From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Minnetonka High School
Location
Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA
Information
Type	Public
Established	1952
Principal	David Adney
Colors	Royal Blue and White
Website	www.minnetonka.k12.mn.us/mhs

Minnetonka High School is a public high school that is located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, a western suburb of Minneapolis-St. Paul. Newsweek ranked the school #494 in their "List of the 1200 Best High Schools in America."^[1]

History

In 1952, both Excelsior and Deephaven High Schools were consolidated into the newly constructed Minnetonka High School. In 1997 Minnetonka High School underwent a significant renovation to better meet student's needs for learning in the 21st century. More classrooms, new science and technology wings, an enlarged and enhanced media center and new athletic facilities were added. The ArtsCenter, a cultural/performing arts center at the high school was added in 2000 as a partnership project with the City of Minnetonka. A year later, a partnership with the Minnetonka Youth Hockey Association built the Pagel Center, a sports, strength training, and hockey facility on the high school site. In 2004, partnerships with many youth athletic associations resulted in a new artificial turf stadium field, inflatable dome (November - April) and a new track. During the summer break of 2006 Minnetonka High School got a new baseball facility, the first turf baseball facility at a Minnesota high school. In 2006 the largest freshman class in the history of Minnetonka entered the school.

School Overview

Minnetonka High School is one of the largest schools in the state with a student population of 2,726 that is 1% American Indian, 2% Hispanic, 2% black, 3% Asian, and 92% white.

Academic Assessment

Minnetonka High has some of the highest test scores in the state and is one of the top academic high schools. According to No Child Left Behind Minnetonka High School has made Adequate Yearly Progress in 2006. Also it was rated a 5 star school.

Athletics

Minnetonka High School is part of the Classic Lake Conference in the Minnesota State High School League. The team will join the Lake Conference in 2010.

Notable Alumni

• Zach Peterson ('03) - Minor League Baseball Player Kansas City Royals (2007-Present)
• Ryan Liestman ('01) - Keyboardist for popular teen band Jonas Brothers
• Jake Gardiner ('08) - Professional Hockey Player, Anaheim Ducks (17th Overall)
• Dmitry Chaplin ('00)- International Latin dancer, best known for being a Top 10 finalist on the TV show So You Think You Can Dance? (Season 2) and a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars (U.S. seasons 8 and 9) EMMY AWARDS nominant for the choreography 2009.
• Steve Comer ('72)- Professional Baseball Player, Texas Rangers (1978-82), Philadelphia Phillies (83), Cleveland Indians (84)
• Bennie Joppru ('99)- Professional Football Player, Houston Texans (2003-05), Chicago Bears (06), Seattle Seahawks (06-07)
• The Suburbs- Rock band
• Sam Buckman ('06)- Collegiate Football Player, University of Michigan (2006-08)^[2]
• David Wheaton Former professional tennis player
• Will Leer ('03) Multiple All-American elite college runner at Pomona Pitzer who recently ran a 3:41.98 1500 on May 12. On January 19, 2008, Will ran a 3:59.83 mile, on an indoor track^[3]
• Lee Blessing ('67) Pulitzer and Tony nominated Playwright.
• Alex Kubal ('05) - Former Alabama center fielder who recently signed with the St. Paul Saints ^[4]

References

External links

• Minnetonka High School webpage