TREK NORTH

TrekNorth's Carter Derby sets sights on engineering after graduation

Pioneer Staff Report — Sat, 17 May 2025 15:00:00 GMT

As graduation season arrives each year, the Pioneer features one graduate from each college and high school in the coverage area. Carter Derby is this year’s featured graduate from TrekNorth Junior and Senior High ��, which will host its commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend Minnesota North College to study pre-engineering. Once I complete my studies there, I intend to pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering at either the University of North Dakota or Minnesota State University, Mankato

What piqued your interest in engineering?

I've always been fascinated by how and why things work. When I was 15, I attended an engineering camp for high school students, and that's when I knew engineering was what I wanted to pursue.

Have you had a favorite class throughout high school?

My favorite classes were statistics and calculus, both taught by Tami Worner. She always made her lessons engaging and interesting.

What activities have you participated in?

I am involved in the National Art Honor Society and the National Honor Society. I also participate in cross country running, Nordic skiing, and track and field, and have served as team captain for the past two years in all three sports.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement has been succeeding in my advanced classes by getting good grades, lettering in three varsity sports and breaking school records in track and field.

Who is your greatest mentor?

Michael Meehlhause has been a teacher and mentor to me since the fourth grade. Over the past seven years, he has also been my coach for cross country running, Nordic skiing, and track and field. Through his guidance, I’ve learned the value of hard work, dedication and the importance of setting and achieving my athletic goals.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially playing online games with my brother. During the summer, I love going camping with my family.

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Beltrami County graduation rate declines amidst historic statewide increase

Daltyn Lofstrom — Mon, 12 May 2025 17:17:04 GMT

BEMIDJI — The class of 2024 has earned bragging rights for having the highest graduation rate in recorded Minnesota history.

Based on results released by the Minnesota Department of Education on May 7, a total of 59,720 students — 84.2% of the 2024 graduating class overall — earned their diplomas across the state and marked a nearly 1% increase from the 2023 class rate of 83.3%.

Increases were reported across nearly every ethnic category, including students identifying as American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino, as well as white students. Rates also increased for English learners, students from low-income families and those receiving special education services.

“The students of the class of 2024 worked hard and overcame challenges to achieve this milestone,” Commissioner Willie Jett said in a release. “I am thrilled to see the success of many of our student groups — especially those most at risk — and a closing of the achievement gap as we work to make sure every student, of every background, zip code, and ability has access to a world-class education.”

Amidst these improvements, the release also noted mounting threats from the federal government to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, uproot federal education investments and roll back essential support for vulnerable students.

The department’s investments provide support, including:

$256 million for students with disabilities $192 million for students from low-income backgrounds $27 million for academic enrichment $6 million for students in rural schools $38 million to support children living on military bases or tribal lands $100 million for Career and Technical Education workforce development programs

“In the face of instability from the federal government, the MDE remains committed to supporting students and schools,” the release said.

Beltrami County

While the state trended upward, Beltrami County saw a slight decline from 65.8% in 2023 to 64.4% in 2024. Graduating 407 out of 632 students, 2024’s graduating class still saw a higher graduation rate compared to the 61.7% of students for 2022.

The county’s drop-out rate increased from 10.7% in 2023 to 16.1% in 2024, remaining higher than 2022’s drop-out rate of 11.4%.

Often used as an indicator for low-income students, those eligible for free or reduced lunches saw a very slight decrease in graduation from 51.2% in 2023 to 50.7%.

American Indian students improved upon 2023’s graduation rate, clocking in at 40.2% compared to the 2023 class’ 38.8%.

Similar to last year, female graduates ranked above their male counterparts at 67.1% and 61.9%, respectively. Both groups trended downward from 2023, with respective graduation rates of 67.5% and 64.2%.

Bemidji schools

After a 7.3% increase between 2022 and 2023, Bemidji Area ��s experienced a decline from 2023’s 77.6% graduation rate to 2024’s rate of 74.8%. A total of 288 students out of 385 graduated within four years, while 53 dropped out and 23 continued to earn their diplomas beyond a four-year timeline.

Students receiving free and reduced lunches came in below the district average and also experienced a decrease from 2023’s graduation rate of 61.2% to 60.6%.

Male students experienced a sharper decline from 2023 compared to their female counterparts. Males in 2024 graduated at 71.4% compared to 75.6% in 2023, and 2024 females graduated at 78.3% compared to 79.4% in 2023.

American Indian graduates experienced a rate increase from 2023, clocking in at 53.1% from 52% respectively.

For charter schools, TrekNorth Junior and Senior High �� saw noticeable improvement with 94.6% of all students graduating in 2024, up from 83.9% in 2023.

