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ATHLETICS #RoyaltonRoyals For instructions on any of the notification apps used by the coaches or advisors, click on the app name in the "How To" section on our Communication Plan . To receive notification of any last-minute changes to the activities or sports calendar, sign up with "Notify Me " to receive alerts and reminders. FALL football Varsity Jamie Morford, Head Coach royaltonfootball@gmail.com Season starts the second week of August Team Page > football 9th Grade- Junior High Ryan Wiener, Head Coach ryanwiener22@gmail.com Season starts the second week of August football 8th Grade- Junior High Jeremy Albright, Head Coach boysbasketball@isd485.org Season starts the first day of school football 7th Grade- Junior High Dylan Kummet, Head Coach dylan.kummet@isd485.org Season starts the first day of school volleyball Varsity Morgan Schluttner, Head Coach prommorgan9@gmail.com Season starts the second week of August volleyball Junior High Trisha Spencer, Head Coach trisha@xsperiencephotography.com Season starts the first day of school Cross Country Michael Marschel, Head Coach michael.marschel@isd485.org Melissa Poser, Head Coach melissa.poser@isd485.org Season starts the second week of August Team Page> Grades 7-12 WINTER Boys Basketball Varsity Jeremy Albright, Head Coach boysbasketball@isd485.org Season starts in the middle of November Boys Basketball Junior High Ted Hanson, Head Coach theodore.hanson@isd485.org Nolan Frank, Head Coach nolan.frank@isd485.org Season starts at the beginning of January Wrestling Grades 7-12 Spencer Elwell, Head Coach spencerelwell@icloud.com Season starts in the middle of November Girls Basketball Varsity Brad Baumann, Head Coach brad.baumann@isd485.org Season starts in the middle of November Team Page > Girls Basketball 8th Grade- Junior High Matt Pallansch, Head Coach mattp@mnsignature.com Season starts at the end of October Girls Basketball 7th Grade- Junior High Arin Campa, Head Coach campa.arin@gmail.com Season starts at the end of October SPRING softball Varsity Marissa Sowada, Head Coach marissa.sowada@isd485.org Starts the second week of March softball Junior High Abigail Weidenbach, Head Coach abigail.weidenbach@isd485.org Starts the end of March (Weather permitting) baseball Varsity Adam Snyder, Head Coach ajsnyder_07@yahoo.com Starts the third week of March track & field Grades 7-12 Melissa Poser, Head Coach melissa.poser@isd485.org Kaitlyn Arnzen, Head Coach kaitlyn.arnzen@isd485.org Starts the second week of March Girls Golf Varsity Jeremy Albright jeremy.albright@isd485.org Starts the third week of March Boys Golf Varsity Jeremy Albright, Head Coach jeremy.albright@isd485.org Starts the third week of March baseball Junior High benjamin.gilbertson@isd485.org Ben Gilbertson, Head Coach Andrew Hagman, Head Coach andrew.hagman@isd485.org Starts the end of March (Weather permitting) Girls swimming & dive Sara Underhill, Head Coach sunderhill@lfalls.k12.mn.us Season starts the second week of August Co-Op with Little Falls dance team Co-Op with Little Falls Taylor Czech, Head Coach tczech@lfalls.k12.mn.us Season starts at the end of October Girls hockey Co-Op with Long Prairie/Grey Eagle David Wright, Head Coach dwright@lpge.k12.mn.us Season starts at the end of October

ACTIVITIES #RoyaltonRoyals For instructions on any of the notification apps used by the coaches or advisors, click on the app name in the "How To" section on our Communication Plan . To receive notification of any last-minute changes to the activities or sports calendar, sign up with "Notify Me " to receive alerts and reminders. FALL Three Act Play Grades 6-12 Melanie Cimenski, Advisor melanie.cimenski@isd485.org Try-outs are in the middle of September robotics Shari Bishop, Advisor shari.bishop@isd485.org Troy Roering, Advisor troy.roering@isd485.org Season starts at the end of September WINTER Musical Grades 6-12 Melanie Cimenski, Advisor melanie.cimenski@isd485.org Try-outs are in February one act play Senior High Melanie Cimenski, Advisor melanie.cimenski@isd485.org Try-outs are in December Knowledge Bowl Mindy Klosowski, Advisor mindy.klosowski@isd485.org Season starts in December speech Tami Shaughnessy, Advisor tami.shaughnessy@isd485.org Season starts in January SPRING trap Shooting Sam Crowder, Advisor samc1903@gmail.com Season starts at the end of March Activity Page > YEAR-LONG student council Senior High Jon Koenig, Advisor jon.koenig@isd485.org student council Junior High Jon Koenig, Advisor jon.koenig@isd485.org yearbook Cathy Tordsen, Advisor cathy.tordsen@isd485.org Activity Page > BPA Advisor FFA Nathan Goldade, Advisor nathan.goldade@isd485.org Joelle Liddane, Advisor joelle.liddane@isd485.org Activity Page > spanish club Lake Mathison, Advisor lake.mathison@isd485.org tech/YES club Robert Skwira, Advisor robert.skwira@isd485.org National Honor society Nolan Frank, Advisor nolan.frank@isd485.org Prom Jeremy Schaa, Advisor jeremy.schaa@isd485.org

