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

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment October 2024 Student of the Month Addison Schoenrock Addison is the daughter of Jeff and Amy. As graduation looms, Addison takes a moment to reflect on her high school experience and the lessons learned from family, teachers, and extracurricular activities. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder to savor every moment and seize every opportunity. Addison credits her family for being her greatest cheerleaders. "My family is incredibly supportive, attending all my events and encouraging me every step of the way," Addison said. “Growing up as the third of four sisters, teamwork and perseverance were instilled at an early age. Together, the family enjoys playing games, camping, and participating in outdoor activities.” When Addison was asked about some of her favorite classes in school, she had this to say, “English class during sophomore year stands out as a highlight. With the engaging Mr. Koenig at the helm, the class began each day with a trivia game that energized students. I love reading and writing, so this class was naturally enjoyable, but Mr. Koenig made it exceptional," When it comes to favorite teachers, Mrs. Noerenberg holds a special place in Addison’s heart. "She recently completed her master’s degree while balancing her roles as a mom and teacher, which inspires me to work hard," Addison noted. “Mrs. Noerenberg’s approachable nature and hands-on teaching style made her Chemistry class a standout.” Addison’s high school experience has been enriched by active participation in basketball, volleyball, YES Club, Knowledge Bowl, Student Council, Minnesota Honor Society, and Spanish Club. "My favorite part of these activities is meeting new people," she said. “Each group brought unique opportunities for growth and connection.” Outside of school, Addison’s church youth group has been a significant source of joy and inspiration. “Initially joining because of my sisters, I stayed because of the friendships, games, and faith-building experiences it provided.” Addison said. When asked about her favorite memories from high school, Addison had this to say, “One cherished memory involves playing varsity basketball alongside my three sisters. Towards the end of a during my oldest sister Autumn’s senior year of varsity, Autumn, my second oldest sister Ava and my younger sister Alise and myself were all on the court at the same time. We made up four of the five players on the court. It’s a memory I’ll always be proud of," they said. Another favorite tradition of Addison is Christmas Week, where, as a member of the Student Council, she helped plan activities and dress-up days to spread holiday cheer. "There’s nothing better than spending the last day before break making cookies or enjoying festive activities”, she said. While still deciding on a college, Addison however is set on a major she would like to pursue and that is in communications with aspirations of becoming a social media manager. "In 10 years, I hope to work with a large account, like a sports team or beauty line, managing their social media behind the scenes," she shared. Looking back on her own journey, Addison’s advice to incoming freshmen is simple yet profound: "Savor each moment, the good and the bad. Time flies, so don’t take anything for granted." Addison’s story is a celebration of family, friendship, and determination, offering an inspiring blueprint for others to follow as they navigate their high school years and beyond.

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment April 2020 Student of the Month Cierra Gottwalt Royalton High School faculty and staff would like to announce that Cierra Gottwalt has been named the Student of the Month for April. Cierra explains that her family has taught her to appreciate everything that she has and to enjoy the little things. They have shown her that there is a bigger picture to everything she does and that right now is just the beginning. She says that she would not have the motivation or determination she has today without them. In their free time, they do a lot of traveling, along with lake days while spending time together. Cierra’s favorite class in high school was probably drama her freshman year. She explains that she has never been in anything like that, so it was a unique way for her to get out of her comfort zone and try new things. Cierra adds that her favorite teacher is Jeff Schoenrock. She has had him for multiple years at RHS, and he never fails to joke around with the class. On top of that, he would go beyond the classroom for any of his students making sure they are understanding the lesson or checking in to see how things are going. Over the years he has been proof that teachers truthfully do care about their students. Mr. Schoenrock would like to add, “Cierra has always been a very hardworking, dedicated student. She has excelled in her college math classes. She ranks high in her class with an excellent GPA. She has been a great leader, in the classroom and on the court. Many younger students have looked up to her as a role model; she is smart, kind and caring.” She is involved in Volleyball, Basketball, YES Club and Minnesota Honor Society. From all of these activities, she has learned to work well with others, along with how to be a leader. She has also gained friendships that will last forever. Outside of school, Cierra is involved in 4-H and Junior Olympic Volleyball. She also hunts in her spare time. She enjoys 4-H because it is much different from the activities she participates in at school, and she gets to be with people that she does not get to see everyday. JO Volleyball is also very important to her because she spends time with her favorite people while preparing their team for the upcoming volleyball season. Brad Baumann, Royalton High School social studies teacher adds, “Cierra has excellent work habits and is extremely dependable, loyal and responsible. She is very approachable and has great problem solving skills. When given instructions or constructive criticism she listens and accepts them and does her best to accomplish the task and always does a great