Posted by Kelly Salwei
Strive Celebration 2017
President Jeanne Zetah welcomed attendees and recognized the school board members in attendance.  Eden Prairie Superintendent Dr. Curt Tryggestad thanked all the mentors for their involvement,  Jay Simpson for guiding the Strive program for the past 15 years, Karen Brettingen (Strive Coordinator) and Representative Jenifer Loon for her work in taking the Strive Model statewide.
Yurub Jama provided comments representing the student perspective.  She shared how the Strive Program has made her more open-minded and focused on career and college choices.
There were 38 strive students (19 Juniors and 19 Seniors) mentored by 37 mentors.  Those students in attendance were introduced by their mentors and the mentors shared some of their experiences during the past year, the qualities that make their mentees special and their plans after high school, if decided.
Karen thanked Beth Kreusch, Tyra Brousseau, Julie Block, Lisa Wood and Mark Anderson for their contributions throughout the year.  Bill Hooke and Jay Simpson thanked Karen Brettingen for “growing the program and bringing in best practices.”  Next year Lisa Wood will take over the reins of the program.To see more photos from the Strive Celebration, click here.
 
Announcements:
  • Chicken Challenge – remember to bring your chicken and/or cash donations to benefit PROP summer nutrition to meetings in May.  Members can also volunteer to man a booth at Byerly’s  on May 20th.  Our goal is 1,030 cans.
  • Test Drive: Next Stop Reality will be held on May 18 at Eden Prairie High School and still needs a few more volunteers to interact with students as they make decisions on life choices. Contact Brittany O'Malley at 952=465-0928 if you can help or go online to signup: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c45aca82ba6fe3-ephs