Stillwater Area High School (SAHS) is celebrating 150 years of education and history. The district is one of the oldest public school districts in Minnesota, and this milestone highlights how the school has grown and changed since its first graduating class in 1876, which included only 10 students. Over the years, the school has expanded facilities, adapted to new educational practices and welcomed a more diverse student body. This celebration honors the dedication of teachers, the perseverance of students and the ongoing support of the community.
Graduating class sizes at SAHS have fluctuated over time, ranging from around 800 students in the past to between 600 and 700 students today. The school has become more diverse, welcoming students from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Grading practices have evolved, with a greater focus on formative and summative assessments to measure learning. Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to support different learning styles and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. In 1999, only about 3% of the graduating class at SAHS were students of color. By 2026, that number has grown to approximately 25%, showing how the school’s student population has become much more diverse over time. The school emphasizes kindness, respect and building community, helping students develop both academically and socially.
The first SAHS building was constructed in 1873 and was later renamed Lincoln School in 1888. The first graduating class included nine girls and one boy, and the school has continued to grow steadily over the decades. Class sizes at Stillwater have fluctuated over the years due to changes in enrollment and school choice.
“What stands out the most is actually the difference in… the graduating class sizes… when I graduated, we had like 800, and now we’re down to… six to seven hundred,” Amanda Banick, a teacher and alumna, said.
The student body has become increasingly diverse, welcoming students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. This diversity has changed the school’s culture and made it a more inclusive learning environment. Banick also noted how the school has changed diversity wise as well, and that it makes it a lot more fun place to be.
Teachers at SAHS work behind the scenes to support student growth and maintain a positive classroom environment. They dedicate time to ensuring students feel encouraged, challenged and supported academically.
“Everybody wants to be successful… they want friends, they want to graduate, they want to figure out life,” Debbie Drommerhausen, marketing and business teacher, explained.
Alumni who return as educators provide a bridge between the school’s history and current students. Their experience as former students allows them to connect with learners and provide perspective on what has changed over time. History teacher Ryan Miller explains how he has “tried to reflect on strategies of teaching” that he really found engaging, and also reflect on strategies that he did not find very engaging.
The school has faced challenges over its long history, including building fires and the need for expansions to accommodate growing enrollment. Despite these challenges, SAHS has remained committed to providing high-quality education for all students. Celebrating 150 years allows the school to honor its past while continuing to evolve for the future. From shifting class sizes and increasing diversity to the dedication of teachers and alumni, the school demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the community. As students, staff and alumni come together, SAHS remains a place where learners can succeed, feel connected and take pride in its long-standing traditions.
