Photos: Chris Emeott
Four students shine in their respective fields, but they’re each known for kindness.
As they return to school for their senior year, we’re celebrating the Class of 2027 by highlighting four students who were nominated by their schools for excelling in academics, arts or athletics. Meet Kiah Blalark of Lakeville North High School, a track star who balances academic excellence with a part-time job; downhill ski champ Brenna Peltz of Lakeville South High School, who is working toward a private pilot license; Justin Borg of Prior Lake High School, who has spent the past few years honing his communication and leadership skills; and Kaelyn Bjorklund of Lakeville South High School, who shines on the volleyball court and in the classroom.
Kiah Blalark
Lakeville North High School
Kiah Blalark moves fast. She’s not only the school record holder in the 100M, 200M and 4x100M relay, she’s also at the top of her class academically, holds down a part-time job at Gary’s Supper Club, serves on the student council, volunteers and serves as a faith leader both in school and at Hosanna Church in Lakeville.
And her exceptional speed doesn’t come at the expense of kindness or humility. “Kiah is a phenomenal student, athlete and person,” says Spanish teacher Sarah LaBelle. “She stands out for her strong work ethic, her positive attitude, her intelligence and her kindness towards everyone.”
Kiah says she juggles school, extracurricular activities, work and home life by setting priorities on her to-do list. “At the end of the day, I mentally review what I need to do and what I’ve already done,” she says. “I do my best to complete one task at a time and focus on what’s in front of me.”
This focus is very evident to those around her. “Without question, she is dedicated to delivering her best as an individual,” says head track coach Matt Sullivan. “This dedication to excel is rooted in her school, community and its people. Kiah isn’t dedicated only to her team and teammates; she is dedicated to making our community a better place.”
Which teacher or staff member had the biggest impact on you and why? From back in the fourth grade, the teacher that had the biggest impact on my life was Mrs. Donohue. She’s from the Prior Lake School District and recently retired after teaching at Glendale Elementary School. She had the biggest heart out of anyone I’ve known, and I knew when I walked into that classroom, I was safe. Safe to be myself, safe to learn [and] safe to grow.
What is something that your peers might not know about you? I’m really interested in astronomy. Looking at the stars is one of my favorite summertime activities, and I love learning about what’s outside of our atmosphere. Did you know that there’s more stars in the galaxy than there are grains of sand? That’s so fascinating to me and makes me even more grateful for the beautiful Creator that meticulously designed it all.
Describe yourself in three adjectives. Ambitious, sociable and faithful.
Brenna Peltz
Lakeville South High School
Considering her success in alpine skiing, it’s no surprise that Brenna Peltz’s happy place is Buck Hill. Brenna competed in the Minnesota State High School League State Championships four times, serves as captain of both Lakeville South Alpine Ski Team and Team Minnesota Alpine Ski Team, and is a member of the Buck Hill Ski Racing team.
In addition to her experience on the slopes, Brenna also stays busy with DECA, Faith Club, Link Crew, tennis and serves as a faith mentor to middle school students. “She’s one of those rare students whose kindness makes others feel seen, whose faith gives her strength and whose work ethic shines just as much in the classroom as it does on the ski slopes,” says Rachael Norton, school counselor.
Brenna credits her friends and family for helping her succeed. “Having such an amazing support system around me has truly set me up for as much success as possible,” she says, adding that she’s also discovered the importance of rest. “I’ve found that burnout can occur so quickly when I don’t take time to rest. By first finding rest through my faith, I am able to balance everything else that is going on around me.”
What is something that your peers might not know about you? Something that my peers may not know about me is that I am working on getting my private pilot license. My dad is passionate about aviation and works as a pilot for Delta. Growing up, I have fond memories of flying back and forth from Lakeville to Iowa with him to visit our farm. Aviation and learning more about planes has always interested me, and I am excited to learn more about flying from him.
What is your favorite day of the year? My favorite day of the year is my birthday, December 24th!
What fictional character or celebrity do you identify with? A professional skier that I look up to is Paula Moltzan.
What skill or talent have you always wanted to learn? How to whistle.
What is the best class you took in high school? AP European History.
Justin Borg
Prior Lake High School
Justin Borg’s accomplishments aren’t limited to the halls of Prior Lake High School. After his sophomore year, Justin spent a week during the summer representing Minnesota as a state delegate to the National Student Council Vision Conference in Oklahoma City. “Serving as a Minnesota Association of Student Councils state delegate, Justin is now one of the most recognized and distinguished young leaders throughout the state of Minnesota,” says Nick Ingles, student council advisor and English teacher. “Most students would not be willing to sacrifice a week of their summer vacation for leadership training, but Justin jumped at the opportunity to broaden his life experience, collaborate with delegates from around the country, and overall become a stronger leader.”
That’s not to say Justin isn’t making an impact within his high school. “Justin possesses unmatched school spirit, which he demonstrated with gusto this fall hosting our Homecoming pepfest,” Ingles says.
Justin also co-founded the high school’s American Red Cross Club and Current Events Club, serves as the vice president of the State National Honor Society and he’s a member of the Animal Welfare Club, choir, leadership board for the Laker Leaders Group, National Honor Society, Student Advisory Group and Student Council. He aspires to become a lawyer and is a captain of the Mock Trial Team. “As a captain in Mock Trial, he excels in developing bonds with teammates and welcomes all with unmatched enthusiasm,” says Takuma Padilla, Mock Trial head coach.
What is something that your peers might not know about you? One thing many of my peers and all of my teachers may not know about me is that I have dyslexia. I was diagnosed in third grade, and I have never let it define me. Instead of viewing it as a limitation, I see it as a challenge that has made me more determined and resilient.
Describe yourself in three adjectives. Charismatic, witty and social.
What is your dream job? I want to be a lawyer and potentially go into politics.
Kaelyn Bjorklund
Lakeville South High School
Kaelyn Bjorklund is a force to be reckoned with on the volleyball court. She plays for both Lakeville South High School and the Northern Lights Volleyball club, and her accomplishments are vast: Amateur Athletic Union Volleyball All-American, 2025 Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year and two-time Minnesota State High School League Volleyball State Champion, to name a few.
But it’s not necessarily her performance on the court that comes to mind when describing her. “Kaelyn has been a strong student-leader in our school from the time she came here as a ninth grader,” says Stephen Uphus, school counselor. “A driven, focused student, Kaelyn’s proclivity for athletic and academic excellence is only surpassed by her inclusive spirit and kindness demonstrated towards others.”
That balance of academics, athletics and connecting with others is definitely intentional. Kaelyn, who is also a part of Faith Club, says she manages all of her obligations by keeping a consistent schedule every day. “I write my assignments for the school week in a notability doc, so that I can check them off as I finish,” she says. “I make sure to find a balance in my sports, friends and school time.”
What is something that your peers might not know about you? My peers might not know that I have broken both wrists and one of my arms. Through these injuries, I learned gymnastics and ice skating are not the best sports for me.
What is your favorite day of the year? Any day in the summer.
What fictional character or celebrity do you identify with? I think I am like Pippi Longstocking because she was always true to herself, lived carefree and loved life, finding joy in everything around her.
Where is your happy place in the community? My happy place in the community is River Valley Church in Lakeville and Apple Valley.
What is your dream job? My dream job is to be a D1 volleyball coach at a high level program.
