Hundreds of students walked out of Highland Park Senior High on Thursday in response to two teachers’ use of a racial slur in front of students.

The high school’s Black Student Union organized the event, with their principal’s support, after a Highland Park Middle School teacher was recorded May 8 referring to a group of students as “the only (expletive) (n—–) doing any work.”

That teacher was placed on administrative leave and resigned the same week.

Soon after, a substitute teacher at the adjoining high school used the same slur while speaking with students about the first incident. Students quickly reported it to school leaders.

“I sent that sub home and he will not be back here again,” Principal Winston Tucker said in an interview Thursday.

With hundreds of students standing outside Thursday morning, junior Selah Jacoway took the microphone to give a history lesson on the N-word and ask classmates to “call out” those who use the slur.

Ava Courneya said she’s been to school dances where non-black students have shouted out the slur when it’s been edited out of rap songs.

“It’s not for your use,” she said.

Courneya said the two white teachers’ use of the slur has “caused a lot of mistrust” at the school, where 21 percent of the students and 7 percent of the teachers and administrators are black.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the St. Paul school board, another Highland high school student spoke of a third incident. Braiziah Dixon said a teacher recently singled out her and other students of color and told them to leave an area when other students started talking about race.

“This is not a one-off situation,” said her mother, Brittainy Dixon. “There has been a cluster of situations and issues of the same kind that’s happened at (Highland Park) that are racially tinged or flat-out racist with the staff.”

Principal Tucker, who is white, praised the students for speaking out about the slurs and other issues. But he doesn’t think his school has a particular problem with race.

“In my nine years here, I’ve not found that there’s a negative school environment,” he said. “But race is, for sure, a problem in society, and it is in schools, as well.”

A “cultural proficiency lesson” this week by an Apple Valley middle school teacher included a racial slur, prompting an investigation by Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan public schools.

In a 52-second recording taken by a student with a phone Wednesday, a teacher at Falcon Ridge Middle School can be the heard saying the n-word and then saying how it can have different meanings whether it ends with an “a” or an “r.”

“If you put the ‘a’ at the end of the word it means a person was non-immigrant — it means gaining or growing, achieving,” the teacher said. “OK, so it has a different connotation to it. Now, if you use the ‘r’ at the end — so I’m going to say it again — so I apologize if you find this offensive, but if they use the word n—– with an r … rrr, that is a racial slur. That is a racial slur. OK, that is referred to people during the slave times. So when people were enslaved — if you were African descent — that’s the word they would use to describe you. It also was a derogatory term.”

School district spokesman Tony Taschner said Friday he could not name the teacher because the incident is under investigation. He did not say what the teacher’s employment status is with the district.

“I am limited in what I can say, other than the statement,” Taschner said.

The statement read: “Our initial understanding is that concerns arose out of the handling of a cultural proficiency lesson with students on the importance of words and the use of language. The district is investigating the situation to determine the context of why and how this information was shared with students.”

RECENT UNEASE REPORTED

Carter Ciolkosz, a Minneapolis resident who shared the recording through Facebook and Twitter, said he learned about the incident from an eighth grade Falcon Ridge student whom he trains through a basketball school.

Ciolkosz said the student told him that more than one teacher held a “lesson” Wednesday in homerooms and that more than one used the n-word. The lesson followed recent fights between students over the word, according to Ciolkosz.

On Thursday, according to Taschner, approximately 500 Falcon Ridge students left school early with a parent or guardian after a rumored shooting threat that was determined not credible.

Principal Noel Mehus said Friday he could not comment because of the investigation.

ST. PAUL INCIDENTS

The district’s investigation follows two high-profile incidents this month in St. Paul over the slur. On May 8, a Highland Park Middle School used the n-word when referring to a student. The teacher was put on administrative leave and resigned the same week.

Soon after, a substitute teacher at the adjoining high school used the same slur while speaking with students about the first incident.

With a teacher in the governor’s office, educators had high hopes this would be the year for a funding breakthrough.

They’re getting more than $540 million in new funding over the next two years — and still leaving the Capitol a little disappointed.

PER PUPIL FORMULA

Legislative leaders agreed to boost the per-student funding formula 2 percent each year of the next budget. That will cost $384 million of the planned budget increase.

Districts like to have new money put in the funding formula because it can be used at their discretion rather than directed at specific programs. It is typically used to pay for day-to-day operations and things like teacher salaries.

Democrats proposed a larger formula boost and Republicans a more modest one. School advocates and teachers union leaders called lawmakers agreement essentially the status quo.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

After years of being lobbied by school leaders, lawmakers are going to start to chip away at rising special education costs. The budget pact includes $90 million to address what administrators call the special education cross-subsidy.

That is how much districts have to kick in to cover state and federal mandates that government doesn’t pay cover, but should. The gap has grown to more than $800 million a year statewide.

PRESCHOOL MONEY

The education budget also includes $47 million in one-time funding to keep 4,000 preschool spots in public schools across the state. The program was first approved under Gov. Mark Dayton, but has not been permanently funded.

Under the plan approved by lawmakers, those preschool seats will be funded for another two years.

LICENSING CHANGES

The budget bill left out changes to the state’s new teacher licensing system that Democrats and union leaders wanted and Republicans and school reform advocates opposed.

Lawmakers proposed tightening the rules to get a license to prevent educators with no formal training from getting what are essentially permanent licenses.

Opponents argued the change would force teachers of color from the classroom as Minnesota was working to attract more diversity to its teaching ranks to work with a changing student population.

HIGHER EDUCATION — TUITION

Lawmakers hoped to put enough money in the higher education budget to hold the line on tuition increases, at least at state colleges and universities.

But the $150 million lawmakers settled on won’t be enough to do that. Under the plan Minnesota State will get $81.5 million in new money and the University of Minnesota will receive a $43.5 million boost.

The state grant program, which funds need-based financial aid, received $18 million in new funding.

RELATED: MN Legislature: What they passed and what they killed. Here’s a guide to more than 50 issues.

Through radiation and chemo and endless hospital stays, Wyatt Crosser fantasized about fighting the bad guys.

The 6-year-old had it all worked out.

He’d wear his royal-blue cape and superhero eye mask, drive up in a black Lamborghini and call on his friends, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to help.

Robot ninjas, dressed in black, would try to stop them, but Wyatt, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael and Donatello would karate-chop them down on their way to a final epic battle with the Shredder, the armor-clad archenemy.

Victory was his!

Wyatt, who has a rare form of cancer, was undergoing his fourth round of chemo at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis last spring when a music therapist asked if he wanted to make and record a music video. James Orrigo, a Boston-based director, videographer and musician, was in town, and he’d brought his guitar and portable recording studio to the hospital.

Wyatt and Orrigo spent the day creating an animated music video called “Wyatt Saves the World!” It features a cartoon version of Wyatt working with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to defeat the black-clad ninjas and the Shredder.

“I’m Wyatt, and I save the world,” Wyatt sings in the video. “I’m flying through the air in my fast car. I’m coming to save the world.”

Creating the music video with Orrigo was the highlight of Wyatt’s week-long hospital stay, said his mother, Whitney Crosser.

“He hated being in the hospital because he was away from his brothers, and he hates being hooked up to the IV pole,” said Crosser, who lives in New Hope. “It was very limiting for him to feel like that, so he was just kind of down.”

Orrigo, whose visit was sponsored by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund, “turned not just the day around, but the whole rest of his stay,” Crosser said.

“It was so cool to see how he and James connected and worked together,” she said. “Wyatt loved it. He just felt so special. He got to be a hero in his own video.”

HELPING BIG DREAMS COME TRUE

Last week, Wyatt got to star in his own music video. Orrigo returned to Minnesota as part of the Children’s Cancer Research Fund’s “Big Dreams Tour.” He is traveling throughout the U.S. and working with pediatric cancer patients and local high school students to create music videos.

Laura Sobiech, whose son Zach died of cancer in 2013, suggested they film Wyatt’s music video at Stillwater Area High School, Zach’s alma mater. Zach, of Lakeland, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when he was 14 and died just days after his 18th birthday. He wrote the song “Clouds” as a farewell to friends and family; it’s been viewed on YouTube more than 14 million times, and its proceeds have raised almost $1.7 million for cancer research.

“This is where Zach performed — these are the first people who heard him sing,” Sobiech said. “He left this institution feeling very loved.”

Giving students and staff at Stillwater a chance to connect with Wyatt was a way of “giving back,” she said.

“It’s in the giving that we receive,” she said. “I know that’s a little cliche, but look at the joy here today. This is what it’s about.”

MAKING IT ALL COME TOGETHER

Dozens of art, music, drama and video-production students at Stillwater worked for three weeks to bring Wyatt’s awesome adventure to life. Filming took about 5½ hours on a recent Friday.

Wyatt, dressed in his royal-blue eye mask and cape, got to meet his super-hero compatriots in the school’s rotunda. Posters and signs with Wyatt’s name on them lined the walls.

Wyatt told Nathan Weisberg, 16, of Grant, dressed in a bright-green Leonardo costume with a blue belt and blue knee pads, that he was his favorite Ninja Turtle because “blue is my favorite color, and you’re the leader.”

Michelangelo, otherwise known as Greta Geiser, 18, of Woodbury, said it was “cool to see everybody have this common goal and passion for him. … We get to make his vision something big and something real.”

Orrigo asked Wyatt to practice his moves.

“You’re going to go ‘Hi-Yah!’ and do your karate moves,” he said. “Yeah! Nice. You’ve got some moves! You’re going to have to teach me some of those.”

The crew then moved outside, where a dozen black-clad robot ninjas awaited instructions.

“Robot ninjas, find a spot to hide, and then you guys are all going to jump out,” Orrigo told them. “Jump out of the bushes and come toward me! OK! That’s terrifying!”

He homed in on Michael Robinson, 16, of Lakeland, who jumped out of a tree and did a flip in the grass.

“It feels good to help,” said Robinson, a student in teacher Debbie Drew’s Cutaway video-production class. “He’s a little kid, and I know he just wants to have fun like other little kids.”

GOOSEBUMPS AND SMILES

Wyatt was beaming.

“Look at that smile on his face,” mom Crosser said. “This is like a dream come true. In his head, so many times, he’s planned what he would do if there were ninjas and a bad guy. He’d say, ‘I’m going to do this move. This is how I’d stand.’ It’s the symbolism of him taking on the bad guy. I see that. It’s really neat.”

Crosser said she got goosebumps when she saw the dozens of posters and signs that the students had made for Wyatt.

“I don’t think you can understand or overestimate the importance of community and support from people — even when you don’t even know them,” she said.

WYATT’S DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Wyatt, the middle of Crosser’s three sons, got sick toward the end of 2017.

“He was a really active kid, and all of a sudden he was sleeping all the time,” she said. “He was fatigued. He lost his appetite. He had a really low-grade fever. It was like 99, 100, nothing where you would rush him to the pediatrician, and it was in the winter, so I thought he just had a virus, but then it just kept happening, and increasingly he started complaining about his legs hurting.”

On March 4, 2018, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of pediatric cancer.

“When I looked at the scans, there were spots that lit up pretty much everywhere — head, spine, torso, legs, arms,” Crosser said. “Two different doctors had examined his abdomen, but couldn’t feel anything because the tumor was under his pancreas.”

Approximately 800 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year. Wyatt is undergoing treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and is part of a vaccine trial that requires him to go to New York every six weeks for treatment.

“The hope is that it teaches his immune system to recognize neuroblastoma, and if it tries to come back, they’ll fight it off,” Crosser said.

TURNING PAIN INTO A PASSION

Orrigo said he became interested in helping cancer patients after his mother, Karen, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She died in 2012.

“It’s not the fun side of life,” he said. “You try and take something painful and turn it into something that can be used for passion. I wanted to make some really special experiences for others, and it works. … I just wanted to find a way to bring his song to real life.”

The owner of the black 2008 Lamborghini, Jeff Farahan of Minneapolis, learned about the project from Lee Eisenberg, a speech therapist at Oak-Land Middle School in Lake Elmo who lives in his condominium building. Farahan took an extended lunch break to drive to Oak Park Heights and help out.

“This is just great,” he said. “I’m really happy to be here and see this.”

Wyatt got to go for a spin in Farahan’s Lamborghini in the school parking lot.

After defeating the robot ninjas for a second time, the superheroes came face-to-face with the Shredder.

“OK, Shredder, you just do those big shoulder shrugs you do so well,” Orrigo said.

The Shredder, aka Wyatt Ecker, 18, of Stillwater, laughed an evil laugh from his throne and then took off running down the hall, with Wyatt and his posse close behind. They ran through the graphic-arts computer lab, and students threw their hands up in surprise.

Assistant Principal Matt Kraft stopped Wyatt as he raced to the school’s theater rotunda. “Hey! This is awesome,” he said. “Thank you for being here.”

“Cancer can be such a negative thing,” Kraft said later. “To have a way to turn it into a positive … ‘Hey, we’re going to fight this,’ and to get others involved in that. It probably has just as much, if not more, of a positive impact on our students here than it has on Wyatt. That’s the beauty of it.”

THE FINAL SHOT

The final shot involved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ favorite food.

“Pizza! Who has the pizza?” Orrigo yelled.

That was Jack Denton’s and Quinn Evans’ cue. The two were charged with ordering and picking up four cheese pizzas from Pizza Ranch in Oak Park Heights, which donated the pies.

The 18-year-old Denton of Stillwater kneeled down in front of Wyatt and opened one of the pizza boxes. Wyatt grabbed it, ran up to the Shredder and threw it in his face.

The crowd went wild as the 6-foot-3, 220-pound villain fell to the ground. Wyatt raised his arms in triumph.

“Best. Day. Ever,” Wyatt said. “Everything was the best. But the very best part was riding in a Lamborghini and rubbing a pizza in Shredder’s face. I’ll never forget that.”

HOW TO HELP

A GoFundMe page has been created to help Wyatt Crosser. Funds can be donated at: https://www.gofundme.com/littlewarriorwyattsfight

If you grew up in northwest Stillwater, chances are Barb Thomsen was your school bus driver.

Thomsen, who started driving a bus for Stillwater Area Public Schools in 1969, has transported close to 800,000 students over the past 50 years.

“I have two children on the bus this year that I drove their parents to school,” she said. “There’s a bus driver here who has been here almost 40 years, Jackie Savage, and she rode my bus to school.”

Thomsen, 69, of Forest Lake, estimates she’s logged more than 522,000 miles behind the wheel of her Minnesota Central school bus. “I put on at least 100 miles a day,” she said. “Some days there’s more.”

She’s never tipped over, gotten lost or lost a child, but she’s slid into snowbanks, had tires go flat and has been stuck in traffic.

“If you break down, that puts your time off,” she said. “That’s a bad thing, but you can’t control any of that. The kids don’t mind it. … Usually they come and get you within 15, 20 minutes, depending on how far out you are. The kids are usually good. They say, ‘Oh, yay! We don’t have to get to school yet.’”

Thomsen and her husband, Gary, who also drives for Minnesota Central, keep their yellow school buses parked on their 5-acre property overnight and over the weekend.

A DAY ON THE ROAD

Barb Thomsen gets up at 5 a.m. and is starting her bus by 6:20. Her first stop, near the former Withrow School in Hugo, is about nine miles from her house.

She takes students to Stillwater Area High School and then turns around and picks up students who attend Rutherford Elementary. She drives until 9:15 a.m. or so and then either drives a charter or heads home for a quick break.

She’s back at Minnesota Central by 1 p.m. and then on the road by 2 p.m., where she drives Rutherford and Stillwater Middle School students until about 4:15 p.m.

Three years ago, she decided to “slow down a little bit” and signed up to be a “casual driver” — reporting in on an as-needed basis, she said.

“I ended up driving the whole year anyway,” she said. “There was a driver having trouble, and they asked if I would take it all the time, and I said I would. The last two years, I’ve had full-time routes.”

Thomsen, who has three children and nine grandchildren, said she stays on the job because of the kids.

“It’s all in what you make them out to be,” she said. “I’ve had wonderful kids, and I’ve had wonderful parents. If you treat them with respect, they respect you. I just enjoy kids.”

For almost two decades, Thomsen drove students who had intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I can’t say enough how much I loved those kids,” she said. “A whole busload of special-needs kids is so much fun to drive. We just had a blast on that route.”

FINDING A CAREER AND LOVE

Thomsen’s older sister, Gloria, got a job driving a school bus for Stillwater schools in 1968 and suggested that Thomsen apply. Thomsen was 18 years old.

“We grew up on a farm, and we started driving the tractor and trucks around the farm when we were 9, 10 years old,” she said. “It was like nothing to drive a school bus.”

Her first day on the job was March 29, 1969.

She rode along with her sister to learn the ropes and then planned to go out with her boss, Bob Dennis, after they returned from Easter break, she said.

“He was going to ride with me, but somebody quit, so he never had the chance,” she said. “He said, ‘You’re on your own.’ It went just fine.”

It turns out romance rides a school bus.

Gloria met her late husband, Roland Splinter, at the bus garage; they were married for 44 years before he died in 2013. Thomsen met her husband, Gary, there as well; the couple wed in 1979.

“I drive the light-bulb bus, and he drives the umbrella bus,” she said, referring to the symbols posted in the bus windows to differentiate the routes.

‘PATIENT,’ ‘COMPASSIONATE,’ ‘DEDICATED’

On Wednesday, dozens of friends, family and colleagues gathered at the Minnesota Central bus terminal to celebrate Barb Thomsen’s 50 years of service. She was named Minnesota Central School Bus Driver of the Year for 2019 and Driver of the Month for May.

Thomsen “is a wonderful example of what we look for in a driver — she’s patient, compassionate and dedicated to the safety of our kids,” said Rita Mortensen, the company’s contract manager.

Thomsen is taking a break from driving a school bus this summer. She will be driving a mini-bus for the Oak Ridge Place assisted-living center in Oak Park Heights two days a week.

“I’ll take them grocery shopping on Tuesdays and to their medical appointments on Thursdays,” she said. “It’s such a rewarding job. Those people are so appreciative. They thank me every day that I’m there driving for them. One lady wanted to tip me, and I said, ‘No, no, no.’”

She plans to return to driving a school bus this fall, but will do it as a casual driver. “I’ve said it before, and I can change my mind, but that’s my plan right now,” she said.

HOW TIMES CHANGE

She’s seen a lot of changes over the past 50 years.

High school kids are “often looking at their phones,” she said. “They don’t sit and talk amongst themselves. There’s not a lot of chatter. It’s really quiet on the bus.”

“They used to just sit and chat with their friends on the way home, and now they’re kind of all over the place,” she said. “In the afternoon, they’re just so wound up. It’s like, ‘You guys, sit down and be quiet.’”

The worst change, she said, has been the increase in traffic.

“Have you ever been to the high school in the morning?” she said. “It’s just crazy. There is so much more traffic out there nowadays, and … every time you turn around, they are throwing in a new traffic light someplace.”

Participants in the Urban Boatbuilders program launched their crafts Wednesday on Lake McCarrons in Roseville.

The program is based in St. Paul’s Midway area and aims to teach work readiness and social skills over a 4-month period.

Up to 20 teens collaborate on creating up to 8 boats. After a maiden wilderness trip, the canoes, kayaks and skiffs are sold to help fund the Urban Boatbuilders program.

RELATED: Sweat, saws and lumber: St. Paul boat building program changing lives

Calling it “something really special,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed the state’s next education budget Thursday surrounded by students at Bruce Vento Elementary School in St. Paul.

The bill calls for $20 billion in spending over the next two years on preschool through high school. It is one of 10 bills that make up the state’s next $48.3 billion budget — all but one of which needed a special session of the Legislature to be completed.

“All of us made compromises to get here,” Walz said, noting the bill passed with bipartisan support in the GOP-led Senate and DFL-led House. “But the goal of focusing on these children and on the future is clear.”

The budget includes $40 million in continued funding for 4,000 preschool spots at districts across the state. About 80 of those seats are at Bruce Vento.

