Search Results

< 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 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.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment September 2018 Student of the Month Jenna Carlson Jenna Carlson, daughter of Shelly and Dail Carlson, has been named the September Student of the Month at Royalton High School (RHS). Jenna has three siblings; Brianna and Zach who graduated from RHS, and Connor who is an 8th grader at Royalton. Jenna’s favorite class is Sociology and Psychology, which is an ITV class taught by Frank Weber. She also mentioned Spanish teacher Lindsey Gruber as one of her favorite teachers. “Jenna is a role model to her peers and underclassmen. She puts her best effort into everything she does, whether it be an assignment, a test, a practice, or a game. She is respectful to everyone, no matter who they are, and makes our school more positive place,” Gruber said. Social studies teacher and head girls basketball coach Brad Baumann said, "I believe Jenna is a truly exceptional student and individual. Jenna always has a smile on her face and is the type of person that will go out of her way to help anyway she can, whether it's in the classroom, in extracurriculars or outside of school. She is a great leader and works hard at everything she does, and doesn't settle for anything other than her best. I think we're extremely fortunate here at Royalton to have Jenna as one of our students and one of our student leaders. Her character and work ethic is a great example for younger students and as a parent myself I would love to see my child follow in her footsteps." Carlson is very involved in activities at school including volleyball, basketball, softball, National Honors Society, Student Council, Tech Club, YES club, Spanish Club, WE Day, and Knowledge Bowl. A favorite school memory for Jenna was all of homecoming week this year. Especially getting tackled by the preschool and kindergarten girls when royalty visited them at lunch, and also driving the golf cart around the field at the football game. Carlson plans to double major in Biology and Spanish with a focus on pre medicine. Then continue on to PA school. Jenna’s advice to freshmen is, “Challenge yourself, get involved, enjoy the little things, and SMILE! It makes a difference!”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment October 2022 Student of the Month Ava Schoenrock Ava is the daughter of Jeff and Amy. When looking at how she has got to where she is today, Ava believes her family has had a big part in that, “I have a relatively big family with my three sisters and parents, and I feel that they are the reason I am where I am today. My parents have always been my biggest role models, always supporting me in everything I do. Having my dad as a teacher, parent, and coach, has had its ups and downs, but the positives have always outweighed the negatives. I have also always looked up to my older sister, Autumn, because she, along with my parents, encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and join new activities. Having her by my side when I am scared to try new things, makes me feel like anything is possible.” When it comes to her classes Ava says her favorite class has been biology, “My favorite class I took was biology. This class was the first time I enjoyed learning about science, and I have loved learning about biology ever since. I have even considered studying biology in college. Since I liked the first biology class that I took in 10th grade so much, I decided to take College Human Biology this year and it has quickly become my favorite class. I really enjoy learning about the scientific makeup of organisms and learning about different aspects of the human body. The class is also college credit which makes it even better.” As for a favorite teacher in high school, Ava has a couple teachers that come to mind, “Most people would assume that my favorite teacher would be Mr. Schoenrock since he is my dad, but I decided to choose someone else for this category because even though he is a great teacher, there are other teachers I have had that really impacted me. Two of the teachers that have really left an impact on me are Mrs. Tordsen and Mr. Koenig. I only had Koenig as a teacher for one year when I was a sophomore, but he has been my advisor in Student Council for a couple of years now and one of my coaches in FCA, so he has helped me not only with my essays in English class but also with learning how to become a more confident leader. Mrs. Tordsen is one of the happiest teachers in our school, always smiling and encouraging me to do my best. I truly admire her carefree spirit and kind personality.” At Royalton High School Ava is involved with a number of different activities that keep her very busy, “In school, I am involved in multiple clubs and after-school activities including basketball, knowledge bowl, YES Club, student council, MHS, and FCA. I started playing basketball in elementary