The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its November Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, November 7.
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.
Elizabeth Dunn
Libby Dunn is the oldest daughter of Monica and Aaron Dunn, and she was born in 2006. She has two amazing younger sisters, Josie (14) and Colette (12), and a family dog named Gala. Libby has lived in downtown Mineral Point her whole life, and she has always attended Mineral Point Schools.
At school, Libby participates in various clubs and extracurricular activities including Musical Theater Club, Sources of Strength, Earthwise Club, Forensics Club, Book Club, and Drama Club. She was inducted into the National Honor Society her Junior year, deemed Student of the Year along with Bobby Allbright, and has been Class President and Student Government Representative her Freshman and Sophomore years.
Outside of school, Libby is an avid flute player, and plays with the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Philharmonia weekly. She has attended various summer performance academies including Interlochen in northern Michigan and Birch Creek in Door County. Locally, Libby competes in Solo and Ensemble competitions, and has won gold at the State level six years in a row. She also played in the Wisconsin School Music Association Band at the Overture Center on October 26th.
When she is not practicing her flute or doing schoolwork, Libby enjoys drawing and painting, cooking and baking, working at High Street Sweets, learning French on Duolingo, and scrolling aimlessly on Instagram. Libby also loves eating meals and playing board games with her family, taking her dog Gala on walks, and buying coffees she doesn’t need at Cafe 43.
Next fall, Libby plans to attend Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and pursue a major involving business, music, or design.
Libby would like to thank her parents for being outstanding role models, and for encouraging her to see the good in everything. She would also like to thank all of the amazing teachers at Mineral Point High School for being so inspiring and helpful, and for putting up with her for four years. She would also like to congratulate her fellow flutist, candy shop coworker, and friend Gracelyn Foster for being named Student of the Month as well. Gracie is incredibly intelligent, responsible, kind, and deserving of this award.
“Libby is a great, outgoing young woman. She has been an active planner for Spanish Club activities, and is great at motivating other students to get involved as well.” ~ Mr. Ryne Ponsler, High School Spanish Teacher
“Congratulations on becoming November’s Student of the Month, Libby! It has been a wonderful opportunity to watch as you’ve grown up and accomplished so much! I’m excited to see what the future has in store for you. I’m sure your many talents will take you places of your dreams. I enjoy all your musical talents and hope you continue to nourish yourself with music and the arts. Keep up the good work! Enjoy your Senior year- it will go by quickly.” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Congratulations to Libby Dunn for being selected November Student of the Month! Libby embodies the qualities that teachers admire most in a student – kindness, diligence, and leadership. Libby possesses a gentle and thoughtful demeanor, which is reflected in her soft-spoken nature. Her unwavering kindness towards her peers creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the classroom. Libby is a shining example of hard work and dedication, always striving for excellence in her academics and extracurricular activities. I am proud to be Libby’s teacher and look forward to seeing the positive impact she continues to make in the future. Well done!” ~ Mrs. Valerie Martin, Middle/High School Business Teacher
“Libby Dunn has been truly dedicated to the music department throughout her middle and high school career. She has participated in nearly all musical extra curricular activities that our district offers. Libby has always served as a role model for her peers in her determination to improve, professionalism, and team mentality. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her within the Musical Theatre Club in particular. For her role in ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ she earned the Rookie of the Year Award, for her role in ‘Chicago’ she earned the Best Monologue Award, for her role in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ she earned the awards for Strongest Dancer and Spunkiest Character. I greatly anticipate her leading role as Cinderella in this year’s production of ‘Into the Woods.’ Libby has always represented our department and school well by participating in choir tours, solo competitions, and choral festivals around the state. Her ability to balance so many interests and commitments has always amazed me, and this trait has served as a model for her peers over the years. I have enjoyed witnessing her leadership skills blossom, and can attest to her caring personality. Libby’s determination, creativity, and consideration of others will surely guarantee her success in her future pursuits!” ~ Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh, Middle/High School Choir
“Libby is such a hard worker and is someone that students look up to, particularly for her kindness, leadership, and music talents. Her personality is one that brightens the room. I always appreciate her ideas, willingness to help out with anything, and her strong leadership skills.” ~ Mrs. Dani Robb, School Social Worker
“Congratulations, Libby, on being selected as a Student of the Month! There are so many adjectives that could describe you and your endless talents, but I honestly think wise and humble capture you best. You have a level of grace and poise not often seen in our world, and you truly see the bigger picture of life. You are reliable, trustworthy, and dependable in academics, extracurriculars, and through your Youth Apprenticeship. I admire your integrity and am grateful to have been a small part of your journey. Thank you for being an asset to our school community and setting a positive example for others. Best of luck; I know you are destined for greatness.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Libby, you have a natural talent as a leader and are such a great role model for underclassmen, your peers, and the community, as you work hard each day to succeed in your journey. Your creativity, reliability, and overall positive outlook are going to help you immensely in whichever path you take. Thank you for your commitment to making Mineral Point a better place and making a positive impact on those around you. As you move on to the next chapter of your life I am excited to see what the future holds. Congratulations and best wishes.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“‘To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment’ – Ralph Waldo Emerson. Even as a Freshman, Miss Libby Dunn has always had a true sense of self. Many envy this fantastic quality, Libby! I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed your sense of humor, curious mind, and willingness to try new things. It has been a joy to watch you light up the classroom and the stage for the past four years. It is without a doubt I will enjoy watching you light up your future in remarkable ways. Stay cool, Sweet Girl!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
Gracelyn Foster
Gracelyn Foster is the only child of Jessica Deters and Arron Foster. She was born in Dodgeville in 2006.
