The Sartell Middle School Knowledge Bowl students recently finished a successful season. This photo was taken after the final 5th-8th grade knowledge bowl meet Dec. 9 at Rocori Middle School, where the teams placed first and tied for third. Students from 5th- through 8th-grade teams include the following: (front row, left to right): David Zhang, Janagan Ramanathan, Julianna Moore and Luka Alexanko; (second row) Carter Vonderahe, Nora Steil, Alice Colatrella, Zachary Lindstrom, John Engelkes and Luc Westling; (third row) Matthew Lindstrom, Tina Chen, Jenna Yang, Cindy Zhang, Jacob Franzmeier and Katie Kelley; and (back row) Ben Meyer, Yash Hindka, Evan Gertken, Zach Christopherson and Michael Lindstrom. Not pictured: Dylan Krenz-Bertrand.
Andrew J. Zondervan, son of Craig A. and Susan M. Zondervan of Sartell, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Navy Seaman Zondervan completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is “Battle Stations,” This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. “Battle Stations” is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly ”Navy” flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
Zondervan is a 2013 graduate of Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.
Brittany Waldvogel of Sartell was inducted into Kappa Phi-at-Large, the local chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in November. Hoffman, a senior at St. Cloud State University, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. STTI supports the educational and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. To qualify for membership, nursing students must demonstrate excellence in scholarship with at least a 3.0 grade-point average, be in the upper 35 percent of their graduating class and have completed at least half of the nursing program. St. Cloud State University is Minnesota’s second-largest university, with more than 16,000 students and 200 programs of study. Culturally and academically diverse, SCSU prepares graduates for the challenges of working and living in a global community.
Kids Country Child Care and Learning Center entertained families and friends with a festive Christmas concert Dec. 12 in the Country Manor chapel. Dressed in their Christmas best, the children proudly performed the Christmas songs rehearsed in preparation for the highly anticipated holiday event. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends watched with pride as the children happily sang each catchy, toe-tapping tune. The sounds of favorite holiday classics filled the chapel with joy and warmed the hearts of those who attended this special event.
Country Manor Health Care and Rehab Center celebrated St. Nicholas Day Dec. 6. St. Nick went from room to room greeting residents and presenting them with holiday gifts.