These graduates of the Elk River Area School District have achieved a grade point average of 4.0 or above through seven semesters.
Emma Crane
Emma Crane
Parents: Curt and Deb Crane
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
In the fall, she had her most successful running season ever, breaking her personal record in the 4K. During the winter Emma enjoyed a successful Nordic Ski season with the many other seniors on the team. In choir she was able to participate in the NWSC All-Conference Honor choir, as well as travel with the choir on an amazing trip to Chicago. In the spring Emma acted in her final high school theater production, Beauty and the Beast. Her favorite classes this year were choir, Spanish IV, AP Lit and AP Art History.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Emma’s most memorable high school experience was playing Princess Winnifred in the high school’s production of Once Upon a Mattress her junior year. She has always enjoyed performing, and it was very special to be able to showcase my skills in a place where a lot of people who knew her could see her doing what she loves. There were also many very fun people in the cast with her, which made the show as much fun to rehearse as it was to perform.
What are your plans for the future? Next year Emma will be attending the University of St. Thomas to major in Vocal Music Education.
Joe Evans
Joe Evans
Parents: Donald and Theresa Evans
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Joe took as many AP courses as he could. He took seven unique AP’s this year. Joe has taken all but two of the sixteen AP courses available at ERHS, and one of those (AP Calculus BC) he helped create by organizing students and petitioning the administration. Along with his coursework, Joe has participated on the Math Team, which went to state this year, and I was the captain of the Knowledge Bowl team. Also, he was a member of the Moody’s Mega Math Challenge finalist team that went to New York City in April.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Joe was on the Moody’s Mega Math Challenge finalist team that was flown out to New York City to compete. By far, that was his favorite high school experience. Joe, his teammates, Mr. Michner, and Mrs. Lerud all went to New York City for a weekend and were able to present their finalist paper to a board of Ph.D’s in one of the World Trade Center Towers. It was very a unique and enjoyable experience, and he will always remember it well.
What are your plans for the future? Joe will be attending one of the Ivy League schools, the University of Pennsylvania, to hopefully get a degree in a field of biology (He’s not sure which particular specialization yet). After getting his bachelor’s degree, he plan (though it is subject to change) to go to medical school and become a doctor.
Hallie Fousek
Hallie Fousek
Parents: Paul and Cindy Fousek
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Hallie was involved in several AP, college and honors classes throughout her high school career. She found her favorite classes to be English and Spanish. Hallie participated in NHS, Spanish Club, DECA, and Link. Outside of school, she participated in her church’s youth group.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Hallie’s most memorable high school experience was participating in DECA. She loved the traveling experiences it gave her. Her favorite memories from DECA are traveling to New York and Florida with friends. They were trips of a lifetime, and she will hold onto the memories for forever.
What are your plans for the future? Hallie plans to attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. There she will be enrolled in the Carlson School of Management where she will pursue a degree in marketing and minor in Spanish.
Sam Gearou
Samuel Gearou
Parents: Rebecca and Dennis Gearou
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Sam participated in National Honor Society, Math Team, as well as varsity tennis. Sam’s junior year, he took AP Calculus AB, Wind Symphony, AP Chemistry, AP Language and Composition, CIS Spanish III, and AP World History. As a senior, Sam took AP Calculus BC, Wind Symphony, AP Biology, AP Literature and Composition, CIS Spanish IV, AP Government and Politics, and AP Macroeconomics.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Sam’s most memorable high school experience was winning state tennis in 2012. After playing on varsity for three years, he really got to know the boys on the team. Working hard during the season, all the hard work in the off season, and many private lessons and tournaments payed off in the end, and Sam earned this honor with a great group of friends who got to experience it with him.
What are your plans for the future? Sam plans to attend Pomona College in Claremont, California, and he is going to play competitive tennis there. He plans to major in Computer Science and he hopes to learn as much as he can about the field so he can work for a top tech company in Silicon Valley.
Joshua Gearou
Joshua Gearou
Parents: Denny and Becky Gearou
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. This year Josh was involved in five Advanced Placement classes (Literature and Composition, Calculus BC, Government and Politics, Macroeconomics, and Biology). Josh’s other classes were Spanish IV and Wind Symphony. His extra-curricular activities included: Jazz Band, Math Team, and tennis.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Josh’s most memorable experience was winning the High School State Tournament as a team in 2012. The team had worked hard for many years before this time, and finally all of the hard work paid off. Many years ago his coach had spent endless seasons simply trying to put a respectable team together, and it was a pleasant surprise for him to win a state tournament decades later. Josh took joy in winning the state tournament for his coach as much as for himself.
