Author: Juliana Allen

On Thursday, Nov. 16, Minnesota will observe Children’s Grief Awareness Day, resulting from the advocacy of Carolyn Kinzel, the founder and executive director of Brighter Days Family Grief Center in Eden Prairie. In 2021, Minnesota Gov.Tim Walz endorsed an official proclamation submitted by Kinzel to officially designate every third Thursday in November as Children’s Grief Awareness Day in Minnesota. Although this is a national day, prior to this, it had not been recognized in Minnesota. “Children’s Grief Awareness Day is not just a date on the calendar; it representshope, resilience, and the strength of community,” Kinzel said in a press…

After what head coach Bill Bloomberg called an “outstanding” Section 2AA Championships meet, Eden Prairie High School girls swim and dive is sending several swimmers to the State Tournament this week. The Eagles boasted 35 time drops and 31 best times at sections, which were held Nov. 8-10 at the Art Downey Aquatic Center in Edina. Meet highlights include: In addition to Drewes’ breaststroke qualifying swim, the Eagles’ 200 medley relay will head to state after placing 5th. The state-qualifying 200 medley relay team members are Thompson, Drewes, Barton, and sophomore Payton Bui. State team alternates are senior Keira Fogarty…

Four Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) seniors officially committed to attend and play a sport at the college of their choice in a National Letter of Intent (NLI) signing ceremony at the high school last week. Nov. 8 was the first possible day to sign NLIs for Division I and Division II colleges and universities for the 2024-25 athletic season. By signing NLIs, which are voluntary but binding contracts, these student-athletes agreed to attend their institution full-time for one academic year, and the institution agreed to provide athletics financial aid for one academic year. In alphabetical order, here are the…

Amid rising mental health concerns post-pandemic, Eden Prairie Schools enhances its focus on student well-being, investing in in-school mental health resources and support.

The community is invited to the International School of Minnesota (ISM)’s upcoming production of “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,” a family-friendly comedy show where fairy tales are turned on their heads. Performances are at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, and Friday, Nov. 3, at ISM’s Leila C. Saad Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased at the door. This is a family-friendly production recommended for ages 8+. The synopsis: “The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are turned on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride as two narrators and several…

Impressive costumes, great music, and a fun atmosphere entertained a packed crowd at Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) annual “Night at the Movies” concert on Friday, Oct. 27. Led by teachers Angelique Rowell and Karin Moreaux, the school’s Symphonic, Concertino, and Concert orchestras played songs from favorite films like “Harry Potter” and “Pinocchio.” Student conductors were Aleta Dockter (“Beauty and the Beast”), Jameson Drieslein (“The Godfather”), Caroline Larsen (“Linus and Lucy”), Lily Lawinger (“The Little Mermaid”), Anvesha Mallik (“Phantom of the Opera”), Lilly Mattison (“Rattatouille”), Laura Schiveley (“Pirates of the Caribbean”), Brooke Tape (“Wizard of Oz”), and Alana Wasserman (“Ghostbusters”).…

If pumpkins are the classic symbol of Halloween, Eden Prairie High School sophomore Ella Schumacher is more than ready for the holiday. On Oct. 29, Schumacher wrapped up a four-week, 37-show run playing a pumpkin called Hay in Stages Theatre Company’s production of “Spookley the Square Pumpkin.” The musical is based on the film “Spookley the Square Pumpkin” by Joe Troiano and Tom Hughes and Troiano’s book “The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin.” Schumacher first saw the production in 2017 as a fourth grader. Now, as a 10th grader, she’s moved from the audience to the cast. She said…

It’s time to dress up as your favorite film character for Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) “A Night at the Movies” concert. This fun, free, family-oriented concert takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, in the high school’s South Commons. The symphonic, concertino, and concert orchestras will play songs from “Beauty and the Beast,” “Ghostbusters,” “Wizard of Oz,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Ratatouille,” and “The Little Mermaid.” Everyone in the orchestras will be dressed up and they encourage everyone who attends (especially younger kids) to dress up, too. Special highlights will include face painting and photo backdrops. Save…

Amid rising youth mental health concerns, this article explores the challenges faced by students and the efforts to support them.

Follow the yellow brick road with Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) Drama in their fun and family-friendly fall musical, “The Wizard of Oz.” Laurie Nebeker, who is the show’s director as well as an EPHS teacher, said, “Those familiar with the 1939 film will enjoy the nostalgia of these characters and the delightful musical numbers. Those new to the story will be introduced to the magical world L. Frank Baum created in his series of Oz books over a hundred years ago.” Performances will be in the EPHS Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Nov. 10-11 and 16-18. There will…