August Note from the Editor (Plus Details on the Lens on Lake Minnetonka Photo Contest!)

Why we should stay inspired to stay educated.

It’s hard to deny that education, whether it be traditional or unique, is the cornerstone to what makes us successful as people. Some of us gain that knowledge in the classroom. Some of us use travel to teach us what we need to know. Some of us jump into careers that give us experiences we could never construct on our own. Some of us learn by YouTube-ing.

We live in a world where information is so accessible that we have few excuses not to take our own personal education by the wheel and point ourselves to where we want to go (using Google Maps or not). We have so many more opportunities than the generations before us, and using these tools to our advantage will only help to guide us on paths to who we truly want to be.

In this issue, we’re featuring incredible young people who’ve started on those paths already. Our annual Prep Elite feature highlights five high school seniors who excel in their crafts are showcasing their talents (and sharing a few of their secret abilities). Plus, we're giving you a peek inside the lives of four recent grads of high schools in our area who have made it big in the entertainment industry (like the lead singer of American Authors!). And a little closer to home, students in the Minnetonka school district are getting their technological feet wet with a new coding curriculum, set to launch in elementary schools this year.

These young people are inspiring—let their stories remind you that no matter how young or old you are, there’s always something new to learn.

Happy learning,

Nicolle

 

ENTER THE LENS ON LAKE MINNETONKA PHOTO CONTEST!

It’s clichéd because it’s true: A picture is worth 1000 words. But a picture of Lake Minnetonka, its community landmarks, its events, its pets? Worth at least 2000 words.

So submit your best photos of our region to the 2014 Lens on Lake Minnetonka Photo Contest. With categories ranging from Activities & Events, City Landmarks, Wildlife & Nature, People & Families, and Pets, there’s surely one that fits your favorite shot. Submissions are accepted through August 31, so visit lakeminnetonkamag.com to get more details—and to showcase your photography skills!