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< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment March 2025 Student of the Month Marisa Solland A dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking student, Marisa exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and academic excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Marisa credits her family as the foundation of her strong character and values. Through their guidance, she has grown in her faith, gained confidence in herself, and learned the importance of hard work, respect, and community service. Some of her favorite moments with her family include attending church events, going out to eat, and enjoying movie nights. Their encouragement has helped her maintain strong grades and pursue her college goals with determination. In the classroom, Culinary Prep with Mrs. Liddane stands out as Marisa’s favorite class. She especially enjoyed helping prepare the Veterans Day breakfast—an event that has become a cherished tradition at Royalton. She recommends the class to others because of the valuable life skills it teaches, such as cooking and preparing meals independently. When asked about her favorite teacher, Marisa names Mrs. Ramstad, whose dedication to students and thoughtful teaching style left a lasting impression. Mrs. Ramstad’s willingness to provide extra support and make time for every student has inspired Marisa to emulate that kind of care and commitment in her future career as an educator. Marisa is actively involved in FFA and concert choir. Through FFA, which she joined in eighth grade, she’s developed leadership, teamwork, and perseverance while participating in events, contests, and projects that promote agricultural education. As a member of the concert choir since ninth grade, Marisa has grown musically and socially while spreading joy through performances and competitions. Beyond school, Marisa continues her service-oriented spirit in the community. She volunteers at the Benton County Fair FFA Barnyard, Platte River Days FFA Petting Zoo, and at her church, helping with breakfasts, Mass, and fundraisers. She also assists at the Royalton American Legion Fish Fry and sings as a first soprano in the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota's Con Brio group. These experiences have helped Marisa grow in responsibility, communication, adaptability, and self-confidence. One of her most memorable high school moments was teaming up with her friend Nevaeh during Survivor Week. Together, they used teamwork and quick thinking to win a challenging memory game for their grade—an achievement that Marisa remembers as a highlight of collaboration and spirit. Her favorite activity? Volunteering at the Benton County Fair FFA Barnyard. Between caring for animals and connecting with visitors, Marisa found joy in learning, teaching, and handling the unexpected—all while having fun in a wonderfully chaotic environment. Looking ahead, Marisa has been accepted to St. Cloud Technical and Community College to pursue an A.A. degree in Elementary Education, with plans to transfer to St. Cloud State University for her B.S. and a minor in Special Education. Her passion for teaching stems from her own educational journey: after surviving cancer during kindergarten through second grade, her elementary teachers at Pleasantview helped her catch up and thrive—a legacy she hopes to pass on to her future students. In ten years, Marisa sees herself teaching in central Minnesota, carrying forward the values and support she received as a child. Her long-term goal is to help every student believe in their potential and succeed, no matter their circumstances. Her advice to high school freshmen is clear and heartfelt: “Don’t wait to get involved—join groups when you feel the spark. Work hard for your grades; they won’t be handed to you. And always remember: your teachers want to see you succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and grow.”

< 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.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment October 2021 Student of the Month Emma Kasella Royalton High School is proud to announce that Emma Kasella was selected as Student of the Month for October. Emma is the daughter of Steve and Colleen. Through her success Emma says her family has had a large impact “My family has greatly influenced my work ethic and drive in school and in life. Growing up on a farm taught me discipline and hard work. I’m glad my parents encouraged me to help out picking eggs or walk the barn because that discipline has led me to the success I have today. I enjoy fishing and hunting or really anything outside and some of my favorite memories as a child were made out on the lake or adventuring outside with my brothers” At Royalton High School, Emma is involved in volleyball, managing wrestling, softball, student council, the Minnesota Honor Society and YES Club. Emma says being part of teams and groups is something she loves “I have a passion for the sports I’m in and love being a part of the teams. The other three clubs I’m in have bettered my leadership skills and helped me be involved in more community service.” When it comes to her classes Emma says her favorite class is Biology “My favorite class is biology because I have always had an interest in how the body works. Biology helped me discover that nursing really is the career I want to pursue” As for a favorite teacher in high school, Emma says Mr. Silbernick really comes to mind, “My favorite teacher is Mr. Silbernick because he teaches in a way that helps me understand and be successful in challenging math courses.” Emma’s favorite memory in high school was going to prom last year, as Emma put it “One of my favorite high school memories was going to prom last year because it seemed like we had one normal night in an incredibly strange year.” For her plans after high school and where she sees herself in 10 years, Emma had this to say “After high school, I plan on pursuing a bachelor's degree in nursing, but I am currently undecided on what school and in ten years, I hope to have a job as an RN in an oncology or pediatric setting. My whole life I have known I want to make an impact in the lives of others, and oncology and pediatrics are areas where I feel I personally could make the greatest impact.” Emma’s advice to high school freshmen is this “When it’s all said and done, you won’t remember every lecture; what you will cherish are the memories made with friends along the way. So, take in every moment, for people really do mean it when they say it flies by fast.