Glenwood City Class of 2020 graduates 17 honor students

PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Username

Password

Login

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.

Email

Submit

← Back

GLENWOOD CITY — The Glenwood City class of 2020 has 17 honor students. Valedictorian Nyah Anderson and salutatorian Leah Magsam are featured in a separate story in our graduation section. Below are the remaining 15 honor students.

Andrew Berends

Andrew is the son of Cory and Cathy Berends.

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they, favorite classes?

My favorite classes were Biology Physics and Advanced Math. Biology was one of my favorite classes since it was my last class with Mrs. Ohman besides homeroom she, in my opinion, is the best teacher at Glenwood. Physics was also one of my favorite classes since it was with Mr. Ketola is probably the one teacher with the best personality and connection with the students. Advanced math was also a favorite because the class atmosphere was good.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

Going to grad parties with friends. It was memorable because that would be the last time we see some of them in a long time.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

I wrestled for two years played basketball for two years and I also played football for 4 years. My favorite was football because of the memories we made as a team.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

I plan to hang out with my friends when possible. I plan to work with my uncle doing masonry.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I plan on going to UW-Stout to major in Applied mathematics.

Emily Bethell

Emily is the daughter of Ted and Patty Bethell.

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

Marketing was fun with friends, Choir because it was fun singing with everyone, and Graphic Design because Ms. Hentz had the best classes.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

Going to state four years in a row for Cross Country, and the fun pep fests and running with my team.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

Cross Country, Yearbook, DECA, and Student Council all four years, Track three years, Cheer one year, Art Club and National Honor Society two years.

4.What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

I plan on working a lot and traveling with my family.

5.Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I plan to attend UW-Stout for Interior Design in the fall.

Mae Buttles

Mae is the daughter of Tim Buttles and Bonnie Walters

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

My favorite classes include AP English Literature, AP English Language, and AP Macroeconomics. Each of these classes allowed me to push myself academically in areas that I find interesting.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

The most memorable event for me was the trip I took to Europe through a state-wide music organization. We visited a total of seven countries and performed as a concert band in several of them. The trip stands out as well, as I love to travel, along with the unique ability to experience a variety of different cultures.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

Volleyball (2016-20), Basketball (2016-20), DECA (2016-19), FFA (2016-20), Band (2016-20), Choir (2016-20), Prom Committee (2019). My favorite extracurricular activity throughout high school was FFA, due to competing in speaking contests, conventions, and leadership conferences.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

After graduation I plan to run for Wisconsin FFA State Office. If I am seated in an office, I will spend the summer undergoing extensive leadership training. If not, I plan to spend the summer showing my horse and working to save money for college.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I am planning to attend a four-year university to receive a degree in Agribusiness.

Zoe Christmas

Zoe is the daughter of James and Vicki Christmas

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

AP English because Mr. Popko really inspired me, and he is one of the main reasons I want to pursue a career in teaching. Advanced Math because I’ve always really loved Math, and I feel like this class really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. All of Mr. Weikel’s classes because I feel like they really prepared me for the future.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

My favorite memory from high school was hanging up all the quotes on Mr. Popko’s wall.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

I was involved with golf, DI, FCCLA, and Art Club. Art Club was my favorite because of all the cool projects, as well as the fun trips we got to go on.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

I’m planning on getting a summer job if I can, but with the changing situations I’m not sure if I’ll be able to. Otherwise I plan to get a job as soon as I move to Winona.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I’m planning on attending Winona State University this fall. I’m going to major in Education to become a teacher, but I haven’t decided which kind specifically.

Alexa Holden

Alexa is the daughter of Gregery and Jennifer Holden

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

My favorite classes were TAP, Business Classes and Physics. I enjoyed these classes the most because of the teachers I was able to work with (Ms. Johnson, Dr. Katola and Ms. Hentz/Mr. Maes) and the content I was learning.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

The most memorable event that happened in High School would be the Pep Fests. I loved the planning that took place before they actually happened and the energy created during.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

During High School I was involved in the following clubs: Art Club (Freshman, Sophomore), DECA (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior), FCCLA (Sophomore, Junior, Senior), and NHS (Junior, Senior). I also enjoyed the following sports: Football Cheerleading, Winter Cheerleading, and Golf all four years of High School.

