Como Park High School news

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Summer internships, teacher training, travel and more

By ERIC ERICKSON

• The Academy of Finance (AOF) at Como Park High School continues to successfully place students in summer internships.

Twenty AOF students began full-time internships this summer at employers including 3M, Ameriprise Financial, St. Jude Medical, Health East, and several other corporate partners.

Additionally, 45 Como students received positions with St. Paul community-based organizations through Right Track, which provides youth career development and professional skills training.

• Como teachers recently participated in the Carleton College AP Summer Institute.

The College Board requires that trained and audited instructors teach Advanced Placement courses.

Carleton’s nationally renowned summer institute provides training for both new and experienced AP teachers.

Completing the June Institute were Lindsey Lowther in Chemistry, Dylan Adair in Environmental Science, Lisa Griffin in European History, Eric Erickson in Comparative Government and Politics, and Liz Paone in World History.

Como Park provides a complete and comprehensive AP program featuring 23 College Board courses.

Como Marine Corps JROTC• 42 Como Park MCJROTC cadets traveled east in mid-June to explore national landmarks, museums and historical sites in the quest to value citizenship as responsible, informed and patriotic Americans.

Photo right: Como Park MCJROTC cadets traveled across the country from June 14-20. The cadets are pictured with the Marine One Presidential Helicopter at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. (Photo by Erwin Photography)

An aggressive itinerary included the Adler Planetarium and Willis Tower in Chicago, and Gettysburg National Battlefield, Arlington Cemetery, Mount Vernon, the Lincoln Memorial, National Mall and Virginia Beach out east.

At Marine Corps Base Quantico, the cadets toured the hangar and aircraft of Marine One (Presidential Helicopters), officer candidate school, and the martial arts instructor-training site. The cadets lodged at the group campground in Prince William Forest.

The entire trip only cost cadets $300 which included meals, museum fees, bus transportation and billeting.

The tour’s final night concluded with viewing the President’s Marine Corps Concert Band, Drum and Bugle Corps, and Silent Drill team at Marine Barracks Washington’s evening parade.

Costa Rica studentsPhoto left: Como Spanish students planted a garden with local children in Costa Rica, as part of their home stay program from June 24-July 1.

• Advanced Spanish students traveled to Costa Rica from June 24-July 1 under the leadership of Spanish teacher Kirsten Peterson. Students Mackenzie Olson,

Ella Rouillard, Betsy Woodis, Ella Calatayud, and Elianna Weirsma stayed with Costa Rican families to maximize the cross-cultural exchange. In addition to working with children, highlights included visiting an organic pineapple plantation and zip lining over the Sarapiqui River.

• As previously reported in the Monitor, Como junior Trevon Clay qualified for the State Meet in multiple events. He made the most of his moments on the big stage. After blazing through the preliminary races at Hamline University, Clay became a State Champion, crossing the finish line first in the 110 Meter Hurdles. Clay also added a bronze medal, finishing third in the 300 Meter Hurdles. Clay represented Como with great pride at the top of the podium, culminating an amazing year on the track.

• Como Boys Soccer players and Coach Jonah Fields are leading 70 of the community’s youngest players this summer in the “Soccer Stars” program.

The program is offered in Como Park’s West Picnic Grounds, in coordination with St. Paul Parks and Rec. The program gives local high school players an opportunity to connect with kids ages 4-11.

Miles Whitcomb, an 8-year-old, said, “it’s cool because Como Park has a really good team, and that helps me because I have really good people teaching me.”

Como Soccer players like Kevin Yao enjoy sharing their skills with the children of the Como Park community. “I didn’t get opportunity to learn soccer when I was so young, and I love playing with the kids,” says Kevin, a junior at Como.

• The “Fall Athletics” season begins on Aug. 17, three weeks before the first day of school.

Several Como teams and coaches are conducting voluntary workouts during June and July, in the summer waiver period.

Fall sports at Como include Soccer and Football for boys, Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis and Swimming for girls, and Cross Country running for both genders.

All students interested in a sport are welcome and encouraged to participate. More information is available at comosr.spps.org

• Save the date! An all school open house is planned for Thur., Sept. 3, 5-7pm. All incoming 9th graders and families are invited to meet Como staff, get class information, and see Como’s facilities and opportunities. Returning students and families are also invited to get oriented for the new school year and reconnect with Como staff and families.

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