KAHS Choir students judged as State Excellent are, left to right, in back, Camen Miles, Bridget Anderson, Ryan Luitjens, and Kaitlyn Truenow. In front are Shelby Schiefelbein, Erin Diffley, Holly Dahlinger, and Elene Loliashvili. Staff photos by Marguerite Laabs.

Jade Hamilton, son of Todd and Jenny Hamilton of Kimball, graduated from Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) Friday, March 8. 
Graduation was from Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. He is currently training to be a Crew Chief and is stationed at Sheppard AFB in Texas.
Parents Todd and Jenny Hamilton and Jade’s brothers Trenton and Taylor Hamilton, all attended the graduation ceremony. Grandparents are Lurene and Cliff Lunde, the late Eugene Berscheid, Tom Justin, and Mary Maneval. Jade is a 2010 graduate from Kimball Area High School.
Army National Guard Pfc. Aaron M. Laabs has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Mo.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received instruction in drill and ceremony, weapons, rifle marksmanship qualification, bayonet combat, chemical warfare, field training and tactical exercises, marches, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, traditions, and core values.
Area gymnast Katie Spaulding of Kimball has had a wonderful year competing for Granite City Gymnastics in Waite Park.
Katie is competing level 9 and had a great competition at the Tropical Twist that was hosted by Granite City Gymnastics Sunday, Feb. 17. She placed first on the floor exercise and third place on the balance beam and in the all-around. Katie also qualified for the 2013 USA Gymnastics MN State Meet that will be held March 23-24 in St. Joseph. Katie, daughter of Chad and Kim Spaulding, is coached by Tommy Rodine, Liz Walek, and Danielle DesMarais.
Great news! Kimball Elementary is awarded a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor! We will have one full-time Elementary Literacy Tutor next year, who will work with kids who need a boost to catch up to grade level in reading. Minnesota Reading Corps tutors are AmeriCorps members and do not replace teachers. Every year, the program sees real growth in its students. Here’s what you should know about our tutors:
We will begin recruiting now for our Elementary Literacy Tutor who will serve at our school for 11 months, beginning in August. In exchange for their service, tutors receive a stipend of about $500 biweekly (full-time) and an education award of $5,550 (full-time) to use towards their own schooling.