All School Archives

May 9, 2019

Our volunteers are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the 2019 Spring Auction—Once Upon a Time! It’s not too late to get your tickets to this fun, entertaining, and important event in support of MPA. We’re so thankful for all of the hours that so many of our MPA community members have put in to make this year’s event our best yet.

We have silent auction items with starting bids as low as $35! You may preview them here. In addition, you’ll find mystery boxes, a wine toss where you’re sure to be a winner, a game of heads or tails with a cash prize, incredible live auction packages, a live band, and great food—what more could you want for a fun night out?! Perhaps most importantly, we want to build community and raise funds in support of our teachers and students in the classroom.

A special thank you to Lisa Vale for the progress photo above! Pictured: Reese Manger, Sarah McFarland, Renee Roach, Jen MacDonald, Billi Jo Aamodt. Volunteers not pictured: Jen Holloway, Amanda Platson, Sally Richie, Lisa Vale, Christi Zweig.

Athletic Achievements This Week

May 9, 2019

While it may not feel like spring sports weather today, we have some exciting MPA athletics results to share from earlier in the week!

At the Section 4A True Team Meet on May 7, the Boys Track and Field Team finished in fourth place out of 14 teams and the girls finished fifth! The teams had seven event winners in sprints, distance, jumps and relays. Senior Yahya Madar earned a personal best and school record of 6’7” in the high jump. Seniors Tae’Vion Wilkins and Dylan Dickinson both set personal records in the triple jump. Senior Henry Snider won the 1600m race.

The Panthers Softball Team got the win against Providence Academy to stay undefeated this season! MPA eighth grader Siri S. pitched five innings with 10 strikeouts. Read More

Class of 2019: Julia Portis, North Oaks

May 7, 2019

As the 2018–19 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2019!

In what grade did you come to MPA?
I came to MPA in first grade. My sister, who is three years older than me, was enrolled at the time. My parents loved the community so much, and they were so excited for us both to go here. I am so happy that I came to MPA. I am so lucky to have had the wonderful and immersive education that Mounds Park Academy offers all of its students.

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I didn’t really know what I wanted to pursue until the end of my junior year. My first exposure to college was my sister’s experience. She looked at small liberal arts colleges across the country. As I traveled with her, I began to see myself at similar schools. After deciding that I wanted to study business, my list of schools began to narrow. Babson College was the first business school I ever visited. The community was infectious, and my first impression never seemed to escape me. After attending MPA for 12 years, I have a firm grasp on the benefits of a small community. Similar to MPA, Babson emphasizes the importance of collaboration, innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. I’m so excited to join the community in the fall!

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
I am excited for the things I will learn in college, as well as the experiences that will mold me into the person I will become in the future. There is so much I have yet to figure out. I am excited to take risks, challenge myself, and hopefully fail a couple times. Yes, fail. The way I see it, there is so much learning and thinking that comes from failed ventures. Read More

Students Participate in Art 4 Shelter

May 6, 2019

Upper School artists are honored to participate in Art 4 Shelter again this year. Art 4 Shelter is an exhibition and sale that benefits the Simpson Housing Services in Minneapolis. What a wonderful opportunity for students to use their skills to help better our community! This year’s participating MPA students are: sophomore Satori Lewen, junior Charles Grimes, and seniors Ajay Manicka, Olivia Burton, Jordan Grabanski, Mats Dahlberg, and also teacher Renee Sonka.

The Art 4 Shelter exhibition and sale will be held at Machine Shop, 300 2nd St SE in Minneapolis, Wednesday, May 15, 7 PM. Click here for more information on Art 4 Shelter.

Congratulations All-State Choir Members

May 3, 2019

Congratulations to Caleb Rhodes, Ryan Ghose, Solveig Svennevig-Brosi, and Jordan Akers who auditioned and were selected to be members of the Minnesota Music Educator’s Association All-State Choirs!

Caleb and Jordan will sing in the Tenor-Bass Choir under the direction of Michael Culloton from Concordia University-Moorhead. Ryan is a member of the Mixed Choir conducted by Joan Miller (University of North Dakota) while Solveig will sing in the Soprano-Alto Choir with Therees Hibbard (St. Olaf College) conducting.

The All-State Choirs convene on the campus of St. Olaf College in early August. This six day camp culminates with a performance in Boe Chapel. In mid-February, the choirs reunite to perform at Orchestra Hall. Caleb, Ryan, Solveig, and Jordan are all members of the MPA Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers.

Class of 2019: Rayaan Ahmed, Fridley

May 3, 2019

As the 2018-19 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2019!

In what grade did you come to MPA?
I came to MPA in ninth grade.

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I chose The George Washington University, because they combine academics with service. By fostering leaders through their positive environment and providing students with world class internships. I know my love for politics and international affairs will only grow in D.C.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
My university is located in a city unlike any other, and so I am able to gain a well-rounded education not just in a classroom setting. The whole city is the classroom; I emerge not just with a diploma, but with experiences that could only happen at GW. I am excited for the internship opportunities, visiting amazing museums, and the ability to take long walks in the National Mall. Read More

2019 Athena Award Recipient

May 2, 2019

Congratulations to MPA senior Ellie Quam for receiving the Athena Award for Mounds Park Academy! She was honored for her athletic achievements at the St. Paul Area Athena Awards ceremony at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Laura Bush, the executive director of USA Volleyball, was the guest speaker, and the Master of Ceremonies was Randy Shaver from KARE 11.

The award is named after Greek goddess Athena, known for her wisdom and skills, and thus the Athena Award honors female high school seniors for their athletic achievements. Dedication, confidence, achievement, and motivation are all taken into consideration when choosing a recipient. We are so proud of Ellie for representing MPA with all of these traits!

Did We Reach $4 million?

May 2, 2019

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the school year thus far. Sam King, a sixth grader, was the head of school for the day. Sam helped our leadership team make an important decision, advocated for an extra jeans day for faculty and staff, and helped me select light fixtures for our new cafeteria. It’s safe to say it was a special day for Sam … and for me!

While I watched Sam soak in all of these new experiences, I was thinking about the very important milestone we had on the horizon for Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA. As you probably know, we set a very ambitious goal to make sure Sam and all of our MPA students, staff, and community members could enjoy a new library as soon as possible, in addition to the new commons, cafeteria, and kitchen they will find when they return to school in the fall. Read More

Preview The Live Auction!

May 1, 2019

One of the most exciting parts of our Spring Auction fundraiser and community-building event is the exciting lineup of live auction items that have been generously donated by our community! Here is a sneak preview of just a few of the amazing items we’ll have up for bid next Saturday, May 11. Get your tickets or sponsorship secured today to be a part of this wonderful event to support MPA teachers and students!

Below are three of our eight exciting live auction packages including an Orlando Magic Vacation over MEA weekend donated by Michael and Lisa Vale, a trip to the American Music Awards ceremony donated by the MPA Board of Trustees, and a spring break trip to Puerta Vallarta donated by Bryce and Emily Binstadt! Read More

Lower School Family Social

May 1, 2019

The Lower School Family Social is coming up on May 24 at 3 PM! The MPA Parents Association Lower School Grape Reps will be hosting this gathering outside of the Lower School entrance (the South entrance). Come enjoy popsicles, sunshine, and the opportunity to mingle with other Lower School parents. The popsicles served will meet MPA’s allergy aware policy as well as be gluten free, dairy free and sugar free. We can’t wait to see you there!