ACES All-Star Evening: A Night Rooted in Belonging, Opportunity, and Community

ACES Youth with mascots

This year’s ACES All-Star Evening was more than a celebration. It was a powerful reminder of what can happen when young people are surrounded by opportunity, encouragement, and a community that believes in them.

Our theme this year was Multipliers. When we help one student succeed, that success multiplies across communities. ACES works with hundreds of Twin Cities youth each year, helping them build academic skills, confidence, and the belief that they can achieve their goals. Our students don’t just benefit individually; they become leaders who inspire their peers, are good to their families, and strengthen their schools.

The evening began with a reception where ACES youth greeted guests and showed off their math skills at our Youth Table. 

The Minnesota Vikings’ Skol Line set the tone for a program filled with excitement, generosity, and connection. Guests were welcomed by emcee JC Lippold, whose warmth and humor carried the evening, while auctioneer Miss Shannan helped inspire incredible generosity during the live auction and giving moment.

Reflections from Impact Leaders

One of the most meaningful parts of the program came from our Impact Speaker, Associate Board Member Ahmed Siddiqui, who shared his personal story of immigration, belonging, and resilience. Ahmed reflected on moving from Pakistan to New York City as a child and the challenges of adapting to a new culture, making friends, and finding his place in an unfamiliar environment. After 9/11, his family made a second move, this time to Minnesota, searching for a community where they could feel safe and supported.

In a story that deeply resonated with guests, Ahmed described how math became a source of stability and confidence throughout these transitions because math is the same in Karachi, New York City, and even Belle Plaine, Minnesota.

Impact Speaker: Ahmed Siddiqui

More importantly, he spoke about the people who helped shape his journey and who made difficult moments feel possible. He shared that because of those relationships, “a wall can feel more like a doorway,” a message that beautifully reflected the mission and impact of ACES.

Locked In Award Winner: Daniel Munson

The evening also included recognition of this year’s Locked-In Award recipient, Daniel Munson, whose generosity and commitment to ACES have made a tremendous impact on the organization and the students it serves.

Dan first became involved with ACES as a way to spend more time with his daughter, Kelley, ACES’ Director of Strategic Partnerships and Program Development. What began as a way to support Kelley’s work quickly grew into a deep commitment to the mission of ACES and the young people at the center of it. An ordained pastor, licensed marriage and family therapist, Dan has dedicated much of his life to supporting individuals, families, and communities through compassion, service, and care. One of Dan’s most meaningful contributions has been providing transportation support for ACES programming and events, a commitment that has saved the organization more than $30,000 in bussing fees and helped remove barriers for students and families.

ACES Youth, Danna, speaking about her connection to Academic Coach, Miguel.

The Bond Between Academic Coaches and Our Youth

Our night culminated in a celebration of the special bond that develops between our academic coaches and our youth. Academic Coach Miguel told us all what motivates him and how he connects with students on a day-to-day basis. Then, one of his students, Danna, expressed her appreciation for Miguel. Academic Coaches spend 15 hours a week with their students on average, providing academic support, mentorship, and connection with our youth.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, board members, and guests, All-Star Evening raised critical funds that will help ACES continue providing academic support, enrichment opportunities, mentorship, and safe, welcoming spaces for youth throughout the school year.

Most importantly, the evening reminded us that when young people are surrounded by caring adults and meaningful opportunities, they are capable of extraordinary things.

Thank you for being part of the ACES community and for helping ensure that every student has the chance to feel seen, supported, and connected.