Alumni
A long and proud tradition
As the oldest school district in the state, we have a long history and countless points of Pony pride. But nothing makes us prouder than our incredible alumni. We've graduated generations of our community's best and brightest, and they've gone on to accomplish amazing things.
Alumni News
![Back of Graduate Caps with Stillwater Area High School banner]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1701107030/stillwaterschoolsorg/rcsrrjlwyy72mdetires/GraduationPhoto.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1701107030/stillwaterschoolsorg/rcsrrjlwyy72mdetires/GraduationPhoto.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1701107030/stillwaterschoolsorg/rcsrrjlwyy72mdetires/GraduationPhoto.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1701107030/stillwaterschoolsorg/rcsrrjlwyy72mdetires/GraduationPhoto.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1701107030/stillwaterschoolsorg/rcsrrjlwyy72mdetires/GraduationPhoto.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1701107030/stillwaterschoolsorg/rcsrrjlwyy72mdetires/GraduationPhoto.jpg","width":2048}])
Nominations Open for Distinguished Alumni Award
Nominations for the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award are now open!
![2024 Distinguished Alumni]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714066950/stillwaterschoolsorg/wyyicatxjmwyjlgwgrct/Distinguished.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714066950/stillwaterschoolsorg/wyyicatxjmwyjlgwgrct/Distinguished.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1714066950/stillwaterschoolsorg/wyyicatxjmwyjlgwgrct/Distinguished.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714066950/stillwaterschoolsorg/wyyicatxjmwyjlgwgrct/Distinguished.png","width":916}])
Five graduates named Distinguished Alumni
This year’s class of Distinguished Alumni includes: Greg Anderson (Class of 2000); John Kraemer (Class of 1961); Carol Ley, M.D., M.P.H. (Class of 1976); Roger A. Peterson (Class of 1954); and Bishop Joseph Williams (Class of 1992).
![superintendent with new graduate]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1682608038/stillwaterschoolsorg/nxfac56mry4oudows24c/IMG_4623.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1682608038/stillwaterschoolsorg/nxfac56mry4oudows24c/IMG_4623.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1682608038/stillwaterschoolsorg/nxfac56mry4oudows24c/IMG_4623.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1682608038/stillwaterschoolsorg/nxfac56mry4oudows24c/IMG_4623.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1682608038/stillwaterschoolsorg/nxfac56mry4oudows24c/IMG_4623.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1682608038/stillwaterschoolsorg/nxfac56mry4oudows24c/IMG_4623.jpg","width":2200}])
High school student finally gets diploma after 65 years
82-year-old Nile Kriesel receiving an honorary high school diploma.
![2022 distinguished alumni winners]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1651521102/stillwaterschoolsorg/zf3psxfckqarzjknyeln/DistinguishedAlumni-20221.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1651521102/stillwaterschoolsorg/zf3psxfckqarzjknyeln/DistinguishedAlumni-20221.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1651521102/stillwaterschoolsorg/zf3psxfckqarzjknyeln/DistinguishedAlumni-20221.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1651521102/stillwaterschoolsorg/zf3psxfckqarzjknyeln/DistinguishedAlumni-20221.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1651521102/stillwaterschoolsorg/zf3psxfckqarzjknyeln/DistinguishedAlumni-20221.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1651521102/stillwaterschoolsorg/zf3psxfckqarzjknyeln/DistinguishedAlumni-20221.jpg","width":2200}])
Four selected as 2022 Distinguished Alumni
This year’s class of Distinguished Alumni includes: Jessie Diggins (Class of 2010); Dr. Patrick Hicks (Class of 1988); Danielle Mkali (Class of 1996); and Edward W. Simonet (Class of 1967).
Class Reunions
Stillwater Area Public Schools does not plan reunions. It is up to each individual graduating class to organize their own.
If you are planning a class reunion, please fill out this form with the details.
Alumni Facebook Page
Distinguished Alumni
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes individuals who have placed a high priority on education and service to others, becoming role models for this and future generations. Dr. Jon Swenson, a Stillwater Area High School principal, initiated this award in 1987.