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment September 2025 Student of the Month Kimberlie Randt Kimberlie Randt, daughter of Michael and Jennifer Randt, has been named the September Student of the Month at Royalton High School (RHS). Kimberlie has a sister, Rose, who is an 8th grader at Royalton. Kimberlie's favorite class is Composition I and II with Ms. Menden. "Although the class was challenging, it developed my writing and critical thinking abilities in a way that an online class simply cannot fulfill. Ms. Menden truly cares for her students, and although her curriculum is challenging, it prepares them for life beyond high school and even college. The writing, comprehension, and storytelling skills I have gained from her class will stick with me for the rest of my professional life." Among her favorite teachers, Kimberlie wrote, "There were so many teachers who impacted my educational journey. Starting at the elementary level, Ms. Carlson, Ms. Scott, and Ms. Hoheisel aided in the fundamental development of my educational abilities, along with shaping the person I am today. High school is by no means easy, and it took a toll on my mental well-being. Ms. Wensmann, Mr. Koenig, Ms. Noerenberg, and Mr. Coppicus were always there to make sure I was okay and to provide support when I wasn't. I am forever grateful for their impact on my life, and I truly would not be here today if it weren't for them. I am especially grateful for Mr. Coppicus, who opened the door to music and my passion for the activity." Outside of the classroom over the past few years, she participated in Student Council, Minnesota Honors Society, Royal Ambassadors program, Business Professionals of America, YES! Club, Jazz Band, Honors Band, Trap Shooting, and Softball. "These activities have given me knowledge in time management, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. The club that has provided the largest impact on my life is Student Council, which has made me a better communicator, planner, and team member. I have also met countless role models within the club who helped shape my goals both personally and academically. Some activities that I participate in outside of school include reading, painting, cooking, and trap shooting. I enjoy reading because it offers an escape from the suffocating grasp of reality. In addition to shooting trap for school, I also shoot trap for a league over the summer. Last year, I helped my team place first overall, along with placing first in the individual youth division. The best activity that I have been involved in is Jazz band, specifically, our performance at Solo Ensemble Contest last year. Our group received a superior rating of 39/40, which is the highest score Mr. Coppicus has received in his 11 years at Royalton. Being a part of this ensemble stood out to me not only because we achieved such a feat, but also because of the people I met along the way. The relationships I formed within this group will last a lifetime." Her favorite high school memory would be during last year's trip to Duluth for honors band. "Several students, including myself, accompanied Mr. Coppicus to the College of Saint Scholastica for our annual honor band event. Last year, we were able to visit Minnesota Point, where we took pictures and froze on the cold beaches of Duluth. It was a trip filled with laughter, several sarcastic comments, and lasting memories." After high school, Kimberlie plans "to attend college for two potential career paths: music education and the medical field. I have always been impressed by the power of music when bringing people together and expressing emotions. Being involved in the various music programs at Royalton has shown me the significance music education can have on a student's life. I would love to become the kind of teacher who inspires students the way that Mr. Coppicus has inspired me. At the same time, I am also drawn to healthcare, specifically in the field of anesthesiology. I am intrigued by the complexity of the profession and the impact it can have on patients. Although I have yet to decide which path I plan to follow, I am excited to find the best way I can make a difference in the world around me." In 10 years, "I see myself working in a career that gives me the chance to help others, either through music or medicine. If I pursue music education, I hope to be directing ensembles and encouraging students to express themselves through music. If I end up following the medical route, I can envision myself working in a hospital as either an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist, providing a vital role in both patient care and comfort. Regardless of what path I choose, I hope to be impacting people's lives and changing them for the better." Advice she leaves for high school freshmen: "The advice that I would give to high school freshmen is to ask for help and advocate for themselves, even if they think it's hopeless to do so. I cannot count how many times I have sacrificed my success because I failed to ask for help when I truly needed it. Even if you simply need clarification, just ask! The people in this building are rooting for your success, even if it doesn't seem like it. There is not a single person in this building who wants to see you fail!"

