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In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we are introducing you to the 2023-24 Prior Lake High School Native American Student Coalition (NASC) and providing some insight about the group and its history.

The Native American Student Coalition was formed at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Since then, the group has been very active in both the school and the Prior Lake-Savage communities. Students from the group have taken part in the monthly American Indian Education Parent Advisory meetings to provide input on the district's Indian Education programming. The group has also participated in community events such as the Annual MLK Jr. Day Breakfast and also the Heritage and Cultural Festival at Twin Oaks Middle School. NASC President, Ava Wheelock, has presented at the Southwest Metro Regional Equity Summit and kicked off other school district events with a Land Acknowledgement reading.

Current executive committee members are:

President: Ava Wheelock

Vice President: Tyler Andring

Student Representative: Olivia Benson

Communications: Clint White

Say hello to the Native American Student Coalition!

During the Laker Pride portion of the November 13 School Board meeting, the Laker Educational Foundation received a grant from the ECMC Foundation to be used for their Laker Impact Grant. This grant was used to purchase equipment for the Prior Lake High School Technology Education Department.

Prior Lake High School Technology Education teacher Dan Sikowski was present to speak on behalf of the Technology Education Department. This gift will allow students to learn metalworking processes in a classroom with improved safety that is closely aligned to industry standards. We are so excited to see how this equipment will be utilized in the classroom in the coming weeks and months!

Congratulations to these 23 Prior Lake High School student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) this morning!

The NLI is a document used to indicate a student-athlete’s commitment to participate at an NCAA college or university.

Hayden Anthony - Baseball - University of Minnesota, Duluth

Linus Fleek - Baseball - Regis University

Hudson Johnson - Baseball - University of Cincinnati

Caden Loy - Baseball - University of Northwestern-St. Paul

Matthew Totten - Baseball - Purdue University

Julia Thoms - Basketball - University of Jamestown

CeCe McNair - Basketball - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Samantha Berndt - Cross Country - Viterbo University

Olivia Hansen - Hockey - University of Wisconsin, River Falls

Max Anderson - Lacrosse - Lewis University

Owen Meyer - Lacrosse - Aurora University

Jack Tocko - Lacrosse - University of Indianapolis

Sadie Chappuis - Lacrosse - Colorado Mesa University

Lana Disrud - Lacrosse - Niagara University

Kayleigh Sandell - Lacrosse - Grand Valley State University

Tyler Leonard - Soccer - University of North Carolina, Asheville

Keira Olabode - Soccer - University of Minnesota, Duluth

Isabelle Ohlmann - Soccer - George Washington University

Courtney Hennen - Softball - Northern State University

Brooke Thompson - Softball - Berry College

Hannah Cole - Track and Field - University of Wisconsin, Stout

Addyson White - Track and Field - Penn State University

Ella Joesting - Volleyball - University of Dayton

Jenny Nagy, the Adult and Community Engagement Coordinator at Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, was selected as the 2023 Region 4 Community Educator of Excellence.

Each year, the Minnesota Community Education Association (MCEA) honors regional champions from across the state for their exceptional contributions made to the community education field and for their unwavering dedication to serve their community.

Jenny is a dedicated champion of community engagement and excellence. Her creativity and innovation continually evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our community. She is an active member of community organizations, earning recognition for her outstanding contributions. Her leadership and commitment make her an amazing colleague and advocate for other community education professionals. Jenny received her award during the MCEA Statewide Fall Conference in Brooklyn Park on October 26th.

Two Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools employees received awards at the Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals Association (also known as MASMS) conference held on October 5.

Maureen Mullen, PLSAS' Assistant Director of Operational Services, was awarded the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is in recognition of Ms. Mullen’s outstanding dedication and commitment to educational facilities. Ms. Mullen is the former president of MASMS and currently serves as the Education Committee Chair. She also teaches a Certified Professional Supervisor course for MASMS members who are pursuing their MASMS Facility Manager Certification.

Paul Hadden, a Lead Certified Inside Maintenance Technician for PLSAS, was awarded the 2023 Outstanding Contributor Award. This award is in recognition of Mr. Hadden’s outstanding dedication and commitment to educational facilities management.