job. She does not blame others when something happens to go wrong, she takes responsibility for her actions. She is one of the most positive people that I have taught or coached and I have never seen her put down or say unkind words to her classmates and teammates. Cierra is a great role model for her fellow students and for younger students as well and defines excellence at RHS.” Cierra notes that her favorite high school memory was finally winning the Homecoming Olympics after losing in “Rock Paper Scissors” for the last two years. She also adds that the best game she was a part of during high school was when they beat Maple Lake in volleyball this past fall. She has never been so proud to be part of such an amazing team. Winning this match was such a huge accomplishment for the team and it is a feeling she will never forget. Next year, Cierra plans to attend Arizona State University and pursue a degree in Nursing. She adds that, “I chose Arizona because of the nursing program, and of course the warm weather.” In ten years, she hopes to be settled down and living somewhere warm. She hopes to be a Nurse Practitioner with a husband and a few kids. Cierra concludes with the following advice for High School Freshman, “I would tell them to enjoy the little things. I would also tell them that they need to focus on what is best for them because in five years they will be on their own and will have to learn how to create a life for themselves.”

< 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.”

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

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment February 2024 Student of the Month Brooke Wenner Brooke is the daughter of Robert and Carol. Brooke’s family has helped her grow and learn, “The two biggest lessons I have learned from my family is to strive to always be kind to people and to never give up on my dreams and ambitions. I enjoy going on family road trips up to Duluth, hanging out by the fire during the summer, or simply just talking about life in the living room with my family. My dad, my mom, and my sister Breanna are all huge role models in my life who are all super hard working and compassionate for others. They encourage me to make as many relationship bonds as I can, be ambitious about my goals, and make sure I try to put a smile on people's faces. They encourage me to do amazing things but the most important thing of all is that they encourage me to be myself and love myself.” At Royalton High School Brooke participates in many activities, “The first activities I joined were volleyball and softball and speech. These sports have offered many friendships and connections that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I have met some of the most amazing people whether they are students at Royalton or students from other schools. I gained a sense of teamwork, management skills, and a lot of patience as a result of being in these sports. Other activities I have joined have been YES club, the Royal Ambassador program, drama/theater, student council, and Minnesota Honor Society. My involvement in these areas has made me develop so many new skills and given me life lessons that I will cherish forever.” Looking at her classes Brooke says her favorite class has been Independent Art, “My favorite class is my art independent. I love this class because it’s a way where I can show my creative abilities, and I don’t have to follow a guideline as to how to create my art. An art dependent gives you the freedom to create any art you want so I really got to use both my problem-solving skills, but also my imagination. I love that I got to use this class as an opportunity to be able to tap into my almost silly and childlike self. Another reason why I love this class so much is because of the people in it. I absolutely adore my teacher, Mrs. Tordsen. She is such a ball of light and just being in her class makes me ten times happier. I also love my friends of course and during this class I can talk with them, and have a stress-free hour to hang out with them.” When asked about some her favorite teachers at RHS, Brooke had this to say, “All of my teachers greatly impacted me in their own unique ways, so it’s hard to decide but if I had to narrow it down, I would have to say that Ms. Meek and Mr. Koenig are teachers who have made a huge impact in my time during high school. Ms. Meek is such a special person to me because not only has she been my teacher, but she has also been my coach, and she has honestly felt like another cool aunt! Ms. Meek is the type of person you always wish to have in high school. She is there whenever you need help in school, advice in a sport, or even if you need a person to cry to. I will miss my random pop-ins into her room to bother her about life and her contagious laugh. She inspires me to stand up for what I believe in and encourages me to be the strong woman I am. Mr. Koenig has also been a huge role model in my life. He is a special person to me because I know I can always count on him if I ever need to talk. His goofy personality makes it so fun to be around and I know I can easily joke with him. Through having him as a teacher and student council advisor I have seen that he is truly such a kindhearted person who would be willing to do anything for his students. All of my teachers have played a role in shaping who I am today, so they all hold a special place in my heart. Brooke’s favorite high school memory was her trip to New York, “The high school memory that stands out above all the others is when the drama and choir groups took a trip to New York. This trip had many ups and downs however I still think about this trip almost every day. I loved that I got to share my first experience in New York with some of my best friends. My favorite parts of the trip were when we went to Coney Island and swam at the beach and looked for sea glass. I also loved when we watched the Broadway shows, The Lion King and Hamilton. However, my favorite part of the trip was when we would debrief about our day. No matter the ups and downs of the trip, I will always remember this vacation. Outside of school Brooke’s activities include, “The main activity I participate