“On the first day of the NCAA fall signing period, Wayzata High School student-athletes put pen to paper and committed to play their sport at the next level. In a ceremony Wednesday morning, a school-record 25 seniors- in 12 different sports- signed their National Letters of Intent at various Division 1 or Division 2 schools from across the country. Three Trojans basketball players will be playing Division 1 basketball with Kate Amelotte signing to Creighton University, along with Wayzata boys basketball players Christian Wiggins committing to Iowa State, and Nolen Anderson staying home and playing for the University of Minnesota. Nathan Carr will head east and compete on the University of Virginia men’s swimming and diving team. Lila Golomb will run cross country and track, along with compete in Nordic ski and the University of New Hampshire.” via CCX Media.
Tag: Wayzata High School
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Front row: Cali Mitchell, Zoe Ryan, Ellen Hanson. Middle row: Nikki Gustafson, Grayce Daniels-Parks, Ava Totoe. Back row: Brielle Denkman, Naya Kouvalis, Kylie Englund, and Eva Afzal.
A group of Wayzata High School freshmen gathered along the Lakewalk on Saturday evening, bracing against the breeze coming off Wayzata Bay. The girls, dressed beautifully for the night, stopped to take photos at the docks as parents and friends snapped pictures against the lake. Laughter carried over the wind as hair and dresses shifted in the gusts, but no one seemed to mind—the moment felt like a rite of passage, framed by the glow of downtown lights and the familiar calm of the water.
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ST. PAUL — Federal charges have been filed against two men following the recovery of illegal machineguns at three Twin Cities-area high school graduation ceremonies, including Wayzata High School’s event at Mariucci Arena.
Hamza Abdirashiid Said, 20, and Amiir Mawlid Ali, 18, each face federal complaints for unlawful possession of machineguns, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced this week.
According to federal court filings, on May 30 at approximately 8:00 p.m., University of Minnesota Police responded to reports of gunfire outside Mariucci Arena during Wayzata High School’s commencement ceremony. Officers arrived to find a chaotic scene and two attendees suffering from gunshot wounds. Witness accounts and surveillance footage led to the arrest of Hamza Said, who was found with a Glock 9mm handgun modified with a “switch,” a machinegun conversion device, and an extended magazine.
Just four days later, on June 3, Minneapolis Police pulled over a vehicle near another University of Minnesota-hosted graduation—this time for Edina High School. Officers recognized passenger Amiir Ali, who they associated with previous gang-related shootings. A Glock 10mm with a 33-round extended magazine and machinegun switch was discovered beneath Ali’s seat. He was arrested June 6 while present at a third graduation shooting in Burnsville.
Jail calls from Ali later revealed plans to obtain another “button,” a slang term for a machinegun switch, upon release.
“These are ceremonies meant to celebrate the achievement of our youth—a rite of passage, a time of joy,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thompson. “Bringing violence and machine guns to such events is not only unlawful—it is immoral and shameful. Our community deserves better.”
Both men appeared in U.S. District Court yesterday before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty. They remain in custody pending detention hearings.
The federal charges stem from investigations led by the ATF and FBI Safe Streets Violent Gang Task Force, with assistance from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, University of Minnesota Police, and Minneapolis Police Department. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian C. Weir.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation; the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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WAYZATA — A night that began with celebration for Wayzata High School’s Class of 2025 ended under a shadow of concern, following disruptions during the ceremony and a violent incident outside 3M Arena at Mariucci.
Wayzata High School Principal Scott Gengler addressed the community in a letter Monday, offering both congratulations to graduates and a candid response to the events that unsettled an otherwise meaningful evening.
“It was truly a joy to watch our graduates cross the stage,” Gengler wrote, “but I would be remiss if I did not address the concerns regarding disruptions caused by some students’ family members and guests… as well as the deeply unsettling incident that occurred outside the arena afterward.”
Gengler confirmed that one of the two individuals injured in the post-ceremony shooting was a parent of a Wayzata graduate. That individual has since been released from the hospital and is recovering. At this time, authorities have not confirmed any connection between the individuals involved in the incident and the graduation event itself. The University of Minnesota Police Department is leading the investigation.
This year marked Gengler’s 30th consecutive high school graduation as an educator and his 24th as a principal. He noted that the last two Wayzata graduations have presented “significant challenges,” mirroring a regional trend of rising disruptions at large-scale commencement ceremonies.
Despite proactive measures—including increased staffing and repeated messaging about expected conduct—some guests chose not to follow decorum guidelines. “This was deeply disappointing,” Gengler said, “especially for the many families who came to celebrate this important milestone with pride and joy.”
Gengler emphasized that the disruptive behavior came not from students, who he praised for their respectful conduct, but from a “small number of family members and/or guests.”
In response, the school is considering new safety and logistical changes for future ceremonies. Among them: reevaluating the venue’s size and security capacity, and for the first time, potentially capping the number of tickets per graduate to limit crowd size and help preserve the integrity of the event.
