Be Proud, Be South!

South High Foundation Newsletter Issue No. 74 Fall 2020

Distance learning starts the year at South

Graduating in 2020“From the ashes of Lake Street”

SHS relief fund is set up to help South High families in needTo provide critical aid to students and families facing loss of livelihood, experiencing food insecurity and/or dealing with the current health crisis, the South High Foundation has partnered with School Social Workers to create the “South High Emergency Relief Fund.”

In recent months, families, already at a financial disadvantage, have been steeped further into economic uncertainty––due to the concentration of destruction on and near Lake Street, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lead social worker Sheri Harris says, “Trauma is one thing we help students with, but we rely on donations to help students with basic, immediate needs.

In one instance, all eight members of a family contracted COVID. We purchased gift cards for food delivery because no one in the family was in a position to cook. In

another instance, a student’s mother became ill, and as a result, unemployed. The student got a job to help, but donations helped them to make ends meet. We have, yet, another family in shelter; another student living on his own; and a family out of work, for whom unemployment benefits will not be coming, as they are undocumented.

The stories are countless, and the generosity––of community, alumni, and caring citizens in Minneapolis, across the country and around the world––is not only desperately needed, “it’s life-affirming for families to know people care.”

Donors may give via PayPal, GiveMN or personal check, and will receive a letter documenting their gift as a tax-deductible donation. Funds will be administered by School Social Workers and given directly to families in need, who

are encouraged to request assistance by emailing Sheri.Harris@mpls.k12.mn. us or by calling 612-405-8321.

PayPal: Enter our email address: “Director@SouthHighFoundation.org” Add a note: SHS Emergency Relief Fund GiveMN.org: Search: “Friends of South High” | Click: “Add a Dedication” Who: SHS Emergency Relief Fund

Personal Check: Make payable to “Friends of South High” Memo: SHS Emergency Relief Fund Mail to: South High Foundation, 3131 19th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55407

Thank You! We have gotten a good response from donors to the relief fund and general support to the Foundation. We want to thank all of you who have generously contributed to either fund this year to help students and their families in need.

All Minneapolis Public Schools began the school year with distance learning. Protecting the health and safety of students, families and staff is the top priority. Schools will transition to in-person learning once the rates of COVID-19 decline significantly in Minneapolis and surrounding communities.

SOUTH HIGHF O U N D A T I O N

Congratulations to the class of 2020

New and creative ways implemented to honor graduates

Perhaps, there are no words for Anh Tran-Nguyen's graduation photo at right. Still, stunning, breathtaking, heart-stopping are some that come to mind. Here, Anh shares his own.

My graduation photoby Anh Tran-Nguyen ’20

The story behind the picture started for me at home watching tv and keeping track of all the chaos that was going on, in and around the city neighborhood that I grew up in.

Seeing places I visited so often now and as a kid, getting burned down and destroyed, was crazy. I could easily picture in my head the way things were and at the same time watch them slowly turn into unrecognizable, almost foreign scenes. All of this was the week prior to graduation. I had yet to take a picture to celebrate, but I didn't want to take a typical grad picture, because recent events were everything, except typical.

continued on page 3

South High Foundation Newsletter Page 1

The Friends of South High Foundation Newsletter

Published bi-annually as the official publication of the South High Alumni & Friends Editors: Judy Erickson Ayers ’66, Cheryl Ramirez ’70, Rosa Ramirez ’92, & Marlys Schluck ’53

Printing: Minuteman Press of Richfield Circulation 12,000 Phone 612-668-4344

website: www.southhighfoundation.org

Board of DirectorsJudy Ayers ’66, President

Alicia Skow, Parent, Vice President, Grants Chair Bob Rasmussen ’61, Secretary

Ruth Ann Benson Dockin ’68, Treasurer Dale Dockin ’68

Mike Feriancek ’71, Golf Tournament Sally Godfrey, Parent, Outside Grants

Melvin Haagenson ’81 Jerry Herby ’68, Data Specialist

Judy Westby Jungwirth ’61, Luncheon Chair Nancy Rosenow ’76

Dick Westby ’52, Historian

Office ManagerTom Klein

South High alum, Rachel Bachman ’91, writes “seeing the anguish and turmoil in my hometown of Minneapolis, I wanted to write about the regular people trying to make their way in the wake of a terrible killing. Here’s a story about the football team at Minneapolis South High school, my alma mater.”

