The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its April Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, April 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.
Katelyn Cox
Katelyn Cox is the youngest child of Chris Cox and Trisha Cox. She was born in Neenah in 2005. She has one older brother, Curtis, who is a Senior at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Katelyn moved to Mineral Point when she was eight years old and has been attending Mineral Point Schools since 3rd grade. She is a current member of Future Business Leaders of America. She has also been involved in volleyball, basketball, and softball since her Freshman year. In addition, she was chosen as Spirit Queen this past Homecoming.
Katelyn spends a lot of time on sports throughout the school year and is proud of her accomplishments in these sports while maintaining good grades. She has received the Academic All-State Award for all three sports she has participated in since Freshman year. Additionally, she received SWAL First Team All-Conference for the past two basketball seasons, along with her Sophomore year in softball. Her all time favorite basketball memory was when her team went to state back to back years, and won the state title in the 2021-22 season. She was recently selected to play in the WBCA All-Star Game. Some of her favorite memories for volleyball happened this past season when her team won against Cuba City three times, won a conference championship, and won regionals.
When she is not in school or at practice, Katelyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In the summer, she enjoys swimming, being outside, and binge watching movies. She also works at Lands’ End in the summer, and spends a lot of time at the Comer Center. After a hard day at work, she likes to relax in the sun and enjoy nature.
After high school, Katelyn plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She is double majoring in Political Science and Accounting. She hopes to become a Forensic Accountant.
Katelyn 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 being like her second mom and helping her with everything she needs. She would also like to thank Mr. Matt Austin for pushing her to take hard classes, while knowing she would succeed. She would like to acknowledge her parents and thank them for always pushing her to do her best. She would also like to thank all of her family who have come out and supported her these last four years. Katelyn would also like to congratulate her fellow classmate, Joey Robinson, on receiving this honor as well.
“Kate Cox is an amazing student athlete and role model. She is determined and hardworking. I have enjoyed getting to know Kate through coaching and appreciate her values and leadership.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Ingwell, Elementary School Instructional Assistant
“Congratulations on being a Student of the Month, Katelyn! You have made an impact on our school with your quick smile and work ethic, both on and off the court. Those traits will take you far on the next part of your journey. Best of luck in all you do!” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“Katelyn, best wishes as you finish out the year and start the next part of your journey. Determined, respectful, and positive are the words that jump out when I am asked to describe you. You have been an excellent role model for younger students and have been a great leader for your class. Your determination and attributes that have helped you get this far will serve you well and help you reach your goals. Congratulations as you are very deserving of the Student of the Month Award. Best of luck.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Katelyn is always smiling. She goes out of her way to say hello to all she sees. I cannot wait to see her bloom into an amazing adult!” ~ Mrs. Elizabeth Grutz, Middle School Special Education Teacher
“Katelyn Cox is a sweet gal with a happy demeanor. ‘Being happy never goes out of style,’ a quote by Lilly Pulitzer, is what I think of when I think of Katelyn. Katelyn seems to always have a big smile and a kind greeting whenever you see her. It’s a feeling that can transfer the good vibes to others around her. Katelyn is obviously happiest on the volleyball and basketball courts, along with the softball diamond. That’s when her look of happiness turns to true grit and she always does her best to help her team become successful. Obviously, she does the same in the classroom which makes her an all-around learner. Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month, Katelyn! Best wishes in the future!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“‘Use your smile to change the world – don’t let the world change your smile.’ Anyone who knows Katelyn knows that her smile and attitude truly light up the room! I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Katelyn become the grinder she has in both the classroom and on the playing field. She has become a force to reckon with! It is no doubt your future is bright, sweet girl! Don’t lose that warrior spirit; it will surely take you places!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Congratulations, Katelyn on your April Student of the Month nomination! I have very much enjoyed getting to know you over the past two years and find your humor and joy to be some of your best qualities. You truly ‘light up a room’ when you walk into it. Some of my most joyful moments with this year’s Senior class have been with you. Beyond your charismatic personality, you work hard, are not afraid of a challenge, and have really opened up this year. I admire your strength and resilience, and know they will serve you well as you look forward to a future at UW-Green Bay. It has been great to see you find your passion in criminal justice through taking early college credit courses, as well as blend in your skills with numbers. Forensic accounting will be a great future career for you! I will truly miss you next year, but wish you the best of luck in your future!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
Joseph Robinson
Joey Robinson is the oldest son of Mike and Amy Robinson. He has two younger sisters and a younger brother who all attend Mineral Point Schools. Joey has attended Mineral Point Schools since he was four years old. Growing up, and going through high school on his family’s farm, he was always passionate about agriculture. He has a particular interest in ag mechanics, so much so that he is looking to pursue a career as a John Deere Farm Equipment Technician.