The legislation also includes:

• A $388 million increase in the per-pupil funding formula districts use for operations. That works out to an increase of 2 percent each of the next two years.
• More than $90 million in new special education funding. That money will freeze the so-called “cross subsidy,” which is what districts have to cover because the state and federal government do not fully fund required services.
• Another $30 million to improve school safety. Lawmakers approved $25 million last year after a shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla., but wanted to spend more.

The mood among the bipartisan group of lawmakers Thursday was jovial, but education advocates have expressed disappointment with the amount of new spending included in the bill.

NEGOTIATIONS STARTED FAR APART

Democrats proposed between $700 million and $900 million in new money for schools, while Republicans wanted to spend about $200 million more. School leaders characterized their compromise as a continuation of the “status quo.”

House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL- Brooklyn Park, Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa, and Gov. Walz have acknowledged those differences but praised the fact they were able to find common ground.

“I do believe compromise is a virtue, not a vice,” Walz said. “The fact is, we came together, put our names on this, cast votes for it and signed it … I am very proud of this.”

It was a much different mood from a year ago when then-Gov. Mark Dayton used Bruce Vento as a backdrop for his veto of a spending plan passed by a Legislature with Republicans in control of both the House and Senate. Dayton objected to their bill for a number of reasons, including that it didn’t include as much school spending as he had proposed.

Walz touted the fact he has yet to veto a bill in his roughly five months as governor. He said that Minnesota was showing the rest of the nation that divided government can work.

MORE BILL SIGNINGS TO COME

Walz is expected to sign the remainder of the budget bills.

State spending was projected to grow to $47.4 billion if lawmakers made few changes because of inflation, population growth and expanding programs.

To pay for the added funding the Legislature approved, the state will need to tap into a projected budget surplus, a health care fund and the state’s rainy day fund.

Long-term space flight stinks — literally.

There are no washing machines in space, little storage and limited water. What’s a filthy astronaut to do?

A team of eighth graders from Chippewa Middle School in North Oaks think they’ve come up with a solution, and their idea won them accolades at a recent FIRST Lego League World competition.

“We went there with no expectations with how they would do, and they just did awesome,” said Steve Whalen, a performance engineer at Cray Inc., and one of the team’s three volunteer coaches.

They’ve been urged by those in the field to get their washing machine patented. But patents cost money, so the team is hoping to find a partner to launch this washing machine into space so astronauts can finally have clean underwear.

GOING BERZERK

Whalen started the 2018-19 school year thinking Chippewa Middle School in the Mounds View School District would have to drop out of the FIRST Lego League competitions. They had two strong teams last year — an all-girls team called Hydra and an all-boys team called Brick Stormers — but they lost several members who had graduated to high school and were having trouble recruiting new people.

Help came in the form of one of the girls team’s returning members, 14-year-old Anuva Borgaonkar.

“We were both kind of freaking out, trying to figure out how we were going to do a team with only three people,” Whalen said. “Then Anuva started texting people saying, ‘What do you think about merging?’ ”

That’s how the three girls — Anuva, Anisha D’Souza and Claire O’Quinn — and the three boys — Cody Whalen, Max Kingsbury and Soren Miller — became Team Berzerk. Their name is an acronym for Bold Energetic Radical Zealous Enthusiastic Ridiculous Kids.

“We had a meeting to see if we were compatible,” Borgaonkar said, laughing at the memory. “We worked through some personal differences first.”

The members said that much like the Avengers, each person brought a special skill to the team. Cody is the Tony Stark of coding, they said. Anisha manages the group, keeping them on schedule. Anuva is the researcher, Claire does research and development, Max is the engineer, and Soren, who is also an actor at Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, is the creative.

Together they built a Lego robot called Ragnarok (from a Marvel movie) and a portable washing machine.

DRONES, ROBOTS AND MICRO-GRAVITY

FIRST Lego League contests are two-pronged: Teams need to build a robot out of Legos that can complete timed challenges, and they must come up with a solution for a real-world problem.

This year’s theme was “Into Orbit.” Students were challenged to identify a physical or social problem faced by humans during long-duration space exploration and propose a solution. In a brainstorming session, one team member suggested building a track on the outside of the International Space Station for a drone to use to make repairs. That was deemed too complicated and too expensive.

“Hey, what about washing clothes in space? That’s a pretty crazy one,” suggested Miller. “And then we did some more research into it. Do they actually have one? And we checked and they didn’t, so we’re like, hey, why don’t we try and make one then?”

COST OF DIRTY LAUNDRY

They learned that washing machines are heavy and use a lot of water, and microgravity makes it impossible for the water to interact with the material. Packing enough underwear for three members of an ISS crew to have a clean pair for every day of a six-month stay would mean launching at least 540 pairs of underwear. Considering it costs between $10,000 to $40,000 per pound to launch into space, that makes for some pricey underwear.

Astronauts wear the same shirt for a month but switch out socks and underwear every week. Instead of bringing home a ton of dirty laundry, they often launch it with the station’s garbage into the atmosphere to burn up.

When the team consulted with a professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Minnesota about their idea, he had his doubts.

“He said it was impossible. He said it wouldn’t work,” Claire said.

Whalen, who teams with fellow volunteers Spencer O’Quinn, a mechanical engineer at Wood PLC, and Andrew D’Souza, a research and development manager at 3M, to coach the team, was discouraged.

“I personally left that event thinking this is a terrible idea, we need to switch projects,” he said.

THE VAL 9000

Team Berzerk realized air was the problem and figured doing laundry would work if the air was removed from the process. They designed a long, skinny waterproof bag with an opening at the top that seals and added a valve for sucking out the air. The bag is similar to the Scrubba Wash Bag, a personal-sized clothes washing system, but is applied in a different way.

The team wraps the bag around a set of large plastic agitators that look much like the cogs in a clock. Another row of agitators are situated below the bag, so when the handle is cranked, the laundry bag is turned between the two agitators to scrub the clothes.

The machine is dubbed VAL 9000, a humorous tip to HAL 9000, the evil computer in Arthur C. Clarke’s Space Odyssey series. VAL stands for Vacuum Assisted Laundry.

They tested it on stains including chocolate sauce, ketchup, mustard, blackberry jam and soy sauce, which are all found on the ISS, and determined their design cleaned better than the average washing machine.

The VAL can be attached to the astronauts’ treadmill motor so they can wash their clothes while they work out. It also has some terrestrial uses, like camping, third-world countries or any place that doesn’t have electricity.

The team dyed the detergent red to prove that it moved consistently throughout the bag.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Minnesota runs three levels of Lego tournaments. Team Berzerk went to the regionals in St. Paul in December, then moved to sectionals (also in St. Paul) in January. One-third of those teams moved on to state competition in February. Three teams are chosen to compete in the FIRST World Championship in Detroit, but due an extra slot, four Minnesota teams went this year, from Zimmerman, North Oaks, Savage and Maplewood.

“There were definitely tears shed,” Miller said.

To learn more

Visit the team’s Gofundme page titled “Help the FIRST World Festival Go BERZERK!”

Former students who borrowed money from a now-defunct for-profit college chain could get refunds thanks to a Minnesota Appeals Court ruling.

An appeals court panel ruled on Monday that Globe University and the Minnesota School of Business made illegal loans that had interest rates significantly higher than the maximum of 8 percent allowed by law for unlicensed lenders.

The ruling is connected to a 2014 case brought against the schools by former Attorney General Lori Swanson. In 2016, a Hennepin County District Court judge found the schools had deceived students to convince them to enroll in a criminal justice program.

“I am very proud of this result and the staff who brought this matter to justice,” Swanson, who is now leading a private law firm, wrote in an email. “After five years of litigation, it is good that these students will hopefully finally get their money paid under today’s court ruling.”

In a statement, a school representative said the past district court ruling recognized the value Globe University and Minnesota School of Business provided to students for more than a century. The appeals court ruling “effectively stripped the district court of its power to apply Minnesota law to the circumstances before it.”

The schools are considering their options, the statement said.

As many as 6,000 students took out loans worth a total of $7 million directly from the schools beginning in 2009. Individual loan amounts were between $3,000 and $7,500 with interest rates often between 12 and 18 percent.

The appeals court ruling noted the schools eventually reduced the interest rates in 2014 to the state maximum of 8 percent.

In court documents, the schools described the borrowing as “open-ended credit,” like a credit card or home equity loan, rather than a traditional loan. Lending in that manner made the loans legal, the schools argued, despite the fact they were not a licensed lender.

However, the court found any loans made to students with interest rates above 8 percent were “usurious,” or unlawful lending, and borrowers should be repaid all principal and interest. The appeals court sent the case back to the district court to determine the amounts to be repaid as well as attorneys’ fees.

In her email, Swanson noted that an earlier court ruling called for the schools only to refund the difference between the 8 percent and the higher interest rates.

Swanson’s office began investigating Globe University and the Minnesota School of Business after students came forward saying they were misled when they enrolled in the schools’ criminal justice programs. School officials led students to believe the program would prepare them for careers in law enforcement when in fact the program did not meet the state’s standards.

After a months-long trial, a judge found the schools had committed fraud. The ruling led to the schools no longer being able to operate in Minnesota and losing access to state and federal student loans.

The trouble at Globe University and the Minnesota School of Business was the most high-profile in a recent string of issues for local for-profit postsecondary schools. Most recently, Argosy University in Eagan closed after federal regulators shut off student aid saying the school hadn’t properly distributed it to students.

Last month, the state Legislature approved a measure to help some of the 1,000 students affected by the closure.

An outspoken University of St. Thomas professor says he’s being punished for criticizing the school’s response to incidents of racism on campus.

Stephen Brookfield was planning to write his 20th book in the coming year and teach two classes. But the book, on anti-racist white identity, is on hold because he’s been assigned to teach a full course load for the first time in his 27 years with the school.

Brookfield, who is white, has been a leader of an anti-racism coalition that formed at St. Thomas after a black student in October discovered racial slurs scrawled on the door of his dorm room.

In a letter to President Julie Sullivan, 34 anti-racism coalition members warned that Brookfield’s full teaching load “will impact his ability to help advance the common good at St. Thomas through anti-racism related service.”

Brookfield suspects that is the point.

He filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in May, arguing his workload was tripled because of his age — he’s 70 — and in retaliation for associating with people of color and opposing racial discrimination.

He thinks St. Thomas is pushing him to resign in order to rid the campus of an agitator while eliminating his $172,748 salary.

In an email to the Pioneer Press, St. Thomas said it does not comment on personnel matters but called anti-racism efforts “a strategic priority.”

“The University is fortunate to have anti-racism experts among its faculty, and it is working to ensure this expertise is shared with as many of its students as possible, both inside and outside the classroom,” the school said through a spokesman.

‘NOW I’M PUBLIC ENEMY NO. 1’

In November, Brookfield publicly chided school leaders for declining to award tenure to another coalition leader. St. Thomas says that decision was unrelated to the instructor’s anti-racism work.

“You can’t do this without addressing the elephant in the room,” Brookfield said in an interview.

Brookfield said his last book — “Teaching Race: How to Help Students Unmask and Challenge Racism” — was seen as a credit to the university confronting racism on its own campus.

“I was praised when I did that, and then now I’m public enemy No. 1,” he said. “It just seems really short-sighted to do this.”

‘JUST LIKE ANY OTHER FACULTY MEMBER’

Brookfield’s increased teaching load next year has coincided with a change in title.

St. Thomas announced in 2013 that the prolific author on teaching and learning would be its first John Ireland Endowed Chair, named for the Roman Catholic bishop who founded the school.

The endowed appointment guaranteed Brookfield “a reduced teaching load,” according to the faculty handbook, so that he could focus on research and public service.

But in March, Brookfield was told he’d be teaching six classes next year. He’d never taught more than two at St. Thomas.

According to the anti-racism coalition’s letter, the school recently determined Brookfield does not qualify for a reduced course load because the John Ireland Chair never really was endowed; that is, there’s no outside donor paying for it.

“Now, after 27 years, you’re just like any other faculty member,” Brookfield said.

NO LONGER ‘ENDOWED’

St. Thomas told the Pioneer Press that the position “is not an endowed chair, and carries the same standard contract as that of other faculty, and the standard course load for faculty is six courses.”

The school did not say what caused it to revisit Brookfield’s title.

St. Thomas removed the word “endowed” from its 2013 online announcement on Monday after the Pioneer Press inquired about Brookfield’s appointments.

Tears flowed down Dasha Danculovich’s face as she spoke at her high school graduation, a day she never thought would come or that she would even be alive to see.

Danculovich was one of 12 students who graduated Wednesday evening from PEASE Academy — a Minneapolis-based high school that strives to help teens through drug and alcohol recovery.

PEASE, which stands for Peers Enjoying a Sober Education, has been operating for 30 years and is located in Dinkytown. With about 40 students, it provides resources and aims to create a safe environment for students who have been in treatment for addiction, said Michael Durchslag, the school’s director.

PEASE supported Danculovich while she was pregnant and going through recovery.

“One of my chapters is done; I never thought I’d be at this point,” she said.

Wednesday’s keynote speaker was Jim Carroll, director of the U.S. Office of National Drug Control Policy. The nation’s “drug czar” commended the students for going through recovery, and encouraged them to help others who are experiencing similar problems.

“Through your lives, you can show them the power of recovery, you can encourage them to get help, you can instill in them the fortitude they need to overcome it, and as you walk with them, you will be responsible for saving lives. You will turn them into champions,” Carroll said.

School officials were excited Carroll participated in the celebration.

“I’m incredibly honored that (Carroll) chose to come to PEASE Academy first of all, but more importantly that recovery high schools are on the U.S. drug czar’s radar as a very effective part of the continuum of care for adolescents,” Durchslag said.

Many of the students said that graduating from high school was something they were not sure would ever happen.

“I’m very excited to move into college; it’s definitely not something I saw in my future,” said graduate Francesca Zenker.

PEASE Academy helped Zenker figure out which credits she needed to graduate, and she also found being surrounded by sober students helpful in her recovery.

“Addiction does not discriminate,” he said.

STUDENT RESOURCES

Substance use disorder is often coupled with mental health problems. Students at PEASE Academy often deal with issues like depression and bipolar disorder in addition to drug addiction, Durchslag said.

The school does what it can to help its students, providing onsite resources and a safe environment for recovery.

It’s helpful for students to be surrounded by other students who are going through a similar problem. If students finish treatment and go back to their old school or another traditional high school, they may be pressured by other students to return to old habits, Durchslag said.

The school has a full-time alcohol and drug counselor who guides students in a support group once a week and whenever else is needed. Instead of going to homeroom, students go to a “peer support team,” which is led by a teacher or staff member and ensures students are supporting each other.

The school also has a social worker on staff who can connect students to services or resources they need. Additionally, PEASE Academy is partnered with Omni Mental Health to provide students with on-site mental health therapy.

Eleven of the 12 students graduating Wednesday are enrolled in college for the fall, and this year marks the school’s 30th graduation. Durchslag estimates that more than 350 students have graduated from PEASE Academy since its creation.

“For a lot of our students and their families, graduation was never a given. … For them to not give up on themselves and to find that there is a different way that they could start living, it’s amazing,” Durchslag said.

HOW TO GET HELP

For help with substance use disorder and addiction, local resources can be found at Minnesota Recovery Connection at minnesotarecovery.org.

It takes hard work and dedication to graduate at the top of your high school class — whether you end up in the top 10 among 90 classmates or the top 35 among 350.

Today we salute the hundreds of students who accomplished that rank in St. Paul and other east metro schools.

This annual project invites schools to send us a list of their “Top Graduates,” however they define them. Some schools designate the traditional valedictorian and salutatorian, others define a Top 10, and some recognize a long list of students who have achieved honors status.

Our 2019 compilation shows students headed to colleges from coast to coast — from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, to the University of California Berkeley. As college majors, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) is strong. Some 80 students featured will major in a bioscience field; another 80 in an engineering discipline; three dozen in computer science.

Other graduates are joining the U.S. military or spending a gap year in service. A few students will continue their education abroad.

At schools honoring 10 or fewer, we ask students to choose a quote that inspires them.

New voices this year in the students’ selection of quotes include former first lady Michelle Obama and the actor-producer-composer behind “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda.

From Obama comes the message to “Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.”

And from Miranda: “You are perfectly cast in your life. I can’t imagine anyone but you in the role. Go play.”

Go. Learn. Explore. Top graduates, we salute you.

AFSA, Vadnais Heights

Abigail Stumpner

Parents: David and Jodi Stumpner

College, major: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; pharmacy

Quote: “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” — Norman Vincent Peale

Celesthe Rodriguez

Parents: Nelson Rodriguez and Yaneth Medina

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; nutrition

Quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Vivian Ikeri

Parents: Angela and Richard Ikeri

College: University of St. Thomas

Quote: “In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges and the foolish build dams.” — Nigerian proverb

Isabella Forliti

Parents: Thomas and Stephanie Forliti

College, major: University of Wisconsin-River Falls; journalism, communications

Quote: “Put yourself in a place where good things can happen.” — Tom Forliti

Adrien Stohr

Parents: Bonna Stohr and Melissa Lamm

College, major: Century College; pre-dentistry

Quote: “The inner machinations of my mind are an enigma.” — Patrick Star, “SpongeBob SquarePants”

Virginia Weyer

Parents: Joe and Kathy Weyer

College, major: Winona State University; elementary education

Quote: “Surround yourself with people who make you enjoy life.”

Emelia Smith

Parent: Dawn Johnson

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; animal science

Quote: “One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth.” — Abraham Maslow

Grace Tienter

Parents: Maria Tice and Don Tienter

College, major: St. Catherine University; exercise science

Quote: “No valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now.” — Alan Watts

Jarrod Flanders

Parents: Sarah Flanders and Bruce Davis

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Platteville; computer engineering

Quote: “Winners don’t wait for chances, they take them.”

Ruby Sonnek

Parents: Tom and Chris Sonnek

After graduation: Conservation gap year in Thailand

Quote: “Where’s your will to be weird?” — Jim Morrison

AGAPE, St. Paul

Mai Lee Hang

Parents: Youa Chang and Chong Neng Hang

College, major: St. Catherine’s University or Century College; nursing

Quote: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Nor Pley Htoo

Parents: Nor Lee Sa and Ko Ra Wah

College, major: St. Paul College; nursing

Quote: “While you are alive, learn as long as you can because education never gets old.” — Nor Pley Htoo

Arianna Land

Parent: Katrina Land

College, major: St. Catherine’s University; chemistry

Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Merliah Lee

Parents: Pang Thao and Bee Lee

After graduation: Gap year, followed by St. Paul College; cosmetology

Quote: “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough.” — Og Mandino

Ashly Martinez

Parents: Angela and Javier Martinez

College, major: Inver Hills Community College; nursing

Quote: “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi

Sher Poe

Parents: Naw Moo and Baw Kaw

College: St. Paul College

Quote: “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” — Zig Ziglar

Christine Thao

Parents: Melody and James Thao

College, major: St. Paul College; surgical technology

Quote: “My mom doubted me, but I graduated!” — Christine Thao

Mai Tong Vang

Parents: Blong Vang and Shia Xiong

College, major: Century College; nursing

Quote: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” — Mary Anne Radmacher

Apple Valley

Diana Bender

Parents: Rhonda and Shawn Bender

College, major: University of Iowa; biology, psychology

Abigail Brachio

Parents: Amy and Benjamin Brachio

College, major: New York University; global liberal studies, global public health

Elise Gort

Parents: Amy and Steve Gort

College, major: Winona State University; elementary education, Spanish

Tai Henrichs

Parents: Don Henrichs and Lou Ann Fei

College, major: Williams College, Williamstown, Mass.; computer science, philosophy

Hallie Hughes

Parents: Linda and Patrick Hughes

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Stout; electrical engineering

Amanda Jackson

Parents: Miriam Newton and Chris Jackson

College, major: Macalester College; English

Anna Johnson Taylor

Parents: Lisa Johnson Taylor and Mike Taylor

College, major: Salve Regina University, Newport, R.I.; biology

Brady LaBahn

Parents: Tiffany and Chad LaBahn

College, major: University of Notre Dame, finance

Kelsey Lorenz

Parents: Julie and Steve Lorenz

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; chemistry

Noah Ricard

Parents: Rachel and Curtis Ricard

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biomedical engineering

Sebas Swiggum

Parents: Sue and Paul Swiggum

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biology

Barron, Wis.

