These graduates from Elk River High School, Rogers High School, Spectrum High School and Zimmerman High School have achieved a 4.0 GPA throughout their senior year. They were selected by the school at the end of school year or after all but one grading period to meet our deadline for publication.
Elk River High Schoool
HAYLEY ACKERMANN
Parents: Mark and Deb Ackermann
Future plans: Hayley will attend the University of Wisconsin- Madison this fall, pursuing a degree in nursing.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Hayley played basketball and lacrosse throughout high school and was involved in FCA and NHS. She also enjoyed coaching youth basketball and volunteering.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Hayley’s participation in sports was the most rewarding thing for her. She met her best friends through sports and couldn’t imagine life with. Winning state this basketball season also stands out.
MEGAN BUHL
Parents: Greg and Barb Buhl
Future plans: Megan will be attending the University of Wisconsin Madison next year to study nursing with a Spanish minor. She hopes to become a pediatric or neonatal nurse someday. She would also like to join the Peace Corps after college so that she can travel to third world countries and help those in need.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Megan was involved in sports throughout her four years at Elk River. She participated on the Fall and Winter dance team all four years, and was named as one of the captains for her senior year. She was also on the track team for three years. She enjoyed taking AP and college level courses that challenged her to become a better student and prepare her for college.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Megan’s favorite memory from high school was getting to perform on the Fall Dance Team and attending football games, because she got to spend time with her friends doing what she loved.
CONNOR BRYAN
Parents: Doug and Jenelle
Future plans: Connor plans to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth. He would like to pursue a career in the medical field and is majoring in Biology.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: This past year, Connor played varsity football and was a member of National Honor Society. He completed advanced classes including Anatomy and Physiology through the University of Minnesota, and AP Calculus.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Connor’s most memorable experience in high school was playing in the state championship in football after being undefeated in the regular season. He had been playing with the same group of kids since he was very young, and they were all good friends. It meant a lot to him to win the championship with that team of players and coaches.
MARIA BROWN
Parents: Jim and Beth Brown
Future plans: Maria will be attending Concordia St. Paul this fall to study Nursing and minor in Spanish. At Concordia she will be running Cross Country and Track. Maria plans on becoming a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in neonatal or geriatrics. She one day dreams to make her own nonprofit.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: This year Maria was in Cross Country Running, Hockey, and Track. Maria was also a leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a leader of Elk Buddies. Other clubs Maria was in include NHS and DECA. Also, Maria was involved in her church youth group (Impulse) and enjoyed volunteering. In school Maria took many AP and honors classes. Maria’s favorite class this year was CIS Human Anatomy and Physiology.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Maria’s most memorable high school experiences were going to state in cross country with her best friends, FCA huddles, Elk Buddies, and going to New York with DECA.
DYLAN CLAUSEN
Parents: Trent and Carrie Clausen
Future plans: Dylan will be attending Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, this fall to study biochemistry. He hopes to someday attend medical school or get a doctorate.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Dylan took 12 AP classes throughout high school and has been named an AP Scholar with Distinction. This past December, he qualified for debate nationals. He will spend a week competing in Birmingham, Alabama, this June.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Dylan holds two State Speech Championship titles. He is proud of the work he put in and the friendships he made because of speech.
MARY MCALPINE
Parents: Brenna and Matt McAlpine
Future plans: Mary plans to attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities to major in Chemistry with plans for dental school.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Mary was involved in activities such as gymnastics, NHS, Elk Buddies, and DECA all the while taking AP and college courses at Elk River High School.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Her most memorable high school experience was getting to travel to Anaheim, California, for DECA nationals during her senior year. It was so memorable because she got to spend it with friends.
CHRISTIAN LEONARD
Parents: Paul and Jill Leonard
Future plans: In the fall Christian will be attending the University of Minnesota, Duluth to study chemical engineering or physics. While attending UMD, Christian will be competing in three sports for the University: Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Christian was involved in numerous AP classes throughout his high school career. Christian was also involved in several clubs, such as NHS and FCA. He also competed on three varsity sports teams: Alpine Skiing, Track, and Cross Country. Christian was a varsity athlete on each of these teams for three years and received Captain honors in all three.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Christian’s most memorable high school experience was the waffle parties that he and the track and cross country teams had and hanging out with the boys because these memories allowed him to find his true self and his true friends.
