Danielle Rose Miklas. Photos: Chris Emeott
The White Bear Lake area is home to a collection of incredible schools, with halls filled with exceptional young people already making their way in the world. Each year, we invite area school administrators to nominate some of these outstanding students, of which three are selected by committee for this feature.
These students are community volunteers, dedicated leaders and passionate learners who are already making an impact in their schools and broader communities—and there’s more to them than their academic and extracurricular achievements. This year, we gave these rising seniors an opportunity to showcase their personalities, interests and hopes for the future. We wish them all the best as they begin their final year of high school!
Danielle Rose Miklas
Hill-Murray School
“Danielle Rose Miklas works hard, leaving her mark on our Hill-Murray community in a way that is not always seen in the highlight reel or spotlight … Her academic ambition is evidenced by her acceptance into the Harvard Pre-College Program and her recognition as a Flaherty Scholar, a distinction reserved for students defined by exceptional resilience and work ethic. As the co-captain of Mock Trial, Danielle translates these skills into action, leading her peers with a blend of logic and empathy. In the classroom, Danielle’s leadership is transformative. Integrating her training through the Rooted Philanthropic Leadership Institute with her natural kindness, Danielle doesn’t just study leadership, she lives it. She is a compassionate communicator dedicated to making a positive impact, an ideal representative of our Pioneer community.” —Jenny Vinck, school counselor
What is something that your peers might not know about you? My closest friends often tell me that, before they knew me, they didn’t know that I could be loud, dramatic and opinionated. To me, it seemed like these traits were obvious parts of my personality. When I heard this, however, I saw that people who didn’t know me thought I was quiet and reserved. Over the course of my three years in high school,
I have learned to be loud and strong in my core beliefs, allowing me to present myself as who I truly am.
Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? My history teacher and Mock Trial coach, Mr. Misenor, has impacted my experience at Hill-Murray positively by consistently offering me support. Over the past three years, Mr. Misenor has given up many of his weekends in order to support the Mock Trial Club and the students in that club. Before I became one of the captains, I didn’t realize just how much work he was doing and how much time he was sacrificing. Mr. Misenor’s dedication to his students makes Hill-Murray a more welcoming place.
What is your favorite day of the year? The first day of summer because it gives me a view of something new and new opportunities to come!
What is your favorite motto? “Accept the things you cannot change.” —The Serenity Prayer
What is your dream job? A lawyer focused on criminal law.
Extracurriculars and Honors
- Distributive Education Clubs of America
- Flaherty Scholar
- Future Leaders Scholarship recipient
- Harvard Pre-College Summer Program (summer 2026)
- HOSA–Future Health Professionals
- Hill-Murray Student Ambassador
- Mock Trial, co-captain
- Pioneer Investors Club
Eddie Hanson
Liberty Classical Academy
“Throughout my 15 years of teaching, I have known a lot of students who are personable, friendly and respectful. However, Eddie Hanson has the rare quality of being able to make a genuine connection with literally anyone … Eddie pairs his interpersonal skills with a driven work ethic and an innate curiosity about the world that leads him to ask deep questions that enhance class and inevitably lead to meaningful discussions in class. This curiosity and work ethic consistently translate into high academic achievement. All of these abilities make Eddie a natural leader who his peers look to and respect.” —Jon Vaala, history department head and teacher
Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? My history teacher, Mr. Jonathan Vaala, has definitely had the most significant impact on me. His classes have shown me how the victories and failures of mankind in the past have shaped the modern world. I’ve learned how my generation doesn’t have to make the same mistakes humanity made in the past. His American history class, which is my favorite, has taught my peers and I to appreciate history and to take pride in our exceptional American heritage.
What is something that your peers might not know about you? I actually have a deep fascination with history, and I love learning about the past and new archaeological discoveries. Taking Mr. Vaala’s classes definitely helped stoke my fascination with history. In my spare time, I enjoy watching history documentaries, and I even have an old U.S. coin collection. I also enjoy learning and reading about the latest in space, astronomy and biology. Also, I think a lot of my peers don’t know that I am an avid angler, and I spend much of my free time fishing both on ice and open water.
Describe yourself in three adjectives. Affable, aspiring, adventurous
What is your favorite quote? “If you don’t play to win, don’t play at all.” —Tom Brady
What is your dream job? Astronaut
Extracurriculars and Honors
- Football
- Lisa Trevelen Presidential Scholarship recipient
- Rotary Youth Leadership Award recipient
- Seeds of Change program participant
- Student Government
- Varsity Baseball
Makayla Xiong
White Bear Lake Area High School
“Makayla Xiong has worked significantly to promote diversity and inclusion within our school community. Recognizing a need for change, Makayla took the role of president of our school’s [Asian American Pacific Islander, AAPI] Affinity Group … I’ve seen Makayla in action, advocating for students and her peers and speaking with students of color about how to improve the school environment. At a time when the inclusion and diversity of others is often questioned, Makayla has remained steadfast in her commitment to celebrate the uniqueness of others. For example, Makayla hosts weekly Affinity Group meetings to teach members about other cultures within our community. In fact, Makayla has made the importance of member involvement clear, adopting a leadership style that seeks advice from students, staff and parents.” —Sadie Johnson and Katherine Marsh, junior class co-advisors
What is something that your peers might not know about you? From my maternal side, I am the oldest grandchild. There is a great amount of pressure being the oldest grandchild, to lead by example and that giving up is not an option. Balancing between setting precedent and carrying family hopes has taught me to be more patient and persistent. I know I have younger siblings and cousins looking up to me—which is the ultimate reward!
Which educator had the biggest impact on you and why? Mr. Tyler McCormick! Mr. McCormick is my [American Sign Language] teacher; he has not only taught me the language, but connection, helping students engage with the Deaf community and understanding different perspectives. Mr. McCormick’s influence extends beyond the classroom, definitely shaping how we students connect with others and appreciate diversity in everyday life.
What fictional character or celebrity do you identify with? Remy from the film Ratatouille. I love cooking with bold flavors! I’m always in the kitchen experimenting with new ingredients and new techniques. I feel most at peace when I’m in the kitchen.
Where is your happy place in White Bear Lake? Grabbing breakfast or lunch with family and friends at Cobblestone Café, Brickhouse [Food & Drink] or Young’s is something I always look forward to!
What is your dream job? Pediatrician
Extracurriculars and Honors
- Asian American Pacific Islander Affinity Group, president
- Volleyball with White Bear Club
