Principal’s Newsletter • End-of-Year 2025-2026
Dear CA Families,
As we begin the summer season, I want to extend God’s richest blessings to each of you. After a busy and rewarding school year, summer provides a wonderful opportunity to slow down, celebrate milestones, and spend meaningful time with family and friends. Whether you are honoring a graduate, enjoying a family vacation, or simply appreciating the gift of being together, I pray this season brings rest, joy, renewal, and many moments that refresh and fill your cup.
As I reflect on the year that has come to a close, I am filled with gratitude for all that the Lord has accomplished in and through our students. It has been a year marked by growth, achievement, and countless opportunities for students to grow in their faith and to develop their God-given gifts.
Most importantly, I have continued to witness students growing in their relationship with Christ and developing a deeper understanding of what it means to live as His disciples. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, in athletics, or through service to others, students have been encouraged to grow not only in knowledge and ability, but also in faith and character.
As we celebrate another successful year, I am deeply grateful for your trust in CA. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of partnering with you in the education, mentorship, and spiritual development of our students. Your prayers, encouragement, support, and partnership are invaluable as we pursue our mission, and I am deeply grateful for the role you play in the life of our school.
Together, we have celebrated achievements, overcome challenges, and witnessed remarkable growth in our students. It is truly a blessing to walk alongside them as they discover their gifts and talents, strengthen their faith, and prepare to serve God and others in the years ahead.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Concordia Academy family. I pray that you have a safe, restful, and blessed summer, and we look forward to all that God has in store for the year ahead.
Academics and Second Semester Report Cards
Throughout the year, students demonstrated strong academic growth while taking increasing ownership of their learning. They developed greater confidence in setting goals, managing responsibilities, and actively engaging in the learning process. Students also strengthened their self-advocacy skills by communicating their needs, seeking support when appropriate, and taking initiative in their academic work. Through projects, presentations, and problem-solving opportunities, they applied critical thinking skills and demonstrated a growing ability to learn independently. These accomplishments reflect not only academic success but also the development of important life skills that will serve them well in the future.
Second semester report cards are available for viewing in each student’s Educate account. Please check the “Acknowledge” box in Educate so we know you have seen the report card. For help in finding the report card, please see these instructions.
Foundations of Leadership Class
In its inaugural year, this dynamic and creative group of students wrapped things up by hosting a summer kickoff for the entire student body. Summer style, games, music, and treats were abounding, and there was no shortage of laughter, smiles, and fun to be had that afternoon. This leadership group really stepped up in big ways this year, ensuring that school spirit and student life were supported and celebrated. We look forward to the continued growth of this program and all of the ways it will help to support a thriving school culture at CA.
Arts Highlights
The Spring Choir Concert was a wonderful celebration of the hard work, growth, and musical accomplishments of our choir students throughout the school year. Concert Choir, Chorale, and His People presented a diverse selection of music that showcased a variety of styles, cultures, and musical expressions, including much of the repertoire from the spring choir tour to Nashville. For the piece “Ain’t No Grave,” Rachelle Goldenman, CA’s ASL teacher, provided ASL interpretation, and one verse was presented with just the signing and no vocals. This concert on May 7 was the culmination of a year dedicated to learning and collaboration, and it provided an inspiring opportunity to celebrate the gifts God has given our students and the joy of making music and worshipping the Lord together.
The Band and Strings Concert on May 11 featured music from movies, television, and video games and highlighted the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments of our student musicians. Selections by the Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Concordia Strings included “Mission Impossible,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” “Pirates of the Caribbean Medley,” “Imperial March” from Star Wars, “Nintendo Power,” and “Jurassic Park.” James Ekern, who earned “Superior” ratings in two categories at the Minnesota State High School League Section 4A Solo and Ensemble Contest, performed his solo “There and Back Again.” Leah Gfrerer also performed a solo: “Sonata No. 5 in E Minor,” by Antonio Vivaldi. Students’ confidence and attention to detail were on full display, and the concert served as a celebration of the many gifts and talents God has entrusted to our students, as well as the commitment they have shown in developing those abilities.
The year’s final His People concert on May 21, as always, provided a memorable and meaningful end to the school year, celebrating the talent, dedication, and ministry of this outstanding ensemble. The concert also gave us a powerful reminder of the lasting community at CA by keeping a beloved tradition alive…one that dates back to at least the 1980s. During the performance of “Hallelujah, My Father,” His People alumni from across the decades stepped out of the audience to join our current members singing on stage. Hearing those voices, past and present, blend together in worship was a highlight of this wonderful evening. Taking place the night before graduation, the concert was a fitting sendoff for the seniors and a beautiful reminder of the role music plays in building community, strengthening faith, and glorifying God.
Section and State Visual Art Festivals honored CA students this spring. Mari Haakenson, Sarai Kieser, Gabbi Meloch, Anene Okafor, Sophie Ragain, and Claire Secker all earned “Superior” ratings at the MSHSL Section 4A Visual Arts Festival. In addition, Gabbi Meloch’s marker self-portrait, “Goggles,” also received a Spotlight Award and was advanced to State! Congratulations to all the artists on these well-deserved honors! It’s a joy to see them glorifying God through their creativity, skills, and passion for the arts.
