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EASTER WORSHIP: Local options for holy week PAGES 10 & 11
Summer academy gets 2nd life BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
North Suburban Summer Academy (NSSA) met an unfortunate end last summer. Due to attendance and financial issues, the academy closed its doors after the 2023 session ended. However, that has not stopped teachers from giving it a second chance for the coming summer. “We got together and decided we could pull this off,” said Executive Director Bill Nara. “Our current teachers still loved it enough to keep it.” The academy had previously operated at
Student’s faith journey finds inspiration in Rome
SEE SUMMER ACADEMY, PAGE 11
City Council plans rain gardens throughout Vadnais Heights
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Bonin’s stay, which began in February, will conclude at the end of May. One high point of Bonin’s visit, he says, was attending one of Pope Francis’ speeches at the Vatican. “It was a cool experience,” said Bonin. “Even for people who aren’t religious, it’s still a great experience seeing those from different backgrounds come together
New additions are coming to both public and private properties throughout Vadnais Heights. The city will build rain gardens at different locations as part of its current street improvement project. “This will have a big impact on water quality for these neighborhoods,” said Public Works Director Jim Hauth. “We’re excited to see how it will look moving forward.” One area identified in the project for rain garden development is Elmwood Park. The park currently has an existing runoff. This allows rainwater to flow from the street into the park itself. The city had previously added extra parking to the park’s south end and a walking path around the playground. A curb cut was also built along Elmwood Street, where the park is, to allow additional water to drain into the rain garden.
SEE FAITH JOURNEY, PAGE 9
SEE RAIN GARDEN, PAGE 13
Brendan Bonin (center) poses with members of his school group during their Rome trip. Some destinations on Bonin’s trip took him to both Assisi and St. Paul outside The Walls Cathedral. Bonin will read from the old testament to a crowd of thousands on Easter Sunday.
Arts, culture, food and fun. To the average young adult, visiting Rome is a memorable vacation in its own right. However, to one St. Thomas University student, a journey abroad means something more special. “It’s a city of endless possibilities and things to do,” the Hill Murray 2022 grad said. “I’m here for four months, and I love it here! I almost don’t want to leave.”
Columbia Heights High School. It was structured as a summer program for public school students. Students ranged from first grade through ninth grade, and they came from different Minnesota school districts, including Centennial, Mahtomedi, Anoka-Hennepin and White Bear Lake. The only requirement for students to join was a motivation to learn outside a standard public school program. The academy offered different classes for students to participate in, including astronomy, chess and magic. “It was almost like a carnival
Bonin, a sophomore at St. Thomas University, plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Catholic studies. He had expressed a desire to study in Rome for a long time, as he was fascinated by its history. Last year, Bonin discovered that traveling to Rome was possible through a special on-campus program. This program would help him earn credits toward his Catholic studies minor.
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