Asher Berry. Photos: Chris Emeott
The St. Croix Valley is home to a collection of incredible schools, with halls filled with young people finding their place in the world. Each year, we invite area school administrators to nominate some of these outstanding students, of which four are selected by committee for this feature.
These students are community volunteers, passionate learners and dedicated leaders who are already making an impact in their schools and broader communities—and there’s more to them than their academic and extracurricular achievements. This year, we gave these rising seniors an opportunity to showcase their personalities, interests and hopes for the future. We wish them all the best as they begin their final year of high school!
Asher Berry
New Life Academy
Hometown: Afton
“If high school is a chance to explore new opportunities, to build skills, to follow passions and to serve others, Asher Berry has made the most of his high school years … Already an accomplished athlete in both hockey and lacrosse, he decided to try soccer this past fall and was able to contribute at the varsity level. Already serving others through National Honor Society and [Buy A Coffee, Buy A Well], he chose to join Student Council this year to serve his fellow students. Already a good student, he joined the Model United Nations club to build skills in research, debate and politics … Well-rounded would be an understatement. Asher is continually looking for ways to use his gifts and passions to help others and has shown an incredible capacity for work, play, joy and service.” —Jed Moseman, principal
Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? My art teacher, Mr. Mattson, is the teacher who has had the greatest impact on who I am today. He taught me the true value of creating by emphasizing it’s not about perfection, but rather it’s about passion. He helped me uncover my artistic side that had been suppressed for most of my life, and, through his kindness and passion, I have been inspired to continue to create and be loving to everyone around me.
Where is your happy place in the community? My happy place in the community would be Selma’s Ice Cream [Parlor] in downtown Afton. I grew up going there with my family and friends all the time, and I have very fond memories of getting an ice cream, a Charleston Chew, and going and playing on the playground with siblings or friends. As I’ve grown up, another happy place would also be Afton State Park, where I go hiking and camping to connect with nature, which is one of my favorite activities.
Favorite quote: “How rare and beautiful it truly is that we exist.” —Sleeping at Last, Saturn
Dream job: Architect
Arianna Twomey
New Life Academy
Hometown: Lake Elmo
“Ari’s story is a classic example of ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.’ Ari was a star volleyball player, having played in the high school program since [seventh] grade. By her sophomore year, she’d been a key part of the rotation on two state tournament teams. During the 2024 state tournament, she fell awkwardly and injured her knee, tearing her ACL, LCL, MCL and meniscus and fracturing her femur … Despite missing weeks of school last spring after surgery, she maintained a GPA over 4.0 through her dedication. The recovery was long enough that she was unable to compete last fall. Rather than complain or look for pity, Ari continued in the sport by coaching a club team last spring and summer and helping coach our C team last fall. She also challenged herself in a new activity by auditioning for and receiving a part in New Life’s fall production of Mary Poppins. Her attitude and gratitude through such a horrific injury and the rehabilitation process has been inspirational.” —Jed Moseman, principal
Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? My seventh and eighth-grade English teacher, Ms. Baur, has had a significant impact on me. Throughout middle school, she was always my favorite teacher. Her classes were fun, and she made learning exciting. Although she isn’t my teacher anymore, I still love talking to her as much as I did in middle school. I know that I can go to her about anything going on in my life, and she will be there for me.
What is the best class you took in high school? The best class that I have taken in high school was Honors Intro to Physics and Chemistry. Everyone was engaged and excited to learn, which is what made class so fun.
Favorite quote: “Let all that you do be done in love.” —1 Corinthians 16:14
Dream job: Speech therapist
Linden Taylor
St. Croix Preparatory Academy
Hometown: Stillwater
“Linden is a deeply curious student who approaches others with openness, kindness and genuine vulnerability. He challenges himself while remaining patient and compassionate toward those around him. He is thoughtful, kind and grounded, and I always look forward to what he has to say about our class readings.” —Andrew Sachariason, principal
How do you balance academic demands, extracurricular activities and personal responsibilities outside of high school? I’m of the opinion that whatever gets thrown onto my plate, whatever new responsibility presents itself, I just have to do it. I’m always trying to improve my mindset of perseverance, because it’s been my most effective tool when trying to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars and personal responsibilities. Telling myself that I “just have to do things” gets boring quickly, but I have an incredible community of friends and family that motivate and challenge me. Their input, encouragement and competitiveness inspire success in the things that I do.
What is something that your peers might not know about you? I live in an intentional three-generation household and am lucky to have more family that live close by. Growing up in the same house as my grandparents has made my relationship with them incredibly unique. I greatly value the wisdom that my grandparents have passed on and the support they have given me, and I know that they value the energy that my siblings and I bring to our household.
Fictional character you identify with: Hobbes from Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes
Dream job: Nurse anesthetist
Alexander “Lex” Brown
Stillwater Area High School
Hometown: Stillwater
“Lex is an excellent student and a gifted stage performer. In addition to his success with the fall play and the One Act, Lex had the lead role in a new training video that was filmed and professionally produced by the I Love You Guys Foundation. This foundation developed the Standard Response Protocol, which is used by tens of thousands of schools (including Stillwater Area High School) across the world for crisis response … In an age where school shootings are present and safety is a top priority, Lex’s work will be seen by countless people as they learn how to prepare and respond in the event of a school emergency,” —Robert Bach, principal
Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? Grif Sadow has been the most influential educator I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. He is the theater coordinator for the Stillwater Area [Schools] district as a whole and the director of the shows at the high school … He has given me a myriad of opportunities and allowed me to consistently prove my theatrical and leadership abilities through my hard work and skills.
What is something that your peers might not know about you? Most people know I’m a huge comic book fan, but not many know how it started. As a kid, my dad had a box of 200-ish comics that I thought was the coolest thing. He let me read What If Doctor Strange Had Never Become Master Of The Mystic Arts? and I was hooked … Now, over a decade later, I go to the comic store every week to pick up the newest books.
Fictional character you identify with: Superman
Dream job: Actor
St. Croix Valley Magazine extends its appreciation to the team at Lowell Inn for its use as a backdrop for our Senior Spotlight feature photo shoot.