While Voyageurs Expeditionary �� did not show four-year graduation rates for 2023, it reported a 31.3% graduation rate for 2024. A total of five students graduated, while four dropped out, five continued their education and two were reported under the “unknown” category, which tracks students who were either incorrectly reported or not reported as enrolled in another district.

Other area schools

After experiencing a considerable decline from 2022, Cass Lake-Bena Public ��s saw a slight improvement, graduating 56.3% in 2024 and 50.6% in 2023. Their rate in 2023 marked a decline from 83.1% in 2022.

Red Lake Public ��s showed a 22.2% four-year graduation rate, down from 29.9% in 2023.

After a roughly 8% decline from 2022, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig �� essentially broke even with its 2023 rate of 57.1%.

A complete list of graduation rates for schools, districts and counties across the state can be found on the Minnesota Department of Education’s website.

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Bemidji area charter schools share their mission at TrekNorth forum

Daltyn Lofstrom — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:28:13 GMT

BEMIDJI — Given its variety of educational options, Bemidji area charter school directors and staff congregated at TrekNorth Junior and Senior High �� on Thursday to share their respective missions in a forum format.

Hosted by Project Graduate 100% and the Bemidji Lions Club, the forum served as an informational session on Bemidji area charter schools, including TrekNorth, Voyageurs Expeditionary ��, ��craft Learning Community, Aurora Waasakone Community of Learners and Endazhi-Nitaawiging in Red Lake.

A core focus of the forum was the key differences between charter schools and other school systems as well as their unique challenges.

“Are charter schools better than other schools? Well, they’re better for some students,” former Red Lake High �� Principal John Eggers said. “It’s hard to put a grade on a school. Every school serves a special need for a particular student, and they answer a need that is not being answered by regular schools.”

Eggers shared that the state of Minnesota includes around 180 charter schools. In addition, Minnesota was the first state to pass charter school legislation in 1991.

“That’s kind of unique,” Eggers added, “and other states are trying to model the charter school model that we have here in Minnesota.”

Charter schools operate independently of the established state school system in which they are located and have their own governing boards. Formed as nonprofit corporations, charter schools enter into a legally binding charter contract with an authorizer, which serves as the oversight body of the school.

Information compiled by the Minnesota Association of Charter ��s shows that 69,766 PreK-12 students, or just over 8% of the statewide student population, are enrolled in charter schools. Since the 2004-2005 school year, enrollment in charter schools has grown to that total number from 17,500.

Since the 2021-2022 school year, charter school enrollment has increased by roughly 6%. Charter schools often have specific program focuses ranging from environmental education to global citizenship and service learning to social justice.

Bemidji’s charter schools

As the newest charter school in the Bemidji area, Endazhi-Nitaawiging opened its permanent location in November 2023, two years after its initial groundbreaking. Serving grades K-8, the school places a particular emphasis on Ojibwe values as a way to immerse younger students in Indigenous knowledge and culture.

Endazhi-Nitaawiging board member Sylvia Fred shared what led to the charter school’s inception and the value it brings to its students.

“Charters come from community want and need, when children aren’t getting what they need in the public school. That’s where it all starts,” Fred said. “We’re providing education in a different way that is student-centered. It doesn’t mean (the regular school system) is bad and it doesn’t mean it’s better. It’s just another option.”

Operating since 2019, AWCL opened its permanent location at 3604 Bemidji Avenue in October 2022 after outgrowing its previous space in the Beltrami County Community Services Center Building. AWCL has a particular focus on place-based learning.

“We have environmental education goals that are embedded right in our school,” AWCL Executive Director Anna Wallin said. “Our big focus is learning from where we are.”

Enrolling approximately 200 students, ��craft Learning Community is the oldest charter school in the area — initially opening at Concordia Language Villages in April 2000. In 2018, it moved into its current location in the former Deer Lake Elementary, about 17 miles north of Bemidji.

“When ��craft was founded, it was founded as an expeditionary learning, outward bound school where expeditionary learning was like a teaching model,” Director of Operations Mark Bjornrud said. “Our charter school is pretty outdoors focused.”

As part of its Experiential Education Program, TrekNorth also includes an outdoors focus as one of its three pillars, alongside advanced placement classes and service learning.

“In order for students to graduate, they must participate in at least three experiences in our Experiential Education program, which houses both of our outdoor adventure and our service learning programs,” Executive Director Erica Harmsen said.

Voyageurs Expeditionary �� opened in 2003 and, as its name suggests, focuses on expeditionary learning. Its roughly 80% Indigenous enrollment provides additional learning opportunities as well.

“We have really leaned into that stat,” Executive Director Ryan Haasch said, “getting back to learning about local history.”

With a greater understanding of the Bemidji area’s charter schools, attendees left with a bit more understanding of their role and purpose in the community.

