The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club was set to honor its April Students of the Month at an in-person meeting, but unfortunately the pandemic altered those plans. #PointerNation would like to take this opportunity to honor Natalie Chitwood and Maggie Schubert virtually.
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.
Natalie Chitwood
Natalie Chitwood was raised in Mineral Point. She is the oldest of three girls; their parents are Dan and Kristen Chitwood.
She enjoys reading (particularly Jane Austen!) and is learning to knit. She also likes fandoms, musicals, art, animals, history, and cooking.
Natalie is going to be a full-time volunteer minister for Jehovah’s Witnesses when she graduates. She wants to help people by teaching them about the Bible and Jehovah God. Eventually, she wants to work at Jehovah’s Witnesses’ headquarters in New York or in translation work. She is excited to spend her life in the best way possible!
“Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month. You have come so far in the past four years, not only with your artistic talent but your leadership skills as well. Now, look at where you’re at, ready to go out in the world with this beautiful and creative mind that will do wonderful things. You have worked so hard to become the designer you are today; please do not give up on your talent. You have such a kind heart and I truly believe that wherever your future takes you, you will be successful. Thanks for all the memories and good luck next year.” ~ Lesley Macaulay, Middle/High School Art Teacher
“Natalie Chitwood has shown her sweet smile and kind heart in all she has done. Natalie always worked hard and I recall seeing her with her nose in a book quite often during elementary school. Since then, I have enjoyed watching her from afar as she grew into such a beautiful young lady. Natalie is a hard worker as always, and I especially have enjoyed seeing her art projects as I roam the halls at MPHS. Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month, Natalie! Good Luck in the future! I can’t wait to see what life brings you!” ~ Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I have had the pleasure of Natalie in my Spanish classes for the past four years. The poor child has had to endure many bad jokes over these years along with learning a new language! One of the things that I admire most about Natalie, is her ability to stay true to her values. I have probably learned more for her than she has from me. Natalie, you are a hard working young lady and anything is possible for your future. I wish you all the best!” ~ Jenny Wahlin, High School Spanish Teacher
“I’ve known Natalie for quite some time now, going back to the days I worked at the elementary school. She has always been shy, but always respectful and kind when she comes to the office. Natalie has taken a variety of courses such as Greenhouse, Intro to Tech, Welding, Art, Graphic Design, College English, and Italian which has made her a well-rounded student. Natalie is following her passion by becoming a full-time volunteer for Jehovah’s Witnesses. I wish her much success in her future.” ~ Janet Lawinger, High School Administrative Assistant
“If I were to describe Natalie, I would use the words eager to learn, talented, and caring. To me, these qualities are going to aid in your success and help you reach your goals. Natalie, thank you for being a positive example for underclassmen and your community. You are very deserving of the Student of the Month Award. Your future is bright and I am sure that you will accomplish amazing things.” ~ Matt Austin, High School Principal
Maggie Schubert
Maggie Schubert is a senior at Mineral Point High School. She is a daughter of Mike and Angie Schubert, and has two brothers, Ryan and Luke, and one sister, Jessica. Maggie would like to begin by congratulating her classmate, Natalie Chitwood, for receiving this great honor, and all of her accomplishments thus far to be made April’s Student of the Month. She would also like to express her appreciation to Mineral Point Kiwanis for allowing her to be a part of such an honor.
Maggie grew up on a grain farm outside of Mineral Point with her parents and siblings. Her childhood consisted of raising and showing pigs at the Iowa County Fair, Wisconsin State Fair, National Barrow Show in Minnesota, and various other state competitions. She helps on the farm wherever her dad needs her, whether it’s washing equipment, hauling seed and fertilizer, driving tractor and grain cart, mowing the lawn, or making sure garbage is picked up.
