EDUCATION

Among the usual array of therapy dogs from the Paul Bunyan Dog Training Association along with dogs and cats from Great River Rescue, miniature donkey and therapy animal “Cleo” proved to be stubborn as passersby tried coaxing her with food and pulling her into the Upper Hobson Memorial Union where students and faculty alike mingled with furry friends.

Currently a freshman at Minnesota State University Moorhead, Gavin Kestner plans to transfer to North Dakota State University next month to pursue a degree in computer science with an emphasis on cybersecurity.

The Minnesota State High School League changed its rules, allowing boys to compete on dance teams for the first time starting in 2019. Now 14-year-old Salman Masood no longer has to learn the Austin High School Dance Team's routines in solitude — he's one of the dancers.

The Apple Blossom Village will host a Winter Spiral Walk and Holiday Market Fundraiser on Dec. 9-10, Rail River Folk School Outdoor Space, 303 Railroad St. SW. The spiral walk and market will be open from 4 to 7 p.m. on both Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, with additional market hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

In 1990 President George H.W. Bush signed a resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month. November then is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions and histories and to acknowledge the significant contributions of Indigenous people. I have been blessed to have known many people from various cultures during my seven decades on planet Earth. This past month reminded me how much I have learned from them, especially from my Native American friends.

The policy faces another hurdle as the administration contests a separate Nov. 10 ruling by a federal judge in Texas deeming the program unlawful.

The Cub Scouts of Pack 32 held their annual Turtle Race competition on Nov. 17 at St. Philips Catholic School.

It has been 20 years since the Bemidji High School A Cappella Choir took to the stage in Carnegie Hall as part of a concert series in New York City. Though they have made a few return trips to the Big Apple since 2002, this upcoming March will mark an official return to Carnegie Hall where the 45-member chorus will sing again.

Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig students and Blandin Foundation staff recently participated in a Blandin Foundation Education Award photo session.