Class of 2025 Senior Spotlight

It's time to shine a light on members of the Class of 2025!

These students have been an invaluable part of our Panther community and we're cheering them on as they pursue further education, a career or trade, take a role with the military or do something else altogether. They’ve made us proud in so many ways and we know they will go on to do great things.

Read about some of their future plans, favorite experiences, accomplishments and what makes them Panther Proud!

Sagar Sant

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite high school class was AP Calculus with Mr. Hilst. I really loved how the things we learned were quickly applied to tangible problems, and the way Mr. Hilst took advantage of our assumptions to trick us at every turn. It also definitely reaffirmed that my chosen career path is right for me, as calculus is hugely important for computers.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Theater: 5th-12th grade
  • Played roles in 17 shows including in the first Spring Lake Park High School one-act play to make it to the MSHSL State Festival
  • Performed in the Spotlight Showcase at the State Theater
• Math Team: 6th-12th grade
  • Varsity team member
  • Podiumed at both the St. Cloud State University Mathematics Contest and the UW Eau Claire Mathematics Meet
• National Honor Society: 11th-12th grade
  • Executive Officer, 11th grade
  • President, 12th grade
• Panther Mentors: 11th-12th grade,
  • House Leader, 12th grade
• Choir: 11th-12th grade
  • Vice President & Bass Section Leader, 12th grade
  • All-Conference choir member
• Student Council: 11th-12th grade
• Panther Peer Tutor: 10th-12th grade

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend a 4-year university for a degree in Computer Engineering.

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am proud to be a Panther because being a Panther means being part of a community of communities. Due to the incredible number of opportunities for extracurricular involvement, the people you meet come from so many different backgrounds which makes the ideas you come across very diverse.

Taelyn Theisen

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite high school class was either the Nursing Assistant class with Ms. Matthews or the Emergency Medical Responder class with Mr. Neiss. These classes taught me foundational skills for a career in medicine. What I loved most about the way these classes were taught is that they taught not only the logical practices of healthcare, but also emphasized the importance of treating patients kindly, as we would want to be treated in a time of need. Both of these classes truly confirmed my desire to go into the medical field and help strengthen those in their vulnerability. 

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Women In Healthcare Founder & President: grade 12 
• DECA: grades 9-12
  • VP of Hospitality, grade 10-11
  • President, grade 12 
• Black Student Union: grades 11-12
  • Vice President, grade 12 
• Student Council: grades 9-12,
  • Parliamentarian, grade 10 
• Math Peer Tutor: grades 9-12
  • Tutored Quadratic Algebra & Geometry 
• National Honors Society: grades 11-12 

What are your plans after graduation?
Upon graduation, I plan to attend Hamline University under a scholarship to major in Public Health and minor in Biology. After college, I plan to attend graduate school to get my Masters in Physician Associate studies and become a Cardiothoracic PA. 

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
What makes me most proud to be a Panther is that Spring Lake Park High School has the opportunities of a big high school, but has the community based environment of a small high school. Over the last four years, I can confidently say I have grown as a leader, classmate and as a scholar. It is known that high school is not always easy. However, it is evident that these years are pivotal in shaping the people that we become. With that being said, Spring Lake Park High School has done an amazing job shaping myself, and many others, into well-rounded individuals who are ready to step into adulthood. 

Elizabeth Levinshteyn

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite high school class was AP World History with Mr. Stephenson. Going into it, I expected history to be boring, dry, and overwhelming. However, it was one of the most engaging classes I ever took. It taught me how to study effectively, embrace mistakes, and not take myself too seriously. One memorable assignment pushed me outside my comfort zone: making a music video parody about a historical event. I learned not to take myself too seriously and to feel comfortable laughing at myself - a skill that I have carried forward in the years since taking the class.

