School briefs

Talk on Hmong youth A University of Minnesota professor will discuss Hmong youth issues in a presentation hosted by the Forest Lake Area School District on April 29.

Zha Blong Xiong, a professor of sociology and family studies, will present his latest research findings and offer practical tips for interaction with Hmong teens, according to a news release from the district.

"Understanding Hmong Youth" will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the media center at Forest Lake Area High School, 6101 N. Scandia Trail in Forest Lake. It is free and open to the public.

STAFF REPORT

High school staging of 'Little Women' The theater department at South St. Paul High School will present "Little Women" at 7 p.m. April 10-12 in the school's auditorium at 700 N. Second St. Tickets are $6 for students and $8 for adults and can be purchased before the three performances or reserved at 651-457-9430 ext. 1.

"Little Women" is a play by Peter Clapham, based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, about a family of women in Civil War-era New England. The play spans years, following the girls' struggles with life's challenges and illustrating how their family connection remains strong despite tragedies.

The cast includes Carrie Bishop, Sami Sobaski, Jo Hatlevig, Breanna Olson, Amelia Peacock, Jane Burkitt, Sarah Witte, Mark Bratten, Colton Peterson, Sean Collins and Rich Salsbury.

KEVIN GILES

Award finalists Ten teachers have been named finalists for the title of 2008 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. They are:

Joe Beattie, Hastings High School; Carleen Gulstad, Hopkins North Junior High School; Rose Regan, Pine Bend Elementary School in Inver Grove Heights; Diane Weiher, Lake Harriet Community School in Minneapolis; John Bade, Northfield Middle School; Julie Buryska, Wilson Elementary School in Owatonna; Gordon Westendorf, Proctor High School; Steve Brehmer, Mayo High School in Rochester; Lynne Meyer, Greenleaf Elementary School in Apple Valley; and Derek Olson, Afton-Lakeland Elementary School in Stillwater.

One teacher will be honored at a banquet on May 4.

STAFF REPORT