LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC EDUCATION PAGE 4
Assistant Principal of Wilson Elementary, honored with state leadership award
The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association( MESPA) named Nicki Magaard, assistant principal at Wilson Elementary School in Anoka, Minnesota’ s recipient of the National Outstanding Assistant Principal Award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals( NAESP).
This honor recognizes Magaard’ s leadership, strategic systems thinking, dedication to students, staff and families in the Wilson Elementary community. Magaard is in her fourth year serving as assistant principal at Wilson Elementary School. In her work, Magaard has led the school’ s Collective Efficacy Cycles, a researchbased, collaborative model designed to accelerate student
Nicki Magaard
learning and strengthen professional practices. In addition, Magaard’ s leadership has impacted other areas of the district, including the creation of a Professional Learning Community for elementary assistant principals in Anoka- Hennepin.
MESPA is the premier leadership resource for elementary and middle-level principals, dedicated to connecting, developing, and providing resources for principals, and serving as a leading voice for Minnesota education. n
Ramsey Elementary Principal named finalist for National Award
Denise Schnabel, principal of Ramsey Elementary School, has been named one of three Minnesota finalists for the National Distinguished Principal Award, an honor presented by the National Association for Elementary School Principals( NAESP) and the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association( MESPA).
The Distinguished Principal Award recognizes exceptional leadership, commitment to student success, and lasting impact on school communities. Schnabel’ s nomination noted her leadership in strengthening instructional practices, expanding systems of support, and ensuring students’ basic needs are met through strong community partnerships.
Denise Schnabel
Principal Schabel has a strong record of service in the Anoka-Hennepin School District as a classroom teacher, curriculum integrator, and administrative intern prior to serving as principal at both Evergreen Park STEM School of Innovation and Ramsey Elementary School.
MESPA is the premier leadership resource for elementary and middle level principals, dedicated to connecting, developing, and providing resources for principals, and serving as a leading voice for Minnesota education. n
Two Andover High School teachers named state’ s best
Two Andover High School educators have received top recognitions for their work in the classroom. Announcements recognizing both educators were made this school year.
Beth Holgrimson, a 21-year veteran educator, was named the 2026 High School Teacher of the Year by the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies( MCSS). This prestigious award recognizes leading educators within the state’ s social studies community.
Holgrimson is honored for utilizing the Catalyst approach to facilitate student engagement
Candidates for the 2026 Minnesota Teacher of the Year were announced, and Anoka-Hennepin had six educators who were nominated.
• Matt Boelke, Social Studies, Coon Rapids Middle School.
• Holly Boisjolie, Business, Blaine High School.
• Alex Keeney, Technology, Sunrise Elementary School.
• Scott Maki, Special Education, Blaine High School.
• Rebecca Maxey Thomas, American Sign Language, Blaine High School.
• Jamie Weisz, Special Education, Champlin Park High School.
Students from Anoka and Blaine high schools demonstrated professional skills and achievements at the Business Professionals of America( BPA) State Leadership Conference held March 5 – 7, taking numerous honors.
43 students qualified for the upcoming international competition to be held May 4-10 in Nashville, Tenn., where 38 students from Blaine High School( BHS) and five students from Anoka High School( AHS) will compete against over 6,000 other students from around the world.
The organization also recognized the Blaine High School business education teacher and BPA advisor Holly Boisjolie as the Minnesota Secondary BPA Advisor of the Year. Boisjolie was nominated by fellow advisors from across the state. n
Beth Holgrimson
Gracia Elrick Cooper
and promoting a deeper level of understanding with course content, holding various leadership roles within her school building and her dedication to students and professional growth.
Gracia Elrick Cooper was recently named the 2025 Minnesota History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder
Six Anoka-Hennepin educators named candidates for Minnesota Teacher of the Year
The six Anoka-Hennepin teachers were among 128 candidates for the award statewide.
Minnesota’ s Teacher of the Year program celebrates a tradition of excellence in teaching throughout the state. Eligible candidates include teachers from prekindergarten through grade 12, Early Childhood Family Education, and Adult Basic Education programs in public or private schools. n
Lehrman Institute of American History. This distinguished award recognizes exceptional K – 12 educators for their remarkable work in teaching American history.
The annual recognition program, presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute— the nation’ s leading nonprofit for K – 12 American history education— celebrates one outstanding teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U. S. Territories. It recognizes educators for their dedication, creativity, and effective use of primary sources. Nominees are recommended by students, colleagues, or school leaders and selected by state committees of historians and educators. n
Matt Boelke
Alex Keeney,
Rebecca Maxey
Holly Boisjolie
Scott Maki
Jamie Weisz
Business Professionals of America honor Anoka and Blaine high school students, Blaine High School advisor
Anoka High School: Matthew Braaten Hayley Christensen Jessica Moua Ngum Sama Avery Warzala
Blaine High School: Samuel Agboola Zabida Ahmed Shaurya Ahuja Nadaline Barry
Foge Benta Jada Chen Kenya Cooper Vladimir Ditta Mark Elau Reham Ghalban Nolawi Gibe Sienna Grant Tristan Harris Jacob Hoang Roshna Hoti Howard Huynh Daniel Idahosa Hibatallah Kemer Reema Krishnan Ayana Layeni Ericka Miller
Fru Mofor Abdulbasit Muhamed Abdulwadud Muhamed Ayush Naik Tyler Nguyen Josephine Nnadi Derrick Obwaya Tosin Olasanmi Amogh Patil Karma Phuntsok Fahima Rashid Sandara Sihavong Pal Trivedi Rosalynn Truong Eliana Zerie