In addition to clubs and sports I also participated in Marching Band, Band and Choir but my favorite activity was becoming the 2018-2019 First Princess and Miss Congeniality. During this time I was able to meet new people and represent the beautiful town of Glenwood City.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

I plan to get a job this summer, so I can continue to save money for college. I also plan to spend time with my family and friends to make many more memories before I leave for college in August.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. I will be majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing or Finance.

Kaitlin Lee

Kaitlin is the daughter of Chad and Sheila Lee

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

One of my favorite high school classes has always been band/choir. I have had a passion for music since I could talk, and band and choir provided me a platform to share that with my friends. Another class that I thoroughly enjoyed was Human Anatomy. It gave me the opportunity to study and work on information that directly related to the field of work I intend to go into. I also loved having Foods Two my junior year. It was a nice change in pace to my busy day. Two of my best friends were also in the class, and in my lab group with me, which made the class even more fun!

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

The most memorable event that happened to me while I was in high school has to be a tie between our Christmas concert my senior year, and publishing a book at the beginning of that year as well. In the weeks leading up to the Christmas concert, the band and choir practiced two pieces that I wrote. In the concert I directed the choir in “In the Winter,” and the band in “Cookie Cutter Christmas.” It is an experience that I will never forget. I also have a published book titled “Torn Apart.” The community has been extremely supportive, and has made this extraordinary opportunity one to remember.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

Student Council 2016 to 2020, current president, FFA 2016 to 2020, Middle School Advisor and current secretary, FCCLA 2016 to 2020, secretary, vice president, current historian, NHS 2018 to 2020, Show Choir/Vocal Jazz 2016 to 2020, Basketball 2016 to 2019, Softball 2017 to 2020.

Softball was my favorite sport, because it provided me an activity to play with a team that was more like family! Student council was my favorite club, because we had a close group of individuals that all worked hard to accomplish the tasks of the year, and then some.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

This summer I plan to continue my work at Glenhaven. I have been working there for almost two years, and absolutely love my job! I hope to keep putting away money for college.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I will be attending UW-River Falls in the fall for a Pre-Med major, in the hopes of becoming a family physician.

Nicholas Melendrez

Nicholas is the son of Pamela and Sammy Melendrez

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

Physics, band, and TAP. I enjoyed these classes because they all had my favorite teachers in them who taught subjects that I liked. Dr. Ketola, Mr. Lamb, and Mrs. Ohman have been some of the most positive influences on me in my high school career and I am glad to have had them as some of my teachers.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

I have had a lot of memorable moments in High School, but one of the ones I remember the best was this past Eau Claire honors band when Mae Buttles and I handed out doughnuts to other band members from different schools.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

Band- 4 years. History Club- 4 years. FFA- 2 years. DECA- 1 year. Choir- 4 years. Band has been my favorite because I have gone to honors band in Eau Claire and the County honors band for the past 4 years in a row and have always enjoyed Mr. Lambs jokes.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

I will be shipping out to Fort Sam Houston to do my Advanced Individual Training for the Army as a combat medic.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I will be attending UW-Stout in Menomonie. My major will be in Criminal Law and Rehabilitation.

Hannah Meyers

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

Exploring Art, Physics, AP Literature

Exploring Art was the only art class I took throughout high school, and it provided me with a time in my day to unwind in the midst of challenging courses. I enjoyed physics because Mr. Ketola made a difficult subject relatively easy and enjoyable, as well as providing a fun classroom environment. AP Literature pushed me the most, and I enjoyed the challenge that class provided.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

The most memorable event that occurred in high school was the final homecoming week. From the time I was a freshman, I anticipated the senior homecoming dress up days. I always looked up to the seniors, and I couldn’t wait to become the senior the underclassmen looked up to. The final homecoming was one of the big lasts for me, and the surreality of graduating and becoming an adult hit me hard during that week.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

I participated in karate on and off all throughout high school, and I taught classes during my freshman and sophomore year. I was also in the National Honor Society during my senior year. I was a part of the art club during my freshman and sophomore year as well. Karate has been a passion of mine since childhood, and the experiences I had at competitions do not compare to any other experience in my life. It’s a part of who I am.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

Despite the unfortunate pandemic that impacted many of my senior year plans, I want to try to enjoy my final summer with all of my high school friends as best as I can before we all embark on to the next chapter of our lives. I plan to continue working at Kwik Trip throughout the summer to save for college. I’d like to travel somewhere with a few friends as well.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I’m attending UW-Eau Claire and plan to utilize a national exchange program to attend a southern college for a semester or two. I’m leaning towards a psychology major, but am also considering studying criminology.

