Saint John's Prep A place that is truly beyond ordinary. Wed, 13 May 2026 18:46:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/cropped-Untitled-design-1-32x32.png Saint John's Prep 32 32 Class of 2026 Honors Graduates /honorsgraduates26/ Wed, 13 May 2026 18:43:39 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=12487 Saint John’s Prep Recognizes the Honors Graduates for the Class of 2026 Saint John’s Prep is proud to announce students who are graduating with honors. These students are the highest academic achievers of the Class of 2026. To graduate with an honors diploma from Saint John’s Prep, students must achieve a minimum of three academic […]

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Saint John’s Prep Recognizes the Honors Graduates for the Class of 2026

Saint John’s Prep is proud to announce students who are graduating with honors. These students are the highest academic achievers of the Class of 2026.

To graduate with an honors diploma from Saint John’s Prep, students must achieve a minimum of three academic distinctions, complete 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 following students will present their capstone research on Friday, May 15 during the Aspire 2 Excellence Scholarship and Community Day at Saint John’s Prep.

Sjp Honors Graduates For 2026

2026 Honors Graduates

Donovan Figallo is the son of Shaana and Andrew Figallo of St. Joseph. Donovan will attend Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa and major in International Relations and Biology.

  • Capstone Topic: Societal Benefits of Materialistic Novelty Items: Labubus—the Perfect Tool to Climb the Social Ladder
  • Distinctions: Science, Social Studies, World Languages

Vivian Fitch is the daughter of Kelly and Scott Fitch of Cold Spring. She will attend the University of Wisconsin in Madison and major in Political Science.

  • Capstone Topic:How did Creative Expression Impact Advocacy and Accessibility for Female Reproductive Freedom during Second Wave Feminism in America?
  • Distinctions: English, World Languages, Visual Arts

Isabella Glomski is the daughter of Christine and John Glomski of Saint Augusta. She will attend Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina and major in Psychology and Biology.

  • Capstone Project: Gut Microbiome Shaping Childhood Development: Long-Term Behavioral Patterns
  • Distinctions: English, Science, Visual Arts

Michael Kang is the son of Sun Hye Jung and Sang Yoon Kang of Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, near Seoul, in the Republic of Korea.        Michael will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and major in Biology with a pre-med focus.

  • Capstone Topic: What is the Connection between Teenagers’ Exposure to Short-Form Content and the Weightlifting Supplement Market?
  • Distinctions: Math, Social Studies, Science

Aubrie Louis is the daughter of Tina and Lance Louis of Cold Spring. She will attend Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She is undecided on her major.

  • Capstone Topic: A Historiographical Critique of the History of the Athena Parthenos
  • Distinctions: Social Studies, Science, Visual Arts

Lane McIntyre is the son of Suzanne McIntyre of St. Joseph and Mike McIntyre of South Dakota. Lane will attend Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and major in Civil Engineering.

  • Capstone Topic: Problems in Bridges around the United States: Engineering Solutions
  • Distinctions: Performing Arts, Math, Science

William Reisinger is the son of Elizabeth and Eric Reisinger of St. Cloud. He will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and major in Chemistry.

  • Capstone Topic: How TikTok Polarizes: Examining TikTok’s Structure and Algorithm
  • Distinctions: Math, Science, World Language

Cecelia Weldon is the daughter of Nancy and Derick Weldon of St. Joseph. She will attend Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York and major in Journalism.

  • Capstone Topic:The Songs they Carried: Memory, Music, and the Search for Truth in “The Things they Carried” and the Soundtrack of War
  • Distinctions: English, Performing Arts, World Languages

Jacob Weniger is the son of Jean Weniger of Maurertown, Virginia. He has not finalized his decision on a college or major for the fall of 2026.

  • Capstone Project:Ink and Ignorance: How Limitations in Research, Captivity, and Recognition Obscure Cephalopod Science
  • Distinctions: English, Science, World Language

Isabelle Westling is the daughter of Sue and Craig Westling of Sartell. She will attend New York University in New York, New York and major inGlobal Health with a minor in Business.