school and have loved it ever since. My favorite part of basketball is the rush you get after making a basket and the feeling of being a part of a team. I only recently joined knowledge bowl and YES Club, but I have found that I really enjoy being in both of these activities. Knowledge bowl gives me the opportunity to use all the information I have learned in school to compete against other schools, and YES Club allows me to learn about the environment and find ways to improve our school. I also really enjoy finding ways to help the community and volunteer which is the main reason I like being a part of MHS. In FCA, I get to spend time with other student-athletes who want to grow in their faith just like me. Student Council is probably my favorite activity to be a part of because I am able to help plan activities that go on in our school, but most importantly because Student Council has allowed me to develop leadership skills and make new friends. All of these activities have taught me the importance of teamwork and time management since juggling multiple activities as well as school and work can be quite a challenge.” When it comes to time outside of school, Ava likes to spend it doing a number different things, “Outside of school, I enjoy camping, fishing, and being a part of my church's Youth Group. As much as I love sitting inside watching movies and reading books, I also spend a lot of time outdoors camping and fishing with my family. Additionally, I enjoy being a part of youth group because I get to spend time each week playing games while deepening my faith alongside many of my friends.” Ava’s favorite high school memory came last year during the basketball season, “I would say that my favorite high school memory was when I got to play in a basketball game alongside all three of my sisters. My sisters and I were all born within 5 years, so we are relatively close in age but we never expected to all be on the court at the same time since my youngest sister would only be in 7th grade when my older sister was a senior. However, we did get the chance to play together if only for a few minutes, and even if I don’t get along with them all the time, it was pretty amazing having us all out there together.” As for next year, she had an idea but is still deciding what she wants to do, “At the moment, I am undecided about what I will be doing next year. I hope to attend a four-year college but haven’t decided where I will go, and I have yet to figure out what I want to eventually do for a living. I have considered studying biology and even animal science which are both topics I am interested in learning more about. When asked where she wants to be in 10 years, Ava had this to say. “Even though I haven’t figured out what I want to do for a career yet, I know that I want to find one that I truly enjoy and I hope that in 10 years I am happy with my decisions and where they led me. I also envision myself having multiple pets and hope to have traveled the world.” Ava’s advice to high school freshmen is this, “I know everyone says this but enjoy it while it lasts because these next four years of high school will be over before you know it. I found that the best way to truly enjoy high school was by joining a variety of clubs and activities. Even though it is scary and might be out of your comfort zone, you will make so many friendships and memories. Not to mention, being a part of multiple clubs makes you look better on college applications.

< 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 April 2025 Student of the Month Sascha Duevel Sascha credits much of her success to her family, who have always been her safe space. Her parents have instilled in her the importance of generosity, while her siblings have taught her patience and the value of different perspectives. Whether it's game nights, movie marathons, bike rides, or road trips, Sascha cherishes the time spent with her loved ones. In the classroom, Sascha thrives on challenge. She especially appreciates Chemistry with Mrs. Noerenberg. Although the subject is demanding, she finds pride in solving complex problems, which motivates her to push through and grow academically. It’s that sense of accomplishment that fuels her love of learning. Among the many excellent educators she’s encountered, Sascha names Mr. Coppicus as one of the most impactful. He has been a mentor both in band and on the softball field, believing in her when she doubted herself. His ability to balance structure and support, while always being a listening ear, has left a lasting impression. Sascha is actively involved in school sports, especially volleyball and softball. She values the tight-knit team environment and the way her teammates support one another. These experiences have not only helped her grow as an athlete but also as a person, fostering lifelong friendships and strong teamwork skills. Outside of school, Sascha keeps busy with a variety of hobbies—playing basketball, rollerblading, reading, jamming