ERIKA KOVAR
Parents: Brian and Cheryl
Future plans: Erika will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in biochemistry on a pre-medicine track. Erika aspires to be a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon or an ophthalmic surgeon.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Erika was involved in several activities throughout high school, including national honor society, cross country running, environmental club, French Club, FCA, LINK, and speech. Erika was a captain and peer coach of the speech team and president of French Club. Her favorite classes are AP Biology, CIS Anatomy and Physiology, and AP Literature and Composition.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Erika’s most memorable experience in high school was when her speech team was named section champions for the fourth year in a row her senior year. Erika feels incredibly grateful to have been able to watch the relatively small team grow into a strong group of incredible voices, and she will cherish the lessons and friendships the activity has brought her in these past three years.
JOHN MCCLAY
Parents: Tim and Karen McClay
Future plans: John plans to attend the University of Minnesota: Duluth in the fall of 2017, where he plans on majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Mathematics.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: John has participated in Concert Band, Wind Symphony, Red Elk Jazz Band, Black Elk Jazz Band, Football, Track and Field, Math Team, IMPACT, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and National Honor Society.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? John’s most memorable moment of his high school experience was winning the state football championship inside of the U.S. Bank Stadium, because all of the hard work he put in paid off. John also enjoyed all of the friends he made by being involved in school sports and activities, as well as the competition and competitiveness that came with them.
ASHLEY NETHING
Parents: Doug and Julie Nething
Future plans: This fall, Ashley will be attending Arizona State University in the honors program. She will be majoring in biology and plans to find a career in the medical field.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year:
Ashley participated on the varsity soccer and mock trial team. She was also a LINK leader, NHS member, and volunteer at the Animal Humane Society.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Ashley’s favorite high school memory was her school trip to Italy her junior year. She loved experiencing and learning about the different culture.
JENNA SCHUNK
Parents: Don and Tammy Schunk
Future plans: Jenna’s plans for the future are to attend University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire for a major in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She hopes to then get her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Jenna has succeeded in many advanced classes this past year, along with proctoring for the special education department at ERHS. Her favorite class was CIS Anatomy and Physiology. She has also been involved with the Yellow Ribbon Club.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Jenna’s most memorable high school experience was working with the special education department. Her favorite part was getting to meet so many new people along with some amazing students. It was a great opportunity and it really helped her decide her future career path.
SIDNEY WENTLAND
Parents: Sheila and Jesse Wentland
Future plans: Sidney’s future plans are to attend Denver University on full scholarship to play basketball and major in pre-med.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Sidney participated in volleyball, basketball, and track & field. She was also involved in NHS. Sidney was captain of the volleyball, basketball, and track & field teams.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Sidney’s most memorable high school experience was winning the 4A state basketball championship and having a perfect undefeated 32-0 season. She couldn’t have asked for a better season to end on.
Rogers High School
KATHERINE BAKER
Parents: Wesley and Nicole Baker
Future plans: Katie is planning to attend the University of St. Thomas this fall to study Actuarial Science.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: The highlight of Katie’s high school extracurriculars were being the treasurer of the Rogers Leos club, being a member of the National Honor Society, and advancing to state for DECA for three years. Her favorite classes this year included psychology, economics, and literature.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Katie’s most memorable experience during high school was dancing during half time at football games with her friends, and once a year with her father. This was a very special experience for Katie because she loves performing and dancing her heart out.
TAYLOR BURKE
Parents: Lori and Mike Burke
Future plans: Taylor’s plans for the future are to attend Minnesota State University Mankato. She plans to major in mathematics. She is excited to make new friends and see where the future takes her.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Taylor was involved in a few activities this year. She did varsity track and field, NAHS, and helped tutor several students through the school year. Some interesting classes she decided to take this year were College Intro to Psychology, College Intro to Sociology, Pre-Calculus, and Forensic Science.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Taylor’s most memorable high school experience was the 4.0 Banquet because it felt good to be recognized for something that she had worked so hard for throughout her high school career.
MADISON CHAPMAN
Parents: Craig and Susan Chapman
Future plans: Next year Madi will be attending Concordia University Wisconsin to major in Biomedical Science and play hockey.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Madi was involved in soccer, a captain of the hockey team, a member of National Honor Society, Leos, and LINK. She also took many AP and CIS classes throughout high school in order to prepare for college.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? One of Madi’s most memorable high school experiences was being on the girls hockey team for 5 years and winning the conference for the first time in the school’s history her senior year.
