Saint John’s 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 ’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’s 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. “Those 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 — 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.”

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:

“Brandon 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.”

“HeLIVES his discipline. He fosters community, passion, and excellence. As students, we buy into his vision – he both expects and demands excellence, and as students, we rise.”

“He creates a safe space where we can fully be ourselves. He pushes us to step outside of our comfort zone and we try, fail…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.”

 “I watch what he does with his students, and I always walk away from their shows asking, “HOW did they do that? HOW was that possible.” I can’t emphasize enough…. I am in complete awe of the person he is. He is a true blessing to SJP.”

Mr. Anderson shares that the faculty and students at Saint John’s Prep inspire him every day. “This 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.”

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’s Preparatory School has provided exceptional education in the Catholic Benedictine tradition. The Saint John’s Prep faculty dedicate themselves to the educational development and personal formation of our students – preparing them for meaningful lives of purpose, service, and achievement.

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

The post Brandon Anderson Receives Twomey Family Teaching Excellence Award appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Prep is proud to announce students who are graduating with honors. These students are the highest academic achievers of the Class of 2026.

To graduate with an honors diploma from Saint John’s Prep, students must achieve a minimum of three academic distinctions, complete an interdisciplinary senior capstone project, and earn a cumulative GPA of 3.75 or higher. Students pursue areas of academic distinctions by completing advanced research, essays, and projects in their preferred fields of study.

The following students will present their capstone research on Friday, May 15 during the Aspire 2 Excellence Scholarship and Community Day at Saint John’s Prep.

2026 Honors Graduates

Donovan Figallo is the son of Shaana and Andrew Figallo of St. Joseph. Donovan will attend Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa and major in International Relations and Biology.

• Capstone Topic: Societal Benefits of Materialistic Novelty Items: Labubus—the Perfect Tool to Climb the Social Ladder
• Distinctions: Science, Social Studies, World Languages

Vivian Fitch is the daughter of Kelly and Scott Fitch of Cold Spring. She will attend the University of Wisconsin in Madison and major in Political Science.

• Capstone Topic:How did Creative Expression Impact Advocacy and Accessibility for Female Reproductive Freedom during Second Wave Feminism in America?
• Distinctions: English, World Languages, Visual Arts

Isabella Glomski is the daughter of Christine and John Glomski of Saint Augusta. She will attend Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina and major in Psychology and Biology.

• Capstone Project: Gut Microbiome Shaping Childhood Development: Long-Term Behavioral Patterns
• Distinctions: English, Science, Visual Arts

Michael Kang is the son of Sun Hye Jung and Sang Yoon Kang of Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, near Seoul, in the Republic of Korea.        Michael will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and major in Biology with a pre-med focus.

• Capstone Topic: What is the Connection between Teenagers’ Exposure to Short-Form Content and the Weightlifting Supplement Market?
• Distinctions: Math, Social Studies, Science

Aubrie Louis is the daughter of Tina and Lance Louis of Cold Spring. She will attend Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She is undecided on her major.

• Capstone Topic: A Historiographical Critique of the History of the Athena Parthenos
• Distinctions: Social Studies, Science, Visual Arts

Lane McIntyre is the son of Suzanne McIntyre of St. Joseph and Mike McIntyre of South Dakota. Lane will attend Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and major in Civil Engineering.

• Capstone Topic: Problems in Bridges around the United States: Engineering Solutions
• Distinctions: Performing Arts, Math, Science

William Reisinger is the son of Elizabeth and Eric Reisinger of St. Cloud. He will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and major in Chemistry.

• Capstone Topic: How TikTok Polarizes: Examining TikTok’s Structure and Algorithm
• Distinctions: Math, Science, World Language

Cecelia Weldon is the daughter of Nancy and Derick Weldon of St. Joseph. She will attend Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York and major in Journalism.

• Capstone Topic:The Songs they Carried: Memory, Music, and the Search for Truth in “The Things they Carried” and the Soundtrack of War
• Distinctions: English, Performing Arts, World Languages

Jacob Weniger is the son of Jean Weniger of Maurertown, Virginia. He has not finalized his decision on a college or major for the fall of 2026.