out to music while playing Tetris, and enjoying Just Dance with friends. Whether she’s staying active or taking a moment to unwind, Sascha knows how to balance energy with calm. One of her fondest high school memories came during her JO volleyball days, when laughter with teammates turned a small mishap into a moment of joy—even the coach couldn’t help but laugh. Another highlight was her Jack the Ripper presentation in Composition II, where she confidently shared a captivating mystery with her class. Looking ahead, Sascha plans to attend the University of Minnesota, Morris to pursue a degree in medical biology, with the goal of becoming a gynecology specialist nurse. Inspired by the strong women in her life, she hopes to provide the same sense of comfort and support to others in her future career. Ten years from now, Sascha envisions herself living just outside the city she works in, still in Minnesota if possible, making a difference in women’s healthcare and building a life rooted in purpose and compassion. To high school freshmen, Sascha offers this advice: “Advocate for your learning. Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions or ashamed if you learn differently. The more you put yourself out there, the more you are likely to succeed.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment March 2018 Student of the Month Hannah Cimenski The faculty of Royalton High School (RHS) has named Hannah Cimenski, daughter of Melanie and Gregory Cimenski the March Student of the Month. Hannah has three siblings, Bethany, Hailey and Colten. Hannah’s favorite class is anything art related, Art has always been her escape, if only for a couple of hours. She grew up with the teachers at Royalton High School being very involved with her life. So, it is hard to pick just one. If she had to choose her favorite teacher it would be Mr. Carl Halverson. Halverson has pushed her to be the best she could be and has been an inspiration for many years. Mr. Halverson gets to know every one of his students individually, not caring about their past or anything going on outside of that art room. He motivates and inspires kids to be better than what is expected of them. This is what Mr. Halverson said about Hannah. “Hannah is one of the most artistic students that I've seen in the many years I've been teaching. She's won too many awards to keep track of and has been hired to do commissioned work outside of school. Many times in high school, we tend to focus on athletic success on the field, track or court. While I agree with honoring these athletes, I see the arts in a light that goes far beyond most of these accomplishments. To put this in perspective in an artistic scenario, Hannah would be not just all-conference, all-section, or even all state. She would be competing and winning at a level in the visual arts that most high school athletes will never see. Her wall mural that will be finished this spring will be viewed and admired by many, long after the school record for "leading scorer" will be broken again and again”. Hannah has been active in many activities throughout her high school career, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Flag Squad, FFA, Theatre, Speech, YES and Tech club. This year she has cut back on a lot of her extracurricular and decided to focus on her schooling. So for this year she is involved with Softball and Flag squad. Hannah states that it is hard to pinpoint one high school memory because they have all been a roller coaster of good times and hard times. After high school she plans to attend Saint Cloud State University to get her generals out of the way, her second year of college she wants to study abroad. After her generals are done she will enter into the Nursing program and obtain her LPN and then her RN. After college she wants to travel and work with children as much as possible. Hannah has so much planned for her life in ten years; she wants to have a steady career and perhaps a fiancé to go with that. She wants to have traveled the world and have seen all that she can before she settles down. When she is ready for the responsibility she will get married, buy a nice house, and then maybe she’ll start to think about having kids. The advice she would give to freshmen is this, “My biggest advice to the freshmen that are just starting high school is to not let the time get away from you. Bask in the glory that is high school because this will be the best and the worst times of your lives. Don’t push off your work and get lazy with your grades because, trust me, they count. Go to football games, dance at the spring fling, and hangout with your friends on the weekends. Live the best life you possibly can because it ends pretty dang fast. Don’t let stress overwhelm you; learn how to deal with it. Go to bed early and take care of your mental health before your schoolwork. Enjoy high school because, while it seems like the worst four years of your life, one day you’ll look back and miss it.”

