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< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment March 2019 Student of the Month Samantha Skroch Samantha Skroch, daughter of Wendy and Thomas Skroch, has been named the March Student of the Month at Royalton High School (RHS). She has three siblings; Kayla, AJ, and Lindsey. Skroch listed her favorite class as band. “Through my years of high school I have enjoyed many classes yet the one I will continuously love is band. Between Mr. Kunkle and Mr. Coppicus, my music has expanded more than I could have imagined and every day is a fun day in the band room. Thank you!” “Samantha is a very gifted Clarinet player in the Royalton Band Program,” said band teacher Chris Coppicus. “She leads her section by example and has taken on many duties as a leader. She is currently the Band Intern which has allowed her to build a strong relationship with the 5th grade band. Samantha has also been given the greatest honor of any band senior when she was awarded the John Philip Sousa Award at our Fine Arts Banquet that took place on Monday, April 22nd. She has bright future and I know music will continue to be a bright spot in her life for years to come.” Math teacher Zach Silbernick said, “Sam Skroch is an extremely trustworthy and kind student. Every time you see Sam she always has a smile on her face and asks you how your day is going. I don’t think I have ever seen Sam angry before. She always has a positive attitude and is ready to help out her friends, classmates, and teachers whenever they need it. Sam is an extremely hard worker; you never have to worry about Sam not giving it her all. She balances school along with work, and even when she is busiest, you can still depend on Sam. She is the kind of person to always do the right thing, even if she isn’t going to get credit for it. Her work ethic and humility to do what is right, even when no one is watching, are going to take her far in life!” Samantha’s future plans are to attend St. Cloud State University and major in music education. Her favorite high school memory was the thrill of receiving a superior rating in contest for the first time in four years of band. The advice she would give to freshmen is, “Never take anything for granted, enjoy the time you have with those you care about, it’ll all be gone in a few short years.”

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Learn about the assessments used by Royalton Public Schools and when they are given. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us.

< Guidance Office Tests and Testing Information ACCUPLACER The Accuplacer is a non-timed admissions test for PSEO students as well as students planning to enroll in Minnesota 2-year schools or vocational/trade schools. The Accuplacer is a free test for first-time testers. Students take the assessment on the computer. Students will need a photo ID and their social security number to take the test ASVAB The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. The ASVAB is given to all juniors in the fall. The test results give students career information that can be helpful in developing their individual career plan. Juniors will take the ASVAB on Friday, October 2, 2020, from 9:50-12:50. PSAT/NMSQT This College Board test assesses the critical reading, mathematics and writing skills students need for college and beyond. The PSAT/NMSQT helps students become college-ready. It provides feedback on skills, access to scholarships and personalized online tools. ACT The ACT is an admissions test used by 4-year colleges and universities. The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement test. There are four tests with the optional writing test. The cost for ACT No Writing is $55. ACT with Writing is $70. Students who qualify for Free/Reduced lunch should stop in the Guidance Office for an ACT Fee Waiver. The English Test is a 75-question, 45-minute test . The test consists of five essays, or passages, each accompanied by a sequence of multiple-choice test questions that measures a student's understanding of the conventions of standard English (punctuation, usage, and sentence structure), production of writing (topic development, organization, unity, and cohesion) and knowledge of language (word choice, style, and tone). The content in this test is: Production of Writing (29-32%) Knowledge of Language (13-19%) Conventions of Standard English (51-56%) The Mathematics Test is a 60-question, 60-minute test designed to assess the mathematical skills students have typically acquired in courses taken up to the beginning of grade 12. The content is comprised of: Preparing for Higher Math (57-60%) Number and Quantity (7-10%) Algebra (12-15%) Functions (12-15%) Geometry (12-15%) Statistics and Probability (8-12%) Integrated Essential Skills (40-43%) These questions address concepts typically learned before 8th grade, such as rates and percentages; proportional relationships; area, surface area, and volume; average and median; and expressing numbers in different ways. Modeling (>25%) This category represents all questions that involve producing, interpreting, understanding, evaluating, and improving models. The Reading Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures your reading comprehension. The reading test assesses skills in three reporting categories: Key Ideas and Details (55-60%) Craft and Structure (25-30%) Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (13-18%) The Science Test is a 40-question, 35-minute test that measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. The test emphasizes science skills and practices over recall of scientific content, complex mathematics skills, and reading ability. The scientific information is conveyed in one of three different formats. Interpretation of Data (45-55%) Scientific Investigation (20-30%) Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (25-35%) The Writing Test is optional. It is a 40-minute essay test that measures a student’s writing skills. If students register for the ACT Plus Writing, they take the ACT Writing Test after they complete the four multiple-choice tests. Taking the Writing Test will not affect the student's scores on the multiple- choice tests or their Composite score. Students will receive a single subject-level score (rounded average of the four domain scores) based on a 2=12 scale. The four domain scores are: Ideas and Analysis Development and Support Organization Language Use and Conventions

