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< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment April 2019 Student of the Month Brooke Richards Brooke Richards, daughter of Angie and Paul Richards, has been named April Student of the Month at Royalton High School (RHS). Brooke’s favorite class is yearbook, taught by Carl Halverson. “It allows me to use my creativity to create a book with a great group of people. It is a wonderful feeling holding the book in your hands that is full of so many memories, and knowing that you helped to create it from start to finish. Mr. Halverson is a great mentor and always makes sure to point all of us in the right direction, which I am very grateful for. I would also like to give a shout out to Dawn and Mr. Hagman for always listening to me spill tea.” RHS Yearbook Advisor Carl Halverson stated, "I've been doing yearbooks for over thirty years and have had the privilege of working with many great young people. But I've never seen a Senior Editor run the show quite like Brooke did this year. There are four main benchmarks that all Senior Editors strive to hit to complete this 10-15 thousand dollar business venture. The first benchmark is good photography skills that are blended with photo-editing through photoshop, graphic design, and page layout. The second skill is writing articles as well as editing other staffer's written work to make a theme come to life. The third is selling advertising to help fund the book. Usually, a single editor might hit two of these skill sets. Brooke sold a record breaking $2000 in ad sales, designed well over 50 pages, and placed hundreds of photos throughout this year's Royal yearbook. She earned top honors from Josten's company in our state, and our Jostens rep said that he had not heard of another editor nationally who had hit these kind of top-notch parameters. And the fourth skill? She's simply one of the easiest going, nicest young people who has ever graced our staff. Our year-bookers learned so much from her that our book will surely continue our winning tradition. We will miss her smile as well as her genuine, pleasing disposition that greets us every morning as she enters the classroom the most. Best wishes to you Brooke as you enter the next step of your Graphic Arts career." Social studies teacher Jeremy Schaa added, “Brooke Richards is a quiet leader and one of the nicest students I have had the good fortune of teaching. She is a hard worker who is not afraid of taking on a task and seeing it through to completion, even when others give up.” Richards is active in Student Council, Yearbook, National Honors Society, and Spanish Club. A favorite high school memory was hanging out with her friends at prom this year. Her future plans include attending St. Cloud Technical College to earn a degree in marketing and design. Then continue on at St.Cloud State to complete her bachelor’s degree. She also plans to move to California some time after graduating college. Brooke’s advice to freshmen is, “Even though high school feels like it lasts forever, it flies by quicker than you think it will. Make sure to enjoy every moment of it and work as hard as you can. Also, don’t wait until the last minute to write your comp papers.”

TITLE IX Title IX Coordinator The Royalton School District promotes gender equity and does not discriminate based on an individual's sex. Any person who believes he or she has been the victim of unlawful sex discrimination should report the alleged acts immediately. Should you have any questions please contact Kaitlyn Arnzen, Assistant Principal/Activities Director, at kaitlyn.arnzen@isd485.org or (320) 584-4200. The District address is 120 South Hawthorn Street, Royalton, MN 56373. What is Title IX? Title IX is Federal legislation that prohibits Federal grants to schools or programs that discriminate on the basis of sex. Policies and Forms Employee Sex Nondiscrimination Policy Student Sex Nondiscrimination Policy Grievance Procedures Nondiscrimination Report Form Title IX Coordinator Training Overview

< 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.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back February 2020 Artist of the Month Isaac Kasella Isaac Kasella, son of Steve and Colleen Kasella, was recently named February Artist of the Month at Royalton High School. Kasella, a senior, has taken many art classes at the middle and high school, and was also named this year's Most Valuable Editor on the 2020 Yearbook Staff. "I have taken as many art classes as I could since I was in 7th grade," said Kasella. "My love for the outdoors and hunting and fishing was one of the main things that I would draw in my art classes. It was a way that I could take my mind off of school and be thinking of what I might be doing when I was out of school. My sophomore year, Mr. Halverson introduced me to yearbook during a Design class. Creating the yearbook was very interesting and after the past three years, I was the Lead Senior Editor." Kasella added. "Isaac Kasella is one of the most "hard-headed" young people who I have ever had the privilege to work with," stated RHS Visual Arts instructor Carl Halverson. "I mean that as a compliment actually. When Isaac was a sophomore, I had about a dozen students in his class who had different sets of skills. Some had photography skills, some had writing, and a few had really good leadership skills. I have been doing yearbook as a class for over thirty years and we've won many different awards from three different publishing companies. One thing remains constant through all of these years. The student who might not have the most talent or ability just might surprise you as he becomes the best leader in the entire class. While other classmates would get frustrated about trivial problems that would make most people give up, Isaac Kasella simply wouldn't throw in the towel. Farm folks might refer to this as "Hard-headed" or "Stubborn." I actually see many students like this who became the owners of local businesses simply because they refused to lose. There are many second and third generation farmers who now own and run the entire operation who also prove my point. Isaac's drawing skills have also surpassed those who didn't commit to the hours needed to reach their true potential. He finished proofing the last few pages of our yearbook the other day. All I could do was say "Thanks," as he walked out the door. Thanks to a graduating senior who will rise to the top, no matter which career he chooses." Kasella will be attending Alexandria Technical and Community College where he is enrolled in the Diesel Mechanics program.