• Capstone Project:Ink and Ignorance: How Limitations in Research, Captivity, and Recognition Obscure Cephalopod Science
• Distinctions: English, Science, World Language

Isabelle Westling is the daughter of Sue and Craig Westling of Sartell. She will attend New York University in New York, New York and major inGlobal Health with a minor in Business.

• Capstone Project: United States and Latin America: How Sports Culture Affects Mental Health
• Distinctions: Science, Math, World Language, Visual Arts

Aquiliana Wolf is the daughter of Lisa and Saul Wolf of St. Joseph. She will attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and major in Biology and Theater Production/Design.

• Capstone Topic: The First Public Relations Campaign: How Christianity Influenced the Psychological and Political Foundations of Early America
• Distictions: Social Studies, Science, Performing Arts

Andrew Zahasky is the son of Maria and Brian Zahasky of Sauk Rapids. He will attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and major in Pre-pharmacy and Music.

• Capstone Topic:America Science Fiction in the Politics of Fear: How 1984 Influenced Power and Control
• Distinctions: Science, Performing Arts, English

The post Class of 2026 Honors Graduates appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Izzy ’26 is already a champion in Minnesota, and now she’s joining a national championship team!

Saint John’s Prep Senior Izzy Westling has committed to join the national championship swim and dive team for New York University, in Manhattan. She signed her letter of intent at Prep accompanied by her parents, Craig and Sue Westling of Sartell, SJP/Apollo/CHS Co-op Swim and Dive Coach Evan Shanley and former SJP/CHS Co-op Swim and Dive Coach, Jen Drakkar.

This fall, Izzy will join the NYU Women’s Swimming and Diving team, the reigning NCAA Division III National Champions, who claimed their first-ever title in March 2026.

In November of 2025 at the Minnesota State High School League Swim and Dive State Championship Meet, Izzy earned the state title in the 100-yard freestyle with an outstanding time of 51.75 seconds. In addition to her first-place finish, Izzy also earned second place in the 200-yard individual medley.

In 2024, Izzy swam two individual sprint events, placing 6th in the 50 Free and 3rd in the 100 Free earning All-State honors in both events.

Izzy has been a part of the Saint John’s Prep   community co-op team with St. Cloud Apollo and St. Cloud Cathedral since seventh grade.

Izzy’s former coach and current SJP history and economics teacher, Jen Drakkar, says, “It has been an absolute joy coaching Izzy over the years and watching her continue to develop into the incredible athlete she is today. Izzy is an amazing teammate, always willing to work with, cheer on, and celebrate her teammates. Her work ethic as an athlete is inspirational—she always looks for ways to improve, takes feedback and applies it, and is so respectful on and off the pool deck. I am so excited to continue to follow her journey into the college world of sports. I think she is really going to show what she is capable of at NYU and continue to grow and develop even further as a talented athlete.”

Izzy’s new team is a Division III program. against teams like the University of Chicago, Case Western, Emory, and Washington University. During the 2025-26 season, the NYU Violets earned first place at the NCAA Division III Championship meet in Indianapolis.

Izzy plans to major in Global Health and minor in Business at New York University.

The post Izzy Westling ’26 Commits to NYU for Swimming appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Preparatory School is proud to announce that Isaac Miller, a Senior at Saint John’s Prep, has been selected to participate in Triple Threat on Hennepin, a highly selective and prestigious performing arts program that recognizes Minnesota high school students for excellence in singing, acting, dancing, and leadership. Triple Threat on Hennepin is part of the Only 24 students statewide were chosen as Triple Threat finalists.

Isaac is the son of Jen and Aaron Miller of Cold Spring. He is the brother of Nora Miller ’23. Isaac will attend Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York to pursue a BFA in Acting this fall. At Saint John’s Prep, Isaac has performed in lead and featured roles in the productions of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Little Mermaid, James and the Giant Peach, Footloose, and, of course, 2026’s Hadestown.

