WALA Celebrates 10 Seniors Graduating with Class of 2026

WALA celebrated 10 seniors who will graduate with the Class of 2026.

Students in the Westonka Alternative Learning Academy (WALA) honored 10 seniors in their class who will be graduating on June 1 at a special graduation celebration on May 27. The day started with a ceremony in the Performing Arts Center and then moved on to YMCA Camp Christmas Tree for grilling and celebrating outdoors on a beautiful summer-like day.

Logan Jolicoeur, Gracie Specht, Glenn Givens, Anthony Williams, Zoey Landsman, Taylor Fixsen, Abigail Rossetto, Anna Jarbah, Kasey Engstrom, and Esperanza Lopez have completed the required coursework to graduate as part of the Class of 2026. WALA staff members talked about each senior individually, and student awards were given for exemplary performance in the classroom. 

"We had an outstanding year in WALA, and this group of seniors was special!” said WALA Coordinator Todd Munsterteiger. “We tried new things, accomplished a lot, and had some fun.  I am excited to see what this group will do after high school and wish them the best of luck!”

A site visit from the Minnesota Department of Education a week ago involved a program overview, presentations, facilities tour, and interviews with staff and students. “They had very positive things to say about our students and staff,” said Munsterteiger.

About WALA

The Westonka Alternative Learning Academy (WALA) offers a school within a school alternative learning program at WHS. It serves students who have been identified as at­ risk.

The WALA program fosters a structured environment that helps students increase their basic skills, connects them to their community, and challenges them to be lifelong learners. An innovative curriculum, a low student-teacher ratio, a caring, enthusiastic staff and a safe classroom environment help students build self-respect and create options for their futures.

The WALA program includes required coursework in the four core disciplines: English, social studies, math and science; as well as an option for work experience credit. The WALA curriculum is innovative and includes interdisciplinary and project-based learning units that provide rigor and relevance to learning.