3DE concludes inaugural year at Como

The freshmen class at Como progressed through a series of case studies this school year in the 3DE (three-dimensional education) program. The experiential learning with local and national companies is coordinated and funded by Junior Achievement. 3DE has been successful in school districts across the country, and Como was one of two St. Paul high schools to implement it this year.

“The first year of 3DE at Como has been truly amazing,” 3DE Implementation Leader LeShon Archie said. “I’ve enjoyed watching our freshmen students grow in their confidence and their ability to work and collaborate together while also connecting what they are learning to the real world. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish as 10th graders!”

3DE will serve ninth and 10th graders next year and integrate new business partners and case studies for the sophomores. This year, the case studies included Blaze Credit Union, Ramsey County, API Construction and Engineering, Thrivent Financial, Arby’s Restaurants, and Delta Air Lines.

The Delta case study culminated in May with an event at the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul Campus. Students were asked to use ideation, creativity and innovation to improve the Delta gate experience, which has been identified as a point of pain for customers. 

Presentations made to the judges representing Delta at the event resulted in two winning groups. One group produced a highly effective animated video to present their solutions. Another group created a brochure that impressed the judges with how well it kept their solution on brand for Delta and loved their take on how “a passenger’s journey starts before takeoff,” Archie said.

 

Senior Dedication Night

The Class of 2025 and families attended Senior Dedication Night on Tuesday, May 27 in the Como Auditorium. The event recognized the educational achievements of the graduating class with honors ranging from academic distinctions of Cum Laude or higher, to academic department awards, to service and leadership cords, to scholarships and more.

College tuition scholarships from community partners and sponsors ranged from $500 to $16,000 and were awarded by Wallin Education Partners, Blaze Financial, Paitich #forthekids Foundation, Como STEM, Get Ready Student Success, Rice St. Athletic Club, Travelers Edge, St. Paul Youth Services, Robert Street Business Association, and the Como Park Schultz Scholarship.

 

Badminton, track and field athletes to state

Spring sports for most Como teams wrapped up in May. The badminton team had an extraordinary season, compiling an overall record of 17-4 and winning the St. Paul City Conference for the first time since 2002. 

In the state badminton tournament, the Cougars reached the semifinals and took the third-place team trophy. Tsuki Solheid placed fourth in the individual state singles tourney. The doubles team of Gaolee Yang and Asta Ket reached the state quarterfinals.

Seven Como boys from the track and field team qualified for the state meet (held June 11-12 after the Monitor went to press). Overall, the boys team took third place out of 13 teams in the Section 4AA Meet.