  • Capstone Project: United States and Latin America: How Sports Culture Affects Mental Health
  • Distinctions: Science, Math, World Language, Visual Arts

Aquiliana Wolf is the daughter of Lisa and Saul Wolf of St. Joseph. She will attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and major in Biology and Theater Production/Design.

  • Capstone Topic: The First Public Relations Campaign: How Christianity Influenced the Psychological and Political Foundations of Early America
  • Distictions: Social Studies, Science, Performing Arts

Andrew Zahasky is the son of Maria and Brian Zahasky of Sauk Rapids. He will attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and major in Pre-pharmacy and Music.

  • Capstone Topic:America Science Fiction in the Politics of Fear: How 1984 Influenced Power and Control
  • Distinctions: Science, Performing Arts, English

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Saint John’s Prep Raises Over $15 Million in Historic Campaign /historic-campaign/ Tue, 12 May 2026 20:24:45 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=12476 Saint John’s Preparatory School announces the successful completion of its comprehensive capital campaign, exceeding its original $10 million goal by raising more than $15.1 million. “Prep Forward: Our Time is Now is the largest, most successful campaign in our school’s nearly 170-year history,” said Jon McGee, Head of School. “The funds raised will significantly increase […]

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Saint John’s Preparatory School announces the successful completion of its comprehensive capital campaign, exceeding its original $10 million goal by raising more than $15.1 million.

Prep Forward: Our Time is Now is the largest, most successful campaign in our school’s nearly 170-year history,” said . “The funds raised will significantly increase the scope and impact of the campaign’s priorities, including supporting teachers and students while providing facilities upgrades and improvements.”

Launched in April 2024 to raise $10 million, the campaign quickly gained momentum, creating an opportunity to stretch the campaign goal and expand the timing. “While we anticipated widespread support from alumni, parents and grandparents, and friends, we were struck by how many people joined the campaign efforts so quickly and responded so generously,” said Ann Marie Stock ’78, a regent, alumna and leadership donor of the school. “The campaign created an energy in the school community that caused others to join in and celebrate with us. It’s been inspiring to be involved.”

The focused on investments in faculty, facilities, and financial aid, ensuring the Prep experience is available to students of all backgrounds for generations to come. “Leadership was able to identify core needs and articulate them in a compelling way, putting together a really sound campaign,” said campaign co-chair Bob Mahowald, Jr. ’95. “It was obvious that this was close to the heart for so many. The campaign sold itself.”

The final total reflects both major philanthropic investments and broad-based support from across the community, securing more than $6.8 million in cash gifts, and $8.3 million in planned giving commitments to establish or increase endowed scholarships and support teaching excellence.

Campaign highlights include:

  • Total funds raised exceeding $15 million, far surpassing the initial $10 million goal
  • The largest gift commitment in Prep’s 169-year history
  • Expanded funding for facilities, faculty compensation, and financial aid
  • More than 140 donors participated in the campaign

“The timing was right for the needs of the students and families,” said Lexy St. Hilaire, campaign co-chair. “The Prep community showed up with their support and wanted to ensure its continued success.”

With the campaign now complete, Prep will begin implementing all the initiatives made possible by this campaign. To date, the campaign has created the in Theatre to permanently support the school’s theatre director position, a complete renewal of our soccer field (Ford-McCormick Field), and the creation of the endowed Theo and James Baustert Teaching Excellence Fund to support faculty salaries.

“The campaign has provided us with the lessons to reshape our major giving program in support of our students and their future,” said McGee. “Looking ahead, we will build on the strong support from our community and steward these resources for long-term impact and sustainability.”

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

Saint John’s Prep is a premier arts and sciences world school where imagination, creativity and discovery are celebrated. Founded in 1857 by Saint John’s Abbey, Saint John’s Prep enrolls nearly 300 students from 15 nations, half a dozen states, and 29 different Minnesota communities.

