One classic MHS event that has seen wide appeal throughout the school is Coffeehouse. Roughly three times each year, students gather in the Black Box to listen to tunes covered and performed by their peers, whether it be classical piano music or some rock-and-roll. Some performers even choose to share some of their own musical creations, making for a truly unforgettable experience. As someone who has attended a handful of these shows, this is truly something you will not want to miss! If you have something musical you want to share with the MHS community, be sure to look out for Coffeehouse auditions before shows come around throughout the year!
Love is in the air! And so is the excitement for another dance! Around Valentine’s day, we will be having a heart week, another spirit week with days to dress up, and tons of events, typically consisting of trivia night and a dinner. All money from the proceedings go to the organization Family Friends, an organization that helps other Minnetonka students. And all these events end with the final dance, the Sweethearts Dance! The Sweethearts Dance is always a night to remember!
Choir, orchestra, and band concerts are a staple of the arts at MHS. These concerts, despite how they may appear, are electric with energy no matter what is performed. Choir shows are packed to the brim with students and families, orchestra concerts showcase fun performances from all grade levels, and band concerts are often filled with loud and forceful sounds that are sure to shock you! Keep a lookout for updates on upcoming performances from the Arts Department, as it’s a great way to get a view on what arts at Minnetonka look like!
A new school staple, running for three years now, the MHS Culture Fair is a great opportunity to learn about new cultures. Classes are let out an hour early in order to allow students and teachers the time to engage with the booths, with the option to stay later. Students share their cultures with the school through boards and food, such as the Egyptian honey candies, Russian wafer chocolates, or the Korean Milkis. It’s a ton of fun to experience the Fair, to see new cultures and eat new foods. Save up your appetite, Tonka!
For juniors and seniors at MHS, prom is one great way to wrap up the year. With a culminating dance and gathering, you can find upperclassmen spending their time having fun and socializing with the rest of their classes. Last school year, the classes of 2024 and 2025 had the opportunity to round out their year in stunning fashion on Veterans Field with an abundance of fireworks and music. Advika Sachidanandhan and Zoe Garcia, both 25’, said they especially enjoyed the display of fireworks to round out the evening. Get excited, upperclassmen! This upcoming prom is one you won’t want to miss!
Of the many extracurriculars at MHS, few are so well-beloved as Theater. A great pastime for many, Minnetonka has incorporated it into their identity, sporting one of the best theater programs in all of Minnesota. The directors pour their hearts into each of the five yearly shows, with stellar acting from fellow students to boot. A great lineup of shows pads out the year, from The Addams Family to Anything Goes, an award-winning musical. When asked about the program, Mark Turcotte, 26’, replied saying, “40% of the people who go to these shows have no relation to Minnetonka at all… they go because it’s good, cheap theater.”
To round out their academic careers, this year the class of 2025 will graduate at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. They’ll walk across the stage to receive their diploma, leading them wherever their lives take them. Students who may have friends in the graduating class or have interest in the ceremony are welcome to tune in on YouTube to watch their peers finalize their years at Minnetonka. If you’re a freshman, this will be you in four years! Time will fly, and before you know it, you’ll be walking across the stage as a graduated senior.
Homecoming is, by far, a favorite for many students. Homecoming is a week of spirit days, where students are invited to dress up, a pep fest on Friday with an early release from school, and the Homecoming parade in the center of Excelsior. That night, the homecoming game, where hundreds of Minnetonka students and parents attend, takes place at Einer-Anderson stadium. This year, we will be playing Shakopee. Go Skippers! The following night, high school students of all grade levels will get ready for the final homecoming event, the homecoming dance. Thousands of students attend in duos, trios, and groups, leading it to be the night of the year. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and get on the dance floor!
Whether you’re interested in music, dancing, or just general MHS events, this year at Minnetonka High School will be one to remember.