The Grove Newsletter
June 2, 2026
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OWEN SLOMINSKI
SOPHIA STACY
ALI MOHAMOUD
VICTOR NOVELLI
Celebrating the Class of 2026. Senior Spotlight + Voices Vol III
Senior Spotlight: Looking Ahead the Class of 2026
As we share the final Senior Spotlights for the Class of 2026, we turn our attention to what lies ahead.
These students leave Groves with more than academic preparation. They carry with them a strong sense of self, the ability to advocate for their needs, and the confidence to step into new environments ready to learn and grow.
Their time here has been marked by effort, resilience, and meaningful progress. Now, they move forward equipped with the tools to navigate what comes next, and the belief that they belong wherever they go.
We are proud of each member of the Class of 2026 and excited for all that is ahead.
MATTHIAS “MATT” DALBY
Next Step: St. Olaf College
Matt is a kind and thoughtful young man. He challenges both his peers and teachers to see the world in new ways. In the fall, Matt will attend St. Olaf College, where we know he will continue to soar! Congratulations and best wishes, Matt!
In his Senior Speech, Discomfort to Acceptance, Matthias shared the story of navigating constant change, from transferring to Groves to stepping onto the theater stage for the first time, and how each uncomfortable moment gradually helped him build connection and a stronger sense of self:
“I know discomfort is tough. I also know that acceptance and moving forward are the rewards of trying.”
“The theater helped me grow in my public speaking and confidence.”
MAX COPELAND
Creative, kind, and energetic. These are just the first words that come to mind when we think about Max. We are so proud of everything you have accomplished and can’t wait to see where you end up! Congratulations, Max!
In his Senior Speech, Max’s Guide to (Safely) Masking, Max shares his journey from feeling isolated and misunderstood to learning that being different was never something he needed to hide:
“You see, if I could ask everyone in the school to join a made-up cult… and not get bullied, I could be whoever I wanted!”
“I made friends who taught me that it’s okay to be who I am.”
OWEN SLOMINSKI
Next Step: Arizona State University
In just two short years at Groves, Owen has shown his leadership skills in and out of the classroom. Whether participating in Student Council, serving as a Student Ambassador, or working hard in his classes, Owen is always dedicated to doing his very best. In the fall, Owen plans to attend Arizona State University. We are so proud of you, Owen!
In his Senior Speech, Euphoria, Owen spoke about the emotional highs and lows of high school, the pressure to keep up while feeling disconnected, and the relief of finally finding a place where he could slow down, care about his future, and feel genuinely connected to the people around him:
“Immediately when I landed at Groves, I knew something was different. It was like going from an airplane to a meadow.”
“I’m leaving knowing that I’ve rekindled a part of that content, happy state I had under that apple tree in my 8th-grade lunches.”
SOPHIA STACY
Next Step: Augsburg College
Sophia’s infectious laugh and contagious smile stand out amongst her peers. Sophia bounces through the hallways with ease and determination to do her best. In the fall, Sophia will attend Augsburg University, where we know she will shine! All our best, Sophia!
In her Senior Speech, Confidently Me!, Sophia shared how the relationships she built at Groves helped transform school from a place of frustration and self-doubt into a place where she felt safe, supported, and truly seen:
“Having that consistent message of ‘you’re pretty great’ helped me start to see myself that way, too.”
“With independence comes confidence. Where before I had no idea what I was doing, I now have self-confidence I never thought possible.”
ALI MOHAMOUD
Next Step: Dunwoody College of Technology
Ali is leaving a lasting legacy at Groves. He is a kind and caring friend with an amazing sense of humor and a heart of gold. We have watched his confidence flourish over his time in upper school. We are excited to see Ali pursue his degree in electrical engineering at Dunwoody College of Technology. We wish you all the best, Ali!
In his Senior Speech, Finally Out of the Revolving Door, Ali shared what it felt like to grow up navigating both cultural and learning differences while searching for a place where he could be himself. Through humor, honesty, and self-awareness, Ali speaks of the relief of finally being supported, and the confidence that came from learning he did not have to hide parts of himself to be accepted:
“Most of my life, I had been running to catch up with my friends, but I was finally able to walk next to them.”