We develop lifelong learners ready for an ever changing world. Learn more about Royalton Public Schools today. Click to view New Enrollment We are pleased you are interested in enrolling your child in Royalton Public Schools! Give us a call at (320) 584-4000 or use the link below. Click to view Strategic Plan Royalton's strategic plan guides the work of staff, students, and community in achieving its goals. It helps align resources, set priorities and enhance overall student outcomes. Click to view Communication Plan Royalton's communication plan is to ensure all stakeholders receive timely and effective communication, so they have the best possible experience at Royalton Public Schools. Click to view Our Mission Create a welcoming and safe environment where all students and staff are empowered and challenged to achieve their personal best. Click to view Royalton's Voice Royalton's Voice is a forum for YOU to share your questions, concerns, compliments, and more. Each post is anonymous and will be reviewed by school personnel. If you'd like a response, include your email address. We hope this will be an avenue to have greater communication with you long-term. School Board Meeting Monday, May 12, 2025 Regular Board Meeting IN-PERSON & ONLINE ( Zoom Link) 120 SOUTH HAWTHORN, ROYALTON Early Childhood Entrance Foyer, Enter Door #1 Prom 2025 Prom 2025 Prom 2025 Prom 2025 Annual Royalton Greenhouse Sale Annual Royalton Greenhouse Sale Annual Royalton Greenhouse Sale Annual Royalton Greenhouse Sale Mr. Goldade's Greenhouse Management class has been hard at work seeding, transplanting, and designing baskets all spring! Come get what you need for your garden this year on they dates and times: Friday, May 9th, 3-5 pm Saturday, May 10th, 10 am - 2 pm Sunday, May 11th, 10 am - 2 pm Friday, May 16th, 3 am - 5 pm Saturday, May 17th, 10 am - 2 pm Tomatoes, Peppers, Petunias, Porch Pots, Bedding Plants, & Hanging Baskets!!! Tomatoes, Peppers, Petunias, Porch Pots, Bedding Plants, & Hanging Baskets!!! Tomatoes, Peppers, Petunias, Porch Pots, Bedding Plants, & Hanging Baskets!!! Tomatoes, Peppers, Petunias, Porch Pots, Bedding Plants, & Hanging Baskets!!! Good things are happening. #RoyaltonRoyals Morrison County Record Skyward Family Access District Calendar Menus & Nutrition Community Education Employment Opportunities Athletics Livestream Volunteer Application STaff QUICK LINKS Employee Resource Center Skyward Gradebook Employee Email SMART eR Frontline STAR Assessments Help Desk Proliftic

Meet our Board of Education and review the meeting schedule, latest meeting minutes, or the agenda for an upcoming meeting. Board of Education The Board of Education meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM in the ECC Foyer, enter through Door #1 Agendas & Minutes District Policies Recorded Board Meetings Ellie Holm - Director, Rian Hofstad - Chairperson, Jon Andres - Clerk, Lucas Boyd - Director, Randy Hackett - Vice Chairperson, and Maria Traut - Treasurer

district administrative Team Who We Are Dr. Kristine J. Wehrkamp Herman Superintendent 320-584-4200 Email Royalton Public Schools welcomes families and the community to be partners with us in providing an outstanding school experience for our students. Students are our number one priority w hether it's in the classroom, clubs, sports, or enrichment activities. We strive to create a positive culture and climate to give students and staff the opportunity to reach their highest potential. Joel Swenson Middle/High School Principal Our goal is for graduates of RHS to take what they have learned during their time at school and translate those experiences into successful careers in their fields of choice. My job is to help develop those learning opportunities while also helping to guide students to become productive, problem-solving, and outstanding members of our community. 320-584-4200 Email Amy Krueger Director Of Human Resources and Community Education My role as a Community Education Director affords me the opportunity to impact our learning community from our youngest learners in preschool to the most senior learners of our community. My work as a Human Resources Director supports the employees of our school community as they navigate employment and benefit election. Both of these roles are very important to me as they impact members of our schools and communities and aid our students in having a positive school experience. 320-584-4200 Email Tony Neumann Elementary Principal Elementary education is the foundation to instill a love of learning. Everyday we strive to be positive role models to provide students what they need, when they need it, while fostering individuality and creativity. 