The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its September Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, September 6.
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 2022-23 school year.
Griffin Albaugh
Griffin Albaugh is the youngest child of Daniel and Jessica Albaugh. He was born in Madison in 2004. He spent the first ten years of his life living in New Milford, Connecticut where he attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy. He moved back to Linden, Wisconsin in 2014 where he completed middle school at Iowa-Grant before eventually open enrolling in Mineral Point High School his freshman year.
Griffin has been involved in countless extracurricular activities throughout his tenure at Mineral Point. Griffin’s favorite extracurricular is the media program at Mineral Point. Griffin was part of the original “Wake Up Mineral Point” crew established in 2019. It is now his fourth and final year in the program, and he hopes to make the most of it. He has enjoyed every aspect of the program, including being a news anchor, radio broadcaster, meteorologist, camera operator, and more. Griffin’s favorite memories of the media program would be commentating on the Mineral Point versus Fennimore wrestling match with Matthew Goninen and reporting on Mineral Point sports with Isaac Lindsey.
In addition to the media program, Griffin has been involved in numerous other clubs. His favorite is Future Business Leaders of America where he has served as President for two years. Over his course in the club, he has competed in Broadcast Journalism, Political Science, and Business Calculations. Last year, Griffin placed 1st at the Regional level in Business Calculations and 5th at the State level. His goal is to qualify for the FBLA National Leadership Conference later this year, competing in Business Calculations.
Furthermore, Griffin sees great importance in volunteering. He currently serves as the President of National Honor Society, is a member of Key Club, and participated in the Upland Hills Health Volunteen Program. Griffin has also held other leadership positions, including Captain of Forensics, Treasurer of Skills USA, Captain of the Iowa-Grant Club Bowling Team, and Student Body President. In addition, he received the Student of the Year Award his Sophomore and Junior year. Griffin was also a part of the Mineral Point Football team and the Dodge-Point Track and Field team.
In Griffin’s free time, he enjoys training at the gym and working. Griffin has competed in bodybuilding and is planning on competing in a powerlifting meet this winter as well. He enjoys using his extensive knowledge of strength training to help others achieve their goals. Griffin is currently employed at Jimmy’s Diner and Tower Junction. He likes working in the restaurant business because it develops his communication and time management skills.
After high school, Griffin plans on attending New York University, majoring in Business and pursuing a MBA in Investment Banking. He wishes to use his degree to fulfill his dream of working on Wall Street. He also would like to continue his bodybuilding career and aims to earn his IFBB Pro Card, which marks his status as a professional bodybuilder.
Griffin would like to congratulate his fellow student of the month, Kylie Rule, and wish her the best of luck throughout her Senior year and after graduation. Griffin would like to give a special shout-out to all of his teachers who helped him throughout his four years at Mineral Point, most notably Mrs. Kristin Staver, who has been an influential figure and role model of hard work and determination.
“I am really happy that Griffin chose to come to Mineral Point. He has been such a positive addition to Mineral Point High School. His work in the media program and livestreaming has been outstanding. Griffin started out in the media program behind the scenes running the camera and his role has grown each year. He probably knows the media program as well as anyone and has done just about everything. Griffin is well-rounded and an outstanding student, along with being the top-ranked Jeopardy player. He does what is expected and then some, always with a positive attitude.” ~ Mr. Dan Burreson, High School Social Studies Teacher
“With Griffin there is always enthusiasm and energy! He gives his all in everything he does, whether it is in class or extracurricular activities. It is refreshing to see how genuine and kind Griffin is to everyone around him. He makes others feel welcome and appreciated for who they are. Congratulations on kicking off this year’s Class of 2023 Students of the Month and have a great Senior year!” ~ Mrs. Kipalee Bakken, Middle/High School Business Teacher
“Griffin Albaugh is a responsible, respectful, and resourceful young person who always asks great questions! It has been my pleasure to support him and encourage him to take advantage of every early college credit opportunity he can. Taking college courses at the high school level requires students to be diligent in their studies and in the process of registering for classes. I am sure Griffin can agree that it almost seems as though the colleges attempt to deter high school students from taking college courses, as they send many, many, MANY confusing emails filled with important, yet hidden, information. But Griffin thoroughly reads through these communications and asks questions. I admire his resourcefulness, and as a result, have no doubt Griffin will continue to be successful beyond the walls of MPHS. Additionally, he is kind and charismatic and makes others feel included. Best of luck to you, Griffin – I am confident you will do great things!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“With Griffin not coming to the district until high school, I didn’t get the opportunity to know him since my days at the elementary school. However, he made a great first impression from the beginning by jumping in and participating where his interests lied. Griffin is an amazing student who has a keen eye for detail, especially when he is on the daily news and doing play-by-play at sporting events. He is sure to have a very bright future ahead of him, wherever that path may lead. Congratulations on being selected as a Kiwanis Student of the Month.” ~ Mrs. Janet Lawinger, High School Administrative Assistant
“Congratulations, Griffin, on becoming Student of the Month for September! When you became a Pointer, you showed your pride in all you do from the get go! I hope your Senior year is a great one – it will go fast! All the best wishes for choosing your next endeavor beyond MPHS! I’m sure your success will follow you!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Griffin, it has been a pleasure working with you and getting to know you over the last few years. I’ll never forget how you landed in the recording room of ‘Wake Up Mineral Point’ your freshman year. You hit the ground running, learned the equipment, and were able to manage the then Seniors. Thanks for being such a great leader on the Pointer Media team. Your willingness to learn and your can-do attitude are so appreciated and will take you far. Congratulations on being a September Student of the Month!” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“Griffin, you have a natural talent as a leader and your ability to work diligently, be reliable, and your overall positive outlook are going to help you immensely at the next level. Thank you for your commitment to making Mineral Point a better place and for being a positive role model for your peers and underclassmen. It has been a pleasure to have had the opportunity to get to know you. Congratulations on your selection as the Student of the Month. Best wishes.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“I have had the pleasure of teaching Griffin for three years. What has always impressed me the most about Griffin is that he is laser focused! He has short and long term goals and is constantly working toward them. He is also one of the hardest working students I’ve seen, both in and out of school. Griffin takes challenging and advanced classes, and is also very busy with many student clubs and organizations. In addition, he works at least two jobs (that I know of) outside of school. Griffin, it has been a pleasure to watch you mature and work toward your goals!” ~ Mrs. Jenny Wahlin, High School Spanish Teacher
“Griffin Albaugh should be on the cover of Dr. Seuss’s book ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go.’ I have had the pleasure of working with Griff throughout his four years at MPHS, not only in the classroom but through media, forensics, and student government. Griffin is one of the most outstanding young men I have worked with in all areas. He is the first to volunteer and the last to leave a job undone. I confidently say that Griffin is in the top 10% of students I have taught in my over thirty-year career in education. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the brilliant young man.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
Kylie Rule
Kylie Rule is the daughter of Kurt and Leslie Rule. Kylie was born in Dodgeville in 2004. She has two older sisters, Peyton and Cloe, and a younger brother, Kade.
