collaboration Archives - 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 collaboration Archives - Saint John's Prep 32 32 Class of 2026 Honors Graduates /honorsgraduates26/ Wed, 13 May 2026 18:43:39 +0000 /?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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Finding Stillness in a Noisy World: A Reflection for Lent /lent-reflection/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:26:11 +0000 /?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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SJP Seniors Earn AAA Award /sjp-seniors-earn-aaa-award/ Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:46:56 +0000 /?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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Saint John’s Prep Middle School Students Raise $2,045  for Anna Marie’s Alliance /middle-school-students-raise-2045/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:10:16 +0000 /?p=11610 Saint John’s Prep middle school students are supporting families in need this Christmas by raising over $2,045 for Anna Marie’s Alliance. The students took part in a “white elephant” auction to raise the funds. This fun tradition has been a part of the Prep School middle school holiday experience for over 20 years! Each 7th […]

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Saint John’s Prep middle school students are supporting families in need this Christmas by raising over $2,045 for . The students took part in a “white elephant” auction to raise the funds. This fun tradition has been a part of the Prep School middle school holiday experience for over 20 years!

White Elephant Collage

Each 7th and 8th grade student donated a festive, wrapped gift that was used for bidding. The auction items were all mystery items. Each gift was labelled with a clue, but all students could see was a wrapped gift or gift bag! Students opened the gifts to find everything from Christmas candy and holiday décor to silly items like beauty products, office supplies, and silly toys.

Middle school teacher Cameron Swanson served as the auctioneer while middle school teachers Jeff Kirchoff, Ashleigh Severson, and Robert Ellenbecker served as cashiers and gift distributors.

The proceeds are being used to fill the wish lists of a family at Anna Marie’s Alliance. Mr. Swanson took a crew of students shopping with the family members’ wish lists. Gifts on the Anna Marie’s wish list range from practical clothing and toiletries to fun toys, gift cards and electronics.

provides safety for women and children in abusive situations in the nine-county region of Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, Mille Lacs, Isanti, Kanabec, Chisago and Pine Counties. For more information about Anna Marie’s Alliance go to www.annamaries.org.

Founded in 1857, is a Catholic/Benedictine, co-ed, private day and boarding school, providing students of all faiths in grades 6-12, with a college-preparatory curriculum. For more information, visit or call 320-363-3315.

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Food Drive Raises more than $3,700 /food-drive-raises-more-than-3700/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 18:30:15 +0000 /?p=11515 Thanksgiving Food Drive Raises more than $3,700 for Families in Need Saint John’s Prep students, faculty and staff are sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving by donating food and money to the St. Joseph Community Food Shelf. The Thanksgiving food drive benefitting the Food Shelf was a huge success thanks to the efforts and generosity of […]

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Thanksgiving Food Drive Raises more than $3,700 for Families in Need

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Saint John’s Prep students, faculty and staff are sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving by donating food and money to the . The Thanksgiving food drive benefitting the Food Shelf was a huge success thanks to the efforts and generosity of our families. Together students from grades 6 through 12 collected $ 3,780.58 in cash/check donations and 951 food items!

Saint John’s Prep has hosted this food drive for the Food Shelf for more than 20 years.

The food bank is now distributing the food to families in the St. Joseph area. Prep students brought in non-perishable food items including canned vegetables, boxes of stuffing, cans of broth and cream of mushroom soup, bottles of fruit juice, and other holiday staples. The money will be used to purchase turkeys, pies, buns and other perishable items. More than 30 families with a hearty and healthy Thanksgiving meal thanks to our efforts!

We are especially grateful for the work of the National Honor Society, Ms. Frame and NHS President, Isaac Miller ’26 for coordinating this successful food drive. 

Miller Advising Wins Crumbl Cookie Party

Mr. Miller and his advising group will enjoy a Crumbl Cookie party to celebrate their success. Together they collected $1,002 for the food shelf. Way to go! 