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment December 2024 Student of the Month Abby Kalis As Abby Kalis prepares to graduate, she reflects on the cherished moments, supportive relationships, and ambitions that have shaped her high school journey. From family game nights to competitive softball games, Abby's story is one of gratitude, determination, and joy. When asked how her family has played a role in her life and education, she credits them as her greatest source of encouragement and strength. "They always remind me to do my best and never fail to tell me how proud they are," she says. Whether it's through advice, love, or shared traditions like family camping trips, Abby's parents and siblings have provided a solid foundation for her success and happiness. Looking at the different classes and teachers Abby has had over the years at Royalton Schools, she discovered her passion for biology in Mrs. Gerads' college-level human biology class. She recalls the engaging dissections and creative memorization techniques that made the class both educational and fun. "It was laidback yet informative, and it helped me earn college credit while still in high school," Abby shares. As for Abby’s favorite teacher, she said Mrs. Noerenberg, left a lasting impression through her engaging teaching style and genuine care for students. "She puts on a strict face but is secretly friendly and always willing to help," As far as sports or activities go, softball has been the go-to sport for Abby. Abby has been a dedicated softball player since third grade and she describes her team as a "home away from home." She values the lessons in teamwork, accountability, and perseverance that the sport has taught her. From dancing in the dugout to rolling in the grass during practice, the camaraderie with her teammates has been a highlight of her high school experience. Outside of school, Abby enjoys spending time with friends, belting out favorite songs during car rides, and escaping into the pages of a good book. Reading offers her a magical retreat from the demands of daily life, allowing her to immerse herself in new worlds. Abby's favorite high school memory is Survivor Week, an event filled with challenges, dress-up days, and friendly competition between grades. "I'm super competitive, so this week was my jam," she laughs. Another standout event for her was the homecoming football game, where the energy and sense of community created unforgettable moments. Looking ahead, Abby plans to attend North Dakota State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). She dreams of becoming a trauma nurse at a level 1 trauma center, where she can make a difference by treating critical injuries and helping patients heal. To incoming high schoolers, Abby offers this wisdom: "Don’t worry if things don’t go as planned. I’m not the person I thought I’d be as a freshman, but everything worked out in the end." With her infectious enthusiasm and dedication to her goals, Abby Kalis is sure to leave a positive mark on the world as she embarks on her next chapter just as she has at Royalton Schools.

< Hall of Fame Lieutenant Colonel Quinten Miklos Class of 1983 Inducted May 2012 Lieutenant Colonel Quinten Miklos is a 1983 graduate of Royalton High School. Upon graduation he attended the University of Minnesota before receiving an appointment to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He graduated with a Biology degree and a rank of 2nd Lt. Miklos earned his silver wings and chose to be a B-1 pilot. His service in the military earned him many promotions and many diverse assignments as an active pilot, flight training instructor, director of operations and trainer for B-1 combat units. Lt. Colonel Miklos retired after 21 years as a command pilot with 4,700 flying hours, 569 combat hours, and 2,400 instructor hours. He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and six oak leaf clusters, the Combat Readiness Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. Lt. Col. Miklos was the pilot in command of the B-1 flyover of the 2006 Rose Bowl NCAA Championship Football Game.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back September 2017 Artist of the Month Cole Scofield Cole Scofield, son of Pam and Tony Scofield has been named Royalton High School's Artist of the Month for September. Scofield, earned the honor by taking one of his favorite hobbies, and turning it into his original design project in his Art Techniques class. "Going into this class, I never thought that I would ever be in the top five, and for sure, not an Artist of the Month." said Scofield. "There are so many talented artists in this school. When Halverson described the assignment and talked about choosing a subject that means something to you, I knew what I wanted to do, almost immediately. I love the way Halverson teaches and how laid back he is. It makes the class environment alive and enjoyable. I haven't been in an art class since the eighth grade, and I thought that I would be somewhere in the middle of the class as far as my abilities were concerned. But when he talked about choosing someone or something that you love, like drawing a picture of his wife or his mother holding one of his kids, I understood what to do. My idea came from one of my favorite hobbies which is drag racing. I drag race at BIR, (Brainerd International Raceway). 2017 was my second year racing there with my '71 Chevelle. Memorial weekend and the fourth of July weekend, I took second in my bracket. I am dedicating this design project to my dad. He's been with me since the beginning, from picking out out the car to standing in the winner's circle with me." "Design is based on applying the elements and principles in a step by step process, regardless of the medium used by the artist." stated Royalton High School Art Instructor Carl Halverson. "The goal is to help every student find his or her own strength and then succeed to the best of their ability. I believe every teacher has this goal in mind regardless of the subject matter being delivered. In this case, Cole chose metal as his primary choice of medium. His passion for racing his Chevelle SS, became a personal statement from his very first sketch. The process continued, as he designed and fabricated each letter from metal and carefully placed them on the riveted, rusted steel base. And now for the most important piece of the design. He finished it off by dedicating the project to his father. Dedicated to the man responsible for not only introducing his son to an incredible journey in his life, but also there every step of the way as they shared incredible, invaluable life lessons along the road. You can't show a movie clip or just pick up that kind of learning experience from a book in any classroom. Be it paint, pencil, wood, or metal; it's not the material that determines the value of the piece when it becomes something personal."

