Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight

It's time to shine a light on members of the Class of 2026!

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!

Hayden Chen

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience?
My favorite classes were AP Biology and Honors Chemistry. I loved learning about concepts like energy production, the central dogma, and chemical bonds, inspiring me to pursue biochemistry in the future to continue studying the very processes that make life possible. Some other classes I found memorable were AP Calculus and AP English Language. AP Calculus taught me to view math and problem solving in completely new ways, and AP Language helped me significantly in improving both my writing skills and my ability to understand texts.

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

• Math Team, grades 9-12
  • Senior Captain, 12
  • St. Cloud State Mathematics Contest Team Finalist, 10
  • 4-time Varsity Letter
• Band, grades 10-12
  • Wind Ensemble, 11-12
  • NWSC All-Conference Orchestra French Horn, 12
  • Varsity Letter
• Peer Tutor, grades 11-12
• Knowledge Bowl, grades 11-12
  • Advanced to sub-regionals, 12
  • 2-time Varsity Letter
• ACT/SAT Prep Club, grades 11-12
  • Club Founder and Leader
• National Honors Society, grade 12

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to major in Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota, hoping to potentially pursue a career in biotechnology, lab research, and/or pharmacology

What makes you Panther Proud?
I am Panther Proud because of the opportunities and community provided by our school. Through SLP, students are given countless opportunities that prepare us for success in our future goals and endeavors. Being provided with a wide variety of extracurriculars, programs, classes, and opportunities for college credit has been crucial in helping me gain both the learning and experience I need to be prepared for my future career aspirations, especially with the support of my teachers, counselors, and peers. This support establishes a welcoming environment and uplifting community that builds a sense of belonging for everyone at SLPHS, creating a school I can be proud to call my own.

Emily Benson

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite high school class would have to be EMT with Mr. Neiss. This class is very challenging, but it has taught me many hands-on, life saving skills that I will be able to use in the future. Mr. Neiss has also provided the class with many unique opportunities such as volunteering as a medical team member at the Twin Cities Marathon and having the chance to go on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic. 

I have also built many friendships from taking this class. The EMT class requires strong teamwork. We often work together to practice medical scenarios and help each other learn the skills. Through these experiences, we have learned how to trust one another, communicate clearly, and support each other under pressure. 

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

• Dance Team
  • Fall Dance, grades 8-12
  • Winter Dance, grades 8-11
• Track and Field, grades 10-12
• National Honor Society, grades 11-12
• Panther Mentors, grades 11-12
• Nordic Ski Team Manager, grade 12

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend a four-year university. I am still undecided on my major but I will likely major in the healthcare field. I also plan to major or minor in Spanish.

What makes you Panther Proud?
I am proud to be a Panther because of all the opportunities the school has offered me. There are are many opportunities to help learn about different career paths. These classes are both engaging and very fun. SLP has also given me the opportunity to participate in sports such as dance and track. From these experiences, I have learned how to work together as a team, help others when they need support, and mostly importantly, develop strong leadership skills.

Mubarek Wayu

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite class was AVID with Mrs. Switzer. AVID was more than just a class for me, it was a community that challenged me to grow academically, personally, and as a leader. Through AVID, I learned important skills such as organization, critical thinking, collaboration, and how to push myself toward higher goals. Mrs. Switzer consistently encouraged us to think beyond our current circumstances and imagine bigger possibilities for our futures. That environment helped me build confidence in my abilities and motivated me to pursue opportunities that would expand my perspective, both nationally and internationally. The support system within AVID made a lasting impact on my high school experience and played a significant role in shaping the ambitions I have today.

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

During my time at Spring Lake Park High School, I stayed actively involved in both athletics and leadership opportunities. I began my high school athletics journey playing football in 9th grade, and later became a varsity soccer player from 10th through 12th grade. Soccer was especially meaningful to me because it taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. In my senior year, I also participated in tennis and track.

