Peaches Avre, Author at BestPrep

Xcel Energy’s Commitment to Student Success

Publish on April 28, 2026 Categories -

Xcel Energy’s long-standing partnership with BestPrep continues to shape meaningful learning experiences for Minnesota students. For more than three decades, the company has steadily provided volunteers and funding in support of BestPrep’s programs Xcel Energy employees have continuously volunteered as mentors, most recently in BestPrep’s Cloud Coach program at Washington Technology Magnet School, guiding the school’s entire ninth-grade student body through goal‑setting and career exploration. Volunteers have also stepped into […]

Carol Sayre Creates Meaningful Connections for Students with BestPrep

Publish on April 28, 2026 Categories -

Real-world learning starts with meaningful connections, and Carol Sayre, an English teacher in the TriDistrict CAPS Healthcare pathway, brings that to life through BestPrep programs like eMentors and Classroom Plus’s mock interviews. By linking students with professionals, she helps them build confidence, develop skills, and explore future possibilities. eMentors gives students direct access to healthcare professionals, filling gaps classroom lessons are unable […]

Phaedre Sanders: Committed to Making a Difference

Publish on April 16, 2026 Categories -

For Phaedre Sanders, volunteering with BestPrep has never been about one moment – it’s been about consistency, commitment, and saying yes to opportunities that make a difference. Phaedre, a Senior Tax Accountant at Ameriprise Financial, first connected with BestPrep in 2013 through her workplace. Her journey began with the eMentors program, where she has volunteered ever since. As her involvement deepened, she stepped into the role of […]

Student View of BestPrep’s eMentors Experience

Publish on March 27, 2026 Categories -

This winter, Rylee Wahlberg, a senior at Anoka High School, participated in BestPrep’s eMentors program with her DECA Internship class. Through eMentors, Rylee was matched up with a volunteer mentor from RBC Wealth Management. They exchanged weekly messages discussing school, career experience, interviewing, and much more. Rylee and her classmates also visited RBC to meet […]

Wings Credit Union Empowers Students

Publish on March 27, 2026 Categories -

BestPrep is proud to partner with Wings Credit Union to help students build financial knowledge and career readiness. Wings employees support students across multiple BestPrep programs, volunteering as Financial Matters speakers, Classroom Plus mock interviewers, Minnesota Business Venture Resident Business Leaders and breakout speakers, and Educational Forum essay judges. Through these experiences, Wings volunteers share real-world insights that help students […]

Vihaan Shah: Leading with Intention

Publish on February 26, 2026 Categories -

As a former Minnesota Business Venture (MBV) student camper, two-time CEO, Operations Associate, and a panelist at the 2025 Educational Forum, Vihaan Shah is certainly no stranger to BestPrep. Vihaan is currently a freshman at the University of Southern California studying Business Administration (Finance) with a minor in AI Applications, but before he got to […]

Barb Kuntz: Celebrating a Career, Investing in the Future

Publish on February 25, 2026 Categories -

After years of dedication and service, Barb Kuntz, former Cargill employee, celebrated retirement in a truly meaningful way — by directing her retirement party contributions to BestPrep! Her decision reflects not only a legacy of professional achievement, but also a deep commitment to giving back and making a lasting difference, one she wanted to emphasize as she retired. Barb has been heavily […]

Old National Bank: Commitment to Students’ Growth

Publish on February 25, 2026 Categories -

Old National Bank (ONB) has been a committed partner of BestPrep, playing an active role in preparing Minnesota students for future success. Since 2018, ONB employees have generously volunteered their time and expertise across multiple BestPrep programs, helping students build confidence, career awareness, and professional skills. One of ONB’s most impactful contributions has been its involvement in eMentors, connecting employees with students in meaningful, one-on-one […]