The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its February Students of the Month at a virtual meeting Tuesday, February 2. The Kiwanis Club is meeting via Zoom during the pandemic.
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.
Tatum Novak
Tatum Novak would like to begin her statement by thanking Kiwanis for awarding her with Student of the Month. She would also like to congratulate Chloe Oberhauser on her academic achievements and is excited to be attending the same college as her!
Tatum Novak’s family consists of her father, Chad, her step-mother, Jenny, and her three siblings: Layla, Dayne, and Adley. She is the oldest of the four children, meaning she is an important role model to the younger kids.
Throughout her academic career at Mineral Point High School, Tatum has made great efforts to participate in as much as she could. Even though Tatum spent most of her time committed to obtaining outstanding grades, she has found time to be involved in basketball, softball, math team, band, Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, and student council. Within all of these extracurricular activities, Tatum would have to say that FBLA has been her favorite. She has created lifelong friendships along the way and enjoyed the thrill of competing for regional and state placements. This school year, she proudly became the secretary of FBLA.
Outside of school, most of Tatum’s free time is spent working. This fall, she worked two jobs: an order filler at Lands’ End and a sandwich artist at Subway. Even with these time-consuming activities, Tatum managed to bring home straight As and even bump her GPA up to 3.972.
When Tatum is not working or doing schoolwork, she can be found hanging out with friends, creating those unforgettable high school memories. Her favorite thing to do is very simple: bond with her friends. Tatum is very thankful for the friendships she has obtained while attending MPHS.
Next year, Tatum is attending UW-Madison and will be majoring in nutritional science. After her four years of college, she plans on working a short-term job. This is because, if needed, she wants to get her master’s degree at Arizona State. With this master’s degree, she hopes she can get her dream job: working with pro-athletes on their diets based on their muscle mass, weight, etc.
Lastly, Tatum would like to thank her teachers, classmates, and the administration for helping her four years of high school be unforgettable. Tatum specifically thanks Mr. Matt Austin for always believing in her. Mr. Austin was always there when Tatum needed to talk to someone; whether it was stress bringing down her mood, or outside problems, she was able to confide in him. Tatum would also like to thank her parents for pushing her to be the best version of herself.
“Tatum is one of those girls who is a go-getter. She is brave in putting her thoughts together and speaks from the heart. She is confident in everything she participates in from academics to club participation and goes for what she wants. Tatum has a bright future ahead of her and being selected for Kiwanis Student of the Month is just the start of her capabilities. Good luck in your future endeavors, Tatum.” ~ Janet Lawinger, High School Administrative Assistant
“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 such a kind heart and I truly believe that wherever your future takes you, you will be successful. Thanks for all the memories.” ~ Lesley Macaulay, Middle/High School Art Teacher
“Tatum, as you complete your senior year and continue to write your story, I am excited because of the bright future you hold. Your determination and attributes that have helped you get this far will serve you well and help you reach your goals. Congratulations; 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
“Tatum Novak is determined, energetic, and outspoken. She has been an active member of FBLA and is currently serving as our FBLA chapter secretary. As an officer, Tatum poses challenging questions and contributes great ideas. She has earned her way to the FBLA State Leadership Conference in her competitive events, both her sophomore and junior years. I expect that when results for this year’s virtual Regional Conference are announced later this week that she again will qualify for the State Leadership Conference. Congratulations as February Student of the Month and best wishes for the future.” ~ Kipalee Bakken, Middle/High School Business Teacher
Chloe Oberhauser
Chloe Oberhauser is the daughter of Bob and Julie Oberhauser. She has gone to the Mineral Point Unified School District since preschool. Chloe has two older brothers and one older sister that is one of her most significant role models. She would like to thank her parents for their help and stability throughout her high school career.
Chloe will be attending the University of Wisconsin – Madison in the fall and is planning to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering. She chose this degree because of her love for math and science and would like to thank her science teachers, Mr. Tom Steger and Ms. Erin Sincox, for growing her passion for the subject. She would also like to thank Mr. Ben McWilliams for expanding her knowledge of math.
Chloe has run cross country and track throughout high school. These sports, her coaches, Mr. Denny McGraw and Mr. Joe Hanson, and her teammates have taught her perseverance and to never give up on her goals. She has made great friends through these sports and is excited to compete in track and field in the upcoming months.
Chloe thanks the Kiwanis Club of Mineral Point for the honorable recognition of Student of the Month and cannot wait to continue her education at UW-Madison.
“Ever since elementary school Chloe has been a quiet, reserved girl, who has always been respectful when coming into the office. She has always put forth her best effort not only in her classes, but through every club she participates in. She has met her academic goals with ease and her strides in cross country and track have led her to be a fierce competitor. I’m sure that Chloe will do great things in her future, being successful in whatever career she chooses. Congratulations on being selected for Kiwanis Student of the Month. Go out and do great things.” ~ Janet Lawinger, High School Administrative Assistant
“Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month. You are an incredible young woman and thrive in everything you take on. You are academically gifted, hard-working, and have so many opportunities ahead. You should be so proud of the leader you have become and I can’t wait to see where your future takes you. Enjoy these last few months of high school; it all goes so fast.” ~ Lesley Macaulay, Middle/High School Art Teacher
“Chloe, congratulations on being selected as the Student of the Month for February. Thank you for being a part of Pointer Nation. Your ability to diligently work and problem solve will serve you well moving forward to the next chapter. Best wishes as you work towards your goals and in college next year.” ~ Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Chloe Oberhauser is a reserved, ambitious, and dedicated young lady. She demonstrates a strong work ethic and determination to put forth her best effort in all she does. Chloe has been a valued FBLA member for four years and serves on the officer team this year. Her ability to lead and work successfully with a team has been evident with the success she and her team have had competing in the FBLA Social Media Campaign event each of the past four years while facing very tough competition. Their team has prepared top notch presentations with little assistance or advice from me each year. Due to COVID, the FBLA State Leadership Conference last April did not take place so based on their presentation scores at Regional Leadership Conference from February, their Social Media Campaign presentation was submitted for judging at the virtual National Leadership Conference. I’m proud of the effort you and your team have put into your competitions and into helping our FBLA organization do good things for our school and community. You have been a leader by example and I have been able to count on you to help with any task. Congratulations as February Student of the Month. I wish you luck in your next chapter.” ~ Kipalee Bakken, Middle/High School Business Teacher
(Novak photo by Ann Gorgen, Oberhauser photo by Lifka Bennett)