In addition to athletics, I was involved in several leadership and academic organizations. I participated in the Black Student Union (BSU), where I had the opportunity to contribute to building community and celebrating diversity within the school. I was also an AVID Champion/Alumni from 10th through 12th grade, helping support and represent the AVID program.

Outside of school, I had the privilege of representing Spring Lake Park in several prestigious leadership programs. I attended Boys State/Nation during 11th grade, where I was recognized as a Merit Scholar and had the opportunity to attend a White House event. I was also selected as a Camp Enterprise delegate, where I earned Merit Scholar recognition and a $1,000 scholarship. Additionally, I participated in the Youth Vision Assembly in Switzerland in 2025, and I will attend the United Nations Summit in Turkey in 2026. These experiences allowed me to engage with students and leaders from around the world while representing my school and community.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend a four-year university where I will study International Business along with International Affairs or Global Studies. I’ve developed a strong interest in understanding how global economies, cultures, and governments interact, and I want to pursue a career that allows me to work across international boundaries.

My long-term goal is to build a career that combines business, diplomacy, and global collaboration. I hope to work in environments that require strategic thinking, cultural awareness, and leadership on an international scale. Ultimately, I want to be part of efforts that help connect people, businesses, and nations in ways that create opportunity and positive impact around the world.

What makes you Panther Proud?
Being Panther Proud means recognizing the opportunities and support that Spring Lake Park Schools provides to its students. Throughout my time here, I’ve been encouraged to challenge myself academically, participate in athletics, pursue leadership opportunities, and think beyond the boundaries of the classroom. The teachers, mentors, and programs at Spring Lake Park Schools have played a major role in helping me discover what I’m capable of and motivating me to pursue opportunities that reach far beyond high school.

What makes me especially proud is that Spring Lake Park Schools encourages students to become leaders and global thinkers. The experiences I’ve had here have prepared me not only for college but also for engaging with the world in meaningful ways. I’m proud to represent a school community that values growth, diversity, and ambition, and I will always carry the lessons I learned here with me as I move forward into the next chapter of my life.

Madalyn Youngbauer 

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience?
My favorite class was College Writing and Critical Reading with Mrs. Putz my junior year. I really enjoyed the research and writing I got to do for it. It introduced me to sociology and criminal justice - topics I find fascinating!

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?
My primary activity was tennis. I've played since I was in eighth grade, and in addition to getting to play with some of my best friends, I've also made so many new friends through playing! Riding the bus to meets over the last five years has been a highlight of the seasons!

What are your plans after graduation?
I'm going to study Climate, Environment, and Society, with a double major in English. After, I'm planning on getting a Master's in Environmental Science and Policy. I'm really excited to the study the environment from an interdisciplinary approach of science and social studies!

What makes you Panther Proud?
To go to a school that introduced me to new ideas and allowed me to explore my interests while encouraging me to grow!

Evelyn Noyes

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience?
My favorite class was EMT. While it had a large workload, it challenged me to become a better student and person. I got hands-on experiences I never would have imagined doing as a high schooler, such as going on ride alongs with emergency responders and being part of the medical team at numerous sporting events. These experiences honed my communication skills and led me to become a more confident and better person.

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

• Girl’s Swim and Dive, grades 9-12
• Knowledge Bowl, grades 9-12
• Water Polo, grades 10-12
• Green Club, grades 10-12
  • Vice President, grade 12
• Panther Mentors, grades 11-12
  • House Leader, grade 12
• National Honors Society, grades 11-12

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be going to St Olaf College where I plan to study nursing.

What makes you Panther Proud?
I am Panther proud because of all the diverse classes SLP has to offer. Pathways provides many accessible opportunities students could not get in most other places. For students that already know what they want to do and get a head start, to those that are experimenting to find their calling, SLP supports them throughout their whole high school journey

Greta Solem

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience?
My favorite high school classes were the ones with Ms.Putz because she is one of my favorite teachers. My other favorite ones were band and calculus because of the people and Mr. Hilst. Finally, my favorite class content wise was AP Human Geo and AP Bio.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?
I played football, basketball, track, and girls flag football. I play in Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, while assisting our pep band on occasion. I am also a part of NHS, Panther Mentors, and Green Club.