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Izzy Westling ’26 Commits to NYU for Swimming /izzycommitstonyu/ Mon, 04 May 2026 16:55:53 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=12388 Prep Senior Signs with New York University Izzy ’26 is already a champion in Minnesota, and now she’s joining a national championship team! Saint John’s Prep Senior Izzy Westling has committed to join the national championship swim and dive team for New York University, in Manhattan. She signed her letter of intent at Prep accompanied […]

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Prep Senior Signs with New York University

Izzy ’26 is already a champion in Minnesota, and now she’s joining a national championship team!

Saint John’s Prep Senior Izzy Westling has committed to join the national championship swim and dive team for New York University, in Manhattan. She signed her letter of intent at Prep accompanied by her parents, Craig and Sue Westling of Sartell, SJP/Apollo/CHS Co-op Swim and Dive Coach Evan Shanley and former SJP/CHS Co-op Swim and Dive Coach, Jen Drakkar.

This fall, Izzy will join the NYU Women’s Swimming and Diving team, the reigning NCAA Division III National Champions, who claimed their first-ever title in March 2026.

For Newsletter

In November of 2025 at the Minnesota State High School League Swim and Dive State Championship Meet, Izzy earned the state title in the 100-yard freestyle with an outstanding time of 51.75 seconds. In addition to her first-place finish, Izzy also earned second place in the 200-yard individual medley.

In 2024, Izzy swam two individual sprint events, placing 6th in the 50 Free and 3rd in the 100 Free earning All-State honors in both events.

Izzy has been a part of the Saint John’s Prep   community co-op team with St. Cloud Apollo and St. Cloud Cathedral since seventh grade.

Izzy’s former coach and current SJP history and economics teacher, Jen Drakkar, says, “It has been an absolute joy coaching Izzy over the years and watching her continue to develop into the incredible athlete she is today. Izzy is an amazing teammate, always willing to work with, cheer on, and celebrate her teammates. Her work ethic as an athlete is inspirational—she always looks for ways to improve, takes feedback and applies it, and is so respectful on and off the pool deck. I am so excited to continue to follow her journey into the college world of sports. I think she is really going to show what she is capable of at NYU and continue to grow and develop even further as a talented athlete.”

Izzy’s new team is a Division III program. against teams like the University of Chicago, Case Western, Emory, and Washington University. During the 2025-26 season, the NYU Violets earned first place at the NCAA Division III Championship meet in Indianapolis.

Izzy plans to major in Global Health and minor in Business at New York University.

Izzy Westling Collage

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Isaac Miller ’26 Earns Triple Threat Honors /spotlight/ Fri, 01 May 2026 17:49:00 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=12379 Saint John’s Preparatory School is proud to announce that Isaac Miller, a Senior at Saint John’s Prep, has been selected to participate in Triple Threat on Hennepin, a highly selective and prestigious performing arts program that recognizes Minnesota high school students for excellence in singing, acting, dancing, and leadership. Triple Threat on Hennepin is part […]

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Saint John’s Preparatory School is proud to announce that Isaac Miller, a Senior at Saint John’s Prep, has been selected to participate in Triple Threat on Hennepin, a highly selective and prestigious performing arts program that recognizes Minnesota high school students for excellence in singing, acting, dancing, and leadership. Triple Threat on Hennepin is part of the Only 24 students statewide were chosen as Triple Threat finalists.

Isaac is the son of Jen and Aaron Miller of Cold Spring. He is the brother of Nora Miller ’23. Isaac will attend Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York to pursue a BFA in Acting this fall. At Saint John’s Prep, Isaac has performed in lead and featured roles in the productions of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Little Mermaid, James and the Giant Peach, Footloose, and, of course, 2026’s Hadestown.

Isaac will take part in intensive rehearsal, and performance experience in June that ends with performances in the

“This is an incredible honor,” said Isaac. “Triple Threat on Hennepin brings together some of the most talented students in the state, and I’m excited to grow as a performer and collaborator through this experience.”