320-584-4100 Email Kaitlyn Frenchick Assistant Principal/ Activities director As Assistant Principal, I help students become positive community members. As the Activities Director, I encourage students to become active in Royalton's various activities. Seeing students connect with others through school and activities is one of the many highlights of my position. 320-584-4200 Email David Lemm Director of TEchnology My role as Director of Technology facilitates access to digital resources, enabling students to engage with interactive learning materials and collaborate effectively. By integrating technology into the curriculum, students receive enhanced learning experiences, and catering to diverse learning styles. Ultimately, my role empowers students to navigate and thrive in a technologically-driven world, preparing them for future academic and career endeavors. 320-584-4200 Email Tony Duevel Director of Buildings and Grounds As Buildings & Grounds Director my goal is to provide safe, clean, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing buildings, ball fields, and green spaces for students, staff and community to use and be proud of. 320-584-4200 Email Joseph Wiser Director of Transportation As Transportation Director, I oversee the safest mode of transportation to and from school for our students. Our team of drivers strives to provide a safe environment while on the bus where they can interact and socialize with their peers as they prepare or unwind from their day. We impact the lives of our students everyday by making a positive first and last interaction with them each school day. 320-584-4255 Email

district administrative Team Who We Are District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Dr. Kristine J. Wehrkamp Herman Superintendent 320-584-4002 Email Weather-Related Closures: News outlets (TV and radio), phone, text, and email Crisis: phone, text, and email District News/Updates: Royal Review, periodic emails, Radio Interviews w/The Falls Radio KLTF Royalton’s Voice (anonymity is optional) : responds to the Voice messages as requested Royalton Public Schools welcomes families and the community to be partners with us in providing an outstanding school experience for our students. Students are our number one priority w hether it's in the classroom, clubs, sports, or enrichment activities. We strive to create a positive culture and climate to give students and staff the opportunity to reach their highest potential. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Joel Swenson Principal, Middle/High School 320-584-4200 Email School Notices/Alerts: Phone and email School News/Updates: Royal Review, email (Weekly Newsletter) Discipline/Issues: Phone, email, and appointments Special Events : Phone and email Meetings: Scheduled appointments and drop-in visits Our goal is for graduates of RHS to take what they have learned during their time at school and translate those experiences into successful careers in their fields of choice. My job is to help develop those learning opportunities while also helping to guide students to become productive, problem-solving, and outstanding members of our community. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Tony Neumann Principal, Elementary School 320-584-4100 Email School Notices/Alerts: Phone and email School News/Updates: Royal Review, email (Weekly Newsletter) Discipline/Issues: Phone, email, and appointments Special Events : Phone and email Meetings: Scheduled appointments and drop-in visits Elementary education is the foundation to instill a love of learning. Everyday we strive to be positive role models to provide students what they need, when they need it, while fostering individuality and creativity. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Amy Krueger Director of Human Resources & C ommunity Education 320-584-4000 Email Discipline/Issues: Phone, email, and appointments Community Education Class Offerings: Royal Review, Arux, CE Facebook page, weekly newsletter, District website MAP: Royal Review, Arux, email, phone call, CE Facebook page, weekly newsletter during school year, District website Early Childhood Family Education : Royal Review, Arux, CE Facebook page, weekly newsletter during school year, District website Preschool Screening: Royal Review, Arux, phone call, CE Facebook page, weekly newsletter during school year, District website My role as a Community Education Director affords me the opportunity to impact our learning community from our youngest learners in preschool to the most senior learners of our community. My work as a Human Resources Director supports the employees of our school community as they navigate employment and benefit election. Both of these roles are very important to me as they impact members of our schools and communities and aid our students in having a positive school experience. