News from Como Park High School

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By ERIC ERICKSON

• The annual spring play at Como was performed on Apr. 27-28 in the school auditorium. “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” was a fast-paced, modern, humorous medley of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Written by Don Zolidis, Como’s performers were directed by Allison Hartzell. The talented cast included Anna Anzaldo, Amira Boler, Camryn Borrego, Alyssa Clark, Alison Goodale, Madi McPhee, Emilie Pagel, Heather Rogers, Lillian Rogers, Toby Sax, Amelia Schucker, Minna Stillwell-Jardin, Norah Vitalli, and Hunter Waldemarsen. Audiences enjoyed the lively, spirited comedy and participated in the production’s interactive elements.

Photo right: Actors from Como’s production of “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,” are pictured from left to right. Top row: Anna Anzaldo, Madi McPhee, Heather Rogers, Minna Stillwell-Jardin, Camryn Borrego. Bottom row: Norah Vitalli, Amelia Schucker, Camryn Borrego, Amira Boler, Hunter Waldemarsen. (Photo by Mike Krivit, www.krivit.com)

• Eli Freberg (holding a check in photo left) won a $3000 tuition scholarship for an essay contest sponsored by the Minnesota Council on Economic Education (MCEE) and Country Insurance. The essay topic asked students to explore a topic connecting financial health and physical health. Freberg’s essay drew upon his experiences and observations within St. Paul’s diverse, immigrant community, and suggested expanding partnerships between financial institutions and educational settings. Freberg will study business at the U of M next year in the Carlson School of Management.

• French students participated in the annual A Vous la Parole French speaking contest held at the University of Minnesota on Apr. 27. Sponsored annually by the Minnesota Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French, with support from the U of M’s French Department, the contest recognizes excellence in French speaking skills. This year’s contest drew over 1200 student entries.

Students performed French poems, songs, a theater piece or original skit, and read a text in French for judges who evaluated their language and performance skills. Students are given ratings based on a four-star system with four stars earning blue medal status. Como students earning blue medals were: Trenton Philippi, Joe McCune-Zierath, Eli Freberg, Mellisa Orfori, Aubin Eymard, Ulysse Corbin, Chloe Hollister-Lapointe, Hang Nguyen, Trinh Nguyen, Lay Lay Zan, Aiyanna Aeikens, and Patrick Noren.

• 110 students currently studying U.S. History at Como spent the afternoon of Apr. 25 in an Underground Railroad simulation with leaders from the VocalEssence WITNESS program. The “Exploring Freedom” workshop uses the sacrifice and lifework of Harriet Tubman to connect students with U.S. History and racial discrimination in an upbeat, informative, and interactive manner. Through African drumming, storytelling, group challenges and break-out sessions, the students learned the context of the Underground Railroad and challenged their ideas about what freedom means today, and how we go about achieving it.

•Como’s MJROTC cadets traveled to Whitetail Regional Park on Apr. 15 to participate in an Orienteering Meet where maps and timed routes challenge navigators to problem solve while enjoying nature. Senior Nghiep Nguyen placed 1st in the advanced division among 80 competitors from various ROTC programs. Also placing high in the standings and earning Honorable Mention were Va Lee, Thi Ra, and Ma Win.

• The first two weeks of May is an intensive time for students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes, as AP Exams are administered for 20 different courses at Como. In total, over 500 student exams will be taken at Como. The AP exams students choose to take are a culminating assessment of the study and knowledge gained from the rigorous and enlightening college-level courses. AP courses are instructed by Como teachers and regulated by the AP College Board.

• Senior Marie Wulff represented Como at the Athena Awards Banquet on Apr. 19 as a top student-athlete in the St. Paul Area. Wulff was a captain in soccer, a captain in robotics, and lettered in track for two seasons. Her resume of academic accomplishments and volunteer service are extensive. Highlights include status as an AP Scholar, A Honor Roll with Distinction, leadership in the National Honor Society, tutoring, mentoring, peer mediation, and international service trips. Wulff’s family, coaches and Como administration attended the luncheon with her at the Envision Event Center in Oakdale.

• The 2017 Como Prom, “A Night on the Town,” will be held on Sat., May 20 at the U.S. Bank Stadium, the new home of the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis. The Grand March begins at 7pm at the stadium’s giant legacy doors. The junior and senior classes of Como are excited for the event and look forward to celebrating in the new venue.

• Planning is well underway for the Como’s Graduation ceremony on June 6 at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in the downtown RiverCentre. The annual senior all-night graduation party, sponsored by the Como Booster Club, will take place at school after the ceremony to provide a safe, fun environment to celebrate with friends. Dancing, arcade games, henna artists, basketball, swimming, food, prizes and more are on the agenda. Parents and community members are invited to help before, during or after the party and donations are welcome at any time. Use the VolunteerSpot link to help! http://signup.com/go.KY29UN.

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