Purpose, diligence has brought the Class of 2009 together at the School of Environmental Studies in Apple Valley

BY stefanie Briggs - SUn NEwspaperS

Published: Thursday, May 28, 2009 8:32 AM CDT

Outdoor adventures and hands-on experience have brought the School of Environmental Studies' Class of 2009 together over the past couple years.

This is the 14th graduating class of SES in Apple Valley. The school opened in 1994 as a partnership between the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District, the city of Apple Valley and the Minnesota Zoo. Students at SES are immersed in environmental topics and issues for their junior and senior years of high school.

Speak, write, do has been the curricular motto for the class that has gotten to know each other well. Seniors feel comfortable in the friendly environment at SES.

"People I don't know say hi to me and know my name and teachers I haven't had know who I am," said senior Matt Houghton. "You're not a number here."

The most work is done on senior projects, which are created to make a lasting impression at the school, said Kendra Bolin.

"It's our legacy and something meaningful we give back to the school," said Ciprian Butler. "Everyone does something unique and challenging."

Though the curriculum is often challenging for students. it can always apply to real life, said Emma Wright.

"We don't do something that won't be used or come up in the future," Matt said.

That has made Kendra and others less nervous about college.

"I know how to write a research paper and going here I feel like I've accomplished a lot," she said.

Slacking off is not an option for SES seniors.

"You can't," Kendra said. "You have to just balance things. You may put 10 hours into one project that takes away from something else."

Part of the senior project or capstone curriculum includes a 7 to 9 minute speech on the senior student's passion. There's also a hands-on project that includes leaving something behind like the wind turbine that sits on campus, which was a past senior project.

"I'm doing a comic book about environmental issues," Matt said.

Finally, seniors must do two papers, one researching a topic of interest and one an ethics paper about their beliefs. The papers, speeches and projects are requirements to graduate, Kendra said.

The lessons learned also go beyond graduation standards. SES students enjoy freedom, independence and trust from teachers to go out on their own and work beyond their comfort zone.

"We are taught to trust ourselves," Kendra said.

The past two years have provided opportunities to learn about yourself and the world around you, Emma said.

The seniors appreciate the doors SES has opened for them and advise future classes to take advantage and respect the experience.

Graduation Ceremony

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10

Where: MN Zoo amphitheater, 13000 Zoo Blvd., weather permitting, Apple Valley; in case of inclement weather, ceremony will be at School of Environmental Studies, 12155 Johnny Cake Road, Apple Valley

Tickets:availability depends on location

Information: 952-431-8750

http://www.mnsun.com/articles/2009/05/28/news/cw28sesclass.txt