Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Public Schools Seeks Feedback with Stakeholder Public Relations Surveys
Warren, MN – (January 21, 2025) – Beginning today, residents of Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Public Schools have the opportunity to provide the district with feedback on its communication, branding, and marketing efforts. A unique survey for each of the district’s four primary stakeholder groups – students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members – are available online from January 21 – February 9, 2025.
The district is committed to providing timely, relevant, and transparent public relations efforts to all stakeholders. In particular, the district's 2021 - 2026 Strategic Plan focuses on improving communication and engagement with all stakeholders; building and maintaining a positive reputation within the community; and attracting innovative, quality staff to further the organization's mission and vision. To meet these goals, the district launched these surveys with the purpose of:
- Identifying where, when, and how stakeholders want to receive communication from the district
- Assessing stakeholder satisfaction with current public relations (communication, marketing, and branding) efforts
- Gauging stakeholder perception of the district as a pillar of the community, and a place of learning and employment
Through various marketing tactics, the district hopes to reach its residents and encourage them to complete the short survey. While it is relatively easy to communicate with staff, students, and even parent/guardians about this opportunity, reaching and connecting with district residents who are not current parents/guardians or staff members is significantly more difficult for any school district. Thus, the district arranged for every Warren, Alvarado, and Oslo residence to receive a large postcard through the United States Postal Service this week. The postcard includes general details about the survey project, but it also provides residents with the link to access the survey. Residents will be able to scan the QR code on the postcard or type the provided hyperlink into their preferred browser to find the anonymous survey in Google Forms. In addition to communicating with stakeholders via email and mail, the district is promoting the surveys in the newspaper, radio, and social media, and allowing students and staff time during the day to submit the survey.
Once the survey window closes on February 9, results will be synthesized and shared with the School Board prior to being shared publicly in early spring. Ultimately, the results will guide the district’s future efforts to best meet the needs and desired of the valued Pony community.
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Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Public Schools to Continue Work of Strategic Plan with a Refreshed Logo
Warren, MN – (March 28, 2025) – Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Public Schools is excited to announce that after 30+ years, the WAO Ponies are getting a new look with a refreshed logo!
To continue the work associated with the district’s 2021 – 2026 Strategic Plan and the stakeholder public relations survey results, the School Board and administration are working with a professional graphic designer to produce a refreshed logo for Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Public Schools.
At the March 3 School Board work session, administration introduced the idea of refreshing the logo in their presentation of results and recommendations from the recent stakeholder public relations survey. While a possible logo refresh was acknowledged as an unexpected change for the district, administration explained the work is supported by the current strategic plan’s goal to brand, market, and represent Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Public Schools in a positive way. Additionally, it would address ongoing issues with the current logo variations’ image quality, consistency of use, and ownership rights, which have collided with the district’s immediate construction needs.
“The WAO community is investing significantly to upgrade the district’s facilities. As part of these upgrades, the district has an opportunity to incorporate school spirit and visual pride as a standard inclusion in signage, furnishings, and surfaces,” explained Superintendent Bryan Hackbarth. “Utilizing a professional package of images, colors, and text will ensure that such additions to our school environment are positive, unified, and timeless,” he added.
At their monthly meeting on March 10, the School Board continued the conversation and decided to move forward with the logo refresh project, with the understanding that it would be a logo refresh, rather than drafting an entirely new logo design.
By doing a logo refresh versus a new logo, it keeps the foundational elements of the district’s identity (colors, mascot, and symbol), but gives the logo a professional makeover, creating visual unity between schools, programs, teams, and facilities. Thus, the school colors will remain as black, white, and orange, while the school mascot will continue to be the ponies. Additionally, the district’s refreshed logo design will retain one of the three most recognizable symbols currently in use – a pony, a horseshoe, or a combination of both.
The district is asking students (gr. 4 - 12), staff, and parents/guardians to share their preference for what symbol should be included in the refreshed logo. Ultimately, it will be at the discretion of the School Board to select the symbol to use within the refreshed design and approve and adopt the final logo package. Feedback will be shared with them for consideration prior to making a final decision in April. The final logo packaged is expected to be shared with the community in late April.
Those interested in additional information regarding the logo refresh project can visit https://www.wao.k12.mn.us/logorefresh or follow the district on Facebook or Instagram.
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To continue the work associated with the district’s 2021 – 2026 Strategic Plan and the stakeholder public relations survey results, the School Board and administration are working with a professional graphic designer to produce a refreshed logo for Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Public Schools.