< 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 October 2025 Student of the Month Abigail Roering Abigail Roering credits her family as essential in shaping who she is today. They are a constant source of support, encouragement, and inspiration, driving her to be the best version of herself. She is so incredibly thankful for them and their reliability, understanding, and encouragement. She says, “They taught me the importance of perseverance and instilled in me a passion for excellence. Beyond that, I simply enjoy being with them, whether it's for simple evenings at home or exciting family vacations.” Abigail's favorite class is Composition I and II with Ms. Menden. "Although the workload was intense, the education I received exceeded my expectations, helping me to not only further develop my writing skills, but also gain an awareness of the broader world through class material. Likewise, the class also provided an unexpected benefit: allowing me to discover who I am and further develop my passions through research. The findings from one research assignment in particular irreversibly set the trajectory for my future goals. In short, this class was extremely influential and has guided me as I determine my life goals." Among her favorite teachers, Abigail wrote, "My favorite teachers are Ms. Menden and Profe Mathison. Both played an important role in my life by challenging me, not just through class material, but also by helping me gain perspective and challenge my own worldview. Their intelligence inspires me to attain academic excellence and remains a key motivating factor as I continue my educational journey." Over the past few years, she participated in numerous activities throughout my time at Royalton High School, including Student Council, Minnesota Honor Society (MHS), YES!club, the Royal Ambassador Program (RAP), Spanish Club, Robotics, Prom Committee, Cross Country, and Track. "I enjoy staying busy, and participating in these activities has allowed me to productively fill my time with fun events while also allowing me to help others. Learning to juggle these activities has provided many benefits as well, helping me to hone my skills in time management, collaboration, and leadership, while instilling an appreciation for the work others contribute. Most prominently, my participation in these activities, particularly Student Council, RAP, and MHS, has collectively helped to reaffirm my lifelong passion for service to others. Student Council has likely been the most beneficial activity for me, as it has provided me a unique opportunity for leadership and immersion in the school's activities, opening numerous doors to new opportunities and helping me gain skills necessary for life outside of school.” Outside of school, she split her time between work, family, and hobbies. “Work ethic is extremely important to me, and I often pick up extra shifts at my place of employment to help out. When I am not working, I turn to reading, painting, and drawing to fill my time. I especially enjoy reading, which exposes me to new ways of thinking and helps me escape reality. I also prioritize spending time with my family and helping my parents with random little projects at home.” It’s hard for her to pinpoint a single favorite memory during her high school years, she will leave with a collection of memories and friendships she made along the way. But she does have a favorite event- the Color Run. “As a member of Student Council, MHS, and other organizations, I participate in many meaningful activities. However, the Color Run stands out as my favorite event because it brings people together in a way that not only positively impacts the community through the funds raised, but it also unites students for a fun, vibrant day. Seeing the immediate joy students experienced and the impact it had on the community made the Color Run the most rewarding event I helped organize.” After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR), which works alongside the Mayo Clinic. This university is solely dedicated to students pursuing careers in the health science field. While attending UMR, she will act on her lifelong interest in medicine and pursue a career as a medical doctor to address the detrimental gender disparity in healthcare. In 10 years, "I will still be in the process of becoming a medical doctor. With the training, education, and skills I gain through UMR and Mayo Clinic, my goal is to take an active role as an advocate, educator, and esteemed medical doctor. In doing so, I can combine my dedication to service while also addressing the disparity in healthcare, thereby positively impacting future generations." Advice she leaves for high school freshmen: "Embrace challenges that push you out of your comfort zone; only then does growth happen. However, it is important to know your limits. Do not overextend yourself to the point where you must sacrifice the quality of your work or your personal well-being."