in outside of school would be working with kids at MAP. I work at a program called MAP over at Royalton Elementary school. During the summer and school year the children get to hang out together, continue learning new things, and go on awesome field trips where they can flourish and really connect to one another. This is where they can truly be children and escape from whatever may be bothering them elsewhere. I started working at MAP because I love to see the joy in children, and I want to be the role model for them and so they know I will always be there for them. This job has taught me to have more patience for others, try my best to make others happy, and to be in the present moment. Along with her favorite high school memory Brooke also had another experience that she will cherish. “My favorite school event was when we took a trip to Craguns for our student council retreat. This was one of the best trips because there were so many activities we got to do. We participated in ice breaker activities with people from other schools, we got to listen to motivational speakers talking about leadership, and have some pretty awesome food. However, my absolute favorite part was when we were able to go to the pool to swim and sing karaoke and then have a big dance party at night.” As to what she plans to do next year and where she sees herself in 10 years, Brooke had this to say, “I will be attending the University of North Dakota this upcoming fall. I will be majoring in business and working toward receiving my bachelors. After I finish with college, I will be working to start my own business as well as advancing in the marketing field. I’m still debating on exactly what I’m going to invest into for a business, however figuring that out will come with time. The question of where I will be in 10 years is a harder one for me to answer because I’m a very easy going, go with the flow kind of girl. I’ve thought about what life would be like however I’m not super strict with how my life has to go. I only hope to have a sustainable job in order for me to support my family, and to be able to have the freedom of working on different hobbies. I believe hobbies are very important for happiness so this would be something I would need.” Brooke’s advice to high school freshmen is this “Make sure you stay true to yourself. Don’t change anything for anyone if you’re not comfortable with it. If you feel overwhelmed or like you need a change then please do it. Do it for yourself because at the end of the day this is your experience and you have the ability to shape who you are as you grow into adulthood. Make these next four years the best you possibly can because I promise you, time flies by.

< 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 February 2025 Student of the Month Kayden Vannurden Kayden believes the success that she has had can be contributed to her family and growing up on a farm. “Growing up farming with my parents and siblings has taught me the value of hard work and dedication. They taught me that I can’t quit things halfway through and that I need to see them to the end. My family has always supported me in all of my endeavors whether it be showing up to all of my events or buying me a new bookshelf for my ever-growing collection of books. My favorite things to do with them are playing games and travelling.” When asked about her classes that she’s had over the years at Royalton Schools, Kayden says her favorite class was Chemistry, “My favorite class was Chemistry with Mrs. Noerenberg. It wasn’t always the easiest class, but Mrs. Noerenberg always took her time explaining everything to make sure we understood and if we didn’t, she was always open to questions. My favorite part of the class was always being able to work with my friends. It was a great way to end my school day.” Along with Chemistry being her favorite class, Kayden also identified a couple favorite teachers that have inspired her, “My favorite teachers are two of my Ag teachers and FFA advisors, Mr. Goldade and Ms. Liddane. They always found ways to teach in immersive, hands-on ways that I loved. Their enthusiasm to get students involved in the Ag program inspires me.” As far as activities in school, Kayden participates in FFA, Knowledge Bowl, MHS, and the Royal Ambassadors Program. Here is what she had to say about those activities, “I enjoy FFA, MHS, and RAP because of the opportunities to help other people. FFA and Knowledge Bowl also give me the opportunity to do things like Livestock Judging with FFA and trivia competitions with Knowledge Bowl. FFA has been the most beneficial because it has helped me to branch out and try new things I wouldn’t have otherwise.” Outside of school, Kayden is involved in 4-H. She shows beef and sheep. “I enjoy 4-H because of all of the people you get to meet that have similar interests to you. I also love hunting, fishing, reading, hanging out with friends, and being outdoors,” she explained. Kayden’s favorite high school memory is the Survivor Games and this is why, “My favorite memory from high school is last year on the day of the Survivor Games when my friends and I didn’t have any classes so we talked and played cards all day then got DQ for lunch before going to watch the games.” Kayden’s favorite event that she was involved with was the FFA Meats Evaluation, “My favorite event I was involved in was the FFA Meats Evaluation team my junior year. A couple other members and I were looking for a trip to State, so we decided to try a competition we had no prior experience in. We practiced twice and went into the competition hoping for the best. We ended up placing first in the region, securing a trip to State. It was a long but happy drive home.” Looking ahead, Kayden plans to attend St. Cloud Technical & Community College to finish a Finance degree that she started through PSEO. Kayden hasn’t quite figured out what she wants to do with a Finance degree, but in 10 years she hopes to be putting it to good use somewhere, as well as travelling and just living life. Her advice to freshman was this, “Find the balance between school work and activities that allows you to succeed while enjoying your time in school before it is over.”

