Como High School News

Compiled by ERIC ERICKSON, Social Studies Teacher

• Como Park Robotics (aka BEASTbot Team 2855) participated in the 10,000 Lakes Regional Competition at the U of M’s Williams Arena over spring break, and advanced to the State Tournament! Out of 200 Robotics teams in the state, the top 30 qualify for the culminating state event on May 21 at Mariucci Arena. BEASTbot also won the prestigious Entrepreneurship Award at the 10,000 Lakes Regional, earning an addition to Como’s trophy case.

Photo left: The Como Park Robotics team, also known as “BEASTbot,” poses with their state tournament qualifying robot at the 10,000 Lakes Regional at Williams Arena on Apr. 9. Out of 200 teams in Minnesota, Como finished in the Top 30, advancing to the state finals at Mariucci Arena on May 21.

The Como Robotics team has 27 members this season and is captained by Senior Evan Hulick and junior Marie Wulff. The team’s coaches are Como teachers Donna Norberg and Mike Fischer, assisted by former Como Principal Dan Mesick. For those interested in supporting the team, fans are invited to a pep fest on May 19 at 2:15pm in the Como Gym. Supporters are also welcome at Mariucci for the competition. Feel free to contact donna.norberg@spps.org with any questions.

• The Como spring play was a humorous and whimsical production called “30 Reasons Not To Be in a Play.” Written by Alan Haehnel, Como’s performers were directed by Allison Hartzell. The cast included Anna Anzaldo, Camryn Borrego, Alyssa Clark, Margaret Coyne, Grace Fick, Erianna Jiles, Madeline McPhee, Madison Moody, Nicolas Otte, Heather Rogers, Lillian Rogers, Minna Stillwell-Jardin, and Norah Vitalli. Audiences enjoyed the show in the Como Auditorium at the end of April.

• The Ordway Honors Concert was held on Apr. 19, with top performing students from across St. Paul joining forces for a fantastic night of music. Como Choir students selected for the Ordway were Olivia Berven, Rebekah Blesi, Alyssa Clark, Margaret Coyne, Angel Khang, Emily LaCroix-Dalluhn, Kou Lee, Chimeng Jimmy Lor, Oo Meh, Nicolas Otte, Anthony Phelps, Justine Sanchez, Granda Sayavong, Adam Swanson, Patsy Thayieng, Divine Uchegbu, Sara Lee Yang, and Yue Pheng Yang. The Como Choir’s Spring Farewell Concert is Thur., May 19 at 7pm in the Como Auditorium. It will be a chance to hear some of the music the Choir’s touring students will sing at Carnegie Hall on May 28, as the New York City trip approaches!

• Como Orchestra and Band students that performed in the Ordway Honors Concert included Mariah Williams, Christian Berger, Vincent Portuese, Peter Schik, Martin-malik Williams, Theodore Lucy, Henry Hanson, Ellie Thorsgaard, Joe McCune-Zierath, Bridget Proper, Eva Hanson, Max Narvaez, Shyann Salverda, Chrys Sowards, Tuomas Sivula, Thomas Quinn, Noah Frese, Dominic Wolters, Tyrin Anderson, Justin Rogers, and Jackson Kerr. In the most recent state high school festival, the Como Strings received a superior grade in the solo/ensemble category, and the Como Band received an award of excellence for large group ensemble.

• The Como Apps club completed and submitted their technology app, which is called “YOU, Because Your Mental Health Matters” to the Technovation Challenge on Apr. 21. Como Apps club members Marie Wulff, Josie Schermerhorn, Hannah Rhee, Ellie Thorsgaard and CharDay Vincal, had after school meetings for months to plan, design, code, and create a business plan and pitch for their app, which is now entered in a global competition!

Their app has a mood tracking calendar, calming sounds, games, coloring, and resources to help the user take control of their mental health. As the Monitor went to press, the team was preparing to pitch their app at the Minneapolis Convention Center at an event called “Appapolooza.”

• Como French students participated in the annual “A Vous La Parole” language contest at the University of Minnesota on Apr. 28. Students presented Francophone songs, readings, poems, and theater skits at the event. Excellent and creative performances were fun to prepare, and were well received, as Como students earned a combined 47 medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place results.

• The first two weeks of May are an intensive time for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, as AP Exams are administered for 20 different courses at Como. In total, over 500 student exams will be taken at Como. The AP exams students choose to take are a culminating assessment of the study and knowledge gained from the rigorous and enlightening courses. AP courses are instructed by Como teachers and regulated by the AP College Board.

• A “Taste of Como” is an annual get together at Como when families bring food to share that reflects their home culture and delicacies. Over a hundred students and families gathered on Apr. 26 in the Como cafeteria to celebrate the diverse and delicious food experience.

• Facility improvements were also on the agenda Apr. 26, as the third design meeting for Como community members took place in anticipation of building construction projects slated to begin next school year. A new front entry, commons area, cafeteria, and classroom space are all part of the Facilities Master Plan to invest and upgrade in Como Park High School’s physical space. The designs are exciting for students, staff and parents, and will create more functional, flexible and technologically advanced learning environments.

• 39 11th grade Academy of Finance (AOF) students culminated months of mentoring with Federal Reserve Bank officers by spending a full “Day at The Fed.” Fed employees came to Como monthly throughout the year to conduct mock interviews, analyze markets, and run a stock market activity. AOF juniors spent Apr. 29 at the Minneapolis Fed, including meeting Federal Reserve Bank President and CEO Neel Kashkari. The President explained key monetary policies, but also challenged students to advance their skills, study with discipline, and have a hunger for reaching their goals. Students also spent time in career networking simulations with Fed professionals, were given customized tours of the Federal Reserve facility, and enjoyed two high-quality first-class meals.

• Graduation is right around the corner for the Class of 2016! The Senior All-Night Graduation Party on June 9 is supported and sponsored The Como Park Booster Club. The Booster Club is accepting more volunteers and community partners willing to help. This event provides Como’s graduating seniors with a safe, fun environment to celebrate with friends. Donations or questions can be directed to comoparkboosterclub@gmail.com.