Este’s favorite subject in school is History. If she could have one historical figure over for dinner, she would invite Jane Austen or Alexander Hamilton.
I’m pretty sure they would have fun as Este’s dinner guest. Este is witty and charming (like Emma, the heroine of the Jane Austen novel) and she knows all the songs from Hamilton the musical!
At school, Este is president of the Giving Back club. Students in the club do community outreach projects like making and distributing sandwiches for a homeless shelter. Este also leads the Student Business club and is considering studying business in college.
Fun facts about Este:
•She is Lithuanian and wears an amber ring from the Baltic sea of Lithuania.
•She works at a sushi restaurant and loves sushi. She recommends the “pink panther” (tuna and shrimp).
•Este is on the school tennis and lacrosse teams. In the winter, she plays ping pong.
•She enjoys coffee and her usual is an oat milk latte.
•She is really good at parallel parking.
•She listens to a variety of music. At the top of her playlist is 60s singer Lesley Gore (known for “It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To”).
•Este loves to dance and has been known to drag her friends onto the dance floor.
As Jane Austen’s Emma said, “Without music, life would be a blank to me.”
I think Este would agree.
Lake Senior Photo Session | Teddy
You can tell Teddy’s had a fun summer, by the tan lines on his legs (from golfing) and the rope burns on his arms (from tubing on the lake with friends).
Despite all that, he looks dapper!
At 6’4”, Teddy often gets asked if he plays basketball. He does, and his team is the current state champion. He also enjoys going to Gopher basketball games with his family.
Basketball isn’t his only sport- Teddy loves to golf and is on the varsity golf team. His favorite course is Windsong.
Music is a big part of Teddy’s life. He’s been playing saxophone since third grade and is in the school band. He also plays guitar. His signature song on guitar is “Linger” by the Cranberries.
At school, Teddy’s favorite subject is “whatever history class I’m taking.” He enjoys learning about historical events and influential leaders.
But for now he is focused on the future, and making his own impact.
Noerenberg Garden Senior Portrait Session | Audrey
This summer, you’re likely to find Audrey on the golf course.
Her dad taught her to play golf when she was younger and now Audrey is captain of the varsity team and works at a golf shop. Her favorite pro to watch is Nelly Korda.
At school, Audrey’s favorite class is biology and she is interested in becoming a doctor. This fall, she will shadow physicians in clinic for her senior project.
Giving to others is important to Audrey which is why she serves as president of Letters of Love, a club that makes encouraging cards for seriously ill children. Letters of Love is the largest club at her school. Fun fact: Audrey can write in calligraphy and often includes calligraphy on the cards she makes for kids.
Music is a big part of Audrey’s life and she plays the flute in the school band. She also volunteers at a local nursing home, playing flute for residents to bring joy through music.
In her free time, Audrey enjoys golfing, being on the lake (on a wakeboard or a jet ski), listening to country music, reading (she recommends “Better Than the Movies” as a good summer book), and traveling (Hawaii is her favorite destination).
As she tees up for adulthood, Audrey’s motivated and compassionate spirit plus her ability to connect with others will lead her to great places and benefit her future patients.
Minnesota Arboretum Senior Portrait Session | George
When you’re named after a famous baseball player (George Brett), you’ve got to like sports.
George plays varsity football and basketball. He also coaches differently-abled athletes through the Unified club.
In addition to sports, music is a big part of George’s life. He is in the school choir and also plays drums. He loves listening to music and always has headphones with him. His current favorite artist is Sade.
Fun facts about George:
•His dog is named after a baseball player too.
•His favorite class is chemistry.
•He is a picky eater. Among the many things he won’t eat is mashed potatoes.
•His favorite ice cream flavor is java chip.
•George’s favorite basketball memory is the game that went into double overtime with 3 buzzer beaters to send his team to State.
•He is a Packers fan.
In sports and in life, George chooses the path less travelled. And it makes all the difference.
Plymouth Senior Photo Session | Kate
Kate loves to sing. She sings in her school’s chamber choir (as well as in the shower and the car.) She is an alto, and Adele is one of her favorite singers.
Kate is also on her high school soccer team, playing defense. She has been playing soccer since she was 3.
As a volunteer at a local hospital, Kate stocks supplies and does other tasks to help the medical staff. She plans to study nursing in college. She is applying to colleges in warmer climates because she is “done with Minnesota winters!”
