Today at MPA
Homecoming 2016
Homecoming 2016 was a wild success! Panthers of all ages displayed their incredible school spirit, both on and off campus. From fun runs and soccer games, to socials and picnics, there was something for everyone!
The activities got started during the week, with lunchtime school spirit activities and dress-up days. On Friday, the Pep Rally was fun for the entire community. The evening included a victorious football game for our co-op Football Team against New Life Academy/Bethany Academy/St. Croix Prep. Alumni from all classes gathered that evening to reconnect at an All Alumni Social.
Runs for all ages kicked off the festivities on campus Saturday morning, followed by a bounce house, ping pong, photobooth, and food truck fun. Panther athletics continued to lead on Saturday. The Girls Tennis Team defeated Cretin-Derham Hall before losing to Woodbury, finishing second in their tournament. The Girls Volleyball Team finished in third place with two wins and one loss at their tournament. The Girls and Boys Soccer Teams both trailed by one goal in the first half of their respective games but came back with two goals in the second half to win their games against St. Paul Harding. And, at the Milaca Cross Country meet, the boys took third in Class A, with junior Declan Dahlberg winning the individual championship.
The classes of '86, '87, '96, '97, '06, and '07 celebrated milestone reunions with a reception and reconnected with their classmates that evening.
MOCK DEBATE
Melissa Rahn, a long-time DFL campaign insider, and Brian LeClair, chairman of Donald Trump's campaign in Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, participated in a mock debate on September 16 moderated by Kevin Goodno, former commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services and an MPA parent. The two debaters answered thoughtful questions from MPA students related to race relations, trust, and immigration.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Fifteen students from the Class of 2017 were inducted into the National Honor Society on October 11. They were selected based on a combination of exemplary scholarship, leadership, service, and character. "These students excel in meeting MPA's high academic and social standards. Each new member earned the trust and respect of the faculty and will use their attributes to make a difference,"said Mark Segal, Upper School director. Pictured left to right, front row: Eleanor Galicich, Andrew George, Benjamin George, Katie Hands, Hannah Harms, Theo Janke-Furman, Charles Kramer. Back row: Molly Gardner, Eloise Berdahl-Baldwin, Isaac Esch, Olivia Schultz, Peter Millerhagen, Maija Olson, Lukas Lindgren. Not pictured: Sidney Carlson White.
STUDENTS VENTURE OFF CAMPUS THIS FALL
Half of the Middle School participated in three-day, two-night adventures this fall, in order to build community, experience unique hands-on learning, and foster character skills. The eighth grade class traveled to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro, where they studied the geology, worked on group challenges, and overcame their fears on the high ropes course. Sixth graders journeyed to the Audubon Center of the North Woods to learn about forest ecology, birds of prey, and wolf ecology, as well as Ojibway culture and the French trappers. Getting off campus and exploring our world is central to the Middle School experience.
GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
It was an honor to host Grandparents and Special Friends on campus October 19. The music performance and classroom activities brought so much joy to the children, grandparents, parents, special friends, and faculty. This long-standing tradition is very important to MPA and we are grateful for the opportunity to welcome many generations on campus for one shared day. Please visit us again soon—our campus is your campus and you are welcome anytime!