This year’s event is especially meaningful as it also marks MINNDEPENDENT’s 50th Anniversary—honoring five decades of service, support, and advocacy for our vibrant school community.
Together, we’ll celebrate outstanding educators, leaders, volunteers, and programs, reflect on our shared history, and look ahead to the future of student-centered education across Minnesota.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 award recipients!
Awards were presented on April 26 at MINNDEPENDENT’s
18th Annual Private and Independent Education Awards.
Click the button below to view the Award Video Showcase of all of the award recipients,
plus a special video honoring the 50th anniversary of MINNDEPENDENT.
Or you may view individual recipient videos by clicking the link under their pictures below.
JAMES B. FIELD LEGACY AWARD
DOUG JAEGER
President & CEO
Ulteig
LEADERSHIP AWARD
KELLY ROCHE
Principal
St. Joseph School – Rosemount
LEADERSHIP AWARD
ROSS DOUMA
President
Avail Academy – Blaine-Edina-Fridley
HONOR TEACHER AWARD
NICK PENNELL
Music Teacher
Our Lady of Peace Catholic School – Minneapolis
HONOR TEACHER AWARD
BEN GAPINSKI
Math/STEM Teacher
Hill-Murray School – Maplewood
BEHIND THE SCENES AWARD
MICHELLE YOUNESS
Parent & Volunteer
Community of Saints Regional Catholic School
West St. Paul
COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD
TERI McCLOUGHAN
JD Attorney
Stapleton & McCloughan, PLLC
PROGRAM AWARD
PIONEER PATHWAY
Hill-Murray School
Maplewood
LEADERSHIP SPONSOR
HONOR TEACHER SPONSOR
AWARD SPONSOR
AWARD SPONSOR
STEM GRANT SPONSOR
TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR
DESIGN SPONSOR
PRINT SPONSOR
HOSPITALITY SPONSOR
HOSPITALITY SPONSOR
EDUCATION SPONSOR
EDUCATION SPONSOR
EDUCATION SPONSOR
Dr. Ken and Linda Holmen
EDUCATION SPONSOR
Jim Hansen
TABLE SPONSOR
Chuck & Mary Killian
Josh & Sue Killian
TABLE SPONSOR
Anna and Jason
Lima
TABLE SPONSOR
TABLE SPONSOR
Teri and Kevin
McCloughan
TABLE SPONSOR