“There are still a lot of questions about what charter schools are doing,” Eggers said. “When you look at Beltrami County and the schools that are in it, we’re really blessed to have such a variety of schools.”

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TrekNorth's Samantha Fairbanks fulfills role as American Indian Education Coordinator

Daltyn Lofstrom — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 14:30:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — TrekNorth Junior and Senior High �� has long sought to recognize and honor Indigenous culture through its programming, but this year’s efforts prove a bit more official.

A dedicated American Indian Education Coordinator at the helm for the first time in the school’s history, Leech Lake Band member Samantha Fairbanks credits her past experiences in social work and art for her interest in the position once she could hit “apply.”

“Once I saw the listing, I was just like ‘Oh, that sounds stable,’” she said lightheartedly. “I was already familiar with Indian Education, so seeing the job description that TrekNorth had posted, I knew I could do that, as well.”

Legislation passed in 2023 states that any district or participating school that conducts American Indian education programs must employ one or more full-time or part-time dedicated coordinators in a district with 100 or more state-identified American Indian students enrolled in the district.

Additionally, a participating district or school must provide American Indian culture and language classes if at least 5% of students are American Indian students or if 100 or more students are identified as American Indian.

TrekNorth’s current Native American population clocks in at roughly 57% of the student body with 21% residing in towns located on tribal nation land. Such stats would necessitate Fairbanks’ hiring as the role was previously taken on by staff with other responsibilities.

“It would always be the assistant principal or principal that would have that role. The law changed so that it had to be a designated person,” TrekNorth Director Erica Harmsen said. “You can no longer have (the coordinator) also teach or have an administrative role, which is why we have Samantha.”

Cultural activities

Through Fairbanks’ role, a smattering of activities seek to encourage interconnectedness and cultural awareness among the entire student body. Fairbanks noted a cultural significance of art that is present in much of the programming.

“A lot of what I do is based through art, and through art, we can bring a lot of culture to the school because our art forms have culture entwined into them,” she said. “They bring a lot of different teachings.”

One such activity is monthly paint nights, which each recognize one of the seven Grandfather Teachings: wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility and truth. Paint nights are open to all families and have proven quite popular.

“We’ll have anywhere from 30 to 50 people come to a family paint night,” Fairbanks noted. “It’s a big ordeal.”

Every other week provides three after-school chances to complete cultural activities with crafts being reserved for Tuesdays, drum and dance on Wednesdays and other activities on Thursdays.

TrekNorth students Giada Goodwin and Karina Guardipee frequent the craft nights and have enjoyed learning different techniques related to beading for a variety of projects — namely ornaments and earrings.

Student Donald Kingbird-Tejohn persisted in his efforts to bring the drum and dance activity to the school considering his involvement with drum groups and powwows. Bringing this to others has allowed him to share his knowledge with his peers as well as learn more about his own culture.

“It feels good to learn different styles of singing because there’s southern and northern styles that are different,” Kingbird-Tejohn detailed. “They’re unique in their own way.”

Family involvement

Alongside bi-weekly programming, Fairbanks advises the Native Youth Council which plans events aimed to represent the student body. The group most recently hosted a holiday craft fair fundraiser on Dec. 14.

“They make sure that we’re doing what the students want,” Fairbanks said. “If the students want cultural activities or if they want family nights, we can definitely do those through the Native Youth Council.”

Parents also maintain involvement with TrekNorth’s programming through the American Indian Parent Advisory Committee.

“The parents will let us know what they want to see here for their students, and we try our best to bring that to TrekNorth,” Fairbanks added. “That is how we started our culture and language classes in the 2021 school year.”

Moving into the future, Fairbanks and Harmsen hope to increase involvement in the Native Youth Council and continue programming that addresses key goals related to American Indian Education set forth by the Minnesota Department of Education.

“The program is really meant to support American Indian families through academics, attendance and college readiness,” Harmsen said. “Everything that Samantha has created this year is in support of that.”

The impacts of TrekNorth’s programming extend to staff, students and families alike, an aspect that Kingbird-Tejohn appreciates.

“It’s a way to express our culture, to express who we are and learn more about the culture,” he left off. “It took seven generations to be taken away, and it’ll take seven generations to bring it back to the people.”

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TrekNorth students, staff hone learning opportunities across the country

Daltyn Lofstrom — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:30:00 GMT

BEMIDJI — Learning has always transcended classroom walls for students at TrekNorth.

The onset of the 2024-2025 school year has been no exception as a smattering of field trips have brought students across the country within the last three months alone.

As part of the charter school’s Experiential Education Program, TrekNorth’s sixth through 12th graders have canoed the Mississippi River, visited the Long Lake Conservation Center, camped at Itasca State Park and hiked at Lake Vermilion State Park.