The Emerging Artist Cohort Senior Showcase, an extraordinary celebration of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, took place on May 7 and May 13. The event transformed the campus into a vibrant gallery and performance space, providing cohort members the opportunity to share the results of their hard work, imagination, and dedication with family, friends, and members of the school community. The visual arts exhibit, which opened on May 7, featured comic strips by Kameron Chang; paintings and illustrations by Mari Haakenson; illustrations and sculptures by Alexa Hier; graphic design by Sarai Kieser; and paintings, drawings, and puppets by Claire Secker. Andrew Johnstone also presented an interactive, improvisational theatrical exhibit. On May 13, a performing arts showcase threw the spotlight on Charlie Taylor with a vocal performance, Andrew Johnstone with a musical theatre performance, and Claire Secker with “Spilt Tea,” a one-act play she wrote and directed. Every aspect of both evenings was thoughtfully planned and executed, with careful attention given to even the smallest details. The showcase highlighted not only the technical abilities students have developed but also their willingness to take creative risks, communicate meaningful ideas, and share their God-given gifts with others. It was inspiring to see students express themselves through a variety of artistic mediums and to witness the growth they have achieved throughout the years.
Athletics Highlights
Another successful spring sports season at CA included participation numbers at an all-time high and incredible character, faith, development, and growth demonstrated by our student-athletes throughout the entire season.
Baseball: The Beacons ranked fifth in the conference and finished their season with an overall record of 7-14. They played a tough schedule and worked hard on their skills, teamwork, and character.
Golf: Our golf team grew as a program and had some great individual success this year. Senior Joe Hubbard and Freshman Ayden Miller both advanced to the Section Finals, with Joe being the top individual qualifier on day one of the tournament! Elise Erickson and Peyton Unseth advanced to the finals as well.
Softball: Our softball team finished in the number two spot in the conference and ended with an overall record of 15-10. This was an extremely competitive season, and we are so proud of the team’s hard work and dedication that helped lead them to the Section Finals.
Track and Field: The program had another incredibly successful season. For the second year in a row, CA is home to the Track & Field State Champions in the 4 x 100 Relay! Congratulations to Anna Konsti, Sarai Kieser, Elissa Bensus, and Gabbi Meloch, who won with a time of 48.85. Read coverage of their repeat victory in the Pioneer Press here.
We’re also incredibly proud of the success of all of these CA athletes at the State Track & Field Meet (including a new school record for the 4×400 Relay):
- Nicklaus Wimmer: Pole Vault – 6th place (13’6″)
- Eli DeBilzan: 300 Hurdles – 4th place (39.65)
- Eli DeBilzan: Triple Jump – 11th place (42’7.25″)
- Ezra Wilhelm: Shot Put – 10th place (51’11”)
- Ezra Wilhelm: Discus – 13th place (146’09”)
- Logan Duis: Long Jump – 8th place (21’2″)
- Anna Konsti: 100 meter – 8th place (12.46)
- Anna Konsti: 200 meter – 7th place (25.63)
- Addie Pickett, Ella Bohren, Elissa Bensus, Sarai Kieser: 4 x 200 Relay – 9th place (1:49.29)
- Sarai Kieser, Elissa Bensus, Solvieg Farley, Jade Schutte: 4 x 400 Relay – 4th place (4:02.62, School Record)
- Josie Stage: Discus – 21st place (106’03”)
- Jade Schutte: Triple Jump – 6th place (35’08.5″)
Graduation Highlights
On May 22, we gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 and give thanks for God’s faithfulness throughout their educational journey. The ceremony was centered on worship and reflection, creating a Christ-centered atmosphere that reminded all in attendance that every achievement and blessing comes from the Lord. Through Scripture, prayer, music, and words of encouragement, the service pointed graduates and their families toward God’s continued guidance and purpose for the future. We’re also thankful for the words shared by these speakers: Co-Salutatorians Lily Langason and Elizabeth Russell, Valedictorian Mikayla Johnson, and Faculty Speaker Marc Paul. As each student crossed the stage, we celebrated years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication that led to this important milestone. Family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to honor the unique gifts and accomplishments of each graduate and reflect on the many memories and experiences that shaped their time at our school. The service can be viewed on our YouTube page.
No matter their future pursuits, members of the Class of 2026 leave equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make positive impacts in their communities and the world. Graduation was a beautiful celebration of God’s blessings, a fitting tribute to an outstanding group of students, and a powerful reminder of the lasting influence of a Christ-centered education.
Listed below are a few additional highlights about the Class of 2026.
- We were blessed to celebrate 71 graduates at our commencement service this year.
- Of our graduates, 14 successfully completed the requirements of our cohort programs. Seven were in our Emerging Artist Cohort, six were in our STEM Cohort, and one was in our Wholly Human Cohort.
- Eleven of our graduates also received departmental awards.
- Fifty-seven seniors graduated with honors and high honors.
- Thirty-five graduates were members of National Honor Society.
I am so grateful for the many blessings God has poured out on our Concordia Academy community since last August. It has been a year filled with growth in learning, faith, character, and relationships. Our students embraced challenges, celebrated accomplishments, and continued to develop the gifts and talents God has given them. Our faculty and staff worked tirelessly to provide a Christ-centered education, and I have been blessed each day to serve alongside such dedicated individuals.
I am also deeply thankful for our parents and families. Your partnership, encouragement, prayers, and support play an invaluable role in the success of our students and our school. Thank you for entrusting us with your students, for cheering them on through their achievements and challenges, and for being an essential part of the Concordia Academy family. Together, we are able to create a community where students are known, loved, and encouraged to grow in their faith and purpose.
As we enter the summer months, I pray that each of you finds time for rest, renewal, and meaningful moments with family and friends. After a busy and rewarding year, summer provides a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reflect on God’s blessings, and be refreshed for the journey ahead.
With gratitude for all God has done and anticipation for what is yet to come, we look forward to the year ahead, trusting Him to continue His work in and through our school community. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back in the fall for another outstanding year at Concordia Academy. May God bless you with a safe, joyful, and restful summer.
In Christ’s Love,
Mrs. Jasmine Anderson, M.Ed, ATC
Principal
Back Issues
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