A dedicated, compassionate, and hardworking student, Marisa exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and academic excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Marisa credits her family as the foundation of her strong character and values. Through their guidance, she has grown in her faith, gained confidence in herself, and learned the importance of hard work, respect, and community service. Some of her favorite moments with her family include attending church events, going out to eat, and enjoying movie nights. Their encouragement has helped her maintain strong grades and pursue her college goals with determination.

In the classroom, Culinary Prep with Mrs. Liddane stands out as Marisa’s favorite class. She especially enjoyed helping prepare the Veterans Day breakfast—an event that has become a cherished tradition at Royalton. She recommends the class to others because of the valuable life skills it teaches, such as cooking and preparing meals independently.

When asked about her favorite teacher, Marisa names Mrs. Ramstad, whose dedication to students and thoughtful teaching style left a lasting impression. Mrs. Ramstad’s willingness to provide extra support and make time for every student has inspired Marisa to emulate that kind of care and commitment in her future career as an educator.

Marisa is actively involved in FFA and concert choir. Through FFA, which she joined in eighth grade, she’s developed leadership, teamwork, and perseverance while participating in events, contests, and projects that promote agricultural education. As a member of the concert choir since ninth grade, Marisa has grown musically and socially while spreading joy through performances and competitions.

Beyond school, Marisa continues her service-oriented spirit in the community. She volunteers at the Benton County Fair FFA Barnyard, Platte River Days FFA Petting Zoo, and at her church, helping with breakfasts, Mass, and fundraisers. She also assists at the Royalton American Legion Fish Fry and sings as a first soprano in the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota's Con Brio group. These experiences have helped Marisa grow in responsibility, communication, adaptability, and self-confidence.

One of her most memorable high school moments was teaming up with her friend Nevaeh during Survivor Week. Together, they used teamwork and quick thinking to win a challenging memory game for their grade—an achievement that Marisa remembers as a highlight of collaboration and spirit.

Her favorite activity? Volunteering at the Benton County Fair FFA Barnyard. Between caring for animals and connecting with visitors, Marisa found joy in learning, teaching, and handling the unexpected—all while having fun in a wonderfully chaotic environment.

Looking ahead, Marisa has been accepted to St. Cloud Technical and Community College to pursue an A.A. degree in Elementary Education, with plans to transfer to St. Cloud State University for her B.S. and a minor in Special Education. Her passion for teaching stems from her own educational journey: after surviving cancer during kindergarten through second grade, her elementary teachers at Pleasantview helped her catch up and thrive—a legacy she hopes to pass on to her future students.

In ten years, Marisa sees herself teaching in central Minnesota, carrying forward the values and support she received as a child. Her long-term goal is to help every student believe in their potential and succeed, no matter their circumstances.

Her advice to high school freshmen is clear and heartfelt: “Don’t wait to get involved—join groups when you feel the spark. Work hard for your grades; they won’t be handed to you. And always remember: your teachers want to see you succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and grow.”