Spotlight Seniors
The Class of 2022 encompasses scholars with many interests, passions, skills, talents, and backgrounds. Get to know some of our exceptional seniors through the Senior Spotlight series.
Click on the scholar you would like to learn more about or scroll down this page to view them all.
Edgar’s Hopkins Path started at North Junior High when he was in 8th grade. He came to Hopkins from Kenya to receive medical care for a spinal cord tumor and cancer that left him wheelchair bound.
In the following years, Edgar defied the odds to become a three-sport athlete and student advocate. At North Junior High, he campaigned to successfully get the school water fountains up to code so all students could easily access them. His humble and persevering attitude is one that can and should inspire us all.
Next year, Edgar plans to attend University of Minnesota Twin Cities, where he will be studying Computer Science.
In this video, Edgar is interviewed by Angela Wilcox, his 9th grade AVID instructor.
"Hopkins has taught me good financial literacy, offering a wide range of engineering courses, and honestly, having a network of teachers that care about you and strive for you to succeed."
- Isaiah Schmitz, Class of 2022
Isaiah Schmitz began his Hopkins path in elementary school at Meadowbrook. Next year, he plans to attend North Dakota State University where he will study mechanical engineering.
Favorite Hopkins memory?
In ninth grade, I had Mr. Frederick as my gym teacher. He and I would challenge each other to various things. One day I challenged him to a crab-walking race. We lined up and raced up to the halfway point of the structure and back. I absolutely smoked him, and I think he might’ve tumbled a couple of times. Either way, it was a ton of fun and a very fond memory.
Favorite club/activity/sport?
Mountain biking. Outside of Hopkins, my favorite sport is bouldering.
A staff member who has impacted you?
Ms. White helped foster my love for learning in school back in the fifth grade. There was one book project that I had put off because gymnastics was my whole life. Ms. White was understanding yet firm in telling me I had to complete the project. She worked with me to get it started and pushed me to finish it. The experience sparked my drive to be a good student, and I am grateful for her guidance.
Advice for next year’s seniors.
If you or your parents haven’t already, start saving your money for college now. It may seem far away but trust me—time flies and pretty soon, college will be right around the corner.
Siri’s Hopkins path began at Eisenhower Community School in the XinXing Chinese Immersion program. She has most recently been involved with the robotics team—the Technocrats—at the high school. The team recently competed at the world's competition in Houston.
Next year, Siri will be attending St. Olaf College where she will be majoring in psychology and math with a minor in Chinese.
In this video, Siri is interviewed by Donghong Wang, her kindergarten Chinese immersion teacher.
"Hopkins has taught me that hard work, time management skills, and good communication brings success."
- Hadja Diano, Class of 2022
Hadja Diano began her Hopkins path at North Junior High. Next year, she plans to attend the University of Minnesota.
Favorite Hopkins memory?
Being a part of the crowd during the girls basketball games when they would go to state. Cheering with everyone always gave me the most sense of school pride.
Favorite club/activity/sport?
Royal Connections.
How has Hopkins prepared you for the future?
That hard work, time management skills, and good communication brings success. It also taught me to enjoy the moment I’m in now instead of just always worrying about the future.
Advice for next year’s seniors.
Don’t senior slide. It’s not worth it. You’ve worked hard for this long, you might as well finish strong.
Meet Imani Kerre-Mongi, a 2022 Hopkins Graduate! Imani is a student diplomat and advocate, having served on the Legislative Action Coalition, Model UN, and as a Student School Board Representative. She exemplifies the courage and confidence of a great leader by acknowledging the importance of looking outside of your country and culture to attain a more globally-minded understanding of the world to better serve those she represents.
Next year, Imani will be studying International Relations at American University.
In this video, Imani is interviewed by Rhoda Mhiripiri-Reed, superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools.
"Hopkins has prepared me to get on my feet in regards to my work ethic."
- Gabe Schmidt, Class of 2022
Gabe Schmidt began his Hopkins path at North Junior High. Next year, he plans to attend the University of Madison to study civil engineering.
