740 Rose Ave., www.comosr.spps.org
National Merit semi-finalists
Seniors Keith Eicher and Tuomas Sivula have been named National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists. This achievement recognizes students in the top 1 percent of students nationwide. Ellie Thorsgaard has been named a National Merit Commended Student. Finalists in the program will be announced in February 2016.
Veteran French teacher honored
Como’s longtime French teacher Nancy Solo-Taylor, who retired last spring after 32 years of teaching, was named Minnesota Teacher of the Year by the American Association of Teachers of French.
At Como, Solo-Taylor promoted advanced French studies through her involvement in AP French, her collaboration with the University of Minnesota in teaching College in the Schools (CIS) classes at Como and her biennial student trips to France.
Minnesota’s secretary of state visits Como AP Government class Como AP Government students were on WCCO TV on Sept. 22, as the station reported Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon’s visit to the school. Simon and Tammy Patrick, who serves on the Presidential Commission on Election Administration, discussed federalism, voter registration and public policy with students. The event was coordinated by Como parent Vicki O’Duffy, the Secretary of State’s office and Patrick.
‘A Midsummer Night’ in the fall
The Como Theater Department will perform the William Shakespeare classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Thursday, Nov. 5, and Friday, Nov. 6, in the school auditorium. The play has been
adapted to a musical and Como’s Chamber Singers and Advanced Choir will provide the music.
Rehearsals for the actors began in late September under the leadership of music teacher Carole Whitney and English teacher Allison Hartzell.
Athletes make news
Andrayah Adams, Como’s All-State Basketball phenom, verbally committed to play college basketball and study at St. John’s University in New York. Adams was nationally recruited, with multiple high profile Division I schools offering full athletic scholarships.
Cross country runner Innocent Murwanashyaka took first place at the Roy Griak Invitational at the University of Minnesota Sept. 26 with 485 runners from across the state and neighboring states in the Maroon Division of the run.
His time of 16:13 in the 5K run was impressive. Both the Pioneer Press and the StarTribune ran stories on him.
Festive fun
Homecoming week events at Como were festive and fun with dress up days in school, a pep fest, coronation, and battle of the classes. The week culminated Sept. 19 with a parade, picnic, football victory and dance. Volleyball, girls soccer and boys soccer teams were all victorious in their homecoming games. Special recognition and thanks goes out the Como Park Booster Club for its support and behind-the-scenes work.