Allyson Motz

Allyson is the daughter of Karry and Dean Motz

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

My favorite classes would have to be my art classes because of all the creativity I was able to express. Yet, I also really enjoyed my science classes, especially Human Anatomy because I have always been interested in how our bodies are able to work. Lastly I loved all of my cooking classes because without having them, I wouldn’t be as advanced with my cooking which is one of my favorite talents.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

During my fall semester of my Senior year, I had a terrible back injury that prohibited me from participating in many of the activities a student normally attends. With my injury, it made me into a stronger individual and it taught me that I am strong. It was a very difficult time for me physically and emotionally, but I was able to prove to myself that I could do anything I can set my mind to.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

I am the Art Club President, I am in National Honor Society, FCCLA, and I used to be in Destination Imagination up until my sophomore year. My favorite has to be Art Club because of how involved I’ve been, and having the leadership role was so empowering.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

Currently I plan to spend the summer with my family and enjoy every second I can with them. We have a cabin up in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin and I plan to spend many days there up on the water. I also plan to go up to the North Shore of Lake Superior and enjoy the beautiful scenery there.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I plan to attend St. Scholastica in Duluth Minnesota and majoring in nursing. I want to become a nurse because I want to help people as much as possible. I am interested in the medical field and it has always been so fascinating to me. With my recent injuries, I have realized how important nurses are and how they can leave such a lasting impact on their patients. They are very admirable in my opinion, and I strive to be that one day.

Alexander Peralta-Rojas

Alexander is the son of Odelin Peralta and Yolanda Rojas

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they, favorite classes?

Physics- Mr. Ketola would let us solve complex problems, but made sure that we understand the subject. I enjoy math and science and this class really allowed me to blend both. I really enjoyed Ketola’s classes because I was also able to work with my friends on labs and projects. I enjoyed the time I spent with them solving equations and putting what we learned on a whiteboard.

Human Anatomy- At first, I didn’t know why I was in Human Anatomy, but the class was entertaining. Our class would do certain projects on certain diseases and that allowed me to be creative.

Calculus-This class was very challenging, but I learned that with practice, everything makes sense and that it takes time to fully understand the subject. The whole class felt like what a class would be like in college. That allowed me to keep track of my work and make sure that I get the information necessary to develop my skills.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

The most memorable event would have to be my Junior Prom. This event allowed me to forget about school and have the greatest time with my friends. I was fortune to be able to go to Prom with an amazing young lady and that is something I will not forget. It was the first and last Prom I went to, but honestly, it was the greatest time of my life. We were all dressed up nice and looked very professional. I gotta say my date looked amazing.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

Cross country, student council (somewhat), Homecoming events, Male volleyball, My favorite activity was cross country because it allowed me to come out of my comfort zone. It was a completely different experience which I am very thankful for. My coaches and teammates made it easy for me to adapt well. I will miss competing with my friends.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

After graduation, I plan to work enough to be able to afford to go to college. During quarantine, I have been able to work enough which sets me up for a good start when I start saving up. I want to be able to hang out with my friends and visit someplace nice. This summer, I want to be able to travel and go to Europe if everything goes back to normal. I will also be getting ready to go to college and buy a vehicle so that I can get around easily. I also want to get back at playing soccer for a club this summer.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I got accepted at UW- River Falls where I want to major in Biotechnology. At River Falls, I want to be able to study biotechnology and hope to one day work for a company like 3M. As a child, I got the idea that I would want to focus on research and help people.

Tom Rosenow

Tom is the son of Mick and Shari Rosenow.

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

Physics because I loved the subject, the teacher, and the environment, Wildlife and Forestry because I enjoy the outdoors and loved learning more about it, and Light Construction because I really liked building and looking at things in the shop.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

One of the most humbling events in high school was being chosen as prom king. It was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and I was very honored.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

FFA junior and senior year, basketball freshmen through junior year, golf junior and senior year, student council sophomore through senior year, National Honor Society junior and senior year, DECA sophomore and junior year, band all four years, choir sophomore through senior year, and honors band all four years.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

I plan on being a lifeguard at the city pool, and will also assist with swimming lessons.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I plan on attending UW-Stout and majoring in Manufacturing Engineering.

