I AM 742: Alumna Jessica Backes

Jessica Backes in dress blues with her flute

Music is in her blood. For 2014 Tech High School graduate, Jessica Backes, music is a way to connect with people. Backes just visited South Junior High School, her former middle school, to talk to students about music, but more importantly, to stop and say hello and thank you to her old band director, Anita … Read more

McKinley Celebrates 25 Years With the VA

McKinley students serve Thanksgiving cookies to vets.

McKinley-ALC students gather in the early morning at the St. Cloud Veterans Hospital sporting their volunteer shirts and name tags. They venture to the Veterans Affairs Hospital (VA) twice a month to reconnect with veterans, some whom they now call friends. Kathy Lyerly and Mike Myers-Schleif, McKinley service learning project supervisors, await the students. They laugh … Read more

I AM 742: A New Beginning

Chris Ley instructing marksmanship

Chris Ley is committed to doing the best job he can do, whether as a U.S. Airman or as a number one dad. This year is a new beginning for Ley and his daughter Kaylee. They recently moved to St. Cloud to be closer to family. Ley was also looking for a fresh start. Westwood Elementary … Read more

I AM 742: Spotlight on Susan Keranen

Susan Keranen

It’s October and winter is on its way. Susan Keranen is excited because she loves to downhill ski with her family. She loves to cook, bake and read, too. However, what she is really passionate about is helping those with dyslexia, a reading disorder with a wide spectrum of characteristics that presents itself in difficulty … Read more

Morning Mile Helps Students Focus

Clearview students walking laps in the morning.

Fall is in the air. George Bienusa, physical education teacher, doesn’t mind the crisp bite of the air. Mornings at Clearview Elementary School are both chilly and bright as students walk 20 minutes outside every morning before school starts. They get a jump start on the day through their new grant program, “Morning Mile.” Last year, … Read more