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< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment October 2019 Student of the Month Matthew Kasella Royalton High School announces Matthew Kasella has been named the October Student of the Month. Matthew is the son of Rob and Amy Kasella and the youngest brother of Jake, Megan, Katelyn, Krista and Jason. Matthew is grateful for his parents because “they gave me a strong work ethic.” The understanding of how to work stems from his experiences at Kasella Concrete. However, whether hunting or going to the lake, Matthew’s family also knows how to have fun together. Coming from a large family has greatly affected Matthew’s personality; through their times together his family helped him “be the extroverted, loud speaking, energetic person I am today.” He expends his energies in a variety of activities. Matthew’s extracurriculars include YES/Tech Club, wrestling, and football; “Friday Night Lights” gives him the best memories of his high school career because of “the sweat we put into each football play.” As for school, Matthew states that his favorite teachers are Mr. Thielges and Mr. Halverson. Mr. Thielges first sparked his interest in engineering, and in his class, “I enjoy figuring out difficult problems and finding out why things work the way they do.” He enjoys Mr. Halverson because he genuinely cares about each student, “I like that we can joke around yet really learn from him.” Carl Halverson, Royalton High School art teacher, says, “Matthew is a bright young man with a promising future ahead of him. What separates him from so many sharp students is that he pays attention to others around him. It doesn't matter what grade they are in, nor what group they are associated with. Earning a Student of the Month honor should encompass so much more than just earning good grades. Matthew Kasella definitely has done just that through his efforts to better our school in so many different ways.” Jeff Schoenrock, math teacher, states, “Matthew asks the why questions in order to fully understand how and why the math works. He works very hard in the classroom and is goal driven. Matthew works hard in the classroom, on the field and on the mat. He is a positive role model, not afraid to reach out and do what is right.” This young man’s positivity is also noted by Monica Flakus, high school career counselor, “Matthew is a joyful, caring, and responsible student. What I find so refreshing with Matthew is the fact that he doesn't consider helping others to be a big deal - that is just who he is. But, it is a BIG DEAL! He does all of these things naturally; he enjoys doing it and he takes his responsibilities seriously.” After graduation, Matthew plans to attend North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, and major in Civil Engineering. He hopes that in ten years he will have a solid job in engineering and have plenty of time for hunting and fishing trips. His advice for high school freshmen is to “spend your time doing the things you enjoy with the people that will be there for you.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment February 2019 Student of the Month Damion Theisen Damion Theisen, son of Tina Theisen and Joe Roering, has been named February student of the month at Royalton High School (RHS). Damion said his favorite teacher is Zach Silbernick because, “he is always prepared for class, and if a student doesn’t understand the material, he will make sure that you understand it.” “Damion is a joy to have in class,” said Silbernick. “I have the fortune of having him in two of my math classes back to back first thing in the morning. Most students would dread having two math classes let alone back to back and first thing in the morning. Damion is not like most students. He brings a positive, respectful, and cheerful attitude each and every day. He has a great sense of humor and is always engaged and active in the classroom. He is always asking the why behind things as well. Looking into how things work in math and trying to make sense of them. He is very respectful and a hard working man as well. He respects not only the teachers but also his classmates and is willing to jump in and help them learn whenever possible. I know that with his hard work ethic, respect for others, and overall strong character, Damion will be extremely successful after high school. As hard as it will be to no longer have him in class, I am excited to see what the future has in store for Damion!” Damion has been involved in student council, football, and wrestling, where he competed at the state meet this year. His favorite high school memory was after his last match at the section wrestling tournament. “I pinned my opponent and I knew I was going to state,” said Theisen. Damion future plans are to attend college in Wadena and complete the lineman program. Theisen’s advice to high school freshmen is, “High school goes fast and this is the time to try new things and to learn where you might go in your future, so take advantage of every moment you can.