The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its October Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, October 4.
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.
Emma Federman
Emma Federman is the oldest child of Ryan and Nichole Federman. She was born in Dodgeville in 2005. She has one younger brother, Gage, who is a Freshman at Mineral Point High School.
Emma grew up in town and has been attending Mineral Point Schools since preschool. She is a current participant in Key Club and was inducted into the National Honor Society her Junior year of high school. In addition, her classmates voted her as a Class Representative this past Homecoming.
Although Emma does not participate in school-associated sports, she has been involved in ballet through the Southwest Academy of Ballet Arts for 12 years. She has always had a strong passion for dance and continues to show her dedication through her performances and shows. She practices up to four times a week, with longer hours on the weekends. She has participated in the production of “The Nutcracker” four times, as well as this upcoming winter season. In addition, she has participated in fall productions such as “Peter and the Wolf,” “The Pied Piper,” “Thumbelina,” and “Carnival of the Animals.”
When she is not in school or at practice, Emma enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In the summer, she enjoys hiking and being outside, and grilling out with her family. She also babysits in the summer, as she loves spending time with kids. She likes to go camping and boating with her friends. In the winter, she looks forward to snowmobiling with her dad and younger brother, as well as getting prepared for the holidays with her mom.
After high school, Emma plans to attend Viterbo University in La Crosse to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She plans to further specialize in pediatrics. She currently works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Mineral Point Health Services, and looks forward to her future in nursing and expanding her knowledge in the healthcare field.
Emma would like to thank all of her teachers and their dedication to their students’ achievements and successes. She would especially like to thank Mrs. Erika Brunson for helping her determine what college courses would be most beneficial to her future education and career. She would like to acknowledge her parents and thank them for always pushing her to do her best. Emma would also like to congratulate her fellow classmate and friend, Sophia Stephenson, on receiving this honor as well.
“Emma Federman came to kindergarten the sweet, kind young lady she continues to be. In kindergarten, it was evident that Emma was a helpful student and she always showed good citizenship at school. She helped her friends and her teachers alike. She worked hard on all her schoolwork. Although she was quiet in many ways, you could still see the leadership peaking out. Emma, I hope you enjoy your Senior year! Your future is bright! Congratulations on being selected Student of the Month!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“If I were to describe Emma, I would use the words talented, kind, and enthusiastic. Emma is such a great role model for underclassmen, her peers, and the community as she works hard each day to succeed in her journey. I am excited to see what the future holds for Emma as she takes advantage of the opportunities before her. Congratulations on being selected as the Student of the Month for October. Best wishes.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Emma Federman is a kind, responsible, and hard-working young person. She has been passionate about pursuing a future career in nursing and has taken advantage of many early college credit courses. She is on pace to have almost 30 college credits completed by the time she graduates high school; a full year ahead on her college journey! On top of that, she has excelled in these courses, much like she has excelled in her high school courses. Emma balances her high school classes, college classes, and working as a CNA with ease (at least she makes it look easy). She is reliable, articulate, and has a heart meant for nursing. I am confident in Emma’s continued success as a student and future healthcare provider. Congratulations, Emma. Keep up the hard work and compassion you show to others.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“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. For as long as I’ve known you, your leadership has made you stand out from anyone else. Enjoy the rest of your Senior year and I can’t wait to see where your future takes you.” ~ Mrs. Lesley Macaulay, Middle/High School Art Teacher
“I once saw a poster noting, ‘Work hard in silence – let success make the noise.’ This is the perfect motto for Miss Emma Federman. She could be one of the most determined young ladies I have worked with. Her drive to learn and grow as a student is awe-inspiring and is equaled by her caring and sweet demeanor. I feel blessed to have gotten to know her over the last four years. I will truly miss her smiling face next year but can’t wait to see what the future holds for this young lady who is as beautiful inside as she is outside.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“The great soccer player, Pelé, once said, ‘Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.’ It has been my pleasure these past four years to watch Emma fit this definition of success to a T. Emma has found her love and passion in the medical field, and has truly pushed herself to take every possible dual credit and advanced course she could possibly take. Her time management and balance of school and extra-curricular activities has been a true inspiration. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Emma will be incredibly successful in all aspects of life, and I will miss her tremendously when she graduates from Mineral Point High School. Congratulations, Emma, on this incredibly deserved honor.” ~ Mrs. Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher
Sophia Stephenson
Sophia Stephenson is the daughter of Trevor and Julie Stephenson. She was born in Dodgeville in 2005. She has one older brother, Owen, who is currently attending the University of Minnesota.
Sophia has been going to Mineral Point Schools since she was four when she joined Mrs. Laura Busch’s preschool class. There were many fun things about being a student at Mineral Point Elementary, but most fondly Sophia remembers going to the Care Center at Halloween all dressed up in costume. It was so fun to see the residents smile and enjoy the costumes. Since then, she has taken advantage of the extracurriculars the Mineral Point Unified School District has offered. She has been involved in forensics, musical theatre, band, cheerleading, Book Club, Key Club, Spanish Club, National Honor Society, and soccer. Sophia was proud to be awarded Student of the Year as a Sophomore.