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Colleges and Universities for the Saint John’s Prep Class of 2025 /college-and-universities-for-2025/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:00:52 +0000 /?p=11169 Saint John’s Prep is proud to present the impressive list of colleges and universities that our outstanding Class of 2025 will attend in the fall of 2025. This comprehensive list showcases the diverse range of academic interests and ambitions within our graduating class, reflecting their hard work, dedication, and the strong foundation they’ve built during […]

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Saint John’s Prep is proud to present the impressive list of colleges and universities that our outstanding Class of 2025 will attend in the fall of 2025. This comprehensive list showcases the diverse range of academic interests and ambitions within our graduating class, reflecting their hard work, dedication, and the strong foundation they’ve built during their time at Prep.

We celebrate each student’s unique journey and look forward to seeing the incredible contributions they will make in their chosen institutions and beyond.

Below is a comprehensive list of colleges and universities for the Saint John’s Prep Class of 2025.

Boston College
Carleton College
Colgate University
College of Saint Scholastica
Colorado School of Mines
Concordia College, Moorhead
Concordia University, Saint Paul
Creighton University
DePaul University
Gustavus Adolphus College
Harvard University
Iowa State University
Macalester College
Minneapolis College of Art & Design: MCAD
North Dakota State College of Science
Ohio State
Penn State University
Red Lake Nation College
Saint John’s University
Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity University, San Antonio, TX
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
University of Saint Thomas
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Virginia Military Institute
Yale University

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2025 Senior awards /2025-senior-awards/ Fri, 06 Jun 2025 18:49:06 +0000 /?p=11118 During our commencement ceremony each year, Principal Dr. Christine Glomski and Head of School Jon McGee award several senior awards to individual graduates. These outstanding young people have shown exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to the school community. The members of the Class of 2025 graduated from Saint John’s Preparatory School on May 23 […]

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During our commencement ceremony each year, Principal Dr. Christine Glomski and Head of School Jon McGee award several senior awards to individual graduates. These outstanding young people have shown exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and contributions to the school community. The members of the Class of 2025 graduated from Saint John’s Preparatory School on May 23 in the Saint John’s Abbey Church in Collegeville, Minnesota.

052325 Sjps Graduation 0229
Sylvie Bechtold, Natalie Kayser, Elizabeth St. Hilaire, and Brett Penk.

The following graduates received the senior awards:

The Leadership Award goes to the senior who has shown leadership during their time at Saint John’s Prep. This year’s recipient is Natalie Kayser. She is the daughter of Sherry and Jason Krebsbach, and Chad Kayser of St. Cloud. She will attend the Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa next semester.

The Benedictine Spirit Award recognizes a student who strives to make the Benedictine values a part of his or her daily life, and subsequently, a part of all our lives. The 2025 Benedictine Spirit Award recipient is Brett Penk, the son of Stacy and Derek Penk of Watkins. He will attend Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut in the fall.

The Citizenship Award goes to the senior who has consistently promoted respect for, and the building up of, the Saint John’s Preparatory School community. This year’s recipient is Sylvie Bechtold, the daughter of Kay and Gary Bechtold of St. Joseph.  She will attend Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska next year.

The 2025 All-Around Student Award goes to the senior who is seen as having made the greatest contribution to the Prep School in a variety of ways, academic, extracurricular, social and spiritual. This year’s recipient is Elizabeth St. Hilaire, the daughter of Alexandra and Thomas St. Hilaire of St. Cloud. She will attend Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts next fall.

sjprep.net

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Ruzanic and Demars receive 2025 Pete Cheeley Honor Athlete Award /ruzanic-and-demars-receive-2025-pete-cheeley-honor-athlete-award/ Tue, 20 May 2025 18:45:54 +0000 /?p=11092 Louise Ruzanic and Michael Demars Named 2025 Honor Athletes 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 […]

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Louise Ruzanic and Michael Demars Named 2025 Honor Athletes

Pete Cheeley Honor Athletes

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! 

Louise 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.

Michael 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!

