Tori Baumer. Photos: Chris Emeott
Area students are using their unique skills and interests to make a difference.
In this changing world, a community finds strength in the differences of individuals. The unique attributes and passions of each person add dimension and beauty to the whole, and there is no better place to observe this than in the halls of area high schools, where young people are finding their identity and place in the world.
Each August, St. Croix Valley schools nominate outstanding students to be featured in our Senior Spotlight. We select just four incoming seniors to be included in our pages—a difficult task as every student is incredible in their own right. This year’s students have navigated health and family struggles, offered helping hands to those in need and found success in academics, athletics and extracurriculars. They each have their own unique story to share, and we’re happy to elevate a few of the Valley’s brightest young lights.
Tori Baumer
Hudson High School
“Despite facing significant challenges due to hearing loss and undergoing nine surgeries, [Tori] has consistently overcome obstacles in the classroom. Tori’s academic excellence reflects her commitment to hard work, proving that she doesn’t let her struggles limit her. She actively advocates for herself, ensuring that her needs as a student are met, which displays her strength and self-advocacy skills. Tori’s ability to excel academically while navigating personal challenges makes her an inspiring example for her peers. Her perseverance, dedication and positive attitude are truly commendable.” —Emily Huber, school counselor
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
One thing from high school that I am most proud of is my GPA. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get good grades. It can be extra hard for me because I have hearing loss and have had multiple surgeries. I am also proud of myself because I have learned to advocate for myself in my classes and talk more about my hearing issues when I have not always felt comfortable.
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
I love road-tripping—the longer, the better! My family has driven all over the country since I was 3 [years old]. I have been to 30 states. My favorite place is the Florida Keys that we have driven to eight times.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
Long Live by Taylor Swift
What is your favorite childhood book?
The Berenstain Bears by Jan and Stan Berenstain
Describe your future in three words.
Southern. Adventurous. Purposeful.
What person in history would you most like to speak at your graduation ceremony?
Taylor Swift
What is your favorite school lunch?
Mac and Cheese
What sports, clubs and extracurricular activities are you involved in?
- USA/Club Gymnastics
- Varsity Gymnastics
- Student Council
- National Honor Society
- Students Against Destructive Decisions Club (SADD)
Grace Young
Stillwater Area High School
“Grace is an emerging [National Honor Society (NHS)] officer who arranged a winter Coffeehouse event that raised over $800 for BIZAA, a worldwide organization dedicated to ending poverty and human trafficking in Africa through education. In addition to her NHS work, Grace plays club lacrosse to prepare for the high school season, and she takes private violin lessons for our orchestra. She also volunteers at the Solid Ground Summer Camp during the summer.” —Robert Bach, principal
“[Grace] is appreciated, well-liked and respected by her peers. She is reliable, and I know that when we ask Grace to get something done, not only will it get done, it’ll get done early and probably better than we could have hoped or imagined.” —Sydney Piras, school counselor and NHS advisor
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
I am equally proud of two achievements during my sophomore year. First, I made the Stillwater girls’ varsity lacrosse team that won fourth place in the 2024 state tournament. I also auditioned and was selected as a violinist in the Stillwater Concert Orchestra. Stillwater Area High School has a tradition of excellence in sports and music, and preparing took years of dedication and goal setting. Earning these spots was my initial focus, but being a part of these groups is what has made my high school experience one filled with excitement, community and success.
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
I enjoy creating visual arts, such as painting, drawing or baking. Starting from when I was a little girl, I enjoyed coloring, creating mobiles and filling my life with color. Now, one of my favorite things is painting watercolor birthday cards for the people around me.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
Takin’ Care of Business by Bachman–Turner Overdrive. This is the song that [plays] at Pony Stadium when girls’ lacrosse wins.
What is your favorite childhood book?
The Penderwicks Series by Jeanne Birdsall
Describe your future in three words.
Adventure. Hard work. Community.
What person in history would you most like to speak at your graduation ceremony?
Neil Armstrong
What is your favorite school lunch?
Orange chicken
What sports, clubs and extracurricular activities are you involved in?
