Students gear up for spring sports and musical

Spring musical
The spring musical at Como will be an adaptation of the Disney film “High School Musical.” Performances are scheduled to run on March 18 and 19 in the Como Park Auditorium. Choir director Siri Keller is in the process of organizing auditions and assembling the cast and stage crew.

Spirit week
The final week of school in 2021 was a spirited one with thematic dress-up days for Como students. Monday was pajama day, Tuesday was senior citizens day, Wednesday was twin day, Thursday was Christmas/ugly holiday sweater day, and Friday was black and gold day with students and staff sporting the school colors and Cougar gear.

Cougar Grounds
After a pause due to the pandemic, Como students reimagined the Cougar Grounds coffee shop that had operated out of a corner in the library. The new and improved Cougar Grounds opened up last fall as a combined coffee shop and school store, located in the Commons across from the school cafeteria.
The Cougar Grounds is open for business during periods 1, 2, and 8. It is staffed by students who serve hot drinks and sell Como spirit gear including student-designed sweatshirts. The most purchased staff beverage is coffee with creamer, and the best-sellers to students are a mocha or hot cocoa.

Toys for Tots
Cadets from Como’s Marine Corps JROTC and players from the Cougars girls basketball program teamed up on a Toys for Tots service project last month.
The students were able to give back to the community by sorting hundreds of donated toys and build camaraderie through their work together. Several Como staff members donated to the cause, as well.

Girls basketball
The senior class for the seven-time defending St. Paul City champions is deep and talented. Ronnie Porter, Kaylynn Asberry, Shakyla Walker, Cloey Dmytruk and Jada James have formed the team’s core for several years. Junior Shania Nichols-Van Nett is another highly regarded experienced player.
“They all bring something special to the table,” Coach Olonda England said. “With their leadership, this season will be great for those coming behind them as they will have the opportunity to learn from some talented young ladies.”
The Cougars are aiming to break through the section playoffs and qualify for the Class 3A state tournament. Their challenging non-conference schedule against top-ranked 4A schools such as Hopkins, Stillwater and Wayzata is helping them prepare.

Nordic skiing
With nearly 40 participants in the program, the Cougar Nordic team is eager for a snowy winter. Coaches Sasha Van Voorhis and Dylan Adair are happy to have new and developing skiers in addition to senior leadership including Saylor Landrum, Owen Finlay, Soren Berg and Peter Wenger.
“We have over 25 athletes who are in 10th grade or younger,” Adair said. “We have a goal of preparing them for higher level racing when they get a little older.”