All School Archives

Class of 2017: Maija Olson, Hugo

June 26, 2017

In what grade did you come to MPA? Kindergarten

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
My decision was certainly not an easy one. I did not send my deposit in until 11:30 PM on April 30. I applied to many schools, but it was relatively easy for me to narrow it down to the top three and then the top two. From there, there was a period of time where I was quite conflicted. Both options have great academics and opportunities, and I went back and forth for a month. I think I tried just about every method of decision making including pro and con lists, flipping a coin, and reading philosophy papers about decisions, just to name a few. After none of this was successful, I chose to really think about where I could best see myself. I thought a lot about the students I had met and the feelings I had while on campus. Ultimately, it came down to the “vibe” and trusting my gut feelings.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
I am most excited to have the opportunity to choose classes and really focus on the topics I am passionate about. We have had some opportunity to do this through senior English and History courses at MPA, but I am looking forward to even more freedom to choose. In addition to this, I am interested in research and internship opportunities. Read More

Class of 2017: Ellie Galicich, North Oaks

June 23, 2017

In what grade did you come to MPA? 4th

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I liked the vibe of the campus and all the opportunities it will give me in the next four years. I want to go pre-med and Colgate University has many opportunities for research and internships.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
I’m very excited to be in a new environment and state. I’m excited for the freedom that comes with being a college student and figuring out my own path over the next four years.

What did you appreciate most about the college counseling process at MPA?
Ms. Pederson was incredibly helpful throughout the whole process junior and senior year. There were some weeks at the beginning of senior year where I met with her every single day to talk about different applications or essays. Read More

First Child of an Alum to Graduate from MPA

June 20, 2017

An important milestone was reached on Saturday, June 10, when the first child of an alum graduated from Mounds Park Academy! Mimi Lyons is pictured to the right with a portrait of MPA’s first graduating class, including her mom, Sheri Lyons ’86, which hangs in the Porter Conference Room on campus.

Mimi loves to learn and loves to join. She was a peer leader, student ambassador, yearbook staffer, orchestra member, Madrigal Singer, varsity tennis player—all while balancing a rigorous courseload. She will attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, this fall. Congratulations to Mimi, the Lyons Family, and the entire Class of 2017!

Class of 2017: Andrew George, Roseville

June 20, 2017

In what grade did you come to MPA? 9th

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I chose Grinnell because of its academic reputation. I loved how much the departments and programs work to develop a broad range of skills. I also love the location. Not many people can says yes to spending four years in a cornfield, but it seems that the students of Grinnell love that part.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
Meeting new people, and interacting with professors. I am also excited to join musical ensembles, as well as become a more independent person.

What did you appreciate most about the college counseling process at MPA?
How closely tailored it is for each individual person. Even though my brother and I are similar in school, the process was much different for him than it was for me. Read More

Ideas for a Learning-Rich Summer

June 8, 2017

By Dr. Bill Hudson, Mounds Park Academy Head of School

Summer was made for students. That might sound counterintuitive for the head of an independent PreK–12 school to say, but please hear me out.

Consider the words that best describe the students who call MPA home: freethinkers, free spirits, risk takers, right makers. Dreamers and doers. Throughout the school year, we promote these qualities across our academic and extracurricular activities. We create days that are filled with wonder so that students emerge from each year even more joyful, confident, and creative than they were in the fall.

Then summer comes. Extra time, a slower pace, and beautiful weather, all set the perfect stage for MPA students, and all children, to continue developing those qualities on their own and with their families.

Class of 2017: Katie Hands, Stillwater

June 7, 2017

As the 2016–17 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2017.

In what grade did you come to MPA? 8th

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I absolutely love adventuring outdoors and being close to the mountains. The campus is gorgeous and I was very intrigued by the block plan that Colorado College has. After visiting the campus in April of 2016, I knew the school was a perfect fit for me.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
I am excited to expand my friend group and meet people from all around the world. I am also eager to see how well the block plan will work for me. I can’t wait to go on block break adventures.

What did you appreciate most about the college counseling process at MPA?
The college counselors are some of the most incredible people I know. They helped me through every step of my junior and senior year, which gave me confidence in my decision-making. I would not have been able to do the work that I have done without the help of my counselors. It was especially helpful to begin the college search process as early as we did because it allowed me to be prepared and mostly stress free. Read More

Upper School Awards Assembly

June 7, 2017

On Friday, June 2, the Upper School student body gathered to honor this year’s award recipients, as well as retiring founding faculty member, Mr. Richard Meacock. Congratulations to all of the honorees and to each and every student for an exceptional year in Upper School.

Photos >
Complete Awards Ceremony Video >
Honoring the Legacy of Mr. Meacock Video >
List of Award Recipients >

Class of 2017: Lukas Lindgren, Saint Paul

June 6, 2017

As the 2016–17 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2017.

In what grade did you come to MPA? 7th

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I chose a college based on faith and family. I felt going to St. Olaf would be best to further my relationship with God, so it was definitely the best choice for my faith. As for family, I have a lot of relatives who attended St. Olaf and I will be running in very tight-knit track and cross country programs.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
I am most excited to explore my faith in depth. Between daily chapel services, faith-based student groups, easy access to college pastors, and my Hebrew history class, I feel that I am in for a fascinating faith experience in college.

What did you appreciate most about the college counseling process at MPA?
Ms. Pederson takes time to know each senior so she can write a quality letter of recommendation. Her individual touch has no peer among college counselors, as far as I know. Read More

Class of 2017: Olivia Schultz, Arden Hills

June 5, 2017

As the 2016–17 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2017.

In what grade did you come to MPA? 11th

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I knew that Colorado College had been my dream since the day I discovered it, but after meeting all of the amazing people I would go to school with, there was no doubt that I belonged there.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
I’m excited to challenge and push myself to grow into the best person I can be.

What did you appreciate most about the college counseling process at MPA?
I really appreciated all of the help with my essays. Read More

Congratulations MPA Golf!

June 5, 2017

Congratulations to the Panther Boys Golf Team! They qualified for State for the third consecutive year, winning the Section 4A Championship last week. Team members include juniors, Brock Bliese, Matt Berning, Jackson Peacock, Joey Mecklenburg, Nick Guiang, and Anthony Kuba.

And, junior, Rachel Lindrud qualified as an individual for the third year in row in the Girls Section 4A Golf Championship! The golfers will compete at the State Tournament on Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 14 at Pebble Creek Golf Course. Go Panthers!