EPS Achievements

March

EPS ranked top school for student success in Minnesota

March 16, 2020 - Edina Public Schools has been ranked the top school district in Minnesota for student success, according to USA Today. They looked at school district quality around the country to determine where students were most likely to succeed. Though there are many factors that impact a child’s educational future, “A good school district can greatly increase a child’s chances of future success.”

Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Education Statistics, they determined the top school district in each state using a variety of measures, such as high school graduation rate, teacher-to-student ratio, and per-pupil spending. In addition, college entrance exam performances and data about proficiency tests for different subjects, provided by Niche, was also analyzed.

For Minnesota, the article stated, “Minnesota's Edina Public Schools, just southwest of Minneapolis, comprises 12 schools that enroll nearly 9,000 students. The best district in the state, Edina's high school graduation rate is over 92%. Students in the district are also more likely to be enrolled in advanced, college level courses than students in districts statewide. An estimated 25.3% of high schoolers in Edina are enrolled in an AP class, compared to 21.5% of students nationwide.” View the article from USA Today.

EHS Repertory Orchestra receives superior ratings

March 13, 2020 – Edina High School Repertory Orchestra has received two Superior with Distinction ratings, the highest rating possible, during the MNSOTA Middle Level Orchestra Festival. These ratings reflected a perfect score from one of the judges.

The Middle Level Orchestra Festival offers orchestras constructive criticism and comments to improve the group’s musical performance and to improve students’ understanding of musical concepts. The Superior with Distinction rating represents an outstanding performance in all major categories for all selections performed. A total of 34 groups participated in the festival on March 6.

February

South View students selected for State Honor Jazz Band

Feb. 19, 2020 - Two eighth grade students from South View Middle School were selected for and performed in the Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA) State Honor Jazz Band. Griffith Pugh plays guitar, and Ella Weinstein plays alto saxophone. Both are members of the Hornet Jazz Band at South View.

Pugh and Weinstein were selected through a recorded audition process by a panel of music experts. Weinstein was one of two saxophone players selected in the state, and Pugh was the only guitarist chosen for the group. They had the opportunity to rehearse with guest conductor Andy Nelson, and performed at the Minnesota Music Educators Midwinter Clinic at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Friday, February 14th.

Edina High School CyberPatriot Team wins first place in Gold Tier

February 14, 2020 – A team of students from Edina High School (EHS) recently concluded an exceptional round of competition in the twelfth season of CyberPatriot – the Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Defense Competition. This competition challenges teams of students across the United States, Canada, and other schools abroad, to find and resolve cybersecurity vulnerabilities in simulated environments. 

Led by EHS senior Aryan Jain, the team of students from EHS excelled in the state round held in December, demonstrating teamwork, critical thinking, and technical skills needed for a successful career in cybersecurity. The team’s performance earned it first place in the Gold Tier. The members of the team are:

• Ian McVann-Henkelmann, sophomore
• Ryan Koo, junior
• Nick Dimitrov, junior
• Aryan Jain, senior 
• Richik Choudhury, junior
• Sarah Swann, junior

Top teams from the online rounds earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Rockville, Md., for the in-person National Finals Competition, where students compete for national recognition and scholarships.

Piece of Cake wins Minnesota state robotics tournament

Feb. 11, 2020 - Edina FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) robotics team, Piece of Cake, won the Minnesota FTC State Championship tournament on Feb. 8, in St. Paul, Minnesota, which qualifies them to compete in the 2020 FTC World Championship tournament in Detroit, April 28 through May 2. Saturday’s win is the second consecutive time the team has won the state tournament − and the third time the team has qualified for the world tournament. The team includes six ninth-grade students: Alec Becker, Naren Ghate, Evan Holly, Garv Khurana, Colin Shaw, and Alex Wicklund.

January

Music Listening Team heading to state

Jan. 30, 2020 - The Edina High School (EHS) Music Listening Team took first place at this year’s Region 8 Music Listening Contest. Coached by EHS music teacher Paul Kile, the team scored 93 out of 100 points to win first place. The team is made up of juniors Charlie Klukow, Soren Edman, and Katy Meffert.

The Music Listening Contest involves five timed rounds where students identify titles and composers by listening to excerpts from study CDs, and complete multiple choice questions related to general information, timelines, historical and stylistic information about the composers and their pieces. The state championship competition is Friday, February 7, where the EHS Music Listening Team will be defending their state title.

