Stories Written by Meredith Gallagher

Tremendous 12 – Keelin O’Neil

Written by Meredith Gallagher · May 24, 2010  

Feeding her caffeine addiction, trying new foods, and reading a good book are just a few of the things Keelin O’Neil spends her free time doing. Along with a passion for traveling, a love of new experiences, and a dedication to helping others, the Benilde-St. Margaret’s senior has... (more...)

Inked – Students

Written by Margaret Miller · May 18, 2010  

Alex Peck Alex Peck, a senior, got a tattoo on his back right after his 18th birthday. “My parents said I either had to win state, or when I turn 18,” said Peck, “I had wanted one since freshman year.” Peck’s tattoo is of a Chi-Roo Cross, which has the word “credere”... (more...)

Jane Goodall speaks at Beth El Synagoge

Written by Meredith Gallagher · May 14, 2010  

In 1960, a young British woman, accompanied by her mother, stepped onto the grassy planes of Tanzania. Jane Goodall, 27 at the time, was given six months and limited funds to observe a group of Chimpanzees in the Gombe Stream National Park. Now, 50 years later, Dr. Jane Goodall has spread her... (more...)

Eye-opening experience in South Africa

Written by Meredith Gallagher · April 28, 2010  

For nearly two weeks over spring break, five senior girls travelled to Konga, South Africa to work in Open Arms orphanage. Started by BSM alum Bob Hickey Solis, the orphanage is a safe haven for the children, many of whom were abandoned by their parents. Ms. Nicole Rasmussen and Spanish teacher... (more...)

New exhibit leaves more questions than answers

Written by Meredith Gallagher · March 24, 2010  

For over 2,000 years, the Dead Sea Scrolls had been hidden away from the world. Then, in 1947, a Bedouin shepherd discovered the first scroll preserved within an ancient clay jug in a cave at the abandoned settlement of Qumran, Israel. Since then, the scrolls have thrown the academic world... (more...)

Good food at Good Day

Written by Meredith Gallagher · March 9, 2010  

One of the best breakfast places in the west metro, Good Day Cafe is famous for its delicious egg dishes. Whether it be one of their omelettes, quiches, or eggs Benedict, you cannot go wrong at Good Day. They are also known for their pancakes, crepes, and lunch sandwiches. The most recent addition... (more...)

More than just pastries at Minneapolis favorite

Written by Meredith Gallagher · February 23, 2010  

Part deli, part bakery, part cafe, Turtle Bread Company is the perfect place to go for a giant cookie after school or a filling breakfast on the weekends. Located on 44th Street in Linden Hills, the independently owned and operated restaurant offers customers a large and diverse menu: Oatmeal... (more...)

Local pizzeria, homemade touch

Written by Meredith Gallagher · February 11, 2010  

While it doesn’t serve up snack food, HomeMade Pizza Company, located in Calhoun Commons, is still a great place to stop after school. A Papa Murphy-esque pizza place, HomeMade will create a fresh, unbaked pizza with all the toppings. Customers simply have to take it home and place it... (more...)

Portrait of an artist: Matt Kriske

Written by Meredith Gallagher · January 26, 2010  

Matthew Kriske has been making art all his life. Whether it be painting, drawing, creating personalized shoes, or publishing his work, the BSM senior can’t imagine his life without art. “It’s been a part of me for as long as I can remember,” he said. Though Kriske has... (more...)

Farmville addiction sweeps nation

Written by Meredith Gallagher · January 8, 2010  

I don’t know what it is about FarmVille. Maybe it’s the satisfaction of watching as you harvest your own artichokes. Maybe it’s the joy of finding a stray goose on your plot of land. Maybe it’s the fact that I don’t even begin to understand the allure of the Facebook... (more...)

Smoothie shop is undoubtedly king

Written by Meredith Gallagher · January 4, 2010  

Instead of Jamba Juice like always, try going to Smoothie King for your after-school snack. This stop, located just on the corner of Cedar Lake Road and Parkdale Drive, offers more than 50 different flavors of smoothies. Since 1973, the chain has focused all of its attention on producing the... (more...)

A masterpiece on the woes of humanity in post-apocalyptic America, “The Road”

Written by Meredith Gallagher · December 10, 2009  

In the midst of Twilight media-mania, many a movie have slipped under the radar, and none more deserving than the post-apocalyptic masterpiece, “The Road.” The movie follows a father and son as they try to weather the constant rains, survive encounters with cannibals, and find enough... (more...)

New burger joint a smash hit

Written by Meredith Gallagher · November 12, 2009  

Opening its doors in Golden Valley earlier this summer, Smashburger isn’t exactly a new take on the classic burger joint, but it has definitely taken the art of fast food to new heights. The burgers there are absolutely delicious–they may as well be homemade–but Smashburger... (more...)