Summa cum laude: Ashton Blick, Mikayla Eraquam, Amia Fornell, Triston Fowler, Mitchell Gordon, Halcyon Jerome, Kierra Kappel, Iris Shipley, Ashley Tyler, Warren Williams

Magna cum laude: Jennica Cox, Emma Knutson, Kiley Lehman, Ryan Leistikow, Emily Linsmeyer, Tristan Massie, Ubah Salad, Andrew Smith

Cum laude: Everett Dolan, MacKenzie Evitch, Sydney Frandsen, Jordan Haag, Nora Hellmann, Walter Herrman II, Catherine Krance, Jaylin Lansin, Ben Melgaard, Sierra Schwarz, William Waldofski, Katrina Weller, Grace Whiting

Blaine

Milan Dau, Caleb Van Arragon, Eric Hoskins, Alexis Wagenfeld, Andrea Johnson, Ranad Ghalban, Benjamin Greenberg, Camryn Heinen, Alexander Hilde, Sadhika Prabhu, Andy Vanyo, Brandon Wagenfeld, Jarod Kafka, Abigail Chiaokhiao, Helenrose Jorgensen, Clayton Paquin, Shaelee Peterman, Cara Shepard, Mitchell King, Grace Kringle

Bridge View, St. Paul

Perla Reynoso-Velazquez

Parent: Maria Velazquez Cortezano

After graduation: Focus Beyond Transition Services

Burnsville

Najma Abdi, Arbaz Ansar, Erin Bachmeier, Jaelyn Baisch, Marissa Baker, Samuel Bardwell, Megan Bormann, Peyton Brewster, Emma Brown, Grace Campbell, Anna Cruz, Tatum Frey, Abby Harrold, Emma Harrold, Siham Hassan, Katherine Herzog, Wesley Ho, Hanna Holmstrom, Joshua Holtzleiter, Sundus Hussein, Karina Iommazzo, Lauren Jensen, Sarah Johnson, Brianna Kirk, Sarah Kuplic, Hannah Lam, Tiana Lien, Mariia Lukyanchuk, Leann Luong, Pavin Mak, Emma Martin, Nicole Matter, Tristessa Mausolf, Nawal Maxamed, Grace McGovern, Aradhana Menon, Sophia Middag, Isaac Nelson, Jessica Nguyen, Leita Nguyen, Kiley O’Neil, Cormac Pearce, Olivia Rippentrop, Amanda Roepke, Barbara Sabino Pina, Anna Schaeffer, Samantha Schmidt, Christopher Slemp, Katie Spaude, Heidi Stewart, Claire Tangney, Mohammed Tawakalna, Brandon Torralba, William Trussell, Ross Waataja, Madelyn Waters, Jacob Widen, Crystal Yiu

Centennial, Circle Pines

Allison Athman, Julia Azure, Payten Bailey, Ashleigh Ballard, Jacob Brewer, Spencer Ekstrom, Katelyn Espe, Madeline Fidler, Catherine Flynn, Garrett Hoch, Bailey Hoff, Elle Hoffman, Sarah Holicky, Andrew Horvat, Kayla Irlbeck, Elizabeth Jensen, Hamza Khan, Collin Krieger, Riley Krieger, McKendra Long, Lillian Luu, Eliana Marciano, Thomas Marrah, Lucas Nelson, Parry Paraschou, Reese Peck Cowles, Ashley Peterson, Alexander Phillips, Jonathan Reineke, Korinne Skrypek, Meghan Smude, Mackenna Stoterau, Cory Strantz, Grace Swearingen, Sophie Tuma, Josie Valerius, Eden Wells

Central, St. Paul

Adrian Ali-Caccamo

Parents: David Caccamo and Sofia Ali

College, major: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.; international politics, government

Quote: “If we don’t fight hard enough for the things we stand for, at some point we have to recognize that we don’t really stand for them.” — Paul Wellstone

Zipporah Cohen

Parents: Steve Cohen and Lisa Murphy

College, major: Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass.; computer science, French

Quote: “He was still too young to know that the heart’s memory eliminates the bad and magnifies the good, and that thanks to this artifice we manage to endure the burden of the past.” — “Love in the Time of Cholera,” Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Simon Grow-Hanson

Peter Hanson and Sarah Grow

College, major: McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; elementary education

Quote: “I tell you we are here on Earth to fart around, and don’t let anyone tell you different.” — “Timequake,” Kurt Vonnegut

Kade Hagen

Parents: Kevin and Leann Hagen

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; biomedical engineering

Quote: “Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you that mine are still greater.” — Albert Einstein

Rosalie Kurtz

Parents: Charles and Barbara Kurtz

After graduation: Gap year, then Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa; mathematics, physics

Quote: “Every day’s like an open door.” – “Good Morning Baltimore” from “Hairspray”

Sophie Le Meur

Parents: Thierry Le Meur and Deborah Morse

College, major: McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; biology or neuroscience

Eva Neira

Parents: Michael and Sandra Neira

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biology

Quote: “Always believe in yourself. Do this and no matter where you are, you will have nothing to fear.” — “The Cat Returns,” Aoi Hiiragi

Leah Rivera

Parents: Jeff Rivera and Therese Martin Rivera

College, major: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore; international studies, economics

Quote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Clara Schilder Manning

Parents: Christie Manning and Frank Schilder

College, major: Universitat Luneburg, Luneburg, Germany; global environmental and sustainability studies

Quote: “We have the choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place — or not to bother.” — Jane Goodall

Mikhalina Solakhava

Parents: Valentin S. Chamutouski and Halina S. Chamutouska

College, major: Carleton College; political science, psychology

Jasper Zarkower

Parents: David Zarkower and Vivian Bardwell

College, major: McGill University, Montreal, Quebec; linguistics

Quote: “It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” — Charles Francis Potter

Chisago Lakes, Lindstrom

Dylan Anderson

Parents: Patrick and Lesli Anderson

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; computer science

Luther Crum

Parents: Douglas and Crystal Crum

College, major: Bethel University; biochemistry

Victoria Dietz

Parents: Mark and Michelle Dietz

College, major: Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa; English, social work

Dru Ellering

Parents: Cheri Leasure and Matt McCullough

College, major: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y.; computer science, environmental engineering

Zachary Erickson

Parents: Clyde and Christine Erickson

College, major: Bethel University; biochemistry or physics

Sylvia Fuge

Parents: Jeffrey and Kristine Fuge

College, major: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; agricultural and biological engineering

Abigail Gangl

Parents: Matt and Lisa Gangl

College, major: Wheaton College, Norton, Mass.; biology, pre-med

Hannah Gillach

Parents: Jim and Ann Gillach

College, major: Regis University, Denver; nursing

Molly Hill

Parents: Brian and Amber Hill

College, major: Minnesota State University, Mankato; biological sciences

Moriah Jensen

Parents: Josh and Jen Jensen

College, major: Gustavus Adolphus College; music education

Alice Johnson

Parents: Brian and Julie Johnson

Colege, major: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; pre-occupational therapy

Kari Myhran

Parents: Dale and Julie Myhran

College, major: Macalester College; biology, geology

William Nelson

Parents: Gary and Carmelita Nelson

College, major: Hamline University; environmental studies

Alexander Paulsen

Parents: David and Darcy Paulsen

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biomedical engineering

Kennedy Phillips

Parents: Mark and Kim Phillips

College, major: Winona State University; nursing

Lydia Rehder

Parents: Mark and Paula Rehder

College, major: Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis.; elementary education

Ashli Salokar

Parents: Brian and Cheri Salokar

College, major: Northern Michigan University; accounting

Rachel Schoenecker

Parents: Bob and Bonnie Schoenecker

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth; biology

Jackson Timm

Parents: Ron and Ruth Timm

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; physics

Morgan Von Feldt

Parents: Jeff and Amy Von Feldt

College, major: St. Mary’s University of Minnesota; digital media and journalism

Christian Life Academy, Farmington

Valedictorian: Andrea Swelland

Parents: Paul and Becky Swelland

College, major: Grand Canyon University, Phoenix; psychology

Quote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7

Salutatorian: Nathaniel Call

Parents: Mark and Chris Call

College, major: North Central University, Minneapolis, computer science

Quote: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Clayton, Wis.

Jaedyn Bussewitz, Kiana Fall, Angelina Featherly, Marissa Gilbertson, Thomas Hoffman, Baileigh Juleff, Kailey Ketz, Alison Leslie, Selena Levendoski, Alexandra Markuson, Cassandra Olson, Kennedy Patrick, Kaytlynn Vanda, Abigal VanHeuklom

Community of Peace Academy, St. Paul

Vang Xiong

Parents: Mai Yang and Youa Sue Xiong

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Dida Jarso Ali

Parents: Jarso Ali Wario and Momina Huka

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; computer science

Koung Lor

Parents: Fong Lor and Ia Yang

College, major: St. Catherine University; nursing

Wilber Cartajena

Parent: Maria Cartajena

College, major: St. Paul College; exercise science

Pang Xiong

Parents: Mai Her Thao and Sou Xiong

College, major: University of St. Thomas; sociology

Allan Lee

Parents: Mee Lee and Jamie Lee

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; psychology

Korina Lee

Parents: Tou Ger Lee and Monica Lee

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Bryan Diaz

Parent: Olga Diaz Lopez

College, major: University of St. Thomas; engineering

Sky Vang

Parents: Mary Chang and Bee Vang

College: St. Olaf College

Mai Lee Yang

Parents: Bria Her and Wang Bee Yang

College, major: St. Catherine University; nursing

Como Park, St. Paul

Aiyana Aeikens

Parents: Jason and Kristen Aeikens

College, major: Brown University, Providence, R.I.; environmental studies

Quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Thomas Freberg

Parents: Scott and Maureen Freberg

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; management information systems

Quote: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Henrie Friesen

Parents: Matthew and Kristine Friesen

College, major: Carlton College; psychology

Quote: “If they tell you that you’re weird, you’re probably doing it right.” — Matt Dajer

Naddi Jillo

Parents: Biqa Fallana and Timiro Adana

College: St. Catherine University

Quote: “It’s better to say ‘I tried’ than ‘What if’?”

Jackson Lee

Parents: Philip and Shayne Lee

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; physics

Quote: “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”

Hannah Lender

Parents: Paul and Miriam Lender

College, major: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; biomedical engineering

Quote: “Inconceivable.” — Vizzini, “Princess Bride”

Celia Olson

Parents: Jess and Stephanie Olson

College, major: St. Olaf College; computer science, biology

Quote: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Bridget Proper

Parents: Steven and Jennifer Proper

College, major: Viterbo University, LaCrosse, Wis.; nursing

Quote: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” — Mother Teresa

Antero Sivula

Parents: Risto Sivula and Ann Borgwardt

College: Carlton College

Quote: “I want to go out with a splat.” — Earl Eldridge

Marco Tabacman

Parents: Eduardo Tabacman and Liliana Forzani

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; computer hardware engineering

Quote: “Most times your computer is not responding as you expected — first try to find out if the ‘ERROR’ is not sitting right next to the computer.” — Thomas Baehr

Concordia Academy, Roseville

Taylor Brunn

Parents: Aimee Brunn and Andy Brunn

College, major: University of Minnesota-Crookston; health sciences

Quote: “By the grace of God I am what I am.” — 1 Corinthians 15:10

Naomi Bunker

Parents: Joshua and Laurel Bunker

College, major: Wheaton College, Wheaton, Ill.; applied health sciences

Quote: “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her.” — Luke 1:45

Sam Elting-Ballard

Parents: Kurt and Heather Elting-Ballard

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; computer science

Quote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:6-7

Connor Gruenes

Parents: Mike and Missy Gruenes

College, major: North Dakota State Universit; computer engineering

Quote: “Permanence, perseverance, and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” — Thomas Carlyle

Madelynn Harre

Parents: Eric and Heidi Harre

College, major: Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa; secondary English education

Quote: “Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”

Emmet Heck

Parents: John and Colleen Heck

College, major: College of St. Scholastica; physical therapy

Quote: “True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.” — Socrates

Xiaoling Huang

Parents: Jingjing Dong and Yong Huang

College: University of California Davis

Quote: “The habits of our lives makes us presume that things will happen in a certain foreseeable way, that there will be a vague coherence in the world.” — “The Invention of Morel,” Adolfo Bioy Casares

Will Oelschlaeger

Parents: Amy Oelschlaeger, David Oelschlaeger

College, major: Iowa State University; engineering

Quote: “Not all those who wander are lost.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

Isabel Romay

Parents: Wannia Romay and Francisco Romay

College, major: College of St. Scholastica; social work

Quote: “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Mikella Schiller

Parents: Christian and Karla Schiller

College, major: Bethel University; biokinetics

Quote: “Ask yourself if what you’re doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.”

Coon Rapids

Joshua Berkenpas

Parents: Sharon Brouwer Stephens and Tom Stephens, Maurice Berkenpas

College, major: Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Wash.; computer science, chemistry

Anika Besst

Parents: Jim and Kathy Besst

College, major: Hamline University; English, theater arts

Briana Clifton

Parents: Derrick Clifton and Rebecca Snell

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biology, society, the environment

Hoang-Yen Duong

Parents: Kieu Huynh and Vong Duong

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biochemistry, neuroscience

Caitlin Fitzgerald

Parent: Mary Fitzgerald

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; mathematics

Ashley Johnston

Parent: Cory Johnston

College, major: Minnesota State University, Mankato; marketing

Marissa Kavanaugh

Parent: Dan and Molly Kavanaugh

After graduation: Catholic missionary work through NET Ministries, then North Dakota State University

Faith Kudzia

Parents: Randy and Julie Kudzia

College, major: North Dakota State University; biology

Inesa Makar

Parents: Steve and Svetlana Makar

College, major: Anoka-Ramsey Community College; nursing

Logan Mensink

Parents: Todd and Kellie Mensink

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; philosophy

Makayla Morcilio

Parent: Mya Morcilio

College, major: University of Wisconsin-River Falls; political science

Mackenzie Nash

Parents: John and Janelle Nash

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biochemistry

Alexandra Nelson

Parents: Bruce and Michele Nelson

College, major: St. Cloud State University; nursing

Elizabeth Owens

Parents: John and Julie Owens

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biology

Theresa Pham

Parents: Chau Pham and Hang Tran

College: Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.

Mackenzie Ray

Parents: Darren and Candy Ray

College, major: Augsburg University; psychology

Logan Rotzien

Parents: Paul and Patty Rotzien

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; fisheries, wildlife, conservation biology

Cami Sturm

Parents: Blaine and Brenda Sturm

College: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Yanai Sun

Parents: Rongzhuo Sun and Qiongzhen Mai

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biomedical engineering

Nicholas Terebayza

Parents: Dan and Stacy Terebayza

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; microbiology

Creative Arts, St. Paul

Ezekiel Becker

Parents: Chris and Kim Becker

College, major: University of St. Thomas; electrical engineering

Quote: “Pay attention to your own needs and listen to your heart.”

Rae Christensen

Parents: Barb Lau and Jeff Christensen

College, major: Metropolitan State University; psychology

Quote: “Am I good enough? Yes I am.” — Michelle Obama

Moriah Hanneman

Parents: Alan and Janelle Hanneman

College: Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Quote: “Amor fati — ‘Love your fate’, which is, in fact, your life.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

Trey Taylor

Parent: Rose Bachman

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; engineering

Quote: “Have the strength to be what you say.”

Na’Jai Wilson

Parent: Maria Aligah

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biology or physiology

Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul

Zach Muetzel

Parents: Steve and Tricia Muetzel

College: University of Notre Dame

Anna Ankerstjerne

Parents: Kirk and Mary Ankerstjerne

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Carolina Schuster

Parents: Slade Schuster and Dinah Swain

College: St. Olaf College

Victor Cox

Parents: Stuart and Kelli Cox

College: University of Notre Dame

Brian Williams

Parents: Bradley and Kerry Williams

College: Dallas Baptist University

Issac Wahlstrom

Parents: Kyle and Katherine Wahlstrom

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Michael Davis

Parents: John and Connie Davis

College: Villanova University, Villanova, Pa.

Adrienne O’Shea

Parents: Cormac and Natalie O’Shea

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Frances Hottinger

Parents: David and Mary Hottinger

College: Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.

Ryan Miller

Parent: Kate Miller

College: DePaul University, Chicago

DeLaSalle, Minneapolis

Muriel Ambrus

Parents: Jill and Keven Ambrus

College: Macalester College

Samantha Arocho

Parents: Maricruz and Michael Arocho

College: Concordia College, Moorhead

Reina Balley

Parents: Heidi and Harry Balley

College: University of Minnesota

Jamison Battle

Parents: Darcy Goede and Terrell Battle

College: George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Julia Brand

Parents: Sarah and Paul Brand

College: U.S. Air Force Academy

Victoria Brimacomb

Parents: Kelly Hammer and Rick Brimacomb

College: Loyola University Maryland

Dana Corbin

Parents: Anita and Darnell Corbin

College: Northwestern University

Mary Claire Francois

Parents: Liz and George Francois

College: St. Catherine University

Juan-Pablo Guillen

Parents: Evangelina Ramirez and Victor Guillen

College: St. Olaf College

Gabrielle Hill

Parents: Karen Winkler and Greg Hill

College: Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.

Alexandr “Sasha” Kenigsberg

Parents: Ludmila and Phil Essington

College: University of Minnesota

Kalina Larsen

Parents: Dagmara and Steven Larsen

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Anamuel Nigatu

Parents: Fikre Zewdie and Tsegaye Shibeshi

College: University of Minnesota

Christine Ohenzuwa

Parents: Mabel and Mike Ohenzuwa

College: Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.

Joseph Phelan

Parents: Liz and Chris Phelan

College: University of Chicago

Tyrell Terry

Parents: Carrie Grise

College: Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.

Luke Timmerman

Parents: Linda and Ken Timmerman

College: Iowa State University

Shannon Wagner

Parents: Vivian Wagner and Fritz Wagner

College: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Alex Wenner

Parents: Jennifer and Nate Wenner

College: Loyola University Chicago

Julian Wright

Parents: Leslie and Darrell Wright

College: Marquette University, Milwaukee

Eagan

Co-valedictorians

Kevin Huang

Parents: Shaiyuan Huang and Ying Zhang

College, major: Harvard University, computer science

Quote: “What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.” — Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Marin Bennerotte

Parents: Tom and Kelley Bennerotte

College, major: University of St. Thomas; economics

Quote: “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” – Vince Lombardi

William Heutmaker

Parents: Dave and Kristin Heutmaker

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; chemical engineering

Quote: “Great moments are born from great opportunities.” – Herb Brooks

Elisabeth Duffy

Parents: Tod and Colleen Duffy

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; animal science (pre-veterinary)

Quote: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Marina Navarro

Parents: Esteban Navarro and Magdalena Alonso

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; international studies

Quote: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

Emily Hull

Parents: Cara and Scott Hull

College, major: Northwestern University; industrial engineering

Quote: “What, like it’s hard?”