Such excursions aim to address the school’s three pillars: advanced placement classes, service learning and outdoor adventure.

“We have those pillars that make us a very specific charter school,” Experiential Education Director Julie Ueland said. “Our school is kind of graded on how we maintain those pillars of learning and how they contribute to our classrooms.”

Alongside Ueland, Elizabeth Mathews serves on the Experiential Education Leadership Team that plans each trip throughout the school year. Addressing the pillar of service learning, the team planned an Oct. 26-Nov. 2 trip to Kentucky and a Chicago trip for Nov. 10-15.

“For service learning, we like to provide an urban experience as well as rural,” Mathews said.

Students on the Kentucky trip explored poverty within a community and volunteered their time on various construction projects as part of the Christian Appalachian Project.

“The purpose of this agency is to help make people’s housing in the area safe, warm, dry and accessible,” Ueland said, “so building wheelchair-accessible ramps for people, replacing some sub-flooring and putting down all new flooring throughout their home.”

Amya Cobenais-Neadeau was one of the students to take part in the Kentucky trip.

“I thought it was cool to learn how to tile a floor,” she said, “and just being on the trip around people you’re not normally around.”

Ueland noted the interconnectedness of the students attending each trip after noting their preferences at the beginning of the school year.

“We are a super small school, but some students might not be the people that other kids hang out with every day,” she added. “By the end of the trip, everybody’s this tight little group that had a shared experience together.”

Shared experiences

Speaking on her own shared experiences, Victoria Taylor has expanded her horizons by participating in both the Kentucky and Chicago trips. Students stayed in Chicago’s Darst Center and explored the city by working with food banks, after-school programs, transitional housing agencies, soup kitchens, and day and overnight shelters.

“This has given me a whole new perspective of the world and a different view from Bemidji,” Taylor said. “I really enjoyed just being able to help other people and seeing their spirit lifted.”

Didi Ninglafleur appreciated her experience in Chicago as she was able to work one-on-one with those experiencing homelessness in the city.

“We really got to talk with them and learn about their experiences,” Ninglafleur said. “I feel like it really built social skills and communication, and those are very important things I brought back (to TrekNorth).”

On the outdoor adventure side of the equation, Ninglafleur visited Glacier National Park in Montana for advanced hiking, trail camping and car camping. The group then stopped at North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park — doubling the impact of the experience.

“What was really special was getting to experience another type of environment than we have here in Minnesota,” she added. “Everybody was just awestruck by the mountains while hiking. It was a little intense, but it’s what we needed.”

‘Everyone’s time to shine’

Throughout all trips, Ueland noted unique opportunities to recognize students’ strengths outside of a brick-and-mortar school building.

“Depending on what I teach, I might not interact with some students a lot,” she said, “but then you get to take these really cool trips and get to know those kids. A huge part of TrekNorth is building those really good relationships between staff and students.”

Mathews pointed to a symbiotic learning process that students go through alongside their teachers. Mathews has led the Chicago trip on four to five occasions and has allowed other staff members to work their way up to lead the trips themselves.

“So we now have three staff members who can speak to social justice in an urban setting and bring that into the classroom,” Mathews said. “It’s all very well going on these trips, but then we need to bring those skills and knowledge back into our home community.”

With an upcoming “J-term” where students complete weeklong trips and activities during the semester break — as well as a full spring semester — Mathews hopes that students can continue honing their strengths and discovering new ones.

“It might be on a service trip, it might be in the classroom, it might be going up a mountain,” Mathews left off, “but it’s everyone’s time to shine.”

More information can be found at www.treknorth.org.

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TrekNorth’s inaugural flag football season offers new experiences and exciting future

Alex Faber — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:44:30 GMT

Cullen Johnson has been a football fan his entire life.

For the first two years in high school, the junior at TrekNorth had his fandom limited to the TV screen or as an audience member.

But this season, he finally got a shot to get out on the field.

TrekNorth introduced a flag football program this fall, led by teachers – and coaches – Jerry Snow and Spencer Udeen.

“Last year, middle of first semester, we all found out that we’re going to have a football team – I was really excited, pumped,” Johnson said. “It’s been awesome, (the) coaches have been really good, everyone’s been positive, (so) nice, encouraging to others.”

Inaugural season

Behind TrekNorth stretches a long, green field. If you’ve driven past it after school in recent weeks, it’s likely been occupied by a large group of students running blocking, passing and receiving drills, or converging to hear a message from Snow.

That’s the Sundogs’ flag football team. In the midst of a six-week inaugural season, they meet after school to train and prepare for Fridays, where it holds intrasquad scrimmages to apply the previous week’s practice.

“I actually love it so much,” sophomore Logan Wellnitz said. “I’ve been really hyped about it so much, I really love football. … It shows that you can work with a team, get really into that.”

