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- Mary Rose
< 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.
- Tom Sobieck
< 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.
- April 2022 Student of the Month
< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment April 2022 Student of the Month Ingrid Popp Royalton High School is proud to announce that Ingrid Popp was selected as Student of the Month for April. Jenna is the daughter of Terry and Julie. When it comes to family Ingrid says they have been very important to her, “My family is very important to me and they have taught me many important lessons. My dad taught me never to give up even when I don’t think I could do something. My mom taught me to be goofy and to not care about what other people think. My sister gives me advice whenever I need it and has always been there for me. My brother taught me to be a kind, caring person because he looks up to me. One of my favorite things to do with my family is going out to eat because it’s rare that we do that. It’s hard to pull my dad away from the farm because you can’t just pull a farmer away from his cows.” At Royalton High School, Ingrid believes the biggest activity she has been involved with was band, “I think the biggest activity I was involved in was being in band from 5th grade all the way to 12th grade. Band taught me that working as a team is very important. Each person has their own part and each part is important. Even if you have a small part in something, what you do contribute adds to the bigger picture. I’m going to really miss band class.” When it comes to her classes Ingrid says her favorite class was her internship with a kindergarten class. This is what she had to say about her internship, “It’s so fascinating to watch kids grow and learn. I wish everybody could hang out with those kids. Each one is so funny, sweet, and unique. I’ll never forget the time I spent in Ms. Larson’s kindergarten class.” As for a favorite teacher in high school, Ingrid says she not only has a favorite teacher but also a favorite staff member, “Dawn Towle in the office is one of my favorite people in the whole school. She’s not a teacher, but she still makes me so happy and her kindness inspires me to be kind. I am always so happy to talk to her and see her in the high school office. Mrs. Schreifels is one of my favorite teachers because she was the first person outside of my family who made me feel like I had a future in writing. I always was nervous to write and show other people and her feedback gave me confidence.” Outside of school Ingrid spends a lot of time volunteering, “Over the summers I help out with VBS at Shepherd of the Pines Lutheran Church in Rice. There is so much joy in singing and dancing about God with little kids. It’s cool to watch them learn about God. I also like to help out with Feed My Starving Children when our church does it. I like to contribute what I can to help people and make the world a better place. I also help at my family’s dairy farm because the farm is one of the places, I find the most peace and joy. I love being outside with the animals and helping my dad and uncle. Each day on the farm is a new adventure.” When asked what her favorite memory of school was this was Ingrid’s response, “In sixth grade, I participated in a game called Box of Lies in front of the whole school for Homecoming Olympics. Jhon was my partner for this activity and it was so much fun. I was so nervous lying to teachers because I thought they could see right through my lies. Somehow, Jhon & I beat all the other grades in this competition and we won. That moment when our grade started cheering for us in the stands was incredible.” Ingrid’s plans for her future are these, “After graduation, I plan to take a year off. I hope to work on the family’s dairy farm during that off year because the farm is my safe place and I love being outside. If I went to college, it would be to earn a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education to become a kindergarten teacher because helping children is so much fun. Then in 10 years I hope I’m working with kindergarteners. I love little kids because each child is so unique and has so much potential. I would love to help and teach kids to be the best people they can be and have fun doing it. I would love to be a part of their journey to success. It’s such a big accomplishment to see kids retain information that you taught them and know they will use what you taught for the rest of their lives. In between teaching children, it has always been my dream to write a book. Maybe I’ll write one, one day. Who knows!!” Ingrid’s advice to high school freshmen was this “It’s so cliche but truly don’t worry about what others think. Their opinion doesn’t matter. If you didn’t do something because other people told you it’s weird or if you wear something and other people make fun of you, that doesn’t show your character, it shows theirs. Please don’t worry about what others think.”
