Yevhen L. ’27 Selected for Minnesota State High School League Student Advisory and Leadership Team

The International School of Minnesota is thrilled to share Yevhen L. (Class of 2027) has been selected to serve on the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Student Advisory and Leadership Team (SALT). He is one of only 11 high school sophomores across the state chosen for this distinguished two-year leadership opportunity.

SALT serves as a student advisory body to the MSHSL staff and Board of Directors, offering critical insight into the student experience within athletics and fine arts. Through this role, Yevhen and his peers will help plan and facilitate events, such as the Together 4.0 Regional Student Leadership Conferences in Bemidji, Willmar, Mankato, and the Twin Cities. These conferences unite student leaders from diverse regions to develop leadership skills, forge meaningful connections, and advocate for positive change within their school communities.

Yevhen’s journey to SALT began when he attended the Together 3.0 conference in Brooklyn Center. “That experience really opened my eyes,” he shared. “I learned the importance of creating safe spaces, making people feel like they belong, and listening before reacting. That event inspired me to apply for SALT so I could help other students the way I’ve been helped.”

As a SALT member, Yevhen will support planning sessions, assist with state tournaments, collaborate with other student leadership organizations, and contribute to the MSHSL’s Behavior Expectations initiative, which promotes respectful and positive conduct at school events. The program is highly selective and open only to students actively participating in MSHSL-sanctioned activities.

Reflecting on the moment he received his acceptance, Yevhen recalled: “It was on a  Wednesday, late afternoon, when I opened my email. I felt a burst of energy and excitement—it was such a joyful moment.”

Yevhen brings a deep passion for inclusive leadership. “I want to focus on creating opportunities for all students, especially in underrepresented areas, by advocating for more accessible funding and scholarships,” he said. “Everyone deserves the chance to experience the best quality and biggest opportunities possible.”

He also expressed gratitude to those who’ve supported him: “I want to thank my parents, siblings, uncle, aunt, and the ISM staff, teachers, and administration. When we first came to the U.S., it was hard. But thanks to their support, I’ve grown into the person I am today—and I want to pay it forward.”

De Hanuman, Athletics and Activities Director at ISM, and Sara Bianucci, Student Life Coordinator at ISM, have had the opportunity to see the growth of Yevhen at ISM. They were both excited to see him selected to SALT and they know he’ll be a great addition. 

“Yevhen is a leader in all senses,” Bianucci said. “He teaches those he leads to learn new skills and sets his team up for success. His organization is impeccable and that is what keeps his department moving forward through their initiatives. He takes pride in ISM, and it shows through his leadership and engagement on a daily basis. I am proud to have him on my team!”

“Yevhen is one of a kind! From the first day I met him 3 years ago, he had the mindset of how can I help,” Hanuman said. “This attitude is more than offering support when needed, it's a contagious leadership skill that will help beyond high school and into his career that promotes unity and service. We are so grateful to have him.” 

Yevhen and the new SALT members met current team members during orientation on April 30 to begin planning the year ahead.

Please join us in congratulating Yevhen on this incredible achievement and wishing him success as he represents ISM on a statewide platform of student leaders. We are so proud of you, Yevhen!