Isaac will take part in intensive rehearsal, and performance experience in June that ends with performances in the

“This is an incredible honor,” said Isaac. “Triple Threat on Hennepin brings together some of the most talented students in the state, and I’m excited to grow as a performer and collaborator through this experience.”

“We are exceptionally proud of Isaac and this remarkable achievement,” said Brandon Anderson, Theatre Director.  “This selection reflects not only Isaac’s outstanding talent, but also his leadership, dedication, and a commitment to artistic excellence – values we strive to cultivate at Saint John’s Prep.”

The post Isaac Miller ’26 Earns Triple Threat Honors appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Prep is celebrating Isabel Schwinghammer ’26, who has been shortlisted for the Minnesota Youth Poet Laureate Program. She advanced to the finals of the 2026 contest with three original poems, earning recognition for both her creative voice and thoughtful engagement with important themes.

The hosts an annual poetry initiative that honors young writers using poetry to create artistic, civic, and social impact. Through this program, emerging poets are recognized for their leadership, creativity, and commitment to using words as a force for connection and change.

Isabel is the daughter of Stewart and Kim Schwinghammer of Saint Augusta. She is the sister of Gabe ’28. Isabel is mentored by English teacher, Kelly Fitch.

The post Isabel Schwinghammer recieves State Poetry Honors appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Seniors Lane McIntyre and Izzy Westling are the 2025-26 recipients of the “Triple A (Academics, Arts and Athletics) Award” by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).  According to the MSHSL, the purpose of this program is to recognize and honor high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the fine arts. The two were honored at the Section 5A Triple A Award Banquet earlier in January.

Lane was selected as the top male Triple AAA Award recipient in our sub-region. He now advances to represent our region at the MSHSL 5A banquet where he will join the other top AAA honorees in our Section. The top student athletes from Section 5A will then move on to MSHSL state competition in March.

Lane is the son of Suzanne McIntyre of Saint Joesph and Mike McIntyre of South Dakota. He is the brother of Kayla ’28.
While attending Saint John’s Prep, Lane has been a member of the track, cross-country and Nordic ski teams. He serves as a captain of the cross-country and Nordic ski teams. Lane is also a member of the SJP choir, concert choir, and orchestra. He was named to the all-state choir in 2025. Lane also plays piano and earned a spot in the Minnesota Music Teachers Association Honors Concert. Lane is a member of the National Honor Society and the Triangle Literary Magazine. Lane is an alumni member of the Saint John’s Boys’ choir who serves as a camp counselor. He is also an active member of the Church of Saint Joseph.

As a team captain and music mentor, Lane appreciates the leadership opportunities he’s received as a team captain and mentor for younger musicians and singers. “As leaders we learn to work effectively with our coaches, directors, and other team members. I try to make sure that everyone feels like they are an important part of the team or group by spreading kindness, positivity, and cheering everyone on!”

Lane will attend Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and study engineering. He plans to pursue music in the men’s choir and join an intramural running club while in college.

Izzy is the daughter of Sue and Craig Westling of Sartell. She is the sister of Luc ’20 and Claire ’24.
Izzy has been a member of the swim and dive team and as a senior, she serves as a captain. Izzy is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Triangle Literary Magazine. HOSA Future Health Care Professionals Club, Girls Who Code, Gym Girls Club, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. She’s served as a middle school mentor and an academic center tutor. Izzy is an artist and enjoys creating ceramics and drawing in the Saint John’s Prep art studios.

In November of 2025, at the Minnesota State High School League Swim and Dive State Championship Meet, Izzy claimed the state title in the 100-yard freestyle with an outstanding time of 51.75 seconds. In addition to her first-place finish, Izzy also earned second place in the 200-yard individual medley.

Izzy says both athletics and arts are very important to her education. “Sports are important because they teach me how to challenge and push myself. I have been forced to learn time-management skills, discipline, and resilience in the face of obstacles – all skills that are important in the pool, the classroom, and life. Art has played a huge part in my life, by teaching me ways to express myself. I gained confidence and patience in how I understand and express my emotions and opinions by bringing them to life through something I can make.”

