Minnetonka honors athletes, AP Scholars and Clear Springs student leaders

The Minnetonka Public School District opened its Jan. 6 meeting with recognition of student accomplishments across athletics, academics and leadership programs.

Superintendent David Law and Vice Chair Kim Marie Foss led awards for three groups from the 2024–25 school year: the varsity boys football team, which qualified for the state semifinals after a run that extended the program’s first‑ever back‑to‑back Final Four appearances; the varsity girls swim and dive team, which finished first at the True Team state meet and was runner‑up at the MSHSL state meet; and dozens of students who earned AP Scholar distinctions based on College Board exam performance.

Coach Mark Esch told the board, "I just wanna say I'm proud of these guys. They had a great season." Senior player Tavon Thompson, who said he played football for the first time this year, told the board the experience built a ‘‘brotherhood’’ and allowed him to ‘‘step out onto the U.S. Bank Stadium.’’ The girls swim coach noted the team’s 3.81 GPA and a roster of 82 athletes while naming relay and individual finishers.

The meeting also included a report from Clear Springs Elementary. Assistant Principal Elizabeth Johnson introduced fifth‑grade student leaders who described subcommittees—bus patrols, CS Shines (building upkeep), CS Cares (service) and CS Connects (mentoring)—and outlined activities such as helping younger students, running food drives and mentoring peers. Board members, including student board representative Sierra Lindeman, praised the students’ leadership and encouraged continued engagement.

The board closed the recognition portion and moved into organizational business and other agenda items.