ISD 728 School Board Honors Students from Salk STEM, Hassan Elementary Schools

The ISD 728 School Board continued its dedicated effort to recognize student leadership at is regular meetings. On January 12, 2026, leaders from Hassan Elementary School of Rogers and Salk STEM Magnet School in Elk River were honored for their roles in their schools. 

Hassan Elementary

Natalie Brown

Natalie is a true gift to our Hassan family—kind, respectful, and consistently positive. She arrives each day with a smile and positive attitude that brightens our classroom. Natalie brings joy to her peers: she makes friends laugh, notices when someone needs help, and steps in with empathy and care. She is a natural leader who includes everyone and encourages others to do their best. Academically, Natalie works hard in all subject areas. She is self-motivated, organized, and excited for challenges. Above all, Nataie is dependable, responsible, and someone others look to as a role model. Our classroom and Hassan community is so lucky to have such an awesome student and classmate.

David Brost

David is an excellent candidate for the Leadership Award because he consistently shows kindness to his peers by including others, helping when needed, and making everyone feel welcome. He displays genuine respect for all through his polite manners and thoughtful interactions. He also demonstrates strong responsibility and leadership, always setting an example of perseverance, hard work, and doing his best—even when learning is challenging. He contributes positively to our school community each day by bringing his best self, showing kindness, and treating everyone with respect.

Salk Middle School

Josie Tripp 

Josie consistently demonstrates kindness, leadership, and inclusivity in her daily interactions. She is always willing to help classmates when they need support, creating a welcoming and positive environment for all students. Josie makes a deliberate effort to ensure that everyone feels included—often inviting students who may not yet have a team or partner to join her and encouraging them through positive words and genuine connection.

Josie approaches her learning with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, continually striving to improve her skills. She is respectful and polite to teachers, staff, and peers alike, regularly expressing gratitude and courtesy in her interactions.  

Josie serves as the National Junior Honor Society Treasurer, where she takes on leadership responsibilities with maturity and reliability. She is also actively involved in Student Council, WEB, Band, Jazz Band, Choir, and as a STEM Ambassador, reflecting her wide-ranging interests and commitment to service and leadership.

Additionally, Josie was recently awarded the Science Fair Excellence in Scientific Inquiry Award and is advancing to regionals—an impressive accomplishment that highlights her curiosity, perseverance, and academic excellence. 

Josie Tripp exemplifies the values of Salk Middle School and is truly deserving of recognition by the ISD 728 School Board.

Savannah Krueger 

Savannah consistently leads by example through her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and respect for others. She listens attentively to instructions and works hard during class, even when activities are challenging or less enjoyable. Savannah regularly asks thoughtful questions to improve her understanding and is not afraid to take on new challenges. Over time, she has shown notable growth as a learner and leader.

Savannah is kind and respectful to her peers and demonstrates a genuine willingness to help others.She is a highly dedicated student in the classroom and consistently demonstrates responsibility and engagement across school settings.

Savannah has taken on a leadership role in Student Council, where she has been a “super helper” behind the scenes. She created the majority of the slides used in the school-wide scrolling announcements for Student Council–led dress-up days and was an incredible help with decorating for school dances. She also played a leadership role in our recent CAER food drive, helping organize and support this important community effort.

Savannah is actively involved in Band, Jazz Band, Student Council, and WEB, demonstrating her commitment to both school involvement and leadership. She was also recently awarded the Science Fair Excellence in Scientific Inquiry Award and is advancing to regionals—an achievement that reflects her dedication, curiosity, and academic growth.

Savannah Krueger exemplifies the values of Salk Middle School and is truly deserving of recognition by the ISD 728 School Board.