Author: Juliana Allen

At 2:30 p.m. on a warm Tuesday in late May, Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) students streamed into the school’s main gym to the music of global artists, including K-Pop band Seventeen, Somali musician Kiin Jamac, Senegalese-American singer Akon, and Indian singer Hamsika Iyer. Many headed up into the bleachers while others, dressed in colorful clothing from different countries, mingled and chatted. Everyone was there to enjoy Passport 2 Pop Culture, a vibrant celebration of EPHS’ diversity through dance, music, fashion, and sharing of cultural traditions. Hosted by Dare 2 B Real, an intercultural student leadership group that focuses on…

It’s official — Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) and EP Online’s classes of 2023 graduated on June 8 at Target Center in Minneapolis. The EPHS wind ensemble, directed by Mike Whipkey, played the processional as students entered the stadium in their black caps and flowing robes, smiling and waving to their families and friends. Many students were also bedecked in colorful silk cords and stoles, representing various honors, leadership roles, and club memberships. Once students took their seats, the EPHS chamber choir, directed by Jill Boyd, played the National Anthem. Emceed by seniors Shreya Saini and Taslim Olad, the commencement…

Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) seniors traveled together via bus from the high school to their commencement ceremony at Target Center in Minneapolis on June 8. Many gathered early at the school to spend time together and take photos before graduation. Eden Prairie Local News photographer Gretchen Haynes was on hand to capture some of the special moments among friends and family. Editor’s note: EPLN offers additional coverage of the EPHS graduation, capturing grads walking at the elementary schools, as well as the ceremony itself.

Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) has hired Tamiko Thomas to be a new associate principal, starting July 1. She will replace departing associate principal Meg Bennett. Previously, Thomas served as an assistant principal at Pioneer Ridge Middle School in Chaska (2022-23 school year), and as assistant principal at Monument Academy in Colorado (2021-22 school year). Prior to that, Thomas worked at Osseo Area Schools for more than eight years, including as Maple Grove Senior High’s assistant principal from 2015 to 2018. She has also served as a social worker and program manager for Hennepin County’s Be@School program, an initiative designed…

Eden Prairie‘s elementary schools welcomed special visitors on the final day of school — members of Eden Prairie’s class of 2023. Ahead of their formal graduation ceremony later that evening on Thursday, June 8, many Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) seniors returned to their elementary schools for a special “walk through the halls” event. Graduates who did not attend elementary school in Eden Prairie were invited to attend the events with their friends. “It’s a powerful chance for our youngest Eagles to see what they will someday achieve, and for our oldest students to remember where their journeys started,” the…

People of all ages are invited to attend an open house hosted by Talon Robotics (Team 2502) at Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) South Commons from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 3. The team will demo its robot, show off the club’s STEM-related activities, and provide registration information for interested students in grades 4-12. Talon Robotics is a FIRST Robotics Competition team started in 2007 by a group of five EPHS students. The team now has over 50 committed members, plus a large, supportive group of parents, alumni, and mentors. The team works together to build robots that…

Audiences will be treated to an energetic student-produced variety show at Eden Prairie High School’s (EPHS) “Broadway Extravaganza,” to be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2, in the school’s Performing Arts Center. Tickets are not required, but donations to support the drama program will be welcomed. “Broadway Extravaganza” showcases student-choreographed musical dance numbers and is one of the school’s “no-cut” shows. Student producers ensure that everyone who wants to participate finds a spot. This year, over 70 students will take part in the production. “Some students bring many years of dance experience to the…

Take a walk down memory lane — Forest Hills Elementary is turning 50, and the community is invited to help celebrate. The party will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, at Forest Hills, located at 13708 Holly Road. The event will feature a birthday cake and a chance to mingle with current and former staff, students, and families. Three of the school’s four principals will be there, including current principal Joel Knorr and former principals Connie Hytjan and Bob Hallett, as well as Eden Prairie Schools Superintendent Josh Swanson. Event program When: June 1, 5-6:30 p.m.…

Students twirled, strutted, dined, and danced together “Under the Sea” at the 12th annual Insights Celebration, a special prom designed for Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) students with special needs and their friends in general education who are their “dates” and “buddies” for the evening. The event was held on April 29 in the school’s main gym, which was decorated for the “Under the Sea” theme with aquatic colored balloons, bubbles, and fish. “This prom is designed for our EPHS students with special needs and their peers in general education who have built friendships through EPHS inclusion experiences such as…

PiM Arts High School (PiM Arts) will host PIMFest this Friday, May 19, in the upper parking lot on the PiM campus at 7255 Flying Cloud Drive. The event will feature live music, an art market, games, a cake walk, Pizza Karma and ice cream food trucks. The evening will be capped off with the final No Shame performances on the PiMFest stage. Rob Thompson, PiM’s director of communications and development, said the event is open to the public and everyone is welcome. “It is a really fun event, and is also family-friendly. The art fair is really cool and…