At the March 3 School Board work session, administration introduced the idea of refreshing the logo in their presentation of results and recommendations from the recent stakeholder public relations survey. While a possible logo refresh was acknowledged as an unexpected change for the district, administration explained the work is supported by the current strategic plan’s goal to brand, market, and represent Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Public Schools in a positive way. Additionally, it would address ongoing issues with the current logo variations’ image quality, consistency of use, and ownership rights, which have collided with the district’s immediate construction needs.
“The WAO community is investing significantly to upgrade the district’s facilities. As part of these upgrades, the district has an opportunity to incorporate school spirit and visual pride as a standard inclusion in signage, furnishings, and surfaces,” explained Superintendent Bryan Hackbarth. “Utilizing a professional package of images, colors, and text will ensure that such additions to our school environment are positive, unified, and timeless,” he added.
At their monthly meeting on March 10, the School Board continued the conversation and decided to move forward with the logo refresh project, with the understanding that it would be a logo refresh, rather than drafting an entirely new logo design.
By doing a logo refresh versus a new logo, it keeps the foundational elements of the district’s identity (colors, mascot, and symbol), but gives the logo a professional makeover, creating visual unity between schools, programs, teams, and facilities. Thus, the school colors will remain as black, white, and orange, while the school mascot will continue to be the ponies. Additionally, the district’s refreshed logo design will retain one of the three most recognizable symbols currently in use – a pony, a horseshoe, or a combination of both.
The district is asking students (gr. 4 - 12), staff, and parents/guardians to share their preference for what symbol should be included in the refreshed logo. Ultimately, it will be at the discretion of the School Board to select the symbol to use within the refreshed design and approve and adopt the final logo package. Feedback will be shared with them for consideration prior to making a final decision in April. The final logo packaged is expected to be shared with the community in late April.
Those interested in additional information regarding the logo refresh project can visit https://www.wao.k12.mn.us/logorefresh or follow the district on Facebook or Instagram.
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Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District Adopts Refreshed Logo Package
Warren, MN – (June 13, 2025) – Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District is excited to announce the adoption of a refreshed logo package!
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The School Board reviewed the proposed final logo designs at their June meeting and adopted the images as part of the district’s official brand package. The decision comes after nearly six months of work associated with the district’s 2021 – 2026 Strategic Plan, which includes a goal to brand, market, and represent Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District in a positive way. Additionally, the new logo package addresses ongoing issues with the current logo’s image quality, consistency of use, and ownership rights.
Earlier this spring, the Board decided to complete a logo refresh rather than create entirely new logos. The refresh process allowed the district to maintain foundational elements of its identity (colors, mascot, and symbol), but gave each logo a professional makeover. The district’s primary colors of orange, white, and black remain, but a complete color palette now identifies a vibrant orange and dull grey as allowable accent colors. After seeking feedback from students, staff, and parents/guardians on the three most recognizable symbols representing the district - a pony, a horseshoe, and a combination of both - a refreshed combination design now serves as the district’s primary logo, while a refreshed pony design serves as a secondary logo. Additionally, all brand elements are explicitly identified in Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District’s first set of brand guidelines and on display in a new, cohesive brand stationery package.
With the district undergoing extensive construction in response to a successful November 2023 bond referendum, the high-quality brand package creates visual unity between programs, teams, and facilities. The community can expect to see the refreshed combination logo in the new gymnasium floor, the official shade of WAO orange on the walls, and the refreshed pony logo displayed in new classrooms and offices.
The current logo variations will be in use through June 30, 2025. The refreshed logos and brand package will launch on July 1, 2025, at which point the past variations will be considered retired and the new designs used exclusively and in accordance with the brand guidelines.
Those interested in additional information regarding the logo refresh project can visit https://www.wao.k12.mn.us/logorefresh or follow the district on Facebook or Instagram.
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Earlier this spring, the Board decided to complete a logo refresh rather than create entirely new logos. The refresh process allowed the district to maintain foundational elements of its identity (colors, mascot, and symbol), but gave each logo a professional makeover. The district’s primary colors of orange, white, and black remain, but a complete color palette now identifies a vibrant orange and dull grey as allowable accent colors. After seeking feedback from students, staff, and parents/guardians on the three most recognizable symbols representing the district - a pony, a horseshoe, and a combination of both - a refreshed combination design now serves as the district’s primary logo, while a refreshed pony design serves as a secondary logo. Additionally, all brand elements are explicitly identified in Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District’s first set of brand guidelines and on display in a new, cohesive brand stationery package.
