Staff Spotlight: Nick Wells

Nick Wells

Nick Wells, paraeducator at Lincoln Elementary School, had no thoughts of working in education. His career was retail management. However, his wife (a teacher) noticed how well he interacted with his customers – particularly kids – and suggested that he switch careers to education. It’s a decision he’s never once regretted. “I’ve always been a … Read more

Senior Spotlight: Win Koering

Win Koering

Like all 2020-21 seniors, Apollo High School graduate Win Koering didn’t have a typical senior year, but he did everything he could to continue maximizing his high school experience. “[Early in high school] I tried to be as active in the [school] community as I could be,” reflects Koering. “It started by joining soccer and … Read more

Staff Spotlight: Summer (Chengying) Yang-Farmerie

Summer Yang-Farmerie

Becoming a kindergarten Chinese immersion teacher at Madison Elementary School was the furthest thing from Summer Yang-Farmerie’s mind while growing up in China. Yang-Farmerie grew up in western China and began learning English in middle school, but she never dreamed she’d be teaching her native language as an adult. “When I went to college,” says … Read more

I AM 742: Grace Leapaldt

Grace Leapaldt

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

Staff Spotlight: Apollo Principal Alicia Fischer

Alicia Fischer

New and upcoming Instagram influencer and Apollo High School principal, Alicia Fischer, knew from an early age she wanted to be in education. “It’s a blessing for me that I’ve always known I wanted to be in education,” says Fischer. “In third grade, I developed a really strong relationship with my teacher, and in sixth … Read more