What are your plans for the future? Josh plans to attend Pomona College in California and major in computer science and play tennis there.
Hannah Georgeson
Hannah Georgeson
Parents: David and Sandra Georgeson
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Hannah was a varsity dancer on the Elk River Dance Team for 4 years and was also a member of the Spanish Club. She served as the Elk River DECA Chapter President as well as the Minnesota DECA Vice President of Public Relations.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Hannah’s most memorable high school experience was attending all the football games during the fall of her senior year. She loved being surrounded by her fellow classmates to watch their last few games together.
What are your plans for the future? In the future, Hannah plans to attend the University of Wisconsin- Madison to study Communication Sciences and Disorders. She hopes to work with children as a speech pathologist or audiologist and to one day open her own practice.
Katherine Gingras
Katherine Gingras
Parents: Trish and Steve Gingras
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. This past year, Katherine, known by all her classmates and teachers as Katie, has been involved with swimming, jazz band, pep band, and marching band. Katie took many advanced classes this year and really enjoyed all of them, especially AP Literature and AP Physics.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Katie’s most memorable experience was her three years in marching band. With the local marching band, she has met tons of new people from Rogers and Zimmerman, not just Elk River, and has traveled around the state to compete. Katie is looking forward to traveling to Saint Louis this summer with the marching band.
What are your plans for the future? Katie is currently planning on attending Michigan Technological University for Molecular Biology.
Jordan Haack
Jordan Haack
Parents: Dan and Laura
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Jordan took as many AP classes as he could, and also took an advanced math course at the University of Minnesota, where he finished up through Calculus III. He is the captain of the Math Team, where he ended up becoming state champion, and he was on the Moody’s third place team in New York. He is a captain in tennis, where he plays #3 singles. Jordan also participated in Knowledge Bowl and NHS.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Jordan’s most memorable high school experience was winning state in math league. He worked hard all summer and was very determined to place top three. Luckily, he performed very well at state, where he won by two points. He is thankful that his diligence paid off.
What are your plans for the future? Jordan plans to attend Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. He will most likely major in Math or something closely related.
Angela Hipsag
Angela Hipsag
Parents: Brian and Stacy Hipsag
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Angela did part time PSEO this year. Her only class at high school this past year was A.P. Statistics. Angela was involved in National Honor Society and Nordic Skiing. She also took piano lessons and was a peer minister for her church.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Angela’s most memorable experiences were the winter trips for skiing. She enjoyed bonding with her teammates, exploring the ski trails, and the good food.
What are your plans for the future? Angela will be attending the University of Northwestern St. Paul to major in Elementary Education. She will also be working towards a math endorsement that will allow her to teach middle school math.
Peter Jones
Peter Jones
Parents: Robert and Patricia Jones
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Peter’s schooling this year consisted of AP Lit. with Harmer, Calc B.C. with Lerud, AP Physics with Anderson, AP Gov with McGowan, AP Econ with The Enforcer, Independent Study of Clay with Husen, Strength III with Breyen, and Advanced Marketing with Weiler. Extracurriculars include Football and Hockey, M3 Challenge, DECA, and a very brief stint with Knowledge Bowl.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Peter had a very tough time choosing! Travelling to New York for the M3 challenge was awesome, but so was everything in DECA, Football had an unreal season, and Hockey has been a major influence on his life. Everything and everyone had a significant influence on who he is today, and combined made high school a very enjoyable experience.
What are your plans for the future? Peter will attend the University of St. Thomas and play football. His current plans include becoming a neurosurgeon with a spinal focus, but he also recognizes he may choose one of many other paths, and is excited to enjoy the ride.
Geneva Kachinske
Geneva Kachinske
Parents: Robert and Georgia Kachinske
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Geneva was a captain of the volleyball team this year as well as the Vice President of National Honor Society.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Geneva’s most memorable high school experience was being able to play volleyball all four years and topping it off with a great last year. It was an awesome experience that was fun but she also learned a lot of life skills she can take with her.
What are your plans for the future? Geneva plans to go to Mankato State University to do the Pre-occupational therapy program they offer and after that she will go on to grad school to complete her degree.
