Colfax High School Top 10 of the Class of 2019

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COLFAX  —  Here are the profiles of the Top 10 seniors in the Colfax High School Class of 2019.

Tate Russel

Tate is the son of Steve Russell and Kobi Shaw.

• Top 3 favorite classes:  Choir: this class allowed me to grow as a musician and have lots of fun with my peers. Biology — This is what sparked my interest in science and specifically biochemistry. Calculus — Calc challenged me like no other class and has improved my math abilities, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it granted.

• Most memorable event in high school: My most memorable moment came when I arranged songs for the choir to sing. Hearing something I created come to life was an amazing experience and inspired me to work on composition even more.

• Activities: I was involved in many activities during high school, including Student Council; National Honor Society; Forensics; Future Business Leaders of America; Science Club and the school musicals. The most meaningful activity to me was my participation in the musicals. These performances refined my performing abilities and helped me grow so much. Additionally, the plays brought me much closer to my peers, which I am grateful for.

• Plans for the summer: I am going to continue working during the summer at Bloomer Kwik Trip, where I have been employed since the fall of 2017. I also will attend Shell Lake Art Center’s Rock Band Camp for my sixth straight year. The rest of my summer will likely be spent applying for scholarships, because I’d like to be able to afford college!

• Education plans: I plan to study Music Composition and Biochemistry at a college yet to be decided. I am fascinated by both subjects. Composition is wonderful for combining my analytical and creative sides. Biochem has lots of tremendous implications for the future.

Taylor Meyer

Taylor is the daughter of Tim and Doris Meyer.

• Top 3 favorite classes: Exploring Agriculture; Biology; Statistics. To ask me to choose my top three favorite high school classes proved to be a very hard task for me. I have enjoyed, for the most part, every class that I have taken during high school.That being said, exploring agriculture, biology and statistics are just a few of my favorite classes. I enjoyed exploring ag in the fact that I got to participate in many “life talks” with the class. Even though they might not have always been the most educational I did learn a lot about who I wanted to be as a person. Biology was another one of my favorites because we always got to go outside on some adventure or another. It also helped me discover my passion for biology which I never knew that I had. Some might question me when I say that statistics was one of my favorite classes; however I enjoyed the challenge that the class presented for me.

• Most memorable event in high school: I don’t have a specific event that comes to mind when asked this question, instead there is a series of events. When I think back on my high school years, especially my senior year, I think I will always remember that this was the year that we somehow managed to have ten snow and/or cold days. It was definitely fun to end the school year this way — not having to make any of the extra days up.

• Activities: NHS; FBLA; FFA; volleyball; Interscholastic Trap Team. I truly cannot pick just one activity that I was involved in during high school due to the fact that each and very one of these organizations are so completely different. I learned different life skills from each activity that I would not have otherwise learned in the classroom. For example, from National Honor Society, I learned how to be a good example and a good leader. From Future Business Leaders of America I learned of my hidden talent in Excel, and through FFA I learned how to carry on a conversation with many different people. Obviously all of these skills will come in handy later on in life and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities that I have been given.

• Plans for the summer: During the summer I plan on working at the Bloomer Area Aquatic Center. I am incredibly excited to see many of the patrons who I have not seen since last summer. I also look forward to teaching swimming lessons again. The stories and life lessons that I learn from the people there continually amaze me and I can truly say that I seldom have days where I leave work unhappy. Beyond that I plan to spend as much time as possible with my family, either at home or at the cabin, before I have to head off to college.

• Education plans: In the fall I plan on attending UW-Eau Claire. There I will pursue a degree in biology. I am extremely excited for the new opportunities, from new friends to studying abroad, which I plan to participate in. Many ask why I have chosen biology, and the truth is that Mr. Mosey had a major impact on this decision. His incredible enthusiasm and love for the great outdoor rubbed off on me and as I spent time searching for a degree to pursue, biology seemed like a wise option. My Dad also has been a huge factor in my decision to pursue a degree in biology as he has taken me hunting and fishing ever since I could walk. Yes, there are probably times that he regretted that decision, like when I scared away the big buck or lost one of his fishing poles; however, it was more important to him that I learned to have love and respect for nature. Now, 18 years later, I still hold that same passion for everything outdoors and I couldn’t imagine pursuing something other than biology.

Alyssa Dachel

Alyssa is the daughter of John and Dianna Dachel

• Top 3 favorite classes: My favorite classes in high school were Medical Terminology, Statistics and Yearbook. I loved Medical Terminology because of the teacher, classmates and curriculum. All of it made the class fun, but also educational. Statistics has been one of my favorites because I have also loved and understood math. Also, I enjoyed applying the math to real world situations. Lastly, I enjoyed yearbook because it gives me a chance to apply my creative skills by taking pictures and putting together pages.

• Most memorable event in high school: One of my best memories of Colfax High School is participating in sports. I have made so many friends, learned to be part of a team and learned so many life skills. Also, the environment when I played, with the fans cheering you on, it is unforgettable and I will always remember the feeling that I got when I ran out onto the court. Colfax is a great high school. I will always cherish my time here.