“These changes are not easy,” Gengler wrote, “but we believe they are essential to preserving the respectful and celebratory atmosphere our students and families deserve.”
Despite the difficulties, the principal ended his letter with gratitude and optimism.
“Together, we will keep working to ensure that Wayzata High School remains a place of academic excellence, where we take pride in all that we do, and where we share and celebrate each other’s successes.”
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Image courtesy Wikipedia. MINNEAPOLIS — A shooting outside Mariucci Arena Friday night disrupted what had been a proud milestone for Wayzata High School’s Class of 2025. Two people were hospitalized following the incident, which took place just minutes after the graduation ceremony concluded. One suspect is in custody.
According to the University of Minnesota, the shooting occurred around 8:20 p.m. on May 30 outside 3M Arena at Mariucci, where more than 900 Wayzata students had just crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.
“The University of Minnesota Police Department responded to the scene, and paramedics transported two individuals to Hennepin County Medical Center,” the university said in a statement issued Friday night. “Their condition is unknown at this time. A suspect is in custody, and authorities do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the area.”
Law enforcement agencies including University of Minnesota Police, Minneapolis Police, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office remain involved in the investigation.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. Families had gathered outside Mariucci Arena to take photos and celebrate with graduates when a loud noise interrupted the festivities.
“Everyone had spilled outside in front onto the lawn to celebrate and take pictures when we heard what sounded like a gunshot… There was a mini stampede,” said Andrea Karlen, a Wayzata parent who posted a firsthand account on social media. “Everyone was in disbelief that it was real.”
Image courtesy Marjorie Frances Koenig Rosendahl. Marjorie Frances Koenig Rosendahl also shared her experience in a Facebook post, writing: “Carissa’s high school graduation from Wayzata HS… 934 graduates at Mariucci Arena. If you have seen the news, there was a shooting outside the arena… We were out on the grass, I heard one shot, and the crowd started running… our family is safe… we took a couple pictures and left. Police arrived quickly… lots of police and sirens… As we were in the car waiting to get out of the parking lot the ambulance went by, siren wailing and lights flashing.”
Additional Details From Crime Watch Reports
Crime Watch Minneapolis, a community-based public safety feed, reported that:
- A 49-year-old male was shot in the head and transported to the hospital in critical condition.
- A 19-year-old male suffered two gunshot wounds to the thigh and was also transported for treatment.
- A tossed firearm was recovered at the scene.
- The suspected shooter fled southbound on 4th Street SE and was described as a Black male in his 20s, wearing a red and black shirt, blue hoodie, jeans, and slides.
- A bystander reported that a large group had been fighting just before shots were fired.
These details have not yet been confirmed by law enforcement and should be considered preliminary.
Governor Walz, Community Leaders Respond
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the shooting on social media Friday night, calling it “horrific” and stating the state “stands ready to assist” with the investigation and community support.
Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Chace B. Anderson addressed the incident in an email to families and staff late Friday evening. “We are deeply saddened that this incident occurred at the conclusion of what should have been a joyful and memorable celebration,” Anderson wrote. “Our thoughts are with the Wayzata families and others who were directly affected by this tragic event.”
Anderson confirmed that the district is working closely with law enforcement and will offer counseling resources to students and families in the days ahead. “We are committed to supporting our school community as we begin to process and heal,” he added.
Impact on the Wayzata Community
The incident marks a somber end to an otherwise celebratory occasion at Mariucci Arena, one of the region’s largest venues for high school graduations. Wayzata High School, part of the Wayzata Public Schools District, serves students from across the western suburbs of the Twin Cities and is known for its academic and extracurricular excellence.
Image courtesy Daryn McBeth. Wayzata Public Schools has not confirmed any specific connection between the victims and district families, though Superintendent Chace Anderson acknowledged that “Wayzata families” were among those affected.
Ongoing Coverage
This is a developing story. Wayzata.com will continue to provide verified updates as more information becomes available. Families seeking information about loved ones are advised to contact Hennepin County Medical Center or the University of Minnesota Police Department.
For continuing coverage, visit Wayzata.com and follow official updates from University of Minnesota Public Safety and Wayzata Public Schools.
Editor’s note: Crime Watch Minneapolis is a community-run public safety feed that monitors public scanner traffic and shares real-time incident reports. This story has been updated to include an official statement released Friday evening by Wayzata Public Schools Superintendent Chace Anderson.
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Wayzata City Manager Jeff Dahl presents Wendy Hitch with a Certificate of Appreciation, honoring her late therapy dog Getty and their years of service through North Star Therapy Animals. WAYZATA — In a moment of heartfelt recognition, the City of Wayzata presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Wendy Hitch on Tuesday evening in honor of her late golden retriever, Getty, and their decade of service through North Star Therapy Animals.
Getty, who passed away earlier this year at age 14, was a nationally and internationally registered therapy and crisis response dog. She served alongside Hitch as part of a certified team that visited hospitals, schools, airports, and churches throughout the Wayzata area and beyond.