Currently, Sophia is the Communications Director for National Honor Society and also an officer for Key Club. She is very grateful for these opportunities. One of her favorite things about NHS is going to the elementary school for lunch and recess and visiting all the little Pointers and some of her babysitting friends. She really enjoys watching their faces light up when they see all the big dogs from the high school. She recognizes how rewarding it is to be able to impact such an impressionable part of the community. Sophia is looking forward to the Kiwanis/Key Club Fall Festival and Costume Contest coming later this month. Organizing spooky Halloween games for the kids in the community is an all-time favorite for her and the Key Club team.
In addition to NHS and Key Club, musical theatre is an activity in which Sophia has been able to grow and lead. The musical is the most time consuming activity Sophia participates in, but she thoroughly loves getting creative on stage and watching her fellow cast members pull off such amazing shows. She recently got the lead in this year’s musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” She is excited to literally “show off” all of the hard work and dedication that goes into the musical. Sophia encourages you all to come watch the show in December to understand that reference.
Outside of academics and clubs, Sophia loves playing soccer. This year, she is captain of the Dodge-Point Girls Soccer team and is excited to lead them to many successes and hopes to help build stronger chemistry throughout the team. After last year’s season, she is determined to help the team win the conference title and knows it is a reasonable “goal” to set with the team.
After high school, Sophia plans on going to college. Although she is unsure of where she would like to attend, she would like to pursue a career that involves babies and young children. Sophia would like to congratulate her friend and peer Emma Federman on being named Student of the Month. She cannot think of anyone more deserving. Sophia would also like to thank all of her teachers for helping her be the best student, athlete, performer, and leader in and out of the classroom. In addition to her teachers, Sophia appreciates her parents’ support and the strong foundation they’ve laid for her. She couldn’t have done it without them. Finally, she’d like to thank the Kiwanis Club for this luncheon and the hard work they do for kids in the community.
“Sophia Stephenson, how did you get to be a Senior?! It seems like yesterday when you were just a little girl at school. You were always a serious student and a hard worker, which I’m sure has followed you all through your years in MPHS! Continue to work hard, smile often, and success will be sure to follow you! I wish you all the best throughout the rest of your Senior year and beyond. Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month! Good luck next year!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Congratulations on your selection as the Student of the Month for October. Sophia is such a wonderful example for underclassmen to look up to as she is kind, motivated, and always has a smile on her face. Thank you for always being willing to lend a helping hand and making a positive impact on others. As she completes her Senior year and continues to write her story, I am excited to see her dreams become a reality. Best wishes as you work towards your goals and I am sure that you will accomplish amazing things.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Sophia, it has been a pleasure being a part of your education throughout the years. I love how you lean into your learning and seek out opportunities to understand more about people everywhere. You consistently bring an interesting perspective to our Book Club discussions, and I can see the same openness and curiosity as we learn new skills in media. I know you will go on to big things that involve helping people, both young and old. I hope you always stay curious, work hard, and dream big. Congratulations on being an October Student of the Month!” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“Sophia Stephenson has been dedicated to the music department throughout her high school career. She has participated in nearly all musical extra curricular activities that our district offers. Sophia has always served as a role model for her peers in her determination to improve and prioritize group goals, willingness to try new things, and patience with others. I have truly enjoyed working with Sophia within the Musical Theatre Club in particular. For her role in ‘Les Misérables’ she earned the Most Improved Actress and Most Dependable Cast Member awards; for her role in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ she earned the awards Sassiest Dancer and Rose to the Challenge Award, and for her role as Liz in ‘Chicago’ she earned awards for Most Intense Delivery and Ritziest Onstage. I am greatly looking forward to her leading role as Janet Van de Graff in this year’s production of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ where I know she will shine! I have come to appreciate her genuineness and leadership qualities over the last few years, and can attest to her sweet personality. Sophia’s optimism, well-roundedness, creativity, and consideration of others will surely guarantee her success in her future pursuits!” ~ Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“I can’t tell you how much you mean to me. I am so lucky to have you in my life, not only at school but to call you family as well. Your leadership in and outside of the school continuously grows. So many children, along with my own, adore and idolize you. I don’t know a parent that wouldn’t want their child to grow up to be as kind and caring as you. I cherish all the time we’ve spent together over the years, whether it’s been in class, hanging out with family, or swimming in the summers. I will never take for granted our long talks and late nights. It’s been my pleasure to watch you grow up from a freckled cutie into a gorgeous young lady. I can’t wait to see where your future takes you because your skills and talent are endless. I’m so very proud of you and you truly deserve to be Student of the Month. Love you.” ~ Mrs. Lesley Macaulay, Middle/High School Art Teacher
“I have had the pleasure of working with Miss Sophia Stephenson in class, forensics, cheerleading, and dance. She is a shining light in each of these realms and always makes me smile. I love her creative spirit and willingness to jump outside of her box! Her drive, determination, and sense of humor will take her amazing places. I will miss her dearly next year and can’t wait to see where her future takes her.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Sophia Stephenson is one of the nicest people I have met. She exudes kindness and is such an incredible role model for others. Never boisterous in her goodness – just gentle grace and compassion for everyone. She genuinely enjoys helping others and has a special gift at making others feel included and welcome – a much needed light in a world that can often feel dark. Congratulations, Sophia on being selected as a Student of the Month. You are so deserving of this honor and I look forward to seeing the next chapter in your life.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
(Graphic uses photos taken by Julie Stephenson.)