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment November 2019 Student of the Month Allyson Waletski Royalton High School announces that Allyson Waletski has been selected as the November Student of the Month. Allyson is the daughter of Dave and Judy Waletski; she also has a younger sister, Amanda. Allyson’s family is important to her; she enjoys traveling to different parts of the United States with them and they encourage her to try her best in everything. Allyson mentions, “My family has encouraged me to go for my dreams because anything is possible if I work hard at it.” Allyson participates in many different activities at Royalton High School. She is active in Knowledge Bowl, WE Club, Spanish Club, Student Council, and MHS. Being involved in the activities allowed her to gain many friendships, but overall they have shown Allyson how to manage her time while being as involved as possible at school. Sports also take up a great deal of Allyson’s time. Her favorite high school memory comes from the basketball court. In playoffs as a junior, the Royalton girls’ team was seven-seed playing against the heavily favored two-seed Rush City. “Our team worked together to overcome a deficit and push the game into overtime,” leading to an eventual win by the Royals. “The best part of that game was celebrating together as a team at center court.” Allyson’s team is important to her since they have been playing together since 5th grade and many are her best best friends. In addition to basketball, Allyson also plays volleyball and softball. During the off season, she also played AAU basketball and Junior Volleyball. Brad Baumann, head girls’ basketball coach and social studies teacher, states that Allyson is one of the true treasures of Royalton High School. “She demonstrates exactly what you would like to see out of a senior student. She is an excellent student in the classroom and is at the top of her class. Allyson strives to do great work and is also willing to step in and help whenever needed. She is willing to accept difficult tasks and take them head on. As a teacher and coach, it has been a privilege to have Allyson in class and in basketball, and we're fortunate to have her as a student here at Royalton High School.” Randy Thielges, Science Teacher, also sees Allyson’s strengths in class as well as on the court. “Allyson is always a "go-getter" whether it’s her hustle on the courts or her efforts to be the best in her class. She always seems to find a way to give her best effort.” Based on this sentiment, it is no surprise that chemistry with Mr. Thielges is Allyson’s favorite class. She loved that the class was challenging and fun at the same time. She states that her favorite part of the class was doing labs and solving stoichiometry problems. Chemistry helped her realize that she wants to become a pharmacist. Allyson definitely suggests that anyone who is interested in the medical field should take chemistry; it is a lot of fun! Allyson’s favorite teacher in high school was Mr. Makela. She appreciates that he pushed her to become the writer she is today. Even though his class was the hardest class she took in high school, she really enjoyed it, “He put in so much extra time helping me write my essays and was always willing to stay after school to read through my work.” Mr. Makela inspired me to work hard and never give up. Next year, Allyson will be attending the Early Admissions Pharmacy Program at North Dakota State University. She chose to become a pharmacist because she wants to help people feel better and wants to work in the medical field. “Mr. Thielges showed me how much I love chemistry and encouraged me to go to a Pharmacy camp in Ohio this last summer,” which cemented her idea of becoming a pharmacist. In ten years, she sees herself practicing pharmacy at a hospital close to Royalton. She hopes to get married and travel in her free time. It is important to her to stay close to home because she wants to continue spending time with family. Allyson’s advice to high school freshmen is to be as involved as you can be throughout high school. Being in activities allows you to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. It also allows you to see what things you enjoy that you otherwise would not have tried.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment March 2023 Student of the Month James Vannurden James is the son of Phil and Jill. James says his family has been a huge part of his life, “My family has been really influential in my life, they have pushed me very hard in everything. My parents have always made sure to push me to getting good grades and being active in sports and activities.” Whether it is in school or outside of school, James is involved in a variety of activities, “I am in Youth Group for my church. We do a lot of activities. I do enjoy being involved with my church; it feels very rewarding to do things to help my community. I’m in Football, Track, and YES Club. I have always loved football since I was very little, I would play it every day. Football has help me through life because of all of the memories and friends I’ve gained. I first joined track when I was in 7th grade. I joined track because I thought I was very fast in 7th grade; The first meet was very humbling for me. I moved around a lot in track, until I found out i was good at jumping. Track has been fun over the years because of the friendships I made. Im also in YES Club. I have done a ton of activities in YES club like building a retaining wall for the school, and doing fun activities with our group like snow tubing at Power Ridge. Overall YES Club has been a good experience for me.” When it comes to his classes James says his favorite class was welding and his favorite teacher is Mr. Robert Skwira. “My favorite class I have taken in high school is Welding. What I liked about Welding so much is that I got taught a whole new skill, Welding was one of the only