Coming from the smallest school in the mighty Lake Conference, Buffalo High School student-athletes are no strangers to an underdog role in competition.
In the classroom, however, the opportunities available to them rival any in the state thanks to a unique focus on dual enrollment courses that deftly balance career as well as college preparation.
“My impression is that we are an anomaly, a standout in that area,” said BHS Principal Mark Mischke.
No fewer than 11 Buffalo High School musicians earned a place in All-State ensembles that convened for summer camps last week.
“To be selected is a tremendous honor,” said BHS band director Scott Rabehl. “Most schools in Minnesota do not get any students in these groups because of the rigor of the audition process.”
When Jenelle Bryan and Cindy Gilchrist sat down to reflect on some career highlights this spring, their thoughts were almost identical.
Perhaps that should come as no surprise, since the third-grade teachers at Hanover Elementary School have worked together for 30-plus years and will enter retirement at the same time.
“It’s like we’re sisters, almost,” said Gilchrist with a laugh.
BHM School Board members approved the hiring of Tim Helppi as the new director of building and grounds during their meeting on Monday, May 22, and welcomed him to the district.
Helppi will start with BHM on June 19. This will provide some crossover training time with outgoing director John Heltunen, who has served the district for the past 10 years and will depart the district in July.
After 60 years of teaching one might be expected to crawl to the finish line of retirement in exhaustion. But like a distance runner who hit his stride long ago, Carlton Urdahl barely seems winded as he breaks the tape marking the end of his career this month.
“It’s kind of funny. If I didn’t know my age right now, I’d think I’m ready for another year,” Urdahl said. “You just keep on going. I’ve been very fortunate health-wise, but I guess I have to quit sometime.”
Not all academic subjects can be tested and measured in the same way. Math results are clear cut; the merits of a quality essay have more subjective elements. But a musical experience, while potentially the most fulfilling, might also be the most difficult to quantify.
So in summing up Buffalo Community Middle School Band director Terri Svec’s impact on the district over her 32-year local career, Buffalo High School band director Scott Rabehl’s choice of words was fitting.
“Terri’s contributions to BHM Schools are nearly incalculable,” he said.
With roots stretching at least three generations deep, few have been as intricately connected to Hanover Elementary School as Education Support Professional Nancy Kolasa.
Buffalo High School organized a mock crash event in the school parking lot on Thursday, May 4, to illustrate the consequences of impaired or distracted driving, and the importance of seat belt use, ahead of the weekend's prom festivities.
