Students Making an Impact in the Community and the World

Being a responsible citizen means "giving back" to the community, whether it be Inver Grove Heights or our "world community." We create as many opportunities as we can to help young people experience the joy of making a difference in the lives of others.

In District 199, our students find countless ways to give back.

Community, State and Nationally-Recognized Students
Claire Ross
Claire Ross received the 2011 Newman-Wicklund Teen Volunteer Scholarship. The scholarship goes to a high school senior who has completed at least 250 hours of volunteer service at HealthEast hospitals.

Kyle Dickison
In March 2011, the Boy Scouts of America awarded Kyle Dickison, a junior at Simley High School, a Medal of Merit. The Medal of Merit is awarded to an individual "who has performed some outstanding act of service of a rare or exceptional character that reflects an uncommon degree of concern for the well-being of others."

Kyle rescued his mother, who fell through the ice on the Mississippi River while attempting to save their dog, in December 2009. He called 911 and was directed to push a ladder out for his mother to hold onto until the Fire Department arrived to pull her to safety.

Yinka Atkintujoye
Junior Yinka Akintujoye was one of 250 "leading youth scholars" across the nation to be selected to attend the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment, June 26-July 1, 2011.

The Summit, held at George Mason University in Washington D.C., aims to inspire young leaders who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in the environmental industry. Students participate in hands-on learning simulations that challenge them to solve problems based off of the potential impact to the environment. Featured speakers include individuals from the National Geographic and the Department of Justice.

John Atkins
Parade magazine selected John to its 2010 All-America High School Service Team.

John, along with many of his classmates, convinced Governor Pawlenty to halt the destruction of the Rock Island Swing Bridge in Inver Grove Heights. With Facebook support, the students helped raise $3 million dollars to turn the bridge into a recreational pier.

Clayton Short
The St. Paul Area Council of Churches (SPACC) recognized Clayton as an emerging leader in the community. Clayton was one of only four high school students statewide to receive the award in 2010.

Clayton led fundraising campaigns for the 30-hour Famine and Feed My Starving Children. He participated in Adopt-a-Highway and the Inver Grove Heights annual park clean-up, and he spearheaded the restoration of a memory garden at his church. Clayton was a member of the choir and tennis team while at Simley.