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Community Education Services Kids’ Company Site Lead Kris Ziskovsky has been named the December 2025 recipient of the Anchored in the Laker Way Award. This monthly award celebrates Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Community Education Services staff who are anchored in providing a strong foundation of community service, an innovative and supportive leader, a respectful team member, and committed to lifelong learning and excellence.

Here is what the nominator(s) shared about Kris:

“Kris consistently demonstrates what it means to be a leader through her actions, dedication, and support of her colleagues. This past summer, I had the opportunity to work alongside Kris as a co-site lead at Redtail Ridge. During this time, Kris warmly welcomed staff to her site, leading with kindness, sharing space and materials, and actively building relationships.

Kris’s leadership was evident earlier this spring, when a site was without a lead as we prepared for the start of the summer program. Kris stepped up without hesitation. She managed the summer site setup on her own—creating groups, preparing name tags, securing spaces, running reports, and attending meetings. All of these tasks were time-sensitive and essential to ensuring that services would be ready for our summer families and students.

A particularly outstanding contribution from Kris came this past August. Amid staffing transitions across our Kids’ Company site lead team, Kris volunteered to assist not just one, but two sites. She created and organized name tags for both sites, ran medical reports and emergency contact information, all within the narrow two-day window before the 2025–2026 school year began. Delivering all this information to the respective sites. Her initiative during this crucial time was an incredible support to her co site leaders. Kris consistently prioritizes the Kids’ Co team. She is always quick to offer help with questions or challenges, often lending her expertise in ELEYO. She’s also the first to share extra supplies, games, and other essential materials with other sites.

Perhaps most admirable is that Kris does all of this without seeking praise or recognition. Her generosity and support come from a genuine desire to help others and see her team succeed. Kris Ziskovsky is a true anchor in every sense of the word, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”

Please join us in congratulating Kris on this award!

The December 8 School Board meeting was filled with Laker Pride as Prior Lake High School Activities Director Jeff Marshall presented a spotlight honoring the outstanding accomplishments of our fall athletics and activities programs. Several students attended the meeting to receive recognition for their dedication, teamwork, and exceptional performances throughout the season.

Season highlights

• Football: 5–5 overall; advanced to the Section Final

• Girls’ Tennis: 8–1 in SSC — Conference Champions; advanced to the section championship and finished as section runner-up

• Girls’ Soccer: 5–3 in conference, 15–6–1 overall — Section Champions; 3rd place at State

• Adapted Soccer: 4th place at State Tournament

• Boys’ Cross Country: 6th in the SSC; two state qualifiers

• Girls’ Swimming & Diving: 8–1 in SSC — 2nd in conference; 16th at State

• Volleyball: 7–2 in conference (2nd place); 23–11 overall — Section Champions; State Runner-Up

• Girls’ Cross Country: SSC Champions; Section Runner-Up; 10th place at State (Class AAA)

• Boys’ Soccer: 4–2–3 in conference (3rd place); 7–6–3 overall

• Choir: 12 PLHS singers accepted to the 2024–25 ACDA of MN 9–10 Honor Choirs

• Theatre: Cinderella earned “Honorable Mention Achievement in Musical Theatre” at the Spotlight Showcase

Mr. Marshall also recognized Rick Charts as the Prior Lake Volunteer of the Month in appreciation of his service to the school community.

We extend our congratulations to all students, coaches, directors, and volunteers for representing Prior Lake High School with excellence and Laker spirit. For more information about PLHS activities and upcoming events, please visit the Prior Lake High School activities page. https://plhs.plsas.org/student-life/activities

On December 3, four Prior Lake High School (PLHS) student-athletes officially signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI), committing to continue their football careers at the NCAA Division I level.

The following Lakers celebrated their achievements during a signing ceremony at PLHS:

• Ethan Beckman – Iowa State University

• Colten Gunderson – North Dakota State University

• Noah Kalipe – University of St. Thomas

• Skyler Werner – North Dakota State University

Signing a National Letter of Intent represents a significant milestone for these student-athletes, solidifying their commitment to pursue both academic and athletic excellence at the collegiate level.

On November 24, newly elected School Board member Dustin Smith was sworn in. That same night, the Board elected Amy Bullyan as Chair and Jessica Olstad as Vice Chair/Clerk. These leadership roles will continue until the Organizational Meeting on January 12, 2026. 

View Board meetings here.

Community Education Services Kids’ Company Assistant Coordinator Marijane (MJ) Cochnauer has been named the November 2025 recipient of the Anchored in the Laker Way Award. This monthly award celebrates Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools Community Education Services staff who are anchored in providing a strong foundation of community service, an innovative and supportive leader, a respectful team member, and committed to lifelong learning and excellence.

Here is what the nominator(s) shared about MJ:

“MJ always has a positive vibe and a can-do attitude about her. She is always excited about the activities and events that she is planning for Kids' Company. This summer, she wore many hats as she took on the site lead at Westwood in addition to her other responsibilities and embraced this with fun and gusto!  MJ approaches little problems and big problems with a mindset that everything is figure out-able. She is helpful and kind and I always enjoy any interaction I have with her. She shows her Laker Pride in all she does!”

“MJ has been a great addition to the Kids’ Co team since her arrival. She has truly made our program and the service that we provide children and their families top notch. Her ability to connect, value, and support people is amazing. She has brought some great initiatives to our program including ways to best support students' mental and social well-being. She has also provided a framework for our staff to work with children who are struggling and find the best ways to care for them. She is always willing to step in and help at site whenever needed and is always available to listen and provide support for our staff. She is a true leader and that’s the Laker Way!”