West metro school briefs: Schools head to global competition

Schools head to global competitionSeveral west-metro area schools will be advancing to the Destination ImagiNation Global Finals at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville:

•The Eden Prairie Central Middle School team of eighth-graders known as the "Flock of Boxin' Oxen" took first place at the DI state tournament on April 14 and will move on to the Global Finals. The Flock of Boxin' Oxen has been together as a team for three years, and this is the third year they have advanced to Global competition. Members are: Joel Benson, Charlie Bradley, Lance Holsten, Ben Johnson, Joey Larabee and Ethan Nguyen.

•The Plymouth Middle School "Pink Ladies" team of Mia Hanson, Alyssa Egstad, Ciarra Fagerlie, Kelly Mikkelson and Leah Baker hope to use their experience from the global competition last year as part of the Neill Elementary DI team, along with new teammates Julia Roston and Alexa Johnson. The all-girls team managed a perfect score on their instant challenge at the state DI tournament.

•The "Um... They're Not Here Today" team at Poplar Bridge Elementary in Bloomington. Team members include Kaija Johnson, Ben Van Hoever, Ben Kasahara, David Elliott, Claire Strawman, Jackie Smith and Chris Struck, and are managed by Sue Kasahara, Ellen Strawman and Sophie Kasahara.

•The Neill Elementary team, "The Ostriches," in the Robbinsdale School District, also has a team member returning to globals -- Ali Roston, along with six new members: Natalie Kohn, Amya Enna, Abby Sobol, Henry Hubred, Simon Hanson and Ben Egstad. Their coach is Ken Strand.

Senior heads to national tourneyJefferson High School senior Arthur Harris qualified for the National Forensic League's National Speech and Debate Tournament.

Harris took top honors in the senate division at the Southern Minnesota District Congressional Debate Tournament earlier this year. He is the first Jefferson student to qualify for nationals in congressional debate since 2000.

The national tournament will be held in Indianapolis June 10-15. It is billed as the "World's Largest Academic Event," with 5,000 expected to attend.

Three other Bloomington students competed at the district tournament, including Jefferson's Brenna Gibbs and Mike Blazanin and Kennedy senior Cory Schroeder.

Theater stages 'Legally Blonde'Minnetonka High School's theater department is presenting "Legally Blonde -- The Musical!" through May 12.

Based on the movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde tells the story of Elle Woods as she fights for her chance at love and discovers herself along the way.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and May 3, 4, 5, 11 and 12. Matinees are also scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday and 2 p.m. May 12.

For more information, contact the box office at 952-401-5898 or go to www.minnetonka theatre.com.

International School wins service awardThe International School of Minnesota has been selected as the Minnesota Recipient For Outstanding Service by a High School and will represent the state at the 40th Annual Jefferson Awards National Gala Event in Washington, D.C., June 18-20.

The school was selected at the 2012 Minnesota Regional Competition held at the University of Minnesota on April 14. It was chosen by a local panel of judges that included representatives from the Minnesota Vikings, Hamline University and CenterPoint Energy.

Criteria for winning the competition revolve around students demonstrating a commitment to service, as well as achieving the Jefferson Awards' seven goals of "Students In Action," intended to promote volunteerism among students.

Playschool to open May 1 at high schoolParents looking to run a few child-free errands will soon have the option to send their toddlers to high school.

The hours are 9:30-10:45 a.m. Tuesdays through Friday from May 1 to June 5. Children must be 3 years old or older and potty trained. Psychology students and their instructor organize educational activities for the playschool including math, arts and crafts, science, reading, music and games and exercises.

The program is free, but parents are required to fill out an application and donations are encouraged. For more information, contact Patty Ormson at 952-988-4561 or patty_ormson@hopkins.k12.mn.us.

Three bands perform at spring concertThe Hopkins High School Music Department is featuring three bands at its spring concert, including the Hopkins High School Concert Band, the Symphonic Band and the Wind Symphony.

The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hopkins High School Auditorium.

General admission tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and Hopkins students. They may be purchased at the door or online at www.seatyourself.biz/hopkins.

The event will feature a silent auction, cash bar, appetizers and a program. An online auction also can be accessed through www.twls.org.

Admission to the fundraiser is free. For more information or to RSVP, call 763 231-2700.