Local coffee house makes great after-school hangout

Written by Meredith Gallagher · October 12, 2009  

Located less than 30 seconds from BSM, Harvest Moon Coffee Shop is the perfect place to go after school. A welcome change from Caribou and Starbucks, this independently-owned coffeehouse uses beans from a specialty roaster right in Cannon Falls, ensuring freshness and great taste. Along with... (more...)

Baja Sol Provides Tasty Options for After School

Written by Meredith Gallagher · September 11, 2009  

Instead of always turning to Chipotle or Noodles for your after school snack, try Baja Sol Tortilla Grill. Since 1995, with the opening of its first location in Minneapolis, the fast food chain has been serving up excellent Mexican food. From a diverse menu of tostadas, half a dozen different... (more...)

Student Gains World Experience in Argentina

Written by Meredith Gallagher · September 8, 2009  

Instead of spending her last few weeks of summer at home, senior Martha Hawkinson opted to live thousands of miles away in Argentina where she spent a month as a foreign exchange student. Hawkinson lived in the city of Rafaela, attending school, meeting new friends, and experiencing a new culture. She... (more...)

Valedictorian Griffin Muckley

Written by Meredith Gallagher · June 3, 2009  

After four years of high school, few students can boast of a perfect GPA, but Griffin Muckley is one of two students from the class of 2009 to do just that. Not only did Griffin achieve straight A’s, but he challenged himself with AP classes and participated in a wide range of extracurriculars.... (more...)

Media overreacts to Swine Flu, scaring all

Written by Meredith Gallagher · May 6, 2009  

Swine flu. Swine flu. Swine flu. Swine flu! It’s impossible to turn on the TV or log onto the Internet or even walk down the hallway without hearing some mention of the spreading sickness. Yes, it is a serious issue, but people need to get their facts straight before they start overreacting. The... (more...)

Junior shares adoption experience

Written by Meredith Gallagher · April 24, 2009  

Jen Deglmann has come a long way from the Moscow orphanage where she spent the first 18 months of her life. With the dedication and determination of her mom, the BSM junior overcame disease, injury, and malnourishment. LIFE IN THE ORPHANAGE Originally named Olga Vladimirovna Matveychuk, Jen... (more...)

“Feast of Life” makes Gospel come alive

Written by Meredith Gallagher · March 24, 2009  

Performing for a crowded auditorium on Saturday, March 14, choir students put on “Feast of Life,” a modern-day interpretation of the Gospel of Luke featuring the vocal talents of 17 BSM choir students. “There’s a big group of seniors this year,” said Nancy Stockhaus. “They wanted... (more...)

Burst pipe floods classroom

Written by Meredith Gallagher · February 10, 2009  

On the first day of the new semester, most teachers were just worried about getting the names of their new students right, but Sister Jeanne Marie Vanderlinde was busy saving anything she could find that wasn’t already drenched with water. She was greeted Tuesday morning with three inches... (more...)

Peace and justice fair spreads awareness

Written by Meredith Gallagher · January 21, 2009  

Students in the Social Justice classes packed the Great Hall with poster boards, hand-outs, food, and even a few dogs. Held on January 9 and including over 100 students, this was the fair’s largest showing to date. “I think it’s important to remind ourselves about the world around us,”... (more...)

Spirit Shop increases price of candy after Christmas Break

Written by Meredith Gallagher · December 16, 2008  

Starting in January, the price of candy sold in the BSM Spirit Shop will increase to 75 cents. Currently, candy is sold during all lunches and after school for 50 cents, but Spirit Shop management decided to raise the price in order to help cover costs. At its current price, each candy bar... (more...)

Family-friendly El Loro delivers great Mexican food

Written by Meredith Gallagher · November 4, 2008  

The El Loro chain of restaurants has only been in the Twin Cities for eight years, but they are already known for their authentic Mexican dishes: enchiladas, burritos, tostadas, tomales, quesadillas and chips with salsa. They’ve got it all. Even for those weary of spicy foods, El Loro... (more...)

Unlikely neighbors model cooperation

Written by Meredith Gallagher · October 30, 2008  

In the office of the Beth El Synagogue hangs a painting given to them by Benilde-St. Margaret’s art students. With vibrant colors, it depicts the Bread of the Earth and Fruit of the Vine and symbolizes the harmonious relationship between BSM and Beth El. Though it seems odd to have a Catholic... (more...)

‘Eagle Eye’: more like emu eye

Written by Meredith Gallagher · October 14, 2008  

“You have been activated,” a robotic woman’s voice says from an unknown number on Jerry Shaw’s cell phone, and Eagle Eye begins, but the promising thriller fails to deliver anything special to the big screen. The viewer will have no problem forgetting this good-not-great... (more...)

Common basket project encourages giving

Written by Meredith Gallagher · September 26, 2008  

More than a few students shared looks of confusion at the Opening School Liturgy early in September when they were asked to place their talents into baskets. Although the baskets are new to the school Masses, the Rwandan bowls will most likely be a fixture at all future Liturgies. They are... (more...)