October's Students of the Month are Zoë Hay and Michaela Acherman.
The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its October Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, October 2 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 high school, and their biographies are written by themselves.
These are the first Students of the Month for the 2018-19 school year.
Michaela Acherman
Michaela’s family has been extremely supportive of her in pursuing her goals and dreams. Michaela’s parents, Mark and Stephanie Acherman, are both teachers at Darlington Elementary/Middle School. They are not only wonderful school teachers, but also the best life teachers. She has two brothers Bryce, who is a freshman, and Reid who is a sixth grader. She would like to thank her family for all of their love and guidance over the years.
Michaela’s favorite hobbies throughout high school have been participating in the musicals, band, and choir, and cheerleading. She has also enjoyed being in forensics, FBLA, Key Club, and Book Club.
Outside of school, Michaela enjoys baking, hunting, working out, and spending time with her family and friends. On Sundays, she enjoys teaching music and helping out with the Sunday School at the United Methodist Church. Throughout her high school career, she has babysat for multiple families. She loves kids and being a positive influence on them.
Michaela is planning on attending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville or the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She is planning on going into either elementary education or dietetics.
Michaela would like to give a special thank you to two teachers who have helped her throughout her high school career. Mrs. Cindi Nothem and Mr. Tom Steger are always there to support her with extra help, a listening ear, and to offer advice.
She would like to congratulate Zoë, who is so deserving of this honor. She would also like to thank Kiwanis and her school for choosing her as a Student of the Month. Finally, she would like to thank her family, church, and community for shaping her into the person she is today.
“Michaela was ‘a second generation’ student for me as I taught her mother when she was in fifth grade and her great-grandmother was also an assistant in my classroom when fifth grade was in the middle school. Thus, Michaela and I loved sharing stories about her family. When I think of this young lady, smiles and giggles are what come to my mind. She was always lighting up the room with excitement and enthusiasm. Her many talents allowed her to excel in so many activities. Michaela practiced kindness and her gentle soul was always ready to try to cheer up her classmates. I always had to laugh at the fact Michaela came to fifth grade each day with ribbons in her hair and beautiful dresses, but on the weekends she would put on her ‘camo’ and head out with her dad and neighbor boys to go hunting. It has been a pleasure watching this talented student and friend reach out to challenges. Continue to live your life with love.” Lifka Bennett, Michaela’s Fifth Grade Teacher
“Michaela Acherman is fun, friendly, and compassionate. She always has a kind and welcoming smile for everyone she sees. It has been exciting to see her transformation from a shy young girl in her elementary school years to a confident young lady able to share her talents in front of large crowds. She is eager to learn, conscientious, and pays great attention to detail. She is driven, goal oriented, and gives 100 percent in all she does. Her involvement and accomplishments are many and I wish Michaela the best of luck in the future!” Kipalee Bakken, Business Teacher
“Michaela Acherman is a sweet, kind young lady with many wonderful qualities. In kindergarten, she was a helper and always took pride in her work, which definitely has followed her through her school years. Michaela is wonderful with young children and her enthusiasm is sure to help her find success in many areas. Congratulations, Michaela! Have a fun senior year!” Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“It has been a true pleasure working with Michaela these past three years. She is always friendly and polite, has a glowing smile on her face whenever I see her outside of class, and she is a wonderful role model for her peers and younger students. Michaela has worked extremely hard throughout her high school career to overcome some of her own nerves surrounding academics. The confidence that she has gained in herself will surely transpire as she leaves Mineral Point High School. There is no doubt in my mind that Michaela has a successful and positive future ahead of her.” Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher
“Michaela–congratulations on being Student of the Month. You are truly the definition of what this award means. I have had the pleasure of not only being your teacher but your cousin as well. I’ve loved every moment of watching you grow up from this cute, bubbly little princess to an amazing, compassionate leader. People have always been drawn to your beautiful personality and fun-loving nature. There is no doubt in my mind you will carry that with you through the rest of high school and into your future. Just remember to “stay you, you’re perfect just the way you are.” I found this poem for you…
Always remember you are
Braver than you believe,
Stronger than you seem,
Smarter than you think and
Loved more than you know.
I’m so proud of you Michaela.” Lesley Macaulay, Middle/High School Art Teacher
“Michaela is the kind of person who works and works and works to get something right! I am so impressed by her perseverance as she strives to perfect whatever she is working on, especially since she is frequently working on multiple things at the same time due to her involvement in extra-curricular activities and her commitment to excelling in school.” Kris McCoy, High School Librarian
“Michaela Acherman has served as a terrific role model throughout her high school career, particularly in the MPHS Music Department. Her work ethic, desire to improve, friendliness, and dedication are just a few of the qualities that she brings to the MPHS Vocal Program. She has also represented the school and program at District and State Solo and Ensemble competitions, multiple state choral festivals, and in the Musical Theatre productions. Her interpretations as Alice in The Addams’ Family, and Dragonette and Little Pig in Shrek the Musical were absolutely astounding and memorable. I am thrilled to see how she takes on her new role of Lady Larken in this year’s production of Once Upon a Mattress! I have always appreciated and admired her commitment, positivity, and passion for music and teamwork. Michaela has earned awards for Best Sophomore Soprano I, Best Attitude, Soprano Section Leader 2017, and Musicianship for HS Choir, and Most Dependable Singer and Most Open-Minded Actress for Musical Theatre. I am grateful for her energy, determination, and smile on a regular basis, and am excited to see her blossom even more as a leader, musician, and person during her senior year.” Ashley McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“My dear Michaela, you are a ray of sunlight during a stressful day! You are a conscientious student who strives to be the very best ‘Michaela’ you can be. Not only do you work hard in your numerous activities, you think of others too. Whether making cookies for class and friends, or helping out others with the Quizzlets you make for all to study from, you work hard to make life easier and happier for others! You worry about being prepared enough for quizzes and tests, yet you are always ready. When I’m planning a review, I think to myself…is this complete? What questions will Michaela have? I can truly say that you have challenged me to become a better teacher since I have had you in class. It has been a pleasure to see you blossom into a caring, intelligent, and beautiful young woman. I know you have a great future ahead of you after you finish here at MPHS. Go get ‘em!” Jenny Wahlin, High School Spanish Teacher
“I have gotten to know Michaela through her involvement in the high school musical and through having her as a student in class. She has a warm friendly personality and a kind and caring spirit. She is deeply committed to her academics and has developed the self-advocacy skills that will be necessary to succeed in life. It is impossible to miss Michaela’s bubbly personality and the smile that is always present on her face.” Jason Smith, High School English Teacher
Zoë Hay
Zoë Hay is the daughter of Don and Lisa Hay. She was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Mineral Point in 2007 just before starting first grade. She has a 28-year-old brother named Zack who currently lives in Austin, Texas. She has a poodle named Daizy and two cats named Gordon Whitefoot and Night Sky.