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Kaitlyn Frenchick Assistant Principal & Activities Director 320-584-4200 Email Discipline/Issues: Phone, email, Skyward notices, and appointments Activity/Athletic Notices/Alerts: Email, RSchool notification Activity/Athletic News/Updates: Royal Review, Facebook, email Special Events : Email, Facebook Business/Meetings: Scheduled appointments and drop-in visits As Assistant Principal, I help students become positive community members. As the Activities Director, I encourage students to become active in Royalton's various activities. Seeing students connect with others through school and activities is one of the many highlights of my position. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods David Lemm Director of Technology 320-584-4200 Email Technology Updates/News: Royal Review, email Technology Charges/Issues: Email Technology Notices/Alerts: Email, phone My role as Director of Technology facilitates access to digital resources, enabling students to engage with interactive learning materials and collaborate effectively. By integrating technology into the curriculum, students receive enhanced learning experiences, and catering to diverse learning styles. Ultimately, my role empowers students to navigate and thrive in a technologically-driven world, preparing them for future academic and career endeavors. District Impact Statement Contact Information Tony Duevel Director of Buildings and Grounds 320-584-4200 Email As Buildings & Grounds Director my goal is to provide safe, clean, comfortable and aesthetically pleasing buildings, ball fields, and green spaces for students, staff and community to use and be proud of. District Impact Statement Contact Information Communication Methods Joseph Wiser Director of Transportation 320-584-4255 Email As Transportation Director, I oversee the safest mode of transportation to and from school for our students. Our team of drivers strives to provide a safe environment while on the bus where they can interact and socialize with their peers as they prepare or unwind from their day. We impact the lives of our students everyday by making a positive first and last interaction with them each school day. Transportation Dept. Updates/News: Royal Review, District website Bus Route Issues/Alerts (emergency): Phone, text, email Bus Route Notices/Changes (non-emergency): Email

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back January 2020 Artist of the Month Logan Sullivan Royalton High School sophomore Logan Sullivan was recently named January Artist of the month. Sullivan is the son of Luke and Laura Sullivan, and credits his parents for guiding him in the area of the visual arts. "My dad doesn't like to admit it, but he is very talented in the arts." stated Sullivan. " My mother graduated from Royalton High School and not only provided me with materials to pursue the visual arts, but also helped me to take school more seriously. Without her encouragement, I don't think I would be doing nearly the level of artwork that I am currently." he added. "Logan Sullivan has the ability to take subject matter apart and then put the shapes back together again, much the same way as in the style of Cubism," stated Royalton High School Art Instructor Carl Halverson. "In middle school, students first learn vocabulary which centers on the elements and principles of design. They are then tested to make sure that they understand this first step. After learning the vocabulary of art, it then can then be applied and practiced to more clearly understand the meaning of the artwork, rather than just the process of applying paint to "make a really cool picture." For students like Logan, an artwork's success doesn't mirror reality. The meaning is in his understanding and application of the elements of art, the tools, which include the lines, shapes, colors, and textures. It is unified by the principles, the rules of art, which include emphasis, contrast, balance and pattern to name a few. His work pushes the boundaries of art itself. It is unique and original, which pretty much describes Logan Sullivan." "My biggest inspiration for my art is my sister, Maja." said Sullivan. "She is very gifted in the visual and vocal arts. Maja attended the Perpich Institute of Art, which in turn, has influenced me a lot. She taught me things about art and I learned a lot about myself as well. I hadn't been very involved in Art until about eighth grade. That's when I really learned the basics, and practiced the fundamental skills of the elements and principles of design. Once I started to work again in ninth grade drawing class, I never looked back. I am largely inspired by Salvador Dali's subject matter but my favorite artists would include Henri Matisse, Wassily Kandinsky, and Andy Warhol. After I graduate from the Perpich Institute of Art, I hope to attend the University of Arizona. I am very grateful for my family and for Mr. Halverson for providing me with many opportunities to learn and further my artistic career.

