Minndependent

09/30/2026

🎓 That’s a wrap on the 2026 School Leadership Conference!

Thank you to our incredible school leaders, presenters, sponsors, and partners for making these past few days so meaningful. We hope you leave inspired, refreshed, and ready for the year ahead!

Until next year! 💙

09/29/2026

We’re off and running at MINNDEPENDENT’s 2026 School Leadership Conference! 🎉

Over 65 school leaders have gathered at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Resort for a few days of learning, connection, and conversation focused on strengthening leadership and Minnesota’s private and independent schools.

Thank you to our PARTNER SPONSORS who help make this event possible.

We’re excited for a great conference! 💙

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/