🎓 Senior Spotlight: Peyton Bakkestuen
Peyton spent his time at Clear Lake exploring his interests in music, gaming, and creativity while also staying active with boxing, workouts, and spending time with friends.
One thing he’s most proud of from high school was earning an exemption from his science final after scoring exceptionally well on the CERT exam.
A memory he’ll always remember is introducing himself to a new student during freshman year — a moment that turned into a friendship that helped shape him for the better.
After graduation, Peyton plans to work while continuing to pursue his goal of becoming a video game designer.
💬 “Don’t underestimate what can get done with just a little effort.”
— Advice to younger students
#ClearLakeWarriors #SeniorSpotlight #ClassOf2026
Students had a great time dancing the night away at “A Night in Hollywood.” A huge thank you to the staff, volunteers, and students who helped make the evening such a memorable one. 💙
#ClearLakeProud #CLHS #JuniorProm #ANightInHollywood
Today is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day, and we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team behind the wheel!
Every day, our drivers do so much more than just drive a route. They ensure our students arrive and return home safely, and they are the friendly faces that get our Warriors to practices, big games, field trips, and extracurriculars. We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated group here at Clear Lake!
A huge thank you to our regular route drivers:
🛣️ Tom Aasmundrud
🛣️ Roger Blanchard
🛣️ Brian Johnson
🛣️ Erik Robl
🛣️ Dominic Dimler
🛣️ Beau Aasmundrud
🛣️ Becky Fouks
🛣️ Kathy Dollery
And a big shoutout to our essential substitute drivers:
🙌 Mark Peper
🙌 Nick Crawford
🙌 Chad Wallin
Thank you all for going the extra mile (literally!) for our students and our community. You are deeply appreciated! 💛🖤
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Cora Voeltz
Cora has been highly involved at Clear Lake through FFA, FCCLA, NHS, and Student Council, where she serves as Vice President, while also competing in both track and volleyball.
She’s most proud of breaking the school record in the long jump—an accomplishment she continued to build on throughout her high school career. At a recent meet, Cora surpassed her own record twice in one night, finishing with a jump of 18’1.5”.
One of her favorite memories was her senior volleyball season.
After graduation, Cora plans to attend UW–La Crosse as an undeclared major.
💬 “Live your life in the moment. Don’t spend so much time stressing about your future when you could be building friendships with others.”
— Advice to younger students
#ClearLakeWarriors #SeniorSpotlight #ClassOf2026
Due to weather, tonight’s Softball and Baseball games vs. EPC have been cancelled. A make-up date will be announced at a later time.
Tonight’s golf match at Clear Lake Golf Course has also been cancelled.
A huge THANK YOU to the officers from the Clear Lake Police Department for stopping by Friday with a very special delivery! 🚓💨
Our students got a sweet surprise as the officers traded in their patrol cars for ice cream scoops, serving up delicious root beer floats to everyone. It wasn’t just about the treats, though—it was a fantastic opportunity for our kids to get to know who keep our community safe in a fun, relaxed environment.
Highlights from the day:
• Smiles all around: From the first scoop to the last drop of foam.
• Great Conversations: Students loved asking questions.
• Sticky fingers, happy hearts: Definitely the highlight of the school week!
Check out some of the photos below! 👇📸
#ClearLakeStrong #RootBeerFloats #SmallTownPride #ThankYouCLPD #ElementaryJoy
Mrs. Hoyt's 1st graders took their lesson outdoors to soak up some sun and sharpen those skills! We turned the playground into our classroom.
It’s amazing how much faster those math facts click when you’re having a blast in the fresh air. Way to go, little mathematicians!
#OutdoorLearning #1stGradeMath #LearningIsFun #HandsOnMath
Cora turned in an incredible performance at Tuesday night’s home meet! 👏
She first broke her own school record of 17’2” with a jump of 17’6”, then pushed it even further on her next attempt—setting a new school record of 18’1.5”.
A great night and an exciting achievement. We’re proud of you, Cora! 💙
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Aiden Donovan
Aiden spent his time at Clear Lake staying active in track and enjoying time with friends and staff who made a lasting impact on his high school experience.
He’s most proud of reaching this milestone and getting ready to finish high school.
One of the things he’ll remember most is time spent with Ms. B and his friends along the way.
After graduation, Aiden plans to enter the workforce and is considering college in the future.
💬 “Be nice.”
— Advice to younger students
#ClearLakeWarriors #SeniorSpotlight #ClassOf2026
🚨 LONG WEEKEND VIBES! 🚨
Just a friendly reminder that there is NO SCHOOL Monday, April 27th! Enjoy the extra day off
Small town, global impact. 🌎✨
We are so incredibly proud to call Clear Lake the birthplace of Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day. What started right here in our backyard grew into a worldwide movement to protect the planet we all share. We honor his legacy by doing our part to keep our community—and the world—a little greener.