classes that I couldn't wait to go to. It stood out because at first, I was a little bit scared of trying it but once I got comfortable, it was awesome. I would suggest it to other students because it’s a good skill to have with you, and not many know how to do it. My favorite teacher would have to be Mr. Skwira because of all the knowledge about the trades that I have learned. Skwira is a teacher that has always been very nice to me and really expected a lot out of me. I like how he teaches because he let me try to figure it out on my own, and if I was struggling, he would jump in.” James' favorite memory from school took place this fall, “My favorite high school memory is homecoming. Homecoming is such a fun time because of all the activities we did including the Olympics and dress up days. What made it the best memory was at the end of the day I played football with all of my buddies versus the Paynesville bulldogs. It was a brutal game, but it all made it worth it when we pulled ahead and won the game. After that everyone was pumped up and it was a good time.” James then said the best event he was part of was during his junior football season, “The best game I was involved in is my junior year of football, where in the second round of the playoffs. We played against the Paynesville Bulldogs, and we were going back and forth at each other. The nerves were hitting because there was a full crowd and we had to stay in the game, but when the clock struck zero, we managed to pull out the win. At the end it was so rewarding because even though my body felt like garbage, I was so excited we won.” After graduating and where he sees himself in the future James had this to say, “Next year I will be jumping right into working doing construction, I chose construction because I like to work with my hands and I like to moving around all of the time. The best thing that I like about construction is going through building and looking at the progress made on the building. In the next 10 years I plan to work hard and make some money, I hope to buy my own house and start to develop a family. It is important to me because I would like to have something to push me to work hard.” James’ advice to high school freshmen is, “One thing I would advise is to get your required classes done earlier so you can have fun classes that you will like when you’re an upperclassman and make sure to have fun.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment January 2025 Student of the Month Wyatt Gerads In every school, there are students who stand out for their dedication, leadership, and passion. Wyatt has demonstrated these qualities throughout his high school career, embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness. Wyatt believes having a supportive family has played a crucial role in his journey. As Wyatt put it, “My family has always been there to encourage me in all decisions and guide me when needed. They have instilled in me the importance of working hard and never giving up, lessons that have shaped my character and ambitions.” Among the many subjects Wyatt has explored in high school, small engines stood out as a favorite class. “I really enjoyed learning how an engine worked and got to work with my hands. If I were to suggest this class, I would say you should have an open mind and room in your brain.” Explained Wyatt. When asked about his favorite teachers, it was impossible for Wyatt to choose just one. When pressed he came up with Mr. Skwira and Mrs. Noerenberg. “Both have been available throughout my high school career to bounce ideas off of or just being an awesome person and teacher. They have also inspired me to be just as kind and forgiving as they have been.” Extracurricular activities have played a significant role in shaping Wyatt’s high school experience. Participation in basketball, YES Club, track, FFA, and Trap has kept him engaged and active. Serving as Chairman of YES Club, he has taken the initiative to teach younger students about the environment, plant a native prairie, and organize a Christmas light recycling program. Outside of school, Wyatt has been deeply involved in Boy Scouts and volunteering with the Royalton Lions Club. Earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Wyatt described his experience in these activities this way, “I learned essential life skills such as trustworthiness, loyalty, and kindness and with the Lions Club I further enhanced my teamwork, problem-solving, and communication abilities.” Among the many cherished high school moments, one that stands out for Wyatt is winning the dodgeball game during the Homecoming Olympics. “The excitement of victory and the collective celebration with classmates created was an unforgettable experience.” When reflecting on the best activity he’s participated in, Boy Scouts takes the top spot. “Because of the group of people and leaders who made scouts truly a fun experience. Another reason I particularly enjoy scouts is because of our 7-day hiking trip to Philmont Scout Ranch.” After high school, Wyatt plans to enroll in the Machine Tool program at either Alexandria Technical College or North Dakota State College of Science. Looking ahead ten years, his vision includes owning a home, being married, and achieving financial stability with little to no debt. His ultimate goal is to be debt-free by 40 and to live life to the fullest. When asked about a piece of advice to share with others, his response was simple yet powerful: “Work hard and go into everything with the attitude that whatever happens, have fun doing it. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, why are you doing it? There is no secret to success—you just need to work for it and be kind along the way.” Wyatt’s journey through high school has been filled with growth, leadership, and memorable experiences. With his strong work ethic and positive outlook, there is no doubt he will achieve great things in his future.