Favorite Hopkins memory?
Coming back from being online for the pandemic and seeing people who I couldn’t see in distance learning and reconnecting with them.
Favorite club/activity/sport?
Swimming.
A staff member who has impacted you?
The old North Junior High band director. He always pushed me to be a better trumpet player and convinced me to play with the harder band once I got into high school.
Advice for next year’s seniors.
Take every day one at a time. You will find it easier to concentrate and get things done, but also enjoy every day that you can because it is your last year.
Meet Cole Kehrberg, a 2022 Hopkins Graduate! Cole is a varsity tennis player and member of Hopkins Speaks Out, a student advocacy group that elevates student voice to impact administrative decisions at the high school. He has a bright attitude and a natural ability to work with all students.
Next year, Cole will be attending St. Olaf working toward an undecided major. According to Cole’s former fifth grade teacher, Jeff Radel, Cole will surely leave a lasting impact on whatever he chooses to do.
In this video, Cole is interviewed by Jeff Radel, principal of Glen Lake Elementary.
"Hopkins has prepared me for the future through the support of my teachers to succeed both in and outside of the class."
- Misheel Battur, Class of 2022
Misheel Battur began her Hopkins path at Tanglen Elementary. Some of her favorite Hopkins activities have included volleyball and orchestra. Next year, she plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Favorite Hopkins memory?
Volleyball. I couldn’t be more happy about how I was involved in the program since seventh grade.
A staff member who has impacted you?
Mrs. Swiggum. She is always kind, warm-hearted and welcoming. It is so nice to see her every day looking forward to her class. She always encourages and supports me to work hard and she is the reason why I will be continuing to pursue Viola in college.
How has Hopkins prepared you for the future?
Definitely the support of my teachers to succeed both in and outside of class. Taking the offered AP classes, getting involved in the sports activity and building a bond with my fellow classmates.
Advice for next year’s seniors.
Keep working hard, but at the same time don’t put too much pressure on yourself to the point you can’t complete work. Have some fun occasionally, but work on keeping your academics and extracurriculars in check.
Meet Monica Robles, a 2022 Hopkins Graduate!
Monica is part of LMPM (Lean Mean Performance Machine) — the infamous Hopkins High School Pep Band. It’s Monica’s role as Drum Major to lead and conduct the musicians. She talks about overcoming her self-doubt after being thrust into the role, and encourages other students to step up to leadership opportunities even before developing the confidence to do so.
Monica is also a product of our Juntos Spanish Immersion Program! She says Juntos helped her regain and retain her Spanish-speaking abilities after learning as a child in a bilingual household. Next year, Monica will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities where she will be majoring in Aerospace Engineering, and participating in the Gopher Marching Band!
In this video, Monica is interviewed by April Felt, a Hopkins High School teacher.
"If there is something that you've had reservations about trying because you were worried about judgement or have just postponed, do it now. There is no better opportunity than your senior year."
- Benjamin Sarapa, Class of 2022
Benjamin Sarapa began his Hopkins path at Meadowbrook Elementary. One of his favorite Hopkins activities was being part of Hopkins Speaks Out. Next year, he plans to attend St. Olaf College to study biology and pursue the pre-med program.
Favorite Hopkins memory?
Our ninth grade orchestra trip to Chicago. We made many new friends and memories that we still cherish today.
A staff member who has impacted you?
My third grade teacher, Mrs. Skalicky, was the first teacher I felt genuinely believed in me. She inspired me to find something that I was passionate about and pursue it wholeheartedly. I even have an old email from her saying that she will eventually read about me in the Hopkins High School news.
How has Hopkins prepared you for the future?
Hopkins has provided a well rounded education and has allowed me to explore my interests. I’m most proud of our strong music programs because I feel that in my 8 years in orchestra, the program has given me many valuable experiences and skills outside of just music.
Advice for next year’s seniors.
Enjoy the time you have left in high school. Even though it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of college applications or finding a job after high school, take time to value the relationships you’ve made over the past few years.