My favorite high school experience was being captain of the Spring Lake Park High School math team. I joined the math team in 7th grade and felt incredibly vulnerable; I didn’t know anyone and it was difficult to keep up. Growing up while on the math team and becoming captain my senior year taught me that learning flourishes in an environment where questions are encouraged, and vulnerability is met with understanding. Watching my teammates become more curious and confident in their abilities was an amazingly rewarding experience.  

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

Through SLP:

• Math Team: 7th-12th grade
• Track and Field: 10th-12th grade
• National Honors Society: 10th-12th grade
• Student Council: 9th-10th grade
• Full-Time PSEO at UMN: 11th-12th grade

Extracurricular:

• Science Fair
• All-State Math Team
• Vice President of the Minnesota Junior Academy of Science
• American Ninja Warrior athlete and coach
• Shadowing at Protez, building prosthetics for Ukrainian amputees

Notable Accomplishments:

• Science Fair Seagate Rising Star Award and Gold Award
• International Science and Engineering Fair Qualification
• National Merit Finalist
• AP Scholar with Distinction
• Varsity Letters in Math Team and Track and Field

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on attending a four-year university to study biomedical engineering on a pre-med track! I’m still waiting on a few college decisions, but I’m currently deciding between the University of Minnesota, the University of Chicago, and Johns Hopkins University!

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
The inclusivity I have witnessed and experienced at SLP makes me proud to be a Panther. When I came to Spring Lake Park High School, I was a freshman in junior-level classes and knew nobody. The older students in the Class of 2023 welcomed me, mentored me, and helped me find my place. Their support showed me the power of mentorship, and I’ve carried that lesson forward by doing the same for those who come after me.

Alyson Pederson

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite high school class was Honors Chemistry my junior year with Ms. Ehlert. I have loved chemistry since we had a short introduction to it in middle school. I enjoyed being able to learn about how chemicals bond, the periodic table, and how to write and alter chemical formulas. This class allowed me to be in my element. Through learning science at SLP, I discovered my love for the subject and want to pursue the field professionally. 

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Spring Lake Park Girl’s Tennis Team: 7th-12th grade
  • Captain, 11th-12th grade
  • Panther Award, 12th grade
  • Academic Excellence Award, 12th grade
• Student Council: 10th-12th grade
  • President, 12th grade
• NHS: 11th-12th grade
• Panther Mentor: 11th-12th grade
• School Board Student Representative: 12th grade
• Student/Principal/Superintendent Advisory Council: 10th-12th grade
• Boys Tennis Team Manager: 10th-12th grade

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and major in Neurobiology. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I hope to attend medical school and become a Pediatric Neurologist.  

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am proud to be a Panther because of the community our school instills. Every student has a place in SLP and is encouraged to grow and find their passions. Not only is the community within the individual schools fantastic, but the community between schools is impressive.  Through the Panther Buddies club, sports teams allowing participation by younger Panthers, and last year’s graduates receiving a handwritten note from elementary students, it is evident that SLP prioritizes the connection and community between all students and schools. I am proud to be a Panther because the support, community, and passions I have found at SLP which will stick with me even after graduating. 

I am incredibly grateful to SLP for helping me grow into who I am, for allowing me to meet amazing peers/friends, and for the staff who never stop encouraging the students in this SLP community. Our Panther community ensures that students will be able to succeed both in and out of high school by prioritizing their needs and interests, and for these reasons, I am proud to have had the honor to be a Panther over the past 14 years.

Carter Wolter

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite class was AP U.S. History with Ms. Johnson. It was a challenging course, but I learned a lot of valuable study tips, developed good learning habits, and-of course-earned plenty of candy. Beyond the classroom, I enjoyed bonding with other APUSH students through the weekend study sessions, which helped me grow both academically and personally. This experience gave me a deep understanding of U.S. history, something I truly value. Some of my favorite high school experiences were screaming loudly in the SLP student sections at sporting events and dancing my heart out at the homecoming and winter dances.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Boys Hockey: 10th-12th grade
  • Hobey Baker Character Award Winner
  • Academic Award Winner
• Boys Golf: 11th-12th grade
  • JV MVP
• Boys Baseball: 9th-10th grade
• Band (Clarinet): 9th-12th grade
  • 2-time All-State
  • 2-time All-Conference
  • Clarinet Section Leader (Senior Year)
• Triple A’ Award Winner
• National Honor Society: 11th-12th grade
• Panther Mentor: 11th-12th grade
• Green Club: 11th-12th grade
• Student Council: 11th-12th grade 

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor to study Data Science Engineering. Go Blue!