< 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.

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 Troy Roering, Advisor troy.roering@isd485.org Season starts at the end of September WINTER one act play Senior High Melanie Cimenski, Advisor melanie.cimenski@isd485.org Try-outs are in the middle of 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 Musical Grades 6-12 Melanie Cimenski, Advisor melanie.cimenski@isd485.org Try-outs are in February trap Shooting Sam Crowder, Advisor samc1903@gmail.com Season starts at the end of March Activity Page > YEAR-LONG student council Senior High Heidi Noerenberg, Advisor heidi.noerenberg@isd485.org Activity Page > student council Junior High Mindy Klosowski, Advisor mindy.klosowski@isd485.org yearbook Cathy Tordsen, Advisor cathy.tordsen@isd485.org Activity Page > BPA Advisor Needed 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 Claire Welinski, Advisor claire.welinski@isd485.org

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment January 2020 Student of the Month Erin Zapzalka Royalton High School faculty selected Erin Zapzalka as their January Student of the Month. Erin, the daughter of Danelle and Tim Zapzalka, learned about hard work and caring for others from her parents: her dad works on the family farm and her mom is a nurse. Erin is involved in numerous activities at RHS. She enjoys band because of her love of music and learning different instruments. She also volunteers with Minnesota Honor Society, helps the environment in Y.E.S. Club, plans events with student council, as well as participating in softball, volleyball and serving as a wrestling manager. Randy Thielges, science teacher and basketball coach says, “Erin is one of the students you can ask anything of her and she will complete the task well and on time.” Director of Bands, Chris Coppicus states, “Erin is a gifted musician. She directs our summer marching band, our concert band and jazz band with her French horn in hand. She is one of our strongest seniors throughout academics, athletics, and the arts.” Her musical talents follow her outside of school where Erin plays trumpet at her church for Christmas and Easter masses. She also volunteers at the Little Falls Humane Society and works at Scheels in St. Cloud. She explains that at Scheels she is able to bridge her love of helping people and her knowledge about outdoor activity equipment together. She hopes that the skills acquired in her job will help as a nurse in her future. When asked about influential teachers, Erin notes that Mr. Thielges, Mr. Schoenrock and Mr. Makela stand at the top of her list. These teachers “have their own way of teaching, and they each have a sense of humor to accompany their teaching styles.” One highlight of Erin’s high school career was the morning the power went out right before school. She and her classmates sat in the Lion’s Den while singing songs and talking which, strangely, created a strong bond between them all. A playoff softball game from her sophomore year stands as one of her greatest sporting memories. “We were down by two in the top of the ninth inning. There were two outs and I was up to bat while two of my teammates were on second and third base. Although I only had 1 strike left before the game was over, I felt no pressure. The next pitch, I hit the ball into the outfield which drove my two teammates home making the score tied. We ended up working as a team and won the game; moving onto the next round of playoffs. Seeing how a team can work together and overcome the challenge of the game has always stayed in my mind. “ After high school, Erin plans to attend the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, with hopes to pursue a career in Registered Nursing. In ten years, Erin hopes to have all of her schooling completed and be working at a job that is “perfect” for her. She also hopes for marriage and a family. When passing on advice for underclassmen,, Erin states, “Yes, homework is important, but so is time with friends and having fun. If you use time management and have a good balance between the two, then you will be successful in school and be able to have fun, too.”

< Activities & Athletics Royalton Hall of FamE Joseph Cimenski Class of 1964 Inducted May 2018 Read More Tim Prom Class of 1987 Inducted May 2017 Read More Tom Sobieck Class of 1968 Inducted May 2016 Read More 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ... 7 Hall of fame Criteria ATHLETE 10 years out of HS. Either outstanding athletic accomplishments at RHS OR at the collegiate/professional level. ACADEMICS 10 years out of HS. Either outstanding academic accomplishments at RHS OR in collegiate/professional field of work. FINE ARTS 10 years out of HS. Either outstanding fine arts accomplishments at RHS OR in collegiate/professional field of work. employee Employees/Coaches that have served in the district 10+ years and had outstanding accomplishments during employment. district contribution May be anyone who has made significant contributions to Royalton Schools. This category could be that bus driver, game announcer, or long-time volunteer who deserves recognition in the Hall of Fame. NOMINATION FORM

< 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.