They started high school during a pandemic

The Class of 2024 concluded their classes on May 30 and celebrated with the traditional Senior Barbeque at school on May 31. The last week of May was a busy time that also included Senior Dedication Night on Tuesday, May 28 in the Como Auditorium.

Senior Dedication was an opportunity to recognize the educational achievements of a unique group. This graduating class began their high school experience as online students due to COVID-19 before transitioning to in-person learning with masks in the spring of 2021.

Once they arrived on campus, the spirit, leadership, and academic ability of the class of 2024 was evident and remained integral through their time at Como. Those characteristics were clear for families to see during the program. 

Over 100 students earned academic cords for grade distinctions of Cum Laude or higher, including 50 who graduated Summa Cum Laude. Cords were also distributed to Advanced Placement Scholars who have passed multiple AP Exams. Each academic department honored two students of distinction, and service and leadership cords were awarded by both the school district and the Como administration. 

Highlights of the evening included presentations of college tuition scholarships from community partners which were surprises to the recipients. Ranging from $500 to $16,000, students were thrilled to hear their names called and collect a helpful check!

Scholarship sponsors included the Wallin Education Partners, Blaze Financial, Paitich #forthekids Foundation, Como STEM, Get Ready Student Success, Rice St. Athletic Club, and the Como Park Schultz Scholarship.

At the conclusion of Senior Dedication Night, 12 graduating student athletes who will be participating in college athletics signed their letters of intent together.

 

Two major facility upgrades will occur this summer thanks to extremely generous donors. The complete reconstruction of the school’s eight tennis courts paid for by retired Como teacher and coach Kathy Dumas is scheduled to start on June 17. The new courts should be ready for the start of the girl’s tennis season in August.

The weight room is receiving a total makeover with brand new state-of-the-art equipment thanks to the Adam Thielen Foundation. The philanthropic efforts of the former Viking are already evident with the new painting and Como branding on the walls. All equipment, including a small indoor turf area, should be installed during July.

 

Graduation for the senior class was held downtown on Wednesday night, June 5 inside the Roy Wilkins Auditorium. The student address was delivered by Adi Toe and Kyle Kosiak. The staff address was provided by math teacher Kia Yang, a Como graduate from the class of 2008. The choir and band gave their final performances of the year and thousands of photos featuring smiling high school seniors in their caps and gowns were taken.