JACK DEMARAIS
Parents: Lynn and Steve DeMarais
Future plans: After graduating, Jack will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he plans to study conservation biology. Eventually, he would like to find a job that allows him to work outdoors, preferably in a National Park. Also, Jack hopes to become a published author someday.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: During his senior year, Jack continued to opt for a challenging course load, as he was enrolled in four A.P. classes and two other college level courses. Outside of the classroom, Jack played defense for the Rogers varsity soccer team, and also competed on the school’s Knowledge Bowl team.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Jack’s most memorable experience in high school was winning the Conference Championship in Knowledge Bowl in his senior year. This was particularly meaningful for him, because of the passion he has for this activity, the amount of time he has invested into getting better in it, and the fact that he got to share the victory with some of his closest friends.
COLLIN FRANZ
Parents: Marc and Lorrie Franz
Future plans: Collin will be attending Saint John’s University next fall. He will be a part of the football team there, and will be studying Secondary Education in Spanish to one day become a high school Spanish teacher.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Collin has been a member of the varsity football, basketball, and track programs. He was a leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes this past year. He has been a member of National Honor Society, Impact, and Royal Connections within the school.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Collin’s favorite high school memory was being a part of the varsity football and basketball teams. He loves the brotherhood and relationships he has created over the years with his teammates.
LAUREN GETZ
Parents: Stephanie Getz and David Getz
Future plans: Lauren plans to attend the University of Minnesota to study pre-dentistry.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Lauren played soccer, was involved in National Honor Society, and was a part of Prom Committee. Some of the classes Lauren took Senior year were AP Calculus, College Psychology, Gifted and Talented Films Production, and Advanced Public Speaking.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Lauren’s most memorable experience was football games in the fall. Spending time with her friends and being creative with a different theme each week was her favorite because of the endless memories made at each game.
KATE HEIMER
Parents: Mike and Beth Heimer
Future plans: Attend University of St. Thomas to play soccer and study biology, hopefully become a physical therapist.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Soccer, NHS, Royal Connections, AP Calculus, AP English, College Anatomy, College Spanish.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? High school soccer in the fall because it was a lot of fun with my friends.
EMMA KANGAS
Parents: Paul and Lea Kangas
Future plans: Emma plans to attend North Dakota State University in the fall. She will be studying Biology/pre-med.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Emma took AP and College in School courses on campus at Rogers High School. In addition to her classes Emma participated in National Honor Society, DECA, LINK mentorship program, Impact Leadership Academy, and Rogers Girls Varsity Golf throughout her high school career. She was the National Honor Society Treasurer for two years and the DECA Vice-President of Finance during her senior year.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Emma’s most memorable high school experiences were her spring seasons playing golf. She enjoyed being outside, having the opportunity to play courses around the state, and connecting with her teammates. It was extra special that she was able to play alongside her sister Sara for three years.
ANNA KOSHIOL
Parents: Larry and Debi Koshiol
Future plans: Anna is planning on attending UW Madison and pursuing a degree in engineering.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Anna has been involved in National Art Honor Society this year and has had her art in several competitions throughout the state.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Anna’s most memorable high school experience was being able to develop her creative side and participating in art competitions.
KAITLYNN LLOYD
Parents: Tim and Teresa Lloyd
Future plans: Kaitlynn is planning on attending Concordia University Wisconsin while playing hockey. Kaitlynn has been accepted into Concordia’s accelerated occupational therapy masters program.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Kaitlynn is involved in 4 college classes this year, including 2 advanced placement classes and 2 college in the school classes. She was also involved in varsity softball (captain), varsity hockey (captain), and varsity tennis. She is also involved in NHS, Leos, IMPACT leadership training, and Royal Connections.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Kaitlynn’s most memorable high school experience was playing sports. She enjoyed playing her sports with her teammates and learning how to manage her time and be involved at the same time.
SARAH MILLS
Parents: Cindy Mills and Tom Larson
Future plans: Sarah is going to be attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in the fall, and is planning on majoring in either foreign languages or linguistics.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: During Sarah’s senior year, she participated in several extracurricular activities. She was a member of the Leo’s Club and World Language Club, as well as a tutor for several of her fellow classmates.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Sarah’s most memorable high school experience was being able to form lasting relationships. She made friends in high school that she will never forget, and even after graduation Sarah plans to stay in touch with many of them.