Four Edina robotics teams advance to state FIRST® robotics tournaments

January 29, 2020 - Four of Edina’s FIRST® robotics teams are headed for state competitions next month. FIRST® is a youth-focused nonprofit that operates worldwide to advance STEM education and seeks to “inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.” Within two of their programs, EPS has robotics teams advancing to state tournaments.

In the Minnesota FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL), Edina middle schools have three teams headed to the State Championship after their successes at the Regional and Sectional tournaments: The District Office, The Furry Wookiees, and The Wonderful Weeping Willows. The state tournament will take place on Saturday, February 22.

The District Office won the Robot Performance award at the Regional tournament in December. The Furry Wookiees won the Robot Design award at the Regional tournament in December and also won the Programming award and Head-to-Head 2nd place award at the Sectional tournament in January. The Wonderful Weeping Willows won the Robot Performance and Core Values awards at the Regional tournament in November and also won the Core Values award at the Sectional tournament in January.

Through the FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC), robotics team 3763, Piece of Cake, won FTC state qualifying tournaments on Nov. 24 and Dec. 15. Piece of Cake will be advancing for the third year in a row to the Minnesota State Tournament, February 7 and 8. 

The team also won the Control Award at both tournaments. The award celebrates an innovative control system or application of control components – electrical, mechanical, or software – to provide unique machine functions.

EHS science teacher nominated for Teacher of the Year

Jan. 27, 2020 – Stephen Sanger, a science teacher at Edina High School, is among the 134 educators nominated for the 2020 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Education Minnesota released this year’s list of nominees on Jan. 24. This is the program’s 56th year of recognizing excellence in teaching in Minnesota through highlighting great educators.

Eligible nominees for the Teacher of the Year must be currently teaching in a public or nonpublic school working directly with students, have taught for five years and intend to teach during the upcoming school year, along with holding a bachelor’s degree and a Minnesota teaching license. Nominations are made during the fall using a nomination form found on www.educationminnesota.org. Nominees submit their portfolio as an acceptance of their nomination.

A selection committee determines the semifinalists, finalists, and ultimately, the Teacher of the Year. This panel is made up of 20-25 community leaders from around Minnesota in education, business, and government. The winner of the 2020 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award will be announced on Sunday, May 3.

Seventh grader takes first at chess tournament

Jan. 24, 2020 - Marshall Tsai, a seventh grader at South View Middle School, took first in his category at the School Chess Association Frozen Open tournament, January 18 at Plymouth Middle School. Kids from all over the Twin Cities participated in the Frozen Open tournament. Tsai competed in the junior high section, which includes grades 7-9.

Tsai has been playing chess since first grade. He participated in the Chess with Russ program offered through Community Education at Cornelia Elementary School. Russ Erickson has been teaching kids chess for over 40 years -- over 20 year through Community Ed.

EHS debate team receives top awards at state tournament

Jan. 23, 2020 - Edina High School’s debate team received multiple accolades at the 119th Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) State Debate Tournament, January 17-18. The tournament took place at the University of Minnesota. Eight students were recognized, along with EHS overall and Coach Hayden Uihlein. View the results from the state tournament.

EHS hip hop competition dance team takes first at nationals

Jan. 22, 2020 - Edina High School’s Hip Hop Competition Dance Team took first place at DX Americup Nationals, January 17-19. The group’s competition division consists of teams from North Dakota, Indiana, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Mexico.

Ariel Enriquez, the team’s coach, was one of the founding members of the team when it was formed in 2005. She has been the coach since 2010. “In the past, we've received 4th place twice, last year we took 2nd, and now we are national champions!” she said. “We competed against incredible teams and routines this year, which is why this win is especially significant for us.”

The competition team consists of Kate Hellickson, Marnie Pardo, Bella Margolis, Caroline Ellingson, Anna Devine, Brady Evans, Gillian Zeuli, Libby Strittmater, Niyah Cameron, Shinbee Waldron, Talli Navers, Viv Nash, and Vishakha Kanwar. 

Edina youth robotics team earns trophies at recent competitions

Jan. 17, 2020 - FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL) Rookie Team #24946 - Astro Bots - earned multiple trophies in the 2019-2020 FLL Minnesota Regional and Sectional Tournaments. FLL is a robotics program that engages students in research, coding, engineering, and problem solving to complete theme-based challenges. Astro Bots won the Robot Performance Award at the regional tournament, and the Innovation Project Award and Head to Head 2nd Place in the sectional tournament.

