Two BHS sophomores named finalists in BestPrep competition 

Burnsville High School sophomores Nazaria Anderson and Tatiana Popov were named statewide top 20 finalists in the BestPrep’s Student Spotlight Contest. They will be honored at the BestPrep Educational Forum Feb. 11 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

“Both Nazaria and Tatiana wrote and submitted thoughtful and informed essays for the Student Spotlight Competition.  Their words and insights of financial literacy and freedom give us hope that our young people will leave us being financially ready, a key belief and principle for graduates of One91.”

The BestPrep competition is based on a question prompt from author John Hope Bryant, who writes about the five pillars needed for success: education, financial literacy, self-esteem and confidence, family structure and role models:

“Financial literacy isn’t just about money. It's about the freedom to make choices, the confidence to take control of our own lives, our communities and the opportunity to shape your own future.” 

You live in a time where your financial choices can have lasting impact. As you explore financial freedom, consider both your personal actions and their broader impact.

Financial freedom is the ability to make choices, take control of your life, and shape your future. Explain what financial freedom means to you. In your response, you must also address the sub-questions below:

• What steps or resources are you taking/using now to build confidence, take control, and attain financial freedom?
• How can financial literacy improve entire communities, not just individuals?

Hundreds of projects were submitted, and over 40 judges from Minnesota-based companies volunteered to determine the top 20 winners. Students who qualified for the top 20, along with their teachers and families, are invited to attend the forum.

BestPrep is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization that provides educational programs to students in grades 4-12,  offering virtual programs, distance learning and in-person opportunities. Since 1976, BestPrep has impacted more than 1.8 million youth across Minnesota and provided educators with resources to ensure that students are college-prepared, work-ready, and career-bound.