Carissa Hopkins-Hoel 
After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Gulf War vet and current South Junior High School art teacher, James Van Horn, took a position working at a youth shelter group home. He began to teach art as a means of expression for the youth. When the home was forced to close, he knew his passion … Read more
Mix the comedy of Jimmy Fallon or Jimmy Kimmel and combine that with the fun, eclectic dance moves of Ellen DeGeneres, and you have the newly launched “Tech Morning Show.” It’s entertainment combined with news, all wrapped up into a neat little digital package. The “Tech Morning Show” is only possible this year because of … Read more
Research shows that ninth grade is a pivotal year for most high school students, setting the stage for future academic and personal success. That is why St. Cloud Area School District and other high schools across the nation have adopted BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) strategies to enhance student experiences and outcomes. Tech High School … Read more
Each year, St. Cloud Rotary hosts Junior Rotarians from five area high schools at its weekly meetings. Junior Rotarians attend meetings with business leaders and community influencers for one month during the school year and are given the opportunity to introduce themselves to Rotary members in a speech, as well as compete for a $1,000 … Read more
Once a week, a classroom at Lincoln Elementary School looks a little different than all the others. Every Tuesday, students in Mr. Mathiason’s class dress for success. The idea stemmed from Mathiason teaching at Discovery Community School five years prior. “I had a boy that just admired my suit jackets,” explains Mathiason. “So, I went … Read more