The team consists of Creek Valley fifth graders Lily Alvarez, Zoey Shi, and Jonathan Wu; Normandale fifth grader Helen Liu; Countryside fifth grader Jaden Wu; Valley View sixth graders Leon Situ and Raya Hou.

EHS students selected for Middle Level Honors Orchestra

Jan. 8, 2020 – The Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association has selected five EHS freshman to be members of the Middle Level Honors Orchestra. The Orchestra consists of the best string players across the state in grades 7-9. It will perform during the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

The students selected are: Ansel Erol, violin; Claire Chen, violin; Marcus Chen, cello; Julie Ben-Ozilio, violin; and Julia Kim, violin. The students will join the Orchestra for a one-day rehearsal at the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, followed by the performance.

More than 100 students from across Minnesota auditioned for the Middle Level Honors Orchestra. Each student was required to submit a three-step anonymous audition that was judged by two professional orchestra/string personnel.

December

Hornet athletes earn four state championships in amazing fall season

Dec. 18, 2019 - Four EHS teams brought home Minnesota State High School championship trophies this fall. The teams were recognized at the Dec. 16 School Board meeting. “We really work hard to not try and define success as winning state championships,” said Troy Stein, assistant principal and athletic director. “We talk about growth and consistent improvement and what is our purpose in playing.” Stein said EHS athletes and coaches are “dedicated and passionate” and credits the network of support for the teams that extends beyond the school and into the community.

With the addition of these four championship, Hornet teams have won 12 state titles in the past 15 months. The newest State Championship teams are:

• Girls’ Tennis -- 22nd State Championship in 23 years; Legendary Coach Steve Paulsen retired at the end of the season after 28 years with the program, recording more than 600 wins and just 17 defeats
• Girls’ Swim & Dive – State Champions for the fourth year in a row
• Boys’ Soccer – Finished the season undefeated, 22-0
• Girls’ Cross Country – Posted their 3rd State Championship in last five years

EHS student one of two in state selected for U.S. Senate program

Dec. 18, 2019 - Yash Mangalick, a junior at Edina High School, is one of two students selected to represent Minnesota at the U.S. Senate Youth Program (USSYP) in Washington, D.C. The week-long program provides students an opportunity to experience national government in action. It is geared toward students who have expressed an interest in pursuing careers in public service.

Mangalick has served as Student Commissioner on the Edina Planning Commission from 2018-2019. He is also an appointee to the EHS principal's advisory group, and served on the Site Council, the Student Senate, and is a cabinet member for the Mosaic group. Mangalick has been captain of the Edina Congressional Debate Team for the last two years.

Student delegates will hear major policy addresses and participate in meetings with the president and a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Hearst Foundation covers all student expenses for the week. Additionally, each delegate is awarded a $10,000 college scholarship, with encouragement to pursue course work in history and political science.

Edina senior honored for equity and faith-based activism

Dec. 17, 2019 - Olivia Pierce, a senior at Edina High School (EHS), was one of two recipients of Edina’s 2019 Tom Oye Award, which honors socially-minded residents and their pursuits of equity and fairness.

Pierce formed a faith-based student group at EHS to foster a more positive and compassionate climate in the school. She is also a member of the Black Student Union. As a speaker at the TEDxEdina event last year, she spoke on unconscious racial bias, specifically in organized Christianity. Her presentation has over 13,000 views on Youtube and is used at workshops to help participants become aware of and check their biases. 

Pierce has also served on a volunteer medical team that traveled to Haiti. This health-focus came from watching the health struggles her younger sister had and has led Pierce to pursue a career in pediatrics. “She uses her voice as a young black woman to advocate for greater representation of people of color in her faith tradition, and her school community, and in service opportunities locally and abroad,” said presenter Caitlin Ellingen Friedemann.

The Tom Oye Award is given annually in honor of the late Tom Oye, a founding member of the Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission.

Edina teacher selected as Economic Educator of the Year

Dec. 3, 2019 - Steven Cullison, a teacher at Edina High School, has been selected by the Minnesota Council on Economic Education (MCEE) as the 2019 Economic Educator of the Year. This award was given to Cullison in recognition of his commitment to excellence in economic education for grades 9-12.

