The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its December Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, December 4 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.
Maddie Faull
To begin, Maddie is very honored to have been chosen as a student of the month by Kiwanis and would also like to congratulate her classmate Brady Palzkill.
Maddie Faull has been a part of the Mineral Point School District since kindergarten, and before that, she lived in Linden and Iowa. She currently lives with her Mom, Kimberly, whom she would like to thank for always being so strong and doing everything for her, and her brother Garrett, whom she has just started to get along with. Alongside them lives two cats and a 100 lb lap dog named Odie. Her dad, Tom, Stepmom, Michelle, and little sister, Alexis, currently reside in Middleton. She would like to thank them for always making her laugh and being there for her.
In school, Maddie participates in Mock Trial, which went to state last year for the first time, Math Team, Key Club, Student Government, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She deeply enjoys soccer, so she plays nearly year round with activities like fall club soccer, winter indoor soccer, and high school spring soccer. Maddie feels very fortunate and grateful to be able to play with a team that she loves.
In her freetime, Maddie enjoys painting, singing, skiing, hiking, and being around animals, which is why she volunteers at the Iowa County Humane Society. Maddie has a passion for learning and likes to help others feel the same, so she enjoys tutoring middle school math students during RTI.
Maddie plans to attend either the University of Wisconsin-Madison or the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to pursue a degree in the science or engineering field, whether it be chemistry, genetics, biology, or environmental engineering. Depending on her major, she hopes to be either a doctor, an environmental engineer, or a researcher so that she has the ability to make a difference in the world.
Finally, Maddie would like to thank all of her teachers, but especially her wonderful science teachers, Mr. Matt Austin and Mr. Tom Steger, for giving her a passion for science. She would also like to thank her math teacher, Mr. Ben McWilliams (or Dub), for making math seem possible.
“Maddie is a quiet young lady with a lot of good ideas. She was part of the Safety Committee for the school district as a sophomore and did a nice job representing the student perspective. As she has grown here at school she has taken on a more vocal approach and is now helping shape the Student Council with her ideas. I have seen a wonderful progression in Maddie and know she will conquer anything she sets her mind to do.” ~ Mitch Wainwright, Interim Superintendent and High School Principal
“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Maddie Faull in my Advanced Placement Language class. She has demonstrated herself to be an attentive and compassionate young lady who cares deeply about her studies and loves to learn. She has a delightful sense of humor and is admired by faculty and peers alike. Two things that I have particularly come to appreciate about Maddie are that she usually has a fresh take on any given topic that we are discussing in class, and she is always willing to share her ideas. She is absolutely deserving of this recognition.” ~ Jason Smith, High School English Teacher
“Maddie is smart, thoughtful, willing to participate, and best of all, she jumps at opportunities to share her many talents and help other students with their learning. Maddie consistently advocates for others and is open to new perspectives, both of which will be great assets as she pursues her dreams. I thoroughly enjoy working and learning with her and know she is ready to succeed at the next level. Best of luck to you, Maddie!” ~ Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“Writing in support of Maddie is a great joy for me. Her development as a soccer player has been deliberate, becoming a player who understands her role on the field and the roles of those around her. Maddie has become a positive force among her teammates with a knack for knowing when to offer kind words of encouragement or occasionally being more direct when expressing her expectations of the team. As a defender on her team, Maddie is patient and methodical, but is ever aware when an opportunity presents itself to pounce on the opposition with positive results. She is dependable, plays without fear, and is truly fun and exciting to watch. Off of the field, Madisen is a thoughtful, intelligent, and particularly focused person. Best of luck to you, Maddie, as you graduate and move on to bigger and more complex challenges!” ~ Erik Bakken, Head Dodge-Point Girls Soccer Coach
“During my time with Maddie Faull as a student, she has developed as a musician rapidly, fully committed to varying projects, and taken on multiple opportunities. She always comes to class prepared and armed with a smile and optimistic attitude. Maddie regularly serves as a role model for her peers in her determination to improve, willingness to try new things, and thoughtfulness towards others. This year, she suggested that we collect donations for the Iowa County Humane Society at our Fall Choir Concert. Last year, she earned the choral award of Soprano I Enthusiasm for her encouraging persona, positivity, and team mentality. I have also had the pleasure of working with Maddie during the musical theatre productions after school. For our productions of ‘The Addams’ Family’ and ‘Shrek the Musical,’ she earned the awards for Best Stage Left Manager and the Biggest Smile Backstage, skills that were greatly appreciated and effective throughout the show runs. Maddie has also represented the MPHS vocal program in varying choral festivals across Wisconsin, including the 2017 and 2018 SWAL Honors Choir. Last year, she also competed in the Solo & Ensemble Competition, earning second place at the district level. In all of our community tours as an ensemble, I have always been able to rely on Maddie to represent the school and program in a positive light. I have enjoyed witnessing her balance and growth within her multiple interests over the last few years. Maddie’s kind personality, work ethic, self-motivation, and consideration for others will take her far.” ~ Ashley McHugh, High School Choir Teacher
“When I think about Maddie, the first word that comes to my mind is ‘involved.’ This girl has, without a doubt, taken advantage of nearly every opportunity offered at Mineral Point High School to explore her interests and passions. From soccer to math team, student council to band, Key Club to Science Club to Literature Club to Spanish Club to choir, and then throw in Mock Trial, Skills USA, and FBLA just to name a few more! One of my personal favorite activities that Maddie has been involved in this year is tutoring Middle School math students during RTI. Maddie approached me early this year to see if this would be helpful, and our math department couldn’t be more appreciative of her initiative to help during this time. Maddie – it has been a true pleasure working with you these past four years. You are leaving Mineral Point High School with so much experience in so many different areas. I can’t wait to see which life path you choose, but no matter what it is, I know you will do amazing things!” ~ Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher
Brady Palzkill
Brady is 18 years old and has lived in Mineral Point for his entire life. He is the son of John and Jennifer Palzkill.
