Westonka says farewell to Class of 2025

High school graduation is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the culmination of years of learning. Westonka High School honored the 174 members of the 2025 graduating class June 2 at a ceremony in the high school gym, where the Class of 2025 enthusiastically accepted diplomas in front of family, friends, teachers, and school staff.

Co-presidents Stella Miner and Mason Sebasky greeted those in attendance and their fellow graduates on behalf of Student Senate. The students chosen to speak were Braeden Trundle and Emma Carlson.

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Westonka hosts spring concert, choir awards

The Mound Westonka High School choirs hosted their annual spring concert on May 12 at the Westonka Performing Arts Center. The concert, titled “Unclouded Day” with guest artist and operatic soloist, Grady Klein, took guests on a musical journey.

Performance pieces included “Moh Ghile Mear” sung in Gaelic, two versions of “Dies Irae,” “City Called Heaven,” “The River,” “Let the River Run,” and more.

“The choirs sang with precision and passion, moving their audience to tears,” said choir director Kelly Newell.

continue https://www.hometownsource.com/laker_pioneer/community/westonka-hosts-spring-concert-choir-awards/article_b22e2a16-4423-4283-8f93-5621549f236f.html

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Westonka NHS chapter inducts 53 juniors

A total of 53 Mound Westonka High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) at a special ceremony for students and their families on May 15. Another 51 seniors, who were inducted into the program last year, were also on hand for special recognition. Senior President Rohan Nella welcomed the visitors to the Westonka Performing Arts Center (PAC) and thanked the parents for their support and hard work.

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Westonka honors standout senior athletes

Each year, Mound Westonka High School celebrates standout athletes from the graduating class. This year’s celebration took place on May 22, with student-athletes and their parents in attendance. Included in this year’s recognition were the Yost-Haddorff-Leopold and Athena Award nominees and winners, as well as senior three-season athletes, declared college athletes, and state tournament participants.

Activities Director Jeff Peterson recognized and congratulated the senior athletes on their accomplishments. “Collectively, the Class of 2025 has been highly engaged and active during their high school career,” said Peterson. “The leadership they have provided in the classroom, hallways, in the gym, field, ice, etc. has been second to none. We wish them the best of luck as they transition out of high school, and they will be missed.”

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Westonka school construction stalls; students finish strong

The Westonka High School construction project is off to a slow start due to delays in state permitting, which have already pushed back the timeline. Kraus-Anderson, the district’s construction management firm, reported at the May 12 school board meeting that while the state has given verbal approval to begin pouring foundations, the final permit is still pending.

Dustin Kempf, project manager, noted that the permits were submitted in November, allowing ample time for review. However, the delay—likely related to staffing shortages at the state level—has prompted the project team to reassess the construction phasing.

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Westonka presents band awards at spring concert

The Mound Westonka High School bands performed their annual spring concert on May 5 on the Westonka Performing Arts Center stage. In addition to presenting an entertaining evening of music, the event provided an opportunity to recognize letter winners and present the traditional senior awards.

It was also a night of “lasts.” It was Gretchen Chilson’s last spring concert as the high school band director, as she is moving to middle school director next year. It was also the last concert for the band program as Mound Westonka High School, before the name changes to Westonka High School. And most importantly, it was the last spring concert for the seniors in the class of 2025.

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Westonka’s ‘Mama Mia!’ earns Spotlight accolades

Mound Westonka High School’s high energy spring production of “Mamma Mia! was recognized for its accomplishments in high school theater by the Hennepin Theatre Trust as a participant in the Spotlight Education program. MWHS Theatre wrapped a successful production run of the musical in April.

“Mamma Mia!” is set on a Greek island and follows a young woman’s quest to find her father, told through the music of ABBA. The show is pure joy – a celebration of love, friendship, and finding where you belong.

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Westonka crowns royalty at prom

Mound Westonka High School Prom Royalty was crowned May 3 prior to the annual prom, which was held at Gale Woods Farm. Pictured, front row, are Reigning Monarchs Bella Villamil and Braeden Trundle. Middle row: Georgia Wilson, Audrey Kirscht, Avery Olson, Kayla Hatlestad, Gracie O’Halloran, and Lauren Velander. Back row: Andrew Finley, Jacob Orenge, Cooper Magnus, Matthew Mobagi, Luke Carlson, and Isaac Hays.

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Theater production hands make the magic happen

“You Can’t Take it With You” is a classic high school theater production for several reasons.

Its content is both humorous for audiences and appropriately challenging for high school performers, and its long cast list presents ample opportunities for anyone and everyone interested in drama to partake in. At the time of its foray into Broadway, it was also one of most prop-heavy productions ever.

The abundance of characters, lines, props, and moving parts makes it challenging to coordinate, but also engaging for the crew behind the scenes. Continue https://www.hometownsource.com/laker_pioneer/community/theater-production-hands-make-the-magic-happen/article_8a301f34-a24d-4ea2-8054-528167f57b78.html

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Westonka takes 2 of 3 on the field

The Mound Westonka White Hawks baseball squad won two of three games on the week, and have now won four of their past five games.

On Tuesday, April 29, the White Hawks traveled to Cologne to take on the Southwest Christian Stars in a Wright County East matchup. The White Hawks were down 3-0 early on, and faced a 5-2 deficit going into their last at bat. They staged a rally that fell just short, and were edged 5-4. Senior Isaac Aud had a strong performance on the mound, going all six innings in the loss. Continue https://www.hometownsource.com/laker_pioneer/sports/westonka-takes-2-of-3-on-the-field/article_af97e07f-c911-46c5-af86-97a871b2b6ce.html

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