The Athletic Department annually recognizes a senior female and male athlete for their years of participation on our teams and for their accomplishments in terms of team, all conference, all area, all state awards, etc. Additional considerations are general citizenship at Saint John’s Prep and in their communities. Named for our long time Athletic Director, the Pete Cheeley Honor Athletes are selected through a vote of the on-staff head coaches.

This year’s honor athletes are Louise Ruzanic and Michael DeMars! 

is the daughter of Rachel ’95 and Ted Ruzanic of Cold Spring. She has committed to compete in both track & field and cross country for Carleton College in Northfield. At Saint John’s Prep, Louise has competed on the cross country, basketball, and track teams.

is the son of Amanda and Dan Demars of Sauk Rapids. He will attend Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa in the fall. He plans to study engineering in college. Michael competed on the soccer and basketball teams at Saint John’s Prep.

Congratulations Louise and Michael and thank you for your contributions to our teams and athletic program!

The post Ruzanic and Demars receive 2025 Pete Cheeley Honor Athlete Award appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Prep is proud to congratulate two seniors who have committed to compete in athletics at the collegiate level. Miranda Meyer ’25 and Louise Ruzanic ’25 announced their decisions in an official signing ceremony in front of their coaches, parents, and classmates.

Prep Athletic and Activities Director Bryan Backes acknowledged these seniors’ commitment to their teams and sports. “The commitment of these athletes to reach their highest potential has been remarkable! We’re very proud of their accomplishments and grateful for their leadership.”

Miranda Meyer will join the swim and dive team at . She will be a diver for the Cobbers. At Saint John’s Prep, Miranda has competed on the swim and dive, basketball, and track teams. Miranda is the daughter of Marv and Rita Meyer of Meire Grove.

Louise Ruzanic is becoming a Carleton Knight. She has committed to compete in both track & field and cross country for . At Saint John’s Prep, Louise has competed on the cross country, basketball, and track teams. Lousie is the daughter of Rachel ’95 and Ted Ruzanic.

Congratulations Johnnies!

The post Two Seniors Sign College Athletic Commitments appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Prep is proud to announce students who are graduating with honors on May 23, 2025. These students are the highest academic achievers of the Class of 2025. To graduate with an honors diploma from Saint John’s Prep, students must achieve a minimum of three academic distinctions, completing an interdisciplinary senior capstone project, and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. Students pursue areas of academic distinctions by completing advanced research, essays, and projects in their preferred fields of study.

The Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement ceremony will occur on May 23 at 3:00pm at the Saint John’s Abbey Church in Collegeville, Minnesota. St. Cloud Diocese Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C. will preside and Saint John’s Abbot Douglas Mullin, OSB will concelebrate. Graduates selected Biology teacher Sarah Paselato give the faculty address and Liam Spychala of Albany to give the senior address.

Scroll down to learn more about our honors graduates, their college plans, and capstone project topics.

The 2025 Honors Students in alphabetical order are:

Sylvie Bechtold is the daughter of Kay and Gary Bechtold of Saint Joseph, Minnesota. She is graduating with distinctions in Science, Visual Arts, and English. Sylvie will attend Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and major in Studio Arts and Biology. Sylvie’s capstone project explored this question: “In what ways did the intertwined studies of art and anatomy during the Italian Renaissance contribute to advancements in both fields, and what influence is still present in these subjects today?”

Amanda Bolton is the daughter of Nicole and Aaron Bolton of Sartell. She is graduating with distinctions in Science, Social Studies, English, and Math. She is a National Merit Scholar.Amanda will attend the University of California Los Angeles. She plans to major in Public Health at UCLA. Amanda’s capstone project explored this question: “To what extent might human germline genome editing—considering He Jiankui’s experiment—challenge medical implications, ethical dilemmas, and social dynamics regarding genetic modification?”