Morgan Hamernik

Parents: Karie and Jon Hamernik

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; neuroscience

Quote: “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” — Norman Vincent Peale

East Ridge, Woodbury

Summa cum laude with distinction

Eesha Bharti

Parents: Meena and Vivek Bharti

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; neuroscience

Manashri Bhor

Parents: Shailesh and Shilpa Bhor

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biology, pre-medicine

Mike Cao

Parents: Ji Wang and Lihong Cao

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; computer science

Cole Chaffin

Parents: Paul and Kimberly Chaffin

College, major: University of Michigan; mechanical engineering

Kevin Chen

Parents: Ying Zhang and Lianzhou Chen

College, major: University of California Berkeley; engineering

Meagan DeMark

Parents: Steve and Tami DeMark

College: Purdue University

Jeffrey Deng

Parents: Celia Li and Roger Deng

College, major: University of California Los Angeles; bioengineering

Madelyn Knupp

Parents: Jeff and Lana Knupp

College, major: St. Olaf College; biology, Spanish

Callie Kunz

Parents: Mary and David Kunz

College, major: Massachusetts Institute of Technology; molecular biology, computer science

Christopher Liu

Parents: Lu Liu and Yiping Dong

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; engineering

Julie Ma

Parents: Qing Fang and Jiaying Ma

College, major: University of California Berkeley; microbiology, computer science

Raj Patel

Parents: Harish and Falguni Patel

College, major: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; computer engineering

Trynton Quach

Parents: Huyen LePhan and Quyen Quach

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; biology

Leah Restad

Parents: Christopher and Sara Restad

College, major: Carnegie Mellon University; computational biology, computer science

Christine Severude

Parents: Lailah and Allan Severude

College, major: Loyola University Chicago; molecular biology, music composition

Alexis Tao

Parents: Jian Tao and Yanping Chen

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biomedical engineering

Eastview, Apple Valley

Eliza Asani

Parents: Samantha and Ashwin Asani

College, major: University of Alabama-Huntsville

Quote: “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.” — Winston Churchill

Austin Bodin

Parents: Mark and Elizabeth Bodin

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; aerospace engineering

Quote: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Calvin Kotrba

Parents: Bill and Sara Kotrba

College, major: University of Iowa; mathematics, piano performance

Quote: “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly — leave the rest to God.” — Ronald Reagan

Oliver Matte

Parents: Pierre and Ingrid Matte

College, major: Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.; computer science

Quote: “Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door.” — Kyle Chandler

Ryan McClure

Parents: Mike and Valerie McClure

College, major: Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.; biology

Quote: “Perhaps those who are best suited for power are those who have never sought it.” — Albus Dumbledore, “Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows”

Leah Melchior

Parents: Jennifer and Michael Melchior

College, major: The Ohio State University; biomedical engineering

Quote: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” — Thomas Edison

Maxwell Schaefer

Parents: Mark and Michelle Schaefer

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; political science

Quote: “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” — Pericles

Anna Schumann

Parents: Jeff and Cindy Schumann

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; nursing

Quote: “Let ‘er buck.” — Frank T. Hopkins, “Hidalgo”

Shrinivas Venkatasubramani

Parents: Venkatasubramani Srinivasan and Umamaheswari Ramakrishnan

College, major: University of Minnesota; chemical engineering

Quote: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney

Sky Waters

Parents: Susan and Dale Waters

College, major: University of North Georgia; film and digital media

Quote: “Sic parvis magna” (“greatness from small beginnings”). — Sir Francis Drake

Ellsworth, Wis.

Valedictorian: Grace Groh

Parents: John and Lisa Groh

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Quote: “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” — B.B. King

Salutatorian: Kyle Perkins

Parents: Chris and Kelly Perkins

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Quote: “Live the life you are called to live and grow where you are planted.”

Jenica Giese

Parents: Brad and Anne Giese

College: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Quote: “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” — Edith Wharton

Emma Augustine

Parents: Thomas and Lavon Augustine

College: Montana State University

Quote: “So it goes.”

Bailey Baker

Parents: Jeff and Stacey Baker

College: University of Pittsburgh

Quote: “There are no regrets in life. Just lessons.” — Jennifer Aniston

Mackenzie Kummer

Parents: Charlie and Meghan Kummer

College: U.S. Air Force Academy

Quote: “Your only limit is your mind.”

Kailey Brenner

Parents: Jeremy and Mandee Brenner

College: University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Quote: “Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Reed Oberg

Parents: Russ and Beth Oberg

College: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Quote: “Life is a constant struggle between trying to care, and trying not to.”

Jonah Vogel

Parents: Tony and Lynn Vogel

College: Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah

Quote: “Graduation day is kinda like a Friday on steroids.”

Paige Frion

Parents: Jake Frion and Tara Olson

College: University of Minnesota-Duluth

Quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined.”

Elmwood, Wis.

Top 5: Alyssa Peterson, valedictorian; Alexia Waltz, salutatorian; Sophia Tiffany, Rowan Rupakus, Amber Bartz

Austin Aamodt, Tyler Bee, Kali Brathol, Jordan Brunner, Nicholas Forster, Aurora Henson, Bronson Huebner, Brett Kitchner, Jaxon Klink, Ana Muniz-Hernandez, Madelyn Nevin, Calvin Shock

Farmington Area

Rose Bauer, Megan Bernu, Grace Brunstad, Noah Budde, Samuel Buresh, Michael Cardinal, Jordan Chanthakhoun, Casey Christensen, Rachel Christensen, Morgan Condon, Cielo DeCastro, Michael Donohue, Tyler Dronen, Nicholas Edmiston, Karina Gehl, Skylar Gohr, Olivia Grundman, Sarah Hannon, Zachary Hanson, Grahm Hertaus, Lillah Jacobson-Schulte, Hailey Karnowski, Anna Kiminski, Cassandra Knutson, Chandler Lallak, Trevor LaVigne, Angelina Lind, Noel Mara, Nyah Maurer, Seth Miller, Benjamin Moorlach, Shannon Murphy, Margaret Newcomb, Ethan Partida, Elly Rust, Regan Sevenich, Anne Sorenson, Mara Teiken, Camille Tilden, Soren Vigesaa, Morgan Weberg, Taylor Wexler, Zeb Zimmer

Focus Beyond Transition, St. Paul

Ashley Baerthel

Parents: Leo and Lynne Baerthel

College, major: St. Paul College; auto technician

Jeffrey Emerson

Parent: Melissa Emerson

Luvada Jenkins

Parent: Imogene Macon

Paul Patterson

Parents: Pearl and Paul Patterson

Noah Sieber

Parents: Geoff and Diane Sieber

Thao Vang

Parent: Bao Lee

College, major: Job Corps, office administration

Forest Lake Area

Erin Collins

Parents: Rob and Tammy Collins

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; chemical engineering

Quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” — Kevin Durant

Rachel de Sobrino

Parents: Cristina de Sobrino and Tom Arnold

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; environmental geography

Quote: “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.” — Kofi Annan

Benjamin Cartford

Parents: Julie and Chuck Cartford

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; biology

Quote: “You are free, therefore choose, that is to say, invent.” — Jean-Paul Sartre

Jack Callahan

Parents: Kevin and Jeanie Callahan

College, major: Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine; biomedical engineering

Quote: “Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.” — George Washington

Autumn Schuldt

Parents: Jason and Colleen Schuldt

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; mechanical engineering

Quote: “All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.” — Winston Churchill

Matthew Strupp

Parents: Kathy and John Strupp

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; history of wildlife ecology

Quote: “The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways; the point, however, is to change it.” — Karl Marx

Faith Hollihan-Moy

Parents: Nicole and Tom Staloch, Ben and Kirsten Moy

College, major: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; neuroscience, biology, pre-med

Gateway to College, St. Paul

Habiba Abdullahi

Parent: Fatuma Adan

College: St. Paul College

Abdinasir Ali

Parent: Fadumo Haile

College: St. Paul College

Yossimar Bautista Riquelme

Guardian: Francisco Bautista

Jeremy Duval

Parent: Sue Duval

College: Beloit College

Asha Mohamud

Parents: Muse Diini and Shamso Ali

College: St. Paul College

Christian Niyokwizera

Parents: Christine Ndayishimiye and Emmanuel Niyonkunu

College: St. Paul College

Abdihakin Osman

Parent: Absira Barrow

College: St. Paul College

Ma Hsa Poe

Parents: Saw Bley and Keh Moo

College: St. Paul College

Otto Schroepfer

Parents: Lucy and William Schroepfer

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Tha Tun

Parents: Lah Tun and Ya Baw

Grantsburg, Wis.

Valedictorian: Linda Harmon

Salutatorian: Jenna McNally

High Honor Graduates: Luke Anderson, Ashley Bistram, Olivia Brock, Leopold Chenal, Joseph Duncan, Grace Gerber, Mikala Hammer, Jada Hecht, Lane Johnson, Jared Lee, David MacKean, Katelyn Meier, Kasey Michaelson, Kaitlin Olson, Susan Roberts, Seth Schlecht, Wyatt Swanson

Honor Graduates: Katelyn Byers, Evan Cordell, Benjamin Johnson, Alicia Johnson, Grace Lehne, Nathanael McKinley, Macy Moore, Dawson Roberts, McKenzie Rombach, Bryce Roufs, Anthony Schmidt, Charli Siebenthal, Randi Siebenthal, Alethea Simmons, Elliot Swenson, Rachel Tooze, Luke Trittelwitz

Great River School, St. Paul

Gregory Ballen

Parents: Todd and Karen Ballen

College, major: Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, Ind.; engineering

Quote: “If you want to bring people around to your way of thinking, you need to first show them that you are open to theirs.” — Justin Trudeau

Avery Reyes Beattie

Parents: James Beattie and Nina Reyes

College, major: Carleton College, American studies

Quote: “We are afraid of losing what we have, whether it is our life or our possessions and property. But fear evaporates when we understand that our life stories and the history of the world were written by the same hand.” – “The Alchemist,” Paul Coelho

Alex Lorah

Parents: Paul and Cindy Lorah

College, major: University of St. Thomas, engineering

Quote: “Patience is the art of concealing your impatience.” — Guy Kawasaki

Beatrice Ibes Nedeljkovic

Parents: Katie Ibes and Tim Schnabel

College: Barnard College, New York, N.Y.

Quote: “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education; all politics can do is keep us out of war.” — Maria Montessori

Maggie Yang

Parents: Xia Yang and Marisa Kheereesantikul

College, major: Carleton College, environmental studies

Quote: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” — Isaac Newton

Mia Overvoorde

Parents: Paul and Lynn Overvoorde

College: Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa

Quote: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Cecelia Wulff

Parent: Jennifer Daul

College, major: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Wash.; biology

Quote: “Every day, you have the power to choose our better history — by opening your hearts and minds, by speaking up for what you know is right.” — Michelle Obama

Ethan Dulaney

Parents: Eugene and Aline Dulaney

College, major: Occidental College, Los Angeles; communication studies

Quote: “People have to be able to learn from mistakes. If we take away the possibility for someone to learn and become a better person, I’m not sure what we are left with. I’ve learned all kinds of things about myself from friends and teacher having the patience and faith to give me a second chance.” — James Gunn

Olivia Reinhardt

Parents: Lee Reinhardt and Philip Reinhardt

College, major: Minneapolis College of Art and Design, illustration

Quote: “What you do speaks so loudly, I cannot hear what you say.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Anna Himango

Parents: Tim and Shannon Himango

College, major: Knox College, Galesburg, Ill.; creative writing

Quote: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” — “The Fellowship of the Ring,” J.R.R. Tolkien

Georgia Langer

Parents: Megan Marsnik and Jason Langer

College, major: Lewis & Clark College, Portland, Ore; pre-med

Quote: “Comprehensive sexual health education will change the world. — G.L.

Harding, St. Paul

Elizabeth Chaney

Parent: Ellen Whitted

College, major: St. Cloud State University, pre-veterinary studies

Quote: “Prince Zuko, pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source. True humility is the only antidote to shame.” — Iroh, “Avatar the Last Airbender”

Martin Danielson

Parents: Martin and Nicole Danielson

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, chemical engineering

Quote: “Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it.” — Steve Maraboli

Mattie Ebbesen

Parent: Amy Ebbesen

College; major: Macalester College, philosophy

Quote: “Freedom is what you do with what’s been done to you.” — Jean-Paul Sartre

Elizabeth Harper

Parents: Lynn and Todd Harper

College, major: Pacific University, Forest Grove, Ore.; accounting

Quote: “I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” — Audre Lorde

Paulnika Ke

Parents: Morarasmy Ke and Sy Meng

Quote: “Don’t follow your passion, follow the opportunity and bring your passion with you.” – Mike Rowe

Kashie Kong

Parents: Ka Ying and Npla Chong Kong

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, nutrition

Quote: “You can’t teach someone values unless you show them values.” — Nell Bernstein

Aisha Mohamed

Parents: Fatima Ali and Mumin Sheikh-Abukar

College, major: Macalester College; biomedical sciences, biochemistry

Quote: “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.”

Gyru Thor

Mother: Chee Lor

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, finance

Quote: “Do everything in life before it is too late to find out what you like and don’t like when you get old.”

Anny Tran

Parents: Bao Tran and Thao Nguyen

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, pre-med

Quote: “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky

Cheyanne Vang

Parents: Yeng Vang and Jennifer Labar

College, major: Gustavus Adolphus College, sociology or psychology

Quote: “If the grass is greener on the other side, you can bet the water bill is higher.”

Highland Park, St. Paul

Nathaniel Alden

Parents: Jeremy and Stephanie Alden

College: Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.

Andrew Noecker

Parents: Duane and Kathy Noecker

College: St. Olaf College

Ruquiya Egal

Parents: Ali and Fardousa Egal

College: Brown University, Providence, R.I.

Lucy Minner

Parents: Michael and Jody Minner

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Leah Terry

Parents: David Terry and Linda Baughman-Terry

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Michael West-Hest

Parents: Laura West-Knutzen and  Patrick Hest

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Samantha Linssen

Parents: Danica and John Linssen

College: Arizona State University

Ian Boylan

Parents: Patrick Boylan and Marcy Hartford

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Alexis Lipstein

Parents: Andrew and Janna Lipstein

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Isabel Harrelson

Parents: Marian Keillor and Jeremiah Harrelson

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Parker Johnson

Parents: Paul and Angela Lindsay Johnson

College: Carleton College

Hill-Murray, Maplewood

Claire Arnold

Parents: James Arnold and Anne Weiss

College: University of Minnesota

Alex Bloemendal

Parents: Brian and Elda Bloemendal

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Benjamin Drayna

Parents: Mark and Kathleen Drayna

College: University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Melissa Fellrath

Parents: Mike and Mari Fellrath

College: University of Minnesota

Anna Fox

Parents: Peter and Susan Fox

College: Kent State University, Kent, Ohio

David Gallagher

Parents: John and Susan Gallagher

College: University of St. Thomas

Emily Herzog

Parents: Mark and Angela Herzog

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Gabriel Honerman

Parents: James and Marie Honerman

College: University of Minnesota

Kaitlyn Kaufman

Parents: Bob and Stephanie Kaufman

College: Merrimack College, North Andover, Mass.

Margot Keeler

Parents: Kasey and Stacey Keeler

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Jacqueline Lamb

Parents: Jim and Joanne Lamb

College: University of Missouri

Grace McElmury

Parents: Richard and Tanya McElmury

College: University of St. Thomas

Kaela Offstein

Parents: Michael and Renee Offstein

College: University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio

Emma Phelan

Parents: Neil and Elizabeth Phelan

College: Boston College

Jack Schwartz

Parents: Dave and Cindy Schwartz

College: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa

Maria Soutor

Parents: Bradd and Mary Beth Soutor

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Vanessa Wren

Parents: Joseph and Kellee Wren

College: University of Minnesota

Tiffany Tran

Parents: Mai Tran

College: University of St. Thomas

Lingkai Zhao

Parents: Zhijun Zhao and Ling Shi

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

LeYao Huang

Parents: Bo Huang and Xia Liu

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Hmong College Prep Academy, St. Paul

Kaliyah Pa Zong Lee

Parents: Zong Her and Koua Lee

College, major: University of Minnesota-Rochester, nursing

Quote: “Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.” — Napoleon Hill

Fantasia More

Parent: Mall More

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, biology or human physiology

Quote: “As rice ripens, the lower it bows its head. Never lose your willingness to learn.”

Chaturporn Taw

Parents: Chit Sae Vang and Neil Sao Vang

College, major: Bethel University, nursing

Quote: “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you will land among the stars.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Avina Nkaujzoo Vang

Parent: Tou Tong Vang

College, major: Bethel University, nursing

Quote: “We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here now with the power to shape your day and your future.” — Steve Maraboli

Helena Vang

Parent: Wa Yee Vang

College, major: Century College, radiology technology

Quote: “Stop thinking you can’t, start thinking you can. Failing is part of success, so don’t ever stop trying.”

Ia Vang

Parent: Xee Thao

College, major: St. Catherine University, nursing

Isabella Shang Vang

Parent: Youa Vang

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; chemistry, pre-med

Quote: “Remember who we are. The most earnest wish lies in front of our eyes. It’s not frightening to begin again. If you keep your dream, it’s bound to come true.”

Mai Chee Xiong

Parent: Khoua Lor

College, major: St. Catherine’s University, sonography

Quote: “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” — Milton Berle

Hlee Jennie Yang

Parents: Soua Vang and Thai Yang

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, social work

Quote: “Work hard, play hard.”

Kenny Yang

Parents: Anita Vang and Eli Yang

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, computer science

Quote: “If you can’t change yourself, how is someone else going to?”

Hope Christian Academy, St. Paul Park

Valedictorian: Marsha Waiganjo

Parents: Christine and Steve Morabu

College, major: University of Chicago, English or History

Quote: “For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For poise, walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone.” — Sam Levenson

Salutatorian: Hannah Son

Parents: Hao Lam and Vuol Son

Host parents: Sophal Kim and Sopha Yin

College major: Nursing

Quote: “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Hudson, Wis.

Anna Arthur, Sun Li Batten, Luke Bekemeyer, Shane Blinkman, Yasha Bol, Mackenzie Farrell, Connor Harrison, Mason Holum, Dillon Kelly, August Krueger, Haylee Lawrence, Madissen Lawrence, Scott Lawton, Hunter Luetkens, Karina Miller, Halle Powers, Emily Rawn, Robert Reynolds, Sydney Rossini, Ethanial Seath, Erik Small, Alex Still, Daniel Volk, Jack Walter

Humboldt, St. Paul

Eh Blu Htoo

Parent: Eh Lee Yar

College: Metropolitan State University

Kpay Htoo

Parents: Paw Lah and Dah Poe

College major: automotive technician service

Quote: “The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it.”

Indira Kharel

Parents: Hema and Sarbeswor Kharel

College, major: Hamline University, pre-med

Quote: “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” — Langston Hughes

Arianna Klotz

Parent: Robyn Klotz

College: St. Paul College

Quote: “To live with fear and not be afraid is the final test of maturity.” — Edward Weeks

Kaoyer Lee

Parents: Xelor Lee and Paocha Lee

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, biology

Quote: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Henry S. Haskins

Nang Ya Moan Oo

Parents: Win Thu and Nang Leng

College, major: University of Southern California, astronautical engineering

Quote: “Give, even if you only have a little.” — Buddha

Andy Thao

Parents: Kou Xiong and Cha Thao

College, major: University of Minnesota Twin Cities, computer science

Quote: “So it goes.” – “Slaughterhouse-Five,” Kurt Vonnegut

Yusanat Tway

Parents: Ngae Lay and Ta Pay Pay

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; psychology, urban studies

Quote: “Life is short and unpredictable so you must live it to the fullest. This is not for a recipe for recklessness but a recipe to give your all in everything that you do.”

Vue Vang

Parents: Chong Thao

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth, political science

Quote: “Pride is the most controversial thing in life. You never know if embarrassing yourself is worth the outcome. You only need to consider that oftentimes, pride only exists for your sake. Learn to hurt for others.”