“It was one of the first places where I felt like I was ‘entirely both’ instead of ‘not quite either’ for the first time.”
“Once I started to make friends, it was hard for me to stop. I have made friends all over the building.”
VICTOR NOVELLI
Next Step: Augsburg College
When he isn’t reading, or perhaps while he is reading, you will likely find Victor listening to his favorite music. Victor is thoughtful, kind, and wise beyond his years. Congratulations, Victor! We wish you all the best at Augsburg University!
In his Senior Speech, SLP Punk, Victor shared his sharp observations about school and the people who made learning feel more human. Victor explored how small moments of understanding and genuine attention from teachers helped him feel seen in ways that mattered more than most people realized:
“Noticing small stuff that turns out to be important is a big part of being a good teacher.”
“I like people, just in small doses.”
Academy Choir Concert: A Beautiful Finale
Our final Academy Choir concert of the year was a fantastic close to a season filled with growth, dedication, and artistry. Students took the stage with confidence, bringing their voices together in a performance that reflected months of practice and collaboration.
Congratulations to our choir students for a memorable performance and a strong finish to the year.
Lower School Field Day: A Day to Play, Move, and Celebrate
Sunshine, laughter, and nonstop energy, Lower School Field Day delivered it all.
Students jumped into the day, moving from one activity to the next with excitement and team spirit. From relay races to creative challenges, every moment was filled with movement, encouragement, and plenty of smiles.
Middle School Student Work Exhibition | Showcasing Creativity, Research, and Discovery
Last week, our Middle School students welcomed parents, families, and friends into the gym for a vibrant Student Work Exhibition celebrating the depth of learning happening across classrooms this year.
Students proudly presented projects from multiple subject areas, each reflecting creativity, critical thinking, and growing confidence in their skills and knowledge.
In ELA, students shared their “Experts Project” trifolds, where they became specialists on influential leaders who demonstrate strong leadership qualities.
In World Geography, students showcased handcrafted boomerang models that summarized and synthesized key concepts from their unit studies. The interactive projects highlighted students’ ability to connect geography, culture, and global understanding in engaging ways.
Science students presented detailed Biome Boxes, demonstrating their understanding of the biotic and abiotic factors within different ecosystems studied throughout the year.
The exhibition offered students an opportunity not only to display their hard work but also to practice communication, self-advocacy, and presentation skills while sharing their learning journey with the broader community.
Groves Clay Target Team. More Than Champions.
Six straight conference championships.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
The Groves Clay Target Team has once again earned the Conference Championship title, finishing an incredible 220 points ahead of the second-place team. More than half the team also earned individual conference honors, and all seven athletes have qualified for the National Trap Championships in Michigan this July.
Congratulations to our conference honorees, recognized among 106 athletes across the conference:
Amber Wanek: 12th grade | Girls Conference Scoring Champion | 21.80 season average
Jace Jermeland: 12th grade | T-5th boys | 22.70 average
Ryder Kaiser: 7th grade | 8th Place | 22.1 average
Collin Jones: 10th grade | 10th Place | 21.8 average
Calvin Emrick: 12th grade | 11th Place | 21.4 average
Aidan Grady: 7th grade | 13th Place | 21.3 average
Jake Schwartzbauer: 8th grade | 14th Place | 21.2 average
Next stop: the Minnesota State Trap Shooting Championships, June 15–23 at Alexandria Shooting Park, one of the largest events of its kind in the nation, bringing together 350+ teams and more than 8,000 student athletes.
Then it’s on to nationals in Michigan.
For more than a decade, the Groves Clay Target Team has become one of the clearest examples of what can happen when students are given the chance to belong, build confidence, and discover what they’re capable of.
A special thank-you to Chester Bird American Legion Post 253 for your generous $2,500 gift in support of our team and student athletes. Your partnership helps make opportunities like this possible.
Congratulations, team. We’re proud of every one of you.