Matthew Lee
Matthew Lee
Parents: Brian and Elizabeth Lee
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. During this past year, Matthew had both semesters of full advanced placement classes and these classes took a significant amount of involvement. He also participated in Knowledge Bowl.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Matthew’s most memorable high school experience was participating in Knowledge Bowl. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, answering questions, making jokes, and competing against other schools.
What are your plans for the future? Matthew is attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and pursuing a degree in some undecided form of engineering.
Sarah Livingston
Sarah Livingston
Parents: Kerry and Joseph Livingston
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Sarah has participated in multiple extra-curricular activities throughout her high school career. including Travel Soccer, Youth in Government, French Club, Band, Pep Band, Pit Orchestra, National Honors Society, and Math Team. She also was enrolled in many AP courses, as well as French class and Band.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? After her sophomore year, Sarah traveled to Ireland with the band and performed a series of concerts abroad there. She also enjoyed sightseeing as well as making memories with her closest friends there. It has inspired her to travel more in the future, and perhaps study abroad in college.
What are your plans for the future? Sarah plans to head to Michigan Technological University in Houghton Michigan to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering.
Molly McQuown
Molly McQuown
Parents: Jennifer and Timothy McQuown
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Molly’s senior classes included AP Calculus, AP Literature, Anatomy and Physiology, Government/Economics, Advanced Marketing, and Biology. She was also involved in National Honors Society and Elk River DECA.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Molly’s most memorable high school experience was traveling to Atlanta and Orlando with Elk River DECA. Being able to explore these cities with some of her closest friends created memories she will never forget.
What are your plans for the future? Molly plans to attend the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities to study nursing. She also hopes to get married, start a family, and travel the world.
Emily Motin
Emily Motin
Parents: Paul Motin and Susan Hubbs
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Emily was involved in several Advanced Placement and College Classes. Additionally, she was a member of the Speech Team, Theater Group, National Honor Society, French Club, Yellow Ribbon, President of GSA, and several more.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Emily’s most memorable experience was her involvement on the Elk River High School Speech team. It created a family for her. Everyone was so supportive and loving. She adored every person on that team and especially the coaches.
What are your plans for the future? Emily will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She will be studying in the College of Biological Sciences. Additionally, she plans on majoring in Biology and declaring Pre-Med.
Shelby Paaverud
Shelby Paaverud
Parents: Dave and Sarah Paaverud
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. This past year, most of Shelby’s schedule consisted of accelerated courses, including AP and college level classes. She has also been involved in NHS, Future Educators Club, FCA, Young Life and a leadership team at Central Lutheran Church. As well as her involvement in school and outside of school, she works at an after school program at Kaleidoscope Charter School.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Shelby’s most memorable high school experience would probably be the nights sitting by the fire with her friends, talking and laughing so hard she would cry. These nights were special for her because she spent time with some awesome people.
What are your plans for the future? Shelby is attending Winona State University next fall and wants to pursue a career working with kids. She is thinking about Special or Elementary Education. She hopes to make a difference by encouraging and inspiring kids to follow their dreams.
Emily Sederstrom
Emily Sederstrom
Parent: Jill Harder
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. This past year Emily took band and six A.P. classes. She was also involved in math team, jazz band, band council, and other miscellaneous band activities.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Emily’s most memorable high school experience is, by far, traveling to Ireland for band. She loved the culture and the landscape (and not to mention the accents). She also made great friends on the trip! It was just an amazing experience overall.
What are your plans for the future? Emily is attending the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota. As of now, she is interested in education for biology or chemistry.
Sophie Wiitala
Sophie Wiitala
Parents: Jane Wiitala, Micah Wiitala
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. In the 2014-2015 school year Sophie has actively challenged herself with rigorous courses including Ap Physics, Ap Calculus AB, Ap Literature as well as other college level classes. Outside of the academic world Sophie has been a participant of multiple band extra-curricular activities such as Pep Band and Pit Orchestra.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? The summer before junior year when Sophie traveled with the Elk River and Zimmerman High School bands to Ireland for a performance tour was probably her most memorable high school experience. Across the Atlantic Sophie had the chance to work with Irish bands and perform in the park of a bustling city. She also had the opportunity to travel across the country side, witness breathtaking views and explore cities and towns across Ireland. To have been allowed this opportunity, in high school no less, is something that Sophie will never forget.
What are your plans for the future? In the fall Sophie will be attending the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences to pursue a major in Biochemistry and a minor in Psychology. Afterwards she plans on obtaining her Pharm.D. in order to pursue a career in Psychiatric Pharmacy.