Soua Yang

Parents: Lee Yang and Yeng Thao

College, major: St Olaf College, computer science

Quote: “The lone wolf dies but the pack survives.” — Ned Stark, “Game of Thrones”

Irondale, New Brighton

Highest Honors: Amelia Aplikowski, Ethan Bentley, Grace Bourgeois, Olivia Brouillette, Erica Carlson, Emily Cho, Joseph Doerrer, Samantha Eyberg, Brianna Franke, Parker Freiberg, Nathan Gahr, Katherine Gottwaldt, Sara Hachi, Kahlan Jester, Alicia Joswiak, Austin Kim, Tallis King, Chase Kvaal, Kevin Kvaal, John Lei, Lorne Mildenberger, Tabitha Mungai, Leah Newbauer, Dan Nguyen, Jack Nugent, Jack Olson, Kathleen O’Rourke, Annalise Scamehorn, Benjamin Schley, Susan Schuh, Kayla Squires, Cypress Stupica, Ian Tacheny, Bernice Young

Johnson, St. Paul

Nuhchi Chah

Parents: Kenny Chah and Mayah Chah

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Quote: “Treat your heart like a camera, capture every moment and store it as a memory.” — Nuhchi Chah

Cha Her

Parents: Paker Her and Ausa Chang

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, biochemistry

Quote: “I told you, you’ll be fine as long as you believe. It will happen.” — Pa Her

Nhia Her

Parent: Pajhuab Xiong

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, mechanical engineering

Quote: “Human beings are strong because we have the ability to change ourselves.” — Saitama, “One-Punch Man”

Malik Khadar

Parents: Seanne Thomas and Alhaji Khadar

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, computer science

Quote: “Ron!” — J.K. Rowling

Joy Moua

Parents: Joanna Moua and Xeng Moua

College, major: St. Catherine University; international business, economics

Quote: “Fierce like fire, genuine like gold.”

Pa Di Moua

Parents: Vue Lee and Hue Moua

College, major: University of Northwestern-St. Paul, nursing

Quote: “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” — Lance Armstrong

Henry Wieffering

Parents: Ruth Weleczki and Eric Wieffering

College, major: University of South Carolina; math, economics

Quote: “They say, ‘Oh you graduated?’ No, I decided I was finished.” — “School Spirit,” Kanye West

Sha Xiong

Parents: Xue Xiong and Ker Vang

College, major: St. Olaf College, biology

Quote: “Work hard. You may not be the smartest, but your effort and amazing heart will get you to where you want to be.” — Xue Xiong

Christina Yang

Parents: Kong and Keng Yang

College, major: University of St. Thomas, mechanical engineering

Quote: “Only you can decide what breaks you.” — “A Court of Wings and Ruin,” Sarah J. Maas

Ka Lia Yang

Parents: Johnny Yang and Jennifer Thao

College, major: St. Catherine University, nursing

Quote: “Be somebody that nobody thought you could be.” — William Chapman

Mai See Yang

Parents: Lou Vang and Npliaj Riam Moua

College, major: College of St. Benedict-St. John’s University, education

Quote: “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius

Lakeville North

Summa cum laude: Olivia Anderson, Alyssa Arnold, Evan Atkins, Maya Blitz, Megan Braasch, Benjamin Brogan, Maggie Cade, Anna Carow, Ellissa Chaouch, Isabel Demo, Elizabeth Duerksen, Michael Fisher, Grace Frechette, Verina Ghobrial, Caroline Gidlow, Lauren Grimm, Esperanza Guerrero, Lauren Gunderson, Madison Hamel, Mikaela Harkema, Andrew Harrison, Tyler Hornyak, Xiaolin Huang, Sarah Johnson, Talon Kandler, Holland Kanne, Madison Keppel, Allyse Kleiber, Austin King, Mitchell Kitzmann, Anna Knapek, Olivia Koenig, Robert Lebens, Avery Lees, Hunter Lemley, Keenan Leverty, Erik Lindeman, Courtney Loth, Jayden Marty, Alex McFadden, Anna Marie Mitchell, Jessica Mrosla, Abbie Nelson, Erica Nelson, McKenzie Pflaum, Blake Power, Anna Puhek, Clarise Pyfferoen, Nicole Rauzi, Tyler Rebischke, Erin Rima, Gabriel Roverud, Riley Sagmoe, Gabriella Saholt, Andrea Schiefelbein, Benjamin Schwieters, Ian Seidenfeld, Liam Seper, Andrew Shea, Connor Shea, Natalie Shea, Isabelle Shoemaker, Caiden Siefken, Solveig Skansberg, Jack Soukop, Anna Steel, Spencer Swartz, Elizabeth Swenson, Allison Thompson, Andrew Trepanier, Trishia Vu, Jack Wallenta, Kasey Warner, Molly Waters, Malia Wellens, Ashley Wells, Selina Woo, Maija Zitzewitz

Lakeville South

Summa cum laude: Emma Caswell, Haley Cihunka, Hannah Clifford, Madelyn Constine, Sarah Damlo, Jessica Dao, Lucy DeBoer, Maja Decker, Hayden Epinette, Matthew Gadek, Lauren Geary, Espen Grasdal, Oliver Grasdal, Erik Hager, Anna Harvey, Dana Heuer, Jonathan Jagt, Christopher Johnson, Malia Keilen, Rachel Kircher, Jordan Lang, Reed Linse, Kristin Lips, Emily Lloyd, Joshua Loveless, Maya Lundell, Noah Mayfield, Karen McCoy, Michael McCune, Makayla Miller, Nicholas Miller, Alyssa Milne, Alena Moldan, Sheridan Norcia, Steveniece Oakland, Lisa Nyaunga Kemunto Ongondi, Jack Otterson, Jason Phan, Makenzie Polfliet, Collin Pospisil, Jennica Quast, Ava Quick, David Ricklick, Aaron Rose, Kaley Schiffler, Maxwell Schobel, Dylan Schultz, Tegan Shoquist, Caylie Sternberg, Nyah Sterns, Violet Tessier, Katherine Whipple, Taylor Woodson

LEAP, St. Paul

Kwe Knyaw

Parents: Lu Pwe and Peh Gay

College, major: Augsburg University, education

Quote: ”A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.” — Serena Williams

Anisa Mohamed

Parents: Bilad Yusuf and Ahmed Mohamed

College, major: Century College, medical field

Quote: “Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” — Joshua J. Marine

Cesar Osvaldo Mendez Portillo

College, major: University of St. Thomas, Spanish

Quote: “If you are afraid to fail, you will never do the things you are capable of doing.” — John Wooden

Liberty Classical Academy, White Bear Lake

Vitaly Brown

Parents: Gary and Cathy Brown

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, business

Quote: “It’s not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” — Charles Spurgeon.

Zahra Haidari

Parents: Jim and Kim Gilsrud

College, major: St. Catherine University, pre-med

Quote: “The really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” — Mark Twain

Iain Anderson

Parents: Scott and Jennifer Anderson

College, major: University of Northwestern St. Paul, music composition

Quote: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” — “Desiring God,” John Piper

Ryan Theodore Grill

Parents: Debbie and Bob Grill

College, major: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.; finance

Quote: “I wanna thank God for workin’ way harder than Satan.” — “Elevate,” Drake

Sage Taya Johnson

Parent: Janice Bachman

College: Trinity Washington University, Washington, D.C.; pre-med, environmental sciences.

Quote: “I can do all things through he who gives me strength.” — Philippians 4:13

Brooklyn Abell

Parents: Jason and Wendy Abell

College: Bethlehem College and Seminary

Quote: “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither.” — “The Joyful Christian,” C.S. Lewis

Luck, Wis.

Beau Brenizer

Parents: Jeff and Jackie Brenizer

College, major: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College – New Richmond, business management

Quote: “I think goals should never be easy, they should force you to work, even if they are uncomfortable at the time.” — Michael Phelps

Dennis Brule

Parents: Kevin and Christina Jensen

College, major: Pine Technology and Community College, Pine City, Minn.; welding

Quote: “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up.” — Vince Lombardi

Katie Christensen

Parents: Jon and Julie Christensen

College, major: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, paramedic

Quote: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford

Ryley Fosberg

Parents: Randy Fosberg and Kris Zacco

College, major: University of Minnesota, pre-med or pre-vet

Quote: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin, “Pooh’s Grand Adventure”

Merlin Hibbs

Parents: Jordon and Kelly Hibbs

College, major: Dunwoody College, electrician

Quote: “You learn more from failure than from success. Don’t let it stop you. Failure builds character.”

Shayla Hulett

Parents: Jeff and Andrea Hulett

College, major: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Rice Lake, nursing

Quote: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Katie Mattson

Parents: Paul and Tracy Mattson

College: University of Concordia-St. Paul

Quote: “The way get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney

Nancy Olave

Parents: Robyn and Jaime Olave

Future plans: University of Minnesota-Duluth, sports medicine

Quote: pSometime, the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” — Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne

Julianna Paige Thompson

Parents: Dean Johnson and Jackie Thompson

Future Plans: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, nursing

Quote: “Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.” — Michelle Obama

Sierra Zuniga

Parents: Kim Doyle and Rob Zuniga

College, major: Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Rice Lake, dental hygienist

Quote: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” — Maya Angelou

Mahtomedi

Top 10 percent: Jacob Arlandson, Thomas Atkins, Sam Bell, Christine Brennan, Elsa Duea, Hannah Goralnick, Abby Halverson, Abigail Hansen, Noah Harbinson, Claire Hautman, Elliot James, Lillian Johnson, Elizabeth Kangas, Elisabeth Kray, Leah Larsen, Kyle Larson, Amy Mang, Calvin Molitor, Emma Nelson, Julianne Peterson, Lindsey Reyes, Analise Schleifer, Eric Schmidt, Emma Shores, Noah Skillings, Ryan Smith, John Stellmach, Connor Stoker, Luigi Viggiano, Tianna Warner, Samantha Westlund, Ajah Williams, Vienna Windisch

Math and Science Academy, Woodbury

Samantha Webster

Parents: Michael and Deborah Webster

College, major: Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo.; chemistry

Quote: “Success is a journey, not a destination.” — Arthur Ashe

Sydney James

Parents: Robert and Erika James

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; communicative disorders, psychology

Quote: “To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first, and call whatever you hit the target.” — Ashleigh Brilliant

Hannah Frazer

Parents: Jacki and Steve Frazer

College: Creighton University, Omaha, Neb; business

Quote: “We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captured with purpose.” – Bob Goff

Walter Minehart

Parent: Patricia Minehart and James Heyne

College: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Quote: “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Emma Eke

Parents: Tim and Katie Eke

College, major: Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Mich.; mechanical engineering

Quote: “Face this world. Learn its ways, watch it, be careful of too hasty guesses at its meaning. In the end you will find clues to it all.” — “The Time Machine,” H.G. Wells

Megan Dalldorf

Parents: Troy and Naomi Dalldorf

College, major: University of Northwestern-St. Paul, biochemistry

Quote: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” — Hebrews 12:1

Kate Yapp

Parents: Mary and Rick Yapp

College, major: St. Catherine University; communications, political science

Quote: “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” — Thomas Paine, “The American Crisis”

Aleena Stevens

Parents: Phil and Laurissa Stevens

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Quote: “I avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.” — Charlotte Bronte

Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis

Anna Pickerign

Parents: Perry and Rachel Pickerign

College, major: Point Loma Nazarene University, San  Diego, Calif.; pre-nursing

Quote: “Don’t let schooling interfere with your education.” — Grant Allen

Mounds Park Academy, Maplewood

Muna Aden, Rayaan Ahmed, Lindsey Baldwin, Derek Bartholomay, Maya Li Bauer, Annie Berwald, Matt Bourne, Olivia Burton, Mats Dahlberg, Emilie Davidson, YuLing DeBellis, Dylan Dickinson, Lance Go, Jordan Grabanski, Claire Hanson, Alex Hinz, Evan Hollihan, Dani Honda, Caroline Hudock, Karan Jain, Maia Kelly, Will Kramer, Bela Larsen, Gabby Law, Parker Law, Sophia Long, Yahya Madar, Lily Madore, Ajay Manicka, Ana Manolis, Jaeden McFarland, Ben Nippolt, Ian Olson, Flynn Opatz, Henry Peterson, Tommy Peterson, Julia Portis, Izzy Portoghese, Ellie Quam, Adam Reinke, Haley Rhodes, Tara Samsel, Toby Sullivan, Aneesh Syal, Kaan Ucer, Syrena Vanchena, Jose Varela Castillo, Lauren Vilendrer, Siri Vorvick, Sofia Walker, Tae’Vion Wilkins, Juliana Wu, Peter Wu, Kaitlyn Wyman, Mary Yue

Mounds View, Arden Hills

Highest Honors: Joshua Albers, Connor Beale, Olivia Binder, Madeline Blasingame, Joseph Bushagour, Laila Bushagour, Michael Cao, Serena Chan, Lucy Chen, Ashley Chu, Janessa Crane, Greta Delaune, Kenneth Diao, Sanjana Dutt, Marissa Erickson, Charles Floeder, Sophie Gao, Vivian Gao, Rhone Gavois, William Goldman, Ashir Gupta, Anwaar Hadi, Lukas Hessini, Meghan Hesterman, Nicole Higgins, Mason Huberty, Christopher Jin, Scott Jiskra, Cadyn Jones, Jessica Kennedy, Irene Kim, Bethany Kinney, Nancy Koshy, Kathryn Kothlow, Rebecca Li, Victoria Li, Vidhya Mallikarjunan, Antonio Marino, Jared Martini, Julia McGough, Sydney Menne, Sarah Miller, Kiran Mishra, Maaz Mohammad, Nathaniel Moller, Matthew Murzyn, Medha Nayak, Thomas Neafus, Gabrielle Olson, Michael Pak, Eric Palmer, Bryan Park, Jessica Peterson, Amelia Podolny, Shreya Prabhu, Justin Reiling, Alaina Sandau, Riya Shah, Vijay Shah, Ming Shen, Emily Shilson, Mia Spieler, Anelise Stamper, Benjamin Steil, Grace Su, Michelle Sung, Grace Sventek, Erik Swensen, Maha Syed, Mingyue Tan, Sarah Tang, Sebastian Thompson, Nhi Tran, Aarthi Vijayakumar, Abhishek Vijayakumar, Frank Wang, Michelle Wang, Rachael Wasson, Samuel Wong, Grace Wu, Ahmad Zaro, Diana Zhu

New Life Academy, Woodbury

Valedictorian: Rachel Tateosian

Parents: Phil and Teresa Tateosian

College, major: North Central University, marketing

Salutatorian: Emira Erickson

Parents: Cory and Colene Erickson

College, major: St. Olaf College, music education

New Richmond, Wis.

Valedictorian: Grace Burns

Parents: Brian and Emily Burns

Salutatorian: Mykenzie Patten

Parents: Russ and Tina Patten

Top 10 percent: Elizabeth Wacker, Jacob Medchill, Anna Hop, Aria Tarras, Rachel Skinner, Abigale Modesette, Maggie Veenendall, Makayla Mitchell, Kerrigan Storie, Parker Kirkpatrick, Sara Nagel, Emily Montreal, Amelia Feuerer, Cole Brathol, Katelyn Marano, Cameron Berhow, Matthew Kukacka, Drew Momchilovich, Cal Crowder, Talon Seckora

North Branch Area

Ashley Darst, Maya Dumke, Leah Weber, Megan Whiting, Peighton Koeppen, Emerson Peaslee, Emily Kristo, Ian Scheele, Jurney Lund, Angel Kidd, Abigale Webster, Anna Carlson, Kayla Lenzmeier, Isaac Ries, Elizabeth Tribbett, Quinten Johnson, Anna Hudella, Jack Hatton, Adam Shoberg, Rachel Dworshak, Gail Nelson, Anna Savage, Nathan Korkowski, Malloree Abress, Elizabeth Gladitsch, Hannah Notebaart, Joseph Nihart, Matthew Stuber, Abby Johnson, Andrea Stirewalt, Savanah Hoard, Kathrine Ulanowski

North, North St. Paul

Sydney Peterson

Parents: Scott and Beth Peterson

College, major: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, biochemistry

Quote: “You can design and create and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” — Walt Disney

Emily Masterson

Parents: Derek and Reiko Masterson

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, biomedical engineering

Quote: “Whatever you are, be a good one.” — William Makepeace Thackeray

Macreena Stueve

Parent: Brian and Elizabeth Stueve

College: University of St. Thomas

Quote: “A champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fall.” — Serena Williams

Brittany Weber

Parents: Scott and Tricia Weber

College: St. Catherine University

Quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” — Tim Notke

Megan Weber

Parents: Scott and Tricia Weber

College, major: Concordia College, Moorhead; nursing

Quote: “Shoot for the moon. If you miss it, you will still land among the stars.” — Norman Vincent Peale

Andrew Hansen

Parents: Bob and Becky Hansen

College, major: University of Alabama, computer science

Quote: “It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.” — Bill Gates

Vyha Nguyen

Parent: Toha Nguyen

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, civil engineering

Quote: “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” — “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald

EmilyRose Johnson

Parents: Douglas and Lilia Johnson

College, major: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, biology

Quote: “The best way to predict the future is to invent it.” — Alan Kay

Nathan Huntley

Parents: Doug and Pam Huntley

College, major: North Dakota State University, mechanical engineering

Quote: “The highest result of education is tolerance.” — Helen Keller

Mary Patsy

Parents: Tom and Jeannette Patsy

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth, math or science

Quote: “Just keep swimming.” — Dory, “Finding Nemo”

Nova Classical Academy, St. Paul

Jannie Chang

Parents: Pang Thao and Xiong Chang

College: University of California, Los Angeles

Molly Dekarski

Parents: Miriam Dekarski and Ludger Dekarski

College: Concordia University St. Paul

Katherine Ellerd

Parents: Dawn and Jeffrey Ellerd

College: Macalester College

Theodore “Teo” Flesher

Parents: Katherine and Tomas Flesher

College: Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vt.

Henry Greenfield

Parents: Andrea and Dan Greenfield

College: Washington University, St. Louis, Mo.

Kathryn Huelskamp

Parents: Kelly O’Rourke and Paul Huelskamp

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Margaret Jones

Parents: Mary and Jim Jones

College: University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Wash.

Veronica Kemna

Parents: Kirsten and Patrick Kemna

College: Gustavus Adolphus College

Alexandra “Thekla” Ketcher

Parents: Yu-Ruey and Kerry Ketcher

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Zoe Kramer

Parents: Anna Leininger and Greg Kramer

College: Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales

Jane Krohn

Parents: Elizabeth and David Krohn

College: University of Vermont

Mathieu LaFrombois

Parents: Linda and Lance LaFrombois

College: Bethel University

Talia Magnuson

Parents: Colleen Kelly and Jeffrey Magnuson

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Zoe Marchand

Parents: Maria Marchand and David Antenucci

College: Reed College, Portland, Ore.

David Michaeli

Parents: Ora Itkin and Shalom Michaeli

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis

Shae Nelson

Parents: Kim and Graham Nelson

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Ashling Quinn

Parents: Stephanie and Conor Quinn

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Adam Solon

Parents: Jennifer and David Solon

College: Gustavus Adolphus College

Lindsay Solon

Parents: Jennifer and David Solon

College: Gustavus Adolphus College

David Sun

Parents: Amy and Calvin Sun

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Nujuma Taha

Parents: Zeyneb Hassan and Mohamed Abdulahi

College: Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass.

Annabelle Thelen

Parents: Amy and Brian Thelen

College: The New School, New York, N.Y.

Marta Uhlenkott

Parents: Mary Jo Wiatrak and Daniel Uhlenkott

College: St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo.

Margaretha “Maisie” Van Sloun

Parents: Priscilla and James Van Sloun

College: Northeastern University, Boston

Soren Wagstrom

Parents: Rikki and Thor Wagstrom

College: Iowa State University

Patrick Waters

Parents: Sara and Patrick Waters

Abraham “Abe” West

Parents: Jenni and Michael West

College: University of Chicago

Macy Yonekawa

Parents: Barbara Savage and Mark Yonekawa

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Open World Learning Community, St. Paul

Ella Amadou-Connell

Parents: Autumn Amadou-Blegen and William Connell

College, major: School of the Art Institute of Chicago, fine arts

Quote: “The first duty in life is to be as artificial as possible. What the second duty is no one has a yet discovered.” — Oscar Wilde

Fiona Shyne

Parents: Michael and Christine Shyne

College, major: Union College, Schenectady, N.Y.; computer science

Quote: “Nobody fears the height, you all just fear the fall. Go to the edge sometime and prove your body wrong. You land badly, but you crash standing.” — “The Crow,” Dessa

Athena Bolton-Steiner

Parents: Daniel and Rebecca Bolton-Steiner

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth, business

Quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Jamie Upton

Parents: John and Jennifer Upton

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth, musical theater

Quote: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” — “The Lorax,” Dr. Seuss

Theo Leifheit

Parents: William and Kari Leifheit

College, major: Northland College, Ashland, Wis.; natural resources

Quote: “You’re probably looking back on this in 20 years wondering how it went wrong.”

