Class of 2015: Legacy Award winners leave their mark at ERHS

In 2014 Elk River High School’s Student Council championed the Legacy Project, an effort to increase the recognition of high school seniors who have significantly contributed to the school. Seven awards for excellence have been created to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of select seniors. The winners each received a Legacy Wall Certificate and a plaque displayed on the pillars at the entrance of the school.

Mitchell Weege

Elk Award

Mitchell Weege was involved in National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, soccer, basketball and track. He was an Academic All-State in Basketball as well as a two-year captain.

“In all my years of coaching at Elk River, Mitchell has displayed the highest level of character of any athlete that I’ve had the honor of working with. Honesty, integrity, caring, dedicated, giving, all are words that define and describe Mitchell’s character,” said basketball coach Randy Klasen.

Jordan Haack

Valedictorian   

Jordan Haack was the 2015 Elk River High School valedictorian. Haack was on an Elks Math Team which placed third in the nation in the Moody’s Math Challenge as well as state math champion in 2015. Haack is a lettering member of the Elk River tennis team and a state participant.

He was also on the high school’s knowledge bowl team.

“Jordan is extremely hard-working and determined. He expects the best from himself and does not settle for anything less than that. He is diligent, patient and driven,” said Advanced Placement literature teacher Allison Harmer.

Class president 

Ryan Herrboldt

Ryan Herrboldt was the 2015 senior class president.

He coordinated the homecoming and Snow Week pep fests as well as ran the Change Challenge fundraiser.

Herrboldt was a two-year DECA competitor. He participated in a few different events; however, he saw much success in the Retail Merchandising Series role play event. He was an international competitor both his junior and senior years — making it in the top 20 (out of 200) as an event finalist.  He also served as the vice president of community relations his senior year for the school’s DECA chapter.

Esteemed female athlete 

Taylor Odegard

Taylor Odegard was captain of the Elk River girls swimming and diving team in the 2014-15 school year. Throughout her career, she was a five-time varsity letter winner and two-time team MVP. Odegard is a two-time school record holder, two-time section record holder and an eight-time pool record-breaker. She was also a member of the Elk River High School prom squad, a LINK Leader, an IMPACT leader, National Honor Society member, academic letter winner, DECA state finalist, Spanish Club member, and Project Lead Manager for the DECA Tackle Cancer Week.

Esteemed  male athlete 

Jake Jaremko

Jake Jaremko was the 2015 Mr. Hockey for the state of Minnesota as well as the 2015 USA Today National Player of the Year. As captain of the Elks hockey team, Jake had 73 career goals and 120 career assists. He was the team’s 2015 MVP and made all-conference for all four years of high school play and was a member or Elk River High School’s IMPACT leadership program.

Distinguished performing artist

James Bounds has been a member of the Speech Team for three years, advancing to state twice, and was the Section 7AA Duo Champion in 2015. Bounds was speech team captain his

James Bounds

senior year and also serves as a peer coach.

Bounds has also been a four-year member of the drama department, starring in many shows including last fall’s “Charley’s Aunt.”

He was the Elk River High School’s news co-anchor for the 2014-15 school year and is described as very well-rounded in all performing arts.

Distinguished visual artist

Samantha Hendricks

Samantha “Sam” Hendricks has taken multiple art courses at Elk River High School, including Clay 1 & 2, Graphics, and Drawing 1. Hendricks was selected for her work ethic and creative problem-solving skills. Hendricks is a dedicated artist looking toward a future utilizing the arts through graphic design.