Photos: Chris Emeott
Meet some local high school seniors that brighten up their communities.
Life for many seniors in high school can equate to experiencing a milestone equinox—they stand with one part of their lives setting in the west and the other part rising in the east. Change is afoot, and a new day is dawning.
As the sun over students’ academic endeavors in the local school districts begins to lower, Lake Minnetonka Magazine, as its done each year, highlights senior students from local high schools as a way to underscore the breadth and scope of amazing students who walk through the halls of our high schools.
Earlier this year, we reached out to schools for student nominations that point to graduating seniors, who will leave a unique imprint on their school or this community after graduation. After reviewing the nominations (and making difficult choices), we are pleased to introduce you to this year’s student selections.
Jos Buffington
Minnetonka High School (MHS)
“Jos Buffington is an exceptionally bright and hard-working student who exudes curiosity and kindness. When talking with Jos, it does not take long to recognize their passion for learning and insatiable curiosity about the world. Jos’s dedication to learning is evident in the wide variety of courses they have pursued and excelled at while at [MHS]. Jos fully immerses in what they are learning and seeks to understand topics from different perspectives. It’s always fun engaging in conversation with Jos, and they have a way of sparking curiosity in others. Jos’s love for learning shines through in their involvement outside of the classroom, as well. Jos is always seeking out new experiences that will lead to personal growth and will make a positive impact on their surroundings. In addition to Jos’s dedication to their education, Jos exudes kindness. Jos is a positive and well-respected leader in their class who knows how to make everyone feel included. The sky is the limit for Jos, and it is clear their skills will not only contribute to their success but to the success of those around them.” —Sarah Seldon, MHS counselor
In Jos’s Words:
Who is your guiding light?
“I have always admired my mom, but throughout the difficulties in our experience moving states, I’ve grown to look up to her even more. I hope that when I find myself really struggling, I can demonstrate even a fraction of her tenacity and care for others.”
What’s next after graduation?
“After high school, I’m planning to attend a four-year college to study earth science and (maybe) public policy. I’m looking forward to exploring and volunteering in whatever community I find myself in next.”
Awards and Achievements
- Science Olympiad Team, captain
- 1st place at State in Ornithology event
- 2nd place at State with Trajectory event (catapult device)
- 3rd place at State in Rocks & Minerals event
- Volunteer exhibit interpreter and geology collections manager at the Science Museum of Minnesota
- Studying Minnesota climate records with Minnetonka Research
- Minnesota Stem Advocacy Award and presentation at the state capitol
- NASA Earth System Science Award
- NOAA Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award
- Writing center, coach and blog editor
- Long Lake Rowing Crew, rower
- placed in events at Nokomis, Duluth, University of Minnesota and Canadian regattas
- Online SAT, volunteer tutor
- Bible study, member
- Church event, volunteer
- Comics Artist Club, member
- Vantage Diversity Task Force, member
- NHS and National Art Honors Society, member
- Selected to be a Civics Unplugged Fellow for 2024 (selective international civic innovation program)
- College Board’s National African American Recognition Award
Stewart Royal
Orono High School (OHS)
“When I think of academic excellence in the [OHS] Class of 2025, Stewart Royal immediately comes to mind. He was named Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Distinction following his sophomore year … He continues to reach higher with a full course load of AP classes. In addition to his academic pursuits, Stewart is a year-round competitive swimmer. He has been a member of the [OHS] team since 7th grade and earned a varsity letter freshman year. He has qualified for state competition multiple years and has earned All-State honors. He trained in Suzuki violin for 13 years and participated in Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony for five years. He is an active member of many OHS clubs, including German Club, Quiz Bowl and National Honor Society. Stewart is an award-winning photographer and is now expanding his skills through drone photography. He is a quiet leader of integrity, trusted by his peers to make good decisions and anticipate next steps in any situation. He is a good listener with a compassionate heart to help those around him. Stewart has been a volunteer at Trinity Lutheran Church since 5th grade, helping teach summer Vacation Bible School; he ushers on Sunday mornings throughout the year. During the annual Minnesota State Fair run, he works at the volunteer-operated Salem Dining Hall … We are so proud of Stewart—he represents Orono well in all ways!” —Brandy Randall, OHS gifted/talented specialist
In Stewart’s Words:
Who is your guiding light?