Budget information, school report card, and other business office information for Royalton Public Schools. BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS School Report card Audit Reports Truth in taxation Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (formerly WBWF) Revenues and Expenditures Budget

< 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 September 2022 Student of the Month Joseph Achen Royalton High School is proud to announce that Joseph Achen was selected as Student of the Month for September. Joseph is the son of Craig and Cindy. Joseph says his family has had a very big impact on his life, “Family is a huge part of my life especially since I have 10 siblings. Me, being the youngest of eleven has definitely come with downsides like being babied all the time. However, the advantages of being the youngest absolutely outweigh the disadvantages. These advantages include being able to learn from my older siblings and watch them make mistakes and grow. This has allowed me to not make those same mistakes myself. Furthermore, I know how to deal with situations and overcome obstacles in my life more efficiently because of them. My family is my support system. I know that if I have difficulties with anything, they will be there for me and offer me helpful advice. They have always encouraged me to work hard and to always do my best in everything I do. Anytime spent with my family is a good time and I will always cherish the slim moments that we can all share together. I would not be the person I am today without them.” Joseph is involved in a wide variety of activities in school. These activities include: FFA, basketball, BPA and Minnesota Honor Society. Joseph believes all of these activities have taught him a lot but especially FFA, “One thing that I have learned through all of these activities is the importance of being able to lead and work in a team. While I love being a part of all of these things, FFA is my favorite. FFA has shaped me into the person I am today. I have made so many friends, memories, relationships, connections, and skills that will propel me in my future plans. FFA allows me to be a leader and advocate in the agriculture community. I have held numerous leadership positions in FFA which include President of the Royalton Chapter, as well as Treasurer on the Region II officer team. FFA has taken me so many places that I could have never imagined. Moreover, FFA gives me the opportunity to use my role as a leader to be an advocate for agriculture. Since joining FFA, I can say that I am a much more confident, organized, and prepared person. Lastly, FFA has taken a shy kid and grown him to being able to have conversations with anybody and publicly speak in front of people.” When it comes to his classes Joseph says one of his favorite classes is Financial Accounting. “My favorite class is Financial Accounting taught by Ms. Burg. While I normally am not interested in these types of classes, I have made an exception to this class. I say this because in this class it is very open ended. We learn so much about all the background work that takes place in owning a business. This is my favorite class because we have very collaborative discussions where everyone is involved and asking questions. I walk out of this class, and my brain hurts because of all the new information I learn (which I enjoy).” As for a favorite teacher in high school Joseph really enjoyed Math teacher Mr. Silbernick and Agriculture Teacher Mr. Goldade. “My favorite teachers are Mr. Goldade and Mr. Silbernick. These two teachers are always there for me and are tremendously helpful in my high school experience. Mr. Goldade is my FFA advisor and Ag Teacher. He is one of my favorite teachers because he is always full of energy. Additionally, he hauls me to all my FFA events, which I love, and provides me with some of the best advice in and out of the classroom. Mr. Silbernick is truly great at his job. Whenever I walked into his class, I knew that I would learn something and thoroughly understand the content. Also, I could always have a conversation with him about anything school or outside of school related and feel comfortable talking with him. It was sad when I heard he was leaving.” As for activities Joseph is involved with outside of school, like at school there are many. Some of them that he is involved in 4-H, his church youth group, and the National Milking Shorthorn Junior Society (MSJS). “In 4-H, I exhibit dairy cattle and I am a head camp counselor during the summer. I love showing my Milking Shorthorns at the county/state fair, and numerous national shows. Additionally, being a camp counselor gives me the opportunity to work with kids and youth in my county. This is something that I really enjoy. Faith is a big part of my life. I enjoy being