09/02/2026
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฑ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ!
Today we honor three extraordinary leaders whose combined service represents more than fifty years of dedication to High Tech Kids. Their commitment has shaped our programs, strengthened our community, and expanded STEM opportunities for thousands of Minnesota students.
๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ข๐๐ฟ ๐ข๐๐๐ด๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ ๐ ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
We extend our deepest gratitude to Jack Riedel, Mark Schleusner, and Steve Vrchota for their years of thoughtful leadership, advocacy, and service. Each has played a meaningful role in building the statewide impact High Tech Kids delivers today.
Jack Riedel has contributed more than a decade of service on the Board of Directors. Since joining in 2015, he has helped guide High Tech Kids through significant growth and statewide expansion. As Vice Chair from 2017 to 2020, Jack strengthened governance, supported strategic initiatives, and championed high quality STEM access for Minnesota youth. His advocacy for STEM has shaped the experience of thousands of students. High Tech Kids is stronger because of his steady leadership and passion for empowering young people.
Mark Schleusner has served on the Board for more than fourteen years. Since 2012, he has been a thoughtful and consistent leader who helped guide organizational evolution and program growth. Mark played a key role in expanding High Tech Kidsโ reach in southeastern Minnesota, ensuring students across the region have access to hands on STEM opportunities. His long term commitment, stability, and advocacy have opened doors for countless young people to build confidence, create opportunities, and thrive in STEM.
Steve Vrchota has contributed twenty four years of service as a Board Member, Coach, Tournament Director, Judge, and Referee. Since 2002, he has been one of the most influential and enduring contributors to High Tech Kids. His leadership and volunteer work have shaped every part of our community, from strategic guidance to hands on support at events for Greater Minnesota. Steve inspired teams as a coach and upheld the values of FIRST as a Tournament Director, Judge, and Referee. His consistency, reliability, and passion have made him a cornerstone of FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge in Minnesota.
Please join us in celebrating Jack, Mark, and Steve for their remarkable service. Their contributions have strengthened High Tech Kids and created lasting impact for students, coaches, and volunteers across the state.
Together, we continue building pathways for Minnesota students to explore, create, and thrive in STEM.
Steve Vrchota Mark Schleusner Jack Riedel