The headline reads: The High School Football Team in the Shadow of Minneapolis UnrestBlocks from the city’s worst violence, Minneapolis South High is coping with a new normal and a neighborhood in ruins [fortunately, South High School and the new field was spared from the destruction]

South students were forced during the spring lockdown to communicate digitally but the coaches have done their best to have healing conversations with players “Coach Lossow steadied his team: ‘We will get your family food, prescriptions, rides if needed’.”

Bachman shared the full article on the South High facebook page. You can go to the South High website south.mpls.k12.mn.us and search The Football Team in the Shadow of Unrest or find the article on www.southhighfoundation.org.

South High football, coaches and students featured in the June 5, 2020, Wall Street Journal sports section

Pictured above: The South High Varsity Football Team. Far left: Kader Diop stands on Lake Street in the aftermath of protests. At left: Rodney Lossow, head coach of the Tigers.

Fall sports re-openBoys’ and girls’ soccer, tennis and cross-country are still a go for this fall however on a limited and shortened schedule. Girls’ swimming is on as well. However, no spectators and fans will be allowed. Football has been moved to spring. Amy Cardarelle, South Athletic Director, said that things may change and she suggests people to check the South High web site https://south.mpls.k12.mn.us/Athletics for the latest information.

Cardarelle shared insights on safety with WCCO TV on August 17 with Christiane Cordero in a special feature, “How High School Teams Will Practice During a Pandemic.”

We wish them a safe and healthy return to sports after a long hiatus.

If you are a person who doesn’t like change, you have been pretty miserable the last few months! Staying home, social distancing, wearing masks, neighborhood unrest. Change can be positive or negative.

Staying home can mean more time to be with immediate family but no vacations. Social distancing means you can’t see friends but we have learned how to zoom. Wearing masks is a totally new experience for nearly all of us. Neighbors wave to each other when out walking and step into the street to stay 6 feet apart not because they fear each other but to keep each other safe.

I believe that we are becoming more aware of one another and see that we are more all alike. There will be many changes for students at South this year. Let’s hope that most of them will be positive!

Judy Ayers ’66, Foundation President

President’s Message

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In 2005 I was urged by George Dahl to become an active member of the Foundation Board of Directors, specifically to chair the Foundation’s

Scholarship Committee. During these past 15 years I have participated with the other Board members in several milestones in the evolution of the Foundation working with Foundation presidents Lloyd Shanke, Harold Benson, and serving as Vice President to Nancy Rosenow and Judy Ayers.

During this period in the history of the Foundation efforts began to find the best fit for administrative support. When our current manager, Tom Klein, was hired, he was able to pull everything together giving the Board confidence that our “growing pains” were under better control allowing us to continue on our mission to enhance the education experiences of South students.

The grants program has been and remains the backbone of the Foundation’s purpose, totaling from $70,000 to $100,000 annually, and is drawn from membership contributions to the Foundation. In addition individual donors and outside organizations pledged funds for specific purposes. Among those were some unique field trips, support for debate, computer acquisition, an entrepreneurial class, etc.

Along with generous alumni support, outside funds were sought to improve the football field with a major grant from the Vikings that helped build a combination concession stand/ticket

booth/storage facility at the entrance to the field. The Benson family funded the casting of the Tiger that stands just outside the field house. The drive to upgrade the field continued and with the hard work of the Foundation leadership, the District finally made extensive renovations to the field. The track was expanded, additional storage was provided, new bleachers were erected, and lights were installed. A thrust to include a press box was finally included thanks to the financial support of a generous donor. The August 2019 dedication of the field was a milestone event for the Foundation.

As I conclude my role as Chair of the Scholarship Committee, I want to highlight the program’s growth over the past 15 years. In 2006 we awarded 6 scholarships to 11 students for a value of $36,000. Our awards in 2020 went to 34 students for 18 different scholarships with the value equaling $117,800. The growth has been phenomenal thanks to individual donors through direct contributions, legacy grants, or endowments. The cumulative data for these 15 years of scholarship awards to South High seniors shows that 235 students have been granted scholarships, adding up to over $1,000,000 during this period!

It has been an honor for me to have served the Foundation for these past years as Scholarship Committee Chair and Board Vice President. As I step away from these leadership roles, I will continue to support the Foundation in its efforts as a loyal Tiger!

President’s note: Elmer Koch has officially retired from the South High Foundation. We are truly thankful for his dedicated and caring leadership throughout the years.

