Albert Lea Area Schools mission statement is to ensure individual academic, social and emotional growth that leads to engaged citizens and lifelong learners.

Although this wasn’t the mission statement when I graduated from Albert Lea, it certainly could have been. Because of the teachers and the academic rigor, I left high school prepared for college. I left with social and emotional skills that I carry with me today. I gained a love of learning and the importance of being engaged in my community.

My education in Albert Lea shaped my life in a way that cannot be assessed by standardized tests. In my active citizen class, I realized my passion to become a teacher and the importance of service to my community. In my humanities classes, I learned how to think for myself, listen to other perspectives and engage in respectful debates. In my pre-calculus class, I gained the confidence and perseverance to overcome my weaknesses.

Of course, I wouldn’t be who I am today without my family and friends, my college education at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and many mentors I have had in my teaching career and in life. But, I also wouldn’t be who I am today without the quality education that I received from Albert Lea Area Schools.

I want to say thank you to Albert Lea Area Schools and all of the teachers who have made a difference in my life. I am running for school board because I owe it to the district and current students to ensure that the mission statement is more than just a mission. It needs to continue to be a reality.

Angie Hanson

Albert Lea