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back March 2020 Artist of the Month Madison Gutzkow Madison Gutzkow has been named Royalton High School's March Artist of the Month. She is the daughter of Mary and Bill Gutzkow and also the Class of 2020's Co-Valedictorian. Gutzkow has excelled in academics for years, but with the level of competition that Royalton High School's Visual Arts Program has displayed over the years, she didn't figure on excelling in the visual arts as well. It wasn't until she "received" the message that high school Visual Art Instructor Carl Halverson had been teaching for many years, that she became passionate about her painting of the "Brain" became a "passion". The effort then increased because she understood the personal reason why this project needed to be completed. "Ever since I was young, I’ve noticed my older siblings bringing home their amazing artwork from Mr. Halverson’s class," said Gutzkow. "My dad also spends most of his free time doing silly little doodles on scrap pieces of paper. Seeing all of this at a young age, I developed a passion for all forms of art and creative expression, which has only grown stronger. Especially in the last year or so, I have surrounded myself with friends from all over who excel in various art fields and have really helped to deepen my appreciation and knowledge of art and the different careers possible. I love to paint and draw, and the act itself is an escape from everyday anxieties and stressors from school. I started drawing at a young age before moving on to primarily painting, but drawing still holds a special place in my heart and I try to continue developing my skills. Personally, I think art is just as, if not more, important than academics in some ways. There is so much to learn about the world and yourself in artwork, all you have to do is search for the meaning. My plan for the future is to someday open a bookstore where I can combine my love for learning with my passion for the arts by holding art galleries for local artists and hosting live local music since I believe supporting the artists around you is one of the most important things one can do. I set out to combine these two loves when I started the painting of a brain in the 9th grade. Mr. Halverson always encouraged us to put pieces of ourselves into our work, which is part of what makes our art program so great. Instead of painting something random, give the art a deeper meaning. I chose to paint a brain because I felt it represented my academic side well and at the time I was interested in biology. When I didn’t finish the painting during that class, I thought that was it. I tried to pick it up a few times in the 10th grade but I never made much progress. In 2018, my sister Alisha unexpectedly suffered a stroke and the brain painting became a passion project for her. It took 2 more years of on and off painting, and over 100 hours of work before I finally finished the piece this year. I credit Mr. Halverson for making the art room a comfortable place to be myself and refine my skills as an artist. Without his amazing life lessons and insights, I would be nowhere near the person I am today." Royalton High School Art Instructor Carl Halverson said that usually, artists of the month recipients don't give him enough information to write their article. But this time, it was different. When he read the words that came from this artist, he just sat back and was humbled by the fact that "this young lady really received the message." He then just copied and pasted it exactly how she sent it above. "For years I have tried to teach kids that until their artwork becomes personal, extremely important, and a passion, that they may never finish their project at all," stated Halverson. "Every teacher hopes to teach a student to really understand this principle. Teachers teach their subject matter in such a way that it becomes a personal expression of why they chose to teach English, Science or yes, I'll say it, even Math! I am passionate about teaching Art not because I love the subject matter. I love seeing their eyes light up when I tell a kid that his Grandpa sitting on his red or green tractor, is more important than just some paint, technically applied to a canvas. You can try to express this idea in your classroom a million times it seems. In this case, Madison not only heard it, she received it. After years, her painting of a brain, sat quietly, undisturbed, and gathered dust. Then came the reason that over one hundred hours of effort was then meticulously invested to complete the painting. Her sister Alisha suffering a stroke took Madison's painting of a brain from showing her "interest in biology," to the level of "this painting is a representation of the love that I feel for my sister and her struggle to live." The painting literally went from her head, (brain), to her heart. It became a passionate, personal, heartfelt statement. "The many letters, notes, and statements like the one above that I have received over the years are proof that some of these kids feel the same way that I do about things that are truly important. You gotta' have heART."