With the district undergoing extensive construction in response to a successful November 2023 bond referendum, the high-quality brand package creates visual unity between programs, teams, and facilities. The community can expect to see the refreshed combination logo in the new gymnasium floor, the official shade of WAO orange on the walls, and the refreshed pony logo displayed in new classrooms and offices.
The current logo variations will be in use through June 30, 2025. The refreshed logos and brand package will launch on July 1, 2025, at which point the past variations will be considered retired and the new designs used exclusively and in accordance with the brand guidelines.
Those interested in additional information regarding the logo refresh project can visit https://www.wao.k12.mn.us/logorefresh or follow the district on Facebook or Instagram.
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Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District Has Much to Celebrate Going into 2025 - 2026 School Year
Warren, MN – (August 15, 2025) – Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District welcomes families to join them for the 2025 - 2026 school year!
Returning, new, and prospective families are invited to attend this year’s open house events to meet staff, tour facilities, and learn more about the exciting opportunities available to the Pony community.
Preschool & Kindergarten Open House
Wednesday, August 27 | 4:30PM - 6:30PM
1st - 5th Grade Open House
Wednesday, August 27 | 5:30PM - 6:30PM
6th Grade Open House
Wednesday, August 27 | 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Construction Continues
Construction associated with the November 2022 bond referendum continues, with the projects expected to be completed for the new year.
Work at the elementary school is expected to continue into early fall, with the flexible learning spaces and library still under construction.
The high school now has renovated classrooms, restrooms, and an auditorium.
The building addition - consisting of new classrooms, a commons, gymnasium, offices, and a central kitchen - is complete and there are now secure building entrances and an updated heating and cooling system throughout both buildings.
A community open house will occur in late fall once all academic, athletic, art, and office spaces are finished. The event will welcome the entire Pony community and beyond to tour the work that has been completed at both the elementary school and high school, as well as the exterior renovations to the facilities and athletic spaces.
Reasons to Celebrate
The Pony community has much to celebrate as we head into the 2025 - 2026 school year!
With 37 seniors graduating this past spring, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District had a 100% graduation rate for 2024 - 2025!
The district is starting the school year with the most student support staff in history. Social workers, reading interventionists, math interventionists, a psychologist, and an academic counselor are available to provide students with academic and mental health support. Note: Not only are these staff members available to students attending WAO, but their services are also available to resident homeschool families. Homeschool families interested in these services may contact the district office.
The community continues to have access to a free preschool program for four- and five-year-olds; after-school care; a variety of community education programs, including early childhood family education for families with children ages birth to five years old; award-winning extracurricular events at state-of-the-art facilities; WAO Pony pride apparel through the high school’s WearHouse, and volunteer opportunities with the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Education Foundation.
Climbing Enrollment
With all these reasons (and more!) to celebrate WAO and the Pony community, it is no surprise that the district’s enrollment continues to climb.
In 2017 - 2018, the district had 495 students. By 2023 - 2024, the district had 580 students, 314 at the elementary (PreK - 5) level and 266 at the secondary (6 - 12) level. For 2025 - 2026, the district anticipates enrollment to remain between 560 - 580.
District Administration & School Board
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District is led by Dr. Olson, Mr. Miska, Mr. Gullikson, and Mr. Hackbarth.
Dr. Tara Olson is the elementary principal, serving students and staff in preschool through fifth grade; this is her first year with the district. She is assisted in the elementary school office by Mrs. Amanda Wimpfheimer.
Mr. Ben Miska is the secondary principal, serving students and staff in the middle school and high school. As a WAO alumni, this will be his 15th year with the district and his seventh year as secondary principal. He is assisted in the high school office by Mrs. Kelsey Deschene.
Mr. Tony Gullikson is the activities director, serving students and coaches in the middle and high school. This will be his 30th year with the district and his third year as activities director. He is assisted in the activities department by Mrs. Denelle Narlock.
Mr. Bryan Hackbarth is the superintendent for Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District; this is his second year with the district. He is assisted in the district office by Mrs. Miranda Knoll.
The 2025 - 2026 School Board includes Nikki Peterson, Darby Boe, Jordan Johnson, Mark Jones, Sally Roller, Ashley Reinier, and Calvin Schoepp. The Board meets on the first and second Mondays of each month at 7:00PM. Meetings are open to the public, both in-person and virtually.
