The fifth graders used Dr. Kathy Koch’s concept of the “8 Smarts” to creatively express worship in ways that reach all learners. They performed a skit and gave teaching to give a special teaching on worship. Mrs. Diniz explains, "Worship is more than singing songs. It’s using our voices, our minds, and our hearts to connect with God, to honor Him, and to invite others to see Him at work in our lives.” This belief in an all-encompassing approach to worship is the foundation of Hillcrest’s classical model, where learning and worship are woven together to deepen students' understanding and love for God.

Down early in the fifth and final set, the Comets battled back to face a 10-12 deficit that had the season hanging in the balance. But instead of tensing up, something extraordinary happened. During a time-out called by Coach Foss, the players returned to the court with smiles on their faces. Fans noticed the change in their demeanor as the team started cheering louder for each other. They weren’t just playing to win; they were playing with joy, a rare sight in such a high-pressure moment.

Starting from an unfavorable box position, Katie wasted no time in the conference meet. She initially pushed hard, quickly securing a spot in the lead pack. She maintained a solid fourth-place position for the first two laps, with a steady pace demonstrating her experience and tactical expertise. However, as the race neared its final stretch, a competitor pushed to overtake her. Though Katie fought to keep pace, a slight gap opened as they entered the final 200 meters. She pushed through a challenging pack and stamped her ticket to the state cross-country meet last week.

Numerous studies emphasize the profound impact of community during difficult times. When people face crises, they rely heavily on their internal faith and the external support of their faith community. This dual strength—inner faith and communal backing—gives children a strong defense against feelings of depression and doubt.

As the Comets march deeper into the playoffs, their chemistry, discipline, and passion for celebrating one another continue to drive them forward. “It was certainly a memorable game for our seniors to have on their home court for the last time,” Coach Foss noted in closing the game and looking forward to more time with her team.

At Sted Chocolate, the children were introduced to the world of chocolate-making, but more importantly, they witnessed the entrepreneurial spirit in action. They saw how ideas come to life through hard work, creativity, and business acumen. This experience sparked imaginations and gave a new perspective on what is achieved by applying the lessons learned in the classroom.

The Comets won in their Section 6A play-in game against the Henning Hornets with a confident 3-0 sweep (25-13, 25-9, 25-17) on their home court. Hillcrest made a solid statement to start their postseason run, led by a team-wide effort that showcased talent and determination.

The tradition of Prayer Day underscores the importance of raising students who are not only intellectually engaged but also spiritually grounded. At Hillcrest, prayer is woven into the fabric of the student experience, reinforcing our mission to build faith, develop intellect, and strengthen character. As Hillcrest continues to raise up students in the classical tradition, Prayer Day remains a cornerstone of spiritual growth, shaping hearts and minds for lives of service, wisdom, and grace.

The Comets mounted an impressive second-half comeback to secure a 28-14 victory over the Underwood Rockets, advancing in the playoffs with momentum and determination. After a slow start, the Comets exploded in the fourth quarter to seal the win in front of an energized home crowd.

The Comets capped off their regular season with a gritty 30-16 victory over the Rothsay Tigers, with a show of determination and resilience as they gear up for the postseason. With a dominant performance by quarterback Ethan Swedberg, who racked up four touchdowns, Hillcrest was able to set the tone early and close out strong despite some late-game resistance from Rothsay.

It was Will Selvig's heroics in the seventh round that brought the tension of the night to a thrilling close. After a composed Lincoln Nash buried Hillcrest's seventh penalty, Selvig dove to his right to stop Crookston's final attempt, sealing the victory 7-6 in the shootout.

When the final point was scored, the cheers from the home crowd weren’t just for the dominating victory—they were a celebration of Coach Debi Foss's 100th win. After 13 years of coaching, Debi stood proudly with her team, reflecting on the journey that led her to this milestone.

The unique qualities that men bring—a sense of humor, firm handshakes, or words of wisdom—offer benefits that shape a child’s school experience. Fathers provide strong role models, demonstrate the importance of showing up, and offer different perspectives contributing to a well-rounded upbringing. Hillcrest’s “Dads at the Doors” is a reminder of how small acts of presence can lead to big impacts.

Statistically, the team showcased a stellar performance, despite not playing to their fullest potential. Ruby Peterson delivered a standout game, achieving 9 kills, 17 digs, and an impressive 40 set assists. The night marked a special achievement for Peterson as she reached her 2,000th set assist for the Comets. It was a milestone moment that came after a career-high 48 set assists just days earlier against Pelican Rapids.

At Hillcrest Academy, memory work goes beyond rote learning; it is a practice of internalization through reciting liturgies, Scripture, and church doctrine. These practices guide students to see the world through the lens of God’s truth, framing their understanding and shaping their intellect. Memory work becomes a spiritual discipline that reinforces character and confidence, laying a mental and spiritual pathway for intellectual exploration and moral formation.

The Comets showcased both veteran leadership and young talent in their hard-earned victory. Senior Emily Adams led the way with a career-high 21 kills, adding 12 digs and 2 ace serves to her stellar night. Ruby Peterson demonstrated exceptional versatility, notching 5 kills, a staggering 48 set assists, 14 digs, and an ace. Ella Knutson was another key contributor, tallying 12 kills, 20 digs, and 1 ace serve, providing both offensive firepower and defensive stability.

The personal experience shared by Sam Nash illustrates the profound impact of cultural diversity on their child's social development. As their family moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota, one of their sons quickly connected with peers from various countries through the soccer team at Hillcrest. This connection not only helped him forge friendships but also provided a platform for cross-cultural interactions that enriched his understanding of the world. The ability to engage with classmates from Norway, Korea, and other states in America, in addition to local communities, fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is crucial in a child's formative years.

The Comets' offensive onslaught was led by Emily Adams, who delivered 8 kills and 13 digs, playing a critical role on both sides of the ball. Her precision serving was on full display as she went 16/16, including an ace. Ruby Peterson’s outstanding playmaking was vital to the team’s rhythm, as she recorded 39 set assists and 11 digs. On top of that, she was perfect from the service line, going 10/10 with 2 aces. With just 125 more sets, Peterson is approaching a significant career milestone of 2,000 set assists.

The chess club serves as a microcosm of the school's broader classical approach to education. Chess encourages students to think deeply, set meaningful goals, and seek the guidance of others to achieve success. Through the game, students not only learn about strategy but also about character—how to handle defeat with grace, how to win with humility, and how to mentor others along the way.