蜜桃社

Saint John鈥檚 Prep Science Teacher  has been named as the 2025 recipient of the Twomey Family Teaching Excellence Award. The honor, created and endowed by the family of Darla and Chris 鈥�66 Twomey, recognizes the extraordinary commitment our faculty make to their students, to the school, to their discipline, and to their profession. Ms. Pasela was nominated for the award by her colleagues, Prep parents, and Prep students. In addition to the recognition, the honor comes with a $5,000 award.

Ms. Pasela teaches science at Saint John鈥檚 Prep including Biology, AP Biology, Honors Human Body Systems, and Biotechnology. She is also one of the coordinators of the and co-teaches the capstone class and co-advises the honors capstone essays, projects, and presentations.

Ms. Pasela received the award during our A2E Scholarship and Community Day. Dr. Glomski gave Ms. Pasela the honors during the all-school honors breakfast. Ms. Pasela鈥檚 husband, Chad Spahn, and son, Ben Spahn 鈥�26, were among the guests.

Here are some of the comments students and parents shared in the nominations of Ms. Pasela:

鈥淪he is excited to answer all of our questions and incorporates how we can also be good human beings into her teaching. She has taught me not just about biology, but how to be a force for good in the world.鈥�

鈥淪he has what all teachers with integrity, compassion, and excellence have 鈥� the respect of her students and colleagues. It is almost impossible to put my finger on it, but she is simply one of the best I have ever seen. 鈥�

鈥淗as high expectations for their students. They are direct and honest when appropriate. However, it is clear that students in her classes know they are loved and cared for. They deliver challenging content and hold students accountable but is also their biggest cheerleader along the way.鈥�

About the Award
The Twomey Family Teaching Excellence Award values passion for student learning; inspiration, creativity, and innovation; and integrity, compassion, and excellence, each deeply rooted in our Catholic Benedictine values. Since its founding, Saint John鈥檚 Preparatory School has provided exceptional education in the Catholic Benedictine tradition. The Saint John鈥檚 Prep faculty dedicate themselves to the educational development and personal formation of our students 鈥� preparing them for meaningful lives of purpose, service, and achievement. 

 for grades 6-12. Saint John鈥檚 Prep is ranked as the top 蜜桃社 in Minnesota in 2025.