Minnetonka Public Schools honored a large group of student academic achievers during its Nov. 13 school board recognitions program, naming 28 National Merit semifinalists, 46 National Merit commended students and a long list of AP Scholars with Distinction across multiple graduating classes.

Superintendent David Law said the semifinalists represent the top 1% of PSAT test takers and are eligible for National Merit scholarships. He and Vice Chair Kim Marie Foss read the names aloud and congratulated students and the teachers they nominated for special recognition.

Students gave short tributes to teachers who they said influenced their curiosity, leadership and academic pathways. Olivia Babe thanked Miss Katkov for encouraging curiosity; Milan Darje praised Miss Rogers for supporting student leadership; and several students credited AP and elective teachers for shaping career plans.

The board also highlighted senior Milan Darjee’s selection as one of 15 Minnesota Department of Education Scholars of Distinction in 2025 for a science project titled Custom Enzymes to Reengineer Enzyme Specificity, which the district said aimed to accelerate medicine development and reduce environmental waste.

In facility news, the Vantage Momentum Building received an education interior design distinction from American School & University magazine — the district’s 12th such recognition since 2008, the board said. Paul Bourgeois, executive director of operations and finance, was singled out for his role in the project’s delivery.

The recognitions program concluded with the board congratulating students, teachers and community partners and moving on to the regular meeting agenda.