Saint Peter High School

In her fifth year of teaching vocal music at Saint Peter High School and Saint Peter Middle School, Bri Bergstrom has already left her mark on the choir programs at both schools with large numbers of students signing up every year for her classes.

(PICTURED ABOVE) Bri Bergstrom, SPHS's choir director/vocal music instructor, (right) is recognized by SPHS Principal Annette Engeldinger during Fleur de Lis Singers sendoff concert in early February. The group would perform the next day at the annual MMEA Winter Conference at Buffalo High School.

Her positive influence as a choir director and educator is quite obvious when you attend any of the choirs’ public performances at the SPHS Performing Arts Center, and she recently received state-wide recognition for her efforts. 

Bergstrom was named as the Minnesota Music Educator Associations’ 2026 High School Music Educator of the Year. The University of St. Thomas alum (for both her undergraduate and masters degrees in vocal music education) previously taught in the Belle Plaine school system for nine years before coming to SPHS at the start of the 2021-22 school year.  

The following is a Q&A profile of Bergstrom as she reflects on her time here at SPHS/SPMS along with her career as a choir music teacher:

What inspired you to become a choir teacher? -- I always wanted to be an educator and the incredible music program at Owatonna High School just clearly made my path for me. I couldn't ever imagine doing anything else. 

How does it feel to win this award? -- I am incredibly grateful and honored. I definitely wouldn't have a job or this program without the students so I feel this award really belongs to our program as a whole. 

How have you enjoyed your time here at SPHS? -- I love it here in St. Peter. The students and community have been so welcoming and supportive. I am constantly in awe at the talent of our singers and grateful for the community outreach and support. 

What has it meant to you to see the SPHS Choir program expand so much in numbers since your first year? -- I just really believe it's a testament to the students and the program they are creating - people want to be involved in our "choir family" and I love it. I am so so proud. 

Last year's senior class present Bri Bergstrom with a bouquet of flowers and a gift for their appreciation during the 2025 SPHS Choir's Pops Concert.