Minneapolis Junior Senior High FFA Welding students exhibited dedication, skill, and commitment to keeping their fellow students safe after recently completing an essential project in the old gym at MJSHS.
In years past, the school band was seated in an elevated area of the old gym, near a traditional guardrail. However, since the band no longer performs in that space, younger children now sit in the area, creating a potential safety hazard. Recognizing the issue, the school administration approached the FFA agriculture welding students for help. Last year, Ryan Myers and John Johnson rose to the challenge, devising a plan, procuring materials, and constructing a safety barrier to protect students. Due to some back-ordered items, the project was unable to be completed until recently. Dalton Krueger, John Johnson, and Kyle Phipps finished the project this week.
The added safety barrier was installed along the former guardrail and now stands as a strong example of students who are motivated, honorable, and committed to making our seating area safer. Their work reflects the FFA motto, “living to serve,” and demonstrates how classroom skills gained by FFA students directly benefit the community.
This is not the only time these students have stepped up. Following a routine safety inspection by the administration, it was determined that the steps to the MJSHS Stadium's crow's nest needed to be replaced. Dalton Krueger and John Johnson are in the process of constructing the new steps and will have them secured by this spring, ready for the kickoff of the Lions' 2026 Football Season. 
USD 239 Superintendent Curtis Stevens noted, "I am extremely proud of our students for their dedication and hard work in applying their skills to help keep our school safe. A special thank you goes out to alumnus Ryan Myers, and our current students John Johnson, Dalton Krueger, Kyle Phipps, and their welding instructor, Mr. Hauck, for their exceptional leadership and work!"