Honor Athletes 3

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Prep Announces the Honors Graduates for the Class of 2025 /prep-announces-the-honors-graduates-for-the-class-of-2025/ Thu, 08 May 2025 15:43:47 +0000 http://sjprep.net.user.s405.sureserver.com/?p=11071 Twelve Class of 2025 Graduates Earn Academic Honors 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 […]

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Twelve Class of 2025 Graduates Earn Academic Honors

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.

Honors Grads 2025 Saint John's Prep (1)
Honors Grads 2025 Saint John's Prep (2)

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 21st 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 Aspire to Excellence 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 sjprep.net/academics/aspire-to-excellence-curriculum.

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Grand Tour Raises Nearly $250,000 for Scholarships and Student Programming /grand-tour-raises-nearly-250000-for-scholarships-and-student-programming/ Tue, 06 May 2025 15:27:42 +0000 /?p=11062 We are so grateful for the incredible generosity and unwavering support at Grand Tour of Nation 2025! Thanks to your remarkable contributions, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that we raised $248,000! This phenomenal achievement will have a profound impact on our students and the entire Prep community. These vital funds will directly support scholarships […]

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A Grand Tour 2025

We are so grateful for the incredible generosity and unwavering support at Grand Tour of Nation 2025! Thanks to your remarkable contributions, we are absolutely thrilled to announce that we raised $248,000!

This phenomenal achievement will have a profound impact on our students and the entire Prep community. These vital funds will directly support scholarships and programming, further proving that we are a school of opportunity! The enthusiasm on Saturday, April 26, 2025 was truly inspiring. From the exciting live auction to the powerful Mission Moment, it was a night to remember, all made possible by the presence of our parents, alumni, grandparents and friends – Thank you!

Help Us Reach $250,000!

If you would still like to contribute visit sjprep.net/give to donate. All gifts will be used for student financial assistance and educational programming this academic year. Click this link, or call a member of the Advancement Team at 320-363-3315 to pledge your support!

 SJP Senior Captivates Audience with Heartwarming Testimonial

Andrea

Senior Andrea Gomez ’25 was this year’s student Mission Moment speaker at Saturday’s event. During her speech, Andrea wove a tapestry of personal anecdotes, each one a small, carefully chosen thread that contributed to a larger, resonant theme. She spoke of her mother’s love and determination to provide the best education possible, and how she, Andrea, grew to appreciate not only her mother’s efforts, but the true value of what her mother had always wanted for her children and the role Prep played throughout.

Andrea’s address was followed by one of the most successful paddle raises to date, including a generous pledge of $10,000 for a Mission Moment total of $53,150.

Guests who pledged a cash gift during the Mission Moment on April 26 will receive a letter in the mail confirming their intentions and including instructions for payment. As a reminder, these gifts are expected to be paid in full by June 30 of this year.

Our Time Is Now! Campaign Update

Prep Forward Campaign Logo

This year’s event concluded with an exciting campaign update from Head of School, Jon McGee, announcing that the generosity of our community has exceeded the $10 million goal we set just one year ago in the Our Time is Now! comprehensive capital campaign. Mr. McGee also shared that Prep will be the recipient of the largest recorded gift in school history from SJP alumna and husband, Ann Marie Stock ’78 and David Campagna.

Ann Marie Stock And David Campagna

The Stock-Campagna gift brings the campaign grand total to $12,548,378, and serves as a true testament to the power of a Prep education and the importance of giving back. For more information about this transformative gift, click here.

To learn about the priorities of the Prep Forward – Our Time is Now campaign and how you can be a part of its success, visit the Prep Forward website or contact a member of the Advancement team at 320-363-3315.

Grand Tour 2026 – Save the Date!
Saturday, April 25

While we are still celebrating Saturday’s success, we are also looking ahead to next year’s event. Mark your calendars for Grand Tour of Nations 2026 – Saturday, April 25! Details, including: event location, raffle and ticket information, donations, and volunteer opportunities will be communicated in the fall. Stay tuned for the announcement of next year’s theme country!

The post Grand Tour Raises Nearly $250,000 for Scholarships and Student Programming appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

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