- September 2023 Student of the Month
< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment September 2023 Student of the Month Nate Moga Royalton High School is delighted to announce Nate Moga as the Student of the Month for September. Nate has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to both academic excellence and community engagement during his time at Royalton High School. Nate is the son of Tracy Moga. Nate believes that his family has been a guiding light. “My mother's unwavering support and belief in me have taught me the power of a mother's love and the strength that comes from within. My sisters, Alli and Meagan, have been my role models, pushing me to work hard and become the person I am today. With their encouragement, I've learned that every challenge can be faced with a hug and a determined spirit.” In school one of Nate’s favorite classes was his 11th-grade physics class, taught by Heidi Noerenberg. When asked why he enjoyed the class, Nate had this to say, “The class was not just a learning experience; it was a journey through challenging yet engaging material. What made it memorable was the diverse group of classmates who, despite their differences, came together in an environment that allowed growth and camaraderie. I would recommend this class to others because it taught me that learning is not just about textbooks; it's about exploration, collaboration, and the joy of discovery.” When asked if he had any other classes or teachers that had an impact on him, one other teacher came to his mind. “Mr. Jeff Schoenrock, my math teacher, was more than an educator; he was a mentor. His classroom was a space where learning was intertwined with meaningful relationships. Mr. Schoenrock's ability to relate to his students and his effective teaching methods made every moment in class important. He inspired me not only academically but also to be a compassionate and understanding individual.” Nate has been involved in many activities at Royalton High School and believes they helped shaped who he is today, “Participating in the Royalton High School Drama club was transformative. Acting became a liberating experience, teaching me public speaking skills and resourcefulness. It also allowed me to form lifelong friendships and unite my community through the power of storytelling. Similarly, my involvement in the Competitive Speech team and Knowledge Bowl broadened my horizons, enhancing my speaking and critical thinking skills.” Outside of school Nate has had one experience that sticks out, “Being a part of The Little Falls Theater Company community theater organization provided unique experiences, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. It taught me resilience and the importance of adaptability. These experiences reinforced my love for theater and community engagement, shaping my identity beyond the classroom.” As for Nate’s favorite high school memory, he said it happened in gym class, “My favorite high school memory was the day my friend accidentally set off the fire alarm during our gym class volleyball game. The unexpected event, forcing us into the snowy outdoors, created a funny and unforgettable moment that bonded us as friends and reminded us of the joy in unexpected situations.” Nate also really enjoyed Speech competitions as well. “Competing in speech events, especially in the duo category with my partner Stella Hagen, stands out as one of my best experiences. It allowed me to combine my competitive spirit with my passion for speech, fostering friendships and skills that will stay with me for life.” When Nate was asked what he plans to do after he graduates and where he thinks he’ll be 10 years down the road, here is what he said, “After graduation, I am excited to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to pursue a degree in education and theater. My goal is to become a role model for young people, helping them embrace their true selves. I chose this path because I believe in the transformative power of education and the arts in shaping compassionate and confident individuals. Then in 10 years, I envision myself in the bustling city, holding a High School Administration position and, hopefully, with a corgi by my side. My long-term plan is to create a safe and inclusive environment for students, fostering creativity and acceptance. Being a role model for young people who might be afraid of being who they are is a dream I am determined to fulfill.” Lastly, Nate’s advice for current freshmen is, “Embrace your authenticity. High school is a journey of self-discovery, and the more genuine you are, the more successful and fulfilled you will be, not just in high school but in life. Embrace your uniqueness, be kind to yourself, and never shy away from exploring your passions. Remember, every step you take towards being your true self is a step towards success.”
- September 2021 Student of the Month
< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment September 2021 Student of the Month Autumn Schoenrock Royalton High School is proud to announce that Autumn Schoenrock was selected as Student of the Month for September. Autumn is the daughter of Jeff and Amy and older sister of Ava, Addison and Alise. Autumn gives her family a lot of credit for where she is today, “My family has probably been one of my biggest motivators when achieving success. From an early age, they taught me the importance of hard-work and determination which shaped me into the student I am today. Growing up with 3 younger sisters, I’ve learned how to share and be a leader. Although we argue, my sisters and I share an inseparable bond which shows in nearly every activity we are involved in together.” At Royalton High School, Autumn is involved in many activities such as: volleyball, basketball, softball, knowledge bowl, MHS, Y.E.S. club, and student council. Autumn believes all these activities have been beneficial for her with each offering her different skills. “Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of teamwork, time management, and goal setting within my activities.” “Autumn is a one-of-a-kind special student. She excels in everything she does, and isn’t afraid to try new things. She is also a great worker and leader, as a coach she is one of those players that you always want on your team. It’s been a pleasure having her in class and coaching her over the years, she will be deeply missed across all areas of Royalton High School when she graduates.”