Next year Izzy plans to attend a New York University in Manhattan and study global health. She has committed to be a member of NYU’s Violets swim and dive team.

Criteria for the Triple A Award include:  Exhibit citizenship and be a respected individual in their home communities and school, have participated in a MSHSL-sponsored athletic program and fine arts activity, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and comply with the MSHSL’s Student Code of Conduct.

The post SJP Seniors Earn AAA Award appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Each 7^th and 8^th grade student donated a festive, wrapped gift that was used for bidding. The auction items were all mystery items. Each gift was labelled with a clue, but all students could see was a wrapped gift or gift bag! Students opened the gifts to find everything from Christmas candy and holiday décor to silly items like beauty products, office supplies, and silly toys.

Middle school teacher Cameron Swanson served as the auctioneer while middle school teachers Jeff Kirchoff, Ashleigh Severson, and Robert Ellenbecker served as cashiers and gift distributors.

The proceeds are being used to fill the wish lists of a family at Anna Marie’s Alliance. Mr. Swanson took a crew of students shopping with the family members’ wish lists. Gifts on the Anna Marie’s wish list range from practical clothing and toiletries to fun toys, gift cards and electronics.

provides safety for women and children in abusive situations in the nine-county region of Stearns, Benton, Sherburne, Wright, Mille Lacs, Isanti, Kanabec, Chisago and Pine Counties. For more information about Anna Marie’s Alliance go to www.annamaries.org.

Founded in 1857, is a Catholic/Benedictine, co-ed, private day and boarding school, providing students of all faiths in grades 6-12, with a college-preparatory curriculum. For more information, visit or call 320-363-3315.

The post Saint John’s Prep Middle School Students Raise $2,045  for Anna Marie’s Alliance appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Prep students, faculty and staff are sharing the spirit of Thanksgiving by donating food and money to the . The Thanksgiving food drive benefitting the Food Shelf was a huge success thanks to the efforts and generosity of our families. Together students from grades 6 through 12 collected $ 3,780.58 in cash/check donations and 951 food items!

Saint John’s Prep has hosted this food drive for the Food Shelf for more than 20 years.

The food bank is now distributing the food to families in the St. Joseph area. Prep students brought in non-perishable food items including canned vegetables, boxes of stuffing, cans of broth and cream of mushroom soup, bottles of fruit juice, and other holiday staples. The money will be used to purchase turkeys, pies, buns and other perishable items. More than 30 families with a hearty and healthy Thanksgiving meal thanks to our efforts!

We are especially grateful for the work of the National Honor Society, Ms. Frame and NHS President, Isaac Miller ’26 for coordinating this successful food drive. 

Miller Advising Wins Crumbl Cookie Party

Mr. Miller and his advising group will enjoy a Crumbl Cookie party to celebrate their success. Together they collected $1,002 for the food shelf. Way to go! 

The post Food Drive Raises more than $3,700 appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

On November 15 at the Minnesota State High School League Swim and Dive State Championship Meet, Izzy Westling claimed the state title in the 100-yard freestyle with an outstanding time of 51.75 seconds. In addition to her first-place finish, Izzy also earned second place in the 200-yard individual medley.

In 2024, Izzy swam two individual sprint events, placing 6th in the 50 Free and 3d in the 100 Free earning All State honors in both events.

Izzy wasn’t just a standout in individual events—she also teamed up with Lilah Mohs ’27 for the 200-yard medley relay at the MSHSL state meet, held at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. Regan Douvier ’28 served as the team’s alternate. Known as one of the most competitive events in Minnesota high school swimming, the relay featured some of the fastest swimmers in the state. The team finished 14th out of 23 teams, an impressive achievement.

Saint John’s Prep swimmers compete as part of a community co-op team with St. Cloud Apollo and St. Cloud Cathedral, giving student-athletes the opportunity to participate in high school swimming and diving at the state level.

We’re incredibly proud of these scholar-athletes and their dedication. Way to go, Johnnies!
Learn more about our programs at .

The post Izzy Westling ’26 Earns State Championship Title in Swimming appeared first on Saint John's Prep.