Contacting Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District, inclusive of Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Elementary School and Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School, can be reached via email, phone, fax, or mail:
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District
Mr. Bryan Hackbarth, Superintendent
224 East Bridge Ave
Warren, MN 56762
Phone: (218) 745-5393 • Fax: (218) 745-5886
[email protected]
www.wao.k12.mn.us
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Elementary School
Dr. Tara Olson, Principal
Phone: (218) 745-4441
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School
Mr. Ben Miska, Principal
Mr. Tony Gullikson, Activities Director
Phone: (218) 745-4646
The Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District administration and School Board wish all students, staff, and families a great start to the 2025 - 2026 year!
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Returning, new, and prospective families are invited to attend this year’s open house events to meet staff, tour facilities, and learn more about the exciting opportunities available to the Pony community.
Preschool & Kindergarten Open House
Wednesday, August 27 | 4:30PM - 6:30PM
1st - 5th Grade Open House
Wednesday, August 27 | 5:30PM - 6:30PM
6th Grade Open House
Wednesday, August 27 | 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Construction Continues
Construction associated with the November 2022 bond referendum continues, with the projects expected to be completed for the new year.
Work at the elementary school is expected to continue into early fall, with the flexible learning spaces and library still under construction.
The high school now has renovated classrooms, restrooms, and an auditorium.
The building addition - consisting of new classrooms, a commons, gymnasium, offices, and a central kitchen - is complete and there are now secure building entrances and an updated heating and cooling system throughout both buildings.
A community open house will occur in late fall once all academic, athletic, art, and office spaces are finished. The event will welcome the entire Pony community and beyond to tour the work that has been completed at both the elementary school and high school, as well as the exterior renovations to the facilities and athletic spaces.
Reasons to Celebrate
The Pony community has much to celebrate as we head into the 2025 - 2026 school year!
With 37 seniors graduating this past spring, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District had a 100% graduation rate for 2024 - 2025!
The district is starting the school year with the most student support staff in history. Social workers, reading interventionists, math interventionists, a psychologist, and an academic counselor are available to provide students with academic and mental health support. Note: Not only are these staff members available to students attending WAO, but their services are also available to resident homeschool families. Homeschool families interested in these services may contact the district office.
The community continues to have access to a free preschool program for four- and five-year-olds; after-school care; a variety of community education programs, including early childhood family education for families with children ages birth to five years old; award-winning extracurricular events at state-of-the-art facilities; WAO Pony pride apparel through the high school’s WearHouse, and volunteer opportunities with the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Education Foundation.
Climbing Enrollment
With all these reasons (and more!) to celebrate WAO and the Pony community, it is no surprise that the district’s enrollment continues to climb.
In 2017 - 2018, the district had 495 students. By 2023 - 2024, the district had 580 students, 314 at the elementary (PreK - 5) level and 266 at the secondary (6 - 12) level. For 2025 - 2026, the district anticipates enrollment to remain between 560 - 580.
District Administration & School Board
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District is led by Dr. Olson, Mr. Miska, Mr. Gullikson, and Mr. Hackbarth.
Dr. Tara Olson is the elementary principal, serving students and staff in preschool through fifth grade; this is her first year with the district. She is assisted in the elementary school office by Mrs. Amanda Wimpfheimer.
Mr. Ben Miska is the secondary principal, serving students and staff in the middle school and high school. As a WAO alumni, this will be his 15th year with the district and his seventh year as secondary principal. He is assisted in the high school office by Mrs. Kelsey Deschene.
Mr. Tony Gullikson is the activities director, serving students and coaches in the middle and high school. This will be his 30th year with the district and his third year as activities director. He is assisted in the activities department by Mrs. Denelle Narlock.
Mr. Bryan Hackbarth is the superintendent for Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District; this is his second year with the district. He is assisted in the district office by Mrs. Miranda Knoll.
The 2025 - 2026 School Board includes Nikki Peterson, Darby Boe, Jordan Johnson, Mark Jones, Sally Roller, Ashley Reinier, and Calvin Schoepp. The Board meets on the first and second Mondays of each month at 7:00PM. Meetings are open to the public, both in-person and virtually.
Contacting Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District, inclusive of Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Elementary School and Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School, can be reached via email, phone, fax, or mail:
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District
Mr. Bryan Hackbarth, Superintendent
224 East Bridge Ave
Warren, MN 56762
Phone: (218) 745-5393 • Fax: (218) 745-5886
[email protected]
www.wao.k12.mn.us
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Elementary School
Dr. Tara Olson, Principal
Phone: (218) 745-4441
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School
Mr. Ben Miska, Principal
Mr. Tony Gullikson, Activities Director
Phone: (218) 745-4646
The Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District administration and School Board wish all students, staff, and families a great start to the 2025 - 2026 year!
