk up and down the aisles multiple times during the show while they are performing songs.  It made my night when I looked to the left and saw a hyena’s face right next to mine, trying to scare me.  The Lion King became a world-renowned production for a reason.  There is something to enjoy for everybody, and it will be a night that you will never forget.

The fundraising committee is planning to do the “usual” fundraisers like the grade vs. grade contests, where every grade competes to see which grade would donate the most money. The familiar 5 gallon water jugs will be put out once again to be filled with spare cash and change, all going towards a good cause.“Pennies for Patients” is working to gather funds to benefit cancer research.
change you have to help the cause.”

“Pennies for Patients” is working to gather funds to benefit cancer research.
In an interview with Emily Benson, who is a committee member for “Pennies for Patients” explains that, “the typical fundraiser is giving any change you have to help the cause.”

During the Pep Fest, the three teachers were called out on the gym floor to a table with three slices of pizza. Stofer got the rivalry going by showcasing his belly to both sides of the gym in turn and taking off his sweatshirt. This caused Ramey to retaliate by taking off his jacket in an attempt at imitation. MacLeod proceeded to laugh at his opponents. It was an odd sight, and the contest had not even started. Once the three teachers were standing by the table, they were given the “go” and the eating ensued. Stofer started by shoving half the pizza in his mouth like a starved animal, MacLeod proceeded to take some big bites, and Mr. Ramey went a bit slower, no doubt wishing to savor each bite. Moments later, MacLeod tried to take Stofer’s pizza away from him. Still, Stofer held on and chomped away. At this point, Ramey must have realized that he was not in the lead during a contest involving his favorite subject, food. He whacked the pizza straight from Stofer’s hand to the floor in order to cause a short delay in Stofers machine-like chewing. After noticing his pizza was gone, Stofer ran around and kept on eating the germ filled pizza he picked up off the floor. He went on to win the contest even after the bad conduct of his co workers. In celebration, Stofer took off another layer so he was shirtless and again showcased his belly to the crowd while Ramey hailed him. Again, MacLeod laughed at the two. On the sidelines, Mr. Virgin was tearing up from so much laughing and the crowd was smiling. The contest had turned out to be quite a success, not so boring after all; and it brought up the question of whether the students of school could follow the teachers’ example and cheat in school?