Shelby Rundquist

Shelby is the daughter of Rose Tiberg and Chris Rundquist.

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

Commercial Art: It was an extremely small class, so it was a lot of fun just hanging out and talking while doing our projects.

Crafting: The people in that class were really fun to hang around, so it made the class enjoyable. The teacher, Mrs. Jones is also a really fun teacher and I love having any class that she teaches.

Graphic Design: I had this class with Emily Bethell and Harli Dikeman and we laughed so much in this class. It was an absolutely amazing and fun class and if I could take it again, I would in a heartbeat.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

During high school, nothing really big happened that I can remember, but one class that I absolutely loved was Phy Ed Junior year. There was a group of us in this class, and we would always meet in the locker room a little before class started just so we could talk and joke around. I really loved this time because everyone was so nice and funny. I made so really amazing friends, and I won’t forget them and the memories we made.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

Art Club: 4 years, Show Choir: 4 years, FCCLA: 1 year, Student Council: 1 year. My favorite activity would be Art Club because I got to be Vice President this year, and got to make many fun memories with people I’ve gotten really close with.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

I’m planning to hang out with my friends as much as possible, prepare to go to college, and work as a Personal Shopper at Walmart to earn money so I can start off my college journey without a job. I’m hoping to eliminate one stress, so I can start fresh at college.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I’m planning to attend college at UW-Eau Claire. I’m currently undecided, but I’m thinking about going into something that deals with music. If not music, I would probably go into something that deals with art or business.

Elijah Simmons

Elijah is the son of Nate and Awbria Simmons

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

Physics, Calculus, English with Popko.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

When Alex Peralta and I became best friends in biology. Started a brotherhood that can never be broken.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

Cross country: 9th-12th. Cross country was my favorite because it help build me to the person I am today.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

Work and do a lot of traveling whether that be a road trip or camping.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

UW-La Crosse majoring in Physics.

Brandi Standaert

Brandi is the daughter of Ron and Julie Standaert.

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

Human Anatomy, with going into the medical field it has been a very helpful class and it’s always cool to learn about the human body.

Psychology, I love learning about how our brain works and why we function the way we do. It is also very interesting to learn about the different disorders that evolve from the brain.

Criminal Minds, I love learning about the different types of crimes, who is more likely to commit those crimes, and what people’s motives are to commit those crimes.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

I think that all of high school was very memorable. Getting to go on so many adventures with my friends and getting to create those memories that won’t leave. Going to sporting events with friends and getting to cherish every moment with the best people.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

I was involved in volleyball all four years of my high school career. I loved volleyball because it was a great way to meet new people that weren’t in my grade. Volleyball was also a way to create memories and learn new experiences.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

This summer I plan to continue working at the Baldwin Care Center and earn money for college. I also want to go on adventures to create more memories with friends before the new adventure of college.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I will be attending CVTC in Eau Claire next fall. I will be majoring in Radiography.

Bethany Ullom

Bethany is the daughter of Chris and Melissa Ullom.

1. List your top three favorite high school classes. Why were they favorite classes?

My favorite high school classes are Physics, Human Anatomy, College Prep. I enjoy having all of these teachers and the context they taught me.

2. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school? Why was it memorable?

Becoming Miss Glenwood City 2018-2019. This is the most memorable event to me because I made new friends and got to represent the city of Glenwood City.

3. Provide a list of activities in which you were involved during high school and list the years of involvement. What was your favorite and why?

Football Cheering for three years, Basketball four years, Track four years, DECA three years, National Honor Society for two years, FCCLA one year. My favorite would be Track because I enjoy the track meets and practices with my teammates.

4. What are your plans for this summer after graduation? Summer Job?

This summer I plan to work at the Barnboard and Schuggy’s. I will also be babysitting for a family this summer.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where? What will be your major? What will be your major? If you are an undecided major, what are your interests right now?

I will be attending University of Colorado-Colorado Springs this fall. I plan to major in Exercise Science.