The Community’s Guide to the District
July 2025
Alice Smith welcomes Principal Sabrina Schmidtke
Class of 2025 graduates ready to shape the future
Hopkins Public Schools proudly welcomes Sabrina Schmidtke as the new principal of Alice Smith Elementary. A seasoned educator and equitydriven leader, Schmidtke brings more than a decade of experience, a record of raising achievement, and a deep commitment to building inclusive school communities where all students thrive.
Hopkins graduates celebrate with friends and loved ones after receiving their high school diplomas at their graduation ceremony.
Cheenou Moua selected as District Emergency Management and School Safety Coordinator
On June 6, the Hopkins Class of 2025 walked across the stage at the 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis to receive their diploma and begin a new chapter in their lives. The ceremony included outstanding performances from the Hopkins High School band, orchestra, and choir. Principal Crystal Ballard and Superintendent Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed addressed the Class of 2025, recognizing their years of dedication and hard work on the path to educational success. “Class of 2025 — you are ready,” Ballard said. “You are united. You are strong. You are thoughtful, driven, and emotionally intelligent. And your voices — honest, brave, and necessary — will continue to shape the world around you.” Students Carmen Trujillo and Dallas Downey gave speeches, while Aunesti Farley led the event as Master of Ceremonies. Downey spoke about how the Class of 2025 is filled with changemakers, future leaders, innovators, trailblazers, storytellers, activists, and visionaries.
Hopkins Public Schools is proud to welcome Cheenou Moua as our new Emergency Management and School Safety Coordinator. A former U.S. Secret Service agent and Marine, Moua brings deep expertise in protection, crisis response, and leadership. His calm, mission-driven approach will help ensure a safe, supportive environment for all.
“We are not just stepping into the future, we are the ones shaping it,” Downey said. “The bright future we dream of is the one we will create, and I have no doubt that every single one of us is ready for that challenge.”
Reflecting the rich diversity of the graduating class, a total of 50 flags were on display during the ceremony — 37 international flags and 13 tribal nation flags — honoring the wide range of cultures, heritages, and identities represented by this year’s graduates. The Class of 2025 includes 484 remarkable scholars, each bringing their own story, strengths, and ambitions. As they prepare to turn the page to their next chapter, here is a glimpse into the diverse paths some of these graduates are taking.
Faces from the Class of 2025
Abdifatah Yusuf
Abdifatah Yusuf's highlight of his senior year was performing at the 2025 Talent Show, and in his words, absolutely bringing down the house. Abdi will attend the University of Minnesota to study finance, at Carlson School of Management. See Class of 2025 inside
DATES IN THE COMMUNITY
August Kindergarten Playground Nights Join us for a fun evening of play to meet other families and school staff before the start of the school year. HopkinsSchools.org/kinder
Free summer meals for youth! Free breakfasts and lunches are available at five school locations for scholars age 18 and under. Visit our website for locations, menu, and adult prices. HopkinsSchools.org/nutrition
Class of 2025 continued from cover
Faces from the Class of 2025
Aksel Grover
Aksel Grover is a VirtualEDU scholar and proud member of the Hopkins High School varsity trap team. Aksel will attend Augsburg University in Minneapolis, where he plans to study special education or psychology.
Dallas Downey
Dallas Downey was the president of the Black Student Alliance and part of the American Indian Education student group. This fall, Dallas will study sociology, Indigenous studies, and art at Northwestern University.
Josh Lundberg
Josh Lundberg had the honor of having one of his ceramics pieces featured in the display case at Hopkins High School. Next fall, he is headed to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City to major in design.
Sameeha Gelle
Sameeha Gelle plans to become an ultrasound technician, an idea inspired by her sister and encouraged by supportive teachers at Hopkins High School. She will attend Normandale Community College before transferring to Texas Southern University.
Anina Miller
Anina Miller has been a member of ProStart, Native Group, and the Black Student Alliance. She will attend Hennepin Technical College to study baking and pastry, with dreams of opening her own bakery.
Eva Alciati
Eva Alciati started her Hopkins education in the XinXing Chinese immersion program at Eisenhower Elementary. Next year, Eva plans to attend the KEDGE Business School in France where she will major in international business.