The flag football team has been an introduction to the sport of football and team sports in general for many of the students.

For the coaching staff, that means instilling not only the fundamentals of football but also the sportsmanship and attitude that comes with playing a team sport.

“(When) we started, most of these kids haven’t played a real high school team sport,” Udeen said. “They came out and they’re just used to being negative towards each other. From day one, (Snow) started off right away – we’re not doing that. As you see every day, we’re going, we’re clapping each other, we’re positive all the time. … Just tons of (excitement), everything, every single day.”

The response from the student body has been impressive. Nearly 30 students, both boys and girls, have joined – an impressive number, especially considering TrekNorth’s smaller student body compared to other area high schools.

“Every day in the classroom, they come – ‘football practice, football practice,’” Udeen said. “In the field, they’re running, they’re screaming. They come, they’re sore - ‘Am I doing it right?’ Yeah, you’re doing it right, you’re supposed to be sore.”

“I love it, every single time I’m on the field, I love it,” Johnson said. “It’s fun, it’s something to do in the fall after school – (I) wish it went longer.”

TrekNorth has a few other sports teams, including Nordic skiing and track.

It was the taekwondo club, though, that inspired Snow to bring in flag football and offer a more traditional team sport for the school.

“I just realized how much of a benefit an activities program can be,” Snow said. “There's a lot of things we get there that aren’t in a traditional high school, we have a lot of experiential education, a lot of outdoor education, do a lot of field trips, a lot of service work. … But (we) don’t have the team sport, the traditional team sports. So after taekwondo started, I just suggested, ‘Let’s try football.’”

In addition to the positive student response, Snow has already seen benefits in the classroom from some of the students.

“Rodney Defoe is definitely becoming a leader and that translates to the classroom,” Snow said. “I have Rodney in one of my classes and I absolutely see a difference. His table will be doing a lab or something, and one of his tablemates will be screwing around – two months ago, Rodney would be right there with them. Now, it’s like ‘Hey, let’s get this done, let’s get this done.’”

Looking forward

TrekNorth’s flag football program has received plenty of interest from the student body. But this foray into the sport could be just the beginning for the school.

Snow and Udeen are hoping to create a nine-man varsity program that can compete with other area schools.

“This is the foundation, this is laying the groundwork for that nine-man varsity status,” Snow said. “The school and the community wanted to see what kind of reaction there was from the kids as we developed the program. Before they said ‘OK, this is going to work,’ I think we’ve shown them that there’s enough interest from the kids.”

Taking that next step will take a lot of work – and money.

Football is a famously expensive sport, and to participate in varsity competitions against other area schools, TrekNorth needs to purchase all the necessary equipment and gear to meet the state’s guidelines.

Plus, varsity football requires a yearly operational budget.

“We don’t get anything from the school and the budget is $32,000,” Snow said. “So we need $32,000 by next year, next May or whatever the next fiscal year is in order for us to be able to afford the equipment, to apply for varsity status.”

However, this year’s flag football team has already laid some of the financial groundwork.

A group of parents have created a booster club for the program. Josh and Tera Nelson are a couple of the leaders who have been “fundamental” in crafting the club and provide financial support for the young program.

“This booster club has been working nonstop,” Snow said. “We have a concession stand here by the booster club. We have fundraisers put on by the booster club, and all this equipment is purchased by the booster club. The paint for the field is the booster club.”

That support from the booster club and the TrekNorth community will be essential to create and sustain a nine-man varsity team at the school.

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TrekNorth graduate Cecelia Humphrey reflects on high school career, prepares her next steps

Pioneer Staff Report — Sat, 18 May 2024 12:15:00 GMT

As graduation season arrives each year, the Pioneer features one graduate from each college and high school in the coverage area. Senior Cecelia Humphrey is this year’s featured graduate from TrekNorth Junior and Senior High ��, which will host its commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 24, at Bemidji State University.

The Pioneer provided Humphrey with a series of questions to answer:

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth. My current plan is to major in human biology and start on the pre-medical path.

Apart from the academic plans, I hope to continue my involvement in the Duluth community by staying active in clubs and organizations as I did in high school — the Student Government Association and the Indigenous Student Organization. I am also accepted into University Honors at UMD and I hope that will help shape my college experience on new levels.

What piqued your interest in your post-graduation plans?

I always knew I was going to college and when thinking about where, UMD has always been my top choice as a lot of my family went there. Two of my sisters-in-law attended UMD and my grandma attended and taught there. I loved the location, environment and size.

Biology or science has always been my strong suit and I have always been passionate about helping people and the medical field in general. I hope to use the knowledge that I obtain at UMD as well as my understanding of cultural and traditional medicine to incorporate them both in my career.

Using two-eyed seeing is so important when it comes to Indigenous people in the medical field and that is precisely what I want to do to make my impact in the world.

Have you had a favorite class throughout high school?

I love learning, so it is hard to pick just one from high school. My current favorite would have to be AP Biology, which checks out because I am pursuing that subject in my post-secondary education.

I also loved my AP Government and Politics class I took freshman year even though it was during COVID and mainly online. I learned a lot from that and for a while it made me interested in law school, but I ultimately landed on pre-med.

Throughout all of my favorite classes, I have always prioritized making a connection with my teachers. Especially in younger grades, this caused me to be called a “teacher’s pet” but I have grown to understand that it is important to build a bond with teachers in classes you feel passionate about. I did this by being a teacher’s assistant for two of my favorite teachers: Alexis Pearson and Jennie Lanz. I always asked for help when I needed it and tried to be a student who reminds teachers why they want to teach.

What activities have you participated in?

I have been extremely active in my school for the past four years. The main ones include TrekNorth Student Council —coinciding with the Minnesota Association of Student Councils — National Honor Society, TaeKwonDo Club, Track and Field, TrekNorth Youth Council and Leech Lake Youth Council.

I would say that student council is my main responsibility and the thing that I put a lot of effort into. With the student council and NHS, I have held many leadership positions. A huge part of student council has been my position as the Northwest Division President under MASC. In that role, I host and lead leadership events for student council members all over the region and at the state level.

In TaeKwonDo club, I am a student instructor who helps teach and sometimes lead classes to younger ranks that are either new to training or who have trained before. It teaches courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance and an indomitable spirit as the Tenets of TaeKwonDo.

I recently joined the Leech Lake Youth Council, which I can tell will be a big part of my community service impact and an opportunity for learning and new experiences. I have been very appreciative of all the opportunities and experiences that I have had through extracurricular activities.

What’s been the greatest struggle or hardship you have overcome in your life?

Generally, the greatest struggle that I have faced in my life has been figuring out a balance between giving myself grace while remaining busy and staying on top of my responsibilities. I have always had trouble creating boundaries and stabilizing my workload. In doing that, I get very stressed out at times, especially during the school year. I have a hard time with self-expectations that sometimes become unrealistic.

Another hardship that I overcame this year was immense grief that I was completely unfamiliar with. My grandma, Lila George, lost her second battle with breast cancer in September 2023. I had never really experienced a loss like this before, so it was really hard to learn how to cope and grieve all while being busy with school and attempting to maintain a healthy mindset.

I wanted to live out my last year of high school to the fullest, and even now I experience small losses that turn into something much bigger because of the lasting effects of grief and losing someone who has always been such a strong asset to your life so suddenly.

What do you consider as your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is definitely my role within the student council, especially at the regional and state level within MASC. My goal was to build my leadership skills and gain a better understanding of how to be successful in a position such as this, and I accomplished it and more.

In mid-April of this year, I attended the 2024 MASC-MAHS State Convention, which is filled with leadership skill-building, activities, elections and creating connections with other student council members. On top of that, there are awards and recognitions for students and advisors. I was recognized for my terms as Northwest Division President and was awarded MASC Officer of the Year.

I was also a 2024 MASC Scholarship recipient which is really cool considering that within my division, no student has ever received the MASC Scholarship, so I was extremely proud and appreciative.

Who is your greatest mentor?

A mentor who has remained constant to me throughout my life has to be my mom. She teaches me so much about life and navigating issues that her and I share so closely. We are alike on so many levels and because of that, I confide in her for help with any battle or challenge that I am facing, whether it be a big challenge or hardly one at all.

When I say we are alike, I mean it. We are both type A, work-oriented and Indigenous women who walk in two worlds. It is so easy to seek guidance from someone you are connected to by blood and that fact will remain something I value throughout my journey in life.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends when I get free time outside of work and school. I love to treat myself to coffee when I get the chance as well — anyone in my family and close circle of friends would know that about me. I play guitar and like most other people, listen to music, as well.

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6 northern Minnesota schools come together for BSU Unified Bocce Invitational

Jared Rubado — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:16:06 GMT

BEMIDJI – Mornings inside the John Glas Fieldhouse at Bemidji State are usually calmer than they were on Thursday, when Sherry Holloway led a charge to pack the facility.

Holloway, BSU’s Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE) program coordinator, organized the BSU Unified Bocce Invitational, an event for six different high schools in northern Minnesota.

For three hours, Unified athletes and partners played bocce ball, took photos with the Bemidji State mascot and danced, celebrating another event that promotes inclusion in sports at all levels.

“People often say how cool stuff like this is for kids with disabilities, and it is, but it’s really cool for everyone else to learn about disability awareness and being an ally,” said Jackie Stoffel, a Unified physical education teacher at Bemidji High ��. “It’s about coming together and supporting others despite their differences.”