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment February 2020 Student of the Month Kelsie Norberg Kelsie Norberg has been named the February Student of the Month by Royalton High School faculty and staff. Kelsie feels fortunate to have a supportive family that shares a strong bond. One of the most meaningful lessons they have taught her is the importance of hard work and not to sweat the small stuff. Kelsie loves joking around with her family members and feeling strong support from each of them. Kelsie’s favorite classes are her art courses. From art technique to ceramics and photography, she describes art classes as a way for her to be more creative. She appreciates trying different things in art, so she has taken the opportunity to explore a variety of art courses throughout her high school career. When it comes to selecting a favorite teacher, Kelsie explains she could never pick a favorite. She emphasizes that all of her teachers have been helpful, and they want to see their students succeed. Kelsie would like to thank Mr. Skwira for pushing her outside of her comfort zone and allowing her to grow. Also, thanks to Mr. Halverson for their talks and jokes that provided encouragement. Up until her senior year, Kelsie played volleyball at Royalton High School. She says it is a fun sport, and she enjoyed the opportunity to improve. She continues to play volleyball as a recreational sport outside of the school day. Most importantly, Kelsie’s extra-curricular highlight has been her involvement with FFA throughout her high school career. She currently serves as the chapter president, and in past years has been the secretary and vice president. FFA really pushed her outside of her comfort zone and allowed her to meet some of her best friends. Additionally, it has given her the opportunity to explore her future career path. Upon being asked about her favorite high school memory, Kelsie explains painting the school banners with her friends takes the top prize. They paint the homecoming and survivor banners together. It takes hours of time and effort, but she is always proud of the outcome. She also notes the most memorable activity she is in is the Small Animals FFA CDE (Career Development Event). They practice once a week to learn about veterinary science, and it gives her a chance to learn about the career she would like to pursue. She also placed fourth in the state in the competition last year. This year, she had hoped to place in the top three so that she could be recognized at the state level. Outside of school, Kelsie likes to do all forms of art, read, do puzzles and watch movies and hang out with friends. She also works at the Dairy Queen and helps her uncle on his chicken farm to turn feeders. Kelsie has unofficially decided to attend the University of Minnesota-Morris next fall. She was drawn to Morris by its small town appeal. Her goal is to earn a degree in Biology and eventually pursue a degree in the veterinarian program at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In ten years, Kelsie hopes to have been out of college for a couple of years, working in a small town at a veterinary clinic for dogs and cats. She is not sure that she’ll move far away from home. She emphasizes she does not want to box herself into one path because she is truly unsure of what the future will hold. In thinking about advice for high school freshmen, Kelsie revealed she was more nervous than she needed to be at that age. She knew classes would be challenging, but she realized if the effort is put in success is achievable. She said it is all about taking “one step at a time, there is never a cavernous jump. No one is perfect, everyone is human and will make mistakes. You are able to mess up at times; there is no stopping it.” Carl Halverson, RHS art instructor emphasizes that, “Kelsie is one of the finest "quiet leaders" in her graduating class. At her age, it is so refreshing to see a young person who is so "other people" centered rather than being "self centered." Her abilities are well rounded as far as both her academics and the arts are concerned. She ranks near the top of her class academically, and is extremely talented in the visual arts as well. She wrote and illustrated a children's storybook her senior year that has the kind of digital graphic arts abilities that are over the top, as well. In the future, don't be surprised when you bring your pet to the local animal hospital, and you get the privilege of meeting one of the kindest, caring, and genuine young veterinarians that you and your pet have ever met. Young people like Kelsie Norberg make this world a better place.”

< Hall of Fame Duane Bobick Class of 1968 Inducted May 2010 Duane Bobick is a 1968 graduate of Royalton High School where he excelled in three sports. Ironically, it was a sport that he did not play as a high school student that brought him worldwide fame, boxing. Bobick was a boxer who became the World Amateur Heavyweight Champion in 1971, and also won the gold medal at the 1971 Pan American Games. He fought for the United States at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany. Bobick had an outstanding amateur career that included a win over Cuba's famous Teófilo Stevenson at the 1971 Pan American Games. Bobick took down another future champion when he defeated Larry Holmes to be named to the 1972 U.S. Olympic boxing team. Bobick trained with and was managed by heavyweight legend Joe Frazier. He had a tentative contract with Muhammed Ali in 1976, but the fight never materialized. He took a 38-0 record with 32 KO's into the ring against powerful Ken Norton, who was later the heavyweight champion, but lost the bout. Bobick’s pro record was 48-4 with 42 KOs with wins over several notable contenders. Bobick returned to Minnesota and worked in heavy equipment work before a machine accident nearly killed him in 1997. After that he went into coaching and public speaking, using his celebrity to encourage and help others. Bobick was a 1997 Acts of Kindness: Governor's Volunteer Award Winner for his service as a volunteer which included school, church and hospital volunteer work. In November 2006, Bobick was elected as a city councilman in Little Falls. Duane has been married to his wife Debi for over 20 years, they have two daughters.