Democracy in action at Como Park

Fifty seniors studying a University of Minnesota political science course at Como this semester facilitated a mock election during the build-up toward the midterm elections. The school auditorium became an election precinct over the course of two days which allowed every social studies class in the school to visit and experience voting.

The goal of the mock election was to increase political efficacy and participation in our democracy. When students are exposed to the ballot, registration, and casting their vote, they are more likely to vote in the future and less likely to be intimidated by the process.

Each senior in the U of M course spent an hour serving as election judges, gaining insight to elections from the administrative side. Twenty-two students served as Ramsey County student election judges on Nov. 3. The partnership with Ramsey County Elections is effectively training a new generation of election workers and getting citizens involved at a young age.

An additional experiential learning experience for seniors Ela Cantellano and Aurelia Haycraft is their internship with the League of Women Voters. They organized an outreach and education program that included registering voters and presenting a lesson on political participation to every 11th and 12th grade social studies class at Como.
The interns will be the featured guests for the St. Paul League of Women Voters meeting that will take place on Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. The program is entitled “Democracy Starts Here: Student Leaders on Voting.” The public may visit lwvsp.org for details.

Seniors from the U of M course who will be traveling to Washington D.C. in March as part of the national Close Up program will be doing their annual fundraiser bagging groceries for customers at the Larpenteur Ave. Cub Foods on Nov. 21 and will do so again on Dec. 19.

AP Night at Como Nov. 19
Prospective students and families who would like to learn more about Como’s college-level coursework are invited to the school library on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 pm. Como faculty and students will share their experiences in Advanced Placement, concurrent enrollment, and post-secondary enrollment options.

The student panel is always a highlight and a wonderful way for middle school students and families to get a glimpse of life at Como and inform their high school decision making. Light refreshments will be served.

State Tournament Time
Boys’ soccer repeated as the Section 4AA champions. In the state quarterfinals, the Cougars fell to Winona 1-0. Senior captain Pah Chi was selected all-state and senior captain Stefan N’da earned the elite distinction of being chosen “Mr. Soccer” for the state of Minnesota in Class AA.

Ela Cantellano won her second consecutive section title in tennis and concluded her career in the state tournament – the first Como girl to ever play at state.

The cross-country boys won their fourth consecutive section title, earning the right to race at state and try to repeat the state championship they won in 2025.