Jaycie Runde and Addyson Chambers

The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its March Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, March 7 at the Pointer Cafe.

The students, who are members of the senior class, are selected for this honor through a voting process by staff at the school, and their biographies are written by themselves.

Addyson Chambers

Addyson grew up in Mineral Point and is the daughter of Sam and Chausti Weinbrenner and the late Paul Chambers. She has an older brother, Blake, who graduated from MPHS in 2015, and two younger sisters, Eloise, a 7th grader, and Suttyn, a 1st grader. She has been active in high school and is quickly realizing how soon her Mineral Point High School experience will be coming to an end.

She has enjoyed living in a small town and having many opportunities to participate in various clubs, sports, and activities that our school provides. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has participated in various school clubs. Addy’s favorite organization is the Blue Crew, where she is president, and enjoys helping to plan and promote the various school sporting activities through social media. She has had the opportunity to serve as Senior Class President this year where she has enjoyed her many experiences in serving as emcee for various school and community events. She is a member of the Key Club and recently enjoyed her first trip to DCON in Green Bay. She participated in forensics for the first time last year where she won a Critic’s Choice gold medal for her demonstration speech. Band has been an important part of her high school experience. She has served as the drum major for the last three years, and attended state solo/ensemble the past three years. Additionally, she is a member of mock trial, Future Business Leaders of America, and yearbook. Addyson participated in volleyball, was a football cheerleader, and a Halftime Entertainment dance teacher.

Addyson has worked at the Mineral Point School District for the past three summers and is currently working at High Street Sweets. She enjoys working with the many tourists and children that visit the store. This job has greatly influenced her interest in marketing as she helps with various social media activities and merchandising the product.

Addyson plans on attending the University of North Carolina-Wilmington in the fall to pursue a career in marketing/business and graphic design.

During her time at Mineral Point High School, Addyson has looked up to many of her teachers and administrators. Two teachers specifically have had the greatest impact on her high school career. The first person is Mrs. Kristin Staver, Addyson’s cheerleading and dance coach, National Honor Society, Blue Crew, yearbook, and forensics advisor. She has helped Addy to get out of her comfort zone and try things that she may never have otherwise considered. Mrs. Staver’s guidance will continue to have impact on her life in college and years to come. The second teacher who has greatly influenced Addy is Mrs. Lesley Macaulay. She has given Addy inspiration into the world of art. She is one of the reasons why Addy has chosen to pursue a career in graphic design, to continue using her artistic ability. No words can say thank you enough to both of these inspirational teachers.

Addyson would like to congratulate Jaycie and thank the Kiwanis Club for the honor of being named Student of the Month.

“Addy is a wonderfully attentive, thorough, and focused student. Those traits, coupled with her positive attitude and fantastic sense of humor, make Addy an asset and joy to have in class and to see excel outside of the classroom in her many co-curricular activities,” Molly Uppena, high school English teacher.

“Addyson Chambers is an amazing young lady and has accomplished much in her school career. Addy knows how to overcome adversity and has always held her head high to show others what she can accomplish. The friendship these two girls possess only goes to show how appropriate it is for the two to be honored together.  Good luck in the future, girls!” Jill McGuire, kindergarten teacher.

“Addy was in my 4th grade class and I have wonderful memories of her being a bright, conscientious student and a kind, caring person. She got along well with everyone and made our classroom a better place,” Paige Grimm, 4th grade teacher.

“When I think of Addyson, a quote keeps coming back to me: ‘Forget all the reasons why it won’t work and believe in the one reason why it will.’  Addy has a contagious excitement about her – she is always willing to go for it!  Not just go for it – but go the extra mile!  I have had the pleasure of not only teaching Addy but coaching and advising her in cheerleading, yearbook, forensics, and The Blue Crew.  This year Addy served as my Blue Crew president.  She took this role to a level that I never expected – she is unbelievably professional and mature beyond her age.  To top it off she is as beautiful inside as she is on the outside.  I will miss this go-getter beyond words next year but can’t wait to see what her future unfolds!” Kristin Staver, high school English teacher.