The full article can be found on the Foundation website: southhighfoundation.org

Reflections of the Foundation’s last 15 yearsby Elmer Koch ’54 I had the idea of going to Lake Street to

primarily check it out and take part in the protests. But I also decided to take my grad pictures. With two friends, I went there and sadly couldn't see Target or Cub. We were able to access other parts, a rush of emotions overcame us upon arriving.

Seeing it in person versus on a screen was a completely different experience than I imagined. I checked out the smoke-filled area, saw armed guards blocking off the roads, but then found a spot to take my pictures. A burnt down building next to the old Savers, a store called 7 Mile Fashion Express, and I thought this is it.

The picture was an attempt to capture as much of 2020 as possible and to show the state of Minneapolis. I didn't want to ignore the events that were happening, including them was important.

I tried to offset the more grim and sad setting that I chose by smiling and using an event that is usually considered to be happy to be a part of the picture. "From the ashes shall arise Phoenixes, reborn from the flames." This is what has stuck with me. It comes from a commenter, who wrote it after my friend who took the picture, posted it on Reddit. The photo is sitting, now, at around 20.9k upvotes at the moment.

Anh Tran-Nguyen ’20, graduated with honors in a virtual graduation ceremony on June 1, 2020. He’s attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, majoring in Art with an emphasis in Digital Drawing. He added that he spent much of his childhood in the Lake Street corridor pictured, it was his neighborhood growing up. Later, he moved to Prospect Park with his parents, but the area remained home to favorite haunts where he hung out with friends until devastation swept the area, "That Cub, that Target…that’s where my mom still shops.”

Graduating in 2020continued from page 1

Temporary changes in the South High Foundation office

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During the summer months the South High Foundation was not able to get into the school building to respond to phone messages or pick up mail due to COVID-19 and the building closure. Tom Klein, our office manager, actually met the South High office secretary in the South parking lot once a month to get our mail!

Those of you who made contributions may have wondered why it took us so long to process your donations. Now that the building is somewhat open, we will be able to get the mail in a more timely fashion. However we are still not in the Foundation office as usual. If you need to reach us, contact us by email at: office@southhighfoundation.org. We will respond as quickly as possible.

ALUMNI NEWS

The Minnesota running community lost one of its own this July, with the passing of longtime Minneapolis South, Holy Angels, Trinity and University of Minnesota run club coach Mark Gross, after a long fight with kidney cancer.

“While we had our differences and I was never one of your ‘superstar’ athletes, you treated my goals like a professional and helped me get to race times I never thought I could hit. You also trusted my leadership enough to make me a captain for 2 teams. I have been fortunate to have worked with nearly 30 different coaches over the years, but none as closely or frequently as you. You put South High Cross Country back on the map, and we are forever grateful for that.” Sam Nelson

“Thank you for coaching both of my running sons Alec and Cameron with passion, grace, strength, determination, supporting each runner like they were the only runner you had. You made a difference in both of their lives, as you did for so many, teaching them much more than the sport but about life. You will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have you in their lives. UNITED WE RUN—SOUTH HIGH TIGERS” Val Ausland, South High parent

Coach Mark Gross was a generous soul and inspiration. Wherever he was—at South High or away, in the off season or the competitive thick of it—he cheered on Tigers of all stripes, in sports, academics or in endeavors of social justice. The evidence was in his many faithful Facebook likes for our Gallant Tigers. Peace, Coach.

Hassan Mead (pictured with coach Gross) still holds the state boys AA CC course record under Mark’s guidance.

South High and the running community lose a beloved coach, Mark Gross

South High grad & Olympian, Hassan Mead, shares the challenges he encountered as a middle schooler and high schooler, and what motivates him in the face of racism.

He speaks up about the racism he’s dealt with since coming to the United States 21 years ago in an interview with Runner’s World magazine featured on June 30, 2020.

“All I can do is be myself—because their fear is about themselves, it’s not about me. If anything, it gives me strength because I know many people don’t want to see me succeed. The best response you can have is to succeed over and over and over again so they have nothing to say.”

Mead is a professional runner with the Oregon Track Club and finished 11th in the 5,000 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Class of 1950 - 70th Reunion Postponed until 2021, date to be determined. Contact: Joyce Beahen 763-588-3205 or email: jrbeahen@msn.com or Harold Benson 952-920-3743 or email: haroldbenson4416@comcast.net

Class of 1965 — 55th Reunion Postponed until 2021, date to be determined. Contact: Vickie Holt Williams, email at: WILLIAMS_20014@msn.com

Class of 1970 — 50th Reunion Postponed until 2021, date to be determined. Contact: Cheryl Ramirez 612-722-4505 or email: cheryljramirez@gmail.com

Class of 1990 — Postponed, please find updates on the Facebook page: Minneapolis South High Class of 1990.

Class of 2010 — 10th Reunion Postponed until July 24, 2021 Contact: Kiah Zellner-Smith kzellnersmith@gmail.com Additional information at bit.ly/38JLtzK

R E U N I O N S

Hassan Mead ’06 shares his experiences

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This Spring, I studied abroad in Montpellier, France for exactly 2 months before COVID-19 abruptly ended the experience. I should be grateful that I got to spend that much time there—a lot of other study abroad students had less time in their country of study.

France is a great country and if I were fluent in French, I would attempt to immigrate to the country. Here are two highlights: For one, I lived in a traditional French apartment where I was able to establish a healthy and affordable diet and practice my cooking skills. Two, I learned about the general French school

system. I liked it quite a bit and hope to be able to implement some of their things into my teaching in the future.

I had a difficult time after COVID-19 hit the program. I had to jump on a plane and isolate myself for 2 weeks—I had to force myself to adjust and it was hard! For this summer, I was unable to secure an internship. However, I did secure a position on the Asian-American Student Union board for the 2020-21 school year as their Ambassador to other resources on campus and as their Student Group Representative for the UMN-TC undergraduate student government body. I will also become a mentor for this school year in the ASPIRE program. With the ongoing pandemic, things are going to be more difficult all-around. Still, I can’t wait to see what I will accomplish this school year. I finally have the chance to take on a leadership position and become a year-long mentor that I have wanted to be.

I don’t want to sound insincere, but again, I have the Faith Finnberg to thank, for without the Finnberg Scholarship I would not be able to attend college, actually. So please know that the financial support I receive from the Foundation has made all of my personal and professional development possible. Thank you for continuing to invest in my development. For the Foundation, for my friends and family, and for everyone who backs me, and for myself, I continue to strive to make us proud.

Thank you so much, Mai Yang Finnberg Scholar

Photo at left: Mai Yang in front of the Three Graces Foundation in France

I hope you all are safe and well, and managing to enjoy your summers in these tumultuous times. I would like to thank you again for awarding me the Faith Finnberg Scholarship. I consider myself very lucky to be able to pursue my education without worrying very much about finances.

Your assistance permits me instead to focus on honing my craft as a music educator. This has manifested itself in my grades, and in my participation in extracurricular activities such as hosting a

world music radio show last fall, and joining the CWMEA(Collegiate

Washington Music Educators’ Association) this spring.

Thank you so much! All the best,

Christopher East Finnberg Scholar

Greetings to everybody at the South High Foundation,

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Thanks to the Foundation,

Class of 2020: You carry the legacy of resilience. We know you will deliver!

with pride and highest regards, South High Educators

You may have noticed these lawn signs around town in June. In addition to the virtual graduation ceremony, South had signs made for graduating seniors.

Memorials Larry Alm '55 Tony Alm '62

Maxine Arneson '41 Richard Axelson, Staff

Emmett Bailey '31 Roy Benson '52

Robert Brown '54 Fred Curtis '70

Richard Lundgren '52 Robert Lundgren '52 Milan Mathison '53 Richard Olson '62

Patricia Rosenow '79 Roy Swanson '56

Winston Wallin '43 Henry & Goldie (Swanson) Westby '28 ’33

In Honor Of Kellan Callahan Kader Diop '21

Wayne Johnson '44 Ulrica Loichle, Staff

Rodney & Janine Lossow '83, Parent, Staff

Carl & Audrey McGee Ben Murray '20 South High Staff

Lucy Stich John Walther, Staff

Dear South High Foundation, I hope this email finds all of you doing well. I wanted to thank you in person, but I am not sure when I will be able to do that! I trust this email will suffice until I see you again.

Thank you so much for supporting us financially again this past year! With your help, we were able to purchase about 25 t-shirts, and I was able to keep the team well fed when we had our Monday practices! They are all surprisingly hungry at 3:15 on Monday afternoons. We placed 3rd out of 7 teams in the Minneapolis Division of the Minnesota State High School Mathematics League, right behind Southwest and Washburn. The highlight of our 5 meet season, besides having fun together at our practices, was beating Washburn on the last meet of the year. I told the team that if we ever beat Washburn or Southwest during the year, I would color my hair orange! Again, thank you very much for all of your support!

Sincerely and gratefully, Don Winnes, South High Math Teacher/Math Team Coach

(Don Winnes is shown at right. Unfortunately our printed newsletter is in black and white, his hair IS orange!)

Tiger Ambassador, Brian Saldifar Villafan, named an ActSix Scholar and winner of a full-ride scholarship to Augsburg University. Act Six selects about 45 of the Twin Cities’ most promising urban leaders for scholarships to six partner colleges.

Congratulations to: Winner of 3 Gold Keys and a Silver Key, for her stunning artworks, bestowed at the Scholastic Art Awards, this past spring at the Weisman Art Museum.

Kudos to South senior Audrey Janz!

Thanks from the math team 2020 Foundation sponsored scholarships

SCHOLARSHIP NAME AND AMOUNTRecipient name

Rod Hemstreet $2000 – Carlos Ortiz Quezada Peterson-Hoel Education $1000 – Sophie Mord Boyd Olivia Dynneson Class of 1954 $4700 – Carla Aranda Quiroz Rollie and Nan Ring $1000 – Ayan Mukhtar Carol Stodolka $1000 – Ararso Tarafa Heather Ayers $1500 per yr, 2yr – Betselot Frauenheim Danke Tigist Frauenheim Danke George H. Smith $500 – Jordan Dotson Class of 1958 $1100 – Tannen Holt George and Beverly Dahl $1000 – Hekma Dimitris Richard Ericson Music $2500 – Hailey Davis Skoglund $500 – Ihsan Ibrahim Arneson Family $500 – Alizey Gervais Kopp Family Foundation $1000 – Jose Aragon Rodriguez Faith Finnberg $5000 per/4yr – Cristhian Aguilar Dominguezc Bill Siegmann $2000 – Kayla Redden

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Donation Form Complete this form (please print) and mail with your check to: South High Foundation, 3131 19th Ave. S, Mpls, MN 55407 Name______________________________________________________Maiden Name_____________________Class yr._______ Spouse/Partner Name _________________________________________Maiden Name_____________________Class yr._______ Address____________________________________________________City______________________State____Zip__________ E-mail_________________________________________________Phone number (_______)______________________________ I am/we are: ! Alumni ! Parent ! Student ! Staff ! Friend

Annual Giving Levels: ! $5,000 Diamond ! $1,000 Platinum Tiger ! $500 Gold Tiger ! $250 Silver Tiger ! $100 Centurion ! $50 Champion ! $25 Medallion ! $_____Other

Foundation office: 612-668-4344 Website: southhighfoundation.org

! Please send me information about making a donation in my will or estate plan ! Matching gift form enclosed ! I would like to volunteer. Best way to contact me: !email !phone !mail ! Please send me a copy of the annual report

Optional: Designated for______________________________(program/activity) In Memory of_________________________________________Class year_______ In Honor of________________________________________Class year_______ Please send my newsletter by !email !mail or !both

F20 Office use only: CID________DR__________CK___________AT__________TY__________Note_____________

Thank you for your gift!

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CenturionGary Alm '54 Keith Baudin James Benson '52 Wayne Benson '57 Margaret Bostelmann Richard Brooks '51 Virginia Brooks Lawrence Chadwick '54 Richard Chadwick '51 Scott Clasen Community Shares of Minnesota Darrell (Price) Cox '53 Jacquelyn Cronin, Staff Karayn (Kalland) Cunnington '59 Rebecca Davis Angela Dhruvan & Daniel Stewart '87 Amelia (Johnson) & John Engberg '53

Stephen Hegarty, Parent Jane & Jack Hilger, Parent Janet & Mark Huber Alex Iantaffi Janet (Hoover) Johnson '57 Richard & Betty (Stolpe) Julin '51 '51 Marlys (Johnson) Kittleson '51 John & Linda Klein Richard & Dorothy Lorenson '52 Dorothy (Erickson) Lundgren '52 Ronald & Carol Anne (Jameson) Madsen '59 '59 Meghann McLouth Network for Good Jennifer Olivarez Richard & Evelyn Palla '72 Karen & Dale Panton, Parent & Staff Jennifer Pedersen Judith (Larson) & Ralph Pesonen '54 Robert Rasmussen '61

