Photo: Chris Emeott
The Class of 2025 is full of dedication, leadership and creativity.
This article originally appeared as part of the story Senior Spotlight in the August 2024 issue. Read the profiles of other inspiring Edina seniors here: Anoushka Jha, Vihaan Shah, Drew Dillon, Katherine “Kat” Mulgrew, Audrey Castro, George Rerat
Our Senior Spotlight is a cherished tradition that celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of exceptional students in their final year of high school. This year, we asked schools in our area to nominate students who are exemplary in dedication, leadership and creativity. We honor these seniors for their unwavering commitment to excellence. This is just a snapshot of these talented individuals.
Natalie Mosakowski, 17
Edina High School (EHS)
Natalie Mosakowski is full of compassion, kindness and spirit. “Natalie’s passion for theater shines brightly in every endeavor she undertakes,” says Angela Kieffer, guidance counselor at EHS. “At EHS, Natalie has not only showcased her talents as a performer, but has also taken on leadership roles as a stage manager and valuable member of the technical crew. Her ability to adapt to different responsibilities and excel in each speaks volumes about her versatility and dedication to the craft.”
But when asked about what she is most proud of, it’s not the theater. It’s the Edina Unified program, where she is a teacher’s assistant (TA). “The Edina Unified program breaks barriers and bridges gaps between students who have physical and/or mental disabilities and students who do not,” Natalie says. “I have been in the Unified Program for three years, and it is such an honor to be a TA and deepen my connection to the Unified community. As a TA, I am able to spend more time in the program and assist the teachers, paras and students in the classroom as well as being a friendly face and a place of warmth and trust for my peers. I have made some of my best friends in the Unified program. Unified sports, arts and education are often often overlooked, and there is nothing more important to me than making sure all members of the community, regardless of their ability, feel important and loved.”
Her role models are physical education teachers Mellanie Pusateri and Julie Mickschl. “These two women have been such amazing role models to me and have brought new life to my passion for inclusivity,” Natalie says. “Our teachers, whom we call Ms. P and Ms. M, check in daily with every student and actively make sure people feel safe and loved. They always are willing to make modifications or adaptations in ways that can include every student in all of our gym activities. It is so heartwarming to see the way my friends, especially those with AAC devices, truly open up to our teachers.”
After high school, Natalie hopes to pursue a degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. “I have always loved science. I adored my chemistry class in sophomore year and am taking two more as a senior. There is just so much you can do with the elements,” she says. “In the future, I am hoping to get a master’s [degree] or a doctorate and use my knowledge and passion for chemistry and science to help people. At the moment, I am leaning toward a career in pharmaceuticals, but anything that involves being in a lab will make me happy.”
Activities
- Created and led the Creative Writing Club
- Co-leader of Computational Linguistics Club
- EHS Thespian Club and board
- GSA
- AAPI Student Union
- Breakfast Book Club
- Boys Rugby Team Manager
- Dance
- Karate
- Professional theater (since 6th grade)
- Edina Ed Fund student leadership boards for literacy and STEAM
- Superintendent Student Leadership Team
- Stages Theatre Company, usher and Youth Council member
- Minnesota Zoo summer camps
- Awards and Achievements
- Theater Spotlight Awards for technical leadership and stage management
- Community Service letter
Edina Magazine extends its appreciate to the team at Mr. Paul’s Supper Club for its use of the restaurant as a backdrop for our Senior Spotlight feature photo shoot.
Mr. Paul’s Supper Club, 3917 Market St.; 612.259.8614; Instagram: @mrpaulssupperclub
