News from Como Park High

Compiled by Eric Erickson, Social Studies Teacher

• The Academy of Finance (AOF) held its second annual Career Fair at school on Oct. 20.  Over 50 professionals came to spend the morning speaking with the 218 AOF students in small group settings.  Many ELL students also participated in the Career Fair, with many students being exposed to opportunities in finance, business and technology they were not aware of previously.  It was a successful event enjoyed by both the adults who shared their experiences, and the students who are creating paths toward higher education and employment.

• French College in the Schools (CIS) students from Como Park went to the University of Minnesota Field Day last month.  They spent the day with 350 fellow French students from around the Twin Cities interviewing professionals who use French in their careers, Francophone U of M staff and professors, and U of M students.  They also participated in a “French Fun Facts” scavenger hunt across the campus.  Madame Patricia Teefy said, “a great, enriching experience was had by all.”

• Keith Eicher has added another prestigious award to accompany his National Merit Scholarship Finalist status.  Keith was recently named a finalist for the National QuestBridge Scholarship.  This is a scholarship for high achieving, low-income students that provides students with full ride tuition, room/board, and books.  Only a select few in the country are deemed finalists for this scholarship.  Keith’s competitive application has been submitted as he continues onto next steps in the finalist round.

• The fall musical “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was performed on the evenings of Nov. 5-6 in the Como Auditorium.  The cast and choir also performed a dress rehearsal for Murray students that took a field trip to Como to see the production.  Leading roles were played by seniors Angel Khang and Erianna Jiles, juniors Madeline Moody, and Chimeng Lor, and sophomores Kou Lee, Anthony Phelps and Heather Rogers.

• The annual Close Up trip to Washington D.C. is slated for the first week of March, but fundraising is already in full swing.  Students from AP Government classes will be bagging groceries for customers at the Roseville Cub Foods on Larpenteur from 4-8pm on Tue., Nov. 24 before Thanksgiving.  Cub customers generously support the effort of the students with donations that help defray the expense of the educational adventure.  Three other full days of grocery bagging for the Close Up students are also scheduled for December during winter break.

• For the fourth consecutive year, the Como Boys’ Soccer Team won the Section Championship and qualified for the State Tournament.  After a very challenging regular season, the team persevered through the Section 4A Tournament to claim a berth in State.  The Cougars knocked off the #1 seed Mahtomedi in the semi-finals before proceeding to dominate Mounds Park Academy in a 3-0 victory in the championship game.

Entering the State Tournament with a record of 9-6-5, the Cougars were unseeded and placed in the bracket against #2 seed Orono, who entered the tournament with a record of 19-1.  Snow covered the field for the game on Oct. 28, but Como played tremendously before eventually falling in overtime by a score of 2-1.  Coach Jonah Fields said the team going to State was “a special reward for their hard work and determination.” (see photo)

• The brother and sister cross country running duo of Innocent Murwanashyaka and Florence Uwajenza are the St. Paul City Champions, each crossing the finish line first in their respective races at the Como Golf Course on Oct. 20.  Senior captain Mary Miles finished in 2nd place, while senior Geleto Roba finished 6th on the boys’ side.  Innocent followed up his City Championship on Oct. 28 with a 3rd place finish in the Section Meet, qualifying for the State Meet at St. Olaf College on Nov. 7.

• Como’s Volleyball team won the St. Paul City title for the 2nd time in 3 years.  The Lady Cougars wrapped up the conference crown at home in the Como Gym on Oct. 22 with a 3-0 win over Central.  The team posted an overall record of 19-6 (11-1 in the conference), before falling to Holy Angles in the section tournament.

• Como’s Ultimate Frisbee Team once again traveled to Winnipeg, Canada during MEA weekend to participate in the annual “Hold Back The Snow” tournament.  This unique tournament is co-ed, with boys and girls playing on the field at the same time, against international competition.  The Como Ultimate players stayed with host families in Winnipeg, building international relationships with peers from the St. John’s Ravenscourt School.  Como’s longtime Ultimate Frisbee advisor and coach Ross Savage describes the tournament as “spirited, fun, and sportsmanlike.” Seventeen student-athletes on the team experienced that spirit last month, as have hundreds of Como alumni who also played the role of international ambassadors through their dedication to Ultimate Frisbee. (see photo)

• Give to the Max Day is Nov. 12!  Please consider an online donation to the Como Booster Club now and help support the extracurricular activities, athletics and clubs that expand student opportunities and experiences at Como.  Last year the Booster Club provided supplemental support to the school’s diverse cultural clubs, athletic teams, art and music programs and sponsored the following activities: Homecoming, Taste of Como, and the Senior All Night Party.

To donate, please go to https://givemn.org/organization/comoparkboosterclub

Donations of $100 or more received on or before November 12th will be entered into a drawing to win a Power Cougar Jacket and other great prizes. Your donation, large or small, directly benefits Como students.