Upper School Archives

March 8, 2018

Senior William Thao was recognized at a breakfast last week as the Mounds Park Academy Student of the Year for the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale Rotary Club. William was honored with his name on a plaque in the Upper School office, a certificate, and the opportunity to apply for a Rotary Club college scholarship. His parents, Sam Thao and Mee Vang, were present and given a gift certificate to the Lake Elmo Inn as well.

In partnership with each school, the Rotary Club annually recognizes one high school student from each school within District 622. Our criteria has been based on the type and amount of service that the student has done and their overall engagement with the ideals of both Rotary Club and MPA.

Randy Comfort, director of guidance, spoke on William’s behalf and introduced him to the Club. He shared that William has completed more than 100 hours of service in his career at MPA, he is an Eagle Scout, a Peer Leader, and an MPA Ambassador, and he participates in speech and debate. William selects and succeeds at very challenging courses and has had a job since he was 15. William’s teachers describe him as engaged, optimistic, determined, and service oriented toward his school and the world community.

We are so proud of William and so is the Rotary! Congratulations!

MPA’s Honor Choir Singers

March 1, 2018

Congratulations to sophomores Jordan Akers and Solveig Svennevig-Brosi on their excellent performance at the American Choral Director’s Association of MN 9-10 Honor Choir Concert!

Jordan sang in the SATB choir under the direction of Mark Potvin while Solveig sang in the SSAA choir with Jennaya Robinson. Both conductors are on the faculty at Luther College. It was a day full of rehearsals, building ensemble, culminating with the concert at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Keep on singing, Panthers!

Easing The Transition

March 1, 2018

by Mark Segal, Upper School Director

Editor’s Note: On the first Thursday of each month, you will now find a guest blog post here from one of MPA’s division directors. We hope you will enjoy reading their stories and reflections about life at MPA!

The transition from middle to high school can sometimes be difficult. It is an awkward time when students may fit in right away, or feel like outcasts. Parents and teachers may seem like they are harping at them about the smallest things, and they may feel as though they have no similarly interested peers with whom to connect. What students might not realize–and is our responsibility to point out–is that Upper School offers new and exciting opportunities that are ready and waiting for them to explore.

MPA Athletics Highlights

February 15, 2018

It’s been an extremely exciting past week for Panther Athletics! We’ve summed up the top moments here so you can celebrate and cheer on our amazing students athletes with us!

Senior Blake Henke and the Minnesota Wild sled hockey team for winning their entire championship tournament
Boys Basketball beat conference rival SPA on Spirit Night for an undefeated week
Four Nordic Skiers advanced to State

Demonstrating Values-Based Leadership

February 8, 2018

by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

It’s not often that I start my day in tears. In fact, I don’t cry much at all. But a recent morning was different as I listened to the six seniors give their senior performances. I was incredibly moved by their courage as each reflected on how they have overcome challenges and adversity. I was also grateful to be a part of a community where these young people felt comfortable and safe to tell their stories and knew they would be supported and accepted.

Senior performances are a capstone experience at MPA. The seniors reflect on their learning, values, struggles, and passions as evidence of their readiness for college and life. The speeches then compel them to speak publicly about the formative moments that have helped shape who they are. Being able to authentically present yourself in front of your peers can feel risky for the student, but is ultimately rewarding as empathy and support for one another builds throughout the year. It is not uncommon to hear classmates say to one another, “I never knew that about you.” Or, “I am so proud of you.” Each senior is encouraged to end their speech with an expression of gratitude to those who have supported them.

MPA Students Rally Against Human Trafficking

February 8, 2018

Last Thursday, 20 MPA Upper School students crafted their own signs and slogans, bundled up to face single-digit temperatures, and marched together in a rally supported by local nonprofit Breaking Free to fight human trafficking.

These students are passionate about fighting human trafficking, and Breaking Free gave them an opportunity to unite and speak out against a global problem commonly connected to the Super Bowl. Breaking Free is a social justice organization that aids women in escaping systems of prostitution and sexual exploitation. They joined the Minneapolis Police Department in hosting the rally at DeLaSalle High School. MPA seniors Pranay Somayajula, Alayna Fox, Ryan Guggenheim, Sierra Klein-Roque, Nashad Mahamoud, and Kate Van Hecke attended the rally in cohesion with their Senior Service Project.

“I was really proud of all the MPA students who showed up to this rally to support such an important cause and draw attention to this hugely underserved issue,” said Pranay. “It was amazing that so many people cared enough to brave the cold to march against human trafficking, and the support we got from all the people who honked and cheered as we went by them made it all worth it!” Read More

Upper School Art Exhibition

February 1, 2018

MPA invites you to join us at the upcoming Upper School Art Show Reception! Sharing artists’ work from all first semester visual arts courses, this display includes a wide variety of moods and perspectives, and every grade in the division is represented. It also encompasses a balance of two and three-dimensional visual mediums, including drawing, ceramics, painting, photography, and studio 2D.

The reception is on Wednesday, February 7, at 6:30 PM in the Gallery. The exhibition will be on display until February 19!

Show Your MPA Pride At Spirit Night

February 1, 2018

Bring your Panther pride and cheer on MPA on Friday, February 9 as we take on IMAC rival St. Paul Academy for Spirit Night! Students, alumni, and families from all divisions are encouraged to pack the Lansing Sports Center for an evening of basketball and school spirit! The C and JV teams play at 4:15 PM, followed by the girls varsity at 6 PM, and boys varsity at 7:30 PM. Go Panthers!

MPA Girls Nordic Ski Champions

February 1, 2018

MPA Nordic Ski is on fire! The boys team set a school record this season, and now the girls are taking home the 2017-2018 IMAC Conference Championship for the third year in a row over Blake, Breck, Heritage/Providence, and Minnehaha Academy. Middle School student Margo N. took third place at the Nordic Championship at Elm Creek and to help the team win the championship! Go Panthers!

IMAC Athletes Of The Month At MPA

February 1, 2018

Three MPA student athletes have been named Independent Metro Athletic Conference Athletes of the Month so far this year!

October was a strong month for MPA’s athletes. Senior Declan Dahlberg was recognized for cross country. During his season, he finished in second place in the State Cross Country meet, wrote his own column in MileSplit MN, received Academic All State Honors, and signed with the University of Minnesota’s Track and Field and Cross Country Teams.

Additionally in October, MPA junior Maia Kelly was named Athlete of the Month for her accomplishments in volleyball. Maia has been named the “Semper Fidelis Player of the Match” three times, was part of the MPA record-breaking volleyball team this year, and was named on the Independent Metro All-Conference list. She is currently playing on the MPA Girls Varsity Basketball Team.