Sheldon & Judith (Hort) Roadstrom '61 '61 Jennifer Russell Susan Ryan-Nelson, Staff Richard Sandeen '44 Elizabeth Schauer Berta (Wittles) Shapiro '50 Arthur Siegmann '65 Connie Smith, Parent Elizabeth Spolyar The GE Foundation Bruce & Joan Theisen, Parent George Thome Douglas & Jan Vatne '50 Mary Vavrus Betty Lou (Frolik) Viskocil '59 Maxine Wallin Lawrence Ward '57 Roger Williams '61 Leah Wright

Special GivingSybille (Kauffman) Aaron '50 Jill Amundson Anonymous John Arneson '41 Michael & Judy (Erickson) Ayers '66 '66 Eleanor Baudin Lee & Lelia Beckelman Linda Bomstad John Brown '61 Deyonne (Thompson) Burrington '52 Janet Bush Katherine Cady M Michelle Coady Robert & Kathryn Cullen Carolyn Curti Paulette Curtis-Saunders Jigna Desai Dale & Ruth Ann (Benson) Dockin '68 '68 Jo Donovan William Ellis '45 Anna Flintoft

Lance Fredrickson Richard & Janis Friedrichsen, Staff Carol (Wicklund) Gengenbach '60 Sally Godfrey and Bill Fisher Marion Gordon Shelly Hendricks Norma Henriksen, Parent Carol Horswill, Staff Erin Huber Sharon Jacks Thomas JoliCoeur, '64 Amy Kania Elmer Koch '54 Dawn Lamphere LeaderOne Financial Corporation David Madson Kylie Marshall '14 and 42 more donors Kenon McCaa '87 Monique Muggli Elizabeth (Patrykus) Murray '90 Katherine Nyberg Kip Palmer & Thomas Klein, Staff & Parent Margaret (Zabel) & John Perry '55

Christy Pettis Shannon Plourde Lisa Ramirez, Staff Jason Rufledt Carrie Russell Richard Sandhofer '54 Beth & Tom Sather Jacob Schak '05 Sandra Seemann Peter Seldin Maggie Snetting '02 Roy Spurbeck Amanda Stringer Harry & Susan Summitt, Parent TruStone Financial Molly Varley Bruce & Jacque Vatne '56 Kathy Wellington James & Gail Westby '55 Richard & Colleen (Meyers) Wicklund '58 '60 Amy Wojcik Sanna Yoder Andrew Young '02

Thank You For Your Support! February 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020

SOUTH HIGHF O U N D A T I O N

3131 19th Avenue S Minneapolis MN 55407

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN Permit No. 30308

Be Proud, Be South!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the South High Community Band will not be rehearsing for the foreseeable future. Stay connected with us on Facebook at SouthHighCommunityBand and at http://www.southhighcommunityband.org.

South High alum, Yarri Bryn ’09 wins the Twin Cities Golf Tournament after shooting a first round 66 at Theodore Wirth in north Minneapolis followed by a victory at Hastings Golf Club where he shot a two-over-par 74.

Bryn played varsity golf at South High for six years, captain for 4 years, 2 time conference champ and section champ.

He went on to play at Northern Iowa before going on a pro golf mini-tour. He regained amateur status just last year.

Twin Cities Golf Tournament winner from South

Community band takes a break…watch for updates

by Matthew Davis Reprinted with permission from the

Longfellow Nokomis Messenger

Emily Mulhern had a duffel bag of supplies handy for teammates in addition to being a strong competitor for the Tigers.

“Each athlete plays a different role on the team, and I was known as the ‘team mother,’” Mulhern said. “I was the one who had the extra pair of gloves, the

bottle of sunscreen and a huge bag of trailmix to share. If someone was having an off day, I could be counted on for moral support.”

Mulhern led Nordic skiers as team captain her junior year and made a splash as rookie of the year for Tigers cross country in the eighth grade. She also helped the ultimate frisbee club team reach nationals.

“For me, the (Athena) award itself acknowledges the important role participation in athletics can play in girls’ lives,” Mulhern said. “I am also very grateful to my coaches and teammates

who helped form supportive communities for all of the athletes.”

Outside of athletics, Mulhern volunteered at Minneapolis Children’s Hospital and environmental service projects in Central America. She also performed with Project Opera and played flute in wind ensemble. Her academic achievements included being the valedictorian, an AP Scholar with Distinction and National Honor Society treasurer. She also earned a certificate of recognition for the Academics, Arts and Athletics Award. Mulhern will attend St. Olaf College to study psychology and play for the Ollies ultimate frisbee team.

Athena Award goes to Emily Mulhern of South

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