Special shout outs from the elementary to:
Safari Country out of Baldwin for sharing with our students about interesting animals
Amery Women's Club for leading a station about caring for the Earth
Greg and Lori Friendshuh for teaching students about the FODD machine and sustainable farming
The Clear Lake Lions Club & the Clear Lake Community Center for sponsoring the Earth Day poster contest
The Clear Lake Lions Club with Marian Olander and a crew of volunteers for gifting the School District with a Trex bench made from recycled plastics that the students had been collecting
Happy Earth Day, everyone, from Gaylord A. Nelson Educational Center! 🌱 #ClearLakePride #EarthDayFounder #GaylordANelson #Homegrown
We had some very special visitors on Monday for Power of Pillar Week! A huge thank you to Zoey and Isaac from Pillar Bank for stopping by to read to our 1st graders.
Our students loved hearing the stories, and we love seeing our local community leaders taking the time to inspire our youngest learners. It’s a wonderful reminder of how lucky we are to have such supportive neighbors here in our community! 🏛️❤️
#CommunityPartners #PowerOfPillar #EarlyLiteracy #ThankYou #LocalSupport
🌎 Throwback Thursday: Earth Day Roots in Clear Lake
Did you know the founder of Earth Day, Gaylord Nelson, was a graduate of Clear Lake High School?
These images—from 1970 yearbooks and the Clear Lake Area Historical Museum—highlight the very first Earth Day, a movement sparked by Nelson to raise awareness about pollution and the health of our planet. Alongside them are photos of Nelson himself—a reminder that this global movement started with someone who once walked these same halls.
What makes this even more meaningful?
Clear Lake students were part of it.
From organizing assemblies to cleaning up their community and leading demonstrations, students here were already taking action—right from the start. 🌱
From a small town like Clear Lake to a nationwide movement, Nelson’s impact continues to shape how we care for the world around us.
💙 A reminder that big change can start right here.
#ClearLakeProud #ThrowbackThursday #EarthDay #ClearLakeWarriors
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Violet Wood
Violet stayed involved at Clear Lake through FFA, athletics, and leadership roles, serving as a captain in both basketball and cross country while also earning All-Conference honors in cross country.
She’s most proud of being a leader for new members on the cross country team and helping them feel welcomed and supported.
One of her favorite memories was painting the concession stands for Earth Day—though she admits they came back inside with more paint on themselves.
After graduation, Violet plans to attend UW–Eau Claire to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
💬 “Do not procrastinate — it can be hard to catch up.”
— Advice to younger students
#ClearLakeWarriors #SeniorSpotlight #ClassOf2026
Tonight’s baseball and softball games in Colfax have been cancelled due to potential weather.
📅 Rescheduled Dates:
• Baseball @ Colfax – May 1st, 5:00 PM
• Softball @ Colfax – May 5th, 4:30 PM
MS Track @ Clear Lake tonight, has been Postponed - Date TBD
Thank you for your understanding, and we’ll see you at the rescheduled games!
🎺 Featured Performance
We are thrilled to announce a special musical number by our 5th and 6th Grade Band! Come hear the progress these young musicians have made—it’s going to be a show-stopper.
Parents, family, and the entire community are welcome!
Mrs. DeBoer’s 3rd graders took their learning outside today to soak up some rays and dive into our latest science unit. These bright minds are proving that the best classroom doesn't always have four walls. Nothing beats fresh air and hands-on discovery! Check out these scientists in action. 👇
🎤 Three Clear Lake Students Compete at State Forensics Competition
Three students from Clear Lake High School advanced to the State Forensics Tournament, held at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Hundreds of state qualifiers made their way to Madison on April 17–18 to perform original speeches or readings of published works. Students are judged on the quality of their material and delivery.
It’s often said that public speaking is one of the greatest fears. Forensics teams work to overcome that fear while developing an important skill for future success.
Clear Lake took home one silver and two bronze medals in this year’s competition, coached by Bryan Anderson. Senior Jack Petersen earned a silver for his demonstration speech on playing the bass guitar. Senior Kiley Marley was awarded a bronze for her interpretive reading of a selection from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Homeschooled sophomore Gabi Marley took bronze with her informative speech on the color yellow.
Congratulations to these students on an outstanding performance! 💙
Pictured (L to R): Coach Anderson, Kiley Marley, Gabi Marley, Jack Petersen
🎓 Senior Spotlight: Lane Prusak
From the field to the court, Lane stayed busy at Clear Lake as a multi-sport athlete and team captain in both football and basketball, earning All-Conference recognition along the way.
One of his favorite memories was winning the Division 3 regional basketball game at home and cutting down the net.
After graduation, Lane plans to attend Anoka-Ramsey Community College to study Business with a focus on Management and Marketing.
💬 “Enjoy high school. It flies by!”
— Advice to younger students
#ClearLakeWarriors #SeniorSpotlight #ClassOf2026
🌟 Celebrating Our Backbone! 🌟
It is Administrative Professionals Day, and we want to take a heartfelt moment to recognize the incredible team that keeps our district running smoothly.
A massive THANK YOU to:
⭐ Mona Robl
⭐ Jennifer Mickelson
⭐ Carrie Blanchard
⭐ Megan Wallin
⭐ Joy Nordby
⭐ Eve Manske
You are truly the backbone of our district. From navigating daily challenges to supporting our staff, students, and families with unwavering professionalism, your dedication does not go unnoticed.
We know how much heart and hard work you put into every single day. We are incredibly grateful to have you on our team—you make a significant difference in our community! 👏✨
#AdministrativeProfessionalsDay #DistrictPride #ThankYou #SchoolHeroes #ClearLakeCommunity