JAKE MOSS
Parents: Brian and Darcey Moss
Future plans: Jake will attend the University of Minnesota to study computer science.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Jake played football, baseball, and hockey. He also was in National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Jake’s most memorable high school experience was beating Brainerd in sections for hockey, as the team wasn’t supposed to win as the No. 6 seed but played great and ended up winning 4-2.
EMMA NAVRATIL
Parents: Dave and Sara Navratil
Future plans: Emma plans to attend NDSU in the fall to study Biology and Horticulture. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Botany. After her schooling, she plans to be a research or field botanist.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: This year, Emma was involved in National Honor Society and was a co-president of National Art Honor Society (NAHS). As a National Art Honor Society leader she worked on projects such as painting murals on school columns and running Arts Fest. Emma also lettered in LINK Crew. She enjoyed the challenges offered by AP Physics.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Emma enjoyed Speech and Fine Arts competitions for the opportunities they offered to meet new people and develop her skills in those areas.
MARY OKEMATTI
Parents: Imelda and Abayomi Okematti
Future plans: Mary plans to major in biological sciences at Northwestern University with a concentration on genetics. She hopes to go to medical school and become a pediatrician or an orthopedic surgeon.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: During this past year, Mary took five colleges classes while balancing National Honor Society, Student Council, Link Crew, Leos Club, Educators’ Rising, and Track and Field.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Mary’s most memorable high school experience was her Senior Homecoming football game. This was the most memorable for her because she was able to see friends that she hadn’t seen in awhile. The fireworks at the end of game also set the year off right.
MERCEDES OLSON
Parents: Jeff and Jackie Olson
Future plans: Mercedes is planning on attending Indiana University to study Intelligent Systems Engineering and is hoping to concentrate in neuroengineering.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Mercedes was involved in several extracurricular activities including soccer, basketball, track and field, speed and strength, National Honor Society, ISD 728 Leadership Academy, Link, and DECA all while staying active in volunteering the community and taking advance level classes.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Mercedes’ most memorable experience in high school was all the relationships that were built throughout the four years at RHS and being able to prepare herself to be successful in college.
LAUREN POLZIN
Parents: Jeff and Tiffany Polzin
Future plans: Lauren will be attending the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities in the fall. She will be at the Carlson School of Management to study business.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Lauren was in National Honor Society and did the stats for the varsity baseball team.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Lauren’s most memorable high school experience was being a part of the baseball team when they played in Anoka. The field was very impressive, the game went into extra innings, and the Royals got the victory.
MEGAN SECRIST
Parents: Sam and Stephanie Secrist
Future plans: Megan will attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities to major in mathematics.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Megan took many AP classes, was involved in National Honor Society, Impact Leadership, and a leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Megan also played three high school sports: volleyball, basketball, and golf.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Megan’s most memorable experience was making it to the state golf tournament her sophomore year.
SIDNEY SEIWERT
Parents: John and Cyndi Seiwert
Future plans: Sidney will be attending the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She will major in biology, eventually go onto medical school, and pursue a career as a pediatrician. She hopes to someday work as a Doctor Without Borders.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Sidney was the Vice President of National Honor Society, participated in Rogers Leos Club, and played varsity volleyball throughout her senior year. Sidney balanced these extracurricular activities while taking five AP/ CIS classes and working part time in the Memory Care Unit of the Legacy of Saint Michael.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Sidney’s most memorable high school experience was being a part of the first ever Rogers High School volleyball team to win a sections game. It was extremely exciting to make history and rewarding to achieve the goals of the season.
ALLIE SMITH
Parents: Jill Jones, Andrew Smith
Future plans: Allie will be attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and majoring in biomedical engineering.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: Allie has been involved in high school softball all throughout high school. She has also been involved in ski and snowboard club, LEOS, and NHS.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Allie’s most memorable high school experience was leading a Bible study in the mornings before school with other classmates. She loved getting to make new friends and have the chance to make an impact on their life.
