About Me

I’m Nick Petersen, Westonka Class of 2010 from Mound, Minnesota. Grew up shy—only two yearbook mentions—but the schools there taught me civics, history, and that one voice can matter. Now I’m sharing this once-in-a-lifetime story because Westonka deserves the credit.

This is the classic Mound-Westonka White Hawks logo I grew up with during my time in the district (circa 1997–2010).

All rights and trademark ownership belong solely to Westonka Public Schools. I’m using this image here purely for personal nostalgia and to show the branding from my school days—no claim of ownership or affiliation.

Unlisted YouTube excerpt from my public comment at the Westonka Public Schools Board Meeting on January 5, 2026. Full video:

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All rights belong to the district.

I uploaded this short clip myself—so it’s easier for people to see—no promotion or ask.

Grateful to Westonka, and the Class of 2010.

Whether you’re a conservative in a blue-leaning state or anyone feeling politically out of place, the lesson I’ve carried since my days in Westonka Public Schools is straightforward: Show up. Wear what represents you. Speak up respectfully. Engage.

Grandview Middle School (now Westonka Middle School) and Mound-Westonka High School (now Westonka High School) gave me more than textbooks—they instilled a genuine love for civics and government. Teachers and principals at Westonka Public Schools in Mound, Minnesota taught us to value participation, history, and the power of informed voices. It’s why I still believe no matter your views, standing up for what you hold true matters. One voice—respectful, steady, and real—can change the world.

That’s real civics: not politics, not division—just connection. Once someone crosses an oath—President, Senator, school board member—it’s civics. Kids need that line clear today.

My Early Days at Shirley Hills Elementary Started at Shirley Hills Primary School in Mound—K-4, built in 1951, named after a local pioneer. Small classes, caring teachers, safe start. Civics came later, but this built the base.

Coming Home: January 5, 2026 I was shy—only two mentions in the Mound-Westonka High School yearbook. Yet at the Westonka Public Schools board meeting—same room I’d sat in as a freshman in 2010—Superintendent Kevin Borg still remembered my name. After 15 years. That’s Westonka: small enough to know you, loyal enough to care forever. I handed him the story. In his timing, it’ll reach the civics teachers.

Westonka Public Schools History Westonka ISD 277 began in 1915 when Mound-area K-8 districts consolidated. The first school board met on October 11, 1915. Mound Consolidated High School opened in 1917, with its first graduates in 1918. That year also introduced buses, sports teams, clubs, and a school newspaper. The district became ISD 277 in 1958. In 1971, the high school moved to Minnetrista and was renamed Mound-Westonka High School (now Westonka High School since 2025). Today, it serves about 2,400 students across Hilltop Primary, Shirley Hills Primary, Westonka Middle, and Westonka High—boasting #1 rankings in Minnesota for math/reading, National Blue Ribbon awards, and America’s Healthiest Schools honors.

Notable Westonka Alumni: Sports, Screen, and Now... Civics Westonka's produced stars:

• Kevin Sorbo (Class of '76-ish, born in Mound) — TV's Hercules, Andromeda lead, Christian film icon.

• Shane Wiskus (Mound-Westonka grad) — Olympic gymnast, three-time NCAA champ, Nissen-Emery winner.

• Older legends: Andrews Sisters (singers from Mound era), Sheldon Beise (U of M football great), plus halls of fame full of coaches, athletes, artists.

These names shine bright — Hollywood muscle, Olympic flips, stage lights. But here's why I'm stepping into that upper echelon conversation now: My story isn't fame. It's proof. Class of 2010, back-row quiet kid — froze 13 hours in -15° wind at Inauguration 2025, shouted "We love you, Mr. President," got the turn, two hand-signed letters back (archived in National Archives). Built weloveyoumrpresident.com — now 1,830+ views, 95% direct, 30 countries. No ads. Just people reloading because one voice landed.

That's Westonka on the map: not just local heroics, but global echo. No one's got presidential nod + worldwide readers from a shy start. Teachers taught us participation — I lived it. Kids see: "If he can reach the top from Mound, so can I."

Proud Westonka alum. Still saying thank you. Still here.