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School District to Share New Facilities with the Community at Upcoming OPen House
Warren, MN – (March 9, 2026) – Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School District invites members of the community to experience their newly renovated facilities at an open house on Tuesday, March 17 from 2:00PM - 8:00PM.
In November 2022, voters approved a $24.9 million bond referendum to address security, accessibility, inefficient maintenance systems, aging facilities, and a shortage of learning space. After a new addition and extensive renovations, the district has expanded its square footage by more than 38,000 square feet! The additional space consists of new classrooms, a commons, gymnasium, offices, and a central kitchen. The high school and elementary school classrooms, restrooms, and libraries have been renovated, as well as extracurricular spaces like the auditorium, track, and fields.
Schedule of Events
Program & Ribbon Cutting
2:00PM - 3:00PM | Auditorium
Building Tours
3:30PM - 6:30PM | Commons
Free Meal
5:30PM - 7:00PM | Commons
Spring Activities Introduction & Activities
7:00PM - 8:00PM | Main Gym
The open house will start at 2:00PM with a program in the auditorium. Representatives from the WAO School Board, staff, and students will share a few words before the program concludes with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. The National Honor Society will lead facility tours from 3:30PM - 6:30PM, with tours departing every 15 minutes from the commons. A free meal will be served in the commons from 5:30PM - 7:00PM before the night concludes with an introduction of Pony spring activities and family-friendly games in the main gym.
The open house provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about the improvements, efficiencies, and renovations made possible by their support of the 2022 referendum. All portions of the event are open to the public. Visitors may enter through the main high school doors on the north side of the building.
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In November 2022, voters approved a $24.9 million bond referendum to address security, accessibility, inefficient maintenance systems, aging facilities, and a shortage of learning space. After a new addition and extensive renovations, the district has expanded its square footage by more than 38,000 square feet! The additional space consists of new classrooms, a commons, gymnasium, offices, and a central kitchen. The high school and elementary school classrooms, restrooms, and libraries have been renovated, as well as extracurricular spaces like the auditorium, track, and fields.
Schedule of Events
Program & Ribbon Cutting
2:00PM - 3:00PM | Auditorium
Building Tours
3:30PM - 6:30PM | Commons
Free Meal
5:30PM - 7:00PM | Commons
Spring Activities Introduction & Activities
7:00PM - 8:00PM | Main Gym
The open house will start at 2:00PM with a program in the auditorium. Representatives from the WAO School Board, staff, and students will share a few words before the program concludes with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. The National Honor Society will lead facility tours from 3:30PM - 6:30PM, with tours departing every 15 minutes from the commons. A free meal will be served in the commons from 5:30PM - 7:00PM before the night concludes with an introduction of Pony spring activities and family-friendly games in the main gym.
The open house provides an opportunity for the community to learn more about the improvements, efficiencies, and renovations made possible by their support of the 2022 referendum. All portions of the event are open to the public. Visitors may enter through the main high school doors on the north side of the building.
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Concordia Student to Play for Matthew’s Voice Project in Upcoming Season of Live to Give MN
Moorhead, MN – (May 19, 2026) – Local college student, Lucie Schwankl, is set to play for Matthew’s Voice Project in this summer’s Live to Give Minnesota games.
Schwankl, a junior at Concordia College, is one of 18 individuals selected to play in the tenth season of the weekend-long fundraising campaign. Contestants compete in a series of challenges to raise funds for their chosen charity, promote the charity’s mission, and educate the public on the impact the charity has on its community.
“I believe strongly that every human deserves basic necessities like clothing, education, and shelter,” Schwankl explains. “Matthew’s Voice Project supports homeless and at-risk youth in the West Fargo, Fargo, and Moorhead communities by providing them the necessities and advocacy they require to succeed in school and graduate. Their efforts have shown me how nonprofits are vital for not only an individual’s success, but a community’s as well.”
At Concordia, Schwankl is double majoring in social work and political science with a minor in women and gender studies. She is a native of Cottonwood, Minnesota and a 2025 graduate of Lakeview High School.
Fundraising Efforts
To participate in the games, Schwankl must raise an initial $800 by July 1. The more money a contestant raises, the more advantages they receive in the games. The final winner receives the total of all funds raised for their selected charity. At press time, Schwankl has raised more than $500 of the initial requirement through direct donations and by designing and selling Midwest-themed stickers.
Starting May 21, Schwankl will be auctioning off one-of-a-kind signed poetry prints by Lauren Mantis. A unique print will be posted to her Instagram - @lschwankl – at 8:00AM every Tuesday and Thursday through June 23. Bids will start at $10 and increase in $1 increments. Bidding will be open for 24 hours with bids being accepted in the comments. Once an auction is complete, the winner will be contacted via DM and their item shipped to them free of charge.
In addition to the Mantis prints, an auction for a poetry bundle from Michaela Angemeer will start at 8:00AM on Thursday, June 25 on Schwankl’s Instagram. Bidding will again be open for 24 hours and start at $20 and increase in $1 increments.
Those wanting to support Schwankl and her efforts to win Live to Give MN on behalf of Matthew’s Voice Project, may consider the following:
About Live to Give MN
Live to Give Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Elk River, Minnesota. Its annual weekend event brings contestants from around the country to Minnesota, where they fundraise and compete for a charity of their choice. In the game’s previous nine seasons, the organization and contestants have raised more than $200,000 for 93 charities.
About Matthew’s Voice Project
Matthew’s Voice Project (MVP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Fargo-Moorhead metro. The organization works with local school districts to identify homeless and at-risk youth and provide them with the resources and support necessary to graduate high school. While school districts receive federal grants to address students’ educational needs, MVP fills the gap in services by addressing students’ personal and day-to-day needs.
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Schwankl, a junior at Concordia College, is one of 18 individuals selected to play in the tenth season of the weekend-long fundraising campaign. Contestants compete in a series of challenges to raise funds for their chosen charity, promote the charity’s mission, and educate the public on the impact the charity has on its community.
“I believe strongly that every human deserves basic necessities like clothing, education, and shelter,” Schwankl explains. “Matthew’s Voice Project supports homeless and at-risk youth in the West Fargo, Fargo, and Moorhead communities by providing them the necessities and advocacy they require to succeed in school and graduate. Their efforts have shown me how nonprofits are vital for not only an individual’s success, but a community’s as well.”
At Concordia, Schwankl is double majoring in social work and political science with a minor in women and gender studies. She is a native of Cottonwood, Minnesota and a 2025 graduate of Lakeview High School.
Fundraising Efforts
To participate in the games, Schwankl must raise an initial $800 by July 1. The more money a contestant raises, the more advantages they receive in the games. The final winner receives the total of all funds raised for their selected charity. At press time, Schwankl has raised more than $500 of the initial requirement through direct donations and by designing and selling Midwest-themed stickers.
Starting May 21, Schwankl will be auctioning off one-of-a-kind signed poetry prints by Lauren Mantis. A unique print will be posted to her Instagram - @lschwankl – at 8:00AM every Tuesday and Thursday through June 23. Bids will start at $10 and increase in $1 increments. Bidding will be open for 24 hours with bids being accepted in the comments. Once an auction is complete, the winner will be contacted via DM and their item shipped to them free of charge.
In addition to the Mantis prints, an auction for a poetry bundle from Michaela Angemeer will start at 8:00AM on Thursday, June 25 on Schwankl’s Instagram. Bidding will again be open for 24 hours and start at $20 and increase in $1 increments.
Those wanting to support Schwankl and her efforts to win Live to Give MN on behalf of Matthew’s Voice Project, may consider the following:
- Submit an online donation directly at https://www.mightycause.com/story/LucieLTG10
- Submit a check donation with “Lucie Schwankl” in the memo line to: Live to Give MN, PO Box 172, Rogers, MN 55374
- Bid on the Lauren Mantis poetry prints starting Thursday, May 21 on Instagram
- Bid on the Michaela Angemeer’s poetry bundle starting Thursday, June 25 on Instagram
About Live to Give MN
Live to Give Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Elk River, Minnesota. Its annual weekend event brings contestants from around the country to Minnesota, where they fundraise and compete for a charity of their choice. In the game’s previous nine seasons, the organization and contestants have raised more than $200,000 for 93 charities.
About Matthew’s Voice Project
Matthew’s Voice Project (MVP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Fargo-Moorhead metro. The organization works with local school districts to identify homeless and at-risk youth and provide them with the resources and support necessary to graduate high school. While school districts receive federal grants to address students’ educational needs, MVP fills the gap in services by addressing students’ personal and day-to-day needs.
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