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< 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 < 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 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."

< Hall of Fame Lieutenant Jane Therese Paradeis Class of 1981 Inducted May 2013 Jane Paradeis was a 1981 graduate of Royalton High School where she excelled in athletics, academics, and music. Jane graduated second in her class, and throughout her high school career, she earned letters in basketball, cross country, and baseball. However, her true athletic love was softball. In 1981, Royalton High School did not have a girls’ softball program, so Jane decided to try and earn a spot on the boy’s high school baseball team. She was quite successful, earning a starting position on the varsity team all four years of high school and consequently lettering all four years. Jane’s accomplishments and activities extended far beyond the diamond and the playing court. She was a class officer, involved in Letterman’s Club, school newspaper, band, choir, drama, National Honor Society, 4-H, and voted by her classmates as most witty and clever. Following graduation from Royalton High School, she attended Moorhead State University where she began studies majoring in Electrical Engineering. Jane played softball for the Moorhead State Dragons for a year and then transferred to the University of Minnesota, where she was a walk-on to the softball team and played softball for the Golden Gophers for one year. Jane graduated from the University of MN in 1986 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation from the University of Minnesota, Jane accepted a commission with the United States Navy and entered Aviation Officer Candidate School (AOCS). She trained and flew the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter. In August of 1989 Jane was promoted to Lieutenant while on tour in the Red Sea. In January 1990, Jane was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal. This award is given for meritorious service based on sustained performance or special achievement of a superlative nature. Jane’s life was cut short when her CH-46 crashed on June 22, 1990 six miles off the Virginia coast. She, along with three other crew men, perished that day. However, her love for life, her competitiveness, and her commitment to God and country remain in those she left behind. In honor of Jane, the Naval Air Station at Norfolk dedicated their main softball field as Paradeis Field in her memory.

< 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.”

< Hall of Fame Matt Palmer Class of 1984 Inducted May 2010 Matt Palmer graduated from RHS in 1984. Palmer was a two-time state wrestling champion for Royalton and was a leader on three conference championship teams in the early 1980’s. He was named the team’s MVP two times during his high school career. Palmer finished his high school career with 121 wins and still holds three school wrestling records. Palmer attended North Dakota State University where he starred in wrestling as a two-time Division II All-American and was the National Runner-up in his weight class during his junior year. NDSU lost only three duals while Palmer was a member of the team. Matt graduated with a teaching degree from NDSU and has continued to share his love of wrestling as the head wrestling coach at Monticello High School for the past 16 years.

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

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment September 2019 Student of the Month Anthony Rozycki Royalton High School has announced that Anthony Rozycki has been named the September Student of the Month. Anthony, the son of Seth and Bonnie Rozycki, appreciates his family and says, “I am incredibly lucky to have the parents that I do, even blessed. An amazing thing about them is that they talk to me about stuff. If somebody says or does something they are not afraid to talk with me about the best course of action. Because of them,I have pretty set-in-stone morals and that is due to their talking and teaching.” Anthony also feels blessed because his parents trust him and allow him to be gone much more often than is reasonable due to his involvement in so many athletics and extracurricular activities at RHS. Anthony is involved in Speech, Cross Country, Track, BPA, Knowledge Bowl, Student Council, One Act, Youth Group, Drama Club, We Club, Basketball, FFA, MHS, Band and Choir. He states that being involved in each of these organizations has helped him in some way, but the ability to speak publicly and the friendships he has gained through each organization are most valuable to him. This young man stays busy in every area of his life. Jeremy Schaa, Social Studies teacher, comments, “Anthony might be the most talented and intelligent person I have ever met, as well as one of the most giving. As far as academics go, he is at the top of all students I have had in class. I have also witnessed him take the lead in many plays, and last spring in the first musical our school had done in over 30 years. He does this while balancing schoolwork, sports, and so many other activities.” As far as academics go, Comp. I has been his favorite class. Anthony enjoys writing, reading and editing too much for it not to be his favorite. He also states there are far too many incredible staff members at Royalton High School to pick just one, but if he had to pick, Mr. Makela is his favorite. “If there was something in my writing that he did not agree with, he would listen and be accepting if I could justify what I had written,” commented Rozycki. Anthony’s favorite memories of high school come from spending time with the students that make up the class of 2020. He states that his class coexists well with each other and they all have pretty good morals. Rozycki is the type of person who sees the goodness and strength in all people. Math teacher Zach Silbernick states, “Anthony has an incredibly creative mind. Many students just want to be told what to do to get the grade they desire, but not Anthony. He truly cares about and enjoys learning. He would take what I taught him, go home, and research the content even more. Many times when he came back to class, Anthony was teaching me new ideas he discovered during his research. Anthony truly is a joy to have in class, but even better than his thirst for knowledge is Anthony’s character. He is an incredibly self-sacrificing young man, always more worried about others than himself. Anthony’s character and joy for learning are going to take him far in life. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him. We are incredibly fortunate to have a student like Anthony Rozycki here at Royalton High School.” Because life has so much to offer, Anthony has not selected a specific career plan; he sees the University of Minnesota as part of his future. His personal goals are to take mission trips and obtain a job that has a positive outcome on the world or individual lives. “Whatever I do, I plan to be a kind person. I think that matters more than the degree or job title I have.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment November 2017 Student of the Month Emily Maday Emily Maday, daughter of Beth and Tom Maday, has been named the November Student of the Month at Royalton High School (RHS). She has an older sister, Katelyn who graduated from RHS in 2014. Emily’s favorite class was Chemistry when she was a junior and Spanish 4 (CIC Intermediate Spanish 2 for college) for her current senior year. Her favorite teacher is Sra. Lindsey Gruber and she says “Emily consistently proves to be “the cream of the crop” among students. She is detail-oriented, organized, motivated, and always very diligent and thorough in her studies. She has an incredible work ethic and perseverance, both of which have contributed to her many academic achievements”. Ms. Sheri Menden her English teacher states that “One of the best aspects of teaching is watching the growth of students. Through the years, Emily has transitioned from a shy, watchful student to a confident and independent scholar, a student sure of her choices and decisions.” Never one to blow her own trumpet, Emily humbly leads by example: checking assignment requirements, assuming leadership roles in activities, and giving her best in all she does. Emily's more noticeable trait is her perseverance; she works at tasks, especially in researching and writing, until she achieves excellence. These are skills that will take her far as she pursues a career in the medical field. Ms. Kelcie Neumann, her Science teacher states that “She is a hard worker and always willing to help!” Emily is very involved in activities at the school; she is in National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, Royal Pride, Jazz and Pep band, Student Council, FFA, Spanish Club, Knowledge Bowl, 4-H, First United Methodist Church Youth Group. Emily’s favorite high school memory is traveling to Ecuador on a Spanish class trip in June of 2016. She experienced the culture of the indigenous people of Ecuador. She applied Spanish from the classroom to a real life situation. She explored the Amazon Rainforest, volcanoes and stood with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere on the equator. ​ Emily’s future plans are to attend a 4 year university, either the University of St. Thomas or St. Olaf, while pursuing a degree in the Pre-med program. The advice she would give to all freshmen students “focus on your grades, and no matter how challenging your classes may get, don’t give up and don’t be afraid to ask questions. As difficult as it can be, try not to procrastinate and remember to always respect your teachers. Also, get involved in as many activities as possible because they make for a fun and memorable four years in high school before you know it, your years at RHS will come to an end.” She sees herself in 10 years hopefully being a physician in the process of completing her medical residency. She also hopes to be married and thinking about starting a family.