Kylie has been part of the Mineral Point Unified School District since she was four years old. Throughout those years, she participated in many activities. Kylie was part of the Mineral Point Wrestling Club from 1st grade all the way to Senior year. She also participated in the Math Team in middle and high school every year. Kylie was named Student of the Year her Freshman year and was also honored to be inducted into the National Honor Society last year.
When she is not in school, Kylie likes to spend her free time hanging out with her family and friends. She enjoys swimming and fishing at her family’s pond all summer long. During the school year, she is earnest about her education and always keeps her grades up.
Kylie dedicates much of her time to wrestling practices, where she practices up to 10 hours a week. Wrestling comes with a lot of traveling. Her favorite wrestling trip was to Klappan, Sweden in 2019. On this trip, she got to meet and practice with many new people and explore the city of Helsingborg, Sweden. She would like to thank the school district and staff for allowing her to go wrestling for long periods and helping her achieve her dreams of becoming a world-class wrestler.
After high school, Kylie plans to study Physical Therapy and wrestle at the college level. She is still undecided about where she would like to attend.
Kylie would like to thank all of her teachers, specifically Mr. Thomas Steger, for expanding her knowledge in Biology and getting her interested. She is so grateful to have such great teachers that push her to get good grades and accomplish her goals. Finally, Kylie would like to congratulate her classmate and fellow student of the month, Griffin Albaugh.
“Kylie Rule is the definition of hard-working. She sets goals, works harder than most, and achieves greatness – every time. Kylie is an outstanding athlete, student, and perhaps most importantly, person. As a student, she is insightful, wickedly smart, and a model for her peers. Early in the school year, even though she was able to leave early to work on her college courses, she asked if she could just hang out and read – absolutely! I love her excitement for learning and curiosity about life. Athletically, Kylie is ambitious, dedicated, and passionate. She is breaking down barriers and has put girls wrestling on the map! She is incredibly talented, but also works so, so hard! Kylie is an outstanding role model for our younger students and I am so grateful they have her to look up to and aspire to be like. Keep being you, Kylie – I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you and the success you will continue to have.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Kylie Rule is not only a serious athlete, but also a serious student. From a young age, she has had a competitive side that doesn’t accept anything other than success. Whether it be an art project, a craft, a test or an athletic competition, Kylie always gives her best! Congratulations, Kylie on being selected September’s Student of the Month! Enjoy everything about your Senior year!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“The effort and dedication Kylie exhibits in academics and extracurriculars is intense. I have no doubt her strong work ethic will take her far. Congratulations, Kylie! Have a great Senior year!” ~ Mrs. Kipalee Bakken, Middle/High School Business Teacher
“Kylie is one of those girls who knows what she wants and goes for it! I have witnessed a lot of girls be on the top of their game with academics and be an all-around athlete, but rarely do I see one who has such an incredible talent in wrestling. Her determination in the classroom and on the mat is something to be admired, as well as her smile when she enters a room. Kylie, I’m sure you’ll go on to do great things in college and hopefully get your chance at the Olympics. Congratulations on being selected as a Kiwanis Student of the Month.” ~ Mrs. Janet Lawinger, High School Administrative Assistant
“Kylie’s drive to succeed is beyond compare. She is so impressive, both in and out of the classroom. She is a definite force to be reckoned with! Her ability to juggle and stay on top of her demanding schedule is most impressive to me. As a bonus, her polite and kind demeanor make her a pleasure to work with. Without a doubt, I know you will do big things, Sweet Girl!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Congratulations, Kylie on being selected as a Student of the Month for September. Your ability to stay focused, work hard, and problem solve will serve you well as you take the next step on your journey. You have been and continue to be an outstanding, kind, and caring individual and have been a wonderful role model for underclassmen. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you as you chase your dreams. Best of luck.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“I have jokingly said many times through the years that I want to be like Kylie Rule when I grow up! In all seriousness though, Kylie is a true inspiration to all of those around her! She pushes her classmates and teammates to work toward continued growth and to always strive for excellence. She is stronger mentally and physically than any other young woman I have known. I couldn’t be more excited for her as she continues to follow her dreams, both in wrestling and her future career. I am beyond lucky to not only know Kylie as a student, but also as a true friend. I can’t wait to travel around the country and world watching her continue to be a champion in all that she does.” ~ Mrs. Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher
Graphic uses photos taken by Ann Gorgen (Griffin Albaugh) and Cloe Rule (Kylie Rule).