“We are exceptionally proud of Isaac and this remarkable achievement,” said Brandon Anderson, Theatre Director.  “This selection reflects not only Isaac’s outstanding talent, but also his leadership, dedication, and a commitment to artistic excellence – values we strive to cultivate at Saint John’s Prep.”

Collage Isaac

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Isabel Schwinghammer recieves State Poetry Honors /isabel-schwinghammer-recieves-state-poetry-honors/ Fri, 01 May 2026 13:23:00 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=12383 Saint John’s Prep is celebrating Isabel Schwinghammer ’26, who has been shortlisted for the Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate Program. She advanced to the finals of the 2026 contest with three original poems, earning recognition for both her creative voice and thoughtful engagement with important themes. The Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate Program hosts an annual poetry […]

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Saint John’s Prep is celebrating Isabel Schwinghammer ’26, who has been shortlisted for the Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate Program. She advanced to the finals of the 2026 contest with three original poems, earning recognition for both her creative voice and thoughtful engagement with important themes.

The hosts an annual poetry initiative that honors young writers using poetry to create artistic, civic, and social impact. Through this program, emerging poets are recognized for their leadership, creativity, and commitment to using words as a force for connection and change.

Isabel is the daughter of Stewart and Kim Schwinghammer of Saint Augusta. She is the sister of Gabe ’28. Isabel is mentored by English teacher, Kelly Fitch.

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In Memoriam ~ Larry Reuter ’69 /in-memoriam-larry-reuter-69/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:41:15 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=12330 Dr. Lawrence Joseph Reuter, 74, of Atlanta, passed auszy peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Born April 1, 1952, in Hastings, Minnesota Larry was the beloved son of Leo Henry Reuter and Margaret Langenfeld and soas the seventh of nine siblings Larry grew up in Hastings, where his love of people, sports, and life first […]

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Dr. Lawrence Joseph Reuter, 74, of Atlanta, passed auszy peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Born April 1, 1952, in Hastings, Minnesota Larry was the beloved son of Leo Henry Reuter and Margaret Langenfeld and soas the seventh of nine siblings

Larry grew up in Hastings, where his love of people, sports, and life first took root. He attended St. John’s University, earning his bachelor’s degree before pursuing his calling in healing at Life Chiropractic College. For more than 47 years, Larry served as a chiropractor, dedicating his life to helping others feel better physically, emotionally, and spiritually. His patients often shared that he healed far more than their backs he lifted their spirits. Larry believed deeply that “every day is a great day”, and he shared that positive energy with everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Larry possessed an extraordinary gift: when you were with him, you felt truly loved. His warmth, kindness, and unselfish nature made people feel seen and valued. He taught countless life lessons simply through the way he lived – with gratitude, faith, and an unwavering appreciation for every moment.

Larry loved sports and spent many happy hours playing golf and tennis. He also loved entertaining and cooking for friends and family, filling his home with laughter and connection. One of his greatest joys was spending time at Bishop Lake, where he could often be found out on the water with a smile on his face, sharing the beauty and peace of the lake with those he loved.

Above all else, Larry’s greatest pride and deepest love was his family. He is survived by the love of his life, Jackie Franklin, his children and their families: Shawn and Angie Reuter with children Caleb, Caelan and Colt; Nathan and Michelle Reuter with children Wyatt and Lauren: Kriya and Beau Benich with their children Wade, Bree and Wynn; and Alicia and Trent Geisler with their children Isabel, Grant, Andrew and Hank. He is also survived by his siblings Sister Mary Reuter, Chuck Reuter, and Doug Reuter.

Larry’s faith in our Lord Jesus Christ guided his life and the way he treated others with grace, compassion, and contagious joy for others.

Those who knew Larry will remember him as someone who truly embodied love. His kindness, generosity of spirit, and ability to make every moment meaningful left a lasting impact on everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the love he shared so freely. Larry lived each day with joy, gratitude, and love and he reminded us all that every day truly is a great day.