< Hall of Fame Joseph Cimenski Class of 1964 Inducted May 2018 Joseph Cimenski, a 1964 graduate of Royalton High School, was the oldest child in a family of 13 siblings. Joe was a humble, fun-loving and hardworking young man. At a young age, his curiosity in mechanics and engineering was sparked working in his dad's mechanic shop. While attending high school, Joe was successful in academics and activities. He was involved in band, class play, and was selected as Snow Ball King. He was a four year Letterman and captain of the football and basketball teams. Joe had the honor of representing and playing in the Minnesota State Basketball Tournament. Joe's leadership skills can be traced back to this time as he was Class President and Student Council President. Following graduation from high school,Joe attended the University of Minnesota where he obtained a degree in Aerospace Engineering. While in college, Joe was recognized for his relentless persistence for learning as he often sought out professors until he understood the concepts of the course. Joe enlisted in the Navy in 1969 and was a Battalion Commander. While in flight school, he was on the Captain's List for academic excellence for all three years. He graduated from Training Command School as #1 in his class. Jo received his Naval Aviator "Wings of Gold" in 1971 while he attended Naval War College in Providence, RI. Joe flew for the Navy for 22 years and retired in 2001 as a Captain (06) with over 30 years of continuous service While continuing his service in the Navy, Joe was able to find his passion as he landed a career in aerospace. In 1974, he was hired at General Dynamics (G.D.) in San Diego. He was assigned to the Fluid Systems Design Group for the Centaur Rocket on the Atlas, Titan and later Shuttle Space Launch Vehicles. Joe was given two special assignments, to work on the classified Tomahawk Cruise Missile fuel system design and the NASA X-33 Systems Engineering. Joe's efforts at G.D. supported Mariner spacecraft to all the planets in the solar system and beyond. He had a hand in sending the only man made objects out of the solar system entirely into interstellar space. Joe's signature (literally) is on Mars aboard one of the Viking landers. As a natural leader. Joe was promoted and served as Chairman of the AlAA Liquid Rocket Propulsion Technical Subcommittee for two years. He was also a project manager. In this capacity, Joe was responsible for the performance of several contracts for propulsion and propellant feed components. He oversaw contracts worth over $375 million for Centaur main rocket engines alone. In his career in aerospace, Joe was much decorated as he received three extraordinary achievement awards: Excel Award, Special Recognition Award from General Dynamics and Nominee for the General Managers Award, the GD's highest honor. From 1987-1990, Joe's first four years in the Program management, his overall performance evaluation grade was "exceptional," the highest possible at General Dynamics. Joe retired from the Navy in 2000 and from Lockheed Martin, previously General Dynamics, as Senior Engineering Specialist in 2012 after 38 years of continuous service. Joe and his wife Melanie reside in Lone Tree, Colorado. His children are Jason, Joshua, Jessica, and Jennifer.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment May 2020 Student of the Month Mackenzie Beam Royalton Faculty and Staff would like to announce that Mackenzie Beam has been named the Student of the Month for May. Mackenzie notes that her family has helped her get to where she is today in more ways than she can think of. They have shaped her into the person she is by always being there for her when she needs them most, and push her to always do her best. She states that she is grateful for her five siblings because they have helped her find her way through life and allowed her to follow in their footsteps. Her family has taught her to always go after her dreams and if it doesn’t work out, she will always have their support and her faith to get her through it. Mackenzie’s favorite classes this past year were STATS and English. These were her favorite because the class atmosphere was always high and energetic. Ms. Menden and Mr. Silbernick made their classes enjoyable to be in, which made the hour go by fast. She notes that her favorite teacher is Ms. Menden. Although she has only had her for one year of English 12, she has made a big effort