Osceola, Wis.

Brooke Bents

Parents: Ted and Shannon Bents

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Quote: “It is up to you to illuminate the world.” — Philippe Vernier

Skye Federation

Parents: Jacqueline Cork, Mark Federation

College: St. Olaf College

Quote: “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” — Samwise Gamgee, “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”

Christina Nygren

Parents: Brad and Gina Nygren

College: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Quote: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” — Confucius

Gavin Peterson

Parents: Marty and Jennifer Peterson

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Quote: “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

Gustav Peterson

Parents: Marty and Jennifer Peterson

College: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Quote: “Reach for the stars so if you fall, you land on a cloud.” — “Homecoming,” Kanye West

Cora Paro

Parents: Daniel and Tanya Paro

College: Columbia College Chicago

Quote: “You are perfectly cast in your life. I can’t imagine anyone but you in the role. Go play.” — Lin-Manuel Miranda

Joelle Rapp

Parents: Jeff and Tamara Rapp

College: Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis.

Quote: “You could be great. You could rattle the stars. You could do anything if only you dared.” — “Throne of Glass,” Sarah J. Maas

Mattea Johnson

Parents: Warren and Lanette Johnson

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Quote: “You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” — Rabindranath Tagore

Anna Swanson

Parents: Jim and Sara Swanson

College: St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona

Quote: “Happiness is a choice — a choice to be joyful, no matter what the circumstance.” — Sadie Robertson, “Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values”

Jennifer Armstrong

Parents: Christopher and Michele Armstrong

College: University of Denver

Quote: “I make grave mistakes all the time. Everything seems to work out.” – Thor, “Thor: Ragnarok”

Park, Cottage Grove

Brady Rudh

Parents: Christopher Rudh, Heidi and Brian Corcoran

College, major: Northern Michigan University, biology

Quote: “I have not failed, I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas Edison

Danielle Olson

Parents: Debra Olson

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, biology

Morgan Rice

Parents: Tracie and Adam Rice

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, nursing

Genevieve Tester

Parents: Michael and Gina Tester

College, major: University of St. Thomas; economics, mathematics

Quote: “Life has an odd way of making things work out in the end.”

Yordanos Degefe

Parents: Elfinesh Woldegiorgis and Tekalign Geda

College, major: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore; biology, public health

Quote: “Seek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its walls.” — Maya Angelou

Mallory Hoffman

Parents: Steve and Kim Hoffman

College, major: University of St. Thomas, biology

Quote: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Katelyn Wollschlager

Parents: Tony and Paula Wollschlager

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, nursing

Quote: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Gordon Parks, St. Paul

Xavier Beasley

Parents: Chevron and Marc Beasley

Cariana Heard

Parent: Tenia McKeever

Lanaja McEwen

Parents: Marque Marshall and Cleophus McEwen

College, major: University of Arizona; nursing, law enforcement

Levi Sworr

Parent: Sarah Mwah

After graduation: U.S. Marine Corps

Long Vang

Parent: Soua Hang

College, major: St. Paul College, computer science

Randolph

Valedictorian: Peter Fitterer

Parents: Steve and Brenda Fitterer

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, biomedical engineering

Quote: “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” — President John F. Kennedy

Co-salutatorian: Alexandra Olson

Parents: Bob and Shannon Olson

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Quote: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.” — Helen Keller

Co-salutatorian: Kenna Foss

Parents: Brian and Larissa Foss

College, major: South Dakota State University, hospitality management

Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

River Falls, Wis.

Joshua Baillargeon

Parents: Patrick Baillargeon and Sally Burkhardt

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, engineering

Quote: “Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it.” — Charles Swindoll

Jackson Cleveland

Parents: Joshua and Gina Cleveland

College, major: Carleton College, material engineering

Quote: “Time is undefeated.” — Rocky Balboa, “Creed”

Dana Craig

Parents: Michael and Kim Craig

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, political science

Quote: “You can never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.” — Leymah Gbowee

Mya Davis

Parents: Karen Lloyd and Paul Davis

College, major: Michigan Technological University, computer science

Quote: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” — Joey Reiman

Devin Kugel

Parents: Dan and Peggy Kugel

College, major: University of Minnesota, engineering

Quote: “Even though the world is large, one person can still make a world of difference.” — Frank Sonnenberg

Sarah Langlois

Parents: Reney and Tamara Langlois

College, major: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, biomedical engineering

Quote: “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Sofia Naranjo Mata

Parents: Maria Mata and Jeremiah Harrelson, and Luis Naranjo

College, major: North Dakota State University, architecture

Quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” — Tim Notke

Evelyn Okal

Parents: Jonpaul and Juli Okal

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, biochemistry

Quote: “We’re all stories in the end; just make it a good one.”

Nathaniel Rixmann

Parents: Jeffrey and April Rixmann

College, major: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, mechanical engineering

Quote: “Failure comes to those who doubt.” — Nathaniel Rixmann

Catherine Stewart

Parents: Gail and Thomas Stewart

College, major: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, microbiology

Quote: “The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.” — Albert Einstein

River’s Edge Academy, St. Paul

Karley Torrez

Parent: Jill Torrez

College, major: Century College, social work

Quote: “Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and repeat to yourself the most comforting words of all: This, too, shall pass.” — Ann Landers

Malcolm D’Avilar

Parent: Felicia Perry

Quote: “Live life like there is no tomorrow, in other words YOLO.”

Kaylena Vasquez

Parent: Vanessa Vasquez

College, major: St. Paul College, esthiology

Quote: “To the world you may be one person; but to one person, you may be the world.”

Sophia Sturm

Parent: Michelle Sturm

College, major: St. Paul College, mechanics

Cameron Nelson

Parents: Leah Cameron and Ken Nelson

College, major: College of St. Scholastica, computer science

Lysandra Schneider

Parent: Deborah Oferosky

Quote: “Love doesn’t begin and end in the way we seem to think it does. Love is a battle, love is a war; love is a growing up.” — James Baldwin

Sadrea Dobbins

Parent: Sara O’Connell

College, major: Summit Academy, Minneapolis, nursing

Quote: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” — Maya Angelou

Isabella Barsanti

Parents: Lisa Barsanti and John Barsanti

After graduation: Focus Beyond, biology and fine arts

Quote: “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” — Albus Dumbledore, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”

John Bermeo

Parent: Vicky Bermeo

College: St. Paul College

Quote: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” — Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne

Rosemount

Valedictorians: Amal Abdel-Ghani, Olivia Alberts, Margaret Armstrong, Madison Bailey, Kira Bourdage, Daniel Cox, Abigail Doran, Lara Erdmann, Sydney Essler, Kyli Dominic Filip, Emma Ginter, Jacob Liggett, Michelle Quan, Jack Sewpersaud, Rose Sieve, Kathryn Troshinsky, Anna Wenman

Salutatorians: Shaza Hussein, Kelsey Olson

Roseville Area

Top 1 percent

Nathan Anderson

Parents: Eric and Kathy Anderson

College: Luther College, Decorah, Iowa

Quote: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving

happier.” — Mother Teresa

Laura Guck

Parents: Chris Guck and Susan Guck

College: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa

Quote: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind.

Always.”

Daniel Elan Kool

Parents: Debra Allerhand, Harry Kool

College: Boston University

Quote: “This is an adventure.” — Steve Zissou

Erynne Kringstad

Parents: Stephanie Monaco, Michael Kringstad

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, science and engineering

Quote: “Nobody is going to listen to you if you don’t use your voice.” — David Kuntz

Josephine Larson

Parents: Chris and Stacia Larson

College: University of Minnesota

Quote: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney

Anna Tostengard

Parents: Mike and Theresa Tostengard

College: St. Olaf College

Quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Rush City

Elena Herberg

Parents: Wayne and Elizabeth Herberg

College, major: University of Notre Dame, environmental engineering

Derek Murphy

Parents: Mark and Sara Murphy

Madelynn Hilton

Parents: Liesl and Shane Hilton

College, major: University of St. Thomas, mechanical engineering

Shawna Mell

Parents: Craig and Amy Mell

College, major: Concordia University, elementary education

Brystin LaMont

Parents: Steve and Becky LaMont

College, major: University of Minnesota-Morris, music education

Ellie Rundquist

Parents: Jesse and Angela Rundquist

College, major: Minnesota State University, Mankato; dental hygiene

Maggie Biermaier

Parents: Neil and Angie Biermaier

College, major: Pine Technical and Community College, health care

Katelyn McDonald

Parents: Timothy and Brenda McDonald

College, major: Winona State University, psychology

Katie Groh

Parents: David and Jennifer Groh

College, major: Pine Technical and Community College, health care

Logan Niessen

Parent: Sara Niessen

College: Pine Technical and Community College

Jamie Guptill

Parents: Jim and Leandra Guptill

College, major: Concordia University, physical therapy

Hudsen Mell

Parents: Branden and Ann Mell

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth, mechanical engineering

Seth Hora

Parents: Sean and Debbie Hora

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth, engineering

Jillian Grace-Cicero

Parent: Roberto Cicero

College, major: University of St. Thomas, business marketing

Samuel Sybrant

Parents: Mike and Beth Sybrant

College, major: Dunwoody College of Technology, mechanical engineering

Kaylyn Bowen

Parents: Daniel and Kara Bowen

College, major: Hibbing Community College, law enforcement

Ian Chinn

Parents: Shawn Chinn and Melissa Chinn

College, major: University of Minnesota, science

Logan Belau

Parents: Keith and Joann Belau

College, major: University of North Dakota, physical therapy

Owen Weeks

Parents: Gary and Mindy Weeks

Nathan Ramberg

Parents: Jeffrey Ramberg and Jenny Kropetz

College: University of North Dakota

St. Agnes, St. Paul

Cecilia Stariha

Parents: Jeff and Amy Stariha

College, major: University of Dallas, history

Quote: “To live without faith, without a heritage to defend, without battling constantly for truth, is not to live but to ‘get along’; we must never just ‘get along.’“ — Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Brian Donnelly

Parents: James and Kelly Donnelly

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; business, theater arts

Quote: ”You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin, “Pooh’s Grand Adventure”

Joseph Connolly

Parents: Michael and Joan Connolly

College, major: Marquette University, Milwaukee; mechanical engineering, Army ROTC

Quote: ”A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” — Joseph Campbell

Raymond Rasmussen

Parents: Kendall and Darcy Rasmussen

College, major: University of St. Thomas, mechanical engineering

Quote: “God has not called me to be successful; he has called me to be faithful.” — Mother Teresa

Conrad Tibesar

Parents: Robert and Amy Tibesar

College, major: Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo.; physics

Quote: ”The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness.” — Pope Benedict XVI

Joseph Mischke

Parents: Dale and Heidi Mischke

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Stout; graphic design, interactive media

Quote: ”Live every day as if it’s your last. Our memories burn bright like beacons of the past.” — Rootkit

Rachel Warren

Parents: Jim and Jill Warren

College, major: Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Mich.; business

Quote: ”The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” — Pope Benedict XVI

Ellen Steffes

Parents: David and Kathleen Steffes

College, major: North Dakota State University, engineering

Quote: ”I can see the sun, but even if I cannot see the sun, I know it’s there. And to know that the sun is there — that is living.” — “The Brothers Karamazov,” Fyodor Dostoevsky

Tommy Jackson

Parents: Steve and Teri Jackson

College, major: North Dakota State University, computer science

Quote: ”Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Amelia Knapp

Parents: Charles and Julianne Knapp

College, major: University of Dallas, biology

Quote: ”May you always be the one who notices the little things that make the light pour through, and may they always remind you: There is more to life and there is more to you.” — Morgan Harper Nichols

St. Anthony Village

Leona Anderson

Parents: Susie and Dave Anderson

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth, psychology

Dev Bhakta

Parents: Harshiv and Nila Bhakta

College, major: University of Minnesota, neuroscience

Gabriella Herlofsky

Parents: Jacob and Melody Herlofsky

College, major: California State University Long Beach; business, art

Emery Hutchison

Parents: Colleen and Robert Hutchison

College, major: University of Minnesota; English, psychology

Abraham Jaeger Mountain

Parents: Paul Mountain and Sue Jaeger

College, major: University of Minnesota, engineering

Grace Khouri

Parents: Joseph and Dunia Khouri

College, major: University of Minnesota, science and engineering

Seohyun Lee

Parents: Hannah Kim and Hyemin Yi

College, major: University of St. Thomas, actuarial science

Kayli Parker-Gerrits

Parents: Bridget Parker and Ben Gerrits

College, major: University of Minnesota, finance

Stuart Scamehorn

Parents: David and Andrea Scamehorn

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, computer science

Gavin Schuster

Parents: Rick and Marie Schuster

College, major: University of Minnesota; music, strategic communications

Audrey Stumpf

Parents: Frank and Nancy Stumpf

Collge, major: University of Minnesota, biology

Avery Sutton

Parents: Nina and Paul Sutton

College: St. Mary’s University

Brandon Tang

Parents: Bryon and Shelley Tang

College, major: University of Minnesota; biology, society and environment

Jenna VanSickle

Parents: Richard VanSickle and Ann Pearson

College, major: Boston University, communications

James Wald

Parents: Mark and Sheri Wald

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, biology

Jacinta Wappes

Parents: Jim and Mary Wappes

College, major: Dunwoody College of Technology, radiologic technology

Tori Wicklund

Parents: Renee and Eric Wicklund

College, major: University of New Hampshire; business management, equine assisted therapy

St. Croix Central, Hammond, Wis.

Valedictorians: Marianna Buckel, Samantha Deno, MacKenzie Emery, Calire Frankiewicz, Austin Kopacz, Samuel Malecek, Hannah Schwechler, Olivia Wasley

Honor Graduates:  Olivia Adrian, Mackenzie Anderson, Rebekah Anderson, Jasyn Bachtell, Bryce Becker, Nathan Berends, Hank Berger, Elizabeth Bland, Abigail Boettcher, Kaitlyn Bruesewitz, Brianna Burton, Trinity Carlson, Caitlyn Cody, Emily Davenport, Hunter Doonan, Shawn Felberg, Anna Gunderson, Marie Hamlin, Abigail Hammer, Christopher Harney, Nicole Hetletved, Evan Hill, Kylie Hodnefield, Joseph Hueg, Zakary Jourdeans, Lylah Khorshed, Kourtney LaBeause, Dylan Lane, Ryan Larson, Michael Lefeber, Caleb Lent, Cooper Luedke, Ashley Mann, Karlee Martinez, Katrina McMartin, Brandon Miller, Parker Mishler, Elias Mitchell, Kathryn Mohrhauser, Claire Moll, Hailey Mueller, Derek Myer, Allyson Nelson, Sara Nyhus, Blake Olson, Myah Olson, Jana Reis, Seth Roberts, Sierra Rollings, Kelton Rozeboom, Alivia Smith, William Soderberg, Michael Steinmetz, Josephine Sundeen, Elisabeth Thoen, Hanna Wehausen, Gabrielle West, Abigail Widiker, Briana Williquett, Mariah Withuski

St. Croix Falls, Wis.

Co-valedictorian: Joseph Gorres

Parents: Angie and Brett Gorres

Quote: “The things you can’t measure are often the things that give people the most success.” — Aaron Rodgers

Co-valedictorian: Mirabelle Vezina

Parents: Rick and Susan Vezina

Quote: “You’ve spent an infinity of years not being born and you’ll spend another infinity years being dead. Finish your cereal and go outside.” — K. Steele

Salutatorian: Lauren Borst

Parents: Les and Lee Borst

Quote: “Oof.” — Anon

Margaret Butler

Parents: Kim and David Butler

Quote: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” — Jane Goodall

Adam Vossen

Parent: Carla Vossen

Quote: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” — John C. Maxwell

Caitlin Carsley

Parents: Robert Carsley and Lisa Carsley

Quote: “She was one of the rare ones, so effortlessly herself, and the world loved her for that.” — Atticus

Anna Klein

Parents: Kevin and Amy Klein

Quote: “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” — Annie Dillard

Anthony DeLuca

Parents: Ted DeLuca and Carrie Wolff

Quote: “What do you mean?” — Daequan Loco

Sean Schaber

Parents: Pam and Jerry Schaber

Quote: “I wish I could breathe.” — Anon

Antonia Mejia

Parents: Mike Danielson and Diana Danielson

Quote: “Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda, “The Empire Strikes Back”

St. Croix Lutheran Academy, West St. Paul

Valedictorian: Katie Engel

Parents: The Rev. Todd and Michelle Engel

College, major: Viterbo University, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or University of Wisconsin-Madison; nutrition and dietetics

Quote: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28

Salutatorian: Ruth Gehring

Parents: Roger and Becky Gehring

College, major: Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn.; elementary education

Quote: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38-39

St. Croix Preparatory Academy, Baytown Township

Ian Lehn

Parents: Joseph and Carole Lehn

College, major: Northeastern University, Boston, Mass.; finance

Anna Schieckel

Parents: Martin Schieckel and Elizabeth Welty

College, major: University of Rochester, New York; chemical engineering

Maxim Erickson

Parents: John and Janice Erickson

College, major: University of Minnesota, computer engineering

Haili Kuester

Parents: Rebecca Funk Parizek and Todd Kuester

College, major: University of Washington, aerospace engineering

Katherine Hangge

Parents: Joseph and Michele Hangge

College, major: University of Minnesota, nursing

Lauren Mecum

Parents: John and Lynn Mecum

College, major: University of Minnesota; fisheries, wildlife, conservation biology

Noah Peterson

Parents: Gary and Iris Peterson

College, major: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; physics, astronomy

Annika White

Parents: Tim and Sheri White

College, major: Macalester College; economics, mathematics

Mara Powell

Parents: Tim and Cyndi Powell

College, major: University of Northwestern, social studies education

Bailey Erlandson

Parents: Trent Erlandson and Mandi Corlin

College, major: Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; kinesiology, pre-med

St. Paul Academy and Summit School, St. Paul

Isabel Dieperink, Kayla Edmundson, Isaac Fink, Mimi Geller, Maggie Hlavka, Jeffrey Huang, Gabriel Konar-Steenberg, Abby Lanz, Ethan Less, Maximilian Moen, Lily Nestor, Elise Parsons, Matt Pauly, Michaela Polley, Nora Povejsil, Eliza Reedy, Samantha Ries, Lucile Sandeen, Jonah Spencer, Nitya Thakkar, Gemma Yoo

St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, St. Paul

Kylie Kasprick

Parents: Kathy Kasprick, Duane Kasprick

College, major: St. Olaf College; dance, exercise science

Elinor Kleber-Diggs

Parents: Michael Kleber-Diggs and Karen Kleber-Diggs

College, major: State University of New York at Purchase, dance performance

Ella Otto

Parents: Lori Otto, Brian Otto

College, major: Winona State University; movement science, athletic training

Olivia Huseonica

Parents: Kimberly and William Huseonica

College, major: University of Utah, ballet

Monique Randall

Parent: Kathleen Randall

College, major: University of Massachusetts Amherst, music

Adriana Ajpop

Parents: Denise Joyce Ajpop and Adrian Ajpop

After graduation: Gap year in France, then University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Isabelle West

