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In Photos: Bears in Motion

Student News

Impressive Accomplishments

WBLAHS Cross Country Coach Dan Kovacich was recently inducted into the Minnesota Cross County Coaches Hall of Fame. The White Bear Press highlighted his impressive coaching career which includes 17 seasons, with five section coach of the year honors and 12 trips to the State Meet. Coach Kovacich is the sixth Bear coach to earn this honor, following Don Glover, Wayne Slocum, Joe Tarnie, Lyle Helke and Patti Percival. 

WBLAHS Boys' Hockey Team member Nate Celski was recently named to the 20-man roster that will compete August 14-18 at the U17 Five Nations Tournament in Slovakia. Learn more about the tournament here. Speaking of impressive achievements, WBLAHS graduate Blake Peters was recently highlighted in the White Bear Press for the fitness journey he's been on since the age of 15.

White Bear Lake Area School District has received an Innovation in Service Learning Grant from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Elementary students from Matoska International IB World School and Willow Lane Elementary will partner with H2O for Life to raise awareness about the global water crisis, inspire engagement in social causes, and raise funds for water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives for a global partnering school.

Bears in the News

WBLAHS wrestler Gabe Kessel was on the KARE 11 Sunrise show last week, sharing his story of fighting a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. While on set, Gabe was surprised with words of encouragement from prominent members of the wrestling community and his own WBLAHS wrestling teammates!

The new WBLAHS Boys' Soccer Coach Taelynn Gittins was recently highlighted in the White Bear Press. Gittins is a WBLAS teacher and has spent two years on the boys soccer staff, as the goalie coach for all levels both years, and was an assistant varsity coach last year. She told the White Bear Press, “I am extremely excited to take on this new role. Mostly I am feeling thankful for the opportunity.” The fall sports season begins on August 12. Registration for several teams is still open. Find additional details here. 

District student Lillian Trudeau was recently highlighted in a KARE 11 segment highlighting students' involvement in an 8-week Minnesota Trades Academy summer internship program offered through WBLAS Career Pathways Construction. In addition to learning experiences at White Bear Lake Area High School, interns visited over a dozen different apprenticeship training centers where they received training and supervision from industry experts. Student interns will be prepared to select a construction career path – union apprenticeship training; construction-related post-secondary tracts; or direct entry into the construction workplace, if desired. 

Mark Your Calendar

The White Bear Lake Area High School's Fall Musical production has been announced! Students will perform "Legally Blonde," with show dates happening November 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23. Students will audition for roles Sept. 9 or 10. Audition information can be found here. Prior to the audition, Fall Musical Director Wendy Suoja will host a free Musical Theatre Audition Clinic for students in grades 9-12 on Aug. 21. Students will cover a typical high school audition, read from a variety of scripts and learn some choreography. See information and register for the clinic here. This year's production will be the last to be performed in the WBLAHS Theatre, as the new WBLAHS Performing Arts Center will be completed later this fall and will play host to fall musical productions in the future.

Those who are interested in touring the renovated White Bear Lake Area High School are invited to a Community Open House event from 3-6 p.m. on Thursday, August 29. Get a sneak peek inside the building by watching this invitation video. Stick around that night for our season opener football game, which will kick off at 7 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to see the new facilities and cheer on our Bears!

The WBLAHS Speech Team will be participating in the Little Fair Hands exhibit at the State Fair on Sunday, August 25, as a fundraiser. They are looking for 20 volunteers at all times throughout the day in shifts. Shifts are 3 hrs and 15 minutes long and start at 7:30 am, 10:15 am, 1:15 pm and 4:15 pm. The easy and fun work involves interacting with kids as they go through the exhibit and other light tasks. All who volunteer will receive a FREE ticket to enjoy the Fair before or after their shift. Kids as young as 12 can help. Those who are interested in helping out are asked to complete this Google form.

Summer Activities

Students and staff at Matoska International were recently visited by several special guests! Local law enforcement stopped by to talk about safety and show off their squad car! Students enjoyed asking the officers questions and checking out the vehicle. 

WBLAS Freedom School wrapped up Friday. The program provides students an opportunity to explore how they can make a difference through literacy and education, social action and community engagement. During their finale showcase and Harambee, students performed songs for their families and enjoyed motivational activities to a beat. Students were honored with awards and fifth grade students were celebrated. They also enjoyed a video highlighting their experience. 

Staff leaders from across the district took part in a leadership and professional development retreats this summer in preparation of the 2024-25 school year. Some of their activities included team building exercises such participating in an Olympics style competition and group discussions on a variety of topics. 

 Activities Updates

Registration is open for the Fall Sports Season for middle and high school students. Find additional details here. Boys' Cross Country Coach Dan Kovacich was recently inducted into the Minnesota Cross County Coaches Hall of Fame. The White Bear Press highlighted his impressive coaching career. The new WBLAHS Boys' Soccer coach Taelynn Gittins was recently highlighted in the White Bear Press.

Senior community members (age 65+) who live in the District are invited to participate in the Senior Activities Pass program and enjoy complimentary admission to most school activities. Find out how to receive your free pass here.

Please contact the Communications Department (651-407-7695) to submit Student News for inclusion in future publications. 

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