Justin Skaalerud, Principal

  • Justin Skaalerud

    Justin Skaalerud is in his second year as principal at Apollo High School after spending three years as an assistant principal at Apollo. He started teaching in St. Cloud Area School District in 2006. After spending four years teaching at Tech High School and North Junior High School and one year at Kennedy Community School, Principal Skaalerud spent 7 years teaching at Apollo High School before becoming the activities director for Apollo in 2018. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Studies Education from St. Cloud State University (SCSU) in 2005, a master's degree in Educational Administration and Leadership in 2010 and completed his K-12 Principal and Superintendent License in 2019 from SCSU.
    Principal Skaalerud is passionate about being part of the Apollo High School community. This is the school he and his family call home. He is very excited about the 2023-2024 school year and is looking forward to building meaningful relationships with all students to help them reach their full potential.

    Email: Justin Skaalerud

Laura Freese, Assistant Principal

  • Laura Freese

    Laura Freese is in her fourth year as an assistant principal. She started her post-high school educational journey at St. Cloud State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, in addition to a Middle School Endorsement with an emphasis on math.
    In 1998, she began teaching part time in the Little Falls School District as a math assurance of mastery teacher. Freese was hired in St. Cloud Area School District in 2000 as a math teacher at South Junior High. By 2005, she earned her Master's of Education in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary's University. She taught at South Junior High for 15 years before being hired as an academic coach. She served as an academic coach for the next five years at Clearview Elementary School, Kennedy Community School and then at Apollo High School. Freese earned her K-12 Principal Licensure in the spring of 2019. 
    Laura Freese is inspired by the creativity, compassion, and intellect the young scholars of Apollo bring to the school community. She is dedicated to creating a safe and caring environment where all students and staff can thrive and grow to their fullest potential.

    Email: Laura Freese

Courtney Gordon, Assistant Principal

  • Courtney Gordon

    Courtney Gordon is in her first year as assistant principal at Apollo High School. Gordon previously worked in District 742 as a dean of students before taking a position in the Anoka Hennepin school district as assistant principal at an elementary school. She started her career in the St. Cloud Area School District in 2018, and has worked at North Junior High School and Apollo High School throughout that time. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from St. Cloud State University in 2015, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership in 2020 and completed her K-12 Principal License in 2022 from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Gordon is proud to be from the St. Cloud community and is passionate about the power education has to provide unique opportunities for all students. 

    Email: Courtney Gordon

Ahmed Hassan, Assistant Principal

  • Ahmed Hassan

    Ahmed Hassan has served the St. Cloud District 742 Public Schools since 2012 as a Paraeducator, Bilingual Communication Support Specialist, Educational Equity Outreach Coordinator, Administrative Intern, and Dean of Students.  He earned a Bachelor of Science from St. Cloud State University in 2017, a master's degree in Educational Administration and Leadership in 2020 and finished his K-12 Principal License in the Summer of 2022.
     
    Mr. Hassan is in his first year as an Assistant Principal at Apollo High School and is privileged to be part of the Apollo Community.  He is looking forward to bringing his experience to the Apollo community and building a positive school culture that welcomes all students, staff, and the community regardless of their background.

    Email: Ahmed Hassan