(04/14/2025) A freshman enrolled at St. Francis High School and Saints Online, Aleksa Uhde traveled internationally this winter to compete as a member of Team USA in synchronized figure skating.

The Northernettes: Uhde, who has been skating for 13 years, is a member of the Junior Northernettes, a competitive synchronized skating team who was named to Team USA this year. The Northernettes traveled across the United States and to Austria and Poland to represent the red, white and blue.

“Being selected for this team has been a goal of mine since I joined the organization,” Uhde said. “It’s the highest level offered in the entire state of Minnesota and the number of opportunities this team gets every year is incredible. I felt so honored and privileged to be selected for this team.”

International experience: Out of 20 skaters, Uhde was one of just two freshmen on the team. After placing fifth at the Mozart Cup in Salzburg, Austria, the team went to the Hevelius Cup in Gdansk, Poland and earned gold medalist honors in the junior division. In the U.S. Synchronized Skating National Championships in Colorado Springs, the team placed fifth.

“My favorite part about competing internationally was the experience,” Uhde said. “Being able to travel the world with my teammates and compete while representing Team USA is a feeling like no other. It was so cool to watch the other teams from the other countries and meet all of the new people!

“My favorite part about traveling internationally was the scenery. Traveling around Austria and Poland with my best friends and getting to enjoy every moment with them was so exciting. The views were so beautiful and unforgettable.”

[Read a story about local Northernettes from the Anoka County Herald - subscription may be required]

Saints Online: To make sure she stays up on her studies Uhde is using the online option provided within St. Francis Area Schools.

“I didn’t start Saints Online until after my traveling and competitions were over,” Uhde said. “Getting back into school after competitions was challenging, which is why I am now online. I would say it is going great and I will be doing it next year again, but this time during the competition season so I can stay caught up.”

More about Saints Online: Saints Online is a Minnesota Department of Education accredited online schooling option for students in kindergarten through grade 12 supported by teachers and staff within St. Francis Area Schools.

With local support and the flexibility of online classes, many students have found academic success through Saints Online. With flexibility in mind, high school age Saints Online students can be enrolled full time online or concurrently with another school within the district to choose from the wide range of courses.

Northernettes team

St. Francis Area Schools

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