Parents: Teri and Patrick West

College, major: Boston Conservatory at Berklee, musical theater

Alejandra Gallegos

Parents: Frank and Kimberly Gallegos

College, major: Century College, nursing

Margaret Hope

Parents: Randy and Rosalyn Hope

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; Korean, French

Anitra Cronin

Parents: Erin and Chad Cronin

College, major: University of Minnesota-Morris; English, music

Emma Featherstone

Parents: Betsy Featherstone and Scott Featherstone

College: London, England, Contemporary Dance School

Onya Hinchley

Parents: Brian and Jana Hinchley

College, major: University of Hawaii, marine biology

Carlyn Grande

Parents: Sue and Paul Grande

College, major: University of Michigan, directing

Lucia Herman

Parents: Weston Herman and Virginia Bonin

College, major: Northland College, Ashland, Wis.; natural resources

Sage Brahmstedt

Parents: Ken Brahmstedt and Marya Morstad

College, major: Columbia College Chicago, musical theater

St. Thomas Academy, Mendota Heights

Luke Kolar

Parents: Mike and Amy Kolar

College: Harvard University

Lucas Montpetit

Parents: Jeffrey Montpetit and Karen Pilney Montpetit

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, mechanical engineering

Samuel Cunniff

Parents: Gerald and Elizabeth Cunniff

College, major: St. Olaf College; biology, computer science

Hayes Reding

Parents: Andy and Francie Reding

College, major: College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass.; economics

Thomas Thurlow

Parents: Ron Thurlow and Elizabeth Graser-Thurlow

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; Latin, biochemistry

Thomas Mayleben

Parents: Daniel and Elizabeth Mayleben

College, major: University of Notre Dame, finance

Donald Hau

Parents: Don and Valerie Hau

College, major: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, Ind.; electrical engineering

Nicholas Wright

Parents: Joe and Heather Wright

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, biology

Peter Holmes

Parents: Reid Holmes and Katy Boo Holmes

College, major: University of Southern California, engineering

Callan Happe

Parents: Michael and Shannon Happe

College, major: Boston College, business

Jack Libbesmeier

Parents: Jeffrey and Jennifer Libbesmeier

College, major: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa; biochemistry, molecular and cell biology

Jack Ogle

Parents: Matthew and Brenda Ogle

College, major: University of Chicago, molecular engineering

Jack Horst

Parents: Bradley and Kathleen Horst

College, major: Boston College, biology

Robert Wolfe

Parents: David and Gina Wolfe

College, major: Boston College, economics

Harrison Weier

Parents: David and Camille Weier

College, major: Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, Calif; economics

Carter Henry

Parents: Joseph and Jamie Henry

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth, actuarial science

Tobias Sullivan

Parents: Mark and Julie Sullivan

College, major: University of Notre Dame, business

Camden Callstrom

Parents: Dan and Tamara Callstrom

College, major: Georgia Institute of Technology, mechanical engineering

Morgan Donohue

Parents: Morgan and Celine Donohue

College, major: Boston College, finance

Anthony Wright

Parents: Joe and Heather Wright

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, biology

Henry Sibley, West St. Paul

Sara Bachmeier-Flores

Parents: Dale Bachmeier and Yojani Rios-Flores

College, major: New York University, biology

Quote: “Te deseo lo mejor, y lo mejor soy yo (I wish you the best, and the best is me).” — “Eres Mia,” Romeo Santos

Vic Fisher

Parents: John and Teresa Fischer

College, major: The University of Georgia, electrical engineering

Quote: “Sunday section gave us a mention. Grandma’s freaking out over the attention.” – “Flip Your Wig,” — Husker Du

Aiden Jacobs

Parents: Ally and Jay Jacobs

College, major: Syracuse University, chemical engineering

Quote: “Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.”

Joseph Juliette

Parents: Patty and Joe Juliette

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, neuroscience

Quote: “Keep your eyes to the sky, never glued to your shoes.” — “Small Worlds,” Mac Miller

Blake Krisko

Parents: Jennifer and Brian Krisko

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, biochemistry

Quote: “I think there needs to be a global focus on people taking care of people.” — Chris Cornell

Tori Nelson

Parents: Mary and Noel Nelson

College: South Dakota State University

Quote: “… you sort of start thinking anything’s possible if you’ve got the nerve.” — Ginny Weasley, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”

Alexandra Prokosch

Parents: Trish and Brian Prokosch

College, major: St Olaf College; chemistry, Spanish

Quote: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Kavya Vellicolungara

Parents: Ann and Baburaj Vellicolungara

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, nursing

Quote: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” — Maya Angelou

Kieran White

Parents: Todd White and Chelsey Griggs

College, major: University of Colorado Boulder; international relations, environmental studies

Quote: “Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.” — Nelson Mandela

Melissa Yang

Parents: Yu Chin Yang and Yen Ju Lein

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, biology

Quote: “The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.” — Michelle Obama

Simley, Inver Grove Heights

Ben Borchard

Parents: Susan and David Borchard

College, major: St. Olaf College; biology, economics

Quote: “The road to success is always under construction.” — Arnold Palmer

Jordan Boswell

Parents: Michael and Victoria Boswell

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, business finance

Quote: “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly — leave the rest to God.” — Ronald Reagan

Ben Briguet

Parents: Jenny and Todd Briguet

College, major: Iowa State University, mechanical engineering

Quote: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” — John C. Maxwell

Alexandra Bursey

Parents: Todd and Bambi Bursey

College, major: University of Minnesota, engineering

Felicia Buysman

Parents: Ann and Wendell Buysman

College, major: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, psychology

Quote: “We are not given a good life or a bad life. We are given a life. And it’s up to us to make it good or bad.” — Ward “Scarman”Foley

Sawyer Grathen

Parents: Rick Grathen and Lisa Grathen

College, major: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, mathematics

Quote: “Let your smile change the world, but don’t let the world change your smile.” — Connor Franta

Megan O’Connor

Parents: Kate and Steve O’Connor

College, major: Minnesota State University, Mankato, biology major

Quote: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, which is why we call it the present.”

Lexi Reichenbach

Parents: Amy and Tim Reichenbach

College, major: Wofford College, Spartanburg, S.C.; biology

Quote: “Life is what you make it.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Jas Schmotter

Parents: Ryan and Lisa Schmotter

College, major: Bethel University, environmental science

Quote: “No pain, no gain.”

Rachel Wanger

Parents: Laura and Gordon Wanger

College: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Quote: “For every minute you are angry you lose 60 seconds of happiness.”

South St. Paul

Anna Ebert

Parents: Lynn Bjerkeng-Ebert and Robert Ebert

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Platteville, undecided STEM

Mihnea Frincu

Parents: Liliana and Dan Tau

College, major: University of Michigan, political science and aerospace studies

Tyler Gruhlke

Parents: Tim and Joan Gruhlke

College, major: University of Minnesota, computer science

Isabelle Hammond

Parents: Gregory and Sonja Hammond

College, major: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, screen arts and marketing

Dakota Heimerl

Parent: Danielle Heimerl

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, pre-med

Clare Holsen

Parents: Kris and Eric Holsen

College, major: Concordia University-St. Paul, art education

Elizabeth Kirchner

Parents: Kris and Dan Kirchner

College, major: Gustavus Adolphus College, economics

Erica Kuntz

Parents: Nadine and Kevin Kuntz

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, speech pathology

Tessa Laska

Parents: Tara Klegin-Laska and Randy Laska

College, major: Drake University, athletic training

Samuel Lehmann

Parents: Michelle and Christopher Lehmann

College, major: Creighton University, pre-law

Bauston Lenarz

Parents: Tammy and Craig Lenarz

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, engineering

Katherine McCabe

Parents: Jennifer and Robert McCabe

College, major: University of Minnesota-Duluth; engineering, physics

Cecilia Pugh

Parents: Denise and Steven Pugh

College, major: University of Minnesota, nutrition

Francis Salkowicz

Parents: Joanna and Steven Salkowicz

College: George Washington University

Matthew Sobaszkiewicz

Parents: Kim and Jacob Sobaszkiewicz

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, forensic science

Rachel Steffen

Parents: Michelle and Robert Steffen

College, major: Southwest Minnesota State University, special education

Anna Watt

Parents: Mary Rahrman and Ricky Watt

College, major: College of St. Benedict, elementary education

Spring Valley, Wis.

Co-valedictorian: Dylan Bosshart

Parents: Rob and Sally Bosshart

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Stout, mechanical engineering

Co-valedictorian: Madison Maier

Parents: Craig and Tonya Maier

College, major: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, education

Salutatorian: Lauren Peabody

Parents: Kristin Skow and Mick Peabody

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, medical field

Graduating with honors:

Madison Jacobson

Parents: Chris and Cheri Jacobson

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, dentistry

Savannah Mattison

Parents: Casey and Amy Mattison

College, major: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, conservation biology

Abigail Graham

Parents: Ann Larson-Graham and Mike Graham

College: University of Wisconsin at La Crosse or River Falls

Lauren Anderson

Parents: Mark and Ann Anderson

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, education

Maria Reusch

Parents: Suzanne and Bill Reusch

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Stout, graphic design

Jenna Wildner

Parents: Stacey and Jeremy Wildner

College, major: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, veterinary technician

Erin Stans

Parents: Gwen and Gregg Stans

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, surgery

Kenneth Fesenmaier

Parents: Bill and Karen Fesenmaier

College, major: University of Wisconsin-River Falls, social studies education

Braeden DuMond

Parents: Carri and Jade DuMond

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, environmental science hydrology

Stillwater Area

Top 5 percent

Lily Mayek, Elias Roll, Thomas Meyer, Aurora Hiveley, Frank Madsen, Amy Longtin, John Maloney, Audrey Kelly, Olivia Walsh, Sydney Nelson, Jacob Hulteen, Phoebe Lesk, Peyton Classon, Magdalena Angulo-Umana, Erin Bloom, Torianna Eckles, John Batterton, Anne Sullivan, Maxwell Stauffer, Hannah Sween, Sarah Kollodge, Chester Hearne, Isabella Portelli, Abigail Banks-Hehenberger, Seth Olson, Claire Paiement, Grant Hietpas, Julia Line, Connor Kilkelly, Abigail McBride, Justin Warner, Mikayla Cousineau, Gretchen Sharp, Anna Landsem

Tartan, Oakdale

Megan Cater

Parents: John and Joy Cater

College, major: University of Notre Dame, engineering

Adam Wersonske

Parent: Deb Wersonske

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, computer science

Regan Kierzek

Parents: Karin and Ken Kierzek

College, major: Iowa State University, mechanical engineering

Sydney Larson

Parents: Karen Amlie and Scott Larson

College, major: University of Miami; health sciences, pre-med

Claire Witzmann

Parents: John and Sarah Witzmann

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, biomedical engineering

Addison Latterell

Parents: Karen and Brett Latterell

College, major: University of Wisconsin-Madison, biomedical engineering

Daniel Bereket

Parents: Bereket Hagos and Senait Gebregiorgis

College: Duke University, Durham, N.C.

Ogheneruemu Omafuaire

Parents: Moses and Helen Omafuaire

College, major: Minnesota State University-Mankato, computer engineering

Cade Severson

Parents: Liz and Greg Severson

College, major: St. John’s University, chemical engineering

Sarah Roering

Parents: Timothy and Kimberly Roering

College, major: University of Minnesota-Morris, English

Trinity School at River Ridge, Eagan

Cum laude

James Ennis, graduate award

Parents: Jim and Sally Ennis

College: University of St. Thomas

Kathryn Mulvey, graduate award

Parents: Rick and Catherine Mulvey

College: Providence College, Providence, R.I.

Carolyn Howell

Parents: Mark and Jeni Howell

College: Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, Mich.

Nyaga Kiama Kariuki

Parents: Edward Kariuki and Enid Kivuti Kariuki

College: University of Chicago

Margaret King

Parents: Bill and Danette King

College: University of Mary, Bismarck, N.D.

Ava Larsen

Parents: Jeff and Kim Larsen

College: Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Ind.

Jack Rausch

Parents: Tim and Allison Rausch

College: Creighton University, Omaha, Neb.

Anthony Rumpza

Parents: Michael and Anne Rumpza

College: Benedictine College, Atchison, Kan.

Audrey Zuelke

Parents: Craig and Jane Zuelke

College: Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Mich.

TRIO Wolf Creek, Chisago City

Lexie Alexander, Rylie Baxley, Brianna Belair, Kaitlin Bielicki, Hailie Blechinger, Melanie Bohland, Liliahna Boyer, Samantha Brewer, Lauryn Brindley, Damian Bronson, Grace Conley, Cheyenne Davidson, Gary Dixon, Lane Duethman, Harley Elling, Hayley Elling, Morgan Enget, Aidan Escobedo, Tanner Faltisek, Natalie Gale, Marissa Greenwaldt, Chloe Haus, Allison Hindt, Aliyah Holter, Brooke Hoppe, Kyle Ibarra, Nicole Jensen, Martin Johnson, MyKala Kempenich, Macy Klar, Alexander Klossner, Brooke Kurkowski, Brady Larson, Madison Larson, Cole Littlefield, Jacey Lozier-Lund, Leala Lundmark, Nicholas Maidl, April Nielsen, Bailey Novlan, Katelyn Nybakke, Josephine Olson, Devin Osterdyk, Gabrielle Paugel, Mackenzie Peterfeso, Braeden Peterson, Tristan Peterson, Ashley Rakowiecki, Hailey Riggs, Joseph Rixe-Carlson, Beverly Robinson, Samantha Ruppert, Nicole Salava, Dalton Schlegel, Alex Shalander, Madelin Soyring, Austin Steele, Marley Stuhr, Logan Summer, Mia Tavarez, Christian Thompson, Madelyn Tusler, Jordyn Wald, Bailey Wewers, Peter Wilson, Addyson Windingstad, Sydney Wood

Visitation, Mendota Heights

Jordan Cummings

Parents: Pam and Bob Cummings

College: University of Miami

Katherine Dietz

Parents: Erika and Cordell Dietz

College: Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.

Anna Leitner

Parents: Vanessa Matiski and Mike Leitner

College: Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine

Bridget Logeais

Parents: Candace and Wade Logeais

College: U.S. Naval Academy

Hannah Norman

Parents: Heidi and Michael Norman

College: Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.

Elise Pearson

Parents: Margaret and Bradley Pearson

College: Boston College

Emily Rascher

Parents: Michelle and Joe Rascher

College: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Nina Reamer

Parents: Maria and David Reamer

College: University of San Diego

Sadie Richardson

Parents: Krista and John Richardson

College: University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.

Riley Winkler

Parents: Jennifer and Bart Winkler

College: Texas Christian University

Washington Technology Magnet, St. Paul

Plai Cha

Parents: Kee Cha and Yia Her

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, computer science

Quote: “I want for the sky to not cover my eyes! I want for this land to not bury my heart! I want for nothing to stop me!”

Logan Doran

Parents: Mary Doran and Heather Lewis

College, major: University of Manitoba, music performance

Quote: “I’m not bossy, I’m the boss.” — Beyonce

Camryn Franke

Parent: Elizabeth Carlson

College, major: Stanford University, bioengineering/epidemiology

Quote: “The triumphant move together. We are not alone.” – Riven, League of Legends

Anaa Jibicho

Parent: Osman Ayub Mohammed

College, major: Pomona College, Claremont, Calif.; philosophy, politics, economics

Quote: “Courageous people do not fear forgiving, for the sake of peace.” — Nelson Mandela

Houa Chee Moua

Parents: Bang Lor and Tou Her Moua

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, veterinary medicine

Quote: ”Be gentle with yourself, you’re doing the best you can.”

Chee Vang

Parents: Yer Lee and Wilson Vang

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, nursing

Quote: “Love yourself, and BTS of course.” — Chee Vang

Owen Xiong

Parents: Kue Xiong and Soua Lee

College, major: University of St. Thomas, computer engineering

Quote: ”It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius

Yia Kou Xiong

Parents: Yee Xiong and Vang Yang

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, business administration

Quote: “Hey you. Yes, you. Don’t look here for a quote, for it is inside you!”

Pao Yang

Parents: Pao Ge Yang and Chee Xiong

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities or Concordia University, business and marketing

Quote: “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.” — “A Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy,” Miyamoto Musashi

Phoua Yang

Parents: Xang Yang and Mai Kou Xiong

College, major: Minnesota State University, Mankato, psychology

Quote: “Sometimes you’ll never know the value of a moment. until it becomes a memory.” — Dr. Seuss

White Bear Lake Area

Top 5 percent: Valeed Abid, Cooper Anderson, Clay Ansley, Sawyer Arndt, Mathias Beck, Justin Cilley, Jessica Grahn, Jennifer Hosch, Hailey Koster, Benjamin Kroll, Anna Lee, Samuel Maijala, Clare McManamon, Josephine Moor, Opeoluwa Olusi, Nicole Peterson, Makena Pratt, Samuel Racine, Caelie Raeburn, Olivia Schwintek, Ian Shepler, Thomas Turinske, Maren Viker, Olivia Wennen

Woodbury

Summa cum laude with distinction

Andrius Adomavicius

Parents: Laima and Gediminas Adomavicius

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, computer science

Kayla Chan

Parents: Janet and Vincent Chan

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, psychology

Neha Jain

Parents: Swati and Manoj Jain

College, major: Georgia Institute of Technology; computer science, neuroscience

Cade Keesling

Parents: Shannon and Mark Keesling

College, major: Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.; economics

Evan Koo

Parents: Peggy and Alex Koo

College, major: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, computer science

Scott Sampson

Parents: Louise and Mark Sampson

College, major: University of Delaware, chemical engineering

Morgan Swanson

Parents: Julie and Scott Swanson

College, major: Boston University, biochemistry

Ethan Wu

Parents: Pei-Wu Fang and Jung-Sheng Wu

College, major: University of California Berkeley, engineering

Michael Xia

Parents: Xu Dai and Jianhui Xia

College, major: University of California Berkeley, business

Soseniyos Yimer

Parents: Nigist Siyoum and Tseganew Yosef

College, major: Princeton University, Princeton, N.J.; economics

Ditching library fines this winter resulted in the first circulation boost for the St. Paul Public Library system in years. Even library card registrations are up — while the number of overdue days has held fairly steady.

The true test, however, may come in the summer months, when teens and families tend to visit libraries in droves.

In January, the St. Paul Public Library canceled all late fines and unblocked 42,000 library cards, joining a small but notable wave of library systems around the country that have abandoned the time-honored tradition of penalizing patrons who return books past their due date.

“The library inherently is not a punitive place,” said Kim Horton, a spokeswoman for the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.

Supporters called the decision an important step toward making a public system more inviting to low-income families. Critics worried about the loss of $215,000 in library revenue and predicted that books, films and music would be returned later than ever, if at all.

SMALL RESULTS ARE HUGE

The results? Without the benefit of a full summer’s worth of data, it’s probably too soon to tell conclusively — but early returns from an especially snowy winter shed some light on initial trends.

St. Paul Public Library director Catherine Penkert and the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library have been circulating a two-page analysis of fine-free data from January, February and March, and they’re encouraged by the findings. They included:

• The library tracked circulation specific to the 42,000 patrons with formerly blocked cards. That group checked out 19,000 items — evidence that going fine-free actively drew them back to the library.
• From January to March, circulation system-wide increased by a fraction of a percentage point — 0.06 percent, to be exact. That may not sound like a lot, but the numbers had been trending downward until then. The uptick represents the first circulation increase since a series of library renovations drew patron interest in 2015, and the first uptick since 2009 not attributable to a branch remodel or reopening. Overall, seven of 14 branches saw at least a 1 percent increase in circulation.
• Two libraries in particular saw double-digit increases in circulation, and both are located in low-income, high-minority neighborhoods. Circulation at the Dayton’s Bluff branch went up 15.5 percent. Circulation at the Arlington Hills Library, also on the city’s East Side, went up 13.1 percent.

“With the proliferation of entertainment options facing people in 2019, even such cultural juggernauts as the Oscars or the Super Bowl have seen similar (downward) trends in recent years,” reads the analysis. “This is why any uptick is cause for celebration.”

Still just as bad about returning books as ever, but now instead of paying off the stack of fines every time it got big enough to freeze my account, I joined the Friends of the Library and pay my penance by direct deposit every month.