Sarah Bolton is the daughter of Nicole and Aaron Bolton of Sartell. She is graduating with distinctions in Science, Math, Social Studies, and English. Sarah will attend the University of California Los Angeles. She plans to major in Public Health at UCLA. Sarah’s capstone project explored this question: “Why is there a higher prevalence of ACL tears in female athletes, and what preventative measures can be implemented to minimize this risk?”

Isabel Crue is the daughter of Kelly and Jarrett Crue of Saint Joseph. She is graduating with distinctions in Science, Performing Arts, World Languages, and English. Isabel will attend Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. She will major in Biology and Chemistry. Isabel’s capstone project explored this question: “How do the lyrics of Kendrick Lamar’s album, To Pimp a Butterfly, reflect the societal issue of racial inequality?”

Annika Dauer is the daughter of Eileen and Brian Dauer of Cold Spring. She is graduating with distinctions in Social Studies, Performing Arts, and English. She will attend Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. She plans to major in Classics, Ancient History, and Archeology. Annika’s capstone project explored this question: “What does Odysseus’ role as a character in derivative works say about the societal values across time?”

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Diethelm is the daughter of Julie and Paul Diethelm of Saint Cloud. She is graduating with distinctions in Science, Social Studies, and Visual Arts. She will attend Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Lizzy will major in Psychology. Lizzy’s capstone project explored this question: “To what extent does bipolar disorder affect creativity, and how did it affect Vincent Van Gogh’s creativity and works of art?”

Jackson Glomski is the son of Christine and John Glomski of Saint Augusta. He is graduating with distinctions in Math, Science, and English. He will attend Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. He is will study Biology and Neuroscience. Jackson’s capstone project explored this question: “To what extent have the advancements made in biostatistics impacted physicians’ ability to create care plans more accurately for their patients?”

Alayna Neal is the daughter of Michelle and John Neal of Saint Cloud. She is graduating with distinctions in Science, Performing Arts, and World Languages. Alayna will attend the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. She plans to study Chemistry and Spanish. Alyana’s capstone project explored: “In what ways do poverty or societal attitudes have an impact on the healthcare treatment gap of depression in the United States and Mexico?”

Brett Penk is the son of Stacy and Derek Penk of Watkins. He is graduating with distinctions in Social Studies, Performing Arts, English, and World Languages. Brett will attend Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. He plans to major in Political Science. Brett’s capstone project explored: “How is art used as rebellious expression in China, Spain, and the United States under government oppression in the late 20th century and the early 21^st ����Գٳܰ���?”

Liam Spychala is the son of Casey and Jason Spychala of Albany. He is graduating with distinctions in Science, Performing Arts, and English. He will attend Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He plans to study Biology. Liam’s capstone project explored this question: “How do stories, like the one told through BBC’s Planet Earth II, showcase the power of storytelling in general population education on scientific subjects?”

Elizabeth St. Hilaire is the daughter of Alexandra and Thomas St. Hilaire of Saint Cloud. She is graduating with distinctions in Science, Math, Social Studies, Performing Arts, English, Visual Arts, and World Languages. Elizabeth will attend Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. She plans to study Biochemistry. Elizabeth’s capstone project explored this question: How did the rise of Wastewater-Based Surveillance during the Covid-19 pandemic change the privacy of today’s public in the United States, and is government action ethically necessary? 

Benjamin “Ben” Suo is the son of Ping Suo of Saint Cloud. He is graduating with distinctions in Math, Visual Arts, and English. Ben will attend Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is currently undecided on his field of study. Ben’s capstone project explored: “How do digital voice assistants (DVAs) influence children’s emotional, cognitive, and social development, and in what ways can early exposure to such technology shape the behavior of future generations?”

Aspire to Excellence Curriculum
Saint John’s Preparatory School offers the curriculum. Students may pursue advanced areas of academic distinctions by conducting additional research, essays, presentations, and projects in their preferred fields of study. Students earn an honors diploma from Saint John’s Prep by achieving a minimum of three academic distinctions, completing an interdisciplinary Senior Capstone project based on a combination of research, creative work, writing, and exhibition, as well as earn a composite weighted cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher.

