For SLP alumni Alma and Cole, growing up together in St. Louis Park created long-lasting memories. Winter mornings were filled with snow fort shenanigans, and when it was time to go inside, they would continue with knee hockey in the basement. Since they both played the same sports – soccer, hockey and track – they spent a lot of time together cheering for each other at their games while also competing against one other. 

The community provided Alma and Cole with a safe place where they could explore and have fun in a caring environment. St. Louis Park Public Schools offered them opportunities – academic and extracurricular – that shaped the people they are today.

Alma enjoyed being involved, participating in the National Honor Society, working as a youth data analyst intern and singing in the choir, all outside of playing hockey and track. Cole was just as busy with his sports but tried many activities and classes before pursuing politics and political strategy after high school. 

“We shared many interests but also had our own paths. However, we both shared a love of sports, and school,” shared Alma. “I think our experience as sibling’s allowed us to compete with each other, but also be each other’s biggest fans.”

“I think our experiences as kids growing up in SLP played a big role in shaping who we are as people today,” Cole adds. “I will always have SLP schools to thank for my ability to talk to people that don't look like me.”

After high school, Cole and Alma parted ways to pursue their passions. Alma is on the University of Minnesota women’s soccer team. When she’s not playing, she’s working as a marketing intern for the Gopher athletic department, coaching youth soccer and preparing for a visit to Italy this spring for a study abroad internship.

“I had lots of amazing elementary school teachers who helped me develop my love of Spanish which I’m now pursuing as a minor at the University of Minnesota too,” Alma added.

Cole pursued politics and political strategy, supporting SLP Mayor Nadia Mohamed to win her election. Cole is currently the External Affairs Specialist for the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, and is working on the State Representative Cedrick Frazier re-election campaign.

“I think my career path has been very well-rounded,” Cole shared. “SLP Schools really prepared me to be good at multiple things, and I never felt boxed into being an athlete, band kid, or a good student.”

Looking back to their SLP days, Alma encourages students to be a part of everything. “The older you get, the more the world forces you to narrow down on your interests and career. At St. Louis Park you’ll have the opportunity to be a part of a smaller community, so get involved in all the sports, all the clubs and use your teachers as resources,” Alma suggests.

Cole encourages students to intern. “I think interning is the best way to earn a role for yourself and also gauge what interests you (and what doesn't),” Cole adds. “Pursuing something you are interested in and care about should come first, and the money can come later.”

Whether it be trades skills, college/university or a career, St. Louis Park Public Schools are clearly preparing students for their world beyond the classroom. SLP is proud to offer International Baccalaureate (IB) and Concurrent College Enrollment (College in Schools) as options for students to pursue their passions and earn college credits, if they choose.