On behalf of the Class of 2026,
I want to begin by thanking all of you here with us today. To our faculty and staff – thank you for the time, care, and dedication you have poured into us over the years. You have challenged us, supported us, and helped shape us into who we are today. To our families and friends – thank you for your constant encouragement, your sacrifices, and for believing in us, even when we didn’t always believe in ourselves.

We are also deeply grateful to Bishop Neary, Abbot Doug and members of Saint John’s Abbey, and other distinguished guests for being here with us today and for the roles you have played in guiding and supporting this school community. And finally, to my classmates – the Class of 2026 – it is truly an honor to stand with you today. Each of you has helped shape this class into something special, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have experienced and accomplished together.

Seven years ago, our class started as a small group of students. We were also part of the first-ever fifth- and sixth-grade section in SJP history. Apparently, that experiment did not work, because we were also in the last fifth and sixth-grade section. Since then, our class has grown to 54 students, which may sound small, but for Prep, is a big class. Today, we come from five countries and 13 local communities.

With so many different backgrounds, we have all lived unique and diverse lives. But something we have all experienced together is the onset of AI. Now, as I’m sure many of you know, AI has become a major part of our lives today. Schools have blocked websites on devices and added AI detectors to assignments. Even though AI has been shaping our world behind the scenes for years, now it feels impossible to ignore. Every day, people are debating which jobs technology might replace and what the future will look like.

Recently, in Ms. Fitch’s AP English class, she asked us a question during one of our weekly “Talk on Tuesday” discussions. If you don’t know, Ms. Fitch has a theme for the beginning of class each day. Most days are reflection-based questions about our childhood or current day topics. I like every day except “workout Wednesday.” Because starting an 8am class with a plank or wall-sit competition is not cool, Ms. Fitch. These prompts allow us to come together each day, and all get on the same page while hearing what is on everyone’s mind. The question that day was: “What is something AI cannot or should not replace?” And that question really stayed with me.

The first answer that came to mind was human connection and relationships, but someone said that before I could, so I went with the performing arts because, selfishly, I would appreciate a little job security. In typical AP English fashion, we kept talking. My eighth period class is notorious for making these prompts last way longer than they should, but that’s when I realized my original thought had been right all along. My fellow students talked about love, friendship, empathy, conversation, and the power of human connection. And that made me think about our class and what makes us who we are. I came to realize that connection is what shaped this class into what it is today.

Even though there are only 54 of us, connection was never guaranteed. We chose to come together as a class. We chose to show up for one another at games, concerts, and shows. Without those choices, we would not have had a senior sunrise, a senior sunset, or even a senior prank.

Members of our class even took charge and in honor of the shooting at Annunciation School. Though that moment was heavy and emotional, we saw our community stand up and come together. For me, it was one of the most impactful events during my time at Prep.

And I know phone free Friday was not everybody’s favorite day of the week, but when we were trying to figure out how to spend lunch without Instagram or TikTok, I saw my friends truly connect with each other. I got to see arguably some of the most intense rounds of Uno ever played. There were tears, but mostly from laughing, I think…

Even when we were told a senior skit probably was not going to happen this year, we came together and created, in my humble opinion, the best one Prep has ever seen. And when the AP English classes were coming up with ideas for each person’s part, it showed just how well we understood what made each person unique.

These are the things we will remember. We may not remember every grade we got sophomore year, but we will remember laughing together about something that happened in class. We will remember the stressful moments when someone reminded us that everything was going to be okay. And we will remember the people who were there for us, day or night, when life got hard.

Now, we are all about to begin a new chapter in our lives. Some of us are staying close to home. �������s are heading out of state, and some are even going to other countries. I am getting ready to move to New York for college. I get to study my passion at one of my dream schools. So, when people ask if I am ready to move away and start school, I almost always say yes.

But, if I’m being honest, that is not the whole truth. It is scary to think about being away from everything I know and away from the people who have made this place feel like home. For the first time in four years, we will not see the same faces every day, and we will not have the same teachers welcoming us into class. But I think that nervousness tells us something important. It reminds us that what we built here was real. And that is exactly why it will stay with us.

It shows that what we built here matters.

In a world that keeps accelerating and where technology continues to reshape everything, it seems like what people are really searching for hasn’t changed at all. People are still looking for each other. No technology can replace the feeling of being truly known. It can’t replace the moment your favorite song comes on at a dance, and everyone rushes onto the floor. It can’t replace someone showing up for you when you’re going through something difficult.

Connection gives life meaning. It’s what makes us human.

And I think that gives our generation both a challenge and an opportunity. We have to resist the pull towards disconnection. Because connection does not just happen. It takes effort. It asks us to reach out, to be vulnerable, and to take that first step. In this next chapter, we will be surrounded by people we don’t know yet. We may feel anxious and scared, but the truth is, those new to us are probably feeling the same way we are. So introduce yourself. Sit down at that table. Start the conversation. Be the reason someone else feels less alone. Because one small moment of courage can turn into a friendship that can last a lifetime.

As we leave Prep, my hope is that we carry that with us; not just the memories, but the willingness to keep choosing connection, to keep showing up for people, and to keep building the kind of community that changes us for the better. And wherever we go, I hope we build communities similar to what we have created in our years here.

Because if we have proven anything during our time at Prep, it is this: Connection is not just something we were lucky enough to find here. It is something we now know how to create. And that is something no technology will ever replace.

So, Class of 2026, congratulations. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the friendships that made these years unforgettable. Thank you for making this class what it is. I am so proud to be part of it, and I cannot wait to see the lives you build, the people you become, and the communities you create.

Thank you.

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Saint John’s Prep Junior Margaret Duffy earned first place and the state title in both the 1600m race and 3200m race at the held at Saint Michael-Albertville High School June 4-6.

On Thursday, June 4, she won with a commanding time of 10:49.48, ahead of her closest competitor by 12 seconds!

On Friday, June 5, she won a very competitive 1600m race, finishing with a time of 4:55:5. Her closest competitor finished behind her at 4:56:96. Margaret also set a new school record in the event!

Margaret Duffy now has FIVE state championship titles in running events:

• 2024 4×800 Relay MSHSL Class A State Track and Field Meet
• 2025 3200m MSHSL Class A State Track and Field Meet
• 2025 Cross Country Class A Championship
• 2026 1600m MSHSL Class A State Track and Field Meet
• 2026 3200m MSHSL Class A State Track and Field Meet

Margaret is the daughter of Megan and Brendon Duffy of Cold Spring. In addition to running for the track and cross-country teams, Margaret is vice-president of student council, a member of the state qualifying Envirothon team and the National Honor Society.

Margaret will next compete at the New Balance Nationals on June 18 through 12 at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Cold Spring Resident Claudia Ruzanic Also Competes at the State Meet

Saint John’s Prep sophomore Claudia Ruzanic also competed at the state meet. Claudia Ruzanic raced in the 1600m, finishing in 13th place with a time of 5:17.63.

Claudia is the daughter of Rachel and Ted Ruzanic of Cold Spring.

St. Joseph Resident Will Vix Also Competes at the State Meet

Will Vix ’26 ran in a heated 3200m race at the MSHSL Track and Field Championship race on June 4. His time was 10:05.52. He faced some of the toughed runners in Minnesota!

The race was the last of Will’s running career at Saint John’s Prep spanning from middle school with conference wins, state cross country appearances, and exciting relays.

Will graduated from Saint John’s Prep in May 2026 and plans to run cross-country and track and field at Saint Olaf College in Northfield. Will is the son of Tamara Hennes Vix of St. Joseph.

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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

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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! 

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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 .

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