But she loves Minnesota summers. Kate enjoys going on the lake with friends, teaching swim lessons at the pool, going on rides at the State Fair, and spending time with her family including their dog Sunny.
Although she loves her dog, Kate would like to have a capybara (a rodent native to South America) because “they’re cute”. (I Googled them and they are pretty cute.)
Kate’s friendly personality and kind heart will make her a great nurse. And she will do it in her own special way.
“You’ve got to make your own kind of music,
Sing your own special song.
Make your own kind of music,
Even if nobody else sings along.”
~ Cass Elliott
Orono Senior Portrait Session | Libby
Libby was a competitive gymnast throughout childhood, but in high school she switched to tennis. The freckles on her pretty face are a result of many afternoons on the tennis court. Her tennis skills also come in handy on the pickleball court!
Fun facts about Libby:
She has a twin brother. She is 2 minutes older than him.
She likes to listen to indie music.
She works at DQ. The most popular item she serves is Blizzards.
Her favorite class is ceramics.
She enjoys riding bikes.
Her go-to snack is Goldfish (xtra cheddar).
She can do a backflip.
Wherever likes takes you, Libby - remember, the ball is in your court!
Noerenberg Gardens Senior Photo Session | Jon
Jon’s senior photo session ended with a backflip. He’s a gymnast so I asked him if he could do a flip. Gymnastics is a sport that requires strength, discipline and flexibility. That’s Jon.
His best event is the floor exercise. When he’s not in the gym, he plays club soccer and volunteers as a gymnastics coach for Special Olympics.
An ideal weekend for Jon would include playing basketball with friends, going out on the lake, having a bonfire, and watching a superhero movie or a show like Criminal Minds or Arrow.
At school, Jon’s favorite class is physics. He is considering studying kinesiology in college. And after that, he will get a dog. Ever since his beloved Bernese, Daisy, passed away, Jon looks forward to having his own dog someday.
But until then, he will use the discipline and focus learned in the gym to vault him to success after high school.
Minnetonka Senior Photo Session | Hayden
Hayden likes trying new things and learned to wake board this summer while he was in Minnesota visiting family. He is the guy who is always up for a challenge.
On weekends, he works at an event catering company in his home state, North Carolina. He also loves sports (especially basketball), video games (his favorite is Minecraft), thrifting, and music (Bruno Mars tops his playlist).
His favorite subjects in school are science and history. After graduation, he is considering a trade like electrician or plumbing as a career.
It will be fun to watch Hayden go out into the world, meet new challenges, and make an impact.
Noerenberg Garden Senior Portrait Session | Grace
At night when most of us are settling down with Netflix, Grace grabs her telescope. She likes to look at stars and planets.
Her favorite planet is Neptune because it appears blue. And she recently took an amazing photo of the moon, using her telescope and phone.
At school, her favorite subjects are History and English. Grace is on the speech team where she competes in the discussion category. She also volunteers in the community through Youth in Action. She is considering a career in law.
Grace likes to stay active. She is on the soccer team. In sports she’s ambidextrous, kicking and throwing both ways. She also likes taking her dog Finn on walks.
Faith is the cornerstone of Grace’s life. If she could invite one historical figure over for dinner, who would she choose? “Jesus,” she replied.
She is also creative. Last December, Grace and her mom won a gingerbread house contest. They constructed a grandfather clock out of gingerbread and decorated it with fondant mice. It took 9 days to make and there were power tools involved! Their effort paid off because they won a trip to Norway.
Never stop reaching for the stars, Grace!
Lake Minnetonka Senior Portrait Session | Lauren
Lauren radiates energy and she likes to stay active. She is a pitcher on the varsity softball team. Since there isn’t a limit on the number of pitches, she has pitched up to 6 games in one day!
She also enjoys working with kids. Lauren coaches youth softball players and volunteers as a tutor with an after-school program.
Lauren loves to travel. Her favorite destination? Paris. The culture is interesting and the crepes are delicious.
Another favorite place is Florida, where her family has vacationed for years. She is considering going to college in Florida.
Fun facts about Lauren:
•She doesn’t have Instagram. Rare in this age group!
•She loves country music and recently saw Morgan Wallen in concert.
•She likes Mexican food and says the guava bbq tacos at Lagos Tacos are not to be missed.
•She adores her dog, Gracie. Gracie made an appearance in some of Lauren’s senior photos!
Minneapolis Senior Photo Session | Sydney
Sydney is wise beyond her years.
