The City of Chatfield is currently seeking high school students to serve as non-voting members of several City commissions. This is a terrific opportunity for students to participate in meaningful leadership. Despite being non-voting members, the students will be active partners in commission meetings and discussions. This level of engagement will provide student members to see first-hand how local government operates.

The various commissions that are seeking students work in a wide range of governmental areas. Students interested in any number of careers would greatly benefit by participating. I have included more information further down in this newsletter.

Go, Gophers!

Eric Nelson

Principal, Chatfield High School

Aletta has demonstrated excellence as an athlete throughout her career at Chatfield High School. Aletta has many all conference recognitions across cross country, dance, and track. She represented Chatfield in the MSHSL Cross Country State Championships on two occasions.

In addition to athletics, Aletta is a top student and has been highly recognized in speech, choir, band, and theater.

Aletta will be formally recognized at the St. Paul Athena Awards Banquet in April.

I had the opportunity to ask questions of Kyra Throckmorton (12) after the Chatfield Dance Team's performance at the conference meet. Kyra is another Gopher scholar, musician, and athlete that brings so much to our school community.

Q- The Chatfield Dance Team just finished in 2nd Place in the High Kick competition at the Three Rivers Conference competition. This is the best result in the team's history. What do you think is unique about this team?

A- There are so many unique qualities about this team. First we have 20 dancers total and 16 of that is made up of juniors and seniors (8 each). This makes us one of the biggest teams in our section. The Chatfield Dance team is also one of the newest programs at Chatfield, but it grew fast. The amount of work and love that each dancer has for the sport is very special. Each person loves dance in their own way and it shows at practice and out on the dance floor when we compete. We are all dedicated and we focus on team goals and work together to achieve them. This team also has a very strong bond. We all get along extremely well and work well with each other. It’s definitely going to be hard leaving the Chatfield Dance Team.

Q- You have the Section meet coming up in Lake City on February 11th. What will your team be focusing on in preparation?

A- Our team will be focusing on our precision throughout our routines. There are some very strong teams in our section so we will be making changes to the routines and making sure every move hits together. We will also be focusing on what Coach Brenda always says, “focus on yourself, and not others. You can only control what we do as a team not what other teams do.” She really helps us get through all the hard days and always keeps us in the positive mindset. No matter what, as long as we do our absolute best and have fun the placement doesn’t matter. Even though it’s nice to place, it doesn’t matter if we didn’t have fun!

Q- This year's team is filled with seniors like you. How have the veterans worked to prepare next year's leaders?

A- The great thing about these dancers is that they are all fantastic leaders already. The juniors will have a big senior group next season like this year’s seniors. Every one of them are very passionate about dance and they will all be strong leaders. As seniors this year we are making sure to recognize the positives in every situation, and that hard work really does pay off. This team has been going to the weight room twice a week to get stronger and it shows. Another is to cherish every moment, this season has been amazing and the seniors this year will have many great memories to look back on all because of how fun this team is. In my opinion this has been the best season yet!

These items are intended for reference purposes