a part of the youth group because while we are focused on faith, we are also having so much fun at the same time. On Wednesday nights I look forward to spending time in this group and exploring my faith. Finally, I am the vice president of the MSJS. This is a society specifically revolving around the youth who have a passion for Milking Shorthorn Cattle. I enjoy being connected with the members of this society and hope to stay connected.” Joseph’s favorite memory in high school was at the State FFA Convention in St. Paul, “My favorite high school memory took place in St. Paul at the State FFA Convention. Here was where I participated in the Milk Quality event along with two other Royalton Teammates (Callie Vannurden & Alivia Pyka). At the convention I placed 2nd overall behind my own teammate, Alivia Pyka who took 1st place. Also, our team took 1st place overall and are advancing to nationals in Indianapolis, IN this October. This experience was so fulfilling. To see all our hard work, pay off was so satisfying and the feeling of being called first place is unexplainable. I am honored to have this experience and share it with my closest friends.” Along with his favorite memory in high school, Joseph also mentions how basketball has also stood out for him, “The best activity that I am involved in is basketball. I truly have a passion for this game that is unmatched to anything else in my life. When I am playing basketball, it seems like I am truly living in the moment and all the worries in my head go away for a brief time. Additionally, it helps me stay in shape and spend time with friends.” Next year Joseph plans on going to college, but has not decided yet where he will be going. He does hope to study Ag. Business and Ag. Communications, “I am interested in the Business side of agriculture and want to be able to understand the problems we face in agriculture and help farmers overcome these problems with modern solutions.” As for his future plans after college Joseph believes his career is going to be very important, “Honestly, I am very uncertain where I will be in 10 years. I hope to have found a career that interests me and be doing something that I love and want to do every day. This is extremely important to me because I fear being unhappy and not being excited every day to pursue my passions and aspirations.” Joseph’s advice for Freshmen was this. “My advice to Freshmen in High School would be to get involved. Try new things, find something you like and run with it! Jump in feet first and give your time to it. In doing this, you will stay busier which gives you less time to be stressed and feel anxiety about academics.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back November 2017 Artist of the Month Jason Kasella Jason Kasella, son of Rob and Amy Kasella of Morrill, has earned the honor of Royalton High School's November Artist of the Month. Kasella, used one of his favorite hobbies, bowhunting, as inspiration to create his freehand, graphite drawing. "This Fall I took a trip to New Mexico to go bow hunting Elk with my dad, and his good buddy 'Bones', (my second dad)." stated Kasella. " Although it meant missing a week of football, I didn't second guess this trip. Everything, from the scenery to the number of elk we saw, stuck with me long after the trip ended. I actually passed up a nice five by five, in hopes of getting a shot at a monster elk that I saw, like the one that I drew in this picture." "I haven't seen Jason in an art class for a while," stated Royalton High School's art instructor, Carl Halverson. "It doesn't matter how long it's been though because he's got that "I'm in it to win it" attitude and work ethic. This same mind set that propels him as an athlete all the way to the State Wrestling Tourney, is mirrored in this pencil drawing. I've seen so many students who seem to be lost as they search for a direction to go after they graduate from high school. They seem fearful and confused by the number of people who constantly try to steer them towards an unknown goal in life. Then, there is this Kasella kid. He doesn't seem to be confused or afraid of anything because he is confident that he will simply outwork the competition. He's got that "farm boy work ethic" mixed with a quiet confidence that almost guarantees him success in whatever, or wherever his future may lead. Add to this, a quick-witted sense of humor, and life in the future looks as bright and exciting as his hunting trip with his two, three or even four dads who happen to be tagging along....." "Halverson has been teaching for thirty-some years. He still has the rare ability to push us to relate to our projects so that we are more motivated to work," added Kasella. "He is a "darn' good" teacher and makes his class very enjoyable, and my favorite of the day."