She works with a financial advisor to invest money. She has her college major decided (actuarial science). And she recently gave up energy drinks because they contain too much caffeine.
But she likes to have fun too. Sydney enjoys playing pickleball, working out, going to movies, and listening to good music. She saw Chicago and Earth Wind & Fire in concert last night with friends.
At school, Sydney’s favorite subject is math. She likes working with numbers and statistics.
She is on the varsity speech team where she competes in the Original Oratory category, writing and performing speeches designed to inspire and persuade.
She also manages the girls swim team, works at a sushi restaurant, and fosters dogs through an animal hospice rescue. Her family is currently caring for a 20-year old Pomeranian.
As Sydney goes out into the world, her ambition and compassion will add up to success.
Wayzata Senior Portrait Session | Ben
Ben was born on Christmas day. He doesn’t mind having his birthday on a holiday.
Ben plans to study business or economics in college. When he isn’t studying, you’ll find him on the golf course. His favorite golfer is Bryson DeChambeau (“He’s fun to watch”) and his favorite place to golf is Braemar or Madden’s up north.
He also enjoys wake surfing, lifting weights, playing poker with the boys, and hanging out with his dogs.
But the cornerstone of his life is faith and family. He knows what really matters and it guides every decision he makes.
Whatever he decides to do after high school, Ben will shine a light in the world.
Burwell Park Senior Portrait Session | Nick
Nick is happiest outdoors, fishing or hunting with his dog Bo.
He also plays baseball. A stress fracture in his back forced him to sit out the junior baseball season but he will be back on the field next spring.
This fall, Nick will play varsity basketball. He stays fueled with his favorite snack: a bowl of cinnamon Life cereal and a glass of milk.
Fun facts about Nick:
•He bats left but throws right.
•He likes to cook. His signature dish is eggs over medium.
•He follows the stock market and likes to invest and trade stocks.
•His favorite subject is math and he is considering engineering as a career.
Nick’s quiet determination, ambition and curiosity will take him far. Hit it out of the park, Nick!
Wayzata Country Club Senior Photo Session | Billy
This summer, you’ll find Billy on the tennis court. He plays varsity doubles tennis and gives lessons at a local club. He enjoys watching Wimbledon and his favorite tennis player is Carlos Alcaraz.
Billy is also an entrepreneur. He and a friend have a business cleaning boats. At school, he is in the business organization DECA and he qualified for the State competition. Billy is considering studying business in college.
Fun facts about Billy…
• He is an only child (“It’s nice at Christmas!”)
• His favorite school lunch is cheesy bread. (Orange chicken is a close second.)
• He has a fear of bunnies. (As a kid, he watched a cartoon where the bunnies turned evil and he never really got over it.)
In the classroom, on the court, and in life, Billy will ace it.
Millennium Garden Senior Portrait Session | Cameron
Cameron is a true gentleman. He’s the kind of guy who responds to questions with “Yes ma’am”. But don’t expect him to use his manners on the soccer field.
Cam has been playing soccer for as long as he can remember. Now he is on the varsity soccer team which is currently undefeated.
Cam has an intense focus on excelling at the sport and contributing to his team. Despite a torn meniscus in his knee, Cam powers through. “I’m not going to give up my senior season,” he explained. Physical therapy and strength training pay off on game day.
In his free time, you’ll find Cam watching soccer (Neymar is his favorite player), listening to country music (Morgan Wallen or “whatever the boys are playing in the car”), going out on the lake with friends, and avoiding bees (he’s allergic).
Where does Cam see himself in 10 years? “Hopefully rich,” he laughed.
He’s resilient and relentless—- traits that will help Cam achieve his goals, on and off the field. Yes sir!
Plymouth Senior Photo Session | John
John is a young man moving in the right direction, on and off the ice.
As a captain of the varsity hockey team, John works hard to win games and encourage his teammates. They call him JohnnyFive, because we wears the number 5 jersey. His favorite snack to fuel his game? Ramen.
At school, John enjoys science and is considering a pre-medicine track in college. John participates in the business organization DECA and in Unified, a club that promotes inclusion.
In his free time, John enjoys playing golf, listening to rap, playing ping pong, and binge-watching “Suits”.
Wherever life takes him, John’s determination and grit will push him to achieve— and to anticipate where the puck is going to be.
Excelsior Senior Portrait Session | Jordan
If you’re going to the State Fair, Jordan recommends trying the pickle pizza!
He’s been to the fair twice this year and plans to go again before it ends. He embraces the quirky food, fun rides, and big crowds.