< 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 September 2022 Student of the Month Joseph Achen Royalton High School is proud to announce that Joseph Achen was selected as Student of the Month for September. Joseph is the son of Craig and Cindy. Joseph says his family has had a very big impact on his life, “Family is a huge part of my life especially since I have 10 siblings. Me, being the youngest of eleven has definitely come with downsides like being babied all the time. However, the advantages of being the youngest absolutely outweigh the disadvantages. These advantages include being able to learn from my older siblings and watch them make mistakes and grow. This has allowed me to not make those same mistakes myself. Furthermore, I know how to deal with situations and overcome obstacles in my life more efficiently because of them. My family is my support system. I know that if I have difficulties with anything, they will be there for me and offer me helpful advice. They have always encouraged me to work hard and to always do my best in everything I do. Anytime spent with my family is a good time and I will always cherish the slim moments that we can all share together. I would not be the person I am today without them.” Joseph is involved in a wide variety of activities in school. These activities include: FFA, basketball, BPA and Minnesota Honor Society. Joseph believes all of these activities have taught him a lot but especially FFA, “One thing that I have learned through all of these activities is the importance of being able to lead and work in a team. While I love being a part of all of these things, FFA is my favorite. FFA has shaped me into the person I am today. I have made so many friends, memories, relationships, connections, and skills that will propel me in my future plans. FFA allows me to be a leader and advocate in the agriculture community. I have held numerous leadership positions in FFA which include President of the Royalton Chapter, as well as Treasurer on the Region II officer team. FFA has taken me so many places that I could have never imagined. Moreover, FFA gives me the opportunity to use my role as a leader to be an advocate for agriculture. Since joining FFA, I can say that I am a much more confident, organized, and prepared person. Lastly, FFA has taken a shy kid and grown him to being able to have conversations with anybody and publicly speak in front of people.” When it comes to his classes Joseph says one of his favorite classes is Financial Accounting. “My favorite class is Financial Accounting taught by Ms. Burg. While I normally am not interested in these types of classes, I have made an exception to this class. I say this because in this class it is very open ended. We learn so much about all the background work that takes place in owning a business. This is my favorite class because we have very collaborative discussions where everyone is involved and asking questions. I walk out of this class, and my brain hurts because of all the new information I learn (which I enjoy).” As for a favorite teacher in high school Joseph really enjoyed Math teacher Mr. Silbernick and Agriculture Teacher Mr. Goldade. “My favorite teachers are Mr. Goldade and Mr. Silbernick. These two teachers are always there for me and are tremendously helpful in my high school experience. Mr. Goldade is my FFA advisor and Ag Teacher. He is one of my favorite teachers because he is always full of energy. Additionally, he hauls me to all my FFA events, which I love, and provides me with some of the best advice in and out of the classroom. Mr. Silbernick is truly great at his job. Whenever I walked into his class, I knew that I would learn something and thoroughly understand the content. Also, I could always have a conversation with him about anything school or outside of school related and feel comfortable talking with him. It was sad when I heard he was leaving.” As for activities Joseph is involved with outside of school, like at school there are many. Some of them that he is involved in 4-H, his church youth group, and the National Milking Shorthorn Junior Society (MSJS). “In 4-H, I exhibit dairy cattle and I am a head camp counselor during the summer. I love showing my Milking Shorthorns at the county/state fair, and numerous national shows. Additionally, being a camp counselor gives me the opportunity to work with kids and youth in my county. This is something that I really enjoy. Faith is a big part of my life. I enjoy being a part of the youth group because while we are focused on faith, we are also having so much fun at the same time. On Wednesday nights I look forward to spending time in this group and exploring my faith. Finally, I am the vice president of the MSJS. This is a society specifically revolving around the youth who have a passion for Milking Shorthorn Cattle. I enjoy being connected with the members of this society and hope to stay connected.” Joseph’s favorite memory in high school was at the State FFA Convention in St. Paul, “My favorite high school memory took place in St. Paul at the State FFA Convention. Here was where I participated in the Milk Quality event along with two other Royalton Teammates (Callie Vannurden & Alivia Pyka). At the convention I placed 2nd overall behind my own teammate, Alivia Pyka who took 1st place. Also, our team took 1st place overall and are advancing to nationals in Indianapolis, IN this October. This experience was so fulfilling. To see all our hard work, pay off was so satisfying and the feeling of being called first place is unexplainable. I am honored to have this experience and share it with my closest friends.” Along with his favorite memory in high school, Joseph also mentions how basketball has also stood out for him, “The best activity that I am involved in is basketball. I truly have a passion for this game that is unmatched to anything else in my life. When I am playing basketball, it seems like I am truly living in the moment and all the worries in my head go away for a brief time. Additionally, it helps me stay in shape and spend time with friends.” Next year Joseph plans on going to college, but has not decided yet where he will be going. He does hope to study Ag. Business and Ag. Communications, “I am interested in the Business side of agriculture and want to be able to understand the problems we face in agriculture and help farmers overcome these problems with modern solutions.” As for his future plans after college Joseph believes his career is going to be very important, “Honestly, I am very uncertain where I will be in 10 years. I hope to have found a career that interests me and be doing something that I love and want to do every day. This is extremely important to me because I fear being unhappy and not being excited every day to pursue my passions and aspirations.” Joseph’s advice for Freshmen was this. “My advice to Freshmen in High School would be to get involved. Try new things, find something you like and run with it! Jump in feet first and give your time to it. In doing this, you will stay busier which gives you less time to be stressed and feel anxiety about academics.”