“Getty and I did a lot in Wayzata,” Hitch said. “She was the mascot for the Parables Disability Ministry at Wayzata Community Church for 10 years. So we did everything they did.”
Their work reached across generations and settings—from finals week at Wayzata High School to rehabilitation centers, hospice programs, and the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) literacy initiative. During the pandemic, they adapted by visiting patients through windows, holding signs that read “Sending love to you.”
Getty also found her place on stage, appearing as Sandy in Annie with Good Works Community Theater at Wayzata Community Church—a role that showcased not only her calm presence but her charm and versatility.
City Manager Jeff Dahl introduced the presentation by noting North Star Therapy Animals’ impact across Minnesota. The organization now includes more than 300 therapy teams serving over 95 facilities. “They’re focused on a common purpose: improving lives with high-quality therapy animal teams,” Dahl said.
Hitch, who is currently training her next therapy dog, is also helping lead a statewide effort to re-establish Therapy Animal Day on April 30. The City of Wayzata has joined the proclamation, along with Governor Tim Walz and several other Minnesota cities.
“I appreciate it—for myself, and for the work we did as a team,” Hitch told the Council.
With quiet grace and boundless compassion, Getty brought comfort to classrooms, hospitals, and crisis settings alike. Tuesday’s recognition served not only as a farewell to a beloved companion, but as a tribute to the deep bond between people and therapy animals—and the healing power they bring to the community.
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“Wayzata High School junior Aaratrika Mondal is part of the Wayzata’s Honors Mentor Connection program, where students are paired with an industry expert to help on a year-long research project. Mondal is paired with University of Minnesota Professor Stephanie Huang to research cells that can lead to cancer.” via CCX Media.
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Submitted image. The beloved Wayzata Musicales series continues its tradition of showcasing exceptional talent with an upcoming performance by the renowned Copper Street Brass. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable evening of music, taking place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Wayzata High School in Plymouth.
Copper Street Brass, Minnesota’s premier brass chamber ensemble, brings a unique and captivating blend of musical styles to every performance. From classical pieces by Mozart to contemporary hits by Madonna, their dynamic repertoire appeals to a broad audience. Founded in 2008, the ensemble has received critical acclaim for their artistry, described by reviewers as “flawless,” “polished,” and “somewhere between magnificent and exquisite.”
Highlighting their artistic achievements, Copper Street Brass was named a finalist for the prestigious McKnight Artist Fellowship. The ensemble’s members boast impressive individual credentials, having performed with renowned groups such as the Minnesota Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Minnesota Opera. Their versatility extends beyond classical music, as they have collaborated with jazz and blues icons like Davina and the Vagabonds, Prince, and Grammy-winner Big Walter Smith.
Adding a local touch to the evening, the concert will open with a short performance by Wayzata High School’s own Jazz Ensemble Blue, showcasing the school’s talented young musicians.
This special event is made possible through the generous support of the Woody Budnick-Chip Williams Fund, the Blue Water Theatre Company, and major funding from the Wayzata High School Band Class of 1971.
Event Details:
- What: Copper Street Brass Concert
- When: Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
- Where: Wayzata High School, 4955 Peony Lane N, Plymouth
- Tickets: Reserved seating is $26 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $16 for students, plus fees.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a brief intermission
Tickets available from Blue Water Theatre.
Don’t miss this chance to experience an evening of extraordinary music that promises to be both inspiring and entertaining. Reserve your tickets now and join the Wayzata community in celebrating the power of live performance.
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Wayzata High School student and baseball player Carter Anderson has an inspiring story to share. Just two days after his 16th birthday, Carter underwent a life-saving heart transplant at the Mayo Clinic. Take a closer look at his remarkable journey in this piece from KARE11, from the challenges he’s faced to his determination to recover and return to the sport he loves.
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Image courtesy Wayzata Athletics. The Wayzata High School Athletic Department is inviting the community to join in spreading warmth this holiday season with their December Winter Clothing Drive. Running throughout December, donations can be dropped off at any athletic events hosted at Wayzata High School.
The drive is focused on collecting winter clothing to benefit the Trojan Care Closet, which supports high school students in need. Specifically, donations of men’s and women’s winter coats, socks, gloves, and hats are being requested. Items can be new or gently used but must be clean.
Men’s winter coats in sizes Small, Medium, and XXL are preferred, while women’s coats in sizes Small, Large, XL, and XXL are in high demand. Neutral colors are encouraged, and clothing without specific sports or club logos is appreciated.
The department is also seeking new packs of socks, with a particular need for women’s socks and athletic-style options. Additionally, hats and gloves of all sizes and gender-neutral styles are welcome.
Wayzata High School aims to make this drive a success by engaging its community and leveraging the spirit of giving that defines the season. Residents are encouraged to attend the school’s athletic events this month and bring donations to contribute to this meaningful cause.
For more information, visit Wayzata High School’s Athletic Department website or contact the school directly. Let’s come together to ensure every student in our community stays warm this winter.
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