This summer, Jordan also played a lot of golf. He is on the varsity golf team. His favorite course is Augusta, which he played with his Dad and grandfather. The golfer that inspires him most is Tiger Woods.
Jordan works as a caddy at a golf club. I asked “Is caddying like the movie Caddyshack”? He said no, but agreed it’s a funny movie.
He also works at a local ice rink, doing a variety of tasks from emptying the garbage to driving the Zamboni. In addition to golf, Jordan enjoys hockey and he might lace up his skates this winter.
He had to take a break from hockey a few years ago after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Thanks to his medical team as well as lots of hard work, strong faith, and resilience, Jordan fully recovered.
In his free time, Jordan likes learning about history, listening to country music (Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs are his favorites), cheering for Gopher football, being on the lake with friends, and going to the cabin with his family which includes a golden retriever named Kona. Oh and he loves the State Fair.
Jordan has a maturity beyond his years. His work ethic, perseverance and joy of living will keep him moving on and upward.
Mill Ruins Park Senior Portrait Session | Sylvie
Sylvie’s favorite place is behind a boat, surfing over the wake with wind blowing through her hair. She learned to wakesurf the summer after third grade and has been on water ever since.
On land, you might find her at the mall. She loves to shop. PacSun and Ulta are favorites. She has a flair for fashion and is currently decorating denim overalls to show her school spirit at football games.
Clothes cost money so Sylvie works at a local restaurant as a food runner. Her favorite kind of food is Indian. And she has a sweet tooth. After her shoot, we treated ourselves to ice cream from a food truck.
Faith is a cornerstone of Sylvie’s life. She is active in her church and she strives to treat others with kindness and respect. When I told her we’ll be hosting an exchange student this fall who doesn’t know anyone, Sylvie said “I’ll be her friend.” And she meant it.
Sylvie loves to travel. South Africa tops her list of destinations~ she went on a mission trip there a few years ago and got to go on safari. She enjoys exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.
In school, Sylvie likes history and math. She plans to study business and perhaps pursue a career in sales. She is a free spirit and a go-getter. Whether she’s surfing a wake or chasing a dream, Sylvie will carve a path all her own.
Wildflower Field Senior Portrait Session | Courtney
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Courtney would agree.
Courtney has studied diamonds and knows how to inspect each gem with tools including a loupe and a black light. She has an eye for quality and value, which is useful when she buys and sells diamonds.
Like a jewel, Courtney has many facets.
Courtney is a full-time PSEO student at the University of Minnesota, even though she is in high school. She enjoys math and science and plans to major in biology on a pre-med track.
She is a certified nursing assistant and works in a long term care facility. She plans on a career in healthcare.
In her free time, Courtney likes to listen to music (Post Malone is her favorite artist), snuggle with her cats, go boating with friends, or dress up for an evening out.
Her favorite restaurant is 6Smith. Her favorite food is cheese. Not just any cheese~ she prefers gourmet European varieties that I can’t pronounce. Let’s just say it’s not Velveeta.
Like a diamond, Courtney sparkles. She’s strong and timeless. Her ambition and joy will enhance her future in healthcare and the patients she serves.
Millennium Garden Senior Photo Session | Liam
Liam will spend his 18th birthday this week at football practice, followed by sushi dinner with his family.
On the field, Liam is agile and aggressive. He is a running back for the varsity football team and a catcher for the baseball team. He wears jersey number 4 for both sports and is determined to work hard to win.
Off the field, Liam is a registered animal therapy handler. He and his golden retriever, Penny, will volunteer at a school and with a group home to help teens build social skills and manage anxiety. Sharing Penny’s smile and stories about her are impactful ways to connect with others.
Liam coaches teens who have special needs through the Unified club at school. Unified is about inclusion, friendship, and fun. Liam also volunteers with a special needs group at his church.
Liam is a fix-it guy. He works as a welder for a boat propeller repair company. He’s saving up for a pickup truck. He also likes to build things. Together, Liam and his dad built a Zamboni for their backyard ice rink!
In his free time, Liam likes reading, working out, and listening to rock or country music. He also enjoys the outdoors — favorite destinations are the lake, Lutsen, Cuyuna, and the Boundary Waters for wakesurfing, snowboarding, mountain biking, canoeing, and camping.
At school, his favorite classes are biology and anatomy and he is considering a career in healthcare. In the meantime, Liam and his dog will make a “pawsitive” difference in young people’s lives.