Kimberlie Randt, daughter of Michael and Jennifer Randt, has been named the September Student of the Month at Royalton High School (RHS). Kimberlie has a sister, Rose, who is an 8th grader at Royalton.

Kimberlie's favorite class is Composition I and II with Ms. Menden. "Although the class was challenging, it developed my writing and critical thinking abilities in a way that an online class simply cannot fulfill. Ms. Menden truly cares for her students, and although her curriculum is challenging, it prepares them for life beyond high school and even college. The writing, comprehension, and storytelling skills I have gained from her class will stick with me for the rest of my professional life."

Among her favorite teachers, Kimberlie wrote, "There were so many teachers who impacted my educational journey. Starting at the elementary level, Ms. Carlson, Ms. Scott, and Ms. Hoheisel aided in the fundamental development of my educational abilities, along with shaping the person I am today. High school is by no means easy, and it took a toll on my mental well-being. Ms. Wensmann, Mr. Koenig, Ms. Noerenberg, and Mr. Coppicus were always there to make sure I was okay and to provide support when I wasn't. I am forever grateful for their impact on my life, and I truly would not be here today if it weren't for them. I am especially grateful for Mr. Coppicus, who opened the door to music and my passion for the activity."

Outside of the classroom over the past few years, she participated in Student Council, Minnesota Honors Society, Royal Ambassadors program, Business Professionals of America, YES! Club, Jazz Band, Honors Band, Trap Shooting, and Softball. "These activities have given me knowledge in time management, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. The club that has provided the largest impact on my life is Student Council, which has made me a better communicator, planner, and team member. I have also met countless role models within the club who helped shape my goals both personally and academically. Some activities that I participate in outside of school include reading, painting, cooking, and trap shooting. I enjoy reading because it offers an escape from the suffocating grasp of reality. In addition to shooting trap for school, I also shoot trap for a league over the summer. Last year, I helped my team place first overall, along with placing first in the individual youth division.

The best activity that I have been involved in is Jazz band, specifically, our performance at Solo Ensemble Contest last year. Our group received a superior rating of 39/40, which is the highest score Mr. Coppicus has received in his 11 years at Royalton. Being a part of this ensemble stood out to me not only because we achieved such a feat, but also because of the people I met along the way. The relationships I formed within this group will last a lifetime."

Her favorite high school memory would be during last year's trip to Duluth for honors band. "Several students, including myself, accompanied Mr. Coppicus to the College of Saint Scholastica for our annual honor band event. Last year, we were able to visit Minnesota Point, where we took pictures and froze on the cold beaches of Duluth. It was a trip filled with laughter, several sarcastic comments, and lasting memories."

After high school, Kimberlie plans "to attend college for two potential career paths: music education and the medical field. I have always been impressed by the power of music when bringing people together and expressing emotions. Being involved in the various music programs at Royalton has shown me the significance music education can have on a student's life. I would love to become the kind of teacher who inspires students the way that Mr. Coppicus has inspired me. At the same time, I am also drawn to healthcare, specifically in the field of anesthesiology. I am intrigued by the complexity of the profession and the impact it can have on patients. Although I have yet to decide which path I plan to follow, I am excited to find the best way I can make a difference in the world around me."

In 10 years, "I see myself working in a career that gives me the chance to help others, either through music or medicine. If I pursue music education, I hope to be directing ensembles and encouraging students to express themselves through music. If I end up following the medical route, I can envision myself working in a hospital as either an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist, providing a vital role in both patient care and comfort. Regardless of what path I choose, I hope to be impacting people's lives and changing them for the better."

Advice she leaves for high school freshmen: "The advice that I would give to high school freshmen is to ask for help and advocate for themselves, even if they think it's hopeless to do so. I cannot count how many times I have sacrificed my success because I failed to ask for help when I truly needed it. Even if you simply need clarification, just ask! The people in this building are rooting for your success, even if it doesn't seem like it. There is not a single person in this building who wants to see you fail!"