Amanuel’s future in three words: Resilient, Inquisitive, Giving. Photos: Chris Emeott
Meet some student representatives and see how this senior class has shaped its schools.
Each graduating class plays a role in shaping its high school’s legacy—from forming new clubs and initiatives to pursuing athletic records and maintaining traditions, along with, of course, striving toward scholastic success. This issue’s Senior Spotlight highlights a few of the students who molded the latest iteration of their school community.
We couldn’t have done it without the generous assistance of administrators and educators from the high schools that serve the Plymouth community. They took the time to nominate students who are leaving a positive impact as well as students who exemplify their school communities.
So, without further ado, let’s say hello to a few of the stellar students that make up the class of 2025.
Amanuel Adane, 17
Armstrong High School
“Amanuel is not only an outstanding student, but he is an outstanding individual. He has made many positive contributions to our school community because of his involvement in various school activities, ranging from band and athletics to leadership and mentoring. He is constantly looking for ways to help others. A great example of this is during his junior year, he was looking for opportunities to tutor other students in math. He reached out to our school’s Math Resource Center and started tutoring students during his open times. The amazing thing about Amanuel is even though he has a jam-packed schedule, he is always willing to find more ways to help and contribute to our school community.” —Debbie Dragseth, school counselor
In Amanuel’s Words:
What high school achievement are you most proud of?
I had the privilege of implementing Armstrong’s annual Culture Day, a day where students from all kinds of cultural backgrounds can make their culture visible for all to see. This is a part of many students’ identities that is far too often hidden away. Students have the opportunity to do this through wearing cultural dress, setting up a mini-presentation about their culture in our library and participating in our Cultural Pep-Fest.
What is something that your peers may not know about you?
I love taking walks—long walks, the kind where you begin to lose track of time as you wander further and further and further away from home. There’s something so magical about discovering a bakery here, a bridge there [or] a grove of trees that you just can’t leave without taking a couple of photos of. Not only does a walk let you decompress from all the stresses thrown at you in daily life, but [it connects] you to your community in a way that a car just can’t. Walks force you to take the time to admire the beauty of every building, every park and every street.
Maddie Murry, 17
Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM)
Maddie’s future in three words: Bright, Successful, Joyful
“There is not a student in the building who doesn’t love Maddie. She is a wonderful young lady who has a very bright future. Academically, Maddie excels among her peers, taking a rigorous course load while playing various sports. Maddie has always exemplified what it means to be a Red Knight. She’s supportive of her classmates, she’s giving to her community and she does it all with the kindest heart. It’s an honor to have Maddie as a student of mine and to see her be a role model in our school building.” —Vicky Haas, school counselor
In Maddie’s Words:
What high school achievement are you most proud of?
One of my achievements from high school that I am the most proud of is my progression in softball. When I first started playing softball at BSM, I was terrified when I received my varsity jersey. I was just an 8th grader, and it was mind blowing that I would be playing with high schoolers. But the very next year, I was moved up to a starting position. All of a sudden what I thought had been the most terrifying experience was now an almost daily occurrence. I spent a lot of time working with my fellow outfielders, staying late after practice and talking with my coach. Eventually, my teammates and I were able to develop a relationship and trust for each other, and that is something that became so incredibly important to me.
What is something that your peers may not know about you?
One thing that my peers may not know about me is that I absolutely love rock climbing. I started a few years ago, and I’ve really enjoyed not only the sport itself but joining such an inclusive and supportive community. The thing that I love about rock climbing (and some people may call me crazy) is looking down when you reach the top of a wall. There is nothing that compares to the feeling of working hard and pushing yourself, then being able to see tangible results. Letting go and drifting back to the ground is incredibly relaxing as well, giving you a moment to just feel gravity take over again. There really is no feeling quite like it.
Aanya Pandey, 17
The Blake School
Aanya’s future in three words: Fulfilling, Joyful, Challenging
“Aanya Pandey is a Renaissance woman: she is an academic, a talented performing artist and an athlete. However, what is most striking about Aanya—and what was echoed the most by her teachers—is that she is a person of great integrity. She is reliable and trustworthy, she is thoughtful, and she is a student who puts the needs of the community before her own. Additionally, she is someone [who] other students trust and see as a leader because she is measured in both her reactions and her responses; students know that they can trust her to be a fair judge, and that she will look at a problem from multiple perspectives.” —Jacqui Niederschulte, Upper School science faculty
In Aanya’s Words:
What high school achievement are you most proud of?
For the past few years, I have been organizing an annual fundraiser that involves running a mile every hour for 24 hours. This started out first as an individual effort and then became a team effort with friends and cousins. Collectively, we have raised over $10,000. I am proud of this because I used my interest in running to make a bigger difference, encouraged myself and the team to complete a difficult challenge and raised a large amount of money for causes I care about, specifically bringing clean water and food to kids in need.
What is something that your peers may not know about you?
Something my peers might not know about me is that my family loves to travel, so I’ve been lucky enough to see many cool places both outside and within the U.S. These trips have brought with them many fond memories and adventures I will always remember. I hope to continue to travel throughout my life and specifically explore the world both in and out of the U.S. One of my dream destinations is Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. When I have nothing to do, I like to plan trips that we may never go on just for fun.
Romeo Sweet, 17
Providence Academy
Romeo’s future in three words: Undecided, Excited, Determined
“Romeo exemplifies the kind of student we hope to have in our community, one [who] is involved in both arts and athletics and who takes their academic life seriously. Romeo has been a student at Providence Academy in all three divisions, starting in the lower school. He makes a positive impact on his class in many ways, and it is a pleasure to have him as a student in the Upper School.” —Kurt Jaeger, Upper School director
In Romeo’s Words:
What high school achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of becoming a varsity captain for hockey. This honor was chosen by the former captains, and it means a lot because they are people that I looked up to. They see my leadership and the positive influence that I have on my teammates, and they trust me to lead the program that they have left. This also shows my skill as well. I have started in three varsity sports—which is difficult to balance with school and the dedication each sport requires—but I have been able to excel in the classroom, be a role model among my peers and earn every opportunity that I have been given.
What is something that your peers may not know about you?
Something that my peers might not know about me is that I collect yellow rubber ducks. Whenever I go to a store, I always have to check if there is a new duck to add to my collection. I have been doing this for about a year or so now, and I have to earn each duck I can get. A collection is no fun when you can just buy a 40 pack of unique ducks, so I made a challenge out of it. Whenever I do well on a test, I reward myself with a duck. When I do have a good game, I also can get a duck. This pushes me to further my collection and to do well academically and physically.
La’Naisha Andrada, 17
Wayzata High School
La’Naisha’s future in three words: Promising, Challenging, Exciting
“What stands out about La’Naisha is her outgoing personality and desire to embrace all opportunities that come her way. La’Naisha has a determination to succeed. She never turns away an opportunity. La’Naisha was asked to join the Hennepin County Youth Advisory Board last year, and she embraced an opportunity out of her comfort zone when she was nominated for the Wayzata Rotary Club Camp Enterprise this fall. La’Naisha has shared that her Wayzata High School experience has had a profound impact on her confidence and has helped her discover who she aspires to be.” —Brad Olson, counselor
In La’Naisha’s Words:
What high school achievement are you most proud of?
An achievement from my high school career that I’m most proud of is the opportunities I’ve had to give back to my community. The sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing I’m making a positive impact is truly special. I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in various projects that have allowed me to contribute in different ways, and I take great pride in that accomplishment.
What is something that your peers may not know about you?
One thing my peers might not know about me is how much I enjoy being out in nature. Whether it’s a leisurely walk, a bike ride or hitting the tennis courts, I’m always up for any outdoor activity that gets me moving. If it means I get to get my steps in and get some vitamin D, count me in.