Saint John’s Prep launched the 2025-26 school year on August 20 with our annual opening convocation ceremony. As president of Student Council, Vivian Fitch ’26 gave an encouraging speech to students, faculty, staff, and parents in the Saint John’s Abbey Church.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you Dr. Glomski, Mr. McGee, Abbot Douglas, Saint John’s Prep faculty, staff, and students, and all other friends and family that have joined us here today. Welcome to the first day of the 2025-2026 academic school year.
I am beyond grateful and thrilled to be speaking to you all today. These next nine months will undoubtedly be filled with laughter, memories, and immense self-growth.

As I look out into this crowd now, every single person I see is incredibly capable, determined, and ready to take on this new chapter in their lives. However, I know how nerve-racking and scary it can be to begin a new school year— despite what grade you may be entering. I have the same nerves I do right now as I did at the beginning of my Prep journey five years ago. And as I look back on that thirteen-year-old version of myself, there are so many things I want to say to her—most of which my present self, and perhaps others in this room, need to hear as well, so I will be doing that by sharing some quotes.

A great philosopher once said, “Everything you lose is a step you take.” This strikes a special part of my heart because in the rigorous academic environment that is Prep, it is completely inevitable that you will fail at some point during your time here. Whether it is forgetting to read last night’s assignment and failing a pop quiz, answering a question incorrectly despite such eager confidence, or completely bombing a physics test you tried your hardest at— it’s all part of the experience. There can often be a lot of pressure that we as students face and, due to that, mistakes and failure may feel like the end of the world. However, it is in those moments of failure, stress, and anxiety that teach us the lessons necessary for our growth. It is through failing that we discover how to improve ourselves, what works best for us, and where our true intentions and priorities lie. That is why we must allow ourselves the grace and the space to make mistakes so that if failure approaches us, which it inevitably will, we make sure to embrace it and grow.

Another quote that really inspires me is by a very wise businesswoman. She shares, “There is no easy way out. There is no shortcut home. There’s only hard work, patience, and persistence.” We are all so incredibly lucky to be attending Saint John’s Prep, and I firmly believe that education is the strongest tool that one can have. So, I encourage all of you here to ask those extra questions this year, push yourself to take hard classes, and challenge and expand your mind daily. While it will get difficult, know that that is how you grow intellectually. As that quote shared, it is truly through hard work, patience, and persistence that will lead us all to great success.

Additionally, I also think it’s important to practice balance. A poet one said, “Hold on to the memories and they will hold onto you.” This holds importance because when it comes to school, of course a huge part of it is academic. School is a place to learn, grow, and challenge ourselves intellectually.

However, another aspect that is just as important is the social life. What is sixth grade without making lifelong memories at Osprey Wilds with your friends? What is middle school without the chaotic fails during winter on the sledding hill? What is high school without homecoming bonfires and countless crazy moments in the fishbowl filled with laughter? It is important to find balance at Prep between academics and friendships, because it is the two together that encapsulate the enjoyment of school. So, I hope all of you can practice balance this school year by making long, lasting friendships and memories everywhere you go.

Now, I know I’ve given some pretty broad pieces of advice so far, but there is one last thing I want to share with you today. I want to remind and assure all of you that at the end of the day, nothing is quite that serious. Things will change, people will evolve, and everything will be okay. Know that no one is staring at you as much as you think, no one remembers that embarrassing moment that keeps you up at night as vividly as you do and know that no one is perceiving you nearly as harshly as you may perceive yourself. As once said by a person who inspires me daily, that philosopher, businesswoman, and poet I mentioned earlier, Ms. Taylor Swift, “Just shake it off.”

Thank you all so much for listening and being here today. Be sure to go into this new academic year with an open mind, kind heart, and strong ambition, and I wish you all an amazing 2025-2026 school year!

Thank you!

Vivian is a senior at Saint John’s Prep and the daughter of Kelly and Scott Fitch of Cold Spring, MN.

The post School is a place to learn, grow, and challenge ourselves! appeared first on Saint John's Prep.