“Addy is one of the top musicians that has traveled through the halls of Mineral Point these past few years.  She has been our drum major, saxophone section leader, and all around an excellent role model for all band students.  She has also been a member of our state competition woodwind and saxophone ensembles.  When Addy plays her saxophone, her sound just pulls you in.  She will definitely be missed in the music department upon her graduation!  Congratulations, Addy!” Matt Nevers, high school band teacher.

“Addy is not only one of the most talented students I have, she is also one of the most reliable. She has always gone well beyond the course requirements in the quantity and quality of her project, putting in a lot of extra research and attention on detail. Throughout the courses, Addy demonstrated great perseverance and initiative. Not only was she interested in and motivated to learn the material, but she also put great work into assimilating it to her own experience and developing her own ideas about each work she created,” Lesley Macaulay, middle/high art teacher.

“Addy is a positive role model who always settles for nothing but the best in herself. It is no wonder she excels in everything she does. Addy has many admirable qualities. She is sincere, driven, and genuine. However, the trait I respect the most about her is her ability to stay true to herself and her convictions no matter what. This will take her far in life. Congratulations, Addy! You have a bright future ahead of you,” Susan Niehaus, 3rd grade teacher.

Jaycie Runde

Jaycie has lived in Mineral Point her whole life with her parents Jay and Vickie, and her two older siblings, Travis and Kayla. She also has a sister-in-law Kira, brother-in-law Michael, and nephew and niece, Mason and Ella.

Jaycie is a member of both the volleyball and track teams. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Youth Group, Blue Crew, FBLA, editor of the yearbook, and was the vice president of her class for three years.

Jaycie spent this past summer working at Lands’ End five days of the week, averaging about 40 hours per week. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Although Jaycie is still undecided on where she is going to college, she plans to attend a four year university and pursue a career in business.

During her time at Mineral Point High School, Mrs. Kris McCoy and Mrs. Kristin Staver have greatly influenced her life in and out of school. They have been a second mom to her all throughout her life. Although Mrs. McCoy does not teach her everyday, she has been her librarian since elementary school. Mrs. McCoy is always willing to help students at any time of the day. Mrs. Staver has coached Jaycie in almost every aspect of life. She is always telling people to be confident and go for their dreams. Jaycie will truly miss these two teachers and she would like to say thank you to Mrs. McCoy and Mrs. Staver for everything they have done for her.

To conclude, she would again like to thank the Kiwanis Club for honoring her as Student of the Month. It is truly an honor to receive this recognition.

“Jaycie’s willingness to take feedback and apply it in order to improve has allowed her to set and crush goals in all facets of her life. Her quick smile and positive attitude create a wonderful school and classroom culture,” Molly Uppena, high school English teacher.

“Jaycie Runde continues to be the sweet, quiet young woman reflected by the little girl who stepped into kindergarten so many years ago. She’s kind and caring and works hard in her composed manner. But, Jaycie, we can see the lovely young woman you have become.  Always work diligently and keep that smile on your face!” Jill McGuire, kindergarten teacher.

“Musician Billy Cox once said, ‘The two things in life you are in total control over are your attitude and your effort.’  As long as I have known Miss Jaycie Runde, she has always had the best attitude and has always given 100% effort in everything she does.  Jaycie’s sweet smile tells it all.  I have not only had the pleasure of teaching Jaycie, but have been able to work with her in yearbook, forensics, volleyball, and track.  Jaycie is truly the glue that keeps the group together. Her true gift is how she can always pick someone up when they are down and look on the bright side. I have always loved her desire to learn new information and her ability to push herself to the next level. I will truly miss Jaycie next year but can’t wait to see what the future holds for this beautiful, kind young lady!” Kristin Staver, high school English teacher.

“Jaycie has excellent communication skills and is an exceptional student with a pleasant personality.  I’ve had the pleasure of being her teacher for several different courses throughout her high school career.  Jaycie will unquestionably become a great leader in whatever the future brings,” Lesley Macaulay, middle/high school art teacher.

“Jaycie has a compassion for others that sets her apart. I have always been impressed by her sensitivity toward others and their feelings. This along with her sweet smile and positive attitude are what I remember most about her. My best wishes to you Jaycie! You are very deserving of this recognition and certain to be successful in life,” Susan Niehaus, 3rd grade teacher.