I went All-State in the discus as a junior and I hope to so again this year. I have been All-Conference in discus and shot put since freshman year.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to major in animal science, and use that to become a veterinarian. I also plan to continue to play basketball and track collegiately.

What makes you Panther Proud?
I am proud to be a part of a community and district that prioritizes not just good students and grades, but promotes students to be good people after they graduate.

Jamal Smith

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience?
My favorite high school class was Culinary Arts 1 and 2 because I love eating and trying new food. I also got to experience these classes with friends which made the experience way better. 

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

• Football, grades 9-12
  • State Champion, 12
  • All-district defensive end
• Track and field, grades 9-12
  • All-state 100m sprinter
  • All-conference 100m sprinter
  • 100m school record holder
  • 4x100m school record holder
• Panther Mentor, grade 12 
• DECA, grade 12
  • State qualifier 

What are your plans after graduation?
I will be attending the University of St. Thomas to continue my football and academic career. I will be majoring in health and exercise science.

What makes you Panther Proud?
I am SLP Panther Proud because I have been blessed with so much amazing people around to support me, as well as the opportunities I have received to become who I am today. I’m grateful I attended this school because it is bigger than a school - it is a community.

Braden Hemquist

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? 
My favorite high school experience was being part of the football team and winning the state championship. I played varsity for three years and was there during some tough seasons, so it meant a lot to how much the team improved over time. Being part of a 13-0 season was really special, but what stood out most was getting to share that experience with my teammates. Everyone worked hard and supported each other, and it felt like a team effort the whole way. I’m just grateful I got to be a part of it.

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

• Football, grades 9-12
  • 3 Varsity letters 
  • All-district honorable mention DE, 12
  • All-state academic
  • 3-time All-District Academic Letter 
• Boys Basketball, grades 9-10
• Boys Baseball, grades 9-11
  • B-squad Captain 
  • B-squad Offensive MVP
• Boys Lacrosse, grade 12 
  • 3 Academic Letters
• National Honor Society, grades 11-12
  • Lettered in 11th Grade
• Panther Mentor, grade 12

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend Florida State University and study Finance.

What makes you Panther Proud?
I am Panther proud because of all of the amazing teachers and coaches that we have at our school. Every teacher has supported me and has helped me in my high school journey. I’m also proud of all the friends that I have been able to make along the way.

Annika Aalund

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience?
My favorite class was AP U.S. History with Mr. Meier. This class pushed me academically and taught me so much. The way Mr. Meier made even some of the most boring topics engaging really added to my experience. It also solidified my interest in government and my future plans to major in political science!

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

• Tennis, grades 10-12
  • Varsity letter, 12
• Panthers Mentors, grades 11-12
• Panther Buddies, grades 11-12
• Hockey, grades 9-12 
• Softball, grades 7-9 
• National Honor Society: grades 11-12
  • Lettered, 11-12
• Peer Tutor, grades 11-12
• Academic Letter, grades 9-11
• Leadership Camp, grades 10-12
• Gold Bilingual Seal in Spanish  

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in political science on the pre-law track. I also plan to get a certificate in Spanish. 

What makes you Panther Proud?
I am Panther Proud because of the community I have formed since my first day here. The teachers, coaches, and classmates are what makes Spring Lake Park Schools so special. Through my experiences inside and outside the classroom, I have been taught so many lessons that will last a lifetime. 

Cade Skelly

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience?
One of my favorite experiences was the everyday routine of being a student-athlete. Balancing school, practices, and games taught me discipline and time management. It pushed me to stay consistent and accountable, and over time that had a big impact on how I approach challenges.

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School?
I was involved in football for four years. I played as a linebacker and was honored to serve as a team captain my senior year. I have played with most of my teammates since a very young age so it was special to be able to play with them in high school as well. Winning the Class 5A State Championship is something I’ll always remember. It meant a lot to me because of the time, effort, and trust that went into it from everyone.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend Bethel University where I will play football and study mechanical engineering.