< Hall of Fame Mary Rose Distinguished Educator (1963-87) Inducted May 2012 Mary Rose was a beloved teacher in the Royalton School District for many years. Mary attended high school in Mitchell, SD and then became a student at Dakota Wesleyan University from 1945-1949. It was there that Mary met her husband, Don, who was also a teacher and coach. In 1963, the Rose’s were hired in Royalton, with Mary being hired as an English teacher. For over 20 years, Mary was highly involved in the school district teaching English, physical education, directing school plays, accompanying the band and choirs at competition, cheerleading, scorekeeping, and a wide variety of other activities in the school. Mary would be credited with beginning and developing the elementary music program in Royalton. Mary retired from Royalton in 1987 and then spent a lot of time volunteering in the school and community. Mary even volunteered at an elementary school in San Juan, Texas when she and her husband would go south for the winter months. Mary and her late husband, Don, lived on a farm south of Royalton with their children David, Dan, Dana, and Julie.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back October 2017 Artist of the Month Emily Ferguson Emily Ferguson, the daughter of Hannah Heller was recently named Royalton High School's October Artist of the month. Ferguson, a senior, has enjoyed art classes at Royalton Middle/High School since the seventh grade. "Making a thought or idea transform itself onto a piece of paper is something that I love to do. I'm grateful that Mr. Halverson gives us the freedom to explore what we want to create. His Drawing class is the best part of my day. I'm working on a portfolio for AP art this year, and I will hopefully earn college credit when it's completed. Three of these pieces are on display in this photo. The first acrylic painting is the small one that shows my fear of spiders. This is best told by the dark colors surrounding the spiders that come dropping down like they do. The middle painting is one of my favorites and shows a figure draped in vines. The vines could be easily cut up and forgotten, yet there are metal chains that can not be so easily cut. So the chains are morphed and transformed into wings that help send the figure into flight. The large painting shows cold blue values that create a somber mood contrasted with a complement of orange. The seated subject shows the limitation one puts on them self and one puts on others who my prevent them from reaching their goal. The ballerina in the spotlight." "Emily is one of the finest student-artists that Royalton High School has ever seen." said RHS Visual Art instructor Carl Halverson. "I sometimes look at the student works painted on the ceiling tiles in my room and try to remember how many were actually created 100% originally from their minds. The answer would be very few. You can learn drawing skills, painting techniques, and teach the elements and principles of design to kids, but as Einstein once said, "Imagination is far more important than knowledge." Emily creates artwork with the ease of a star athlete, as he sprints finishing with a 4.5 second 40 yard sprint. Her final work in her AP portfolio shows a small, seated figure, who sits back in the shadows. Meanwhile, the spotlight shines on the ballerina, and as usual, the ballerina demands that you admire her beauty and grace as she performs her "Dance." I asked Emily about the "star of the show, ballerina" who stands in the spotlights of her painting. She replied. "I just admire the talents of these dancers, and see such beauty and grace in their art form, their dance."

< 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.