to really connect and get to know all of the students in Mackenzie’s class. One of her favorite things is that Ms. Menden was always smiling in class and made everyday fun, exciting and full of energy. At RHS, Mackenzie has been involved in Y.E.S. Club, Spanish Club, Minnesota Honor Society, and Student Council. She explains that she joined all of these organizations to try and get out of her comfort zone and be more involved. Her favorite High School activity was Student Council, especially in setting up for Homecoming. It was one of her favorites because seeing all of the other students having fun, smiling, and laughing was a great reward for all the hard work they all had put into that week. Mackenzie believes that she gained some leadership skills and more confidence by being involved in these various activities. Chris Coppicus, Royalton High School Band Director, would like to highlight that, “Mackenzie is a quiet leader in the band. She comes to class with a smile on her face everyday and puts in the work. Now that we are distance learning I am finding that Mackenzie is a stronger clarinet player than I first thought and she will be greatly missed next year.” Outside of school, she is involved in 4-H through Benton County. In the Spring, she gets pigs and raises them until August when they are taken to the Benton County Fair to show. She has a lot of fun making memories with her cousins at the fair, as well. Mackenzie’s favorite High School memory was when the power went out this past Fall and all the Seniors gathered in the Lion's Den in a circle sang songs and made memories. Next year she will be attending the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, majoring in Elementary Education. She is planning to teach either first or second grade. Tammy Shaughnessy, Kindergarten teacher at Royalton Elementary School states, “Mackenzie has been a student intern in my kindergarten class since the beginning of the school year. She has always been very reliable, showing up every day prepared and ready to jump into action with the students. She spent a lot of time reading with the kindergartners, playing learning games, assisting with small-group activities, helping with writing, and countless other activities. The students loved having Miss Mackenzie come into our classroom and they always hoped they were the next ones who got to read with her. She has an extremely kind heart and is so respectful of all students and their unique needs. Even in our unprecedented situation, where students may be feeling bombarded with distance learning, Mackenzie reached out to me and asked if she could join the Google Hangout with the kindergartners. The kids were very happy to see that Miss Mackenzie was able to join us.” Her advice for High School Freshman is, “soak it all in because the time really does go by fast!”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment January 2021 Student of the Month Rylee Johnson Royalton High School announced that Rylee Johnson was selected as student of the Month for January, 2021. She is the daughter of Kevin and Natalie Johnson. Family has been a huge impact in Rylee’s life. She states,”My parents are the strongest people I know and they have taught me that regardless of the obstacle there is always a way to persevere. My sisters have also had a huge impact on me and my success in high school.” Throughout high school, Johnson has been involved in Cross Country, Track, FFA, BPA, We Club, Student Council, and National Honor Society. The activities that she is most involved in are Cross Country and Student Council. “Rylee has been a vocal leader on our Cross Country and Track and Field teams. There is no doubt that Rylee will make an impact in her future workplace and community. Thanks for all your hard work over the years. I wish you all the best,” said Michael Marschel, Cross Country and Track coach. “I have the opportunity to work with Rylee in Student Council. Rylee is a hardworking, driven young lady. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty for Survivor Week and throughout the school year. I look forward to seeing her grow as a student in the future,” stated Jeanne Omvig, science teacher and Student Council advisor. Johnson’s favorite class is human body systems. Her interest in the medical field made her take it. She ended up enjoying that class very much. Rylee says, “Ms. Gerads is a very dedicated teacher and puts a lot of work into the class to make it both knowledgeable and enjoyable.” If Johnson had to pick a favorite teacher, she would pick Ms. Ploof. Ms. Ploof was her homeroom teacher and her choir teacher. “Ms. Ploof has helped me become a better singer and person throughout high school, and I can honestly say I would not be the same without her,” Johnson said. “Besides being an