Spectrum High School
KAYLA AVERBECK
Parents: Brian and Sonja Averbeck
Future plans: I am planning on attending the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse this fall and working toward my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. My hope is to get into graduate school so that I can become an Occupational Therapist. I also want to complete a minor in Spanish with the goal of studying abroad sometime throughout college.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: At school this year, I was actively involved in the National Honor Society as the President. I helped with blood drives, planned dances, and led meetings. Additionally, I was an Editor in Yearbook, so I was able to put a lot of work into this year’s yearbook with designing layouts, assisting to create the cover, and editing the pages. Outside of school, I worked at Guardian Angels Care Center here in Elk River as a dietary aide. I really love working with all of the residents there, and I feel like I gained a lot of valuable experience. Every Sunday, I volunteered as a preschool Sunday school teacher’s assistant at my church, and spending time with the little kids made me happy. Otherwise, I spent a lot of time listening to music, hunting, fishing, or being with friends.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable experience at Spectrum was probably being named Valedictorian. It was nice to know that putting a lot of hard work into my classes throughout high school actually paid off, and I feel extremely honored considering how many talented, smart people I have graduating with me.
CHLOTIELDE BECHTEL
Parents: Julie and Mark Bechtel
Future plans: Attend Liberty University in the fall.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year:
I have been enrolled as a full time PSEO student. I am also the captain of the Elk River Swim team and participate in the Basketball and Track teams at Spectrum.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? Getting to hang out will all of my friends throughout different sports teams because my teammates are the funniest people.
LORNA BECHTEL
Parents: Mark and Julie Bechtel
Future plans: I plan on attending Indiana Wesleyan University to pursue a career in nursing.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: I was involved in PSEO at Bethel University this past year. I also was involved in soccer, basketball, and track & field.
OLIVIA RICE
Parents: Dean and Carol Rice
Future plans: Next year, I will be attending Liberty University and will be majoring in nursing. I hope to become more involved in ministry while I am there and to go on an outreach trip. I am not sure what direction God will have me take with my career and life after that, but I know that His plans are good.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: This year, I took six college level courses and was involved in Varsity soccer and NHS. Even though I enjoyed taking all of my classes, I would have to say that Human Body Structure and Function was my favorite since the subject is completely fascinating to me with a close second being Intermediate Spanish I and II. I have to give my teachers and professors credit for providing me with an exceptional education. Also, I had a great experience on the soccer team as we grew closer as a group and progressed over the season. My favorite part about NHS was putting on three blood drives.
ZOE SUITER
Parents: Bernadette Suiter
Future plans: My plans for the future include majoring in Chemistry at the University of Minnesota in Duluth, and then I would like to further my education to become a pharmacist.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: In the past year, I decided to attend Anoka-Ramsey Community College as a full time PSEO student. Although I was not at the high school often, I still enjoyed coming back to visit at school events such as fine arts night. I had one high school class this past year. The class was senior capstone, and I enjoyed it. Through this class, I was able to recap the last 17 years of my life and the transitions held within it. Through putting a capstone on the last 13 years of school, I am excited to see what lies ahead in the future.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience is the relationships built throughout high school. There were many different relationships built throughout the years between the teachers and my peers. No matter how much stress everyone was under, we all still helped one another in some way. Although we are all going our separate ways, we will still have the memories of when we were all together, and that is what makes it special.
JOEL ZIMMERMAN
Parents: Thomas Zimmerman, Theresa Sakry
Future plans: I plan on attending the U of MN Twin Cities to major in Biochemistry. After I get my degree in hopefully three years, I plan on attending medical school at the U in the Twin Cities or at the Mayo in Rochester.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: This past year I was a captain in my two sports of Cross Country and Track and Field. In addition to those I was taking full time college courses while completing my Spectrum requirements. In the past year, 4 of my college classes have been online through Anoka-Ramsey. I also took three choir classes in the fall as I love to sing.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? My most memorable high school experience would have to be the summation of my running career as those sports are where I made some of my closest friends and had the most fun. I also found a lot of support through the environment it provided.
Zimmerman High School
MADELYN MUCKENHIRN
Parents: Todd and Esther Muckenhirn
Future plans: Madelyn plans on attending UW Stout and majoring in Game Design and Development-Computer Science. She has been accepted to the Honors College and wants to participate in some form of band. Later she will also likely look into getting involved with theatre.
Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extracurricular activities this past year: In addition to typical courses, Madelyn decided to create an independent study drawing III class for herself and proctor for Herr Bloom. She also acted in all three plays this year, joined speech, returned to youth group, and continued as an alto saxophonist in jazz band and the wind symphony.
What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special? While Madelyn has collected a number of valuable memories during her high school experience, one of her favorites is from her sophomore year when she accompanied the band on a trip to Chicago.
“It was simply a blast getting to experience all that the city had to offer, from watching whales in the aquarium to screaming for our knights at Medieval Times,” she stated.