She really cannot believe that she is a senior and that next year she will be in college. During high school, Zoë has participated in Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Forensics, Mock Trial, and Student Government. She is a member of the National Honor Society and teaches English to native Spanish-speakers.
Zoë enjoys skiing, traveling, hiking, and photography. Zoë has worked at High Street Sweets since it opened.
Zoë has spent much of her recent free time writing college applications. At this point, it seems like a hobby. Zoë currently does not know where she will be attending college. It could be anywhere. She does not know what she wants to study but knows it will be something to do with languages, history, math, chemistry, or international relations. Given her uncertainty, she plans to attend a liberal arts college.
Zoë would like to thank all of her teachers not only for what they taught her but for being so supportive over the years. Zoë would like to give a special thank you to Lifka Bennett for encouraging her to be the best student she could be and to Di Sterba for instilling an early love of Spanish in her.
She would like to congratulate Michaela Acherman for also being honored as Student of the Month. Zoë thanks her teachers for selecting her and Michaela, and the Kiwanis for honoring them. She would finally like to thank her parents for their love and support.
“Throughout all my years of teaching fifth grade, I was blessed to have relationships with so many students and parents that continued far beyond the classroom, and Zoë and her parents are examples of these special people. Zoë came into my classroom full of excitement and curiosity. Her gentle personality was so unselfish and she was always thinking of other students. She never had to be ‘the first one’ with any of our activities. In fact, Zoë would wait patiently and allow her other classmates to go ahead of her and always had encouraging words to share when a classmate was having a bad moment. What intrigued me the most about Zoë was her understanding of humanity and her desire to learn as much as possible about our vast world. Due to all of her family traveling, Zoë often took over the role of teaching her classmates as she knew more than I did on several topics. Throughout the middle and high school years, our conversations continued each and every time I saw her. The future for this young lady is going to be filled with adventures, accomplishments, challenges, and success. You will make a difference in this world as you spread kindness and compassion on your new journey.” Lifka Bennett, Zoë’s Fifth Grade Teacher
“Zoë Hay is a compassionate and genuine young lady who is beautiful inside and out. I count myself lucky to have gotten to know her through her time here at MPHS as a student, FBLA member, and personally as a classmate and friend of my son. She is a dedicated, hardworking, student and leader who strives to do her best in absolutely everything she attempts. She multi tasks and juggles so many hats in her school and community and does it all so well. Zoë has been an active FBLA member all four years in high school. She has excelled in competition at the Regional and State level in FBLA and was member of a team that qualified and competed at National Leadership Conference in Baltimore this past June. I am proud to be working with Zoë as our FBLA president this year. Congratulations, Zoë! Best wishes!” Kip Bakken, Business Teacher
“Zoë is a quiet young lady with a very bright future. I have had the opportunity to work with Zoë in a large group of staff, community, and board members. She is well spoken and has many excellent ideas. Her contributions to our district strategic plan helped shape the direction for years to come. Not many high school students can say they have had that kind of impact on their school. Hopefully, when Zoë leaves us, she will look back with pride at how she has left the Mineral Point School District in a better place.” Mitch Wainwright, Interim Superintendent and High School Principal
“Although I didn’t know Zoë as well, I have watched her grow from a shy, quiet young girl into a wonderful, independent young lady. She is sure to continue her hard work in the future and ensure herself a successful future! Congratulations, Zoë! Have a super year!” Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“In the short time that I have been here, I have come to know Zoë Hay a person that is deeply committed to her academic school work. For those of you that don’t know her, she is warm, friendly, and welcoming. One thing in particular that I have noticed about Zoë is her willingness to assist anyone in need of help. Her attitude and effort will carry her far in life without a doubt.” Jason Smith, High School English Teacher
“Zoë is a triple threat in learning — she has great background knowledge, is well read, and she consistently challenges herself to learn new things. On top of that, she is a pleasure to work with and makes our community better through her kindness and her service.” Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“Clergyman John C. Maxwell states that, ‘A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.’ I believe this quote perfectly summarizes the student leadership of Zoë Hay. Zoë is extremely talented and hardworking in and outside of the classroom. Her commitment to service and the Key Club are truly inspirational. Thanks to her dedication and countless hours of preparation, our students have been able to participate in a Day of Service and the opportunity to give back to the community who so graciously supports our schools. When students are selected for induction into the National Honor Society, as their advisor, one of the things that I always share with them is that I want to be able to walk down the hallways at any given time and be able to say to any student walking alongside me, ‘Do you see that person? You should want to be like them.’ Zoë is exactly that person.” Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher