News
![A blue dragon logo with the word "Dragons" is on the left, while "LILA Compass Charting our Future...Together" is written in white text on a green background, with "LAKES INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE ACADEMY" in white text on a gray background below.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767965031/mylilaorg/uksqso4p0w5eephodvq9/LILA_Compass_Newsletter_Header_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767965031/mylilaorg/uksqso4p0w5eephodvq9/LILA_Compass_Newsletter_Header_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1767965031/mylilaorg/uksqso4p0w5eephodvq9/LILA_Compass_Newsletter_Header_1.jpg","width":700}])
![A smiling woman with blonde hair wears a white jacket against a gray background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772730370/mylilaorg/abxgkk6juxt4ipjxwbgu/NicoleRasmussen_headshot.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1772730370/mylilaorg/abxgkk6juxt4ipjxwbgu/NicoleRasmussen_headshot.jpg","width":480}])
On behalf of the Lakes International Language Academy Board of Directors, we are happy to introduce Nicole Rasmussen as LILA’s next Executive Director. Nicole will officially begin in the position on July 1, 2026.
![A young archer stands proudly with her awards and bow in front of a backdrop for the NASP National Tournament, with a trophy and archery case to her right.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778588411/mylilaorg/uizigyy2cosdj6a8basp/BreckenWesternsFemaleChampianandTopFemaleArcher.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778588411/mylilaorg/uizigyy2cosdj6a8basp/BreckenWesternsFemaleChampianandTopFemaleArcher.jpg","width":360}])
LILA's High School Archery Team delivered an outstanding performance this spring, earning national recognition at the National Archery in the Schools Program Western Nationals in Utah.
![Four young women stand in front of a large portrait and flags in a formal room.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777561897/mylilaorg/odpp5yqkkcuxquyof3sj/IMG_0689.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777561897/mylilaorg/odpp5yqkkcuxquyof3sj/IMG_0689.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777561897/mylilaorg/odpp5yqkkcuxquyof3sj/IMG_0689.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777561897/mylilaorg/odpp5yqkkcuxquyof3sj/IMG_0689.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1777561897/mylilaorg/odpp5yqkkcuxquyof3sj/IMG_0689.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1777561897/mylilaorg/odpp5yqkkcuxquyof3sj/IMG_0689.jpg","width":2200}])
Photo of LILA students who participated in Charter School Day at the Capital in February: Fergie S., a senior from North Branch; Anna L., a junior from Wyoming; Avery M., a sophomore from Forest Lake; and Alice W., a senior from Ham Lake.
Sophomore Avery Messina is demonstrating the power of student voice beyond the classroom. Avery has been recognized by state leaders for her role in advancing conversations around youth homelessness and affordable housing.
![2026SeniorSpotlight2 (PDF)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779128081/mylilaorg/tqps7odbphssurwtze2c/2026SeniorSpotlight2.pdf","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779128081/mylilaorg/tqps7odbphssurwtze2c/2026SeniorSpotlight2.pdf","width":360}])
![Three women in sparkly outfits sing into microphones on a stage with a disco ball and Greek-inspired architecture, while an audience watches from below.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773413497/mylilaorg/eib3uc0cemmd4tltzp8s/MammMia.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773413497/mylilaorg/eib3uc0cemmd4tltzp8s/MammMia.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773413497/mylilaorg/eib3uc0cemmd4tltzp8s/MammMia.jpg","width":607}])
Congratulations to everyone who helped bring this production to life. Our students’ hard work, talent, and dedication were recognized through Hennepin Arts Spotlight Education across multiple performance and technical categories for Mamma Mia! Following is a long list of honors.
![A young boy in a collared shirt and vest smiles while pointing at an open book, with event banners and book covers in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773408074/mylilaorg/nymkescsykksrpieuhkl/625094856_1337145705093731_5285559471836358568_n.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773408074/mylilaorg/nymkescsykksrpieuhkl/625094856_1337145705093731_5285559471836358568_n.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773408074/mylilaorg/nymkescsykksrpieuhkl/625094856_1337145705093731_5285559471836358568_n.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1773408074/mylilaorg/nymkescsykksrpieuhkl/625094856_1337145705093731_5285559471836358568_n.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1773408074/mylilaorg/nymkescsykksrpieuhkl/625094856_1337145705093731_5285559471836358568_n.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1773408074/mylilaorg/nymkescsykksrpieuhkl/625094856_1337145705093731_5285559471836358568_n.jpg","width":2048}])
LILA’s very own second-grade Chinese immersion student, Prince Walkowiak, represented LILA at the 2025 National Chinese Language Education Achievements Exhibition, an online event showcasing outstanding student work from across the country.
Prince’s work was selected for display, and families can watch a video of him reading his story as part of the Grades K–2 exhibition.
![A skier in a colorful suit carves down a snowy slope, with red gates marking the course against a blurred white background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1773405341/mylilaorg/xeq6m1vmpllyxd5m9dhy/IMG_5054.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1773405341/mylilaorg/xeq6m1vmpllyxd5m9dhy/IMG_5054.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1773405341/mylilaorg/xeq6m1vmpllyxd5m9dhy/IMG_5054.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1773405341/mylilaorg/xeq6m1vmpllyxd5m9dhy/IMG_5054.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1773405341/mylilaorg/xeq6m1vmpllyxd5m9dhy/IMG_5054.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1773405341/mylilaorg/xeq6m1vmpllyxd5m9dhy/IMG_5054.jpg","width":2200}])
Freshman alpine skier Julia Phingsten delivered an extraordinary winter season for Lakes International Language Academy, earning conference honors, state recognition, and invitations to compete at elite regional and national events—while proudly representing the LILA Dragons on the slopes.