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back March 2019 Artist of the Month Grace Gall Royalton High School recently named Grace Gall as the March Artist of the Month. Gall, a junior, is the daughter of Jason and Terri Gall. Gall has participated in school musicals and loves to involve herself in singing as well as drawing. ​ "I have chosen to draw this picture of Mother Teresa as a gift for my grandmother, Kitty Gall's birthday," said Gall. "It's my way to show her how much I appreciate all of the things that she has done for our family over the years. My intention was to give it to her when I got confirmed, but the picture took me longer than I expected so I couldn't finish it in time." ​ "I don't think that Grace expected to earn an Artist of the Month honor," stated Royalton Visual Art Instructor Carl Halverson. "Grace has taken many different classes in the music and visual art areas at Royalton High School. Some artistically gifted students are never involved in working in an actual art classroom, on a daily basis. Can you imagine a basketball or football team that had no practices, but instead, just showed up at games? Can you imagine a talented band or choir student who just practiced the "same old music, day after day," all alone; then showed up the night of the concert? The result would be much the same as what I see when a student has a lot of talent, but never practices these technical skills on a daily basis. Then you add, in this case, "the Granny Factor." When I see a student really strive to finish a project, the drive is usually not just in the subject matter. It usually focuses on the person who will be receiving the gift. Grace invested more than fifty hours into the drawing of Mother Teresa not because of her love for Mother Teresa. She had a specific goal in mind; To deliver her gift to someone that she loves, someone who is very special." ​ After high school, Gall sees herself going to a small college to pursue a major in Sociology and Music Therapy as well as a minor in art education. After college she hopes to be happily married with a big family.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment December 2019 Student of the Month Christopher Borash Royalton High School announces that Christopher Borash has been selected as the December Student of the Month. Chris, the son of Ron and Ann Borash, has numerous role models at home, his siblings and parents. While growing up on a farm, these role models taught Chris that life requires hard work, and all work requires that he apply the best of his ability. His parents also instilled him with a great sense of respect for everyone and everything. With his family, Chris enjoys hunting, and playing hockey games. The encouragement and support from Chris’s family and siblings extends beyond competitive activities - they also spend time discussing classes, playing guitar, and praying as well as sharing goals they have for the future. In all cases, Chris is grateful that his family. One of Chris’s teachers, Jeremy Schaa, Social Studies teacher states, “Chris is one of the most involved students we have here at RHS. Whether in the classroom, the course/track/mat, the stage or the knowledge bowl room, Chris is a leader who can quietly get others to follow him. Chris will no doubt go out in this world and be successful and represent Royalton in a very positive way.” This positive leader shows his work ethic in his choice of favorite classes. Chris notes that he has enjoyed both Composition I with Mr. Makela and Chemistry with Mr. Thielges. Both classes provide students with a chance to prove themselves and dive into a deeper understanding of science and English. The instructors of these classes are also Chris’s favorite teachers. He recalls many days in which he would ask Mr. Thielges to explain a certain math concept for College Algebra, or look to Mr. Makela for guidance in other classes. They are both extremely kind and caring teachers provided you are willing to work, and Chris has great respect for them. Chris accepts the challenge of hard work at home as well as at school. Chris is also involved in many activities: cross country, wrestling, track & field, Y.E.S. Club, FFA, knowledge bowl, student council, and various play productions. While each extra-curricular activity offers its own unique challenges, overall, he the groups have taught him to be a leader and to work with others. More specifically he has had the opportunity to make a difference for the environment in our area as well as expanding his knowledge in agricultural related areas. When talking about his most influential high school activity, Chris explains that cross country has guided him in character growth, and that he has fallen in love with the challenge, self-motivation, and retrospection required to do well in the sport. Being part of this team over the last seven years has been one of the best experiences