April 20-26 was National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and to celebrate, we highlighted just a few of the many ways Minnetonka students and families have given back to the greater good this year. Serving the greater good is a key part of the mission of Minnetonka Public Schools, and the Tonka Serves office provides education and opportunities for students and families to connect with organizations that are meaningful to them. To learn more and get involved with community service related to your passions and interests, visit TonkaServes.org or connect with Sarah Johnson, Community Service Specialist, at Sarah.Johnson@minnetonkaschools.org  

This post content was compiled by Tonka Serves Steering Committee members Reese Kottke ‘26 and Tatum Engebretson ‘26. 

Sebastian Zorn - Let’s Go Fishing
Sebastian Zorn is an 8th grader at MME who volunteers with non-profit Let’s Go Fishing. Sebastian has worked with the organization to bring more than 4,000 people fishing on Lake Riley. Through Let’s Go Fishing, other nonprofits are able to partner to provide pontoon fishing excursions for their clients, on which Sebastian and other volunteers serve as first mates. From veteran groups to assisted living homes and charities supporting children’s health and wellness, Sebastian has connected with a wide variety of community members to share his love of fishing.  

This past year, he was able to combine this volunteer work with his love for 3D printing by creating fish-themed fidget toys for the children and families attending Let’s Go Fishing trips. 

Sebastian was inspired to create his 3D fish toys after remembering the popularity of similar fidget toys with his peers. “I came up with a fidget fish design, added the ‘Let’s Go Fishing’ name on it, and then each child and family member received one at the end of the outing with HopeKids [a Let’s Go Fishing’s partner nonprofit].”

Sebastian’s advice to others considering volunteering is “to think about what pastime activities you enjoy and find opportunities to share your knowledge.” He will be volunteering with Let’s Go Fishing again this summer and plans to continue printing 3d fish fidgets, with a goal of reaching 500 toys.

Brielle - Lowry Nature Center
Brielle is a 7th grader at MMW who volunteers as an Animal Care Assistant and as a Program Volunteer for summer camps at Lowry Nature Center. She helps with feeding the animals and checking their habitats, while also holding them to help them acclimate to human touch. She started volunteering at Lowry at age 11 with her mom and now volunteers on her own.

Working at the nature center has challenged Brielle to expand her public speaking skills when talking with guests about animals or park information. Her advice for others considering volunteering is to sign up for a single event and then keep going if it interests you. “Volunteering is a good way to try out something you might want to do when you grow up,” said Brielle. “It's also a way to help your community by lending a helping hand.”

Letters of Love - Student Club at Minnetonka High School
Letters of Love, a club at Minnetonka High School, creates handwritten cards for children battling chronic illnesses. Each month, Letters of Love plans their meetings to make the cards special, having them be themed based on upcoming holidays and seasons.

“The idea of brightening a child’s day with a simple handwritten letter resonated with me, and I wanted to be part of something that could bring joy and hope,” shared club president Audrey Kibort ‘26.

Her advice for volunteering is that small acts of kindness make a difference. Through Letters of Love, she has learned that “a heartfelt note can bring a smile to someone who truly needs it.” 

Minnewashta Elementary Morning of Service Event
Earlier this school year, Minnewashta Elementary held a Morning of Service event, supported by the school’s PTO. Many different service projects were available for students and families to participate in. The opportunities connected classroom learning with community service and were  driven by students. “Our role is really to make students' and teachers' ideas a reality. We do the behind the scenes organization of people, materials and funds to keep projects like this going,” shared Sarah Sirna, co-president of the Minnewashta PTO. “For me, volunteering with the PTO is vital to the culture of the building. We offer the ability for teachers to take their teaching that one step further; to make it come alive for students through enrichment. It also allows me a chance to model for my children and their friends how to build a community of supporters.” 

One of the morning’s projects was writing handwritten notes for the organization Letters Against Isolation and Gifts for seniors, an effort organized by the fourth graders in Christine Castillo's class. In preparation for the service event, students read the book “The Circles Around Us,” a story of a circle that helps spark the conversation about kindness and inclusivity, and what happens when we expand our own circles. 

“This was our first time getting involved with these specific service projects, but the students felt strongly about focusing on our elderly population,” shared Ms. Castillo. She feels that grade level service projects can be an important piece of the education process. “My ultimate goal is to instill [in students] a sense of duty to their community and empathy and kindness to those that made it possible.” 

In addition to Minnewashta PTO volunteers, the Morning of Service event was supported by student volunteers from Minnetonka High School, who helped to facilitate the different activities.

Tatum Engebretson and Reese Kottke - Tonka Serves Steering Committee
Reese Kottke ‘26 and Tatum Engebretson ‘26 are members of the MHS Tonka Serves Steering Committee. As marketing chairs for the group, they work to help share opportunities and stories regarding service through social media and school communications.

In addition to the Tonka Serves Steering Committee, Tatum and Reese are extremely involved in co-curricular activities at MHS. Tatum participates in tennis, basketball and track, serves as a writing center coach, and is a member of MHS Legacy Club. Reese competes as a captain on the Minnetonka Sailing Team, is an IB Diploma Candidate, and serves through Spanish Intercambio, along with MHS Legacy Club. When asked why they prioritize service in their busy lives, they shared, “It is a change of pace in our lives where our actions are benefiting the greater community, and that is incredibly fulfilling.”