“I am drawn to timeless themes of love and growth …” —Emme Couillard. Photos: Chris Emeott
In our annual Senior Spotlight, meet three Class of 2026 students who were nominated by their schools for making a positive difference in their school and community. They have boldness of spirit, a good heart, impact and strength. We’re honored to share a glimpse of these standout students: Emme Couillard, Sebastian Hermann-Campana and Elizabeth Teskey.
A heartfelt thank you to Kristin Peterson at Billy Reid for graciously hosting our Senior Spotlight photoshoot. Billy Reid also outfitted each student with signature looks that were equal parts timeless and modern. We are grateful for the partnership in helping us celebrate the next generation with style and sophistication.
Billy Reid, 3923 Market St.; 763.330.1983; Instagram: @billy_reid
Emme Couillard
Academy of Holy Angels (AHA)
“Emme moved to Academy of Holy Angels (AHA) and Edina from Lakeville right [in the middle of the ninth grade]. This can be a tough time for young women to make friends and find a way to fit in. While it wasn’t an easy transition, Emme stayed true to herself and has found a solid, delightful group of friends. She hasn’t forgotten what it is like to be new. One of her teachers commented on her gift for seeking out transfer students and international students who might not know how to maneuver the AHA community and help them to adjust. She is a high achiever with a 4.18 GPA who will complete 15 AP or advanced classes by graduation … Emme’s older sister has a rare medical condition, which doesn’t get attention or research funding. Emme has spent time seeking out people who have been involved in previous research studies about her sister’s medical condition with little success, but she persists. I enjoy Emme’s energy and drive, but I most appreciate the passion and care she has for family, friends and school community.” —Ann Kjorstad, AHA college counselor
A high school experience you’re most proud of: Being selected my freshman year to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders Conference in Boston, [Massachusetts]. The three-day conference discussed future medical careers, and we even got to watch a live surgery. I met many other students from around the country who shared the same interests as mine, some of whom I am still friends with today.
What your peers might not know about you: I have a deep appreciation for classical literature with books like Anna Karenina and Pride and Prejudice holding special places in my heart. I am drawn to timeless themes of love and growth, and I love how these works offer new insights with each read.
Dream graduation speaker: Jane Austen
The soundtrack to your high school career: Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Favorite childhood book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Your future in three words: Learning, exploring, driven
More about Emme:
- Scholar of Distinction, 2022-2025
- National Honors Society
- Varsity Letter for Math Team and Knowledge Bowl
- Decade of Dance Award, Irish Arts Minnesota
- First Place State French Contest, Song Category, University of Minnesota
- Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence, Lowell, Massachusetts
- District Essay Winner to lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 2022
- Co-President, Girl Up Club
- Treasurer, HOSA-Future Health Professionals
- Member, Faith Club; Knowledge Bowl Team; Letters of Love Club; Tennis Team; Youth Group, Christ Presbyterian Church
- Captain, Math Team
- Dancer, Rince Na Chroi Irish Dance, St. Paul
- Volunteer at Aurora on France Senior Living
- Tennis Desk Attendant at Edina Country Club
Sebastian Hermann-Campana
Southwest High School (SHS)
One day, I hope to read all the books scattered around the floor, giving each the time they deserve.” —Sebastian Hermann-Campana
“When asked about Sebastian’s contribution to the school community, his choir teacher, Mr. Fisher, says Sebastian is ‘tremendously conscientious’ and ‘an independent thinker and contributor to the classroom community.’ Sebastian identifies as white-Latino. His guidance counselor, Kern Wilson, notes that while Sebastian has pride in these identities, ‘… He leads with his talents and gifts. He is comfortable in his own skin; ambitious and confident.’” —Katie Fox, SHS social worker
A high school experience you’re most proud of: Getting into the University of Minnesota’s PSEO program. I am very proud of how I perform in the program. I still manage to maintain my 4.0 GPA while attending college-level classes part time. I plan to go full time in my senior year. I am a part of two choirs: our top chamber choir and our advanced choir. I had a lead in our recent spring musical, Anastasia.
What your peers might not know about you: As much as I dislike literature as a subject—something I do not try to hide—my room is filled with all different kinds of books. Every surface of my room either has an unread book I have yet to find time for or a plant. Taking care of my plants is another activity I find calming in the hustle and bustle that has now become my life. One day, I hope to read all the books scattered around the floor, giving each the time they deserve.
What you hope to do after graduation: Urban architecture, landscape design or high school education as a math teacher
Dream graduation speaker: Robin Wall Kimmerer
The soundtrack to your high school career: Our House by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Favorite school lunch: Spaghetti and meatballs
Your future in three words: Industrious, romantic, lush
More about Sebastian:
- Chamber Singers (top chamber choir)
- Southwest Singers (advanced choir)
- Gleb in Anastasia
Elizabeth Teskey
Edina High School (EHS)
“I’ve especially learned that the key to good leadership is serving others—for this reason, I’ve decided to dedicate my career to bettering the lives of those in my community through STEM.” —Elizabeth Teskey
“Elizabeth is a strong student with a diverse skill set. She is creative yet very STEM focused. She strives to get as much as possible out of her high school experience. Elizabeth is a leader that is poised to make an impact on the world.” —Paul Paetzel, principal of EHS
A high school experience you’re most proud of: My theatrical achievements … I’ve learned that theater not only requires singing, acting and dancing versatility, but grit, ingenuity and interpersonal skills as well … I owe so much of where I am today to Ella Williams, Edina’s artistic director … I would not be the performer I am now without their support.
What your peers might not know about you: I am one of Edina’s first female Eagle Scouts—the highest rank for Scouting America youth … Along the path to Eagle, I’ve led a service project to support youth theater in my community, gained real-world experience in leadership, project management and environmental awareness. I have met like-minded youth from around the country. I’ve especially learned that the key to good leadership is serving others—for this reason, I’ve decided to dedicate my career to bettering the lives of those in my community through STEM.
Dream graduation speaker: I would love it if my grandpa spoke at my graduation ceremony. He passed over Thanksgiving 2022 but always supported my dreams and inspired me by following his own. He built a career toward being the vice president of in-flight service at Northwest Airlines after growing up in a very poor family of seven during the Great Depression. He never believed in the word “impossible” and always taught me the importance of family. He also told the best stories. I would’ve loved to hear just one more.
The soundtrack to your high school career: A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman
Describe your future in three words: Musical, optimistic, helpful
More about Elizabeth:
- EHS Thespian Club
- Morningside Theater Company Performer
- Edina High School Thespian Board (Current President)
- Spotlight Education Honors for Performance in a Leading Role and Dance Captainship.
- Edina Latin Club (Co-Treasurer)
- Scouting America (Eagle Scout, Troop Founder, and Gold Award Recipient for Outstanding Leadership in Scouting.)
- Minnesota Ambassador of Music (Choir Soloist and Band Member)
- National History Day (Performance Category State Champion and National Honorable Mention)
- Solo and Ensemble Contest (Outstanding Performer)
- Grey Wolf National Youth Leadership Training Camp Senior Staff (Assistant Senior Patrol Leader for Troop Guides)
- EHS Math and Writing Tutor
- Edina Concert Band (Section Leader)
- Edina Band Council (Co-President)
- Edina Marching Band (Musician and Crew Member)
- Edina Pep Band
- Edina Jazz Band
- Edina Choir Pit Band (Member, Arranger, and Special Act Accompanist)
- Critical Review Arts Journalism Workshop Program
- Spotlight Showcase (Featured Dancer and Honoree Performer)
- National Novel Writing Month Participant
