Minndependent

05/13/2026

🌟 Celebrating a True Community Champion! 🤝
We are thrilled to recognize Teri McCloughan as this year’s Community Champion honoree! ✨

Teri’s incredible impact and tireless commitment to strengthening the private and independent education community make her a true standout. 🏆 Whether she is spearheading a local initiative, advocating for our schools, or dedicating countless hours to board service, her passion for excellence shines through in everything she does. 🧡🌟 Cretin-Derham Hall Risen Christ Catholic School Nativity of Our Lord School

Watch the award video and celebrate this achievement here: 🎬
[https://vimeo.com/1186947760?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci]

Please join us in the comments to congratulate our champion on this well-deserved honor! 🥂👏

This is "2026 Community Champion - Teri McCloughan_1.mp4" by MINNDEPENDENT on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/13/2026

🚀 Celebrating Innovation in the Classroom! 🍎

We are thrilled to recognize Ben Gapinski, Math/STEM Teacher at Hill-Murray School in Maplewood as one of this year’s Honor Teacher Award honorees! ✨

Ben’s passion for innovation and his tireless commitment to his students make him a true standout in our community. 🏆 Whether he is leading a hands-on science project or guiding students through complex problem-solving, Ben’s dedication to STEM education shines through in everything he does. 🔬💻📐

Watch his award video and celebrate his achievement here: 🎬
[https://vimeo.com/1186947784?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci)

This is "2026 Honor Teacher Ben Gapinski.mp4" by MINNDEPENDENT on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/12/2026

🎶 Celebrating Excellence in Education! 🍎

We are thrilled to recognize Nick Pennell, Music Teacher at Our Lady of Peace Catholic School in Minneapolis, as one of this year’s Honor Teacher Award honorees! ✨

Nick’s passion for music and his tireless commitment to his students make him a true standout in our community. 🏆 Whether he's leading a rehearsal or inspiring a new student to find their voice, Nick's passion for music education shines through in everything he does. 🎼🌟

Watch his award video and celebrate his achievement here: 🎬
[https://vimeo.com/1186947780?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci]

This is "2026 Honor Teacher Award - Nick Pennell.mp4" by MINNDEPENDENT on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/11/2026

We are proud to recognize Kelly Roche 🌟 as one of this year’s Leadership Award honorees for her outstanding impact, dedication, and commitment to excellence in education 📚.

Join us in celebrating her achievement and inspiring leadership by watching her award video here 🎥: https://vimeo.com/1186947795?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

🎉

This is "2026 Leadership Award - Kelly Roche.mp4" by MINNDEPENDENT on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/08/2026

We are proud to recognize Ross Douma 🌟 as one of this year’s Leadership Award honorees for his outstanding impact, dedication, and commitment to excellence in education 📚.

Join us in celebrating his achievement and inspiring leadership by watching his award video here 🎥: https://vimeo.com/1186947799?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

🎉

This is "2026 Leadership Award - Ross Douma_1.mp4" by MINNDEPENDENT on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/08/2026

A huge thank you to our amazing Design Sponsor for helping bring the 2026 Private and Independent Education Awards to life through beautiful program and signage design! We are so grateful for your creativity, partnership, and support.

04/28/2026

Congratulations to Teri McCloughan, our 2026 Community Champion! Thank you for the lasting difference you make every day. 🌟

Congratulations to Teri McCloughan, who was honored this past weekend with MINNDEPENDENT's Community Champion Award, which recognizes individuals or groups who make a positive impact within their school and the broader community.

As our Community Champion, your tireless dedication to our mission and values has made a profound impact on the lives of so many students. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to CDH!

Former Interim President, Board of Directors, Advancement Committee, Honorary CDH Alum, Parent of Four Graduates

04/22/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors for supporting the 18th Annual Private & Independent Education Awards. Your partnership and commitment make this celebration possible and help us honor the inspiring individuals, programs and schools making a difference every day.

As we celebrate MINNDEPENDENT’s 50th anniversary, we’re especially thankful for your continued support and dedication to strengthening private and independent education in Minnesota. 💙

Learn more - https://minndependent.org/ed-awards/

04/18/2026

Join us in celebrating an incredible behind-the-scenes champion! 🏆👏

Congratulations to Michelle Youness, recipient of the 2026 Behind the Scenes Award! This award honors the unsung heroes—staff, coaches, and volunteers who go above and beyond to create welcoming, supportive school communities.

Michelle’s impact may happen behind the scenes, but it is deeply felt by all. 💙

She will be recognized at the 2026 Private & Independent Education Awards on April 26 as part of MINNDEPENDENT’s 50th anniversary celebration! 🌟

LEARN MORE - https://minndependent.org/ed-awards/

04/16/2026

Please join us in celebrating an extraordinary champion of education! 🎉👏

We are honored to congratulate Doug Jaeger on receiving the James B. Field Legacy Award. This distinguished recognition celebrates individuals who demonstrate a deep passion for private and independent education in Minnesota and a strong commitment to advancing its impact.

Doug exemplifies this legacy through his collaborative leadership, his dedication to strengthening the collective voice of our schools, and his appreciation for the diverse communities they serve. His influence continues to make a meaningful and lasting difference across the state.

We look forward to celebrating his incredible contributions at the 2026 Private & Independent Education Awards on April 26! 🌟

Learn more: https://minndependent.org/ed-awards/