Alumni Archives

Young Alums Say Hello: Aniket Naravane ’14

August 7, 2018

Dear MPA,

I recently graduated from Georgetown University with a dual-degree in finance and international business and political economy. While a student there, I served as a tour guide, micro finance loan of officer, and was on the board of directors for the largest student-led business in the country. I completed an internship as an investment banking analyst last summer and I am now working as a financial consultant in New York City, focusing on anti-money laundering. MPA has certainly laid the foundation for the success I’ve enjoyed thus far, due in large part to both the rigorous academics and the variety of extra- curricular activities offered.

Hope to be back soon and go Panthers!
Aniket Naravane

Young Alums Say Hello: Isaac Esch ’17

August 7, 2018

Hey, MPA!

In May I finished my freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I am majoring in international business and finance. This summer, I’ve been fortunate enough to be an English tutor at an Italian summer camp. Throughout this experience, I’ve also taken a couple of awesome trips. One weekend I visited Lithuania and Latvia to hear the Dalai Lama speak. Another weekend I traveled to Spain to participate in the Running of the Bulls. As I encounter different cultures, I keep in mind all that I learned at MPA. I try to stay open- minded and learn as much as I can from others.

Go Panthers!

Isaac Esch

Young Alums Say Hello: Haley Finch ’14

August 7, 2018

Dear MPA,

Say hellooo to your 2018 Texas Christian University graduate, where I studied strategic communication  and Spanish. I’m currently in New York City, where I’m interning at Fallon ad agency as a copywriter. I’m working on Lime-a-Rita, Huawei, and many other accounts. Every day, I do something new. Whether it’s writing scripts for TV spots or thinking of big ideas for new clients, there is always something to be done. Interestingly enough, in high school I hated writing. If it wasn’t for Ms. Sommer’s dedication to me, I never would’ve pursued copywriting. I’m grateful  for MPA pushing me and opening doors to my future.

xoxo,

Haley Finch

Meet Kate Thrane ’16

July 31, 2018

What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally? I am spending this summer in Washington D.C. working as an intern in Minnesota Congressman Erik Paulsen’s office. I’m learning so much about government and democracy. My responsibilities include answering constituent phone calls, running errands, attending hearings, writing memos, and giving tours of the Capitol. Through my internship, I’ve been able to attend events at the FBI, “The Washington Post,” and the White House. One of my favorite parts is seeing people who are on the news (or in the news) in person!

Helping People Reach Their Dreams

July 31, 2018

Ross Kigner ’08 Is Helping People Reach Their Dreams

After graduating from MPA in 2008, I continued my academic and athletic careers at the University of Minneosta-Morris, graduating in 2012. Following graduation, I resumed my direct support professional work for New Directions, Inc., while preparing for my first year coaching football at Roseville Area High School. New Directions, Inc. is a family-run organization that provides support for adults with disabilities. Our purpose is to assist and support individuals in forming and achieving a life of their own choosing; that they may have personal well-being, satisfying personal relationships, participation in community life and engagement in preferred pursuits in their home and community. I gradually increased my responsibilities at New Directions including expense management, team management, and property management. Time has flown by, but I love my work because of the reward that comes with helping people reach their dreams.

The major hurdles we face at New Directions include staffing and providing the same support with decreased funding from the government. In my leadership role, I don’t have as many hands-on opportunities with the people we support as I once did, as my focus has shifted to big-picture topics centered around upholding the standard of support our organization has provided since 1981.

Meet Morgan Emmans ’15

June 13, 2018

What are you currently doing, professionally and/or personally?

Currently I am attending St. Cloud State University, where I am majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Human Relations. I am a member and captain of the softball team at St. Cloud State. This fall, I will be entering my senior year at St. Cloud State. Over the summer, I am coaching the 12U Silver Bullets softball team, and ironically, MPA student, Siri S. is one of my players.

How did you get there? Are there some career moves or other key experiences or relationships that have inspired you?

Congratulations to Deneane Richburg ’96!

June 7, 2018

The MPA Alumni Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce the first annual recipient of the MPA Alumni Association Award. This award is intended to honor alumni of outstanding talent pursuing their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations, while embracing the spirit of MPA’s commitment to community and social outreach.

Deneane Richburg ’96 embraces all of these attributes and more. As the artistic director and founder of Brownbody, a company that combines figure skating, modern dance and theater to explore African-American culture and history, Richburg explores themes of race, stereotyping and reconciliation while being mindful of diversity, inclusion and equity. Read More

2018 Upper School Awards Assembly

June 7, 2018

Congratulations to all of the Upper School students who received honors and awards at the 2018 Upper School Awards Assembly! On Friday, June 1, the school gathered to commemorate all of these students’ achievements. Academic, National Merit, Scholarship, Yearbook, Choir, Band, Orchestra, Visual Art, Math, English, Science, Social Studies, Forensics, French, Spanish, Drama, Athletics, Service, Spirit of ’86, Junior Mission Statement, Certificate of Distinction, and Alumni Association awards were given. Please join us in congratulating the following students! View photos of the assembly or watch the assembly here!

The Class of 2018 Senior Walk

June 7, 2018

After 13 years of joyful learning, the Class of 2018 took one final walk among their PreK through 11th grade friends to remember where they came from, celebrate what they have achieved, show gratitude for their community, and inspire those who follow in their footsteps. You can watch this touching tradition here!

Class Of 2018: Kate Van Hecke, Saint Paul, MN

June 6, 2018

As the 2017-18 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2018!

In what grade did you come to MPA? In fifth grade.

How did you come to choose the college that you did? I chose Wellesley because it valued curiosity, exploration, the empowerment of women, and educating the whole person—all things I value as well! I chose a women’s college because I want to surround myself with fierce, intelligent, and dedicated women who also care about the world around us. The world is coed, so being able to go to college in a place run by and dedicated to women is a phenomenal opportunity.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience? I am so excited to continue studying foreign languages! Throughout my eight years at MPA, I’ve studied Spanish, French, and Arabic as well as Fante during my time abroad and the prospect of being able to add another language or two to that list is thrilling. I am also looking forward to learning to call a new place home—I’ve done it before, and it was incredibly rewarding.