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back November 2018 Artist of the Month Jordan Pesta Royalton High School recently named high school junior, Jordan Pesta, as Artist of the Month for November. Pesta is the daughter of Brenda and Neil Pesta, and has been drawing for as long as she can remember. She has created characters for an original storybook and is presently using digital imaging processes to bring her characters to life. "I've been drawing since I could pick up a pencil," stated Pesta. "My room is flooded with drawings scattered from the floor to the bed. There isn't a single notebook that I own that doesn't hold drawings or sketches of animals or imaginary characters." "I've always loved art, so Royalton High School's art classes are by far my favorite in school. In Design class this past year, our final Design project is one of our choice, so I am working with animation through a storybook. The characters each have their own unique personalities that fit into their own little piece of the world. The book, entitled Natural Oddities', has two main characters as the protagonists. These characters are much the same as every student who searches for a direction in their life. Each is like a unique piece of a puzzle. As these characters move throughout the story, each runs into road blocks, and has to find the way though to the end of their own personal story. The happy ending in every story is when one might look back with a smile after finding how their puzzle piece fits into their own life journey. I have applied the elements and principles of design that I learned to give these characters a look that is three dimensional. I also am exploring animation through digital media to give them movement from one page to the next. The other pieces show one of my more traditional watercolor pieces of the skull and one of my clay designed projects of my logo created in Design class" added Pesta. Carl Halverson, Royalton's Art instructor, sees Pesta as having such a unique perspective in not only his classroom, but also out the classroom. "Jordan is as "one of a kind" as a person as her own characters are in her story. While we may try to define success as following a given path to reach a given educational outcome, some unique individuals never seem to follow that same path. In fact, they break their own path, a path far less traveled, and arrive at an entirely different destination. All of this began through the exploration of new ideas through the use of technology. The world itself has become a university of independent instructors who can teach new areas of expertise not offered within the traditional model of a brick and mortar school building. It's exciting to watch students with such extraordinary talents explore education in such a non traditional way while pulling others along for the ride. I hope to help these gifted students like Jordan become who she is supposed to be, so that she finds where she, as a puzzle piece, finds her own place in this world." Upon graduation, Pesta sees herself taking the next step of her journey at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design to pursue a major in Graphic Design, Illustration and Comic Art.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back February 2019 Artist of the Month Alexandra Storkamp Alexandra Storkamp, daughter of Lisa and Scott Storkamp was named Royalton High School's February Artist of the Month. Alex has two older sister's who graduated from Royalton who also enjoyed art. Finally reaching her Senior year, Storkamp worked hard to earn the achievement due to her passion for the subject. "I felt like I had always been competing with my sister's over who was better in certain areas of art. Once I reached high school I made sure to always have an art class because there was nothing I enjoyed more. The competition didn't really matter to me." said Storkamp. "Growing as an artist has been difficult because the subjects I chose were usually fairly creepy and dark. Recently I have started to incorporate color into my art opposed to doing charcoal or graphite works, and I find that I actually enjoy it much more!" Surrealism is a 20th-century movement in art and literature which sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind. Surrealism became the most influential movement in twentieth century art with one of it's leaders, Salvador Dali, being one of the most famous. "I chose to study Surrealism because the style fits me so well. I admit, Dali was a little bit crazy," said Storkamp, "But I chose him as an artist because I aspire to be different, and accepted for being different. Art is what makes me who I am. Mr. Halverson always pushes kids to challenge themselves as artists, and just to be proud of who they are. Before my he passed, my Dad always told me, that if I truly loved something, I should prove it. I should do this by staying true to myself, my beliefs, and be known for it. I am leaving behind art work at Royalton High School because it shows who I was as a student, and where i am going in my future." "Alexandra has been one of the hardest working students I've seen in many years," stated Visual Arts Instructor Carl Halverson. "She's 2019's best visual artist not just because she has worked so hard to earn it, but because she is confident to break her own path in life. These days of electronic visual communication, many students get caught up in the drama of trying to be someone who they really aren't in hopes of attaining followers or get a high number of "likes". Some may continue to spend more time following others on social media than finding their own path in which they could actually lead. The Art room is a place in this school where being yourself is not just some words painted on a wall as you enter the room. It's a place where we celebrate student's artistic gifts without all of the drama included. There's no reason to post it, or count any thumbs up icons. It is who they are as a person that is so much more important than that. I've had a star athletes figure this out their senior year. They actually walked up and told me that they finally realize that they are so much more than just a high school athlete. They probably won't be at the local pub at their ten year reunion, talking about high school games that happened a decade ago. Hopefully, a high school game won't be even in the consideration to be "the best day of their life." Instead, they will have discovered and experienced so many awesome things since then, that they will might be a bit bored with those who are still stuck in the Glory Days that have passed them by. I'm amazed and impressed with Alexandra's journey and growth, not just an artist, but as a person. I will continue cheering for her as she continues to move forward, and hopefully find and experience all of the new and exciting adventures that life has to offer. These are the moments that are almost too good to post....."

