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PRESS PUBLICATIONS: Earns 3 awards. PAGE 6
Student interest in manufacturing path continues to grow
2024 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW The countdown is on. The 95th session of the Minnesota Legislature begins Feb. 12. Members will take oaths of office, elect leaders and officers. Lear about local lawmakers’ priorities for 2024 in Press Publications’ Legislative Preview inside. See pages 14 & 15.
SHANNON GRANHOLM | PRESS PUBLICATIONS
Starting next year, Centennial High School will officially begin offering Manufacturing Pathways, a series of career-ready courses in general metals, metals technology, advanced metal technology and Cougar Manufacturing.
Patti Anderson
Michael Kreun
Jamie Becker-Finn
John Marty
Elliot Engen
Kelly Moller
Heather Gustafson
BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Karin Housley
Matt Norris
Mark Wiens
When teacher Andy Angell started working in the Centennial School District 12 years ago, his classroom looked very different. He was teaching photography and video production. “The room that the shop is in right now was actually a technology room; where our garage door is now was a green screen. Things have made a full 180,” Angell said. Around five years ago, Centennial Schools began offering elective courses in manufacturing. The offerings have continued to evolve as more students have become interested in that career path.
Tou Xiong
COPYRIGHT MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. PHOTO BY TOM OLMSCHEID
SEE MANUFACTURING PATHWAYS, PAGE 5
St. Joseph’s Variety Show: ‘Life’s a Gamble at the Pearly Gates’ BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
Start tapping your toes, because the St. Joseph’s Church choir and band is preparing to wow viewers with its original musical, “Life’s A Gamble at the Pearly Gates,” Feb. 9-11. Think of it as a “pregame” for the Super Bowl on Sunday. For well over 25 years, St. Joe’s has staged a variety show. It began as an opportunity for parishioners to use their musical talents but has transformed into so much more than that. “It has evolved,” said Forest Lake resident Kathy Schwister, who wrote the
show and directs it. “It never started out like this kind of a show … It was a musical variety show.” Lino Lakes resident Annie Roman, the set designer and actress who plays Penny Pots, added, “It just keeps growing.” Back around 2009 is when the show evolved to have a storyline. The show used to be held every year, but because it has grown bigger and bigger, it is now held every two years. “The night we take down the set, we start thinking about the next one,” Roman said. Scott Larson, a set designer and actor who plays the lead role of Joey Lake, added, “We get together and we try
to start brainstorming ideas until Kathy has her ‘aha’ moment.” A group started meeting for the show this summer, and set design and practices began in the fall. Once the holidays rolled around, practices really ramped up. This year’s show features approximately 40 people ranging in ages from 30 to 80. The show is set in 1959, offering opportunities for songs like “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend,” “Whatever Lola Wants” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” SEE CHURCH FAMILY, PAGE 7
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St. Joseph’s Church choir and band will perform its original musical, “Life’s A Gamble at the Pearly Gates,” Feb. 9-11.
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