The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its March Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, March 19 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.
Riese Federman
Riese Federman has lived her whole life with her parents, John and Tricia, and her sister Jerra in Mineral Point. She would like to thank the Kiwanis Club and her teachers for giving her the honor of being Student of the Month. Riese would also like to congratulate her Co-Student of the Month Danny Pittz.
During the school year, Riese is involved in many extracurricular activities. These involve Mock Trial, Key Club, Book Club, National Honor Society, a Blue Crew member, and a varsity soccer player. These clubs have given Riese opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills. Of all the activities Riese takes part in, Key Club has had the biggest impact on her. Riese has been a member of the Key Club for all four years of high school. Key Club has taught Riese that even the smallest contributions to her community make a big difference. Soccer has also had a big impact on Riese’s life. Riese has been playing soccer since she was five years old. Soccer has taught Riese leadership, the value of hard work, time management, and the meaning of teamwork and friendship. She cannot believe it is her last year of playing, but she knows this year is going to be filled with great opportunities for not only her, but her teammates as well.
Outside of school, Riese works at Lands’ End in the mornings before school. This was a challenge for her at first, but it is now just part of her routine.
In high school, Riese has enjoyed taking many science, math, history, English, and Spanish classes. Although these classes challenge her, she tries her hardest to understand all the material. Next year Riese will be attending The University of Wisconsin-Platteville to major in biology. She would like to thank her parents and sister for always supporting her and pushing her to be the best version of herself.
“Riese plays in the midfield for Dodge-Point soccer. She is a true competitor. She works hard in practice and gives her best effort in our matches as well. I’ve come to appreciate her as a realist who doesn’t like to mince words. Having said that, Riese shows kindness to those around her and genuinely cares for others. She has many qualities that I know will carry her far in the future.” ~ Erik Bakken, Head Girls Soccer Coach
“It has been a wonderful joy watching Riese grow and develop as a student and as a person these past four years. She has become a strong and confident young woman, yet she is always willing to ask for and accept help or suggestions when needed. Congratulations on this very deserved award, Riese! I can’t wait to see what your future holds and where your hard work will take you!” ~ Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher
“Even when Reese Federman was very young, she always showed her bubbly personality to others. She is friendly and smart and an all-around get things done kind of girl. Here’s to you, Reese! Congratulations and Good Luck in the future!” ~ Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I had the benefit to work with and get to know Riese Federman as a cheerleader. She is a very caring and intelligent young lady. There are many expectations to be a cheerleader such as being respectful, responsible, look at things positively, work hard, and do your part. Riese excelled in all of these areas. She was able to juggle multiple things at a time. While putting in the numerous hours of practice, wrestling matches and tournaments, she was still able to maintain a high-grade point average. This says what a hard worker and responsible person she is. I wish her the best of luck in her next chapter of life.” ~ Judy Pelton, Middle School Instructional Assistant and Former Wrestling Cheerleading Coach
Danny Pittz
Danny is the youngest child in a family of seven which includes his mom, Teresa, dad, Troy, two older sisters, an older brother and an older cousin who lives with his family.
He is currently a senior at Mineral Point High School who is involved in many extra-curricular activities which include being a three-sport athlete in the sports of wrestling, golf, and football, President of the FFA, National Honor Society, National Junior Swine Association, Skills USA, Youth Group, and Blue Crew Member.
He plans to attend Southwest Tech to pursue a degree in electrical power distribution and hopefully get a job as a lineman upon his college graduation in the spring of 2020. His ultimate goal is to be employed by Alliant Energy in Mineral Point where he would like to settle down and start a family.
Danny enjoys being outside and spending time with livestock, which is why he enjoys his job as a farmhand at May Cattle Company and raising his show pigs each summer, which are exhibited at county and state fair. In addition to raising show pigs and working at May Cattle Company, Danny enjoys spending time with his family and friends doing activities such as jet-skiing, campfires, golf-outings, and working on his grandmother’s farm.
Danny has been lucky to have many teachers and individuals that have impacted him greatly, but one, in particular, is his wrestling/golf coach and gym teacher, Mr. Scott Schmitz. Mr. Schmitz has left a lasting impact on Danny due to the life lessons he has taught him in and out of the classroom and sports scene. Mr. Schmitz has taught him to be a more responsible, hard-working, and polite individual. Their relationship extends beyond school-sponsored events, as they do activities together such as trips to Cabela’s, attending college wrestling matches, golf-outings, and hanging tree stands at their hunting cabin.
Danny would like to thank the Kiwanis members and congratulate Riese on being selected as a Student of the Month.
“Danny is a very sweet and respectful young man. He is one of the most polite high schoolers I know. His grade point average and other accomplishments show great work ethic. When he believes in something he shows self-motivation and dedication to accomplish the task. Danny’s a great role model for all other students…a true leader.” ~ Judy Pelton, Middle School Instructional Assistant
“Danny is one of the most outstanding students I have had the chance to work with. He is polite, hardworking, and a wonderful person.” ~ Justin Leonard, High School Special Education Teacher and Assistant Football Coach
“Danny Pittz has proved to be an all-around student. I am not surprised he is being honored in this way as his hard work has always been evident with his accomplishments in and out of the classroom! He works hard to gain recognition in his FFA endeavors, which include many service opportunities. In addition, he has also accomplished several sports awards. But most of all Danny is an amazing young man. He often takes time for others, young and old. He is a natural leader. Congratulations, Danny! Enjoy your promising future! Good luck next year!” ~ Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Thank you, Danny for your unending kindness, respect, and graciousness to students of all abilities.” ~ Janis Needham, High School Special Education Teacher
“Danny has been such a great role model and positive personality in our Advisory Class. Though we meet only once a week, he is always willing to volunteer new ideas to make the school a better environment, help others in and out of the classroom, and fill in where needed with our service projects. Even just passing in the halls, Danny is always smiling, greeting his peers and teachers, and offering to assist throughout the building. His demeanor, professionalism, kindness, consideration, and drive will take him far in life!” ~ Ashley McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“Danny, you are an incredible young man and thrive in everything you take on. You should be so proud of the leader you have become and I can’t wait to see where your future takes you. I know I can always count on you brightening my day with your big smile and always saying hello. Enjoy every minute you have left in high school; it goes too fast. P.S. I’ll never let you forget the times I babysat you as a baby and as adorable as you were, you cried and cried every time.” ~ Lesley Macaulay, Middle/High School Art Teacher
“Danny Pittz is a ‘one of a kind’ person. He is great with classmates, awesome with underclassmen, and a role model for elementary students. He is such a positive influence in school and is always willing to stop and talk with anyone, student or adult. I know his parents have to be proud of him because every teacher in school couldn’t be more proud to have Danny represent our school district. He will succeed no matter what direction he chooses to go. He will be missed next year at MPHS.” ~ Mitch Wainwright, Superintendent and High School Principal
“Danny Pittz is one of the politest and most respectful students that I have had in my twelve years of teaching. He is kind and empathetic to all staff members and his peers. He is the type of student and athlete who takes the initiative to help others around him who may be struggling with a concept or skill. Just yesterday, as we were cleaning up from the SWAL Math Competition, the custodial staff was struggling to move a table from one of the rooms. I left the room, and when I returned, Danny was there assisting them. Danny, I want you to know that these acts of kindness definitely do not go unnoticed. You display exactly the level of character and leadership desired for members of the National Honor Society, and I am very thankful that I have been able to be your advisor. Danny, thank you for making Mineral Point High School a better place by leading by example. I wish all of the best.” ~ Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher