Latest news with #BemidjiHighSchool
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
From the Archives: May 31 in the Pioneer
May 31—May 31, 2015 — After surviving the Great Depression, a fire and ownership changes, Ruttger's Birchmont Lodge has reached its 100th year on the shores of Lake Bemidji. Throughout the years, the resort has hosted movie stars, business moguls, governors and even U.S. presidents since it was built in 1915. May 31, 2000 — Hope House, a program for people with mental illnesses who need support, is celebrating 20 years of operation. Hope House's services include monitoring medications, medical and dental treatment, job preparation and help arranging for food stamps, housing assistance and home repair. May 31, 1975 — Some 115,000 Jack pine and Norway pine have been planted near the community of Pinewood after a fire destroyed about 2,000 acres of land. The planting is done by a crew of 14, consisting of two county foresters and 12 planters, all working under the supervision of the county land commissioner. May 31, 1925 — A total of 73 members of the senior class, the largest in the history of Bemidji High School, are set to receive their diplomas at commencement. Included in the program will be the prelude by the high school orchestra, followed by an invocation by Rev. H.W. Radloff, pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji High School graduates define their success as class of 2025
May 24—BEMIDJI — "Sometimes, you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." Credited to the late Dr. Seuss, this quote officially represents Bemidji High School's class of 2025, who celebrated the end of an era and the start of a new one during their commencement ceremony at the Sanford Center on Saturday. Proceeding into the arena in a sea of navy blue and white, the most recent addition to BHS' alumni base — including graduates Moraya Holleman and Annabelle Haas — had the opportunity to reflect on the past 13 years as they prepare for the rest of their lives. "Today is a very special day, and it's special for more than just receiving a diploma," Holleman said. "We have spent the last 13 years of our lives striving for the success of walking across this stage and receiving our diplomas. "Most of us have never had something that we have worked so long to achieve — something so life-changing, something so permanent — that we can say we did, thus far, in our lives. We have spent seven hours a day, nine months a year, working for this day." Throughout much of the ceremony, emphasis was placed on what defines success. Bemidji Area Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson encouraged graduates to focus on four core pieces of advice — be grateful, keep learning, be resilient and live with purpose — as ways to focus on what matters most. "We only get one life, live it well," Olson said. "At the end of your life, it's not going to matter what promotions you've had, how much you've earned, how large your house is, the kind of car you drive. What matters most is how you've invested in others. Your impact will be measured by that." Holleman expounded on certain definitions of "success" and urged her classmates to reconsider what it means to be truly successful. "Success is often defined by money and fame," she said. "We are an amazing group of people who have had so many accomplishments in this school over the last four years, and I have no doubt that we are going places. But let's not get caught up in the modern definition of success that we forget what true joy, kindness and true success are. "We can reach for the stars. We can become pro-athletes, professional musicians, amazing inventors and entrepreneurs, and maybe even billionaires. But all of that means so little if we aren't good people." Principal Jason Stanoch used the word "endurance" to describe the class of 2025 when looking back at their past four years at BHS. "Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines endurance as 'relating to a race or other sporting event that takes place over a long distance or otherwise demands great physical exertion, stamina.' Four years is a long time to endure," Stanoch said. "Some of you might think that today is the end of the game, but just like halftime in football or between innings of softball or between periods of hockey, the game has just begun. "You will continue to represent our school and community as Lumberjacks in the game of life." Stanoch also provided notable stats for the graduating class, which included 112 academic letter winners, 60 graduates with grade point averages of 3.9 or higher, 59 honor graduates and 49 members of the National Honor Society. One graduate attained a National Merit commendation along with three semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholarship, which is considered the most prestigious and competitive scholarship in the nation. The class attained 96 medallions across 110 career pathways within the Bemidji Career Academies. The class also represented 12 tribal nations, recorded 56 Native American graduates and had 10 international exchange students. A total of 18 student-athletes will continue to compete at all levels in their respective sports. Collectively, the 2025 class earned a total of 1,572 college credits, which equates to more than 13 bachelor's degrees from a four-year university. Graduates are set to attend an array of colleges, including Bemidji State, Hamline University, Swego and Illinois State University, among others. Recognized at a May 15 senior awards program, the class has earned nearly $3 million in scholarships. "That number continues to grow every day as we receive notices from various colleges, institutions and organizations that are investing in your future," Stanoch added. Noting the class' continued success — given its expansive definition — Stanoch expressed appreciation for the class of 2025's impact on BHS as they represent their alma mater outside its classroom walls. "We will forever be grateful for the legacy of success that you have added while you were at BHS. You have brought joy to our lives — the staff, our students, our families," Stanoch left off. "We are excited to watch your journey beyond high school." The full graduation ceremony can be viewed on the Bemidji Area Schools YouTube channel.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Christiansen to represent Bemidji High School for Assistant Principal of the Year
May 23—BEMIDJI — Bemidji High School Assistant Principal Christine Christiansen was recently selected to represent the northern division of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals as High School Assistant Principal of the Year. "Christiansen has served as an assistant principal at Bemidji High School for the past four years," a release said. "During that time, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership, a commitment to student achievement and a dedication to fostering a positive school culture." The release noted Christiansen's instrumental role in leading special education and 504 programming to ensure equitable student support. She has also guided the school's site team through continuous improvement efforts, led implementation of the Marzano curriculum process, and developed targeted reading and math interventions that improved academic outcomes. "Her contributions to district-wide committees have further strengthened a positive, inclusive culture at Bemidji High School," the release adds. The MASSP represents over 1,350 principals from across the state of Minnesota, divided into eight regions, with each region selecting one representative for annual recognition. In December, a statewide selection board will review all eight finalists and choose one to represent Minnesota at the national level.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From the Archives: April 16 in the Pioneer
Apr. 16—April 16, 2015 — High winds and dry conditions have sparked wildfires in the area, including several within Bemidji city limits. The public has been urged to avoid the area north of Division Street and west of Adams Avenue as flames have engulfed nearly 20 acres, accompanied by wind gusts of 30 mph. April 16, 2000 — Dave Bucher, Bemidji School District's director of education, is retiring after 27 years with the district. After moving to Bemidji from Grand Forks where he was an assistant principal, Bucher served 14 years as the Bemidji High School principal and 13 as the district's director of education. April 16, 1975 — The weight of recent federal human rights legislation descended on Beltrami County officials recently as a state Department of Human Rights official outlined the requirements local governments must meet, including the adoption of an Affirmative Action Plan covering the county's hiring policies. April 16, 1925 — The Christianson Motor Co. moved from its old location on Beltrami Avenue to its new place of business in the old armory on Fourth Street. The building has been remodeled and now boasts a storage room that will hold up to 45 cars, as well as a repair room where autos will be serviced by mechanics.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beltrami Electric announces Anika Harmsen as 2025 youth tour winner
Apr. 12—BEMIDJI — Beltrami Electric Cooperative recently announced Bemidji High School junior Anika Harmsen as its official delegate for the 2025 Electric Cooperative Youth Tour to Washington, D.C. From June 16-21, Harmsen will join hundreds of students from across the country for an all-expense-paid trip to the nation's capital. During the event, she will explore historic landmarks, meet with lawmakers and gain valuable insight into the democratic process and the role of electric cooperatives in shaping public policy. For more than 58 years, the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour has empowered future leaders to better understand government, civic engagement and the cooperative difference. "Anika earned this distinguished opportunity after submitting a well-researched and thoughtful essay highlighting what sets Beltrami Electric apart from other electric utilities," a release said. Harmsen maintains a 4.0 GPA while pursuing college-level courses through the PSEO program at Bemidji State. She also competes in soccer, Nordic skiing, and track and field, where she has served as a team captain. "Beyond school and sports, Anika is a committed community volunteer, supporting programs such as the Special Olympics Unified Partner program and the PinkySwear Foundation, and serving as a Link Leader, mentoring underclassmen at her school," the release continued. She also juggles multiple part-time jobs, working as a lifeguard, youth sports leader and restaurant host. "We're excited for Anika to experience the Youth Tour and engage with the legislative process firsthand," Angela Lyseng, youth tour coordinator for BEC, said in the release. Harmsen is especially excited to visit the U.S. Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and the Holocaust Museum, and she hopes to one day pursue a career in law and politics.
