News
![2026SeniorSpotlight2 (PDF)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775501984/mylilaorg/tqps7odbphssurwtze2c/2026SeniorSpotlight2.pdf","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1775501984/mylilaorg/tqps7odbphssurwtze2c/2026SeniorSpotlight2.pdf","width":360}])
![Brecken Lee Takes First at Western Nationals as LILA Archers Shine on National Stage]([{"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.
![From Classroom to Capitol: Avery Messina Influences State Housing Policy]([{"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.
![Kindness and Creativity! LILA Compass April 2026]([{"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 record-breaking Run for Time Dragon Theatrics Mamma Mia!]([{"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.
![LILA Dragon Earns National Recognition for Chinese Language Achievement]([{"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.
![Dragons Fly on Snow Too: Julia Phingsten’s Breakout Ski Season]([{"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.
![Introducing Nicole Rasmussen, LILA’s next Executive Director]([{"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 Successful Discover LILA Night Across All Campuses]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768437920/mylilaorg/ng30f2lrxcho3mhogixh/AllActiviteAtrium.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768437920/mylilaorg/ng30f2lrxcho3mhogixh/AllActiviteAtrium.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768437920/mylilaorg/ng30f2lrxcho3mhogixh/AllActiviteAtrium.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768437920/mylilaorg/ng30f2lrxcho3mhogixh/AllActiviteAtrium.jpg","width":1080}])
What a Night!
All three campuses of Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) were buzzing with energy on Tuesday night as families gathered for the campus-wide Discover LILA Night, welcoming new, prospective, and current families for an inside look at life at LILA.
![LILA’s Executive Director Shannon Peterson Honored with 2025 Minnesota Charter School Leadership Award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767922412/mylilaorg/yizmpt2ifzy30ybgmu41/IMG_8002.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1767922412/mylilaorg/yizmpt2ifzy30ybgmu41/IMG_8002.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1767922412/mylilaorg/yizmpt2ifzy30ybgmu41/IMG_8002.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1767922412/mylilaorg/yizmpt2ifzy30ybgmu41/IMG_8002.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1767922412/mylilaorg/yizmpt2ifzy30ybgmu41/IMG_8002.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1767922412/mylilaorg/yizmpt2ifzy30ybgmu41/IMG_8002.jpg","width":2200}])
Lakes International Language Academy (LILA) is proud to announce that our Executive Director, Shannon Peterson, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Minnesota Charter School Leadership Award by the Minnesota Association of Charter Schools (MACS).