Colette Woyke
Colette Woyke
Parents: Dave and Colleen Woyke
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Colette was on the Cross Country Running team and was involved in the art department this past year.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Colette’s most memorable high school experience was her involvement in AP Studio Art. She has enjoyed improving her skills and expanding the variety of works she does.
What are your plans for the future? Colette will be attending South Dakota State University in the fall, pursuing a major in Ecology and Environmental Science, as well as a minor in Studio Art.
Danielle Johnson
Danielle Johnson
Parents: Dybwad and Brad Johnson
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
I was in jazz band, prep band, band tutoring, Granite Ridge All-Conference Honor Band, Granite Ridge All Conference ensemble competition and National Honor Society. My classes this year were wind symphony, government, college principles of macroeconomics, AP English literature and composition, AP calculus, AB and AP chemistry. I hold a part-time job at Holiday Station stores.
What is your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special?
My most memorable high school experience was playing “Overture Jubilos” in band entirely without Mr. Smith conducting. We grew stronger as a band since we had to rely on each other instead of having a teacher lead the way. We made mistakes, but we kept the song going until the end.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to go to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for a BS in animal science with pre-veterinary emphasis. After that, I plan to pursue a D.V.M. to become a large animal veterinarian.
Marissa Luing
Marissa Luing
Parents: Jennifer and Titus Luing
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
This past year I took AP calculus and college economics at Zimmerman High School. I also took environmental science, government, composition, health and wellness and chemistry through the University of Northwestern_St. Paul. For extra-curriculars this year, I was the vice president of the Zimmerman High School drama club, participated in two plays, was captain of the speech team and even tried cross country (emphasis on tried).
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience was being a part of the speech team. Being in speech helped me find my voice and develop as a person. I learned so many communication skills and discovered my passion for speaking. It was also pretty awesome to go to state this year!
What are your plans for the future? I plan to go to St. Cloud State University next fall. I am going to double-major in communications and political science. I want to use my passion for communications to help make a difference in our country. Vote for Marissa for president 2040!
Lance Davis
Lance Davis
Parents: Ed and Lori Davis
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
Of the 13 credits I earned this year, seven were college level. I partook in my second year of Knowledge Bowl, fourth year of pep band and seventh year of band; I enjoyed all of these activities.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Some of my best memories occurred on the New York City and Chicago band trips, 2013 and 2015 respectively. There are too many great memories; I can’t pick one, but all the memories involve great people, close friends and an awesome teacher.
What are your plans for the future? I will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus this fall. I plan on majoring in physics and possibly engineering. I would love to work for NASA or be a physics professor.
Wayne Kinney
Wayne Kinney
Parents: Mike Kinney and Sandy Kinney
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
For my senior year, I was in choir, S2S German, government and economics, gym, world literature and creative writing and Zimmerman High School Drama Club all year. I was in the fall musical, “The Music Man.” I was in the one act play, “Fourteen Lines.” I was in the spring play, “Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” I was also the pep band manager.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? All of Drama Club was most memorable. Being Carlie Cowell in “The Music Man,” Andrew Jamison in “Fourteen Lines” and Fenris Ulf in “Narnia” was memorable because it brought out a new side in me. It helped me to be more confident. I enjoyed everything about Drama Club and all the new friends I made.
What are your plans for the future? I’m going to St. Cloud State University in the fall of 2015 where I’ll major in psychology and still do theatre. I want to be a psychologist because being able to help people out is what I want to do with my life.
Maddie Jacob
Maddie Jacob
Parents: Steve and Cindy Jacob
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
I have taken a few AP and S to S classes (i.e. AP calculus, AP chemistry, S to S economics). I was a member of NHS. I played on the varsity soccer, basketball and softball teams. I was a captain in each my senior year.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? When my soccer team achieved its best record in school history this past fall and won our conference. It was fun to see all the girls come together and do something people doubted.
What are your plans for the future? I got a soccer scholarship to play for the University of Sioux Falls. I will also be pursuing a major in accounting.
Tanner Hermanson
Tanner Hermanson
Parents: Dan and Kristie Hermanson
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
This past year one of my favorite and most difficult classes has been AP calculus. It was my first class to ever get less than an A (A-), but it was a good experience for me to learn that mistakes are okay and I should learn from them. In this way, I feel I learned the most in AP calc this year. Besides class work, I also participate in tennis for Elk River.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience was winning the integrity award (my senior year). It was so memorable because I had yet to ever receive a character award, since I had always only gotten perfect attendance (6th-12th grade) and academic achievement.
