Mandan Middle School Seventh Grader Reaches for the Skies as October 2026-27 Kid of the Month

The Bismarck Larks, in partnership with MDU Resources Group, are proud to recognize Asher Schwinkendorf as the October Kid of the Month.

Each school year, the Bismarck Larks Kid of the Month program celebrates kids who go above and beyond in the classroom, at home and throughout their communities.

Asher is a seventh grader, hockey player and STEM enthusiast whose curiosity and drive have already helped him stand out in and out of the classroom.

“Asher is an extremely intelligent kid with a bright future,” said Larks Director of Marketing Kloe Medick. “He’s exactly the type of kid we love to highlight.”

A Passion for STEM

From a young age, Asher has enjoyed figuring out how things work.

At home, that has meant building with LEGO, taking apart and repairing RC cars, and working through Hack Packs from Mark Rober. At school, he has continued exploring that interest through STEM classes at Mandan Middle School.

Last year, Asher took STEM as an elective, where he had the chance to work on hands-on projects and explore subjects ranging from engineering to 3D modeling.

“Asher was one of those students who really stood out from all the others because he was absolutely a leader in his class,” said Sarah Fox, STEM teacher at Mandan Middle School. “He was a phenomenal example for his peers of what it should look like when you walk into a STEM classroom ready to work.”

Students in Fox’s class take part in projects like building bridges, balloon cars and straw rockets, while also learning 3D modeling through programs such as Tinkercad and Minecraft Education.

Reaching for the Skies

For Asher, those interests are already shaping the way he thinks about his future.

“I’ve thought about this a lot,” Asher said when asked what he wants to do when he grows up. “I want to go to college and get a degree in aerospace engineering. Most people call it rocket science.”

That goal makes Asher’s curiosity in the classroom especially meaningful, and he continues to build the skills that could help him pursue that path one day.

Active On and Off the Ice

Asher’s interests extend well beyond STEM.

He has played hockey for the Mandan Mayhem for seven years and also competes in football and golf. Outside of sports, he enjoys hunting, fishing and archery.

His mix of curiosity, commitment and involvement in the community made him a strong choice for October Kid of the Month.

“I just really hope he finds what he’s passionate about,” Fox said. “If you find what you’re passionate about, you’ll definitely live life to the fullest.”