- Brad Baumann, Social Studies teacher and Head Girls Basketball Coach. Just like in school, Autumn enjoys numerous activities outside of school. She loves to hunt, fish camp and is also involved in her church youth group. “I love spending time outdoors, so most of my out-of-school activities occur in the fresh air. Additionally, I enjoy participating in my church youth group because it gives me the opportunity to spend time with other students and friends.” Autumn commented. When it comes to her classes Autumn says her favorite class was College English Comp. “Contrary to many of my classmates, I enjoyed my Composition I class Of course, it was challenging, but I learned so much and found I really love expressing myself through writing. For any student considering taking this class, I highly recommend it. I grew tremendously in my writing skills and knowledge. Plus, the class is college credit!” As for a favorite teacher in high school, Autumn says she would go with Ms. Menden, “One of my favorite teachers was Mrs. Menden. While helping me with class work, she found time to get to know me at a more personal level. Through our conversations, Mrs. Menden encouraged me to branch out as I made my after high school decisions. Because of her, I have been looking into the career of occupational therapy” Autumn’s favorites memory was beating Holdingford in the basketball playoffs last March, “My favorite high school memory was winning against Holdingford in the first round of basketball playoffs. This is my favorite memory not only because it was exciting and fun, but because this game proved how much my team grew over the year. The first time we played Holdingford we lost by nearly 40 points!” For next year, Autumn knows she wants to continue her education, but has yet to decide where she wants to go, “Next year, I plan on attending a 4-year college. I am unsure as to what career I will be pursuing, but I have been looking into elementary education and occupational therapy. I love working with children, so whichever direction I choose, I hope to be involved with kids.” When asked where she wants to be in 10 years, Autumn had this to say. “In 10 years, I hope to be successfully working and providing for my family. I see myself as a strong individual, capable of tackling any issue. One day, I hope to travel around the world learning from new experiences each and every day.” Autumn’s advice to high school freshmen is this, “Freshmen, high school can be challenging, but you’ll only get back as much as you put in; so, work hard, and have fun, for it’ll be senior year before you know it.”
- October 2018 Artist of the Month
< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment < Back October 2018 Artist of the Month Isaac Kasella Isaac Kasella, son of Steve and Colleen Kasella, was recently named as Artist of the Month at Royalton High School. Kasella has always had a passion for the outdoors for as long as he could remember. "Ever since I could walk, I have been outdoors doing everything under the sun", stated Kasella. "I enjoy doing anything outdoors. I have tried everything from shed hunting to trapping and everything in between. I took the picture of my dog Sadie, and as soon as I took it, I knew that I was going to do a drawing of it this coming school year." Kasella has earned the right to enroll in independent art classes after taking the prerequisites needed to take his talents to the next level. "I have been taking as many art classes I could since my freshman year. I have taken art techniques, drawing, painting, and ceramics class. I also had the opportunity to be welcomed into the school's yearbook class and joined the staff last year. Next year, I will work in page design, photography editing, journalism, ad sales, and graphic design. I will be promoted to a Senior Editor for my senior year, which is quite an honor in our school," added Kasella. Royalton High School's Visual Art Instructor and Yearbook Advisor Carl Halverson had these words to describe what a quality young man that Isaac Kasella has become. "It's one thing to be given a gift in any subject area while attending high school," said Halverson. "But to recognize it, and then put the effort into this talent is all part of the process that many students sadly miss. Isaac works to improve on a daily basis in anything to do with the visual arts. When you consider that there are hundreds of students who walk the hallways at our school, to be chosen as an artist of the month or honored as a Senior Editor of the award winning school yearbook, that puts him in a class by himself. His many hours that have been invested in his high school career in the direction of his abilities through our visual arts program will pay off in his direction of the path to his future. It's the kind of discipline and daily work ethic that is locked inside every student. In this case, this fine young man has found the key to unlock his future through the success that he has earned through his diligent efforts in and out of the classroom. Through his enrollment in Royalton high School's art classes, he has invested in himself. I would most certainly expect a most favorable return on investment no matter what path that the future may hold for him."
- Jerry Popp
< Hall of Fame Jerry Popp Class of 1970 Inducted May 2011 Jerry Popp is a 1970 graduate of Royalton High School. He was involved in Basketball, Track, and Football during his time at RHS. Jerry went on to Moorhead State University and then into the teaching profession in North Dakota and Minnesota, where he has become a legend in the coaching ranks. Jerry started the cross country program in Bowman, ND in 1975 and went on to win 24 of the 26 state championships in girls cross country and has won 15 state championships with the boys program, including eight runner-up finishes. He has earned National Coach of the Year Honors 27 times and in 2005 was inducted into the National High School Sports Hall of Fame. He is also an inductee of the North Dakota Coaches Hall of Fame. Jerry also started the Speech program at Bowman, and has guided its speech team to 20 state titles. He has been married to his wife Barb for 35 years and have three grown children who have all followed their father's footsteps into the high school and college coaching ranks.