Joey has participated in several extracurricular activities such as FFA, 4-H, cross country, track, wrestling, National Honor Society, Skills USA, and Math Team throughout his high school career. He also proudly served as the Mineral Point FFA President during his Senior year. An accomplishment Joey is proud of was being nationally gold rated with his Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Placement proficiency through FFA. He has also participated in Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events contests throughout his career in FFA, and has been successful. While competing in the CDE contests, he led a national qualifying team for livestock judging, and later was two-time state runner-up in the Ag Mechanics contest.
Through Joey’s participation in 4-H, he showed at the Iowa County Fair for nine years, and was named Master Showman in 2021. He showed at the Wisconsin State Fair, and was named Master Showman of the goat show in 2018 and 2019, and had the champion Southdown Female of the sheep show in 2019. He also competed on a national qualifying 4-H livestock judging team. Joey was also on a state champion wrestling team, and a 5th place cross country team.
With these interests and accomplishments, he works part-time at D.J. Enterprises working on pre-emissions John Deere Tractors doing anything from engine and transmission rebuilds to replacing radiators or starters. During certain times of the year, he works for Pleasant View Farms as an operator or tender driver. Along with his part-time job he owns a small herd of Angus, Red Angus, and crossbred cows, and has other enterprises.
Joey will attend Lake Land College of Mattoon, IL for their John Deere Tech program in the fall. He hopes to positively contribute to the agriculture world, and help to keep farmers’ equipment running.
Joey would like to thank his parents, family, teachers, and other mentors for supporting him; they have been a key to his success. Joey also wants to congratulate his classmate Katelyn Cox for being named Student of the Month. Lastly, he wants to thank the Kiwanis Club for this luncheon and all they do for the community.
“‘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’ – Pele. Pele’s wisdom epitomizes Mr. Joey Robinson. This young man was born an old soul, more mature than most high school students I have come across in my over 30-year career. It has been such a joy watching your work ethic pay off! Equally enjoyable has been your low-key sense of humor. Being able to balance both of these qualities is the true key to success and happiness! Good luck, young man! It has been a pleasure being part of your journey.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month, Joey! Although I remember Joey as a young, sweet kindergartner, I recall him as a 5th grader even better! His strong animal and farming background came out in his conversations and projects. I’m glad Joey has been able to manage and enjoy his academic studies along with relishing in his additional responsibilities toward FFA and other clubs. He is always kind and helpful and that is appreciated. Joey, I hope you are able to have some fun as you finish out your high school years! Best wishes in the future!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I was fortunate to be Joey’s kindergarten and 5th grade teacher. Joey came to school as a polite young boy who liked to explore and learn new things. He enjoyed sharing about his family and all things farming. By the time he was in 5th grade, Joey’s determination to do well and have fun was predominant. He came to class with a smile, was respectful, set goals, and worked very hard to understand new concepts and apply them to his own life. Watching Joey learn throughout his years at MP Schools has been a joy. His successes in sports, FFA, and academics are a tribute to his hard work and perseverance. Joey, I wish you the best as you enter into the next stages of your life. Always remember your roots, stay determined, and have fun.” ~ Mrs. Laurie Heimsoth, 5th Grade Teacher
“Congratulations on being a Student of the Month, Joey! Recently I came across some photos of you showing lambs when you were a little boy. The pictures made me smile and reminded me of what an earnest, determined, and hard-working person you are. I am so happy you got to sign with an organization in a field you are passionate about and wish you the best of luck in all you do!” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“Congratulations, Joey, on your Student of the Month recognition. This honor is well deserved. You were a fantastic math student, and an incredibly driven young man. I wish you all the best as you move to Illinois to attend Lake Land College. Prairie State Tractor will be so lucky to have you!” ~ Mrs. Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher
“Joey, you have a natural talent as a leader, and your ability to work diligently, be reliable, be respectful, and your overall positive attitude are going to help you be successful in your career path and in life. Thank you for your commitment to making Mineral Point a better place and for being a positive role model for your peers and underclassmen. I can’t wait to see the amazing things you do for John Deere. Congratulations on your selection as the Student of the Month for April.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Joey Robinson is hard work and humility personified. I truly admire his work ethic. Never boastful in his numerous accomplishments, just focused on his goals and the pathways to achieving them. It has been an absolute pleasure to assist Joey in planning for his life after high school. Throughout the process of post-secondary planning, he has been thoughtful, resourceful, and diligent, asking great questions, doing his research, and following through on all responsibilities. Joey is on pace to have completed most, if not all, of the general education requirements toward his degree in diesel equipment technology through the John Deere Tech program at Lake Land College in Illinois. He was also recently signed as a 5-star prospect to the 2023 Tech Student recruiting class through Prairie State Tractor because of his hard work and commitment to excellence. We will miss you next year, Joey, but are so confident in your ability to continue succeeding. Best of luck, Joey!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
(Cox photo by Heather Holznecht with Willow Tree Photography, Robinson photo by Lifka Bennett)