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Finding Stillness in a Noisy World: A Reflection for Lent /lent-reflection/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:26:11 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=12059 Listen carefully to the master’s instructions and attend to them with the ear of your heart. Rule of Benedict, Prologue ԴǾ.ԴDZ.. The ceaseless clatter of our modern world often threatens to overwhelm us. The cacophony and rush of our daily lives, framed by shrieking news cycles and never-ending social media commentary and imagery, play around us like […]

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Ash Wednesday Beginning Of Lent

Listen carefully to the master’s instructions and attend to them with the ear of your heart.

Rule of Benedict, Prologue

ԴǾ.ԴDZ.. The ceaseless clatter of our modern world often threatens to overwhelm us. The cacophony and rush of our daily lives, framed by shrieking news cycles and never-ending social media commentary and imagery, play around us like a strobe light, crowding out time for stillness, reflection, and understanding. It is easy to forget what silence and solitude look or feel like. It is easy to forget why we sometimes need to pause to look inside and listen inside.   

And then there is Lent.  

I fear that Lent has long suffered from bad branding, led by the question, “what are you giving up?” While fasting of some kind is certainly an important part of our Lenten journey, by itself it suggests little more than enduring or grinding out the 40-day period. It misses the larger point that, when combined with the other two themes of Lent – prayer and acts of charity and love – this time of year calls us to look inward to live more fully outward.    Lent challenges us not to step out but to step up. To listen carefully to the needs of those whose voices are too often lost in the din of the noise around us. To listen carefully for the presence of God. To hear God in the shadows and whispers of our lives. Lent does not call us to step away but to draw closer.   

As Lent guides us toward Easter, we can look to the Rule of Benedict for inspiration: It is high time for us to arise from sleep. Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven [to] run while you have the light of life (RB Prologue). We practice Lent inwardly through reflection, prayer, and personal conversion. But we live Lent outwardly in the ways we connect with each other and the world around us. Like a carefully tended flower, we bloom, and others with us. 

It is no small irony that this marvelous season of reflection and renewal – expressed through prayer, fasting, and charity – concludes with the joyous, and decidedly loud, celebration of Easter. Reflection and renewal seed new hope and great joy.

I wish our entire Prep community the blessings and hope of the Easter grace that awaits!  

JonMcGee
Head of School

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In Memoriam ~ Roger Schwieters ’54 /in-memoriam-roger-schwieters-54/ Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:45:31 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=11724 Longtime Crosslake resident, Roger H. Schwieters, passed away January 10, 2026, at his winter home in Titusville, FL. He was 89 years old. Roger was born on May 10, 1936, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Nick and Helen (Gerding) Schwieters. He graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in 1954 and went on to earn a […]

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Longtime Crosslake resident, Roger H. Schwieters, passed away January 10, 2026, at his winter home in Titusville, FL. He was 89 years old. Roger was born on May 10, 1936, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Nick and Helen (Gerding) Schwieters. He graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in 1954 and went on to earn a B.A. in English and Classical Languages from St. John’s College in Collegeville. He began his career teaching English in Albany, Minnesota, where he spent seven years before returning to St. John’s Prep to teach Latin and coach the cross-country team for an additional two years.

On August 22,1959, Roger married the love of his life Nancy Boyd. They were the second couple to be united in marriage at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake. They were blessed with three children Mike, Mary, and Tom. After the passing of Nancy’s father and stepmother in November of 1966, Roger and Nancy moved north to take over the resort operations of Boyd Lodge. Roger was a visionary, always looking for opportunities to expand and enhance the resort, with a simple goal of providing families the opportunity to make memories and experience the beauty of the lake country. In 1969, they were the first housekeeping resort to add an outdoor swimming pool. In 1972, they built tennis courts to further enrich the family vacation experience. Roger sought to expand Boyd Lodge in 1982 by adding additional townhouses, a decision that welcomed countless guests who would go on to become lifelong friends and a cherished part of their memories.

Throughout his resorting career Roger was deeply involved in the Minnesota Resort Association, where he was a longtime member and served on the Board of Directors, holding the role of President in 1976. He was honored and awarded Minnesota Resorter of the Year in 1985. His leadership extended to MN Heartland as both a board member and President. Roger also dedicated many years to the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and the Crosslake Chamber of Commerce serving as a member and board member in both organizations.

Roger’s commitment to his community extended well beyond his work in resorting. He was a founding member of Lakes State Bank and board member for 20 years. He also served on the board of St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd. Roger was dedicated to local education and served two terms on the Pequot Lakes School Board. In March 2013, Roger and Nancy held the honor of Grand Marshal for the Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a role that reflected the deep respect and affection their community held for them. Above all, Roger was a devoted Christian. Roger was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a commitment he has maintained from 1959 until present. He was an active and faithful member of Immaculate Heart Catholic Church. He dedicated his time to the stewardship of the church and enjoyed helping with weekly tasks such as counting money and mowing grass with the guys. Over his years, Roger served on the building committee, parish council, and urges us all to CARRY THE CROSS.

Blessed to have shared in his life are his wife of 66 years, Nancy, and their children: Michael (Ruth), Mary (Mike) and Tom; foster child, Sherri (Greg); foster daughter-in-law, Lilly; grandchildren: Rachel, Nicole (David), Christopher (Erin), Kelsie (Brad), Carley, Hunter, Danny, Abbey and Lydia; foster grandchildren: Rachael (Emil), Emily, Luke, Elizabeth and Travis (Angie); great-grandchildren: Aubrielle and Nora; foster great-grandchildren: Eilly, Mario, Elijah, Shepard, Hadassah, Sapphire, Vivian, Hugo, Calvin and Sofia; siblings: Guy (Eileen), Sr., Jean Schwieters, Glenn (Anne) and Fr. John Schwieters; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Roger was proceeded in death by his brother, Guy; sister in-law Eileen; and foster son, Rick.

Visitation will take place at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake on Friday, January 30, from 4:00–8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life and funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 31, also at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by Mass at 11:00 am. Interment will take place afterward, with a reception and time for fellowship to follow in the parish hall.

For those unable to attend, please join via the . If you have digital pictures you’d like to share with the family, please upload to  If you have stories or memories you’d like to share, please email to StoriesAboutRoger@gmail.com or use this link  as we will create a memory book.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Roger with a donation to the .

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.

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SJP Seniors Earn AAA Award /sjp-seniors-earn-aaa-award/ Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:46:56 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=11704 Lane McIntyre and Izzy Westling Earn Academics, Arts and Athletics Honors Seniors Lane McIntyre and Izzy Westling are the 2025-26 Saint John’s Prep recipients of the “Triple A (Academics, Arts and Athletics) Award” by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).  According to the MSHSL, the purpose of this program is to recognize and honor […]

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Lane McIntyre and Izzy Westling Earn Academics, Arts and Athletics Honors

Aaa Award

Seniors Lane McIntyre and Izzy Westling are the 2025-26 recipients of the “Triple A (Academics, Arts and Athletics) Award” by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).  According to the MSHSL, the purpose of this program is to recognize and honor high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the fine arts. The two were honored at the Section 5A Triple A Award Banquet earlier in January.

Lane was selected as the top male Triple AAA Award recipient in our sub-region. He now advances to represent our region at the MSHSL 5A banquet where he will join the other top AAA honorees in our Section. The top student athletes from Section 5A will then move on to MSHSL state competition in March.