- Basic Institute for Zonal African Advancement (BIZAA) Club
- Club Lacrosse
- Concert Orchestra, Violin (SAHS)
- Cookie Club
- Morgan’s Message Club
- National Honor Society, Officer
- Varsity Lacrosse, Captain, All-Conference
- Youth Lacrosse coach
Ella Thorson
St. Croix Preparatory Academy
“Ella is one of the people we count on here at St. Croix Prep. She lives the mission of our school every day, working hard in the classroom and pushing herself to improve in all areas of her life. She is a quiet leader who gets things done. She is kind, compassionate and inclusive. Her ability to reach out and connect with others reflects the hopes we have for our kids here at Prep. Be compassionate, be curious and be kind. Ella encompasses this each day.” —Andrew Sachariason, principal
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of … accepting a full-ride scholarship to play volleyball at the University of St. Thomas. I started playing volleyball in seventh grade. Ever since then, it has been my passion and goal to be able to play in college. From countless hours of training, lifting, watching film and so much more, I am proud of the athlete I have become today … [and] the person volleyball has shaped me to be. Balancing my academics … along with my other extracurriculars has been an important piece of who I am and what I achieve to be.
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
This past summer I volunteered at Gillette [Children’s] … to obtain a letter in service (100 hours of service) while also doing something that I love. This experience opened my eyes to the world of medicine and made me realize a possibility for my future career. I looked forward to every shift, and, while it taught me a lot about the job and important life skills, it was also probably my favorite thing I did all summer. Seeing all the kids’ smiles when I came in every shift, excited to see me, was remarkable as I was just as excited to see them.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
Let It All Work Out by Lil Wayne
What is your favorite childhood book?
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Describe your future in three words.
Driven to succeed.
What person in history would you most like to speak at your graduation ceremony?
Michelle Obama
What is your favorite school lunch?
I love our school’s apples that we get from Pine Tree Apple Orchard.
What sports, clubs and extracurricular activities are you involved in?
- Discussions on Diversity Club
- Kokoro Club Volleyball
- Girls of Active Leadership Club
- Lunch Bunch Club, President
- National Honors Society
- Service Club, President
- Student Council, Vice President
- Varsity Track and Field
- Varsity Volleyball, Captainv
Lela Johnson
Hudson High School
“Lela is incredibly driven and resilient, constantly seeking out new challenges. She is never afraid to add more to her plate. While she faces her share of obstacles, she works hard to overcome them. She is laser-focused on her goals, and she puts in the effort every day to achieve them. Determined to be the first in her family to earn a college degree, Lela actively participates in several organizations and is always ready to lend a hand to those in need. I have no doubt she will succeed in achieving all of her dreams” —Lori Rossini, school counselor
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
I am the most proud of my commitment to taking rigorous courses even though I may not always be at the top of my class. The challenges from these courses push me to work harder, improve my skills and develop resilience. I have learned to value the process of learning itself rather than just focusing on grades. My persistence and determination to tackle difficult subjects, despite setbacks, have shaped my growth as a student and as an individual.
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
While I appear quiet and closed off in school, I am actually a very social person at heart. I enjoy meeting new people and love engaging in conversations with anyone, regardless of their background. Another side of me that few know is my love for nature and being outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, camping, kayaking or simply walking, I find peace and balance within nature.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
What is your favorite childhood book?
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Describe your future in three words.
Nurse. Traveler. Scholar.
What person in history would you most like to speak at your graduation ceremony?
Marie Curie
What is your favorite school lunch?
I am a vegetarian so, to be honest, the school options are limited. During my typical school lunch, I have fruit/veggies, chips and a drink.
What sports, clubs and extracurricular activities are you involved in?
- Ambassador for Student To Student
- HOSA-Future Health Professionals
- National Honor Society
- SMATH Club (Mental Health Awareness Advocates)
- Spanish Honor Society (Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica)
- Volunteer in kids ministry at Woodlands Hill Church
- Volunteer at Oakdale Open Cupboard
- Women in STEM Club