For more information about our school and the Aspire to Excellence curriculum, visit .

The post Prep Announces the Honors Graduates for the Class of 2025 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Preparatory School announces the largest gift commitment in its 168-year history, made by alumna Ann Marie Stock ’78 and her husband David Campagna. The couple’s transformative support has helped propel the school’s comprehensive fundraising campaign beyond its $10 million goal. Launched in April 2024, the campaign has secured more than $12.5 million to fund three distinct priorities: faculty, facilities, and financial aid. The Stock-Campagna gift will support student scholarships.

“I am a first-generation college student born and raised in St. Joseph who benefitted from scholarships at Prep,” said Ann Marie Stock. “I want to give back, making that possible for other students from Central Minnesota.”

Stock, a member of one of SJP’s first coed classes at Prep, credits the school with shaping her future. “Prep helped me believe that I was ‘college material’,” she said. “Prep positioned me to succeed in college and graduate school, which led to a fulfilling career in higher education. My years at Prep aided in the development of my intellect and my self-confidence.”

Currently a senior academic leader at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Stock reflects and speaks often about education’s enduring impact. “A single course or faculty member can shape a student’s life. Education is the best investment we can make.”

The gift is a cornerstone of SJP’s campaign, which is focused on investments in faculty, facilities, and financial aid, ensuring the Prep experience is available to students of all backgrounds for generations to come.

Jon McGee, SJP’s head of school, expressed profound gratitude for the couple’s generosity: “Ann Marie and David’s extraordinary generosity is a powerful statement about the value of education and the mission of Saint John’s Prep,” said McGee. “Their gift will open doors for generations of students, particularly those who may not have thought a place like Prep was within their reach. It will transform lives—and in doing so, it strengthens our entire community.”

The Stock-Campagnas believe deeply in education as a tool for empathy and understanding. Campagna, an international business development leader in the energy sector, said “Prep excels at helping students from around the world make sense of people, ideas, and perspectives different from their own—and that’s more important than ever.”

Stock, a scholar in Hispanic Studies with an international reputation for her unique understanding of Cuba’s culture concluded, “Prep connected me to a place and a community, while helping me see further and beyond.”

The couple’s record-setting gift not only honors the past—it ensures a bold and inclusive future for Saint John’s Prep and the students it serves. “We hope others will join us in supporting this campaign because securing the future of Prep ensures that this remarkable school in Central Minnesota continues to inspire the next generation of thought leaders and engaged citizens of our world,” said McGee.

For more information on the Prep Forward – Our Time is Now campaign, visit .

The post Historic Gift Propels Saint John’s Prep $10 Million Campaign Over Goal appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Preparatory School announces the establishment of the Br. Paul Vincent Niebauer, OSB Endowed Chair in Theatre, a milestone in its commitment to the performing arts. The endowed chair is the direct result of the school’s $10 million comprehensive Prep Forward: Our Time is Now campaign launched in April 2024, which focuses on faculty, facilities, and financial aid. Established with a leadership gift, the endowed chair when fully funded will permanently support the school’s theatre director position, sustaining and enhancing theatre education and experiences at Saint John’s Prep for generations to come.

The donor family, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated: “This endowed chair is a testament to the power of theatre in education. It’s rare to see a secondary school invest in the arts at this level locally or even nationally. Our family is thrilled to help create a legacy that will enrich students’ lives and the broader central Minnesota community.”

Saint John’s Prep formally announced the new chair on April 3, 2025, at a pre-performance reception prior to the school’s performance of .

Unique for secondary education, the endowed chair in theatre positions Saint John’s Prep as a leader in arts education, setting a precedent for schools across the region.

