The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its November Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, November 1.
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.
Lorelei Allbright
Lorelei Allbright is the daughter of Bob and Elissa Allbright. She was born in Madison in 2004. She has two younger brothers, Bobby and Hank, who attend Mineral Point with her.
Lorelei has been going to Mineral Point since she was a Freshman in high school. She has joined Skills USA, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and National Honor Society. She has been the Treasurer of Key Club, the Vice President of FBLA, and the Vice President of NHS since her Junior year, and strongly encourages other students to become active in school clubs.
Lorelei has played for Dodge-Point Soccer since she was a Freshman and has been on varsity every year. She has had a strong passion for soccer ever since she was four years old. She has played in multiple tournaments, such as the McFarland and MAYSA Cup tournaments.
When Lorelei is not in school or at soccer practice, she enjoys fishing and spending time watching movies. On rainy days, she loves sitting on the couch in a fuzzy blanket watching classic animated movies. In the summer, she goes out on her kayak whenever she gets the chance. She could spend all of her time fishing if she was allowed to. In the winter, she looks forward to ice skating and ice fishing with her brothers and family.
After high school, Lorelei plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Business. She plans on becoming a financial advisor like her parents, but she is still undecided if that is exactly what she wants to do.
Lorelei would like to thank all of her teachers for being so kind and supportive of her since her first day as a new student. She would specifically like to thank Mrs. Kristin Staver, her neighbor, for convincing her to go to Mineral Point instead of Dodgeville. She has loved her experience at Mineral Point and is always blown away by the positive atmosphere in the building. Lorelei also wants to congratulate her classmate, Olivia Wendhausen, on receiving this honor. Finally, she would like to thank the Kiwanis Club for inviting her to this luncheon.
“Lorelei is a teacher’s dream student! She is hard working, an excellent listener, and does her absolute best at all times! Lorelei was a rare student during Covid, because she continued to excel in class. Our Spanish class also learned about her love for fishing. Did you know that during Covid, Lorelei started making her own fishing lures and launched her own company? Pretty amazing entrepreneurial spirit this young lady has. Lorelei, you are truly deserving of Kiwanis recognition today! I wish you all the best now and in the future!” ~ Mrs. Jenny Wahlin, High School Spanish Teacher
“Lorelei has always been a whiz at biology and science in general. Her love of the outdoors makes this connection a natural fit, and she has always had a desire to understand the natural world better – although she came to Mineral Point with a really strong understanding from day one. She shares my passion for fishing, and was always kind enough to show me pictures of the monster fish she was catching – I am jealous. She started her own fishing lure manufacturing company, and makes some pretty slick baits. It is pretty awesome for our little school and community to have her as a part of it. Congratulations on Student of the Month Lorelei!” ~ Mr. Tom Steger, High School Science Teacher
“Although you did not attend MP Schools until later, you have paved a name for yourself in MPHS. Congratulations, Lorelei, on becoming November’s Student of the Month! Your hard work and dedication shows in not only academic achievement, but also on the soccer field and beyond. I have noticed your dedication to the arts, also. I wish you all the best as you navigate the rest of your Senior year and choose your next school. Finest wishes in all you do – I’m certain you will have much success!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Lorelei Allbright is an extremely bright young person. She is inquisitive, a self-starter, and articulate. I remember when I first started at Mineral Point and she was one of the first people in my office. She came with ideas, questions, and was so focused on taking the best courses and finding opportunities to get a head start on her future. I am amazed by her ability to take online college level classes and do so well! She is currently taking college level calculus and macroeconomics (in addition to her MPHS classes) asynchronously – basically, teaching herself. Additionally, Lorelei is resourceful. She follows through on what needs to be done and is always one step ahead – probably why she is on pace to have 30 or more college credits by the time she graduates! Finally, she has a quiet confidence that I enjoy most. She is witty and engaging, and so kind. Best of luck to you, Lorelei, on what I know will be a bright future.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“I didn’t get a chance to get to know Lorelei until this year. She is very quiet, focused, and is dedicated to learning. Lorelei truly has a passion for knowledge, doing many distant learning classes, as well as a macroeconomics class through the UW, calculus, and AP Government. With her commitment to always doing her best, Lorelei will definitely go far in life and I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes. Congratulations on being named November Student of the Month.” ~ Mrs. Janet Lawinger, High School Administrative Assistant
“Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month. Your maturity and leadership skills have always been advanced compared to others your age. You are a very talented, hard-working, and compassionate young woman who uses her gifts to improve the lives of others. I truly believe your future will be bright, successful, and whatever you want it to be. Thanks for the memories.” ~ Mrs. Lesley Macaulay, Middle/High School Art Teacher
“Lorelei, congratulations on your selection as the Student of the Month for November and on everything that you have accomplished up to this point. You have been, and continue to be, an outstanding, kind, and thoughtful individual and have been an excellent model for underclassmen. As a student, you continue to impress me with your talents and ability to work hard to succeed in all areas of life. Best wishes; you are going to do great things.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“‘A fool is known by his speech and a wise man by silence,’ Pythagoras. Miss Lorelei Allbright is the perfect example of a wise, quiet soul. I quite honestly can say she is one of the brightest students I have had the pleasure to work with throughout my thirty-plus-year teaching career. Not only is she brilliant – she is creative, dependable, and caring. Lorelei is the true definition of a volunteer. She is the first to offer help and the last to leave a job undone. I cannot wait to watch her bright future unfold!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Lorelei is a great role model, confident in who she is, and serves as a leader by example. She is active in her learning and in her extracurricular activities. Lorelei has a strong work ethic and determination to do her best in all she does. She pushes herself to step out of her comfort zone and grow as an individual and is always willing to pitch in and help out. Congratulations as a November Student of the Month and have a great Senior year!” ~ Mrs. Kipalee Bakken, Middle/High School Business Teacher
Olivia Wendhausen
Olivia Wendhausen is the youngest child to Jeff and Kim Wendhausen. She was born in Dodgeville in 2005. She has three older siblings: Rickey, Alyssa, and Blake. She also has two little nieces, Accalia and Paislee, which her oldest brother has blessed her with.
Olivia has been attending the Mineral Point Unified School District since preschool. As a child she loved math, reading during snack breaks, and playing kick ball during recess. During her Sophomore year she was elected by her classmates as class representative for Homecoming of 2021. Being a Senior, she now enjoys athletic clubs including Mineral Point Volleyball and Softball. She also has a passion for in school clubs which include, FFA, and Skills USA where she has served the club as their Secretary for the last two years.
Olivia spends a lot of her time at practices during the fall and spring seasons, but focuses on studies during the winter months. Since sports take up most of her school year, she takes in what time she is fortunate enough to have with them. Her favorite memory happened during this most recent volleyball season when they became the first ever Conference and Regional Champions in the same year at Mineral Point High School. She would like to thank all of the students, staff, coaches, fans, and community members for coming out to support each game allowing them to come this far.
When Olivia is not in school or practicing for these sports, she likes spending free time with family and friends. She enjoys taking care of her little nieces, working, and going for drives around her family farm. During the school year, Olivia is well organized and strives to keep her grades up. This year she is also attending the Mineral Point Elementary School everyday where she helps educate second graders in Mrs. Denise Gorgens’ class.
After High School Olivia plans on attending University of Wisconsin-Platteville to further her knowledge in Elementary Education.
Olivia would like to thank the whole Mineral Point Unified School District staff, specifically Mrs. Denise Gorgen, Mr. Matt Austin, and Mrs. Erika Brunson for encouraging her to follow through in becoming an educator herself. She is extremely grateful to have such a caring and open minded staff to help her live up to her potential. Finally, Olivia would like to congratulate her classmate and fellow November student of the month, Lorelei Allbright.