Unified sports allow students of varying ability levels and backgrounds to participate on equal terms through ongoing fitness, sports, leadership and wellness activities. It’s a program aimed at developing the physical, intellectual and social growth of all participants.

Unified participants from Bemidji, Bagley, Red Lake, Thief River Falls, TrekNorth and Menahga all gathered at BSU on Thursday, along with 35 volunteers and other Bemidji State faculty.

Many of the volunteers are students in classes taught by Holloway. Jaxon Leindecker, a BHS graduate, was one of the first Unified partners in Stoffel’s program. On Thursday, he was one of the volunteers.

“The first time I was involved (in the Unified program) was the first time it was ever offered in high school,” Leindecker continued. “I remember when it first started, there was only one event for us to do. There were about 10 athletes and around 12 partners. Now when you look around, her classes are filled. It’s growing every single year.”

Emily Fultz runs the Unified program in Bagley. But with fewer numbers, she relies on locally hosted events to get the athletes some exposure to out-of-school activities.

“A lot of our kids, they aren’t part of anything else,” Fultz added. “Feeling that inclusion makes them feel like they can do something within the school. They look forward to doing sports, competing and being a part of something they feel really included in. They love meeting other kids from other schools, too.”

Holloway noted that the Special Olympics did some restructuring within the last year, which brought unforeseen financial and staffing challenges to hosting Unified sports.

That’s when Bemidji State stepped in. As a proud Unified Champion ��, BSU opened its doors for a wave of student-athletes just two days after it ran a campus tour to address wheelchair accessibility challenges on campus.

“We had to change the way we do things,” Holloway said. “Financially and with personnel, it’s a challenge. But BSU stepped up. BSU didn’t ask us to pay rent today. We got a small stipend from the Special Olympics. But most of this is BSU and the area schools taking on the responsibility themselves. It’s priceless. It’s what makes this so special.”

Holloway’s students also get a chance to network with high school special education faculty. Not only did the BSU Unified Bocce Invitational bring differently abled athletes together, but it also paired aspiring educators with future coworkers.

“DAPE teachers get to spend the day with other DAPE teachers,” Holloway said. “My BSU students, they get to see DAPE teachers and other professionals in action. This is multi-layered, to have a day like this.”

“We’re very fortunate because of people like Sherry Holloway and BSU,” Stoffel said. “They took on this event so all of our kids in northern Minnesota could participate. Without BSU and Sherry, we wouldn’t have had this day today. This builds an experience for her students, and it builds an experience for our students.”

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TrekNorth's Cecelia Humphrey continues leadership role in hosting regional summit

Daltyn Lofstrom — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 17:15:41 GMT

BEMIDJI — As she prepares to wrap up her high school career, TrekNorth senior Cecelia Humphrey looks back on her time in student council with appreciation.

As part of Humphrey’s role as president of the Northwest Division Board for the Minnesota Association of Student Councils, she played an instrumental role in hosting a fall summit last year for over 200 students from northwest Minnesota schools.

Following her reelection this past spring, she was able to replicate this with added confidence in her leadership ability.

Starting off as a large group gathering in Bemidji State’s Beaux Arts Ballroom before dividing into various break-out sessions on Wednesday, Humphrey and other members of the Northwest Division Board facilitated “Take Flight Into Leadership,” an event aimed at networking and encouraging greater participation in leadership.

“If their council is in a rut, not knowing what to do or if they feel their council isn’t doing enough, they can go back with ideas to implement into their council,” Humphrey said, “and then I hope they meet new people, network, want to be more involved with MASC and potentially run for a position. Hopefully, we can encourage students to branch out in that sense.”

The summit kicked off with the singing of the national anthem by the TrekNorth Choir Trio, of which Humphrey was a part. The Modern Medicine Drum Group then played a flag song before introductions took place.

Though unable to attend, TrekNorth Executive Director Erica Harmsen shared remarks with the roughly 230 students in attendance that TrekNorth Student Council Advisor Jodie Olson read off.

“Not only do I hope you enjoy your time today on this beautiful campus, but I hope you take away ideas to better yourself, your school and your community,” Olson said on behalf of Harmsen. “Seniors, it is close to the time for you to take your flight and I’m thankful for the opportunities the student councils have given you to prepare for your next adventure.”

Speaking for herself, Olson encouraged all students to learn as much as they could throughout the day of activities.

“Make it a goal to learn at least one new thing,” Olson said. “Meet other student leaders. You can learn from each other, then go back to your school and use what you’ve learned.”

Following icebreakers and teaching the schools the Northwest Division cheer, student leadership consultant Doug Erickson spoke about the value of making connections in leadership endeavors and life in general.