“This endowed chair recognizes Br. Paul-Vincent’s extraordinary legacy and ensures that theatre remains a vibrant and integral part of the school’s curriculum,” said Jon McGee, Head of School. “It recognizes the legendary creativity, energy and commitment to young artists at Prep who through the supportive encouragement of educators like Br. Paul Vincent have gained confidence through the arts while spreading joy to audiences for decades.”

For more than 25 years, Br. Paul Vincent Niebauer, OSB, has been the heart of Saint John’s Prep’s theatre program, nurturing students’ passion and commitment to the stage. Holding a bachelor’s degree in theatre and secondary education and a master’s degree in directing, Br. Paul Vincent directed over 50 productions at Saint John’s Prep and with external organizations prior to his retirement as director in 2019.

, a 2013 Saint John’s University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in theatre and a master’s degree in acting from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, in Birmingham, United Kingdom, joined the theatre program in the fall of 2018 and has held the position of Theatre Director since 2019, taking an already strong program to new heights today.

The post Saint John’s Preparatory School Establishes Endowed Chair in Theatre appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Character-Focused Education and Different Faiths:
Info Session for Prospective Families
Wednesday, April 9 
6:30-8:30 pm
Weber Center at SJP
Register at 

Are you seeking a challenging and supportive academic environment but unsure how a Catholic school fits your family’s faith background? This event is designed to answer your questions and share how our school welcomes and supports students from all faiths.

The event will share details about:

• Learn about our character focused approach to education.
• Hear from a parent and student panel about their experiences as families of different faith backgrounds.
• Take a school tour to see our classrooms and facilities.
• Enjoy light refreshments and connect with other families

The post Character-Focused Education and Different Faiths appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Prep Forward Campaign

From our founding in the mid-19th century by an immigrant monastic community to our contemporary identity as a nationally leading college preparatory school, Saint John’s Preparatory School has provided an exceptional education in the Catholic Benediction tradition.

Saint John’s Prep today enrolls nearly 300 extraordinary students in grades six to 12 from 15 nations, a half dozen states, and 29 different zip codes in Minnesota. We represent different cultures. We hold different viewpoints. We have unique personal stories. But together we form a tapestry that makes Prep a distinctive community. For more than eight generations, we have educated and mentored thousands of creative thinkers, intellectual risk-takers, and imaginative problem solvers who have become extraordinary leaders in their communities and their professions. We transformed their lives. They have transformed their communities and the world. Driven to create extraordinary experiences and outcomes for the next generation of thinkers, discoverers, doers, and leaders, we have embarked on an ambitious plan of renewal and growth.

The Prep Forward: Our Time is Now campaign will help do that. Through its success, we will increase support for financial assistance for new Preps in new times, advance our best-in-class learning experience, and renew and revitalize the school learning environment. These guiding themes define the very best of Saint John’s Prep. Our time is now!

Please Join Us

Please join us in pushing the  a transformative effort to prepare for a bright future! To learn more about the priorities of this campaign and how you can be a part of its success, visit the  or contact a member of the Advancement team at 320-363-3315.

The post Prep Forward Campaign appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Below is a personal message shared during an all-school prayer service.

I am grateful for the opportunity to share with you this morning during a Prayer Service that is very close to my heart. I want to remind all of you students that all of the teachers and staff here were once in your shoes. We were all high school students. and middle school students. I graduated from high school in 2011…so yes, if you do the math, I am old, but not as old as Dr. Glomski!

All jokes aside, I remember exactly what it feels like to see anything less than an A on my grade report (thanks to college calculus). I remember what it feels like to drop out of the top 10 in my class (thanks to college chemistry). I remember what it feels like to get a C in a college math class despite going to the math tutoring center every other day for 3 hours a day for an entire semester.
I also remember what it felt like to be told I had a stress fracture and was unable to run for the majority of my senior season of cross country. A lot of my worth and self-esteem was tied up in my identity as a runner. I had high hopes of being top 10 in the state and was on track to even maybe be in the top 5. I sat in the doctor’s office bawling and feeling like my entire world was crashing down. It was devastating. It was in those lows, those moments of feeling “not good enough” of not meeting my own very high standards that I learned a valuable lesson….