Brady is very active in his school and community. He is an officer of Key Club, a member of National Honor Society, Mock Trial, Math Team, and Student Government. He participates in 4-H and FFA and competed at both national livestock judging competitions this year in Louisville and Indianapolis. He also has a passion for music and participates in band as well as musical theatre. In band, he is this year’s drum major, in addition to playing trombone and euphonium. In musical theatre he was the sound tech for all four years of high school. Brady also is a member of both the Dodge-Point soccer team and the Mineral Point golf team. He is involved in his community as a member of the Mineral Point Churches’ Youth Group and is excited to travel to Washington DC over the summer to participate in community service.
Brady works both as a calibration technician at BEC Controls Corporation, as well as a cashier at High Street Sweets. He believes both of these jobs teach him necessary life lessons that aren’t always able to be acquired in the classroom.
During the school day, Brady enjoys spending time in the math and science wing. His favorite classes are Physics, Calculus, and Computer Science. His proudest achievement this year, so far, is building the championship trebuchet in Physics class, aptly named “The Decepticon.” He enjoys problem solving and the satisfaction that comes with working hard on a complex problem and finding an answer.
Following graduation, Brady plans to go to college to study computer engineering at a Big 10 university. Brady has been accepted into the engineering program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities but is still awaiting a response from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His final goal is to be a computer engineer, working to create devices that will be cutting edge for the digital age. He hopes to work for a big tech company such as Google, Amazon, or SpaceX.
Brady would like to congratulate Maddie, and his classmates who have and will be recognized with the honor of Student of the Month. He would like to extend thanks to the Mineral Point Kiwanis for recognizing him as the December Student of the Month. He would also like to thank his parents, teachers, community, and peers who have given him unwarranted support and motivation for the past 18 years.
“Brady has demonstrated excellent leadership skills and developed into a true role model. He leads by example, takes responsibility for his words, and gives back to the school district. You could not ask for more out of a young man. Brady has provided technical support for classroom teachers and will be missed after he graduates.” ~ Mitch Wainwright, Interim Superintendent and High School Principal
“Over his high school career, Brady has been a great asset to the high school musical productions. He has given his talents and energy towards creating a great quality and balanced sound for the audience.” ~ Jeff David, Elementary Music Teacher
“Brady is smart, funny, helpful, and a leader inside the classroom and out. It has been a great pleasure to work with Brady over the years. More than once I have called upon him to help me solve a technology problem, and he always does! His willingness to help others and his curiosity are traits that will take him far. I wish you the best of luck, Brady, as you pursue your dreams!” ~ Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“I have gotten to know Brady these past four years through soccer. He’s a thoughtful person and player who considers his role on the field. He has developed from a typical player who is new to the sport into someone who works to implement strategy through technical play. More importantly, Brady is a bright, friendly individual who has a lot to offer. He is a great example of the kind of people that the Mineral Point Schools and community can grow. Brady is an innovator with the good character necessary to be someone who makes a real difference. I’m excited to see where he goes and what he does!” ~ Erik Bakken, Dodge-Point Assistant Boys Soccer Coach
“I have really enjoyed getting to know Brady as a student in my AP Language class and through his involvement with the high school musical. Through those two activities, I have known him to be an exceptionally bright, focused, and charismatic young man. I have appreciated his insightful participation in class and his precision handling technical aspects of the musical. Brady is high achieving, very helpful to his peers, highly regarded by faculty and staff, and very deserving of this recognition.” ~ Jason Smith, High School English Teacher
“I have truly enjoyed watching Brady mature into the talented young man that he is. Brady is not only intelligent, but very intuitive. He picked up on Spanish very quickly. Even though he is no longer in my class, I really enjoy our little greetings and short conversations in the hallway. Not only is Brady a great student, but he is “mi hombre de tecnología.” That is Spanish for “my technology man!” I don’t know what I would do without his tech expertise…just ask him! Congratulations on your Student of the Month honor, Brady. It’s well deserved!” ~ Jenny Wahlin, High School Spanish Teacher
“Brady Palzkill has served as the Sound Board Associate for at least the last three years in the MPHS Musical Theatre productions. This year, he took on the role of teaching his successor in the high-intensity position, and did so with care, patience, and diligence. Brady volunteered his time every year to set up the technical equipment before the production moved into the MP Opera House, and completely built the new receiver case that was purchased just a week before dress rehearsals. Though his role was behind the scenes, his fun-loving personality, flexibility, and attention to detail made a great impact on the shows’ success and the memories of all involved. Brady also regularly set up the light and sound system for many of the school functions and dances- something that I would not trust most students with by themselves. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Brady each year, and he will certainly be missed upon graduation. Surely, his drive, compassion, varied skill sets, and multi-faceted interests will aid him in all of his pursuits.” ~ Ashley McHugh, High School Choir Teacher
“I have had the pleasure of being Brady’s math teacher, math team advisor, and National Honor Society advisor, as well as his advisor for small student groups that meet weekly as part of Mineral Point High School’s RTI program to focus on character and leadership of students. In all of these organizations, Brady is a true student leader. He is very active during discussions, presents ideas to other students in an extremely mature and thought-provoking way, and is always willing to volunteer to aid or assist in any manner. Brady will be greatly missed when he leaves Mineral Point High School, but I couldn’t be more excited to see what the future will bring for this wonderful young man. Brady, I wish you all the best! Keep being awesome!” ~ Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher