Troy Cleaton, Johnson Senior High School

What they’re saying: Troy is exceptional. He has lived independently for well over a year and has maintained management of several jobs and a rigorous school course load. He works multiple jobs and goes to school full time. He tells me about how he has built and maintained healthy boundaries with his family, and has a special bond with his youngest sister. He travels out of state and responsibly books flights and hotels independently. Troy has overcome an overwhelming number of obstacles. Troy is a leader. He is well respected by both staff and students.

Kylie Vang, Creative Arts Secondary

What they’re saying:

Kylie is an outstanding student, artist, and leader at our school. Not only is she an academic scholar, but she leads the coordinating of our school-wide Open Mics, a monthly gathering where our students and staff showcase their art and performances. Kylie has also starred in both of this year's play and musical. She is a student leader to others in our building and makes Creative Arts a stronger school! 

Kylie is going to Saint Paul College, and then taking a pathways program to Minnesota State-Mankato for early childhood education. 

Joe Gorton, Open World Learning Community

What they’re saying: Joe has done a great deal of service at our school. He singlehandedly set up our livestream system in our auditorium that has greatly enhanced our ability to broadcast performances and large group meetings to those that are unable to attend in person. He also co-led a week-long engineering course at our school. He is the captain of our thriving Robotics Team and has worked hard to grow the team. He has also done a great deal of tech help to all students and staff over the years. All of this in addition to being a three-season athlete. Joe is going to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to study engineering.

Brandon Arroyo Galeana, Harding Senior High School

What they’re saying: Brandon has an infectious positivity and curiosity, and has been working hard this year not only in his classes but also his postsecondary planning. He is planning to go to Dunwoody to study Architecture and Design, and was recently awarded the Wallin Mortenson Pathway Scholarship, which is $30,000 and includes a paid summer internship and pathway to a career at Mortenson after graduation. He’s almost always worked part-time throughout high school. He has impressed his counselors this year, especially all of the interview rounds he went through with Mortenson/Wallin; he is a joy to mentor by staff and see his growth in confidence and skills. He is also involved in track and soccer. This year especially his personal growth in confidence and skills has been notable.  

Selam Bekele, Highland Park Senior High

What they’re saying: Selam moved to the United States at the young age of 14 after experiencing tremendous loss and overcoming many challenges. When she arrived in Minnesota to be reunited with her extended family, she did not know any English. As a student, she has excelled in all academic areas, going from being a Level 1 language Learner in 9th grade to an A student in many IB classes in 11th and 12th grade. Additionally, Selam, at her core, is a community builder. Her warmth and compassion have positively impacted so many others in our community - from English Learning students whom she has encouraged and built up, her Link Crew team whom she supported as they transitioned to High School, and her Badminton team members whom she is always praising, supporting and acting as a "fourth coach" to. Next year, Selam will attend Saint Catherine's University as a Wallin Scholarship winner.