Cullison, a graduate of Edina himself, has taught economics and other courses for six years at EHS. “I enjoy teaching economics because it’s applicable and relevant for students. AP Economics participates in a variety of competitions, and won the state championship in the Econ Challenge in 2018. We’ll send a team to compete at Harvard in the spring,” Cullison said. “Some of the best students in Edina come through my room, and they make me look good.” 

Cullison holds a degree in psychology from The University of Minnesota, a Masters in Teaching from St. Thomas University, and an Educational Specialist in School Leadership from St. Thomas University. Besides social studies, he is also licensed in school administration and special education.

November

Newsweek ranks EHS in top 500 of America’s Best STEM High Schools

Nov. 8, 2019 - Edina High School is one of two Minnesota public high schools in the top 500 on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best STEM High Schools. The list, released on Nov. 8 – National STEM Day – names eight Minnesota schools in the top 500. Four are private schools and two are charter schools. Orono High School, ranked 356, and Edina High School, ranked 363, are the only public high schools in the state listed in Newsweek’s highest ranking.

Newsweek partnered with STEM.org, “one of the Top 100 STEM Education Resources,” to rank high schools across the country. The list includes rankings for the top 5,000 schools.

The methodology used to compare and rank schools includes:

• Number and types of STEM courses offered
• Activities offered to strengthen 21st century skills, such as: media proficiency, creativity, environmental literacy and social/cross-cultural awareness
• Original STEM content
• Celebration of diversity and topics for a wide variety of learning needs
• Opportunities for students to socialize and work with others during and after school
• Access to technology
• Hands-on problem solving and project-based learning
• Opportunities for real-world challenges and introduction to career opportunities in STEM fields

Read more about the strong STEM foundation throughout EPS.

Fifth EPS school receives Energy Star certification

Nov. 6, 2019 - Cornelia Elementary School has received Energy Star certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The award recognizes the building’s performance in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide for energy efficiency, averaging 35 percent less energy used and 35 percent less carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. 

Since 2016, district schools have been earning Energy Star certification as a result of mechanical upgrades and roof projects completed under the district’s 10-year long-term facility maintenance plan. Now, half of the district’s buildings are certified and the rest are on deck to receive similar upgrades as the maintenance plan continues. Other EPS schools with Energy Star certification are Countryside, Concord, Creek Valley and Highlands elementary schools.

October

EHS grads post higher ACT scores in all subject areas

Oct. 22, 2019 - ACT test-takers in Edina High School’s Class of 2019 posted higher average scores than previous years in all subjects, according to the 2019 ACT College Readiness Report. Average scores in the English and Reading tests are the highest for EHS in the past five years. The College Readiness Report is an indicator of the future-readiness of high school graduates. ACT, in collaboration with postsecondary institutions across the country, has established Benchmark Scores which predict a 50 percent chance that a student would obtain a B or higher in corresponding college courses.

The average ACT test scores for 2019 EHS graduates increased over last year’s average in each of four subjects. (A perfect ACT score is 36.) Additionally, the percentage of students meeting the benchmark indicating college-readiness increased over last year. View the summary of the 2019 ACT College Readiness Report.

South View team receives personalized learning Trailblazer Award

Oct. 16, 2019 - A team of South View Middle School educators and administrators were honored by the Institute for Personalized Learning with the Trailblazer Award at the group’s 10th Annual National Convening Oct. 7-8. Receiving the award were: Tim Anderson, Principal; Ryan Carlson, Assistant Principal; Tami Jo Cook, Dean; Michaela Loo and Tricia Pettis, Personalized Learning Coaches; and Janel Wieland, Science Teacher. The award recognizes leadership in “forging a path for others” in personalized learning. Members of the team gave several presentations as part of Convening programing.

French government recognizes Normandale principal’s devotion to language, culture

Oct. 10, 2019 – During a school assembly in September, Holden was honored as a Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques (Knight of the Order of Academic Palms) by the Consul General of France in Chicago. This order expresses the French government’s recognition and gratitude to French and foreign academics and educators who have made outstanding contributions to French education or science, and to the expansion of French language and culture throughout the world. Normandale teachers submitted letters of recommendation detailing Holden’s contributions toward French culture and academics.