< 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 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.”

< Middle/High School Academics District Calendar Guidance Office Media Center New Enrollment December 2017 Student of the Month Amy Zabinski Amy Zabinski is the oldest daughter to Rich and Sharon Zabinski and she was named the December Student of the Month by the faculty of Royalton High School (RHS). Amy has two younger sisters, Kim and Carrie, and they are currently attending Royalton Middle and High School. Her parents are incredibly supportive of her, they always push her to be the best she can be, and they are always there for her supporting her decisions. Her parents have been very supportive of all of the various activities she has taken part in over the years, and they always encourage her to try new things and join different activities and clubs. Amy’s favorite class is SPANISH because Sra. Lindsey Gruber has been the greatest teacher! In her three years of Spanish classes, Sra. has always found a way to teach class in a fun way! Sra. Gruber comes to class each day with a positive attitude and eagerness to teach us another language. Thank you for making Spanish AMAZING! Sra. Lindsey Gruber states “Amy is a ray of sunshine that brightens my classroom every day. She continuously finds the positive in everything and is dedicated to succeeding in all areas. No matter the task, Amy always puts forth her best effort. This also includes helping others to succeed. Her kind and helpful spirit will take her many places, and I wish Amy all the best in her future endeavors! Amy honestly states, “There are too many AMAZING teachers to choose just ONE favorite”. All of the teachers she has interacted with have been incredibly supportive and pushed her to succeed and never settle for any less than her best. Mr. Jeremy Schaa, Amy’s NHS (National Honor Society) teacher states “Amy is a very positive, happy student who is often smiling which helps put others in the school at ease, and brightens their moods”. Amy’s FFA instructor Mr. Robert Skwira states “Amy is a kind hearted and hardworking individual who always has a smile on her face. Amy treats others the way everyone wants to be treated. She gets along with everyone and will help everyone out. She cares very much about her family and faith. Amy strives to do things the right way. Amy has a bright future ahead of herself!” Michael Marschel is her Cross Country coach states “There really isn't any one kinder than Amy Zabiniski. Her hard-working, positive attitude will bring her very far in life. Royalton is lucky to have her.” Amy is involved in quite a few activities; she was inducted into NHS in the beginning of her junior year. She took part in the “One Act” competitions her junior and senior year. She ran for the Royalton Cross Country team for 3 years and track for 2 years. She has been in four high school play productions including, “Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice”, “Give My Regards to Broadway”, and “Two Fronts”. She is a dedicated member of the Royalton FFA. She was in speech for one year and performed a duet for choir contest with her best friend, Emily Prokott. They dedicated almost every spare moment they had to their duet, and it paid off when they received a score of 49/50 at the competition. Amy has also taken part of large group choir and band contests where she received superior ratings for their performance pieces. She is also a dedicated member of her hometowns church choir and youth group. Her favorite High school memory actually consisted of a series of four days spent on a cruise ship. She had the opportunity to take a cruise with members of her school band in March of her junior year. Those four days were amazing! She spent time with her classmates and fellow band members on the cruise ship and had the time of her life. Amy plans to attend Winona State University and enter into the nursing program to receive her Registered Nurse license. In ten years she hopes to be helping people as a Registered Nurse. The advice Amy would give to freshmen is “Don’t let your years get away from you! When everyone says the years are going to fly by, BELIEVE THEM! Senior year catches up to you faster than you could ever imagine, and when it does, you are going to be left wondering where the time went. Cherish every moment you have before it all turns into a memory!”