Champlin Park Student Makes Impact All the Way to State Capitol
The school year may be winding down, but rehearsals for the spring concert are heating up.
At Champlin Park High School, students are working tirelessly to make sure they sound as good as possible for their May concert.
“Students come in, grab their instruments, get right to work and get technically better,” said Steve Lyons, Champlin Park’s band director. “[They] learn their own parts as well as those of the people around them so they can respond better as musicians.”
Sophomore Janae Rupert plays the clarinet. She grew up around music and has made it part of her identity.
“I’ve always felt a pull towards music just because, you know, it’s a language with no words,” said Rupert.
This year, Rupert channeled that passion for music to earn a spot on the State Honor Band after being passed over as a freshman.
“It was such a great experience being with like, this super high-level band,” she said.
“And not only was she selected for the group this year, but she was second chair,” added Lyons. “So out of all the tenth-graders in the entire state of Minnesota, she was No. 2, which is amazing.”
Champlin Park sophomore Janae Rupert rehearses for the spring concert.
Serving on the Minnesota Youth Council
But Rupert isn’t just all about the arts. She’s also one of 36 students selected to serve on the Minnesota Youth Council, which advises the governor and state legislature.
“I feel like there’s a lot of decisions being made about youth in Minnesota, but they don’t get a say in it, which I feel is not exactly fair,” said Rupert.
By being part of the Minnesota Youth Council, Rupert plays a role as the official voice of young people across Minnesota.
“It’s definitely a major time commitment, but when you enjoy doing the work, it doesn’t really feel like a job,” she said.
It’s an impressive resume for someone who’s only a sophomore. Her teachers have high hopes for her future.
“She not only inspires me to be a better teacher, but she inspires her colleagues, her peers to go after their passions as well,” Lyons said.
Rupert has one more year of her two-year term to serve on the Minnesota Youth Council.
Related: Champlin Park’s Kathryn Adler Excels in Volleyball and Art
Champlin Park High School
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