Lane is the son of Suzanne McIntyre of Saint Joesph and Mike McIntyre of South Dakota. He is the brother of Kayla ’28.
While attending Saint John’s Prep, Lane has been a member of the track, cross-country and Nordic ski teams. He serves as a captain of the cross-country and Nordic ski teams. Lane is also a member of the SJP choir, concert choir, and orchestra. He was named to the all-state choir in 2025. Lane also plays piano and earned a spot in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association Honors Concert. Lane is a member of the National Honor Society and the Triangle Literary Magazine. Lane is an alumni member of the Saint John’s Boys’ choir who serves as a camp counselor. He is also an active member of the Church of Saint Joseph.

As a team captain and music mentor, Lane appreciates the leadership opportunities he’s received as a team captain and mentor for younger musicians and singers. “As leaders we learn to work effectively with our coaches, directors, and other team members. I try to make sure that everyone feels like they are an important part of the team or group by spreading kindness, positivity, and cheering everyone on!”

Lane will attend Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and study engineering. He plans to pursue music in the men’s choir and join an intramural running club while in college.

Izzy is the daughter of Sue and Craig Westling of Sartell. She is the sister of Luc ’20 and Claire ’24.
Izzy has been a member of the swim and dive team and as a senior, she serves as a captain. Izzy is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Triangle Literary Magazine. HOSA Future Health Care Professionals Club, Girls Who Code, Gym Girls Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. She’s served as a middle school mentor and an academic center tutor. Izzy is an artist and enjoys creating ceramics and drawing in the Saint John’s Prep art studios.

In November of 2025, at the Minnesota State High School League Swim and Dive State Championship Meet, Izzy claimed the state title in the 100-yard freestyle with an outstanding time of 51.75 seconds. In addition to her first-place finish, Izzy also earned second place in the 200-yard individual medley.

Izzy says both athletics and arts are very important to her education. “Sports are important because they teach me how to challenge and push myself. I have been forced to learn time-management skills, discipline, and resilience in the face of obstacles – all skills that are important in the pool, the classroom, and life. Art has played a huge part in my life, by teaching me ways to express myself. I gained confidence and patience in how I understand and express my emotions and opinions by bringing them to life through something I can make.”

Next year Izzy plans to attend a New York University in Manhattan and study global health. She has committed to be a member of NYU’s Violets swim and dive team.

Criteria for the Triple A Award include:  Exhibit citizenship and be a respected individual in their home communities and school, have participated in a MSHSL-sponsored athletic program and fine arts activity, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and comply with the MSHSL’s Student Code of Conduct.

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In Memoriam ~ LeMay Wagner Bechtold /in-memoriam-lemay-wagner-bechtold/ Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:54:09 +0000 https://sjprep.wpenginepowered.com/?p=11697 Eulalia May (LeMay) Wagner Bechtold, 98, died on September 2, 2025, at her farm home in Rockville, Minnesota. She was born June 10, 1927, in Wolf Point, Montana, to Thomas A. and Margarette Jackins Wagner. She grew up on a wheat and cattle ranch in Nashua, Montana, where she worked cattle on the prairie on […]

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Eulalia May (LeMay) Wagner Bechtold, 98, died on September 2, 2025, at her farm home in Rockville, Minnesota. She was born June 10, 1927, in Wolf Point, Montana, to Thomas A. and Margarette Jackins Wagner. She grew up on a wheat and cattle ranch in Nashua, Montana, where she worked cattle on the prairie on horseback and did field work with horses. LeMay started school at French School in Nashua, a prairie school near the Wagner ranch, and finished at the Lab School in St. Joseph, Minnesota, where the family traveled when her oldest sister was ready to start high school. LeMay said the family “lived as transients” during those years, traveling back to their Montana ranch for the summer and returning to St. Joseph, Minnesota, for the school year. LeMay graduated from St. Benedict High School in 1945 and earned her BS in Biology from the College of St. Benedict in 1949.

She married Jerry Bechtold on August 18, 1948, in Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Nashua, Montana. They settled on a farm near Rockville where they established Kipland Vale Dairy Farm and worked the farm side-by-side. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home and raised their family of 11 children, teaching them the value of hard work, parish and community involvement, and education.