What are your plans for the future? I plan to attend Bethel University for physics and aerospace engineering. I hope to get a job at NASA someday as an aerospace engineer.
Dennis Kemmetmueller
Dennis Kemmetmueller
Parents: James and Karen Kemmetmueller
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
I was involved in National Honor Society for two years and a member of the high school football team all four years, trapshooting for three years.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? AP World History with Mr. Hood because we had a great class and it was really fun with Mr. Hood. Also playing varsity football for two years on a very successful team.
What are your plans for the future? Plan on going to North Dakota State University to major in agricultural or mechanical engineering.
Heather Kilber
Heather Kilber
Parents: Jeff and Collette Kilber
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
I took many AP and CIS classes throughout my high school career that challenged me and have prepared me for the future. I was co-president of National Honor Society and a leader in Fellowship of Christian Athletes my senior year. I was on the Lady Royals soccer team for five years, being named co-captain my senior year. I was also on the high school track and field team for four years and in Just for Kix studio dance for 13 years.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience was being a captain for the high school soccer team. I had a lot of responsibilities and learned how to be a good leader and role model for my teammates. It was a great season with a lot of hard work put in, and I wouldn’t trade those memories I made with those girls for anything.
What are your plans for the future? I plan on attending the University of St. Thomas where I will be studying business and marketing and running for the UST track and field team.
Bailey Miller
Bailey Miller
Parents: Donald and Tammy Miller
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
During these last four years of high school, I have been involved in the varsity basketball program and National Honor Society. Then every year I have been in AP and CIS classes.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience is being apart of the basketball team. It gave me my life long friends and my favorite coaches. I will always remember my high school basketball team.
What are your plans for the future? In the future, I plan on attending the University of Minnesota-Morris to play basketball. I am majoring in biochemistry and Spanish with my sights on med school to study something in medicine.
Sydney Nelson
Sydney Nelson
Parents: Dean Nelson and Renee Hobday-Nelson
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
I have taken many AP and CIS classes my sophomore and junior year. For my senior year, I decided to take college classes through PSEO at North Hennepin Community College. My sophomore year I was on the Rogers Fall Dance Troupe and my junior and senior year I was on the Rogers Royals Varsity Dance Team.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience was competing with the Royals Dance Team and winning the conference championship both years that I was on the team.
What are your plans for the future? Next fall I plan on attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison and I am currently undecided on my major.
Nathan Pinter
Nathan Pinter
Parents: Michael and Camille Pinter
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. I was involved in five AP classes during my junior and senior year: AP human geography, AP biology, AP physics, AP calculus and AP literature and composition. These classes challenged me to work harder everyday. I’ve been involved with band and jazz band all four years of high school and have been the first chair the past two years. I have been in NHS since 10th grade working with various things. I played house baseball and basketball throughout high school and since I was a little kid. I have been on the Rogers High School bowling team since 7th grade and was the captain this year. I am also the captain of the Rogers High School Boys Varsity Tennis team. I’ve been in tennis since 10th grade. I have also been on the Knowledge Bowl team since 10th grade. I’ve been in Scouts since sixth grade and in 10th grade I earned the rank of Eagle Scout. It took a lot of hard work and determination. This year I was also involved in River Valley Sound through the 728 Cadets. I have also been in Mississippi 8 Honor Band for five years straight. I was in the pit band for this year’s musical.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience was this year during the Veteran’s Day memorial service we held for all the seniors in the gym. I got to perform in the band with a few songs, but the memorable part was when I got to stand up by myself and play Taps for my entire class. It was special because it was for an honorable cause, and I was able to play for all of my friends and receive many compliments.
What are your plans for the future? I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the fall and will major in something in math or science. I plan to get a four-year degree and find a job in the field of which I studied. I hope to make a difference in whatever place I end up in.
Elizabeth Rubbelke
Elizabeth Rubbelke
Parents: Bruce and Jeanne Rubbelke
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. I have been involved in many CIS and AP courses over my four years at Rogers High School. Also, I participated in Knowledge Bowl for four years. I was a co-captain of the Rogers Girls Tennis Team and lettered three years. I also was part of NHS and within that, a concessions manager and treasurer.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience was being on of the co-captains for tennis. It was so fund bonding with my teammates and working with the other captains. It was great way to end my last year of the sport.
What are your plans for the future? I am going to attend the University of St. Thomas in the fall to study engineering.
