June 14, 2012
On June 9, 2012, Mounds Park Academy celebrated the end of the school’s 30th year at the commencement of the 60 members of the Class of 2012. The ceremony included the traditional presentation of MPA’s Commencement Awards: The Paul B. Chmelik Men’s Leadership Award, the Sandy Kreischer Smith Senior Woman’s Leadership Award, the Kreischer Bowl Award, the Valedictorian Award, and the Salutatorian Award.
Many other awards were presented to Class of 2012 members last week at the Upper School Awards Ceremony and earlier in the school year at the Fall Awards Assembly.
Congratulations to these students and to all of the Class of 2012 graduates!
The Paul B. Chmelik Men’s Leadership Award was presented to Eric Dahlquist. The award was established by the Upper School faculty to permanently acknowledge the contribution that Paul B. Chmelik made to the Upper School at Mounds Park Academy. The award is given to a unique senior man who has demonstrated high ethical standards, character and dedication, and orientation to service, a sense of fairness and integrity and shows leadership by example. This award was presented by Upper School Assistant Director Randy Comfort.
The Sandy Kreischer Smith Senior Woman’s Leadership Award was presented to Sydney Eberwein. This award was designated by the Board of Directors at Mounds Park Academy to permanently acknowledge the contribution that Sandy Smith made to the founding organization and administration of Mounds Park Academy through her unique leadership qualities. The award goes to a senior woman who has demonstrated leadership qualities, which include, but are not limited to, the following: takes initiative, is reliable and always willing to help, is independent and spirited, is able to transform ideas into reality, is a role model outside the traditional roles, and provides leadership for all. This award was decided upon by faculty, staff, and administration. Mounds Park Academy founder Bob Kreischer attended the Class of 2012 commencement to assist Head of School Mike Downs with presenting this award.
The Kreischer Bowl Award was presented to Audrey Berdahl-Baldwin. The Kreischer Bowl was designated by the donor and Board of Directors to be awarded annually to a member of the senior class who, through the application of imagination, perseverance, and high ideals, exemplifies the dream of the founders of Mounds Park Academy. The qualities of the individual include: exemplary citizenship, enthusiasm and initiative, giving of time and talent to the school and community, promotes the school and is proud of it, and shows a commitment to academic excellence. Mounds Park Academy founder Bob Kreischer attended the Class of 2012 commencement to assist Head of School Mike Downs with presenting this award.
The Valedictorian Award was presented to Greta Gangestad. The award for the highest academic achievement in the class includes an opportunity to speak at the commencement ceremony.
The Salutatorian Award was presented to Matt Chambers. This award for the second highest academic achievement in the class was presented by Upper School Director Scott Peeler.
