North Branch Area High School

This past Friday, NBAHS Air Force JROTC cadets competed in the 2024 Viking Challenge against other Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps JROTC units from across the region. Their hard work, teamwork, and dedication truly paid off, and they brought home multiple trophies in a range of events! Event Results: Knowledge Bowl – 1st Place Ethan Thelander, Madison Moran, Mars Lairson, and Rosina Gilkerson Varsity Regulation Drill – 2nd Place Lily Roderick (Commander), Jasmin Suppon, Hailey Payne, Connor Wessel, Amandy Yang, Mars Lairson, Rayne Yang, Jackson Thelander, Alex Xiong, and Evelina Gilkerson JV Regulation Drill – 2nd Place Connor Wessel (Commander), Jackson Thelander, Alex Xiong, Samantha Johnson, Mitchell Lutz, Raymond Johnson, and Evalynn Lee Varsity Color Guard – 3rd Place Hailey Payne (Commander), Connor Wessel, Lily Roderick, and Mars Lairson JV Color Guard – 3rd Place Mitchell Lutz (Commander), Evalynn Lee, Alex Xiong, and Jackson Thelander Drone Team – 2nd Place Ekin Lor, Blong Thor, Yileng Moua, and Megan Brynjulfson Drone Individual – 3rd Place Amandy Yang Unit Personnel Inspection – 3rd Place Jackson Thelander (Commander), Lily Roderick, Hailey Payne, Connor Wessel, Mars Lairson, Evelina Gilkerson, Amandy Yang, Rayne Yang, and Jasmin Suppon Fitness Competition – 3rd Place Jordan Stumm, Ethan Thelander, Mars Lairson, Ekin Lor, Joey Moua, Chuyee Vang, Rayne Yang, and Evelina Gilkerson Those who did not compete in events were instrumental to planning, organizing, and setting up the Viking Challenge, ensuring visiting schools received a warm Viking welcome, showcasing our pride in hosting such a successful event. SKOL! and way to go cadets!

Don't miss the 5th graders Veterans Day concert on Monday, Nov. 11, at 10 am. You can listen to the livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/KO7-PUJC6Lc?feature=share It's a wonderful salute to service!

Congratulations to NBAPS's 2024 Leadership in Educational Excellence Award winners! Pictured are (l to r): Juanita Worthley and Lynne Wilzbacher. Pictured separately are Johannah Gillquist and Pamela Newbauer.

Pickleball Lessons Nov 11/ 5-6:30 PM Come and learn how to play Pickleball in a fun event. Peiwu has 8 years of Pickleball experience and will coach you on how to play. At the end of each training period we will have a mini round robin tournament where you will be able to showcase your newly acquired skills against players of equivalent skill levels. Bring your own racket or use one of ours. Pickleball Started Oct 7 / 7-9:30 PM Pickle Ball comes to North Branch! Six Indoor courts at North Branch Area High School, North Gym. We will have courts set up for beginners and intermediate/advanced. Cost $5 per Monday and Wednesday (pay on site) or $20 for a 5 punches punch card. Punch cards may be purchased at the North Branch Community Education Office 651-674-1025. Drivers Education Zoom Class Starts Nov 11 / 3-6 PM Is Your Waistband Too Tight Today? How to Beat Belly Bloat Virtual Workshop Nov 12 / 6-7:30 PM Social Security Facts and Strategies Nov 12 / 6:30-8 PM Beginner Needle Felting Ornaments Nov 14 / 6:30-8:30 PM Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.

Arts Fest is coming up Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 am to 3pm at NBAHS! There will be over 200 crafters, and free shuttle service from the middle school. Only $2 admission! See flier for more details.

Congratulations to North Branch's football chain gang crew of Kurt Jensen-Schneider, Charley Klopp, Chad VanDyke, and Jim VanEerden! They were selected to work the MSHSL state tournament 4A and 6A championship games on Friday, Nov. 22 at 4 and 7 pm. These guys have over 50 years of combined experience dating back to 2006. Well deserved honor for a great group of guys! Skol Vikings!