• Activities: I have participated in Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Letterman’s Club, Basketball and Volleyball. My favorite activity was student council. I liked it because it was a way to help out in the community and school. It has also taught me things that can help me ini my future, like how to work and listen to others’ opinions.

• Plans for the summer: I am working on getting my CNA license this spring and hope to work at a nursing home as a CNA this summer.

• Education plans: I plan on going to UW-Eau Claire to go into the nursing program. I chose this major because I enjoy caring for others and I want to make a difference in the world.

Erica Kallstrom

Erica is the daughter of Jim and Dana Kallstrom.

• Top 3 favorite classes: Advanced Biology was one of my favorite classes because I loved all of the big projects we had to do and I loved going outside and learning biology. Band was one of my favorite classes because the people in band are unique and interesting. I also love pep band and playing at basketball and football games. Modern History was one of my favorite classes because I am really interested in history and the people in the class were interesting.

• Most memorable event in high school: The most memorable event that happened to me while in high school was the state cross country meet my freshman year. Both the girls and the boys’ teams made it to state and everyone was excited and nervous. My favorite part of the meet is when all of the girls had finished the race. We all were together for cross country because had two seniors. There were tears, but everyone was proud of each other for the team took third place. After the race we ate pizza and went to our hotel for the night which was right next to Walmart. We ended up playing hide and seek at Walmart and we bought frozen sugar cookie dough to celebrate the end of the season.

• Activities: FBLA; FCA; NHS; Science Club; Science Olympiad; Band; Cross Country; Basketball; Track; Pit Band; Jazz Band. My favorite activity was cross country. It was not my favorite just because running was involved, but it was my favorite because of my teammates. Cross country has the most interesting people and everyone works hard. The team is really close and it felt like my second family.

• Plans for the summer: This summer my family and I are going on vacation to Alaska. I am also planning on running quite a bit, and I plan to be working at the Eau Claire Animal Hospital.

• Education plans: I am planning to attend UW-Eau Claire. I will major in pre-veterinary medicine, and I am thinking about having a minor in piano.

Cassidy Reitz

Cassidy is the daughter of Ed Reitz and Beth Kley.

• Top 3 favorite classes: Because of my passion for music, my absolute favorite class is band. I play clarinet in concert band, piano in jazz band, and percussion in marching band. With the many dissections such as the fetal pig, cow eye and deer heart, it would be hard for me not to include advanced biology. Everything about the class made me love living things more and more. Last but not least, FFS (Family, Food and Society) belongs on my list. I really enjoyed learning how to cook and bake delicious food, as well as memorize baking measurements and the correct utensils to use in the various recipes.

• Most memorable event in high school: The most memorable event that I have witnessed in high school was realizing that I, along with my classmates, would be leaving soon. Watching each person grow up has been quite the experience, and I’ll admit, it still seems unreal that we are not going to see each other every day anymore, and some of us, we will never see again. The bonds that we have created with each other suddenly won’t matter as much anymore as we move onto bigger and better things, like going to college, building a career, starting a family, etc. I will miss everyone deeply, but am also in anticipation for what the future has to hold for us all.

• Activities: In high school, I was involved in a variation of activities such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes (officer), Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, science club, track and field, band (president), and jazz band. Outside of school, I am also a Sunday school teacher and an accompanist for the children’s choir at my church. Band is, and will always be, my favorite class to attend. As my first hour class, band always makes my whole day and starts it in a refreshing way.

• Plans for the summer: This summer I will work at CEC Menomonie 7 Theatres, where I have been employed for over a year now. I also plan on going to Shell Lake Arts Center for their concert band camp in July.

• Education plans: Next fall, I will attend Chippewa Valley Technical College for a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. I realized my dream, a few years ago, after I got to see my sister’s ultrasound. Imagining my little niece in there, and watching her move was one of the most amazing things that I had ever experienced. I knew that I just had to share the same joy I had experienced with others in the same position, and decided that an occupation in that field would make me most happy.

Dalton Bradford 

Dalton Bradford is the son of Tim and Tina Bradford.

• Top 3 favorite classes: Choir — I love music and singing, and everyone in that class is so much fun to be around. Modern American History — Every day was something new and unpredictable in there. Weights — Lifting weights and exercising has become a huge part of my life during high school, so lifting has always been fun.

• Most memorable event in high school: My most memorable event in high school happened at the beginning of this school year. Our English class had taken a trip to UW-Eau Claire. Once we returned to school, we still had an hour left in the day, so our teacher Miss Mattson decided we would play games outside to pass the time. Tanner Nierenhausen and I decided that we didn’t want to take part in the activities, so we chose to hide in a drainage trench along the west side of the school. The trench was only about 10 yards from the activities. It started out as a joke as though we would return to the group, but we ended up laying there for the whole hour.

• Activities: While in high school, I was involved in Science Club, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FFA, Golf, Powerlifting, filming sporting events and mentoring. My favorite activity would have to be powerlifting, but it is so hard to choose. Powerlifting has just helped me to grow and become the person I am today by not only making me healthy but also put my name out there.