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am proud to be a Panther because every day I walk into a building filled with teachers who want me to grow, coaches who want to see me succeed, and classmates who support and cheer me on. SLPHS offers so many opportunities to explore your interests and prepare for the future. More than anything, it’s the school spirit, pride, and sense of community that make SLPHS so special. From the student section at games to the friendships built in classrooms and clubs, I’ve never felt more connected to a group of people. The energy and passion at SLPHS is unmatched, and I am forever grateful to be a part of the Panther family. #RollPanthers

Kaitlyn Hoang

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite high school class was AP Biology. Almost every lesson somehow managed to captivate me, making me want to ask questions and explore more, especially the unit surrounding genetics. On top of my deeply rooted fascination with the subject, everyone in the class were so supportive and inclusive. We’d ‘cry’ together during the trickier parts and laugh together during the rest of it. Memories so ingrained in my mind that years later, I want to pursue Biology even more. Everything about it gave me moments to look back at with a fond smile.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• National Honors Society 
• Panther Mentors
  • House Leader (Junior + Senior year)
• Theater
• SLP Tutors
• Speech
• Panther Buddies
• Parker’s Helping Hands
• Debate
• Officer (Sophomore year)
• Fall Dance Team

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend a 4-year university to study Genetics. Currently, I am still waiting for more responses from other colleges but leaning towards the University of Wisconsin-Madison on a 4-year full tuition and book stipend scholarship. 

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I’m Panther Proud because of the gratitude I hold for the very school community I was nurtured in. No matter where I went, there were people standing with open arms, willing to welcome me in. I was surrounded by people who were open minded and judgement free, allowing me to grow comfortable in my own skin. At SLP, it was the little things that made it special, from the staff who greeted me in the halls to students that’d return my items after me sillily losing it for the 10th time that day. All of which solidified the special place SLP holds in my heart.

Laila Totushek

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite class throughout my high school career was definitely band with Mr. Wolf and Mr. Pagel. They created an environment that was welcoming, fun, and taught us to truly love and appreciate music. I got to meet so many amazing people, share in my love of music everyday, and make incredible memories with my friends and classmates. Band taught me perseverance, discipline, and helped me develop my leadership skills. 

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Girls Soccer: 9th-12th grade
  • Senior captain
• Track and Field: 8th-12th grade
  • Senior captain
• Band: 9th-12th grade
  • Flute section leader, 11th-12th grade
• Student Council: 11th-12th grade
• National Honor Society: 11th-12th grade
• Panther Mentors: 11th-12th grade
• MSHSL Triple ‘A’ award winner

What are your plans after graduation?
This fall, I will be attending the College of Saint Benedict where I will continue my soccer career. I plan to major in biology with the goal of applying to medical school. 

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am SLP Panther Proud because of the amazing community I’m surrounded by everyday. Not only have I been fortunate to have great teachers who truly care, but I’ve also had wonderful coaches, administrative staff and classmates who make this school an amazing place. All the people are overwhelmingly kind and supportive, and have made attending SLP a truly enriching experience. I’ll be forever grateful for all the memories, and I am so proud to be a Panther. 

Ifeoluwa Winful

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite class was APUSH in 10th grade with Mrs. Johnson. This was a challenging, but interesting class and Mrs. Jonson was a great teacher and motivator who made the class really enjoyable. My favorite experience was the senior year homecoming game because I got to spend time with my friends making overalls and at the game.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Swim team
  • Section qualifier, grades 8, 10, 11 and 12
  • Section finalist, grades 10 and 11
• National Honor Society
• Panther Mentors

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend a 4 year university studying biology on a pre-med track.

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am Panther proud because of the great community of students and faculty I get to be surrounded by. 

Makaio Tan

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
I have greatly enjoyed being able to participate in many different productions put on by the theatre department. I also really loved taking choir - Ms. Phelps and the choir community were always warm and welcoming. I have also had many wonderful Spanish teachers throughout my years. 

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?
I was a member of the Minnesota All-State choir and All-Conference choir. I received an Honorable Mention for the Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Awards. I was a Spanish Immersion student and I gained bilingual certification through our Spanish program.

What are your plans after graduation?
I know I am going to college, but I am still deciding on a possible major/majors. 

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I appreciate the abundance of opportunities provided to us as students at SLP. We have the option to take many different interesting classes, and there are partnerships with other schools and programs (like PSEO or CIS)! I have met a lot of great people (both staff and students) throughout the years, and it’s been fun.

Ava Wolfgang

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite high school class definitely choir because of the amazing community of welcoming students as well as the choir director, Mrs. Phelps. My favorite high school experience was probably participating in all of the theatre productions at SLP.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?
I participated in choir and theatre all four years. As a senior, I was nominated and elected to be President of Concert Choir and that has been an amazing opportunity and accomplishment. 

What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate, I plan to attend College of Concordia Moorhead to study communications and music.

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am proud to be a Panther for many reasons but the main reason is how welcoming the community of staff and students is. I met my best friends and mentors at Spring Lake Park High School and I will carry that with me through life.

Sophia Perius

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite class throughout my four years at SLPHS was band. Being a member of SLP Bands the past four years has taught me dedication, discipline, and confidence. I am greatly appreciative of my teachers and peers in each band I participate in. A stand out experience is the One-Act Play Competition. The incredible community of talented performers and technicians brought together for this competition easily becomes the highlight of each year here. 

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Theater 
  • MSHSL One-Act State Champions Section 4AA, 2023
  • MSHSL One-Act State Runner-Up Section 4AA, 2025
• Speech Team
  • Team Captain - 11th-12th grade
  • Section 4AA 2nd Place Poetry Interpretation State Qualifier, 2024
• Wind Ensemble
  • French Horn Section Leader
  • All Conference Band Member: French Horn, 2023 & 2024
• Pep Band 
• Jazz Band 
• Patriots Marching Band
• National Honors Society
• Panther Mentors
• Art Club

What are your plans after graduation?
My plan for after graduation is to attend The University of St.Thomas. I plan to major in Elementary Education. 

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am proud to be a Panther because of the unique community found within our high school. Throughout my schooling here I have found that within each and every new space I entered, I was welcomed into a driven, creative, and vibrant community. That kindness is something that has grown on me, and has taught me to become a better person in my daily life. I am incredibly grateful for the staff, educators, and peers that make Spring Lake Park so special.

Teddy Wackman

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite class in high school was Emergency Medical Technician with Mr. Neiss. Whether it was spending a day learning hands-on skills or dissecting a pig heart, I gained both life-saving medical knowledge and valuable life lessons that I will carry with me forever. The OEC program has truly changed my life, and I’m incredibly grateful that our school offers an opportunity like this.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Football: 9th-12th grade
  • Team Captain
  • Northstar West Maroon Linebacker of the Year
  • Dan Gronert Panther Award
  • All-District
• Hockey: 10th-12th grade
  • Team Captain
  • Team MVP (2023-2024)
  • 3-time Leading Scorer Award Winner
  • 2-time All-Conference
• Panther Mentor: 11th grade
• National Honor Society: 11th-12th grade
• Student Council: 11th-12th grade
• OEC: 12th grade

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend Saint John’s University to continue my football and academic career. While I’m currently undecided on my major, I plan to follow the pre-med track.