< 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.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment November 2022 Student of the Month Connor Carlson Connor is the son of Dail and Shelly. Connor believes his family has played a big role in his life, “My family has taught me the importance of working hard in school and sports. I enjoy spending time with my family any way possible. Some of my favorite activities to do with them are kayaking, hiking, and biking. My older siblings are my main source of encouragement because they had excellent grades in high school, and have encouraged me to do the same.” Connor spends a lot of his time helping out and participating in Royalton athletics, “The sports I am in are football, basketball, and track. I enjoy these sports because I am able to work with my friends and teammates in order to achieve a goal. I am also in the YES club. I enjoy the YES club because we are able to work together as a club to better the environment. Another activity I am involved in is MHS. In the Minnesota Honors Society, we are able to help out the community. I gained useful skills such as time management by participating in these activities during high school. Outside of school I am involved in the youth basketball programs. I help out in both the summer and winter basketball camps. I enjoy helping out in the camps because it gives me an opportunity to work with the kids and get to know the community. By working at the camps, I was able to gain useful communication skills.” When it comes to his classes Connor says his favorite is physics, “My favorite class is physics. The students and the teacher are the reasons physics stands out from other classes. I suggest other students take physics because it has a good class atmosphere and the teacher makes lessons easy to understand.” As for a favorite teacher in high school Connor enjoys having Mr. Baumann as a teacher. “My favorite teacher at Royalton High School is Brad Baumann. He teaches in a way that makes learning fun and interesting. He also provides plenty of work time in class, so students do not get overwhelmed with homework.” Connor has a few memories that come to mind from his time at Royalton. One of them took place on a trip to Fort Ripley and the other was a class project, “My favorite high school memory is when the YES club went to Fort Ripley. Our club split into groups and competed against each other in their courage course. After the course, we toured around their facilities and looked at their armored vehicles and weapons. Then my favorite project during high school was installing a solar light on Royalton’s school sign. It is my favorite project because my classmate and I were co-leaders and were able to design the entire project ourselves. We even presented the project to the local lion’s club, so they would provide the funds to buy the solar light and solar panel.” After graduating high school Connor plans to attend a 4-year university, “Next year I plan on going to either UMD or NDSU to pursue a degree in engineering. I decided to become an engineer because I enjoy math and physics.” In ten years, Connor has this idea. “After finishing college, I plan on returning to the area, and getting a job as a mechanical or electrical engineer.” Connor’s advice to high school freshmen is, “Work hard in your classes and get your homework done as soon as possible. You also need to be able to balance school and social life.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment March 2021 Student of the Month Jack Achen Royalton High School is proud to announce that Jack Achen was selected as Student of the Month for March. Jack is the son of Craig and Cindy and has a younger brother, Joseph. Jack says his family has impacted him with their support and the teachings, “My family has taught me the value of having a strong work ethic, which I cherish and practice in all my daily endeavors. My family and I enjoy playing the card game “500” and attending mass every Sunday. They have encouraged and supported me by pushing me to always learn and better myself. I am fortunate to have the family I have because they formed me into the individual I am today.” Jack is a member of the Minnesota Honor Society and is the acting president of the American Milking Shorthorn Junior Society (AMSJS). The AMSJS is a national society within the dairy industry. Jack cherishes his involvement with the AMSJS, “I savor this non-related school activity because it teaches me leadership, public speaking, and networking skills. I am learning these trades through running our annual national junior meeting, establishing dates and times for conference calls, and reaching out to our advisors and the adult board of the Milking Shorthorn society for assistance.” When it comes to his classes Jack says one of his favorite classes was Economics. “My favorite class was economics because I learned the basics of supply and demand. It stood out in other courses because I felt like it made sense how people interact with particular types of appreciation. I suggest other students participate in economics simply because it teaches you the manufacturing and usage of products.” Royalton High School Economics Teacher Brad Baumann has high praise for Achen. “This was Jack’s first year