Mykiyah Russell
Mykiyah Russell is a creative artist with a passion for drawing and visual storytelling. Mykiyah plans to be a tattoo apprentice as a way to gain hands-on, real-world experience in the art world.
Ted Strasburg
Ted Strasburg's journey began at Eisenhower Elementary, where he enrolled in Chinese immersion. This fall, Ted will attend the University of Minnesota, majoring in accounting. He’s also hoping to study abroad in China.
Ashley Akoussan
Ashley Akoussan obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant license through Hopkins' CNA program and is committed to making healthcare more equitable. Ashley is headed to Howard University, where she will continue to pursue her education in healthcare.
Jade Meneses-Lehtola
Jade Meneses-Lehtola appreciated the independence VirtualEDU offered her as a fully online student. Jade will study criminology and psychology at the University of Minnesota-Duluth to pursue a career as a crime scene investigator.
Nate Wolfe
Nate Wolfe was the editor-in-chief of both the newspaper and yearbook at Hopkins High School. This fall, Nate is headed to the University of Kansas to study sports media, with dreams to one day be the lead photographer for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Xochitl Smith
Xochitl Smith has been involved in Latinos Unidos and the varsity soccer team. Xochitl will be attending American University in Madrid and Washington, D.C., majoring in international studies and Spanish.
2025 END-OF-YEAR NEWS
AVID Class of 2025 earns $1.6 million in scholarships At the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Senior Celebration, 62 college-bound seniors shared future plans and honored the staff who inspired them with a single flower. Admitted to top universities such as Northwestern, Loyola, Howard, Spelman, and St. Thomas, the class secured $1.6 million in scholarships, including several full rides.
Hopkins Choir ends year on a high note
The Hopkins High School Choir closed out the year with Choral Fest 2025 Singing Through Life — a heartfelt final performance celebrating our departing seniors. This year, the program earned top honors at regional contests, including Superior ratings, five “Best in Site” awards, and six All-State selections.
Julius Eromosele receives Minnesota Honoring our retirees and closing International Baccalaureate the school year together Hopkins staff came together to celebrate the end Leadership Award Congratulations to North Middle School Principal Julius Eromosele, recipient of the MNIB Leadership Award! Nominated by sixth grade teacher Angela Wilcox, he was honored for his visionary leadership, commitment to IB values, and passion for serving students and families.
of the 2024–25 school year with food, games, raffles, signature mocktails, music, and even goats! A highlight of the event was honoring our 11 incredible 2025 retirees, who represent a combined total of 248 years of service. Their impact on Hopkins will be felt for years to come.
Glen Lake playground named America's best inclusive playground
Career Day connects students to real-world opportunities
Soliant Health named Glen Lake’s playground the best inclusive school playground in America for 2025. Soliant evaluated playgrounds based on use of innovative approaches, how much the design fosters natural interaction between children of different abilities, and incorporation of universal design principles.
West Middle School hosted its first-ever Career Day, giving students a chance to explore future paths with 25 professionals — including everything from a chef and a scientist to a zookeeper and more. Speakers were chosen based on student interests, making for a meaningful and inspiring experience. Career Day connected learning to life and sparked big ideas for the future.
HOPKINS CLASS OF 2025 STATS 484 unique scholars made up the Hopkins Class of 2025! These future-ready graduates have accomplished so much. While numbers can never capture the full story, these stats offer a glimpse into the dedication, talent, and hard work of our students.
207 scholars graduated with honors
Post-graduation plans
33 summa cum laude (cumulative GPA of 4.0) 107 magna cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.75-3.99) 67 cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.5-3.74)
70% four-year college 14% two-year college 5% full-time work 11% other
$20.7 million in scholarships to the Class of 2025
41
Bilingual and Multilingual Seals earned
3
National Merit Commended Scholars
84% of graduates are college-bound
70%
earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher
Placement 252 Advanced exams taken college credit through 188 earned a College in the Schools class
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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Hopkins Public Schools June 5
Today, the Class of 2025 returned to their elementary schools in caps and gowns, greeted with cheers and hugs — a special tradition celebrating how far they’ve come and what’s next. Hopkins Public Schools May 21
Step Up Day at North and West Middle Schools was a fantastic experience! Fifth graders got a chance to explore their future schools, meet teachers, and discover what’s ahead in middle school. We’re excited to watch them grow and thrive in this next chapter!
