Southwest High School

Our 2026 Senior AVID Students took time before they left SWHS to say THANK YOU to teachers and staff that have made a difference to them. We surprised staff with a certificate and “Difference Maker” t-shirt, and the AVID student who picked them wrote and read them a speech to show their graditude. For some staff, we were able to surprise them in their classroom and for others we invited them in to the AVID classroom to recognize them. At SWHS, we are so lucky to have such an amazing team of teachers and staff. Day in and day out, our staff make a difference for our scholars and we loved having this opportunity to celebrate them. 💜💜

The 2026 Difference Makers are:
Safaa Mohamed- Lorelei Soli
Hibo Hassan- Stamatka Platikanova
Zahra Yasin- Elizabeth Dettling
Francisco Recarte Dubon- Mark Robinson
Palmer Speer- Sam Sturm
Imran Eid- Caroline Hooper
Suheyb- Daria Hendrickson
Anas Warsame- Brian Meyer
Aaron Son- Gabe Pass
Eric Chiqui- Llangari- Steph Kappel
JoAnna Ponce- Edith Macdonald
Mohamed Abdulahi- Steve Boreen
Koshin Mohamed- Valerie Rittler
Elyas Mohamed- Nonie Kouneski
Ahmed Dahir- Teresa Blascyk
Yasiin Abdi- Tanna Swanson
Yasiin Abdi- Amy Engler
Abdimuheyman Abdulkadir- Christian Canepa
Saacid Abdullahi- Elizabeth Das
Ilyas Abdulqadir- Josh Zoucha
Mohamed Ali- Alex Hoselton
Wren Bluemle- Paul Focht Perlberg
Dash Hendrickson- Margaret Berg
Nimo Ibrahim- Laurel Molin
Saabir Sharif- Heather Paulson

Saturday, June 6th is graduation day and we look forward to celebrating the Southwest High School class of 2026! Here are some guidelines and reminders that will help ensure that the day goes smoothly and that we are able to honor our graduates as they walk across the stage. Graduates, please arrive at 6pm. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Are you looking for a way to give back to Southwest High School or offer your time or talents to strengthen the learning environment for our students? Do you want to meaningfully contribute to our students and the future of our school community? The Southwest High School Site Council is seeking several new members for the 2026-2027 school year.
Site Councils are a Minneapolis Public Schools initiative to support site-based decision making and increase academic outcomes for our students. Site Council members help review funding, policies, practices and programs at SW High School. You can apply at the link below or reach out to Betsy Wagner ([email protected]) or Margo Farrell ([email protected]) for more information.

https://tinyurl.com/mwkwth8n

It’s that time! The IB art presentations are up on the second floor across from the auditorium. This year the IB students had free choice of what art they wanted to create for the showcase. One assignment included making stamps for a good cause, and the rest were any arts you had to show off. This year the presentations were all crafted especially by each student, finalized with artist statements and captions. Please look if you have the time. Celebrate the arts with us at southwest and show support to your local artists. - Caption written by Salma Sallam

It is with immense pleasure and pride that we take a moment to recognize some truly outstanding members of our student body for the Laker of the Quarter for Quarter 4. These students have exemplified the very best of what it means to be a student at Southwest High School. They have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies, positive leadership within our community, and an unwavering dedication to being anchored in excellence. Students were honored today and and enjoyed with the Admin team. Please join us by congratulating these incredible students.

Alijah Jr. Hunter
Summit Olson
Johauna Jacobs
Siri Brooks
Cameron Dykoski
Harley E Kosel
Karion Cox
Maya Schramm
Britany Lopez Lopez
William Sullivan
Abigail Deyoung
Halimo Mohamed
Henry Wodele
Jordyn Hedberg

Come shop durning lunches, everything is FREE!! We are in need of paper bags or reusable bags for shopping, if you have any, drop them off at the front office. Go Lakers!!

🍎 Not All Heroes Wear Capes—Some Wear Lanyards!
Last week was Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week here at Southwest High, and we wanted to take a second to pause the bells and give a massive shout-out to the heartbeat of our halls. Thank you to our donors ( , , , .space.artstudio , , , ) this year who made Teacher & Staff appreciation even more special.

From the zero -hour caffeine-fueled lectures to the late-night coaching at games and music performances, and the endless support from our custodial, office, and cafeteria teams—you all make Southwest more than just a school. You make it a community.

Our Teachers: For the inspiration, the patience, and for never giving up on our students
Our Support Staff: For keeping the gears turning, the building shining, and always having the answers to our million questions.
Our Coaches & Mentors: For teaching us that the biggest lessons often happen outside the classroom.
We see the long hours, the extra heart, and the unwavering Laker pride you bring every single day. We are so lucky to learn from the best in the business! 🌟

Students & Alumni: Drop a comment below and shout out a teacher or staff member who made a difference in your life! Let’s fill their feed with some well-deserved love. 👇

Southwest will receive a 25% commission on all pre-ordered flowers. What are you waiting for, order your flowers today!! 🌸🌺🌸🌺