LeMay was active in church and parish work her whole life and, in the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, she advocated for lay participation in the Mass and parish. She was a lector and eucharistic minister, served on the Parish Council, and ran the prayer line until she was 98 years old. As the director of religious education in her parish for over 65 years, she taught classes on scripture and the sacraments for all adults, recruited and trained religious education teachers and aides, and involved parents in the CCD classes. She taught Confirmation and First Communion classes for generations-using Penance and Communion textbooks she wrote and published.

LeMay was active in the Christian Mothers, the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and the National Council of Catholic Women, serving in various roles, including president and keynote speaker at national conventions. She was the St. Cloud Diocesan Pastoral Council executive secretary for several years. She and her husband Jerry were active in the National Catholic Rural Life Conference and co-chaired the St. Cloud Diocesan Rural Life Committee, which hosted the National Rural Life Convention in 1968.

In 1969, LeMay was named to the Advisory Board of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Committee on Women in Church and Society. In this role, she advised American bishops for many years, advocating for lay participation in church and parish life and for justice for women, children, and families. In 1995, she completed the Certificate of Pastoral Associate, became the Pastoral Associate for Rockville parish, and served until 2016, leading daily Communion Services for the parish.

LeMay worked at St. John’s Abbey Liturgical Press over 30 years, serving as editor of Celebrating the Eucharist, The Loose-Leaf Lectionary, and The Guide for Prayers of the Faithful and Selected Hymns. In 1973, she earned her MA in Theology from the Graduate School of Theology at St. John’s University. She spoke locally and nationally on scripture, lay involvement in the liturgy and parish, and women in the church. Knowledgeable and well-read, LeMay was a fine scripture scholar herself.

Over the years, she was recognized in the parish, the diocese, and nationally for her work in the church. In 1973, she received the College of St. Benedict Outstanding Alumna Award. As LeMay reflected on her life in her last weeks, she said, “I hope and trust that I used all the talents God gave me through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

LeMay loved the family farm and did farm and field work for years; she kept the farm books into her 97th year. She had a huge vegetable garden and taught her children to can and preserve food. Using her trusty weed-whacker, she kept her rock and flower gardens going well into her 90s. She loved to read and often read a book a day.

LeMay warmly welcomed everyone into her home. She loved visiting and playing games with her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her bread-baking days and her apple pies with the best crust ever. Whatever LeMay did, she did energetically and whole-heartedly, and she was the heart of the Bechtold family.

LeMay is survived by her children, Karen (Bernie Koltes), and their children: Patrick, Brian (children: Noah, Madison, McKenna), James (Sally) (children: Abigail, Michaela (Luke Mullen) (children: Simon, Henry), Shawn (Toni) (child: Lexi), Heidi (Mario Lopez), and Holly (Kyle Poepping); Brigid; Barbara (John Tomaro), and their children: Londi (Aaron Holmes) (children: Wilder, Moxie), Samuel (Julie) (children: Rylee, Noah), Alicia (children: Hank, Corb); Stephen and his children: Teresa (James Hietala) (child: Aubrey), Thomas (Lauren), Paul (Lucia), Joseph; Mary Ruth; Mark; Joyce, and her children: Shane (Erin Hecner), Cole, Sage; Timothy (Karen Knudsen), and their children: Stellan, Bente. She is survived by sisters-in-law Laura Wagner, Dixie Wagner, Marie Bechtold, and Monica Bechtold and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome, in 2013, her sons Michael in 1973, Gregory in 2020, and Roger in 2020, her grandson, Mark Tomaro in 2022, and great-grandson, Waylon Beard in 2008, her nine siblings: Mary Margarette (Les) Hanson, Therese Ann, J.F. (Arlys), Damaris (Phil) Boerschinger; Hugh (Lois), Phillip (Mary Ann), Richard (Pearl), Roger, and David; her in-laws, Dolores (Leander) Meyer, Rosemary (Bob) Warnert, Phil Bechtold, Cletus Bechtold, and Alphonse (Betty) Bechtold.

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