"I'd like to give a Shout Out to my daughters' teachers: Mark Weimer, Heather Johnson, Alexandra Badger, Todd Theisen, Shannon Koskinen, Debra Dotzler, Kevin Jennissen, Laura Freese, Christy Wehlage, Missy Brandner, Andrea Burris, Karina Sebastian, Shelly Smith, Beth Geelan and Tim Nordlund at Apollo High School.

In this current "normal," my daughters have been reached out to, comforted, loved, taught, encouraged, cared for and shown grace. While the teachers have remodeled and adapted to the newer way of teaching, I've been in awe of the calmness and patience they have shown my girls. As a parent of two Apollo students, I want to thank the teachers that are working directly and have worked directly or indirectly with my kids. I have no hesitations or reservations putting them into the hands of the Apollo Family each day!"

Submitted by Nancy Meller

"Ms. Kruse loves my boys so much. We are missing her hugs! My youngest invited her to his birthday party one year and she showed. It meant SO much to him. 

At morning dropoff he gives her a hug and says "your day is complete." It's a special relationship for both of them. We miss her!"
 

It's National Volunteer Week! April 19-25

Sisters Take First Place in Junior Duck Stamp Contest
 

India Ratha, a Tech High School student, and her sister Usha Ratha, a South Junior High School student, have artistry in their blood. They both have drawn and painted since they were young with the encouragement of their mother, Natalie Ratha, a local artist. For the last nine years, both girls have brought their artwork to life in the form of waterfowl in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s National Junior Duck Stamp Contest. This year, both took first place.

“Since they were in kindergarten,” explains Natalie, “they’ve been doing it [contest] every year. It’s something they look forward to.”

Natalie stumbled across the opportunity for the duck stamp competition while visiting Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, a park they visit often. The family is not an outdoor sports family, but they love nature and camping. She thought it would be something fun for her daughters to try.

The contest is broken into age groups. The first place of each group is submitted for “Best in Show.” Each year, India and Usha choose from a list of waterfowl to draw or paint. They research the birds’ features, looks, and natural habitats, and also provide a list of the resources along with their submission. The judges are looking for original artwork.

“Each year, they [Department of Natural Resources in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife] move the awards [ceremony] around the state,” shares Natalie. “The director of the program for Minnesota has said there are about 400 [submissions] each year.” Continue reading.