What makes you Panther Proud?
What makes me Panther Proud is the people and the culture. Being around teammates, coaches, and teachers who expect a lot from you and support you at the same time made a big impact on me and is something I will carry with me throughout my life.

Kiera Katra

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience?
My favorite classes are OEC (Opportunities in Emergency Care). I had the privilege of taking First Aid, CNA, EMT, and Internship. Every year, not only did I grow my skills, but I grew as a person. Bill, John, and ElleAnne have created a family inside and outside the classroom and I’m so happy to have become apart of it. I’m more confident as a person as well as a healthcare provider. Thanks to them, they’ve helped shaped me into who I am and who I want to become.

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

• Panther Buddies, grades 10-11
• OEC, grades 9-12
• CERT, grades 11-12
• Girls Soccer, grades 8-12
• NHS, grades 11-12

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue my healthcare career in nursing to earn my BSN.

What makes you Panther Proud?
What makes me Panther proud is the community service we do through OEC. Students are always helping out by participating in service and sporting events. We give up our time to contribute to making lives better for others. There is no greater reward than realizing you have made a positive impact on people’s lives.

Cora Roseborough

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience? Why? 
My favorite class was AP Psychology with Mr. Kranz. This was definitely one of the hardest classes I took, but all of the information we got to learn was so fascinating. The workload taught me valuable skills of time management and forming good studying habits. Overall, it was extremely fun with its interactive lessons and activities. 

What activities were you involved in while you were a student at Spring Lake Park High School? Any notable accomplishments you want to mention? 

• Girls’ Swim and Dive Team, grades 7-12th  
  • 4-time All Conference 
  • 2-time State Qualifier 
  • School Record Holder in the 200 IM 
• Student Council, grades 9-12
  • Historian Officer, 10-11
  • Vice-President, 12
• NHS, grades 11-12 
  • Junior Officer, 11
  • Vice-President, 12 
• Panther Mentors:, grades 11-12 
  • House Leader, 12
• Green Club. grades 10-12 
  • Vice-President, 11
  • President, 12 
• Knowledge Bowl, grades 10-12 

What are your plans after graduation? 
I am currently deciding between attending UCLA and UW-Madison for biochemistry on a pre-med track. Afterwards, I want to go to medical school to become a cardiologist.

What makes you Panther Proud? 
I’m proud to be a Panther because of the strong community this school has allowed me to be part of. With its various clubs, everyone is able to connect with others of similar interests. Many of my closest friends were made in Spring Lake Park Schools during class or extracurriculars sanctioned by the high school. I am also incredibly grateful for all of the supportive staff. Their dedication to the classroom and each individual helped shape all of us into the amazing students we are now. I’m so glad to have spent the past 13 years with SLP!

Stephanie Fuentes Ruiz

What was your favorite high school class and/or experience?
My favorite class was with Mr. Lawton. He was an excellent teacher and what stood out the most was the kind of person he is. He showed genuine interest in student lives outside of the classroom and provided support for students who were effected by raids. He was the most patient teacher I have ever met and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been in his class.

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

• Janitor (Full time), grades 5-11
• Track and Field, grades 9-10
• Personal Care Assistance (PCA), grades 10-11
• Facepainting business, grades 10-11
• Opportunities in Emergency Care (OEC), grade 12
• Army National Guard, grade 12
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) + Medication Passer, grade 12

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to go to bootcamp in South Carolina shortly after graduation and go through AIT as a combat medic in Fort Sam.

I am currently accepted but undecided on the University of Twin Cities or Rochester campus for the University of Minnesota and plan to major in health science on a pre-med track

What makes you Panther Proud?
What makes me proud to be a Panther is the inclusivity at Spring Lake Park High School. Being one of three women in my Intro to Engineering class my freshman year, Ms. Kutz made sure we had a supportive environment and pushed us to grow our confidence in a field where women are often underrepresented. That experience, along with the many other programs offered through the school, makes me proud to be in a school where students are pushed to discover their strengths without feeling limited.