of Chris’s high school career. Michael Marschel, cross country coach, emphasizes, “Christopher Borash is a hard-working kid. Most people don't realize that he has been up and doing chores well before any of us are out of bed, EVERY DAY. He is a testament that if you work hard you will get results. As a natural leader, Christopher has lead our Cross Country and Track & Field teams will grace and humility over the last six years. He will surely be missed next season.” Terry Gorecki, head wrestling coach, notes that Chris is a one-of-a-kind student-athlete. He has been a great role model for all wrestlers on and off the mat. He is "new" to the sport and has earned the role of being a captain to represent his teammates.” Outside of school, Chris is active in the Guardian Angels Youth Group which has helped him grow strong in his Catholic faith and provided a great deal of fun and exciting times. Two-River Trailblazers 4-H club has been a part of Chris’s life since kindergarten and he has participated in poultry and sheep showing, performing arts, and shooting sports. He has competed at both state and national levels. Chris plans to attend college for a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Biology or Criminal Justice. His top choice for college is Saint Mary’s University in Winona because, three of his brothers went there, he has spent a lot of time on campus, and he has already met numerous faculty members and staff. His advice for younger students would be to try everything. “Do not be afraid to step out and lead, because it may take you to new heights and grant you friends and experience you never dreamed of.” He would also say that it is important to give your best effort in all that you do, because in retrospect, you will have no regrets. You may wish things could be different, but having the knowledge that you did all you could to influence situations gives you a sense of comfort in the end.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment March 2018 Student of the Month Hannah Cimenski The faculty of Royalton High School (RHS) has named Hannah Cimenski, daughter of Melanie and Gregory Cimenski the March Student of the Month. Hannah has three siblings, Bethany, Hailey and Colten. Hannah’s favorite class is anything art related, Art has always been her escape, if only for a couple of hours. She grew up with the teachers at Royalton High School being very involved with her life. So, it is hard to pick just one. If she had to choose her favorite teacher it would be Mr. Carl Halverson. Halverson has pushed her to be the best she could be and has been an inspiration for many years. Mr. Halverson gets to know every one of his students individually, not caring about their past or anything going on outside of that art room. He motivates and inspires kids to be better than what is expected of them. This is what Mr. Halverson said about Hannah. “Hannah is one of the most artistic students that I've seen in the many years I've been teaching. She's won too many awards to keep track of and has been hired to do commissioned work outside of school. Many times in high school, we tend to focus on athletic success on the field, track or court. While I agree with honoring these athletes, I see the arts in a light that goes far beyond most of these accomplishments. To put this in perspective in an artistic scenario, Hannah would be not just all-conference, all-section, or even all state. She would be competing and winning at a level in the visual arts that most high school athletes will never see. Her wall mural that will be finished this spring will be viewed and admired by many, long after the school record for "leading scorer" will be broken again and again”. Hannah has been active in many activities throughout her high school career, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Flag Squad, FFA, Theatre, Speech, YES and Tech club. This year she has cut back on a lot of her extracurricular and decided to focus on her schooling. So for this year she is involved with Softball and Flag squad. Hannah states that it is hard to pinpoint one high school memory because they have all been a roller coaster of good times and hard times. After high school she plans to attend Saint Cloud State University to get her generals out of the way, her second year of college she wants to study abroad. After her generals are done she will enter into the Nursing program and obtain her LPN and then her RN. After college she wants to travel and work with children as much as possible. Hannah has so much planned for her life in ten years; she wants to have a steady career and perhaps a fiancé to go with that. She wants to have traveled the world and have seen all that she can before she settles down. When she is ready for the responsibility she will get married, buy a nice house, and then maybe she’ll start to think about having kids. The advice she would give to freshmen is this, “My biggest advice to the freshmen that are just starting high school is to not let the time get away from you. Bask in the glory that is high school because this will be the best and the worst times of your lives. Don’t push off your work and get lazy with your grades because, trust me, they count. Go to football games, dance at the spring fling, and hangout with your friends on the weekends. Live the best life you possibly can because it ends pretty dang fast. Don’t let stress overwhelm you; learn how to deal with it. Go to bed early and take care of your mental health before your schoolwork. Enjoy high school because, while it seems like the worst four years of your life, one day you’ll look back and miss it.