at Royalton. As a teacher you know for new students, its usually never easy coming into new situations, and in small schools, it can be harder because most of the teachers and students know each other and know what to expect from one another, and for Jack being a senior that was not going to be an easy task of coming and fitting in, but he did a phenomenal job. He’s such a great kid and student. Extremely polite, asks questions about the material, does a great job with his work, and gets along well with the other students. You really couldn’t ask for anything more, it was a pleasure having him in class!” As for a favorite teacher in high school Jack really enjoys Chemistry teacher Randy Thielges. “My favorite teacher is Randy Thielges, he has been employed at Royalton High for forty plus years and he is now entering retirement, he has made an immense impact on the school. Once Mr. Thiegles hands out a difficult chemistry assignment, he walks around the classroom offering help. He inspires me to help others find solutions in their struggles.” Jack’s favorite memory in high school was his first day at Royalton High School, “On the first day of school, when my younger brother Joseph and I drove into the parking lot and as soon as he parked his car, I looked at him. With a grin on my face, I said the sixth time’s a charm. We both chuckled and grabbed our bookbags and headed for the entrance. I said the sixth time’s a charm because this was our sixth first day at a fresh school. One fact we always knew while relocating around the country and attending dissimilar schools was that fact of our friendship.” Next year Jack plans to attend The Beacom School of Business at South Dakota State University. Jack plans to learn more about economics, business, and administration. In ten years, Jack hopes to own property and been employed in a stable profession, with the possibility of having his own business as well. Jack also would like to spend some time traveling around the world and exploring places he’s never been to before. Jack’s advice to high school freshmen is, “Even though graduation is still years away, the choices you make now will determine your future.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment February 2021 Student of the Month Jenna Kull Royalton High School is proud to announce that Jenna Kull was selected as Student of the Month for February. Jenna is the daughter of Lynn and Lyn and younger sister of Kendra. When it comes to family Jenna says the support she gets from them has been extremely important, “family has always been supportive of me. Ever since I remember, they have been with me encouraging me to do my best. I love going on trips with my family, big or small. Ever since I was little we would take family camping trips each year. I would look forward to these trips each year as each one brought time to grow closer and a new adventure. At Royalton High School, Jenna is involved in volleyball, Tech Club and the Minnesota Honor Society. Outside of school she participates in the Loyal Royals 4-H Club, Faith Lutheran Church youth group and is a St. Gabriel’s Hospital Junior Volunteer. Jenna believes her involvement in all these various activities has had a major impact on her, “I have gained good teamwork skills and strong friendships from volleyball. In Tech club I gain knowledge of new technologies and learned how to use them. While in Minnesota Honor Society I gain friendships while helping out our community. I enjoy being part of 4-H because it constantly provides great learning opportunities. Being involved in church youth group gives the opportunity to learn about God while connecting with friends. When volunteering at St. Gabriel’s Hospital my main job is to refill patients’ water and supplies while interacting with them. I have gained a lot from this and it even helped me decide my career.” When it comes to her classes Jenna says her favorite class was her Intro to Agriculture. For Jenna, it was a great experience that she enjoyed while learning, “This class stood out to me because we would always get involved with hands-on activities. I would recommend this class to others because it is really fun and you learn a lot from it.” As for a favorite teacher in high school, Jenna says Mr. Skwira really comes to mind, “One of my favorite teachers is Mr. Skwira. Mr. Skwira is always in a good mood and excited to teach. He is also fully invested in making sure his students have fun while learning to succeed in life.” Jenna’s favorite memory in high school was going to state for FFA, as Jenna put it “An event that stands out to me is going to state for FFA. The trip to the state FFA convention was a fun adventure and a good opportunity to bond with fellow FFA members.” Next year Jenna plans to attend North Dakota State University to major in Medical Laboratory Science. For Jenna, Medical Laboratory Science is a perfect fit, “I believe I have found my dream job. This career is perfect for me because laboratory science is always evolving and changing. Therefore, I will constantly be faced with new challenges to tackle.” Jenna’s advice to high school freshmen is short but sweet “get as involved in high school activities as you can and have lots of fun during the time that you have because it goes by fast.”