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
What makes me SLP Panther Proud is the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with all types of people. Through athletics and activities, I’ve learned life lessons that will stay with me forever. From playing under the lights on a Friday night to sitting in Mr. Meier’s U.S. History class first hour sophomore year, my time at Spring Lake Park has shaped me in ways I never imagined.

Khadija Ali

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite class was Intro to Engineering Design which I took all of freshman year with Ms. Kutz! I’d already known I wanted to go into a hands-on career and this class is what solidified my interest in going into a technical field. I really enjoyed all the hands-on work we did!

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?
I was involved in Yearbook Club as well as Muslim Women’s Society (WMS) my sophomore year. The summer before my senior year I participated in an 8 week summer training through Genesys Works that landed me an internship at Medtronic. Through Genesys Works, I’ve had the opportunity step out of my comfort zone and speak at a Draft Day event as well as express and practice my leadership skills amongst my cohort.

What are your plans after graduation?
This fall, I’ll be enrolled at Dunwoody College of Technology majoring in Architectural Drafting on the path to an accredited degree in Architecture.

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I’m proud to be a Panther because there are so many different pathways we can explore early on— traditional or not. We have access to specialized classes that differ from the regular curriculum which allow us to experiment early on with what we may want to pursue in our future. I’m glad to have access to such opportunities.

Addison Romaker

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite classes in high school were EMR and EMT with Mr. Neiss. These classes taught me so much for the future and exposed me to many life lessons. These classes were the most difficult classes I took during my time at Spring Lake Park High School, but they were by far the most rewarding. I hope to use all the life lessons I learned in my future, and apply the valuable skills I gained to help people in need.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Girls Swim and Dive: 9th-12th grade
• Nordic Skiing: 9th-12th grade
• Girls Lacrosse: 9th-12th grade
• National Honor Society: 11th-12th grade
• Student Council: 11th-12th grade
• Panthers Mentors: 11th-12th grade

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend the University of Michigan to study biochemistry on a pre-med track.

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am SLP Panther Proud because this school has given me so many chances to grow and has supported me along the way. The Pathways program and advanced classes that are available to students have been so valuable in my educational journey at SLP. The staff have supported my education and taught me many valuable lessons including skills I can use outside the classroom.

Hayden Schoeman

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite class in high school was AP United States History with Mrs. Johnson. The rigorous coursework taught me discipline through completing heavy loads of reading each night, having in depth discussions in class, and having a close knit group of students who all participated in fun study sessions for the AP test. The class challenged my academic drive and brought me to many of my lasting friendships. 

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?

• Cross Country 
  • Captain, 11th and 12th grade
• Track and Field 
  • Captain, 11th and 12th grade
• Conference/Section Team Champions 
• Basketball 
• Captain, 12th Grade
• Panther Peer Tutor 
• National Honors Society 
• Wind Ensemble 
• Women for Change Club 

What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending the University of St. Thomas to major in Biology and minor in Neuroscience. 

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am SLP Panther Proud because of the opportunities one has to pursue your interests and expand your horizons with the support of staff members. Witnessing student-created clubs explode in popularity, watching peers invest countless hours into the OEC Program, and seeing multiple people achieve their goals in sports has inspired me to become the best version of a Panther I can be. 

Emily Pattberg

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite high school class I’ve participated in is choir. I have been in choir for all four years of high school and it has brought me my closest friends, and my most cherished memories.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?
Throughout high school I participated in the theater program. My favorite show I ever did was "Matilda" and my favorite character I’ve ever played was Glinda in "The Wizard of Oz." Additionally, in my sophomore and junior years, I was dance captain for the musicals which gave me a chance to lead dances and connect with my fellow cast members more.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will be going to Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. I'm still determining my field of study.

What makes you proud to be a Panther?
I am SLP Panther Proud because of the friends and community that Spring Lake Park High School has brought me. Through both choir and theater, as well as honors classes, I’ve been lucky enough to build strong connections with people who I now consider some of my best friends. This has helped me enjoy high school and succeed. I am very happy to have been a part of the SLPHS community for the past four years.