Royalton High School is proud to announce that Erin Borash was selected as Student of the Month for December. Erin is the daughter of Ronald and Ann. When it comes to family Erin says the support she gets from them has been extremely important, “My family has been extremely supportive of me and I really can’t thank them enough. From a young age, my parents instilled in me the value of hard work. I am thankful for the experience farm life has given me, and know that the responsibilities have given me a stronger work ethic. However, the most important lesson my family has taught me is to trust in God. While this path is often unclear and confusing, I feel blessed to have my parents and 7 older siblings to watch as examples. My family pushes me to give my best effort in everything I do, whether during a race, on a school project, or just in everyday life.”

At Royalton High School, Erin is involved in many activities, she participates in Cross Country where she was a state qualifier, Track and Field, student council, Minnesota Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, YES/Tech Club, Jazz Band and FFA. Erin believes all these activities plays a large role in her ability to meet people and make friends, “I would highly encourage all students to join a club or sport, they are a great way to get more involved in the school community and meet new people. I have gained amazing friendships through these activities over the years. Outside of school Erin spends time working on the family farm along with being an active member in the Holy Cross Catholic Church of North Prairie. There she is a member of the choir, a Religious Education teacher and a member of the Guardian Angels Youth Group. Erin is also a member of the Two Rivers Trailblazer 4H Club, she has shown just about every class of animal including chickens, ducks, geese, sheep and cows. Erin believes these activities have had a large impact on her life, “the Catholic faith is a fundamental aspect of my life and 4H has pushed me to become more involved in my community and to try new things.”

When it comes to her classes Erin says her favorite class was the college writing Composition I & II. “I liked the challenge and work the class provided. It was satisfying to see myself improve over the course of the year as a writer. I would recommend this class to anyone who is willing to put in the time and effort this class demands. Many of the skills and concepts I have grasped from Composition can also apply to other classes and areas outside of school”

As for a favorite teacher in high school, Erin says other than Comp I and II, chemistry was another favorite class and that was because of Mr. Thielges. “Chemistry was a close second to Composition, largely due to the teacher Mr. Thielges. He is a very knowledgeable teacher and makes his classes interesting. He pushed me to be a better student and challenged me with his classes. Mr. Thielges is a kind teacher, and I have great respect for him. When needed, he would also take time to help explain math homework that I or other students struggled with.”

Erin’s favorite memory in high school was during the Cross-Country season at a meet in Holdingford, “My favorite high school memory was at the Holdingford cross country meet this past season which happened to fall on my birthday. While I was warming up for the race, my teammates rallied up all the other teams at the starting line and they all sang to me. Though it was a little embarrassing at first, it was a really special moment.” As for her favorite or best activity that she has been involved in, Erin again looks at Cross Country, “Being a part of the cross-country team for the past 7 years has been an experience I will look back on well after graduating. The sport has strengthened me mentally and physically, and I appreciate the challenge of it. My teammates and coaches likewise contributed to making my cross-country experience memorable. They were a very encouraging and energetic team and I will definitely miss my time there.”

Next year Erin knows she is going to school, she’s just not 100% sure where yet, “I have not settled on a college yet, but am interested in pursuing a degree in animal science. Hopefully, I will also run cross country wherever I decide to go.” As to where she sees herself in 10 years, she has a couple ideas “I have agreed to become a live-in babysitter for my brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law’s future children. However, on the off chance that that doesn't work out, in 10 years I hope to be happily married and start a family of my own, on a small farm.”

When it comes to advice she would give to high school freshmen, this is what Erin had to say, “With all the craziness transpiring in the world these past couple of years, it can be easy to sit back and hit cruise. Do not let this happen. Your school days will be over before you know it, so do not be afraid to try new things and give your best effort. If you do this, in the end, you will look back at your school days comforted that you made the most out of the time given.”