The friendships and connections I made during my four years at Washburn will stick with me forever. I am so proud to say that I was and still am a Miller. I want to make sure that current Washburn students can say these things about their school 10 years after they’ve graduated too. I want [...]
Tina Puente, Class of ‘88
Many thanks to the people who are working hard to create renewed momentum for Washburn. I have such amazing memories of our school and I hope that students of today, and tomorrow, can create wonderful memories, a solid foundation for future success and enduring friendships at Washburn.
Suzanne Brazzell, class of ‘69
There’s nothing to compare to my experiences at WHS from 1969-73! From my fab colleaqes to the students, in particular, Wahian staff(s)! I sometimes wonder why I ever left.
Carol Eckblad, class of ‘56
My name was Carol Eckblad when I graduated from Washburn; I legally changed my name and married, and am now Jansson Thompson. I have 2 sons and 5 grandchildren.
Jeremy Graff, Class of ‘93, Washburn Foundation Steering Committee
I serve on the Washburn High School Foundation’s Steering Committee. I live near Washburn with my wife Sarah (formerly Soderlund (also class of 1993)) and our three children.
Terra Zosel, Class of 2003
Washburn is a special place, and the four years I spent there left a lasting impression. I am now working in the Minneapolis Public School system and I couldn’t be happier. As a co-chair for the WHS fall kick-off event, I can begin to give back to Washburn, what going there gave me. I think, [...]
Nancy Gustafson French Teacher: ‘Why I joined the Fund Raising Steering Committee’
I’ve been teaching French in Minneapolis Public Schools since 1980. I’ve spent 22 of those years at Washburn High School. Many changes have taken place during those years, but one thing has not changed. Fantastic young people still come to Washburn to get an education. The faces and backgrounds of the students have changed, and [...]
WHS Connections Member: Steve Beck (1989)
Steve says:
I live in South MPLS in the shadow of Washburn just off of the Minnehaha
Creek with my wife and fellow WHS classmate, Merry Beck (Bergstrom). We
have a 1-year-old daughter named Ilsa Christine. I work for Lazard in
their middle market mergers and acquisitions practice, primarily
advising on the sale and recapitalization of different businesses. Merry
owns a [...]
Dan Pratt, Athletic Director
“Washburn athletics has always been strong—and we’ll continue to bring out the best in our studentathletes. We believe balance and a holistic perspective is paramount in the development of future leaders.” – Dan Pratt, Athletic Director
Luke Ellingson, Student
“There are just more ideas in any one classroom at Washburn because of the diversity here.” – Luke Ellingson, Student
Linda Shay, Parent
“I think the students have less peer pressure at Washburn because they don’t look alike, they’re more comfortable and accepting of their individuality.” — Linda Shay, Parent
Carol Markham-Cousins, Washburn High School Principal
“We are committed to providing a quality education for ALL the students who walk in our door today, no matter what part of the city they call home. The only way to make this possible is through the effort and expertise of high quality teachers, and a supportive and committed community. We will not settle [...]
Kate DiCamillo
“I am a product of public education and I live in this neighborhood. What happens at Washburn relates to me as a member of the community.” – Kate DiCamillo, Author, Newbery Award Winner, Neighborhood Resident
Bob Cabana, NASA Astronaut, Director of Kennedy Space Center, Class of 1967
“The public education I received at Washburn High School paved the way for my future success. Excellence in education does not result from just the availability of resources, but rather from the involvement of the community in ensuring an environment that is conducive to producing a well rounded student. Washburn has always stood for excellence [...]
Nancy Lee, Choir/Vocal Teacher
“The arts are coming back to Washburn in a very dramatic way—buy a ticket, create with our students, contribute to the auditorium—come join our renaissance!” – Nancy Lee, Choir/Vocal Teacher
Ian Ingersoll, Student, Class of ‘09
“Attending Washburn has had a significant impact on my life. It has taught me how to be a great student, provided me with infinite opportunities, and has been my Sherpa up the mountain to college. I am currently waiting on decisions from Harvard and Amherst, my two dream schools.” – Ian Ingersoll, Student, Class of [...]