A committee through a nomination process selects the award recipients each. The chosen Distinguished Alumni are honored at a reception prior to graduation and at the commencement ceremony.
Find a Distinguished Alumni by Career Path
![Greg Anderson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714060956/stillwaterschoolsorg/oimfuddvvtsib1k5lody/GregAnderson.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714060956/stillwaterschoolsorg/oimfuddvvtsib1k5lody/GregAnderson.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714060956/stillwaterschoolsorg/oimfuddvvtsib1k5lody/GregAnderson.png","width":600}])
2024 inductee Greg Anderson (Class of 2000), an internationally renowned concert pianist recognized as a world leader on the advancement of classical music.
![John Kraemer]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714061571/stillwaterschoolsorg/zswvlzvkchz3mhlk9asg/JohnKraemer.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714061571/stillwaterschoolsorg/zswvlzvkchz3mhlk9asg/JohnKraemer.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714061571/stillwaterschoolsorg/zswvlzvkchz3mhlk9asg/JohnKraemer.png","width":600}])
2024 inductee John Kraemer (Class of 1961), instrumental in the creation of the Stillwater Veterans Memorial and Minnesota Medal of Honor Memorial.
![Carol Ley]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714061426/stillwaterschoolsorg/ydonoc8ro3fd9ax3mup2/CarolLey.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714061426/stillwaterschoolsorg/ydonoc8ro3fd9ax3mup2/CarolLey.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714061426/stillwaterschoolsorg/ydonoc8ro3fd9ax3mup2/CarolLey.png","width":600}])
2024 inductee Carol Ley (Class of 1976), national leader in occupational health who served as Vice President and Corporate Medical Director at 3M.
![Roger Peterson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714061106/stillwaterschoolsorg/c1b6nqw1ynan6nzz31um/RogerPeterson.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714061106/stillwaterschoolsorg/c1b6nqw1ynan6nzz31um/RogerPeterson.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714061106/stillwaterschoolsorg/c1b6nqw1ynan6nzz31um/RogerPeterson.png","width":600}])
2024 inductee Roger A. Peterson (Class of 1954), a founding partner of Peterson, Hudson & Co. accounting firm, who served on the Stillwater City Council for 16 years
![Bishop Williams]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714061254/stillwaterschoolsorg/m4bv36p3wodrvmrofyyp/BishopWilliams.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714061254/stillwaterschoolsorg/m4bv36p3wodrvmrofyyp/BishopWilliams.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714061254/stillwaterschoolsorg/m4bv36p3wodrvmrofyyp/BishopWilliams.png","width":600}])
2024 inductee Bishop Joseph Williams (Class of 1992) appointed by Pope Francis in 2021 is known for his outreach to the Latino and Spanish-speaking communities.
![David Pierce]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683651113/stillwaterschoolsorg/xkeewzb1rppco5wl9rq9/DavidPierceLargefilesizephoto.jpg","width":212}])
2023 inductee David M. Pierce, Ph.D. (Class of 1992), a biomedical engineer who has made significant contributions to the field of soft tissue mechanics.
![Zach Sobiech]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683651300/stillwaterschoolsorg/wozwkenidsxv6gz1z23p/ZachSobiech.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683651300/stillwaterschoolsorg/wozwkenidsxv6gz1z23p/ZachSobiech.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683651300/stillwaterschoolsorg/wozwkenidsxv6gz1z23p/ZachSobiech.jpg","width":525}])
2023 inductee Zach Sobiech (Class of 2013), his inspirational song “Clouds” went viral and helped raise millions of dollars for cancer research.
![Pete Winslow]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1683651512/stillwaterschoolsorg/sfdrgjaztziiti25zta2/PeteWinslow.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1683651512/stillwaterschoolsorg/sfdrgjaztziiti25zta2/PeteWinslow.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1683651512/stillwaterschoolsorg/sfdrgjaztziiti25zta2/PeteWinslow.jpg","width":744}])
2023 inductee Pete Winslow (Class of 2012), two-time world champion member of the U.S. Power Soccer National Team who advocates for athletes with disabilities.