Erickson previously worked with MASC and is somebody that Humphrey considers a great resource during her involvement with the organization.

“Doug knows a lot about student life, what the problems are in schools and how councils work to combat those,” Humphrey said. “I hope that students take away a lot from him.”

Representing TrekNorth

When the summit was all said and done, Humphrey noted a greater level of confidence in her ability to lead a summit a second time around.

“Last year, I remember being very frazzled because I hadn’t done it before and I hadn’t been in a position where I would talk in front of 200 to 300 kids,” Humphrey said. “I’m definitely more comfortable with public speaking now because I’ve learned that it’s more laid back than I thought.”

Humphrey was not only excited to be reelected to her position for this year — and therefore, host the summit in Bemidji — but also the added representation of TrekNorth on the Northwest Division Board. TrekNorth student Iris Jensen became the board’s secretary while Marla Mesarina became a representative following an election last spring.

Additionally, Olson was recognized as the Northwest Division Advisor of the Year in March, an honor that Humphrey finds fitting considering Olson’s retirement after this school year.

“I think it’s great for Jodi’s last year to have this representation on the board. We’ve had it before, but not as a president, secretary and representative, so it’s a big deal,” Humphrey said. “I’m hoping the rest of the (TrekNorth student council) who are underclassmen stem from that.”

Once she wraps up her seventh year in student council and graduates next spring, Humphrey tentatively plans to attend the University of Minnesota, Duluth for the medical field or biology.

Admitting indecisiveness when it comes to such a big decision, Humphrey has her family as a support system that she can turn to no matter which direction she chooses. This includes her grandmother who passed away earlier this fall.

“She was one of the people I wanted to lead for and make proud,” Humphrey left off. “Since my first election, my goal has been to lead and represent my culture, my ancestors, and the strong women I descend from.”

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Bemidji Career Academies opens Career Fair up to other area schools

Daltyn Lofstrom — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 21:36:32 GMT

BEMIDJI — For several years, the Bemidji Career Academies Career Fair has aided thousands of Bemidji High �� students in their exploration of career paths after they graduate.

With the exact energy expected from the event at the high school on Monday morning, nearly 1,800 students flooded both gymnasiums and the halls to interact with over 50 area businesses and colleges.

Traditionally offered to BHS students only, Bemidji Career Academy staff opted for a slight twist to this fall’s fair: inviting other area schools to take part.

“It’s always been on our radar to invite other schools because when we work with our partners, they’re working with greater Bemidji and the entire community,” Coordinator Jenny Fraley said. “It’s not just BHS, so we want to recognize that. We also want to show them what the BCA program is all about.”

Inviting schools within a 60-mile radius, over 100 students attended from TrekNorth Junior and Senior High ��, Voyageurs Expeditionary ��, Red Lake and Northome High ��.

“As we’ve developed the career fair the last few years, our next logical step was to expand it a little bit,” BHS Principal Jason Stanoch said. “Many of our contiguous school districts now have an opportunity to see what our employers and partners have to offer.”

Among a wide range of employers and representatives from local colleges, students had a chance to complete hands-on activities such as trying their hand at an airplane simulator offered by the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, which was stationed in a trailer outside the school.

At a booth headed by Central Lakes College, students could test their skills on an excavator simulator. At Northwest Technical College’s Early Childhood Education booth, attendees could learn about fetal alcohol and shaken baby syndrome with dolls commonly used in NTC’s early childhood classes.

Other organizations included Crystal Sugar Company, NLFX Professional, Choice Therapy and Bemidji State University.

“These are some fantastic things for our kids to see,” Stanoch said. “We have quite a diverse offering for kids to explore and this represents the possibilities for our kids really well.”

With the introduction of a hiring fair first held in April, Fraley detailed a certain pipeline that students go through when attending the career fair in the fall before the hiring fair takes place each spring.

“Employers get to talk about their industry (at the career fair) and tell students what it’s about instead of students guessing what it’s about,” Fraley said. “When students are looking for jobs in the spring, they already have that background knowledge of what that career is. Ultimately, the relationship between potential future employees and the employers is what students get out of it.”

She added that such an opportunity like the career fair allows students a chance to find out what they may want to do for a career, but also what they don’t want to do.

“They might have an idea of what a job is, and then they visit with the people who do that and they may realize ‘that’s not at all what I thought it was,’” Fraley said, “and that is just as valuable.”

As more fairs are planned moving into the future, a goal for Fraley is to continue offering opportunities for other area schools to reap the rewards of BCA’s career fairs just as BHS students have done.

“I work with a lot of school counselors and they wish there was more of an opportunity, especially in rural areas, to bring their students (to career fairs),” Fraley said, “and Bemidji seems like a natural space to have that.”

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