歪歪漫画

BEMIDJI 鈥� Not too long ago, Waase Fisherman was none the wiser that MAAP STARS existed, let alone what its purpose was.

With encouragement from students and staff at Voyageurs Expeditionary 歪歪漫画, he would not only become involved in the leadership development program but also earn a state representative position for the 2024-2025 school year.

鈥淚 never really knew about MAAP STARS until our executive director (Ryan Haasch) asked me if I wanted to join,鈥� Fisherman recalled. 鈥淚 was a bit curious about it and did not expect much out of it.鈥�

MAAP, or the Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, oversees MAAP STARS as an organization designed for youth in alternative education settings, such as charter schools. The program focuses on leadership, development and career preparedness via conferences and other events.

The program鈥檚 focus on success, teamwork, achievement, recognition and self-esteem spells out the 鈥淪TARS鈥� portion of the organization鈥檚 name. After attending a spring 2022 conference, Fisherman immediately made gains in these areas.

鈥淚t really helped me boost my morale and confirmed what I wanted to do within MAAP STARS,鈥� Fisherman said.

During a fall leadership conference in 2023, Fisherman threw his hat into the ring and ran for a state representative position 鈥� though he would miss out to Voyageurs鈥� ShayLynn Ostlund. Despite the loss, Fisherman would rely on Ostlund during his preparation to run again this year.

鈥淪hayLynn taught me a lot about the responsibilities and roles of an officer,鈥� Fisherman said, 鈥渟o I prepared myself over the summer.鈥�

Fisherman would soon clinch a position and take on the added duties associated with it.

鈥淗ere I am today, an officer, and I鈥檓 proud of it,鈥� Fisherman added. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the work and the duty I鈥檝e made for myself and hope to make more for others around me.鈥�

Fisherman noted additional support he has received from Kathy Skinner, Voyageurs鈥� director of finance, alongside the mentorship of Ostlund and other staff members.

鈥淭hey鈥檝e all really helped me, gave me tips on what I need to do and gave me advice on next steps,鈥� Fisherman said. 鈥淚 probably wouldn鈥檛 have run for officer especially if ShayLynn hadn鈥檛 encouraged me to.鈥�

Fisherman hopes to remain involved with MAAP STARS post-graduation and letting the public know about its multifaceted benefits.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just a place where you meet up. It鈥檚 also a place where you can define your goals, to help you plan for your future,鈥� Fisherman noted. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just a place where you can socialize, but it鈥檚 a place where you can find lifelong partners and lifelong friends.鈥�

Above all else, Fisherman aims to stay true to who he is as he benefits the communities around him.

鈥淚 do what I can to do good for the community of Bemidji and Beltrami County as it is my personality,鈥� he left off. 鈥淢y greatest dedication is to help people.鈥�

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