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back January 2019 Artist of the Month Kendra Duevel Kendra Duevel, daughter of Chad and Lorie Duevel was named Royalton High School's January Artist of the Month. Duevel has three siblings in school. While only a Freshman, she was surprised to find out that she not only could compete with Art students at the high school level, but also have her work showcased as an Artist of the Month. ​ "I felt after every Art class, like I didn't have nearly enough time," said Duevel. "I like drawing something minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing at times. Other times, I hear something loud, full of pantomime, and I can enjoy letting my creativity out in through my art work." ​ Duevel's mother told her that as a youngster, she would make little dots of color on the paper. Her mother felt like somehow this little girl could see color in pixels. ​ "I don't know how long I've been drawing, and I doubt it was when I first picked up a pencil. In reality, I was probably aware that I was drawing at around age four. I loved to draw everything from pictures of my family to balloons and trees," added Duevel. ​ Royalton High School Visual Arts instructor, Carl Halverson, was quick to point out that students with Duevel's ability infrequently enter the art department. He considers it an honor to get to work with these talented young people. "My mother told me when I was about the age of three that a neighbor lady had a "Green Thumb." said Halverson. "She said that Hazel could grow vegetables like no one else. Being a visual youngster who took things quite literally, I checked the next time that I saw this Hazel lady. Her thumb was not green in the slightest and she had no large vegetables hanging from any part of her body whatsoever. This analogy is replayed occasionally in different forms in the RHS Art department. Kendra Duevel was about twelve years old when she began the freehand portrait in the photo. She won awards for her abilities locally and has amazed myself and those around her with her "Green Thumb" artistic abilities. When we studied the styles of Pointillism and Cubism in the Art History portion of Drawing class, her work was in a class by itself. Her use of color and pencil technique somewhat resembled the brush strokes of Seurat and Picasso. Kendra's choice of subject matter was an object from today's world, carefully placed and created as if it was from more than a century ago. Although students are only allowed to enroll in one art class through their entire middle school careers, some gifted students still work independently enough to excel at an extraordinary level. I consider myself blessed to be able to assist them in any way possible to help them succeed to their full potential." ​ Duevel's work will be on display in the high school display case. Her future may also include competing at the national level while earning college credits through Royalton's AP Studio Art courses.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back October 2018 Artist of the Month Isaac Kasella Isaac Kasella, son of Steve and Colleen Kasella, was recently named as Artist of the Month at Royalton High School. Kasella has always had a passion for the outdoors for as long as he could remember. "Ever since I could walk, I have been outdoors doing everything under the sun", stated Kasella. "I enjoy doing anything outdoors. I have tried everything from shed hunting to trapping and everything in between. I took the picture of my dog Sadie, and as soon as I took it, I knew that I was going to do a drawing of it this coming school year." Kasella has earned the right to enroll in independent art classes after taking the prerequisites needed to take his talents to the next level. "I have been taking as many art classes I could since my freshman year. I have taken art techniques, drawing, painting, and ceramics class. I also had the opportunity to be welcomed into the school's yearbook class and joined the staff last year. Next year, I will work in page design, photography editing, journalism, ad sales, and graphic design. I will be promoted to a Senior Editor for my senior year, which is quite an honor in our school," added Kasella. Royalton High School's Visual Art Instructor and Yearbook Advisor Carl Halverson had these words to describe what a quality young man that Isaac Kasella has become. "It's one thing to be given a gift in any subject area while attending high school," said Halverson. "But to recognize it, and then put the effort into this talent is all part of the process that many students sadly miss. Isaac works to improve on a daily basis in anything to do with the visual arts. When you consider that there are hundreds of students who walk the hallways at our school, to be chosen as an artist of the month or honored as a Senior Editor of the award winning school yearbook, that puts him in a class by himself. His many hours that have been invested in his high school career in the direction of his abilities through our visual arts program will pay off in his direction of the path to his future. It's the kind of discipline and daily work ethic that is locked inside every student. In this case, this fine young man has found the key to unlock his future through the success that he has earned through his diligent efforts in and out of the classroom. Through his enrollment in Royalton high School's art classes, he has invested in himself. I would most certainly expect a most favorable return on investment no matter what path that the future may hold for him."

