Students showcase biliteracy, theater, debate and sports in South St. Paul annual winter activities report

Students, coaches and program directors presented a wide range of winter activities to the South St. Paul School Board on March 23, citing competitive success, program growth and student leadership.

Bill Bauman, the high school equity and instructional coach, outlined the Minnesota Biliteracy Seal program and said 17 students took the test this year; two seniors, Rhianna and Rosario, described earning the Minnesota Gold Bilingual Seal and receiving 10 college credits that helped them graduate with associate degrees alongside their high school diplomas.

Activities director Brady Krueger and theater director Holson summarized the winter one‑act festival and a double‑cast production of Macbeth; theater participation included roughly 28 actors and 47 students involved across cast and crew. Show choir director Jill Kobilka said show choir enrollment grew from 33 to 49 students and noted competitive awards this season. Conrad Anderson highlighted debate, speech and knowledge bowl teams, including a Linnaeus award for the knowledge bowl team — the first for South St. Paul.

Athletic coaches reported on hockey, basketball, gymnastics, dance and wrestling seasons; wrestling coaches noted strong sectional and state qualifiers and academic honors for student‑athletes. Board members congratulated students and emphasized the value of co‑curricular opportunities for leadership and life skills.

Presenters encouraged community attendance at upcoming events and noted that many students will participate in spring activities and trips.