Gracie grew up in Mineral Point and has been a part of the Mineral Point Unified School District since preschool. She stays busy by participating in the band, Future Business Leaders of America, Musical Theater, Drama Club, Earthwise Club, and she was inducted into the National Honor Society in her Junior year.
Like her fellow Student of the Month, Libby, Gracie is also an avid flute player. She has been taking weekly lessons with her teacher, Nancy Schmalz, since 7th grade. She has participated in playing at the farmers market with both the younger and older flutists and other events such as Flutes in the Ballroom this past winter. Locally, she also participates in SWAL Honors Band and Solo Ensemble, where, in the past year, she made it to the State level, to which she got the highest rating.
When not participating in extracurriculars, Gracie enjoys working her counter job at High Street Sweets, attending soccer and football games, hanging out with her friends, listening to music, taking naps with one of her three cats, and walking her black lab, Bella. She also loves to travel and explore nature and wishes to one day visit every US National Park.
Gracie is still deciding where to attend college, but she has narrowed it down to UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay, or St. Norberts. Here, she hopes to pursue a major in Environmental Science and Ecology.
Gracie would like to thank her mom and grandma for being her biggest supporters and all the Mineral Point School District Staff. Without you, she wouldn’t have grown into the person she is today. She would also like to thank her friends for always being there for her. Gracie would also like to congratulate Libby Dunn, her fellow flutist, co-worker, and now Student of the Month! Libby is beyond talented, kind, and hard-working and is more than deserving of this honor.
“Gracelyn Foster came to Kindergarten a quiet, shy girl and blossomed throughout the year. I love to see her light up when she is doing something she loves. Gracie continues to flourish as she navigates her way through MPHS. Congratulations, Gracelyn, on becoming Student of the Month! Have a great Senior year! I’m excited to see what your future brings! You will do great things!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Gracelyn exemplifies kindness within our school. She is always so kind and genuine towards every student and staff that she comes in contact with throughout her day and her smile will brighten anyone’s day. She is a good student and works hard! She is also seen as a role model by younger students in Mineral Point.” ~ Mrs. Dani Robb, School Social Worker
“Gracelyn Foster personifies consistent commitment to excellence, both in her academic pursuits and her character, and it does not go unnoticed. You serve as an inspiration to your fellow students, demonstrating that hard work, integrity, and a passion for learning can lead to remarkable achievements. Your achievements are a testament to your character and your potential for future success. Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in all your endeavors and thank you for being a wonderful example of a Pointer. Enjoy your Senior year!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Gracelyn, as you complete your senior year and continue to write your story, I am excited to see what your bright future holds. You have always been a fantastic student, an even better individual, and strive to lead by example. As you work towards your goals, know that the determination and attributes that have helped you get this far will serve you well. Congratulations, you are very deserving of the Student of the Month Award. Best wishes, as I am sure your journey holds great things for you.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“I have loved working with Gracelyn Foster within the Musical Theatre Club during her high school career. For her role in ‘Chicago’ she earned the award for Best Backstage Crew, and for her role in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ she earned the award of Stealthiest Crew Member. For this year, she has taken on the role of Stage Manager for ‘Into the Woods’ – I have already witnessed great growth and commitment! I have come to appreciate her self-motivated efforts, creativity, and quiet leadership over the last few years, and can attest to her sweet personality. Grace’s sense of focus, professionalism, and dedication will be missed, but will certainly take her far after high school!” ~ Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“Never assume that loud is strong and quiet is weak. This statement is a perfect representation of Miss Gracelyn Foster. Gracelyn, you were always a welcome sight during the dark days of Zooming. I could always count on your engagement when that was a challenging thing to do. You genuinely make teaching a pleasure as you give more than you take. Your ability to make everyone feel important is a skill that will take you a long way in life. I am so excited to see what your future holds and the places you will go. It has been a pleasure to be part of your journey.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
(Dunn photo by Tonya Backes)