- March 2023 Student of the Month
< 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.”
- Curt Sauer
< Hall of Fame Curt Sauer Class of 1962 Inducted May 2010 Curt Sauer is a 1962 graduate of Royalton High School where he was a star in three sports. He was a member of the Royalton 1961 State Tournament Basketball team. After graduating, Curt was signed by Billy Martin who was working for the Minnesota Twins organization. Curt played five years in the Twins minor league system including stints at Orlando, FL, Nelson, NC, Wisconsin Rapids, WI and played Triple A Ball for the Minnesota Twins Denver, Colorado affiliate. Curt’s wife Peggy was also a graduate of Royalton High School. Together they have parented one of the most highly decorated athletic families in central Minnesota. Craig, their oldest son, was the 1990 Minnesota Prep Football Player of the Year before going on to star as a linebacker for the Minnesota Gophers. He began his career with the Atlanta Falcons, playing in the 1999 Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos. Craig finished his pro career with the Minnesota Vikings. Sons Kent, Curt, and Michael have all played at some level of professional hockey. Currently, Curt and Michael play for the Phoenix Coyotes and the New York Rangers, respectively. Daughter Kelly was a stand-out athlete at the College of St. Benedict. Curt enjoys hunting and fishing with his wife and family and lives in Avon, Minnesota.
- May 2019 Student of the Month
< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment May 2019 Student of the Month Austin Gibbs Austin Gibbs, son of Angie and Josh Gibbs, has been named May Student of the Month at Royalton High School (RHS). He has a younger brother, Braydon, who is an eighth grader at Royalton. Gibbs’ favorite class was accelerated metals, taught by his favorite teacher Robert Skwira. “I built a trailer from a pile of metal and am now able to use it for things around the farm,” said Gibbs. “Austin Gibbs is an outstanding young man with a great work ethic,” said Skwira. “He takes pride in the projects he is working and does not give up. He cares about other people. Austin works hard in school to keep up his grades while working 20 hours a week at DJ Products in Little Falls. He served as the 2018-2019 FFA Chapter President where he displayed many leadership skills as he lead the Royalton FFA chapter throughout the school year. Austin will be a great asset to any future employer.” English teacher Sheri Menden said, “Austin is a quiet leader; he takes in the actions of those around him, thinks before he speaks, and offers significant insight where needed. I enjoy the maturity he shows when bringing up discussion issues, especially when he offers ideas contradictory to his peers.” Austin is involved in FFA, and National Honors Society. His favorite high school memory was going to nationals for FFA in Indianapolis. Future Plans for Gibbs are to attend Alexandria Technical College. Once he has fished there, he plans to go to work at Dakota Fluid Power in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The advice he would give to freshmen students is: “If you are not loud and obnoxious and listen to the rules, you won’t get into much trouble.”
- Duane Bobick
< 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.
- February 2019 Student of the Month
< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment February 2019 Student of the Month Damion Theisen Damion Theisen, son of Tina Theisen and Joe Roering, has been named February student of the month at Royalton High School (RHS). Damion said his favorite teacher is Zach Silbernick because, “he is always prepared for class, and if a student doesn’t understand the material, he will make sure that you understand it.” “Damion is a joy to have in class,” said Silbernick. “I have the fortune of having him in two of my math classes back to back first thing in the morning. Most students would dread having two math classes let alone back to back and first thing in the morning. Damion is not like most students. He brings a positive, respectful, and cheerful attitude each and every day. He has a great sense of humor and is always engaged and active in the classroom. He is always asking the why behind things as well. Looking into how things work in math and trying to make sense of them. He is very respectful and a hard working man as well. He respects not only the teachers but also his classmates and is willing to jump in and help them learn whenever possible. I know that with his hard work ethic, respect for others, and overall strong character, Damion will be extremely successful after high school. As hard as it will be to no longer have him in class, I am excited to see what the future has in store for Damion!” Damion has been involved in student council, football, and wrestling, where he competed at the state meet this year. His favorite high school memory was after his last match at the section wrestling tournament. “I pinned my opponent and I knew I was going to state,” said Theisen. Damion future plans are to attend college in Wadena and complete the lineman program. Theisen’s advice to high school freshmen is, “High school goes fast and this is the time to try new things and to learn where you might go in your future, so take advantage of every moment you can.”