Quality seal from French Ministry awarded to Normandale Elementary

Oct. 10, 2019 – Edina Public Schools is pleased to announce Normandale Elementary has received LabelFrancÉducation, a quality seal granted by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Education to foreign schools promoting French dual-language programs of very high quality. LabelFrancÉducation has been awarded to 285 school in 53 countries. Normandale Elementary is the only school in Minnesota to receive this award. Staff hopes the LabelFrancÉducation will give the school additional opportunities for French resources and connections. Normandale is now connected to schools throughout the world that offer similar programming to students. 

EHS student selected for All-National Honors Symphony Orchestra Ensemble

Oct. 10, 2019 – Edina High School senior Dahyun Hong has been selected to participate in the All-National Honors Symphony Orchestra Ensemble. This ensemble, sponsored by the National Association for Music Education, consists of more than 100 high school orchestra players and represents the top performing high school musicians in the United States.

Hong is among three Minnesotans selected for the ensemble. Students selected for the national ensemble qualified for their state-level honor ensemble program and competed against other top performing students. The All National Honors Symphony Orchestra Ensemble will rehearse a challenging repertoire and perform under the direction of Soo Han in November in Orlando Florida. 

Edina High School yearbook receives top ratings for 2019

Oct. 1, 2019 – The EHS yearbook Whigrean has earned the highest ratings in its history from the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) for the 2019 edition “Perspective.” NSPA rated the Whigrean as "First Class" for the third year in a row, but for the first time, it received two marks of distinction, in both photography and writing, and the highest score it’s ever received. CSPA rated “Perspective” at the "Gold Medalist” level, having earned 921 out of a possible 1000 points. It also received, for the first time, a "Columbian All-Honors" rating for the visuals (photography and design). Editors-in-Chief last year were Lily Randall, Elsa Hetletvedt, and Grace Daly. Cecilia Little was the Staff Photography Editor, Anna Lonquist was the Staff Writing Editor, and Madison Romain was the Business Editor.

September

Three EHS students selected in Hispanic Recognition Program

Sept. 26, 2019 – Three Edina High School students have received College Board recognition in the Hispanic Recognition Program. Students are invited to apply for the academic honor by taking the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Paul Gherghetta, Clementine Raffy, and Jacob Uribe have all taken the PSAT/NMSQT and achieved the minimum required scores. In addition to the test, all of the students have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher by the middle of their junior year. The College Board Hispanic Recognition Program is an academic honor that can be included on college applications. Colleges use this honor to help identify academically exceptional students.

Commended Students selected in National Merit Scholarship Program

Sept. 26, 2019 – Edina Public Schools is pleased to announce 20 students from Edina High School have been selected as commended students in the National Merit Scholarship Program. While these students will not continue in the 2020 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, they are among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). View the list of Commended Students.

Edina student highlighted as one of the most inspiring teens in the Twin Cities

Sept. 25, 2019 – Edina senior Avahnii Lewis was selected by the City Pages as one of the nine most inspiring teens in the Twin Cities - young people who were “enriching the world around them and will continue to.” Each of the nine students were highlighted in a personal story about their accomplishments and what makes them an inspiration. Lewis was selected for her skills in graphic design, her work with varying clients such as the Guthrie, 3M and the NCAA, and her passion for how arts education and social justice work together.

Read more: Avahnii Lewis: The Designer

EHS students named National Merit Semifinalists

Sept. 16, 2019 – Edina Public Schools is pleased to announce 19 Edina High School students have been named National Merit Semifinalists in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students were among 1.5 million in about 21, 000 high schools who entered the program by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors. The Semifinalists will have the opportunity to advance to Finalist standing by submitting a detailed scholarship application. They will then be able to compete for 7,600 National Merit Scholarships, offered next spring, worth more than $31 million. Over 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing. View the list of students named National Merit Semifinalists.

August

Anushka Thorat to serve on Minnesota Youth Council

Aug. 23, 2019 - Minnesota Alliance With Youth is pleased to announce that Anushka Thorat of Edina has been selected to serve on the Minnesota Youth Council for her second term, representing MN Congressional District 3. Anushka Thorat, an EHS senior, served on Dean Philips’s Youth Advisory Committee this summer. Youth Council members meet with elected officials, advocate for legislation and policy platforms that support equity and young people and hold legislative committee meetings to hear legislation directly from elected officials.