— ALF (@Feznander) June 6, 2019

Not everyone, however, has been let off the hook. If a patron fails to return a book or CD after the library has made multiple efforts to get it back, they’ll shoulder replacement fees. And fee balances over $30 are sent to a collections agency, one that does not report outcomes to credit bureaus.

Tina Marie, a college student and mother of two, was surprised to discover this month that her late fines at the Dayton’s Bluff Library had been forgiven, even if her library account was still blocked for failing to return three children’s movies.

“I forgot we had them for so long,” Marie said. “I don’t have the money to pay for them.”

COPYING NETFLIX, NOT BLOCKBUSTER

Penkert noted the preliminary results overlap with a snowy winter “when the weather was terrible,” and one might otherwise expect more patrons to hold onto their materials longer or avoid the library altogether and stay indoors.

Instead, Penkert said the library system has not seen a significant increase in the wait times for materials on hold, or significant changes to the average number of days that materials are returned overdue.

“We are very pleased with this,” she said.

The library system already had some experience going fine-free, even before St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter announced last summer that he would push the initiative forward. Children’s books have been fine-free for at least 20 years, Penkert said. Most libraries throughout the country still levy fines, but the number of conscientious objectors that have abandoned fines is growing.

St. Paul City Council member Jane Prince, who chairs the city’s library board, said the council stood behind the decision to eliminate fines.

“When the library reopens to thousand of kids and adults whose cards were blocked, good things happen,” Prince said.

Since St. Paul gave up on fines, public library systems in Dallas, Denver and San Francisco have done the same, with Dallas officials in particular citing the precedent that St. Paul set as an example, she said.

Library officials say it’s time their industry began thinking differently, and Penkert pointed to the analogy of Netflix and Blockbuster video stores.

To grow its own business, Netflix — which launched in the late 1990s — studied the Blockbuster model and determined their late fines discouraged customers from returning. Rather than institute similar fines, Netflix created a mail-in video rental system where patrons could hold onto materials indefinitely, but they would have to return their video in order to access the next one.

For Paul Godfread, the St. Paul libraries going fine-free hasn’t changed much. He and his family are regular library users.

“I might keep a book a few extra days to finish it,” Godfread said. “But it hasn’t seemed like waiting for holds is significantly different.”

By the end of the day Saturday, Sheletta Brundidge had heard “Old Town Road” 42 times. Her 4-year-old son fell asleep at the family’s Cottage Grove home in his cowboy boots and hat watching the Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus remix over and over again.

But Brundidge doesn’t mind the repetition. It’s the first thing her son Daniel, who has autism, ever said to her, and she’s still not tired of hearing it.

“It’s called a breakthrough,” she said. “It’s like he threw a brick through a glass wall. We were just blown away.”

Brundidge recorded a nine-second clip of Daniel softly singing “Old Town Road” and posted it on Twitter on Monday. During the week, the tweet was noticed by Lil Nas X (whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill) and Cyrus, who each retweeted it. By Saturday it had gone viral.

“Can you believe almost two million views on Twitter?” she said. “That’s ridiculous. That was a nine-second video. People are losing their minds!”

People may be losing their minds, but the song may have helped Daniel find his.

We had an #oldtownroad miracle at my house. My son Daniel has #autism and doesn't talk. We caught him humming the @LilNasX and @billyraycyrus tune the other day. Then Bless God, my baby started singing the song on his own. His therapists have started to use it in his sessions! pic.twitter.com/vtCNWeg6ax

— Sheletta Brundidge (@TwoHauteMamas1) June 4, 2019

LIVING WITH AUTISM

Brundidge, 47, and her husband Shawn, 53, have four children: Andrew, 12, Brandon, 6, Cameron, 5, and Daniel.

The three youngest have all been diagnosed with autism. The parents were heartbroken when one by one their children started showing the symptoms — separating from the group, sitting by themselves, refusing to make eye contact.

Brundridge, a producer at WCCO Radio and host of the “Two Haute Mommas” podcast, quit her job and took on the enormous task of caring for autistic children.

She began researching how to help them and discovered the Lovaas Institute, which uses an intense behavioral therapy model to try to rebuild broken pathways in autistic children’s brains.

“It was 40 hours a week,” she said. “That’s a job. I don’t know why the Lord chose me, but he must have known I’d be able to handle it.”

Therapists arrive at the home at 8:30 a.m. and stay till just before supper time. The vigorous schedule worked for Brandon and Cameron. They began to make progress and now keep up with their classmates.

But Daniel was stuck.

HITTING A WALL

“Daniel was not making any progress,” Brundidge said. “We were beating our heads against the walls. It’s taken us six months to teach him the letter ‘A’.”

Daniel was nonverbal and could not even communicate with hand motions. Once, he stubbed his toe on a couch leg. He cried and didn’t want to walk. His parents thought he was just fussing and tried to keep him moving. Finally, they took him to a doctor and discovered he’d fractured his foot.

The therapists were ready to give up. They told Brundidge the therapies weren’t helping and there was nothing else they could do.

Brundidge sought divine intervention and prayed for a miracle.

MUSIC WAS THE KEY

On Monday, Brundidge put on her housecoat and got to work on the dishes. Daniel, who calms himself by opening and closing bottle tops and other repetitive motions, came near her and started fiddling with the buttons on the bottom of her housecoat.

He would push a button in and out of the buttonhole over and over again.

Brundidge said the house was uncharacteristically quiet. The older children were doing homework, her husband was in another room on a call, her father-in-law was napping. It was just the two of them alone in the kitchen.

That’s when her miracle happened.

“He starts humming,” she said. Then she recognized the tune. “I’m like ‘Am I a crackhead or is he humming ‘Old Town Road?’ ” Then he started singing the lyrics.

“Without instruction he has absorbed the lyrics to this song and the cadence and has recalled it,” she said. After everything they’d tried, music turned out to be the key to unlock Daniel’s brain.

She texted her husband to come to the kitchen. They both watched, stunned, trying not to express their excitement for fear of startling him back into silence.

“I started crying. The tears were coming down and landing on his head,” she said. “He started patting the top of his head. It was just full of slobber and snot and tears because I couldn’t stop crying. We’ve been praying for this boy since he went down. This is an answer to my prayers.”

GOING VIRAL

Brundidge didn’t want to miss anything, which explains why her video is only nine seconds long. But she did want proof for the therapists. She called her mom and word spread through the family. Everyone wanted to see the video, so she posted it on Twitter.

A few days later, her cousin called her.

“She said Daniel’s gone viral,” Brundidge said. “He has one million views on your Twitter page.” She realized Lil Nas X had retweeted the video to his followers, as had Cyrus.

“He called my baby a king,” she said about Lil Nas X’s response to her video. “Grown men are saying, ‘I’m crying.’ With all the crazy divisive politics, race relations, abortion and all the craziness we have going on in the world, it’s amazing to think that people just took a break to see a 4-year-old child singing a song that has touched so many different people.”

what a king https://t.co/EWZLUliV3n

— nope (@LilNasX) June 5, 2019

ADVOCATING FOR AUTISM

Brundidge hopes the attention will bring awareness to autism. She and her husband hold workshops for parents of autistic children and advocate for them.

She said others have messaged her saying they recognize Daniel’s symptoms in their own child and plan to get them tested.

As for Daniel, his therapists have started using music in their sessions with him and are starting to see progress one song at a time.

A Henry Sibley High School math teacher and tennis coach is under investigation by Mendota Heights police for “suspicious activity.”

West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan Area schools received a complaint against Corey Prondzinski on May 14 and “immediately commenced an investigation,” the school district said in a statement to the Pioneer Press. He was put on paid administrative leave the next day.

Mendota Heights Police Chief Kelly McCarty said she could not comment on the allegations, which she described as “suspicious activity,” because the investigation is ongoing.

The school district declined to get into specifics of the complaint, citing the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Under the data practices act, the district is required to release details on a complaint or investigation only if it results in disciplinary action.

According to the school district’s website, Prondzinski has been a math teacher and boys varsity tennis coach at Henry Sibley for 17 years.

Prondzinski did not immediately return a call Monday seeking comment.

Five years after the death of railroad magnate James J. Hill, his dream of erecting a public library in the heart of downtown St. Paul became a reality set in Tennessee marble and Minnesota sandstone. The James J. Hill Reference Library opened onto Rice Park in 1921, drawing job-seekers and entrepreneurs to its Roman pillars and Reading Room throughout the difficult years of the Great Depression and beyond.

On the cusp of its centennial anniversary, the dream is ending, or at least taking a long pause. Library officials announced Tuesday that the reference library — now better known as a wedding venue and nonprofit business center — will close to the public on July 3.

Executive director Tamara Prato said in a written statement that she and one staff member will stay on as the center evaluates “all options related to the future of the institution and its historic building in downtown St. Paul.” Existing wedding reservations will be honored through the end of the year.

The nonprofit had struggled to find its financial footing in the modern era, even changing its name to the James J. Hill Center in 2013 to represent the services provided beyond reference books. Promoting itself as a showcase for startup businesses, it launched networking events and featured youth “Idea Academy” camps, marketing talks and meetings of the startup network 1 Million Cups St. Paul.

“As a privately funded nonprofit, our ability to provide these services to the public for free is not sustainable,” said Prato, in her statement. “We continue to be challenged to develop a financial model that can deliver the original intent while being fiscally responsible for the ongoing operating costs of the organization and necessary capital investments in the historic structure.”

Patrick Moran, president of the Hill Center’s board, referred all questions to Prato, who has run the center since April 2016.

Prato, in an interview, said with funding from the Minnesota Historical Society, the center recently completed a historic structure report that gave board members pause. Without releasing actual numbers, she called the projected cost of maintenance and repairs “significant for the building for the long term.”

The nonprofit, she said, relies heavily on endowment funding, as well as a small amount of fundraising and grants.

Prato noted the Hill Center partners with organizations such as the Small Business Administration, LegalCORPS and Greater MSP to provide services to entrepreneurs and small-business owners. They also facilitate the 10-week startup incubator Co.Starters at the Hill, which will graduate its third class of entrepreneurs on July 2. A Co.Starters cohort that was scheduled to begin in September has been put on hold.

“None of the programs we currently are providing existed three years ago,” Prato said. “The funding model just takes time.”

The center is not affiliated with the Minnesota Historical Society’s James J. Hill House on Summit Avenue or the J.J. Hill Montessori School on Selby Avenue, other than that Hill — who is alternately praised as a visionary industrialist and philanthropist or vilified as a “robber baron” — remains a ubiquitous presence in St. Paul. Raised in a rugged Canadian frontier town, Hill arrived in the capital city as a teenager in the 1850s and, with no formal schooling past the age of 14, built a national dynasty on the rails — the largest railroad empire in the country.

THE EMPIRE BUILDER

Hill completed the Great Northern transcontinental railroad line — a precursor to the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe lines — from St. Paul to Seattle in 1893, opening up access to oceanic trade with Asian markets. Library lore has it that instead of a public celebration for the achievement, he asked St. Paul leaders to focus their energy instead on investing in a library.

In 1912, Hill publicly committed “a minimum of $750,000” of his own money to build a reference library in downtown St. Paul. Cash gifts were listed each week in the St. Paul Pioneer Press next to the names of wealthy benefactors. (An overlapping effort funded the opening of the general purpose Central Library next door in 1917.)

Hill chose not to collect volumes on medicine, law, genealogy or popular fiction, preferring instead books on history, science, economics, art, music and geography.

The reference library, built in an Italian Renaissance style with a Beaux Arts facade crafted from Tennessee marble, welcomed its first patrons in 1921, five years after Hill’s death. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, it became a gathering place for hundreds of out-of-work state residents seeking job retraining. By 1940, the library — which had opened with 10,000 volumes — offered 142,000 books and drew 61,000 people.

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

After partnering with colleges and universities on international studies programs in the 1950s, the James J. Hill Reference Library refocused itself in 1976 on the state’s business growth and economic development. It obtained Hill’s voluminous and influential papers in 1982 and the even larger collection of his son, railroad executive Louis Warren Hill, in 1986, both of which have provided historians with key insights into the early growth of industrial America.

The library debuted its first entrepreneurial venture — the fee-based HillSearch custom research service — in 1993, adding it to a growing list of research tools that included CD-ROMs and electronic databases.

ONLINE COMPETITION

Many of those same research tools are now available online or through other public library systems, challenging the library’s efforts to provide a unique or cutting-edge resource. In addition to hosting weddings and “Shark Tank”-style startup contests, the library launched a series of global music concerts in 2015.

“Over the past three years the James J. Hill Center has significantly increased its programming and community impact while actively supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Minnesota,” said Prato, in her written statement.

Hill left behind a massive fortune when he died, but no will. His descendants — which include six daughters and three sons — went on to found Glacier National Park, fund construction of Visitation Convent in Mendota Heights and revive the St. Paul Winter Carnival in 1916. Three foundations sprang from his legacy: the Grotto Foundation, the Northwest Area Foundation and the Jerome Foundation, all of which continue to this day.

James J. Hill Center officials announced Tuesday that the reference library — now better known as a wedding venue and non-profit business center — will close to the public on July 3.

Here is a timeline of its history in St. Paul.

1856: James J. Hill arrives in St. Paul.

1893: Hill completes the Great Northern transcontinental railroad line from St. Paul to Seattle. He asks city leaders to skip the celebration and invest in a library.

1912: Hill commits “a minimum of $750,000” to build a reference library in St. Paul.

1921: The James J. Hill Reference Library opens on Dec. 20, five years after Hill’s death.

1930s: Hundreds of out-of-work Minnesotans use the reference library to retrain themselves for jobs during the Great Depression.

1940: The library’s collection, which started at 10,000 volumes, reaches 142,000 books and draws more than 61,000 people.

1953: The library partners with colleges and universities on international studies programs and guest lectures from visiting experts.

1969: The library joins the Cooperating Libraries Consortium, to share resources among Twin Cities libraries.

1975: The library is added to the National Register of Historic Places.

1976: A new mission begins as the James J. Hill Reference Library focuses solely on Minnesota’s role in business growth and economic development.

1982: The library obtains the James J. Hill papers.

1986: The library obtains the papers of Louis Warren Hill, a railroad executive and son of James J. Hill.

1993: HillSearch, a fee-based custom research service, debuts as the library’s first entrepreneurial venture.

1995: The board of trustees approves a major investment in new electronic information technology, allowing virtual access by email and Internet.

2000’s: The library promotes itself as a nonprofit business center and networking space for entrepreneurs.

2013: The name is changed to the James J. Hill Center to represent the services and programs provided beyond the reference library.

2019: The library announces it will cease all public operations on July 3, though it will honor existing wedding reservations through the end of the year.

The St. Paul school board is preparing to adopt a $579 million budget next week that will make a long list of strategic investments while cutting dozens of classroom positions.

The district expects to lose 513 K-12 students compared with last year’s budget, continuing a several-year trend that’s coincided with the growth of competing charter schools.

With fewer students, the district plans to eliminate 27 jobs for teachers and 31 for educational and teaching assistants. However, there are 297 vacancies for those positions, so while some will have to change schools, no one should be out of a job.

A decrease in students signing up for free and reduced-price lunches will cost the district around $5.5 million in classroom funding tied to that number. Declining enrollment should cost another $6.9 million.

On the other hand, city voters approved a property tax increase in November that will boost revenues by around $17.3 million next year. Most of that new money will be consumed by inflationary cost increases and contractual obligations.

Still, there are several millions in new spending on the first year of Superintendent Joe Gothard’s strategic plan, including:

• $3.2 million for 28 learning leads to train staff at the district’s poorest schools on elements of the district’s new strategic plan.
• $2.5 million in new staff to enable middle schools to return to a seven-period day, a few years after dropping to six.
• $2.5 million for counselors, work-based learning coordinators and others to help students prepare for college and careers.
• $2.1 million for 16 additional teachers and a counselor for multilingual learners, plus training on how to teach those students.
• $850,000 to mentor early-career teachers.
• $810,000 in new staff and survey tools to improve school climate.
• $350,000 in added busing costs to open the new E-STEM Middle School in Woodbury.

During a Tuesday evening meeting, school board members sounded satisfied with the general fund budget, which is $32 million larger than last school year’s. They’ll vote to adopt the plan June 18.

State laws that exempt charter schools from racial integration mandates might violate the Minnesota Constitution, a judge ruled this week.

The preliminary ruling came in the case of Cruz-Guzman v. State of Minnesota, whose plaintiffs argue metro area schools are so segregated that students of color can’t get the “adequate” education the constitution guarantees.

The plaintiffs charge that segregated charter schools are part of the problem.

Since 1999, Minnesota schools have been required to monitor the racial makeup of their students and create plans to integrate if they’re found to have an imbalance. But charter schools specifically have been exempt from those requirements.

Higher Ground Academy and Friendship Academy of the Arts, charter schools with almost all-black student populations, intervened in the case in hopes of preserving that exemption. They say their black students get a culturally affirming environment and perform better than students at competing district schools.

But on Tuesday, Hennepin County District Judge Susan Robiner refused the charter schools’ request to declare that the exemption is constitutional.

Robiner wrote that plaintiffs attorney Dan Shulman presented evidence that when they wrote the exemption into law in 1999, “state actors … were acting intentionally to allow school districts to become more racially polarized.”

Robiner continued: “It is reasonable to infer that if (charter schools) were subject to such oversight, their racial imbalance would have been mitigated by operation of integration plans mandated by the desegregation rules.”

The Department of Education tried, through its rule-making process, to eliminate the charter school exemption in 2015, but an administrative law judge said the department lacked the authority to do so.

Even if she had sided with the charter schools on the exemption’s constitutionality, Robiner wrote, that would not necessarily have protected them from having to integrate.

That’s because if Cruz-Guzman succeeds in obtaining a court-ordered solution for Twin Cities school segregation, the remedy may well include the area’s charter schools.

The lawsuit, filed in 2015, is tentatively scheduled for trial in July 2020.

Regents are looking for ways to rein in a proposed 2.5 percent tuition increase for University of Minnesota undergraduates.

President Eric Kaler recommended a 2.5 percent increase for resident students in the Twin Cities and 1.5 percent for the four other campuses. But several members of the Board of Regents say that’s too high.

“It’s a big deal to students if you can save 1.5 or 1 percent,” Regent Steve Sviggum said during a board discussion Thursday.

The board will take comments from the public on the proposed budget Friday and then vote at a special meeting Wednesday.

Regents signaled Thursday they’d like to raise tuition no more than 2 percent next year on the Twin Cities campus. Doing so would create at least a $1.6 million hole in the $4.2 billion budget.

Regent Thomas Anderson suggested they could cover that amount with revenue from interest-bearing accounts.

“Our interest income is way up,” Chief Financial Officer Brian Burnett acknowledged.

But Kaler cautioned that Minnesota’s economy will someday hit a rough patch and the U can protect itself by building up its reserves.

The Legislature just raised the U’s appropriation by 3.3 percent over the biennium, which is two-fifths of what the U requested. Lawmakers also asked that the U deliver a report on its cost-cutting measures and raise tuition by no more than 3 percent each year.

Regent Darrin Rosha said imposing a minimal tuition increase next year to demonstrate the U’s commitment to affordability is worth trying as a strategy to “get the Legislature on our side.”

Since Kaler took office in 2011, resident tuition has risen an average of 1.6 percent each year for Twin Cities students and less than 1 percent at the coordinate campuses.

Meanwhile, non-resident tuition has soared as the U has moved to shift the burden back following a severe out-of-state discount strategy that started in 2008. That rate will go up another 10 percent next year.

Under Kaler’s plan, tuition at the Twin Cities campus would cost residents $13,390 and nonresidents $31,616.

On the spending side, Kaler’s 2019-20 budget calls for a 2.25 percent — or $75 million — increase in the employee compensation pool, with raises awarded on the basis of merit.

He also proposed setting aside $8 million in 2019-20 funding for the following year to make the job easier for his successor, Joan Gabel, who takes over next month. In her first year, Gabel would get $1 million for any initiatives she wants to pursue.

“There are some cans in the cupboard,” Kaler said.