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Theatre Director Named the 2026 Award Recipient

Saint John鈥檚 Prep Theatre Director and Teacher Brandon Anderson is the 2026 recipient of the Twomey Family Teaching Excellence Award. The honor, created and endowed by the family of Darla and Chris 鈥�66 Twomey, recognizes the extraordinary commitment our faculty make to their students, to the school, to their discipline, and to their profession.

Mr. Anderson directs all Saint John鈥檚 Prep Theatre Department productions. He also teaches Fundamentals of Theatre, Acting I, Acting II, and Theatre Seminar. He sees performing as a spiritual experience where you can express yourself and connect with your community. 鈥淭hose who know me well know that I consider the stage a sacred place. It is a home for anyone who wishes it to be theirs 鈥� a place where people deserve to be seen for who they truly are. This is why we start each performance with a prayer to help channel both the heavens and the earth.鈥�

Mr. Anderson was nominated for the award by his colleagues, Prep parents, and Prep students. Below are some of the messages shared in his nomination:

鈥淏randon Anderson is the most passionate teacher I have ever worked alongside. He is the most innovative and creative professional I know, bringing energy and excitement to everything he does.鈥�

鈥淗eLIVES his discipline. He fosters community, passion, and excellence. As students, we buy into his vision 鈥� he both expects and demands excellence, and as students, we rise.鈥�

鈥淗e creates a safe space where we can fully be ourselves. He pushes us to step outside of our comfort zone and we try, fail鈥�and try again. He has hard conversations with us, and he does it with love and compassion. He is both a respected role model, and a friend. He puts good into the world.鈥�

 鈥淚 watch what he does with his students, and I always walk away from their shows asking, 鈥淗OW did they do that? HOW was that possible.鈥� I can鈥檛 emphasize enough鈥�. I am in complete awe of the person he is. He is a true blessing to SJP.鈥�

Mr. Anderson shares that the faculty and students at Saint John鈥檚 Prep inspire him every day. 鈥淭his community grounds me. Through both hardships and triumphs, this place continually reminds me that we belong to something bigger than ourselves. You students here inspire me endlessly with your creativity, resilience, and compassion, and you challenge me every day to become a better teacher and person.鈥�

About the Award
The Twomey Family Teaching Excellence Award values passion for student learning; inspiration, creativity, and innovation; and integrity, compassion, and excellence, each deeply rooted in our Catholic Benedictine values. Since its founding, Saint John鈥檚 Preparatory School has provided exceptional education in the Catholic Benedictine tradition. The Saint John鈥檚 Prep faculty dedicate themselves to the educational development and personal formation of our students 鈥� preparing them for meaningful lives of purpose, service, and achievement.

Saint John鈥檚 Prep will begin our 170th school year on August 19, 2026 for grades 6-12. Saint John鈥檚 Prep is ranked as the top Catholic school in Minnesota by Niche.com