Meet Juan Carlos Hernandez!

Juan Carlos is a 2012 graduate of Northfield High School. As a student, Juan Carlos was a part of the TORCH program, he participated in the Summer PLUS program as a mentor for Northfield youth, and performed as a member of the West Side Story production.

Currently Juan Carlos is attending St. Paul College. He is pursuing his A.A.S. in Culinary Arts. Recently, Juan Carlos was the chef for the TORCH Winter Walk dinner, held at the Northfield Armory. Juan Carlos prepared Esquites for over 200 community members, and helped raise over $1200 for TORCH scholarships.

Meet Jhosi Martinez!

Jhosi is a senior at Northfield High School. She has been a member of TORCH for 6 years. Currently she is co-chair of the HCI Youth Advisory Board, a member of the TORCH Youth Advisory Board, a LINK leader at Northfield High School, a mentor in Youth Teaching Youth, and a PSEO student working to earn college credit during high school. Jhosi has also volunteered at PLUS summer programming, been a mentor for Connected Kids, and volunteered at Northfield’s Turkey Distribution, Christmas Sharing, and Thursday’s Table.

When asked about a favorite experience, Jhosi points to her time with kids in the Youth Teaching Youth program. “I really enjoy doing Youth Teaching Youth. This is the 3^rd year I’ll be doing it,” she said. “I really like having that interaction with kids and helping them out.”

After graduation, Jhosi plans to attend Rochester Community and Technical College to earn a degree in Medical Interpreting. While working as an interpreter, she hopes to return to school and become a pediatric nurse.

Yesterday, TORCH was featured on Minnesota Public Radio! The story, titled “Northfield Program Shrinks the Achievement Gap,” was aired on All Things Considered. Interviews include TORCH High School Program Director Beth Berry, Faribault’s CAST Program Director Martha Schultz, Carleton College’s Director of Academic Civic Engagement Adrienne Falcon, and Northfield High School seniors Jhosi Martinez and Frank Calvario. Click here to go to the story on the MPR website.

TORCH students help prepare for Christmas Sharing at the CAC.

Every December, TORCH students volunteer at Christmas Sharing. This event, hosted by the Community Action Center, distributes hundreds of gifts to area children and families. Last year, they provided gifts for 866 children!

This year, 14 TORCH students have volunteered their time to help make this event possible. TORCH volunteers include alumni: Pablo Orozco, seniors: Frank Calvario, Cristian Lozada, and Jhosi Martinez, juniors: Preston Robinson, Helen Forsythe, and Yovany Herrera, sophomores: Nicte-Ha Calvario, Luis Dominguez, Avea Halverson,  Gregorio Leon, Leslie Rodriguez-Vazquez, Adilene Valeriano, and Giselle Vazquez.

Adilene Valeriano (left) and Giselle Vazquez (right) wrap presents for Christmas Sharing.

Seniors Cristian Lozada (left) and Frank Calvario (right).

Successful Night at
Soup for Scholarships

Thank you to everyone who supported our first Soup for Scholarships All Community Winter Dinner! We had a wonderfully festive and busy night, serving over 200 Northfield community members and raising over $1200 for scholarships that will benefit low-income, minority, and first-generation college-bound students at Northfield High School.

Special thanks to the following organizations, groups and individuals:
Suzie Nakasian
Arlo Cristofaro-Hark
Bon Appétit
Carleton College Facilities Management
Econo Foods
Jason Hallen
Jennifer Lompart
Juan Carlos Hernandez
Leslie Nieves
Mary Williams and the NHS Brass Quintet
Northfield High School and Middle School Staff and Teachers
Northfield High School Special Education Department
Teddy Gelderman
TORCH Alumni and Current Students

This week, 23 new and returning  TORCH students enrolled in PSEO classes that are available online through Riverland Community College. Students who successfully complete college courses with a C or above will obtain both high school and college credit. Courses that students are enrolled in for the spring semester include Philosophy of Ethics, Sociology: Criminology, Theater and Film, Freshman English, and Biology of Human Nutrition. To support students in this program, Carleton College students will act as Teaching Assistants, meeting with TORCH students once a week to teach and review material.

Thank you Carleton College and Riverland Community College for your help making college credits a possibility for TORCH students at Northfield High School!

This week, November 12th-16th, is College Application Week!

During Minnesota College Application Week, the goal is for every graduating senior to have the chance to complete a college application, with a focus on encouraging and assisting low-income, minority, and would-be first generation college students with the application process. Many Minnesota colleges and universities will be waiving application fees for this week to further encourage student participation.

At Northfield High School, the TORCH Office is excited to host events supporting College Application Week. On Tuesday and Thursday this week, TORCH staff along with volunteers from Carleton College, South Central Community College, Minnesota State University Mankato, and Inver Hills Community College will be available throughout the day to assist students with college applications or researching opportunities for further education. Other events include Wear Your College Gear Day, College Essay Day, and Financial Aid Day. During these events, students will receive information, encouragement, and strategies for moving forward in their college application process.

A big thank you to Hogan Brothers, Culver’s, George’s Vineyard, and the Quarterback Club for supporting Northfield High School students’ continuing education through their donation of coupons for students participating in College Application Week!

English or español

This weekend TORCH students were the recipients of many local scholarships and awards. TORCH students received the following awards:

TORCH Scholarship:

• Briseiry L.
• Mauricio L.
• Pablo O.
• Josh W.

Wayne Stickle and Jennifer Tuma Memorial Scholarship:

• Britani C.

DAR Good Citizens Award

• Brenda K.

Northfield Hospital Auxilary Scholarship:

• Maelynn R.

“Friends of the Library” Scholarship

• Zaret C.

Natalie Perry Smead Memorial Scholarship

• Maelynn R.

Cardinal Glass CG Scholarship

• Michael S.

American Association of Women’s Scholarship

• Zaret C.

NPSOE Scholarship

• Mitch A.

Northfield Union of Youth Scholarship Fund

• Pablo O.
• Josh W.

Commended Scholars:

• Sharonne B.
• Libby B.
• Brenda K.
• Michael S.
• Britney W.

El fin de semana pasado estudiantes de TORCH recibieron muchos premios y becas de la comunidad. Los receptores son:

La beca de TORCH:

• Briseiry L.
• Mauricio L.
• Pablo O.
• Josh W.

Wayne Stickle and Jennifer Tuma Memorial Scholarship:

• Britani C.

DAR Good Citizens Award

• Brenda K.

Northfield Hospital Auxilary Scholarship:

• Maelynn R.

“Friends of the Library” Scholarship

• Zaret C.

Natalie Perry Smead Memorial Scholarship

• Maelynn R.

Cardinal Glass CG Scholarship

• Michael S.

American Association of Women’s Scholarship

• Zaret C.

NPSOE Scholarship

• Mitch A.

Northfield Union of Youth Scholarship Fund

• Pablo O.
• Josh W.

Estudiantes distinguidos:

• Sharonne B.
• Libby B.
• Brenda K.
• Michael S.
• Britney W.