The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its December Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, December 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.
Alana DuBois
Alana DuBois is the daughter of Jennifer and James DuBois. She was born in Madison in 2005. She has an older brother, Nick, who is currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Alana grew up in Mineral Point and has been attending school here since she was five. Mineral Point has always been a great environment for her, but some of her favorite memories include student sections of sporting events and homecoming week. She has loved the community support and involvement that is always around in Mineral Point and has taken advantage of that through extracurriculars. She has been involved in Key Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Forensics, Book Club, Cheerleading, and Gymnastics.
Alana is excited to continue her participation in school events through these clubs. The Key Club Community Service Day is always a highlight during the year, and she is happy to be a part of it. One of her favorite memories is volunteering at the Elementary School Reading Night and seeing the kids’ faces light up as they solved puzzles. She is very grateful for all of the opportunities that are available in the Mineral Point Unified School District and the Mineral Point Community. Additionally, Alana is looking forward to attending the Mineral Point musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” to support her peers who have worked very hard for the performance.
Outside of schoolwork and clubs, Alana is enjoying her Senior year of high school gymnastics. She has a strong passion for the sport and for supporting her teammates. This season, she hopes to set goals for herself, and for her team, and work every day to reach them.
After high school, Alana will be attending a college in Wisconsin. She plans to study health and nutrition and pursue a career helping people. Alana would like to congratulate her peer, Kennedy Kabat, on being named Student of the Month. She is very happy to be receiving the honor with such a deserving person. Alana would like to thank her teachers for everything they have done for her in her high school career. She would also like to thank her parents and brother for pushing her to reach her potential. Lastly, she would like to say thank you to the Kiwanis Club for the luncheon and all they do in the community.
“Alana was a fun kindergartener with lots of shy smiles. She was kind to others and loved to be creative. I often had the feeling she knew a lot more than she would let on and I was right. Watching Alana from afar as she has grown into an adventure-seeking young lady has been joyful. She has shown us her true self from the gymnastics mat to the classroom. Alana, I wish you the best Senior year and I’m excited to see what your future holds! Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month for December! Best wishes!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I don’t know Alana, but from what I have seen and heard, she is an amazing human.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Ingwell, Elementary Instructional Assistant
“Alana DuBois is kind, caring, and oh so smart! She is currently excelling in her online Advanced Placement courses where she is essentially teaching herself college level science curriculum in Biology and Environmental Science. She has a curiosity for learning that is rare and refreshing. Alana is patient and thoughtful when making decisions and is a student that can be counted on to follow through on her commitments. Because of her quiet confidence, I am confident she will continue to be successful in her next chapter of life. I look forward to seeing where the world takes her and the positive impact she will leave on others. Congratulations, Alana!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Alana, 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.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Alana is very deserving of being honored as Student of the Month. Outside of her scholastic achievements, she is a dedicated, hardworking athlete. Alana always maintains a positive attitude during practice and competitions, and is a great leader and role model to her teammates. Congratulations, Alana! We’re proud of you and your accomplishments!” ~ Mrs. Julia Oellerich, Head Gymnastics Coach
“Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak. This statement is a perfect representation of Miss Alana DuBois. She may fool you with her quiet disposition, but she will blow your mind when it is time to perform. She has continually amazed me with this skill in the classroom, on the stage in dance and forensics, and on the field cheering. She is the first to volunteer without complaint and the last to leave a job undone. While I will truly miss her next year, I am confident her future will be filled with success and reward!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
Kennedy Kabat
Kennedy Kabat is the oldest child of Mike and Kari Kabat. She was born in Dodgeville in 2005. She has two younger siblings: Maddy and Liam, who both currently attend the Mineral Point Unified School District.
Kennedy grew up at Iowa-Grant School District from Preschool until her Freshman year. She transferred to Mineral Point High School before her Sophomore year after her mother, Kari Kabat, was offered a position as a middle school math teacher at Mineral Point. Here, Kennedy was in search of new opportunities. She has been involved in extracurriculars like Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and the National Honor Society. She has also been involved in Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. In addition, the students at Mineral Point High School voted her as Homecoming Queen this past fall.
Kennedy spends much time on sports throughout the school year and is proud of her accomplishments in these sports. She has received the Academic All-State Award for all three sports she has participated in since Freshman year. Additionally, she received Honorable Mention All-State this past volleyball season. One of her favorite basketball memories was when her team won state for the 2021-22 season. Her all-time favorite memory happened this past volleyball season when her team won against Cuba City three times, won conference champions, and won regionals. During the winter months, Kennedy also plays for the Southern Heat Volleyball Club, where her team travels throughout Wisconsin to face other teams with high competition. While she is not on the court or field, Kennedy enjoys participating in various activities hosted by the National Honor Society. One of her favorite memories from being in NHS is eating lunch and going to recess with the students at the elementary school. The children always make her day by asking the wildest questions, and she is proud to be a role model they admire.
Outside of school and sports, Kennedy enjoys spending her free time with family and friends. In the summer, she and her family like camping on the Mississippi River with other family friends. She enjoys swimming, boating, tubing, sitting by the campfire, and grilling out. Being the oldest grandchild on both sides of the family, she enjoys visiting her grandma’s house and spending time with her younger cousins. In the winter, Kennedy enjoys skiing and ice skating with her friends and family.
After high school, Kennedy would like to attend a four-year university. Although she is undecided of where she wants to go, she would like to pursue a degree in Biology. After college, Kennedy plans to attend graduate school to become an Occupational Therapist.
Kennedy would like to thank all of her teachers for pushing her to be the best student, athlete, leader, and person she could be. She would like to specifically shout out Mrs. Cynthia Nothem and Mrs. Angela Klein for being her NHS advisors, Mr. Tom Steger for getting her interested in biology, and Mrs. Erika Brunson for helping her set up her future plans and earn college credits in high school. She would also like to thank the Kiwanis for organizing this luncheon and for all the work they put into the community. Lastly, she would like to congratulate her fellow peer, Alana DuBois, for also being named student of the month.
“Watching Kennedy Kabat grow into the young woman she has become has been exciting. Although I didn’t teach her personally, I have had interest in both her scholastic and athletic abilities. She has succeeded in so many things and it’s been a pleasure to watch her grow. Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month, Kennedy! We’re happy you ended up a Pointer! Good luck next year!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Kennedy is an amazing role model and a kind human. She is respectful, helpful and a pure joy to know.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Ingwell, Elementary Instructional Assistant
“Determined, dedicated and graceful are adjectives I would use to describe Kennedy Kabat. She has a humble confidence and kindness that others are drawn to and is the definition of a leader. Whether in athletics or in the classroom, Kennedy leads with patience and wisdom, often sought out by her peers for support and guidance. Academically, she is on pace to earn 21 college credits by the time she graduates MPHS, almost a full year ahead in college. At her core though, and perhaps her best quality, Kennedy is simply kind. She is considerate of others and their feelings, and has an innately empathic mind. These characteristics will continue to serve her well in her future. Congratulations, Kennedy, on being chosen as a Student of the Month.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“I have had the privilege to coach Kennedy during her time in high school. She’s a diligent worker and a kid with a competitive edge who wants to be great in everything she does. Her relentless effort and work ethic that she displays on the basketball court will suit her well in her future endeavors and in the game of life. A great kid with a great future ahead of her. Congratulations, Kabby!” ~ Mr. Michael Keyes, Head Girls Basketball Coach
“Congratulations, Kennedy, on being selected as a Student of the Month for December. I have been fortunate to have Kennedy, both as a Geometry student and as a member of my advisory group. In all of my interactions, Kennedy has been so kind, respectful, and hardworking. Whether it be in the classroom or on the court, Kennedy leads by example and pushes all of those around her to excel and work to their highest potential. Kennedy, I couldn’t be prouder of you and wish you all the best as you finish out your Senior year and head out into the world to do amazing things.” ~ Mrs. Cynthia Nothem, High School Math Teacher
“Albert Einstein once said, ‘The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.’ I absolutely love this quality of curiosity in Miss Kennedy Kabat. Teaching her is a joy as she is truly engaged in what she is learning and is tenacious about grasping an understanding of the material. This quality, coupled with her kind soul and drive to succeed, guarantees that her future’s so bright that she will need shades!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Congratulations, Kennedy, on your selection as Student of the Month. Your ability to work hard, strive to do your absolute best, and be a caring and kind individual make you a fantastic role model for your peers and underclassmen. Thank you for always being willing to lend a helping hand, having a smile on your face, and making a positive impact on others. As you move on to the next chapter of your life, I am excited to see what the future holds. Best wishes.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Kennedy Kabat is the epitome of the exemplary Mineral Point student. She is smart, athletic, kind, poised, mature beyond her years, and destined for success. She represents herself and our community in a way that all can be proud of. She truly is an exceptional student and all-around wonderful person who is indeed worthy of Student of the Month recognition.” ~ Mrs. Rachael Schroeder, Reading Specialist
(DuBois photo by Jennifer DuBois, Kabat photo by Ann Gorgen)