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 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

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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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Saint John’s Preparatory School announces the successful completion of its comprehensive capital campaign, exceeding its original $10 million goal by raising more than $15.1 million.

“Prep Forward: Our Time is Now is the largest, most successful campaign in our school’s nearly 170-year history,” said Jon McGee, Head of School. “The funds raised will significantly increase the scope and impact of the campaign’s priorities, including supporting teachers and students while providing facilities upgrades and improvements.”

Launched in April 2024 to raise $10 million, the campaign quickly gained momentum, creating an opportunity to stretch the campaign goal and expand the timing. “While we anticipated widespread support from alumni, parents and grandparents, and friends, we were struck by how many people joined the campaign efforts so quickly and responded so generously,” said Ann Marie Stock ’78, a regent, alumna and leadership donor of the school. “The campaign created an energy in the school community that caused others to join in and celebrate with us. It’s been inspiring to be involved.”

The focused on investments in faculty, facilities, and financial aid, ensuring the Prep experience is available to students of all backgrounds for generations to come. “Leadership was able to identify core needs and articulate them in a compelling way, putting together a really sound campaign,” said campaign co-chair Bob Mahowald, Jr. ’95. “It was obvious that this was close to the heart for so many. The campaign sold itself.”

The final total reflects both major philanthropic investments and broad-based support from across the community, securing more than $6.8 million in cash gifts, and $8.3 million in planned giving commitments to establish or increase endowed scholarships and support teaching excellence.

Campaign highlights include:

• Total funds raised exceeding $15 million, far surpassing the initial $10 million goal
• The largest gift commitment in Prep’s 169-year history
• Expanded funding for facilities, faculty compensation, and financial aid
• More than 140 donors participated in the campaign

“The timing was right for the needs of the students and families,” said Lexy St. Hilaire, campaign co-chair. “The Prep community showed up with their support and wanted to ensure its continued success.”

With the campaign now complete, Prep will begin implementing all the initiatives made possible by this campaign. To date, the campaign has created the Br. Paul Vincent Niebauer, OSB Endowed Chair in Theatre to permanently support the school’s theatre director position, a complete renewal of our soccer field (Ford-McCormick Field), and the creation of the endowed Theo and James Baustert Teaching Excellence Fund to support faculty salaries.

“The campaign has provided us with the lessons to reshape our major giving program in support of our students and their future,” said McGee. “Looking ahead, we will build on the strong support from our community and steward these resources for long-term impact and sustainability.”

For more information on the Prep Forward – Our Time is Now campaign, visit

Saint John’s Prep is a premier arts and sciences world school where imagination, creativity and discovery are celebrated. Founded in 1857 by Saint John’s Abbey, Saint John’s Prep enrolls nearly 300 students from 15 nations, half a dozen states, and 29 different Minnesota communities.

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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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Listen carefully to the master’s instructions and attend to them with the ear of your heart.

Rule of Benedict, Prologue

�ԴǾ�����.���ԴDZ�����.������������. The ceaseless clatter of our modern world often threatens to overwhelm us. The cacophony and rush of our daily lives, framed by shrieking news cycles and never-ending social media commentary and imagery, play around us like a strobe light, crowding out time for stillness, reflection, and understanding. It is easy to forget what silence and solitude look or feel like. It is easy to forget why we sometimes need to pause to look inside and listen inside.   

And then there is Lent.  

I fear that Lent has long suffered from bad branding, led by the question, “what are you giving up?” While fasting of some kind is certainly an important part of our Lenten journey, by itself it suggests little more than enduring or grinding out the 40-day period. It misses the larger point that, when combined with the other two themes of Lent – prayer and acts of charity and love – this time of year calls us to look inward to live more fully outward.    Lent challenges us not to step out but to step up. To listen carefully to the needs of those whose voices are too often lost in the din of the noise around us. To listen carefully for the presence of God. To hear God in the shadows and whispers of our lives. Lent does not call us to step away but to draw closer.   

As Lent guides us toward Easter, we can look to the Rule of Benedict for inspiration: It is high time for us to arise from sleep. Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven [to] run while you have the light of life (RB Prologue). We practice Lent inwardly through reflection, prayer, and personal conversion. But we live Lent outwardly in the ways we connect with each other and the world around us. Like a carefully tended flower, we bloom, and others with us. 

It is no small irony that this marvelous season of reflection and renewal – expressed through prayer, fasting, and charity – concludes with the joyous, and decidedly loud, celebration of Easter. Reflection and renewal seed new hope and great joy.

I wish our entire Prep community the blessings and hope of the Easter grace that awaits!  

JonMcGee
Head of School

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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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