• Plans for the summer: After graduation, I plan to relax and enjoy the time without book reviews and other essays (cough-cough) and research papers. This summer is going to be a blast with a lot of swimming, golfing, working out and plenty of binge-watching on Netflix.

• Education plans: I plan to attend UW-LaCrosse next year in an undecided major. I am interested in being a math and/or music educator, but I would also like to pursue auctioneering on the side. Math and music have been fun to me and I would like to spread that joy to others. Auctioneering has been a recent interest of mine. It just seems like fun and pays decently.

Elizabeth Affolter

Elizabeth Affolter is the daughter of Mike and Teri Smith

• Top 3 favorite classes: Any math class, because I love figuring out math problems. Accounting is another one of my favorite classes because it is so neat to see the work that goes in when owning your own business. My favorite class of all is when I got to be a teacher assistant last year in the Special Education room, because I love working with children. I love to see the excitement the children have when they learn something new.

• Most memorable event in high school: My best memory at Colfax High School is the night that I got inducted into National Honor Society. Being in National Honor Society was a very big goal for me.

• Activities: Basketball; volleyball; Future Business Leaders of America; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; National Honor Society; bowling; mentoring. My favorite activity was basketball. I loved playing basketball. I loved how close all of us got and how we could work together really good.

• Plans for the summer: I am going to start working full time at Conrad’s Auto Salvage.

• Education plans: I am attending UW-Stevens Point, majoring in Special Education. Since I was little I knew that I wanted to help people, and the first thing that came in my head is to be a teacher. Then last year working in the Special Education room for about an hour a day, I knew that it was the job for me.

Shelby Tuschl

Shelby Tuschl is the daughter of Alaina Anderson and Jon Tuschl.

• Top 3 favorite classes: Jazz Band, 3-D Art, Spanish. I have learned so many new things in each of these classes. I have also had a lot of fun in these classes, and am very glad that I decided to take them.

• Most memorable event in high school: One of the most memorable moments I had was making the dance team my sophomore year. After I had found my number on the list of girls who made the team I told everyone and all of the girls were so happy and welcoming. While I was on the team I always felt a sense of togetherness and family, which I will forever be thankful for.

• Activities: Dance team; 22ers 4-H, NHS, our school’s mentoring program. My favorite activity was NHS. I enjoyed finding creative ways to fulfill my community service hours and I loved seeing new members learn what it means to be an NHS member.

• Plans for the summer: After graduation, I plan to babysit, work for my aunt, and plan for college. I also hope to find time to go to Cumberland and Danbury where some of my grandparents have campers, and just relax!

• Education plans: I plan on attending CVTC in the fall. I have not decided what I really want to major in because there is so much of the world that I have not experienced. I would like to find an occupation that would allow me to express the creativity I feel I have. I have looked at Industrial Design, but I would like to see what else is out there.

Brianna Teigen

Brianna Teigen is the daughter of Renee Teigen and Michael Teigen.

• Top 3 favorite classes: My favorite class is independent art because I love being able to create any type of art work I want. My second favorite is statistics because I enjoy math quite a bit. My third ties with my second and is pre-calc; I like it for the math. I also love these classes for the teachers.

• Most memorable event in high school: I think my most memorable event was this school year’s homecoming. I got to spend almost the whole day with my friends and my class won the Homecoming Spirit Award. Afterwards, we all went out to eat and had a sleepover. It was incredibly fun!

• Activities: I was not involved in many activities, but I was on the prom committee and I was in the art club my junior year. My favorite was art club because I got to do a couple hours creating art with one of my best friends.

• Plans for the summer: My plans for the summer is to spend as much time with my friends as possible. I know I won’t get to see them as often anymore, so I want to see them while I can. I also plan on creating new art pieces and spending time with my dad.

• Education plans: I plan on attending the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in the fall. I plan on majoring in interior architectural design. I really like architecture and interior design so this was the best of both worlds.

Hailey Prince

Hailey Prince is the daughter of Jeff and Missy Prince.

• Top 3 favorite classes: Art — I enjoyed art because it gave me a chance to be creative. English — I enjoy English because I enjoy writing and occasionally reading. Biology/Advanced Biology — I enjoyed any class I had with Mr. Mosey because he’s such a fungi (fun guy).

• Most memorable event in high school: During my freshman cross country season, both the girls’ and boys’ teams made it to state. It was an experience that I will never forget because I got to share it with the best group of people.

• Activities: Student Council; Future Business Leaders of America; National Honor Society; basketball; cross country; track and field. Cross country was my favorite because I learned a lot from it.

• Plans for the summer: I am planning to continue working at Cenex, and I am also planning to find a job in a dentist office so I can get some experience in the area, since I am going to school to be a Dental Hygienist. When I’m not working I will be relaxing and enjoying the fact that I’m done with high school.

• Education plans: I will be attending the Dental Hygiene Program at Chippewa Valley Technical College. I did some shadowing of a hygienist at my uncle’s office and I knew that it was something I could see myself doing.