Emily Bourgeois
Emily Bourgeois
Parents: Patrick Bourgeois and Patricia White
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. AP: Human Geo, English & Language, English & Literature, Calculus, Government, World History, Biology. CIS: Anatomy, Pre-Calc, French. One-Act Play Fall Play, Spring Musical, Club Soccer NHS
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Participating in the one-act play. It really allowed me to grow as a person, become more confident and expand my creativity. I met so many great people & grew closer to my teachers/directors.
What are your plans for the future? University of Minnesota, biochemistry and hopefully forensic science later on.
Hannah Bremer
Hannah Bremer
Parents: Richard Bremer and Heidi Larson-Bremer
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. I have been involved in the RHS News, National Honor Society, DECA, Royal Connections Peer Mentoring, student council and peer mentoring.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? I got the chance to go to the 2015 International DECA Conference in Orlando, FL and my group earned 3rd place with our community service project. It was a great experience and I made great memories.
What are your plans for the future? I will be attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to study communications.
Olivia Anton
Olivia Anton
Parents: Ingrid Anton and David Anton
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. I have been involved in AP and honors courses since freshman year. I’ve been on the girls’ swim team and in the 728 Cadets marching band since middle school. I’ve also participated in NHS and Link.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special?
My favorite high school memory was traveling to New Orleans with the RHS band this year. I got to travel to new places and see crazy things and had a lot of fun with new friends.
What are your plans for the future? I will be attending UW-Madison this fall to pursue a major in biology specializing in neuroscience. I also hope to join the Badger Band in Wisconsin.
Samantha Hess
Samantha Hess
Parents: Thomas and Melanie Hess
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. I am in many AP and college classes such as Anatomy and Physiology, Economics, English, Calculus, Psychology and Physics. I am in National Honors Society and was concessions manager. I am a co-president of my high school Leo’s Club, a high school equivalent of a Lion’s Club. I have been a Link Leader for RHS freshmen for two years. I was one of eight of my classmates nominated to participate in the annual RHS Great Debate.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience was going to France between my sophomore and Junior year in high school. I had taken two years of French and got to practice my French while being simultaneously immersed into the French culture and I got to see amazing sites with some of my good friends!
What are your plans for the future?
I am going to the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in the fall. I plan on majoring in neuroscience while doing pre-med. I want to get into med school and become a psychiatrist.
Taycia Brandon
Taycia Brandon
Parents: John and Lee Brandon
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. I am involved in Leo’s Club, student council, NHS and Link at school. I’ve taken AP classes and enjoy foods class in school.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? There’s too many to just choose one! I have had so much fun with my friends and my teachers!
What are your plans for the future? I am attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities College of Biological Sciences. I am undecided in my major but am planning on keeping an open mind and discovering my interests.
Sophia Schmidt
Parents: Adam and Paula Schmidt
Sophia Schmidt
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Throughout high school I have been involved in many extra-curricular activities including National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, DECA and Royal Connections.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience was at a Rogers Royals football game. I remember standing in the student section and looking around and seeing my entire class, school, and community all together and all connected. Everyone was cheering and enjoying themselves. I was surrounded by my friends and classmates and I felt so fortunate to have grown up in a community like Rogers. This memory will stick with me no matter where life takes me.
What are your plans for the future? Next fall I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study biology and community and nonprofit leadership. I plan to go to medical school with the goal of becoming a pediatric hematologist.
Savannah Seiter
Savannah Seiter
Parents: Michael and Kathleen Seiter
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year? I was a member of National Honor Society, IMPACT and played softball and tennis.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? The softball team winning conference for the first time ever my junior year and hitting a home run during that game.
What are your plans for the future? I will be attending Gustavus Adolphus College in the fall and majoring in biology.
Caleb Burke
Parents: Loreli Burke and Michael Burke
Caleb Burke
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year. Throughout high school I have participated in four years of band, three years of Cross Country, four years of Track & Field and four years of Knowledge Bowl.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience was the state Cross Country meet. This was special because I got to run with all of the best runners in the state, and identify myself as one of them. It was a goal I had wanted to achieve since my first year of XC, and it was great to have my teammates there to cheer Tyler Bethke (who also ran in the state meet) and me on.
What are your plans for the future? I will be attending Minnesota State University, Mankato in the fall to study computer programming. I also hope to run cross country there. As for after college, I would love to be able to travel and to create something that will better the lives of others.