Adam Stienessen. Photos: Chris Emeott
There is one word to describe the youth of Maple Grove: accomplished. From perfect ACT scores and accelerated classes to being a business co-owner, our annual Senior Spotlight illuminates the remarkable things these students have achieved. Now, we get to share that all with you, Readers.
Earlier this year, we asked school administrators and staff to nominate outstanding students (Class of 2026) who will leave an indelible mark on their school’s history. After a panel met to discuss each incredible nomination, it had to make decisions with great difficulty. Now, it gives us great pleasure to introduce three graduating seniors who are passionate about leading and learning. Visit maplegrovemag.com to learn more about each student.
Adam Stienessen
Maple Grove Senior High School
“Adam is an exceptional scholar, athlete and leader whose dedication to excellence shines in every aspect of his life. With a perfect 36 on the ACT, a 4.15 cumulative GPA and recognition as an AP Scholar with Honor, he has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to academic achievement while taking on a rigorous course load. As [the president] of the [Maple Grove chapter of the] National Honor Society, he exemplifies integrity, service and leadership, extending his passion for learning beyond the classroom by tutoring students in math both independently and through online ACT prep. His impact in the community is profound, as he has helped countless students gain confidence in their academic abilities. Beyond academics, Adam is a standout athlete, excelling in Crimson hockey and tennis while earning the honor of being a two-time Minnesota Hockey Advancement Program Player of the Year nominee. As a LINK Crew member, he mentors and guides younger students, fostering a positive and supportive school environment. His unwavering dedication to excellence, leadership and service makes him not only an outstanding student but also an inspiration to his peers and community.” —Katie Grivna, National Honor Society advisor
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my perseverance during the second trimester of my junior year. Even though I was battling almost daily migraines, a three-month-long sinus infection and two torn patellar tendons, I scored a 36 on the ACT, got straight A’s in five AP [Advanced Placement] classes and Spanish 5, and scored a goal for the Crimson at Hockey Day Minnesota at Valley Fair. During this time, I proved to myself that even though setbacks in my life will be unavoidable, I can power through them.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola. My mom likes to tell stories of her Italian mother—my Nana—reading that book to her when she was a child. It’s an awesome story, but it has a cool personal heritage connection for me as well.
What is your favorite school lunch?
… The chicken bites. I get thirds on those days. The best items to go with that are three big scoops of carrots, a Johnny Pop … and two of the frozen strawberry cups.
Nadia Ehlert
Benilde-St. Margaret’s (BSM)
“Nadia has not only been a valuable member of the BSM community at large, but she has also become a leader in many different aspects of BSM, most notably as the Student Council junior class president. She’s served on the Student Council every year of her high school career so far. She received an award for her efforts in Student Council at the end of her sophomore year. For BSM’s RoboCup Rescue team, not many juniors are given roles as leaders for part of our robot’s design and development sub-teams. Nadia is one of the rare juniors who [was] trusted by her senior peers to become a leader for an important subsystem of the team’s robot. Nadia has received engineering awards at the end of both her freshman and sophomore years.” —Charles Nepumuceno, Engineering Department chair and teacher
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
My peers might not know that I am a part owner of a blueberry farm in Kentucky, and I spend my summers there, growing and selling blueberries. Our blueberries are delicious, and I love talking with families when they come to the farm about our berries.
What person in history would you most like to speak at your graduation ceremony?
Eliza Hamilton. I admire her dedication to her community and her strong activist work.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. My mom used to read it to me often when I was little, and it reminds me of the importance of my family, especially my mom. She has done so much for me and worked incredibly hard, and I can only hope that I could be like her.
Elijah Nichols
Parnassus Preparatory Academy
“Elijah is an extraordinary student whose curiosity and passion for learning knows no bounds. Elijah is especially interested in STEM fields, and, through the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program, has been taking accelerated classes since the sixth grade … Elijah is an avid participant in numerous school activities, including being the top scorer on our school Math League team, which will soon compete in the state competition. Mr. Thomas, Elijah’s Math League coach, credits Elijah’s leadership, perseverance and passion for mathematics as being major factors in the team’s success. Elijah was recently recognized as being one of the Top 50 scorers nationwide on the Classic Learning Test 10, a college preparatory exam designed specifically for students at classical schools. While mathematics is his passion, Elijah is a well-rounded student, who is an avid participant in his discussion-based classes. He notes that he has particularly enjoyed studying psychology, which he says has helped him to better understand how our brains work and how we can better interact and communicate with one another.” —Katherine Good, director of academics
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
Once, for my birthday, I asked for a library, because I wanted a large supply of books. While an entire library was obviously unfeasible, for my present that year, we went to several bookstores and started my collection, which now numbers well over 50 books. I have read many of them multiple times, and to this day, I remain an avid reader.
What song is the soundtrack to your high school career?
Wait for It from the Hamilton soundtrack
What is your favorite childhood book?
The Magic Treehouse series