Region 7AA Section Pricing $11 adults/$6 students All spectators must pay admission for section games. Ticket sales will be online only GoFan Tickets: https://gofan.co/event/1986551?schoolId=MN19629 Tickets can be purchased at the gate via QR code or credit card reader. No cash sales. Family Passes are not accepted at section games.

SKOL! and congratulations to Jordan Stumm - he has qualified for state, the senior's second appearance! Jordan runs in the Class AA meet on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 10:45 am at the U of M Les Bolstad Golf Course. For tickets and information, go here: https://www.mshsl.org/sports-and-activities/cross-country-running-boys

Coming up in Community Ed! Learn the Sport of BMX Bike Racing Nov 7 / 5:30-7:45 PM Drivers Education Zoom Class Starts Nov 11 / 3-6 PM ESSENTRICS: Restorative Fitness Starts Nov 6 / 6:30-7:30 PM Deer in the Fall Woods Nov 6 / 6:30-8:30 PM Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.

The Viking Newsletter - October 2024 is now available! Click here to read: https://secure.smore.com/n/18gca

Region 7AA Section Pricing $11 adults/$6 students All spectators must pay admission for section games. Ticket sales will be online only GoFan Tickets: https://gofan.co/event/1986551?schoolId=MN19629 Tickets can be purchased at the gate via QR code or credit card reader. No cash sales. Family Passes are not accepted at section games.

Save the date for this important event! Free pizza and an opportunity to learn what you need to know about the Fentanyl Crisis!

The winter sports meeting is Monday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m., at North Branch Area High School. For more information see the accompanying image.

Coming up in Community Ed! Strong is the New Skinny! Strengthening Exercises to do at Home Virtual Workshop Oct 29 / 6-7:30 PM Youth in Action Basketball Grade K Nov 2 / 9-10 AM Youth in Action Basketball Grade 1 Nov 2 / 9-10 AM Youth in Action Basketball Grade 2 Nov 2 / 9-10 AM Youth in Action Basketball Grade 3 Nov 2 / 9-10 AM Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.

SKOL! and congratulations to NBAHS's Sharleen Garcia Velazquez. She has been selected to the All-State Girls Soccer Team by the MN State HS Soccer Coaches Association. Way to go!

"The Witches," the middle school play brought to you by Community Education, is November 7, 8, and 9 at 7 pm. Tickets are $12. To purchase tickets, scan the QR code below!

SKOL! and congratulations to Jenny Nelson, North Branch Area Public Schools, who was recognized by The Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals Association (MASMS). Jenny Nelson was nominated by Zach Berg to receive the 2024 Facilities Award of Excellence for the MASMS Metro Chapter Award at the annual MASMS conference held on October 3. This award recognizes an outstanding facility worker who is not in a management position. The person may be on the schools custodial, grounds or maintenance staff. The award is selected from nominations based on seven criteria to include an exemplary work ethic, stewardship of school property, Brings Joy!, creative and takes initiative, promotion of sustainability methods, mentors others and represent the community in a positive manner. The Minnesota Educational Facilities Management Professionals (also known as MASMS) is a professional organization committed to promoting excellence in the operation and care of educational facilities. It is a group of over 900 individuals in the areas of facilities/grounds/health & safety/operations for Minnesota K-12 and Higher Education organizations. It is a member-oriented, problem solving, professional group committed to facilities management.

Coming up in Community Ed! The World Groove Movement Starts Oct 16 / 6:30-7:30 PM Metabolism Boosters & Busters Virtual Workshop Oct 15 / 6-7:30 PM Board & Brush DIY Workshop Oct 22 / 6-8:30 PM How to Can Pickled Beets Oct 24 / 5-8:30 PM Fall Favs Cookie Decorating Class Oct 25 / 5-7 PM Registration here: https://northbranch.cr3.rschooltoday.com/public/getprogram/ or call 651-674-1025.

Congratulations to the 32 new members of the NBAHS National Honor Society, inducted on Monday night! They join 28 existing members. "We are thrilled and proud of our outstanding students being inducted into the National Honor Society!," said Principal Clint Link. "Their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence are shining examples for our school community. Congratulations to all!"

What a great turnout we had for Walk and Roll to School this morning! Thanks Vikings for coming out this morning and to members of the NBFD, the NBPD, the city and county for making it such a fun time! SKOL!