I am enough. Say this with me: “I am enough.”

You are enough just because you are you. Not because of achievements, not because of your social status or likes on social media. You are enough because you were created in the divine image and likeness.

I encourage you to remember that phrase “I am enough,” and then keep going.

Give yourself grace in the moments when you are struggling, when life is hard, and it feels like you aren’t enough. “Give yourself grace” means to treat yourself with kindness and forgiveness, especially when facing a tough challenge or after you made a mistake. Let yourself be imperfect. Accept who you are right now, stop any self-criticisms and let yourself feel your emotions.

Give yourself grace and keep going. I want to be clear that giving yourself grace does not mean giving up. It means accepting your imperfections & allowing yourself space to be an imperfect human being and then continuing to forge on the next day and be the beautiful, valuable, worthy person that you are. I can’t imagine what would have happened if I would have given up on myself after the heartbreaks I experienced in high school. Back then I could never have imagined the wonderful life I have today. There is more for you… give yourself grace, know that you are enough, and keep going.

Give yourself grace, know that you are enough, and keep going.

Thank you!

The post Wellness Week: You are Enough. appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

This week we are hosting our first annual Wellness Week at Saint John’s Prep! The week prioritizes student mental health, well-being, and self-care. Faculty members, counselors, and administrators have organized a variety of fun and engaging sessions for students that include healthy lunches, morning teas, yoga, art therapy, weightlifting, improv workshops, meditation and prayer sessions, cooking lessons, and exercise sessions. We’re excited to bring our community together for a fun and meaningful week of self-care.

Wellness Week activities are made possible with support from the Gretchen Wenner Butler ’03 Wellness Fund, established following Gretchen’s passing in 2021.

Double Your Impact: Matching Gift Opportunity!

To further support mental health and wellness programming at Saint John’s Prep Put simply, your gift of any size will be doubled! We invite you to  Your gift will provide ongoing resources and support for Prep students and staff.

The post Wellness Week: Matching Gift appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Amanda Bolton ’25 Named National Merit Finalist

Congratulations to Amanda Bolton ’25, who has been named a National Merit Finalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program! Amanda is the daughter of Nicole and Aaron Bolton of Sartell. She is the sister of Matthew ’22 and Sarah ’25 Bolton. Amanda has attended Saint John’s Prep since sixth grade.

This fall Amanda first earned recognition as a semifinalist, placing among the top 16,000 students nationwide. Now, as one of 15,000 finalists, she is in the running for one of the prestigious National Merit Scholarships.

Earning the title of National Merit Finalist places a student among the top score earners in the country on the PSAT test, representing less than one percent of graduating seniors. Finalists must also have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, and be endorsed and recommended by their school’s principal. Amanda advanced after submitting an application which included her academic record and a listing of her participation in school and community activities.

Amanda is co-captain of the soccer and basketball teams and competes with the Prep varsity track and field team. Her other leadership positions include National Honor Society service committee chair, German Club co-president, and team lead in the junior volunteer program at St. Cloud Hospital. She is also a member of the Mock Trial and Envirothon teams and works at The Good Shepherd Community as a certified nursing assistant.

Amanda’s future plans include studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) in college. Her long-term goal is to attend medical school and become a pediatric dermatologist. 

She’s grateful to be a Saint John’s Prep student because of the small class sizes. “At Prep, the small student-to-faculty ratio allows me to excel in school because of the personalized attention from teachers and their ability to adapt their pace to the class’s needs.”

The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®)–a test which serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year–and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements.

Congratulations Amanda!

The post Senior Amanda Bolton Named National Merit Finalist appeared first on Saint John's Prep.