< Hall of Fame Jerry Goedderz Distinguished Educator (1975-2008) Inducted May 2013 Jerry Goedderz was an admired educator for the Royalton Elementary School for 32 years. Jerry attended high school at Crosby-Ironton and after graduation he enrolled at Brainerd Junior College and played college baseball for two years. He transferred to St. Cloud State University and graduated with a BS in Elementary Education in 1975. Jerry began his teaching livelihood in Royalton in 1975 where he taught 4th and 6th grades during his career. In 2006, he was named the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. Jerry’s calling to serve extended far beyond the classroom as he coached varsity baseball for six years and junior high boys’ and girls’ basketball for a number of years. Jerry has many notable achievements. He spearheaded the establishment of the Nature Center at the Elementary School. Jerry, along with fellow colleague Linda Martin, began the first of many Deep Portage trips for the 6th grade students. Even after his retirement, Jerry continued to support many school activities in countless ways. As a distinguished community member, he has led many initiatives and worked to establish many activities for elementary aged students, especially the “Take a Kid Fishing” program, which takes place in both winter and summer. Jerry has been an active member of the Royalton Lions for 30 years, a Melvin Jones Fellowship recipient, and credited for taking the lead role in the formation of Platte River Day in 1994 after attending a Blandin Leadership Program. Jerry serves as a substitute teacher and bus driver for the Royalton School District and is a member of the Royalton American Legion. He is on the board of directors for the Pine Country Bank and Friends of Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. In his spare time, Jerry has been very active in his outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, volunteering and umping baseball and softball games. Jerry has been married for 30 years to Audrey, a fellow educator at Royalton Elementary, and has two children, Josh and Andrea, who are graduates of RHS.

< 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.

< Hall of Fame Tom Sobieck Class of 1968 Inducted May 2016 Tom Sobieck was a 1968 graduate of Royalton High School where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. Tom was very involved in the arts. He was a member of the chorus and played baritone in the band and marching band. Tom also spent some time on stage and played the role of a bum in a production by O. Henry, titled Full House, in his senior class play. Following graduation from Royalton High School, Tom attended Bemidji State University where he obtained a degree in Earth Sciences. Upon graduation from college, he joined the Navy and was commissioned as an Ensign O-1 in March 1973. Tom received his Naval Flight Officer Wings later that year and scored high enough in performance in the Training Command to be selected to fl-y F-4J Phantoms. Tom’s first deployment was to Vietnam and at the time of his assignment the war was winding down. Tom transitioned to flying the F-14 A Tomcat and made several deployments to places such as Eastern Pacific, Sea of Japan, South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. In Tom’s climb up the Navy ranks, he was selected as an instructor in the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) and was promoted to the Executive Officer position. Tom also showcased his skills as an enemy (Soviet) in the little Black F-5’s for the movie Top Gun. In 1989, he was selected for Command of a Fleet Fighter Squadron as well as the VF 51 (The Screaming Eagles). Tom attended US Navy War College in Newport, Rhode Island receiving a Master of Arts in National Defense and Strategic Studies. He was promoted to bonus Command of the Navy’s largest F-14 Fighter Squadron VF-124. To give you an idea of this position, Tom directed this squadron that had fifty two aircraft and more than twelve hundred men and women assigned to train new Fleet Replacement Pilots and Naval Flight Officers. Tom retired from the Navy with twenty five years of service in August of 1998. In describing his achievements in the Navy, Tom has this to say, “None of the aforementioned accomplishments would have been possible without the foundations for study and discipline I learned during my years growing up and being educated by those hard working and little appreciated teachers and administrators at Royalton High School.” Tom is very proud of his heritage and upbringing and it can be summed up in this quote: “I have had the opportunity to see thousands of people in my lifetime and very few individuals measure up character wise to those of us who had the good fortune to attend a school like Royalton.” Tom and his wife Bonny live in Paseo Cardiel, California. They have two children, Kristen and Erin and spend as much time as they can with their five grandchildren.