< 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.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back December 2018 Artist of the Month Kylee Berg Kylee Berg, the daughter of Steven and Tammy Berg was named Royalton High School's December Artist of the Month. Berg, a junior, has been part of the Royal yearbook program, and took Photography this year at the high school. "I have always been interested in art since I have been able to hold a crayon in my hand. Art is a special and relaxing hobby of mind, and not just a hobby but a great class to take in school. I remember how excited I was to have my very first art class in 6th grade. It was an amazing and fun experience for me. I learned so much as a Middle Schooler and enjoyed Halverson's classes every since. I have taken different art classes, such as Painting, Painting 2, Drawing, Yearbook, and Photography. Each class has made me grow as an artist, and learn the different ways you can express yourself through art. My parents have always been encouraging me to do art, and they still do to this day which I thank them for doing such. I believe Photography is one of my favorite art classes I have ever had with Mr. Halverson because I learned different techniques to take great pictures of people in my school, family, and pets. My goal is to take Photography 2 next school year because I learned how much I enjoy taking pictures." ​ Royalton High School Visual Arts Instructor Carl Halverson believes that Berg has the ability to not just listen to what is being taught in the classroom, but apply what is learned far above what an average high school art student would be able to complete. ​ "Over the years, I've had conversations with typical students who have had a tough time applying what was being taught in an art class. One student mentioned, in art classes, all she remembered was that "The Primary colors are Red, Blue and Yellow." I found humor in this response too as I followed this remark up when talking with a math teacher at our school when I echoed this logic explaining to him that, "In Math, all that we learned was 2 + 2 = 4," and in History, all that was taught was , "in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue," stated Halverson. "At least some students are sharp enough to realize, that the ocean Blue, is indeed a primary color!" Halverson added with a grin. ​ "It's just the opposite with a talented art student like Kylee Berg." added Halverson. In her first six weekly photography assignments that are displayed on the board, she scored at the top of her class, based on techniques taught and rules applied that are far above the average, "Primary colors." The top left displays Berg's photoshop skills in a movie cover-self portrait design piece which use tools like color adjustments, layers, perspective, as well as technical placement, composition, and rotation of subject matter. Her top center portrait uses formal balance and is an extraordinary example of subject placement, in which the background of the circular composition enhances the subject itself, as she strikes a rather symmetrical pose. The top right photographic assignment displays beautiful use of linear perspective that leads the viewer's eyes from the volleyball player in the foreground, all the way down the bench to the standing coach. The American flag, hanging overhead at the top left of the frame, gives a sense of power and stability in not only it's shape, line, and color, but in the representation of a typical icon found in a school gymnasium. The bottom left, displays a macro lens shot of colored pencils that employs a wide open aperture (opening in which light passes through), combined with a fast shutter speed (the length of time that the frame was shot). Not only does the use of line pull the eye back through the standing rows of color, but the depth of field (caused by the ISO and SS of the shot) slowly blurs the focus, increasing the depth even further. The bottom center photo was an assignment contrasting texture with color. The Red flowering cactus is placed in a Green pot (the color's complement or opposite), and the green is carried through to the prickly dark green spikes which emerge from the silky moth pedals. Finally, the bottom right piece uses "The rule of thirds," which in photography composition, is as basic as the three primary colors are to art itself. Keeping major components from the center, Berg carefully presented the center of interest (the trail's ending point on the horizon line), so that the lines of the trail lead you the viewer's eyes down the path. The treeline on the left is almost a perfect third, while the treeline on the right carries more weight, occupying almost exactly two-thirds of the total composition. Ansel Adams, the father of photographic black and white composition in the eyes of many a viewer, is studied as a reference in Photography class at RHS. Adams himself would be impressed to see a high school junior understand and apply some of these same basic elements and principles of design as well as rules used in a photographic sense." ​ Berg may be one of the few, gifted art students who may be earning AP Studio Arts college credit next year as she begins taking 24 photographs which are graded by a college board nationally. Royalton High School's Art department averages over 90% in passing criteria, (one of the highest percentages in the state), when completing and sending art portfolios to the college AP board. The last two RHS student-artists to complete the AP portfolio scored 5's, which ranks as "excellent" and at the top of the college scoring rubric nationally.