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment November 2018 Student of the Month Gavin Suska Gavin Suska, son of Mark and Jessica Suska, has been named the November Student of the Month at Royalton High School (RHS). Gavin has a younger brother Grayson, who is a sophomore at Royalton. Suska’s favorite teacher was former social studies teacher Kelley Newell. “She involved students in class well, and related topics to real life examples. She also created very interactive projects that kept students intrigued in the subject,” Suska said of Newell. English teacher Sherri Menden said, “Gavin's work ethic stands as one of his strongest traits. He is never one to give up, and he asks questions when he needs clarification or help. Gavin is respectful of all students and willing to help out anyone who needs it, the struggling as well as the talented. He knows how to help in ways that make students understand what needs to be done. Above all, Gavin is kind.” Science teacher and head boys basketball coach Randy Thielges added, “Gavin has been an outstanding student/athlete. He is a leader both in the classroom and on the athletic fields. Gavin makes the people around him better.” Suska is involved in many activities in school including, football, basketball, baseball, Business Professionals of America, and Student Council. Gavin’s favorite memory from high school is winning the Morrison County “milk jug” this past year in football. Future plans for Suska are to attend Concordia college to pursue a career in accounting. Gavin’s advice to freshmen is, “Take high school one year at a time and be involved in as many activities as you can.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment May 2025 Student of the Month Nolan Gerads Nolan credits much of his success to the unwavering support of his family. They've taught him the value of hard work and perseverance, always encouraging him to strive for excellence in both school and sports. Their motivation has been a consistent source of strength as Nolan has worked to improve his skills and push through challenges. Academically, Nolan found his stride in Welding 1, a class that stood out not only for its hands-on learning but also for the camaraderie he experienced with friends. He encourages fellow students to give it a try, especially if they’re looking to explore something new and practical. Among his teachers, Mr. Skwira stands out as a favorite. “He’s passionate about what he teaches and makes every student feel important,” Nolan shared. With years of experience and a commitment to hands-on learning, Mr. Skwira’s influence has left a lasting impact on Nolan’s education. In addition to strong academic performance, Nolan is actively involved in a variety of school activities, including basketball, track, trapshooting, FFA, and the YES Club. Each activity has contributed to his growth—building teamwork, encouraging physical fitness, and fostering leadership. His participation in FFA, particularly in the Crops CDE, reflects his deep interest in agriculture, a field he plans to continue pursuing. Outside the classroom, Nolan’s accomplishments are equally impressive. He became an Eagle Scout through Boy Scouts, where he learned self-reliance, responsibility, and even some cooking. He also gives back to the community through his involvement with the Royalton Lions Club, helping with events like Christmas tree sales and Platte River Days. Looking back, Nolan has plenty of great high school memories, from parking lot breakfasts and prom to the unforgettable Survivor Games, which stood out as the most fun and exciting week of the year. After graduation, Nolan will attend North Dakota State College of Science, pursuing a degree in Agricultural Business—a natural fit for someone already working in the field. His long-term goals are refreshingly grounded: a stable job, a loving family, and a peaceful cabin on a lake. “That just sounds really relaxing to me,” he shared. For underclassmen, Nolan offers this advice: “Try your best academically now because when things get harder your junior year, you’re ready for it.”