Hopkins Public Schools May 7
Six XinXing students from Eisenhower Elementary earned top honors at the Midwest Chinese-Bridge Show in Chicago, placing first, second, or third after delivering speeches in Chinese. Congrats to these talented students! Hopkins Public Schools April 29
VirtualEDU students had a blast at Target Field, exploring the connection between sports and STEAM! In-person learners toured the stadium, while online students engaged in interactive sessions on teamwork, design, and engineering.
Academic excellence + true belonging = the Hopkins difference A launchpad for every learner Hopkins graduates are ready for whatever path they choose, thanks to a system that pairs rigorous academics with real-world relevance. This past spring, the Class of 2025 submitted 2,426 college applications, earned $20.7 million in scholarships (including one scholar with 34 offers totaling $1 million), and 70% graduated with a 3.0 GPA or higher. In Hopkins, rigor isn’t one-size-fits-all. While 250 graduates are headed to universities like UCLA and Harvard (including an unprecedented high number of Madison admits), others are pursuing passions at Dunwoody, culinary school, cosmetology programs, and junior hockey. We celebrate every journey and prepare students with the skills and choices to thrive. Our students are graduating into an increasingly polarized climate, and they are equipped to handle it. Hopkins students know how to navigate differences. With more than 60 languages spoken at home, our students experience daily learning shaped by rich cultural diversity. Through award-winning Chinese and Spanish immersion programs, student-led affinity groups, and cultural celebrations, Hopkins students learn to collaborate across differences and lead with empathy. The result? A community where 83% of seniors feel supported by peers and staff. True belonging is a critical foundation for academic excellence. Our graduates know they belong and that they can make a difference. They have thrived in a system that promotes choice and honors identity. Advanced Placement and College in the Schools options, immersive experiences like ProPEL and ProStart, and VirtualEDU’s transdisciplinary projects challenge students to think critically and create boldly. Good relationships are also essential. Teachers who know each learner by name and need, counselors who champion scholarships, and coaches who turn courts and pools into labs for teamwork and resilience. This support system powers standout achievements — from world-stage robotics and state-level synchronized swimming to a surge in Certified Nursing Assistant credentials that meet local workforce needs. Our students know their value Our Vision 2031 commits us to erase predictability in outcomes and the Class of 2025 shows we’re delivering. Hopkins students are speaking at school board meetings, passing legislation, performing on national stages, winning math competitions, and leading in athletics. Families choose Hopkins because here, students don’t just learn about the real world, they also learn how to change it, one bold idea at a time. Let’s go, Class of 2025. You got this.
Hopkins Public Schools April 28
To celebrate Arbor Day, Alice Smith Elementary teamed up with the City of Hopkins and Tree Trust to plant 13 new trees! Students learned how trees clean our air and water, provide shade, and support vibrant communities.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed Superintendent
Hopkins Public Schools ISD 270 1001 Highway 7 Hopkins, MN 55305-4723
The Community’s Guide to the District
July 2025
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Hopkins MN Permit No. 32324
Residential Postal Patron ECRWSS
CONGRATS GRADS! Celebrating the Hopkins High School Class of 2025
AMERICAN INDIAN YEAR-END CELEBRATION In May, five Native American seniors were honored during a celebration hosted by the Hopkins Public Schools Native Group. The ceremony recognized their academic achievement and cultural identity. Kacy Chinavare, Olivia Domke, Dallas Downey, Bear Ingebretson, and Anina Miller were each presented with a blanket symbolizing warmth and protection. They were also gifted a handcrafted cedar feather box lined with red felt to hold an Eagle feather — one of the highest honors one can receive in Native American culture. The evening was filled with tradition, pride, and a celebration of the perseverance the students demonstrated throughout their educational journey.
GET CONNECTED, STAY CONNECTED
HopkinsSchools.org/update Need to enroll in Hopkins for the fall?
Complete your child's enrollment for the 2025-26 school year. All incoming kindergartners must submit an enrollment form, including Hopkins residents and Hopkins preschoolers. Complete your form online today! HopkinsSchools.org/enroll