“I was born 22 months after my older brother, allowing my brother to be a natural answer to this question. We often finish each other’s thoughts, share many inside jokes and he always challenges me. Sometimes, he acts like an older brother, so the light is not always bright, but generally the light is shining to help me be a better person.”
What’s next after graduation?
“I plan to apply to a four-year school …”
Activities and Achievements
- AP Scholar with Distinction, earned at the end of sophomore year
- Year-round competitive swimmer, earned varsity letter freshman year
- All Conference Swimmer freshman, sophomore and junior years
- Participant in German Club and Quiz Bowl, National Honors Society, Orono High School Swim Team since seventh grade and Orono Golf Team seventh-10th grades
- Trained in Suzuki Violin for 13 years, participated in Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony for five years, currently working on my piano skills
- Won a local photo contest and dabbles in drone photography
- Volunteer at Trinity Lutheran Church since fifth grade, helping teach VBS each summer and usher on Sunday mornings throughout the year
- Volunteer at Salem Lutheran Church, helping with community meals and its Christmas store, works at the Salem Dining Hall at the Minnesota State Fair
Chizoro Nwokocha
The Blake School
“Chizoro, simply put, is a rock star! Her keen intellect is paired with a steadfast commitment to kindness and inclusion. Her teachers consistently marvel at the depth of her analysis, her curious attitude toward learning and the generosity she displays toward classmates. Chizo has excelled academically in the sciences, foreign language and humanities. She is a brilliant writer, astute reader, deep thinker and gifted problem-solver. Her achievements extend to athletics, as she has competed internationally and served as team captain in épée. But more importantly, Chizo’s calm and generous demeanor has endeared her to both her teachers and classmates here at Blake. Whether she is greeting someone in the hallway or helping a peer with homework, the value Chizo places on collaboration and community is evident in each interaction with others. She makes our community better and more compassionate. In truth, we couldn’t ask for a better example of Blake’s core values: respect, courage, integrity and love of learning. We are so lucky to have Chizo as part of our community.” —Maggie Molter, The Blake School advisor and Upper School science teacher
In Chizoro’s Words:
Who is your guiding light?
“My parents have been a guiding light for me. I’m awestruck at how they’ve accomplished so much and still look back to their home country to give back to their community. They’ve instilled a love of learning in me and have taught me how to live a life of kindness and generosity.”
What’s next after graduation?
“After graduation, I will likely attend a four-year college and major in some kind of social or life science. I hope to continue fencing and building communities wherever life takes me.”
Activities and Achievements
- Varsity Fencing (2019-current)
- Captain Varsity Fencing Team (2022-current)
- Blake Student Committee Co-Chair for Supporting Mothers Initiative (working to end the maternal health crisis, 2023–current)
- Blake Community Judiciary Board member (2021-current)
- Blake Student Diversity Leadership Council member (2023-current)
- Blake Students of African Heritage and Descent Leader (affinity group, 2023-current)
- Blake Upper School Theater Department (since 2021, crew member and actor)
- International Thespian Society member (2024)
- CEE Hope, Nigerian nonprofit, raised funds by creating and selling calendars (2022, 2023)
- Rev. Fr. Gerald Onuoha Foundation Nigerian Medical Mission Volunteer (2022, worked with patients)
- Nigerian Elementary School Book Collection Volunteer Coordinator to benefit All Saints Model Nursery and Primary School in Avutu, Imo State, Nigeria (2023)
- Nigerian Fencing Team Member (2022-current)
- Fencing First Team All-State (2023)
- Fencing Four-Time Letter Recipient (2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024)
- Cadet and Junior African Fencing Championships Silver Medalist (2022)
- AP Scholar
Avinash (Avi) Bandi
Wayzata High School (WHS)
“Avi has used his passion for computers to automate almost every aspect of any organization he joins. In his internship at the local Hindu temple, Avi noticed the tedious and inefficient method of preparing donation statements by hand to comply with IRS regulations for over 20,000 donors yearly at the temple. Using his passion for technology, he led a team of four IT interns to automate the creation, filtering and sending of donation statements that comply with strict IRS requirements. Additionally for the temple, he overhauled and made significant portions of the website, hsmn.org. In his leadership role as a chapter officer for Business Professionals of America [BPA], he increased club membership by 70 percent, bringing the club total to 250 members, but with more people comes more management. Using his programming skills, he automated the attendance of club meetings and the management of the BPA school store, saving the officer team hours every week. This exemplifies Avi’s commitment to efficiency. Avi has also made websites for many different nonprofits in the area, such as robotics teams, women in STEM organizations, etc.” —Brad Olson, WHS school counselor
In Avi’s Words:
Who is your guiding light?
