Senior Story: Warner Standing Bear

For Warner Standing Bear, the future begins in Ireland—no matter what it takes to get there. With plans to study Political Science or Pre-Law at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin or the University of Galway, Warner is charting an ambitious course across the Atlantic. “Even if those plans fall through,” he says, “I’m going to study abroad or try to get a work visa! No matter what happens, I’m getting to Ireland before I do anything else.”

While law school is the long-term goal, Warner’s passions reach far beyond the courtroom. His dream job? A blend of ghost hunting and documentary filmmaking—traveling to small towns across the U.S. to capture their histories before they fade. But his heart also lies in labor law, fighting for better working conditions and equity. “At the end of the day, I’m perfectly content to do any work that tangibly improves the world.”

Creative, compassionate and endlessly curious, Warner fills his time with writing, sewing, drawing and building online archives based on his hyper-specific interests. He creates political theory and poetry alongside Star Wars character lore and shawl dancing regalia. Whether costuming school plays or crafting HTML websites, Warner approaches every project with heart.

His involvement in DECA and Theatre has shaped much of his high school experience. From a quiet freshman DECA member to a leading role as the member engagement executive, Warner stepped up to help run fundraisers and organize events. In Theatre, he transformed a backstage curiosity into an essential role—designing costumes, running the lighting board, making playbills and helping coordinate five productions. “Theatre is really, really fun and welcoming,” he says. “I would recommend that anyone nervous to audition try out anyway!”

Warner’s educational journey has been as unique and resilient as he is. After attending multiple elementary schools across the metro—some of which were difficult and even traumatic—he eventually found community and stability in Richfield. His family’s path has included hardship and strength, moving frequently before settling in the area. Warner proudly identifies as Lakota Sioux through his father’s side, with deep ties to the Sisseton Wahpeton reservation, and as Polish-American through his mother’s side, whose great-grandmother immigrated to the U.S. after World War II.

His favorite class at Richfield High School was CIS American History with Mr. Avery. “For all the intense labor it requires, almost everyone can leave that class not just more educated, but more confident and an infinitely better writer.” Warner praises the curriculum for being truthful, progressive and profoundly transformative.

Social Studies teacher Ben Powers calls Warner “the definition of competency and maturity. Part of that maturity is always trying to do what is right, even if it isn’t popular or well-received. He somehow still manages to be humble and an avid learner at the same time.”

In five to ten years, Warner envisions himself in his own flat in Dublin, working as a lawyer, writing books and spending time on creative pursuits. “Getting my own space would mean so much,” he says, reflecting on the importance of independence and mental well-being. “No matter what happens, I just want to get to Ireland and have enough free time and spare money to pursue my creative endeavors.”

Warner offers this advice to underclassmen: “Take as many risks as you can, at least socially. Refusing to be as intense, honest and weird as you really are will only attract the wrong people. Don’t let others take your joy, no matter what.”

Whether through law, art or the stories of forgotten towns, Warner Standing Bear is determined to make the world a better, more meaningful place.