“I’ve known Olivia since elementary school. She has grown into a bright young lady who gives her all to whatever she does – whether it’s academics, sports, or clubs, she is all in. Olivia is always pleasant when she comes into the office to get questions answered. She is a conscientious, hard-working student who will go far in her future endeavors. Congratulations on being named November Student of the Month. Well deserved.” ~ Mrs. Janet Lawinger, High School Administrative Assistant
“Olivia is a hard working and smart young lady. She has been in my homeroom for the past four years and I’ve truly enjoyed watching her grow up from a Freshman to now, her Senior year. Even though she isn’t in Spanish anymore, she is still my ‘right hand man’ whenever needed. Olivia, you have helped me countless times and I want you to know that I appreciate all you have done! Wherever life takes you, I know you will do well because of your willingness to pitch in whenever needed with your hard work and skills! I wish you all the best now and in the future!” ~ Mrs. Jenny Wahlin, High School Spanish Teacher
“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.” ~ Mrs. Lesley Macaulay, Middle/High School Art Teacher
“Olivia Wendhausen is ‘joy’ in a person. She is sweet, smart, and caring. She has aspirations of becoming an elementary educator and we would be so lucky to have her in the profession! Olivia has been a student teacher in Mrs. Gorgen’s room this year, and having a 2nd grader of my own, I can tell you that ‘Miss Olivia’ is a wonderful addition to their classrooms. Additionally, she is on pace to earn almost 21 credits by graduation toward her education degree. Olivia’s kindness, patience and compassion for others will make her an outstanding future educator. Beyond being a strong student, Olivia is engaging and a leader. She is involved in, and excels, at several extra-curriculars (athletics and clubs), has a part-time job, and is a favorite babysitter in my house. We will miss Olivia; her smile and light make MPHS a better place, but I am so excited for where her future will take her! Best of luck, Olivia, and congratulations on being selected as a Student of the Month!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Congratulations on being named Student of the Month, Olivia! From the quiet little girl across the hall so many years ago to the beautiful, confident young lady you are today, I have seen much growth in you! You’ve always been friendly and caring, but to step into a leadership role is sometimes daunting and you have prevailed! I wish you joy as you continue your Senior year and prepare for the next stage in life! Keep smiling, stay kind and always have fun! Good luck next year!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I had the opportunity to teach Olivia when she was a 6th grader. Olivia was a bubbly and positive student to have in the classroom. She always was excited about what we were doing and her excitement and positivity radiated to her peers. Olivia still has a smile that lights up the room. This year, I have been able to reconnect with Olivia as she comes into my classroom two class periods a week to help the students and me out. Olivia is helpful and my 6th grade students love having her in the room because of the bubbly and positive personality that she still has! Olivia has stated that she is interested in becoming an educator in the future and I have no doubt that she will be an amazing teacher due to her drive to do well and her outgoing nature. Well deserved on being Student of the Month, Olivia! You’re amazing!” ~ Mrs. McKenzy Brown, 6th Grade Teacher
“What a pleasure it has been to get to know you as an athlete, student, and friend to my daughter. You are selfless and bring so much positivity to everything you do! I am so proud of how you handled yourself this volleyball season. You were a true teammate and put the team first. I am impressed that you know exactly what you want to do in your career. Being a teacher brings me so much joy and your future students are so lucky to get to have you as their teacher! Finally, I love your outgoing spirit! You have been a great, loyal friend to Kennedy at a time when she was new and trying to make friends. I am so happy she found a true friend in you. You represent the best values of Mineral Point! Congratulations on this honor of Student of the Month! You deserve it!” ~ Mrs. Kari Kabat, Middle School Math Teacher and Head Volleyball Coach
“Congratulations on being selected as the Student of the Month for November. As you have navigated your high school career, you have learned how to use your talents to the highest level. If I were to describe Olivia, I would use the words talented, driven, and caring. To me, these qualities are going to aid in your success and help you reach your goals. Olivia, thank you for being a positive example for underclassmen and your community. Your future is bright and I am sure that you will accomplish amazing things.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Olivia, it has been a pleasure being a part of your education throughout the years. You completely made my day this year when you shared that you now read all of the time. As a former middle school ‘not much into reading student,’ you are a great example of a person willing to evolve and grow. This will greatly help you on your journey to becoming a great teacher. I wish you the best of luck on this journey. Stay kind, curious, and open to finding the best in every learner that you meet. Congratulations on being an October Student of the Month!” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“‘Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference’ – Winston Churchhill. Miss Olivia Wendhausen is truly one of the most positive, go-getter students I have ever worked with. She is the first person to ask, ‘What can I do?’ and completes the big or small task with enthusiasm and a smile! I have had the pleasure of teaching, advising, coaching, and employing Olivia. In each of these capacities, Olivia has gone above and beyond my expectations and has always been a bright light to my day that lightens my load. I will miss her dearly next year but am so excited to see where life takes her. Olivia is the kind of girl who, if opportunity doesn’t knock, will build the door! Thank you for everything, Sunshine!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
(Allbright photo by Patrick Stutz, Wendhausen photo by Lifka Bennett.)