President Jeanne Zetah welcomed attendees and recognized the school board members in attendance.  Eden Prairie Superintendent Dr. Curt Tryggestad thanked all the mentors for their involvement,  Jay Simpson for guiding the Strive program for the past 15 years, Karen Brettingen (Strive Coordinator) and Representative Jenifer Loon for her work in taking the Strive Model statewide.

Yurub Jama provided comments representing the student perspective.  She shared how the Strive Program has made her more open-minded and focused on career and college choices.

There were 38 strive students (19 Juniors and 19 Seniors) mentored by 37 mentors.  Those students in attendance were introduced by their mentors and the mentors shared some of their experiences during the past year, the qualities that make their mentees special and their plans after high school, if decided.

Karen thanked Beth Kreusch, Tyra Brousseau, Julie Block, Lisa Wood and Mark Anderson for their contributions throughout the year.  Bill Hooke and Jay Simpson thanked Karen Brettingen for “growing the program and bringing in best practices.”  Next year Lisa Wood will take over the reins of the program.To see more photos from the Strive Celebration, click here.