In addition to showing pigs, her other great passion has always been basketball. She has played both basketball and softball since first grade. Most weekends were busy showing pigs or playing ball. Throughout high school, Maggie has been involved in many clubs and activities. Maggie is a member of the FFA, Skills USA, Future Business Leaders of America, Blue Crew, and National Honor Society. Maggie has been a member of the FFA for five years and held two officer positions. She was FFA Treasurer as a junior and is currently FFA Secretary as a senior.
Outside of school, she is very involved in 4-H. She has been a member of the Jonesdale Jays 4-H Club for eleven years where she has served as treasurer for four years. Maggie has shown swine for more than eight years at county and state fairs. She is an active member of her church and attends service regularly with her family. She assists with youth activities such as Sunday School and Holy Day programs. Maggie helps organize and serve during church fish boils and salad luncheons. She has also helped organize fundraisers such as rummage sales for youth camp opportunities. She enjoys visiting clients at the local elderly care center for Inspirational Moments. During this time, she shares stories and experiences. She also enjoys playing bingo with residents during special holiday parties sponsored by the church ladies.
Community activities that Maggie participates in are the Iowa County Fair Association, Iowa County Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa County Cancer Coalition, Iowa County Suicide Prevention, Don Hawkins Community Oak Savanna, Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, and Highway Clean Up. She was an American Legion Auxiliary Badger Girls State representative for Mineral Point in June 2019.
Maggie has had many different jobs from babysitting, summer maintenance at Mineral Point Schools, front desk clerk at Premier Co-op in Mineral Point, and clerical assistant at See-Mor Grain in Darlington. In her free time, Maggie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, listening to music, watching Netflix, going to movies, and of course, shopping.
Maggie will be attending UW-Platteville with intentions of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with an Animal Science minor. As a college freshman, she wants to join an organization and be involved in groups and activities around campus. Maggie plans to continue working part-time at the grain elevator so she can pay toward her education. Future plans include pursuing a chiropractic degree, which she could use for the treatment of animals as well as humans. Her hope is to have an office/clinic close to home and be able to also help with her family grain farm operation.
Maggie would like to thank the teachers, advisors, coaches, and administration for always being supportive and willing to help. Maggie would also like to thank her neighbors, community members, and the greatest friends who have given her support over the past 18 years. Last but not least, Maggie would like to thank her family. “Mom and Dad — you’ve shown me what hard work can accomplish. I will continue to do my best like you always tell me.”
“Maggie Schubert is a kind, poised young lady with lots of talent. From her agriculture background to her academic career, she has shown promise as an all-around student. It has been a pleasure to watch Maggie become a helpful young lady over the years through her summer work at school. I wish her the best. Good luck in your future endeavors, Maggie! Hopefully you will be able to celebrate soon!” ~ Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I’ve known Maggie since she was very young both in elementary school and 4-H. She stayed active in sports and has taken two college English classes, as well as two from SWTC, to assist her in preparing for college. Maggie has taken most, if not all, Ag courses and is a good representative for the Mineral Point FFA. I wish the best for Maggie as she starts college searching for a career in Biology.” ~ Janet Lawinger, High School Administrative Assistant
“Congratulations on being selected as the Student of the Month for April. As you complete your senior year and continue your path in education, I am excited for you because of the bright future you hold. Your determination and positive attitude will serve you well and help you reach your goals. Thank you for all that you have done for Pointer Nation. Best of luck with your future.” ~ Matt Austin, High School Principal
“For the past four years, Maggie has also had to endure my many bad jokes and dorky teaching style! I’m pretty sure she is usually laughing at me, not with me! Maggie even took a chance to come along on the Costa Rica trip. We had many crazy, fun, and very sweaty, but educational, adventures on that trip! Maggie has many admirable traits, but her ‘stick with it’ attitude is awesome! I think that, at times, Spanish can be challenging for Maggie, but she never gives up or gives in. That is so important, both now and moving forward in life. Keep up the hard work, Miss Maggs. I know you will succeed in anything you choose because of your work ethic! I wish you all the best (including a big bag of homemade caramel corn)!” ~ Jenny Wahlin, High School Spanish Teacher