excellent student, Rylee has also become a great singer. As with everything she does, she has worked very hard at developing her singing voice. She is a great role model for other singers in choir!” says Cheri Ploof. After high school Johnson plans to complete her associate’s degree at St. Cloud State University and her bachelor’s degree in biology hopefully at the University of Washington-Seattle. She then hopes to enroll in medical school to pursue a career in family medicine. “In ten years time, I see myself finishing my medical residency and finally becoming a physician.” Rylee had some advice to freshmen out there, “My advice to freshmen is to make the most of the next four years. High school has a lot to offer and your experience is based on the opportunities you choose to chase. This is the time to try new things, make mistakes, and live a little because pretty soon you’ll be graduating too.” Listen to her advice and maybe you will be student of the month in high school.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back November 2019 Artist of the Month Jordan Pesta Jordan Pesta, the daughter of Neil Pesta and Brenda Weiss-Pesta, is Royalton High School's November Artist of the Month. She has explored many different electronic mediums besides the usual, traditional applications that are offered at the high school level. "I’ve always loved doing art, ever since I could pick up a pencil. Mr. Halverson has helped me further my career in art by offering instruction and support in classes like Drawing, Painting, and Graphic Illustration to develop my artistic ability and discover a love of different media. My personal favorite mediums are acrylic and watercolor along with drawing digitally on my phone or computer. Illustrating and painting have helped to take the worlds out of my head and onto paper and canvas. I want to share the pictures I visualize and the stories I create with the world as much as I can. Each subject has its own abstract way of being viewed, like my toucan painting or watercolor. They are both original paintings inspired by either things I see in life or just brought life in my head. Since middle school, I’ve been bringing characters to life and developing stories about their lives in my head. I one day hope to illustrate these stories in a graphic novel. Characters are, in a way, bits and pieces of their creator’s personality projected onto said characters. You create what you are, essentially." Pesta's favorite teacher at Royalton High School is visual arts instructor, Carl Halverson. Halverson thinks that Pesta is the most diversified of all of the talented art students he has ever seen. "Jordan excels to new levels in every medium that she picks up," said Halverson. "From traditional to nontraditional artforms; from creating original characters to applying computer generated animation; she transitions so seamlessly. Her original characters tell stories, that are as unique to the reader, as the characters are themselves. The best post secondary options for a student with Jordan's abilities can't be judged by where they are located, but rather, by what they are producing in the way of successful artists. Several artists with a degree earned from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, (Matthew Meyer, Dan Lund, and Justin Weber) for example, were members of the team of animators who created the Disney film Frozen, which won an Oscar. In Jordan's case, I truly believe that she has all of the ability in the world to pursue character development and illustration and as a career. I also believe that any school with a visual art program, in the area or the state for that matter, would welcome Jordan as a student. After all, they are businesses which profit from students attending and filling their programs. But unless they have a program with recent graduates who are extremely successful in their respective fields, they pretty much sound and resemble a "good, honest car salesman", (if one of these types of salesmen actually does exist.) Royalton High School's Visual Arts program has graduates who have become Art Teachers, Graphic Designers, Freelance Artists, Web Page Designers, and Illustrators to name a few of the many careers in the field. We are about to add a Famous Animator to this list in my opinion. All I can do as a high school art instructor, is try to point her in the direction of her strengths. Jordan Pesta has so many artistic strengths, that I believe she will be one of these students who will join the ranks of like the previously mentioned artists above. Artists, who don't sit around at a local pub talking about their glory days of high school. Instead, Artists who have actually held up an Oscar in their hands or published a book that they wrote as well as illustrated. She will be missed around here, but if I were a betting man, I would bet that she will return one day, extremely successful." After high school, Pesta hopes to attend a college centered around artistic careers or offering pathways to the art field. She has been looking into, and is in the process of applying to, the Academy of Art University, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and the Savannah College of Art and Design.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment November 2020 Student of the Month Samuel Zimmerman Royalton High School is proud to announce that Samuel Zimmerman was selected as Student of the Month for November. Samuel is the son of Doug and Karen and comes from a large family, but says even though its large, it is very close knit, “Having nine siblings creates plenty of opportunities to learn lessons I never thought I would learn. For example, when we would have to cut down trees for firewood, I would always despise going out to do the work, but my brothers taught me that complaining only prolonged the work, and if you just get the work done, you can go home faster. I still apply this lesson in school and life in order to just get things done, or as I like to say “procrastinate procrastination”. My brothers and sisters have always encouraged my passion for music, drama, and art. They were always in the audience for my many concerts, shows, and programs.” At Royalton High School, Sam is involved in many activities. He has been involved in Drama, Speech, Knowledge Bowl, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, One Act Play, FFA, Cross Country, Track & Field, Student Council, Choir, Minnesota Honor Society and directing the Junior High Drama . Sam says all of these activities has helped him learn so much about himself. “Sam is a phenomenal musician, both vocally and instrumentally! He is extremely dedicated to whatever he puts his mind to, whether it's music, theatre, school work or anything else!” – Cheri Ploof Royalton Choir Director. “Not only is Sam an excellent student but he is known in school for his fun-loving attitude and willingness to help whenever needed.”- Social Studies teacher Brad Baumann. When it comes to his classes Sam says his favorite class was Human Biology. “This class was the perfect mix between notes, projects, and experiments. This class sparked interest in a completely different field of study that I had never considered before. Ms. Gerads did a fantastic job of explaining what she was teaching and kept it fun! I enjoyed doing all of the projects and labs and this class made me want to learn. I highly recommend this class to anyone who has any interest in biology, or just wants to take a fun class.” As for a favorite teacher in high school Sam says it’s impossible to pick just one, “I have built a fantastic relationship with each one of my teachers so it is not possible to pick a favorite. I have had positive experiences with every teacher whether or not I was enrolled in their class. Positive motivation and encouragement from all the school staff have pushed me to do my best in whatever I'm doing, whether it be the arts, academics, or athletics.” Sam’s favorites memory in high school was being involved with the student conducted concert, “During the spring of 2020, the band was holding a student conducted concert and I chose to conduct the song Arabian Dances. The song was relatively difficult and I was definitely ready for the challenge. My favorite memory was the first day I stood on the podium and we ran the piece. It was intoxicating. I felt the music in a way I had never experienced before. I was handed this ability to control the song, to change the different instrumental sections to form this beautiful and electrifying piece and I never wanted to stop. This is my favorite memory because it clarified what I wanted to do for the rest of my life: I want to conduct; I want to teach music.” Next year Sam plans to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and is going to pursue a degree in Music Education in order to be a high school music teacher. In ten years, Sam hopes to be teaching high school students in music and would love to spread his joy and love for music to his students. Eventually he says he may want to teach at the college level. Sam’s advice to high school freshmen is, “My biggest piece of advice is to build a positive relationship with your teachers. Teachers are people too and like the other people in your life, friends or family, a positive relationship will give you the best experience possible. Believe it or not, teachers want you to succeed, to learn, to do your best, and having a positive personal relationship will only make school quite a bit better. I don't know where I would be if I wouldn’t have become friends with the majority of my teachers.”