By Eric Erickson

A National Merit Scholarship semifinalist

Como Park senior Aleia Lueck has qualified to be a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.

Fewer than 1% of high school students across the nation achieve this elite recognition. Lueck will now complete the credentialing that includes recommendations and essays in pursuit of earning a National Merit Scholarship.

Lueck scored a perfect 36 on the ACT. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, meaning she has passed more than six national Advanced Placement exams (seven so far in Lueck’s case) and has earned several more college credits through College in the Schools (CIS) at Como and Postsecondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) classes.

Lueck’s extra-curricular passion and focus is centered on swimming. She is an all-state swimmer for the Cougars and has qualified for the state meet in multiple events since her freshman season.

This past summer, Lueck completed an internship at 3M Co. through the Science Encouragement Training Program. She plans to pursue a degree in engineering and is considering several schools for next fall including Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Williams College, also in Massachusetts.

Homecoming

Como’s Spirit Week led up to Homecoming Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 27, adding some flavor to school routines.

Thematic dress-up days allowed students to display creative wardrobes. Friday’s pep fest on Sept. 26 at the end of the school day was full of positive cheers.

The homecoming dance was held in Como’s gym on Friday night. Saturday had spectacular weather for the homecoming parade in the morning and football game in the afternoon.

Preparing for Washington, D.C.

Como is offering one subtle change in its academic course roster this year. “Advanced Placement Government” is giving way to The University of Minnesota — College in the Schools (CIS) course “American Democracy in a Changing World.”

Student grades from the class are reflected on their college transcript and are transferable to institutions across the state and nation.

One tradition that hasn’t changed is the opportunity for those Como seniors studying government at the college level to participate in the Close Up Washington, D.C. trip.

Fundraising efforts are already underway. Students will be bagging groceries at Cub Foods on Larpenteur Avenue on Nov. 13 and Dec. 15.

Many of the seniors will be also serving as student election judges for Ramsey County on Nov. 4. Community members who are interested in providing financial support for the trip are encouraged to contact [email protected]. 

Eric Erickson is a social studies teacher at Como Park Senior High School and writes for the Bugle.

Photo credit: Homecoming parade participants gather at Como on Saturday, Sept. 27. Photo by Eric Erickson.