David Lavander ’07 – Started Minnehaha in fifth grade
Minnehaha helped prepare me for the Carroll School of Management at Boston College in a myriad of ways. While many incoming college freshmen may struggle with their newfound freedom, I have found the transition quite easy because of the high expectations that Minnehaha has for all of its students. Academically, I am definitely prepared. I have yet to take a course as challenging as Ms. Van Pilsum’s AP World History in college (I took it as a sophomore at MA).

Spiritually, I am comfortable with my beliefs and what I deem to be right and wrong (thanks, Rev. Elliott). Socially, I have a great set of friends from MA, and they have shown me the right way to be in meaningful relationships, which has only made making new friends even easier. And no student from the class of 2007 talks about MA without including the countless life lessons taught by Mr. Hoffner.

All in all, MA was a perfect fit for me. I feel prepared academically, spiritually, and socially for college and am very much enjoying this next stage of my life. Thank you, MA.

Katie Detlefsen ’07 – Started Minnehaha in ninth grade
As a student at Minnehaha, I didn’t realize how my time there was preparing me for college. Looking back at my first year in school at the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, I can appreciate how my four years at Minnehaha really set me in the right direction.

Spiritually, the impact of my time at Minnehaha was huge. I got to know Christ, not only through classes like Bible with Rev. Bergstrom and The Church with Rev. Elliott, but I also saw His work in Dr. Whaley’s biology class, and even in economics with Mr. Hoffner. The caring and positive perspective on life of people like Mr. Monson at golf practice showed me how to live for Christ and not just talk about it.

I recognized the summer after senior year that there would be no middle ground in college. My faith would either define me or become a second thought. After really exploring my beliefs in classes like Capstone with Dr. Crafton, I felt strong enough to “go against the grain” and live for Christ in college.

Entering a school of more than 50,000 students, I was a little worried about finding the right place socially. Minnehaha was a very supportive environment where I learned self-confidence. This helped me form some wonderful new friendships and get involved in the UCF Campus Crusade for Christ and a Bible study with friends. Even more rewarding has been my relationships with nonbelievers. Minnehaha gave me the strength to both defend my faith and share the Gospel with others.

Working hard in high school has translated to academic success in college. I was proud to be recognized, along with less than a dozen other 4.0 GPA student-athletes, at a UCF men’s basketball game.

College is what you make it. Do not be afraid to go against the stereotypes and live for God. As a Minnehaha student, you have all the tools for a fun and rewarding college experience that pleases God.

Kathryn Burzynski ’07 – Started Minnehaha in fourth grade
I am currently attending Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, a private, liberal arts university. I am a marketing major and a religion minor. I believe that Minnehaha prepared me for college in many different ways.

Of course, there was the academic component with rigorous courses and creative learning opportunities. Academically, one element of MA that had such an effect on me was how invested the faculty and staff were in my success. Not only did I have teachers constantly encouraging me, but also counselors, office assistants, and lunch ladies as well!

Spiritually, the Honors Christian Ethics and Senior Capstone classes had a big influence on my life. The classes challenged me to investigate my faith and beliefs before I had to defend them on a daily basis when I went to a secular college.

Socially, I think that Minnehaha taught me how to incorporate my faith into friendships and relationships. Minnehaha is so great because personal faith becomes intertwined with daily living. MA taught me how to speak openly about my faith in any environment I was placed in.