“Jensen Huang, the founder of Nvidia, has been the biggest inspiration for me. He continuously seeks technological breakthroughs, and his work ethic, vision and skill are unparalleled in my view.”
What’s next after graduation?
“Attend a four-year university and pursue a degree in computer science. After college, I aim to start my own military defense startup.”
Activities and Achievements
- Presidential Volunteer Service Award 2024, Gold
- National Community Service Award, issued by United Nations Association of the United States of America
- AP Scholar with Distinction
- Business Professionals of America
- Python Programming, Top 20 Nationals 2023
- Computer Programming Concepts, State finalist 2023
- Small Business Management, Regional champion 2024
- Small Business Management, State champion
- SQL Database concepts, State qualifier 2024
- Python Programming, State qualifier 2024
- Excellence in in Engineering Award, 2023, associated with Trojan Robotics
- Innovation in Control Award, 2023, associated with Trojan Robotics
- DECA State qualifier 2024, Principles of Hospitality and Tourism; and Business Operations Research Hospitality and Tourism Finalist, 2024
Clara Lawrence
Delano High School (DHS)
“Clara Lawrence has been an outstanding student and leader at DHS … She challenges herself with all of her course work. Clara is outgoing, kind and creative; she is highly respected by her peers and teachers … She has been on the [DHS] Swim Team throughout high school … [For 2024–25], she has been selected to be a team captain … She has held several prominent roles in our school’s one acts and musicals … She is also a member of our small a capella choir, Sound Revolution. Clara is a National Honor Society (NHS) member. She is on track to letter for NHS, which requires 100 hours of community service throughout the year. [She helps] direct youth drama in the community. She is also the president of the Gay Straight Alliance Club at DHS … [she is busy planning community events to provide education and support] … [She was part of the Minnesota State Legislature page program] …” —Ryan Tool, DHS school counselor
In Clara’s Words:
Who is your guiding light?
“… My parents, both teachers, have raised me to be a woman who voiced her opinion and believed in the power of her voice. My mom taught me to love myself and others and to go after what I want—to always make room for myself at the table. Her kindness and tenacity never lingered throughout my childhood. My dad taught me to love language and learning, to listen to others’ opinions and to fight for what I believe in. He has filled my life with thoughtful discussions and constant learning. My parents filled my childhood with music, art, stories, discussions, acceptance, laughter, knowledge and so much love …”
What’s next after graduation?
“… I would like to major in political science or global affairs. I would love to continue theater and music after high school, as well as continue supporting and advocating for others … travel or work abroad after college as well as pursue further education, such as a master’s degree or a law degree.”
Activities and Achievements
- Girls’ Swim Team (varsity captain 2024-2025); 2021 Endurance Award; and 2019 Tenacity award
- Performed/assisted in varsity theatre shows since 8th grade
- Participated in community theater
- Sound Revolution (one year)
- Concert choir (larger group 10-12)
- Concert band (5-12th grade)
- National Honor Society
- INDECO
- Gay Straight Alliance (student leader 9-12th grade)
- Minnesota State Legislature page program
Jagger Wittine
Mound Westonka High School (MWHS)
“Jagger stands out from his peers in terms of perseverance. He doesn’t shy away from things that are challenging, and he sticks with things that are important to him even when things get difficult. He’s a servant leader—someone who leads by doing the right thing even when it’s not the easy thing.” —Gretch Chilson, MWHS band instructor
“Jagger demonstrates scholarship by discovering multiple ways to solve challenging problems.” —Sarah Morinville, MWHS science teacher
In Jagger’s Words:
Who is your guiding light?
“My dad is my guiding light. He has inspired me through his career as an engineer. I have been inspired by him academically due to him being valedictorian of his high school class.”
What’s next after graduation?
“I plan on attending a four-year university to study engineering. I am leaning toward a Big 10 school.”
Activities and Achievements
- Band
- Band Council
- DECA
- Link Crew
- Math League
- Wayzata Sailing School, sailing
