The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its December Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, December 5.
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.
Malea Aschliman
Malea Aschliman is the daughter of Krista and David Aschliman. She was born in Dodgeville in 2005. She has three older sisters: Myah, who has graduated college and currently lives in San Diego; Mara who is attending graduate school at Bradley University; and Macy who attends Grand Canyon University. She also has a younger brother, Drew, who is a student at Mineral Point High School.
Malea has been attending Mineral Point Schools since pre-school. Malea has been associated with many extracurricular activities including Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, forensics, student council, Sources of Strength, and National Honor Society. She was the Class of 2024 President for two consecutive years, holds the position of Vice President of the Key Club, and is the Communications Officer for the National Honor Society. She enjoys helping others throughout the community by volunteering with Key Club and the National Honor Society. She is especially excited about the Kiwanis/Key Club Easter Egg Hunt and the National Honor Society-sponsored talent show which she will help coordinate.
Malea participates in volleyball and track and field. She was named a captain of the volleyball team and received 1st Team All-Conference, 1st Team All-Area, and All-State Honorable Mention. She enjoys playing volleyball, not only for the physical aspect but also for the team aspect of growing closer to her teammates. Malea participates in the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles, and high jump in Track and Field. She enjoys getting to know new people from Dodgeville as the Track and Field team is a co-op.
When she is not at practice or school, Malea loves to spend time with her family and friends. In the summer, she enjoys being outdoors and doing activities like swimming and hiking. She is a lifeguard and teaches swim lessons to little kids. She loves it as she is able to be outside and around children.
After high school, Malea plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and study Human Biology with an emphasis in Nutrition and Dietetics. She plans on earning a master’s or doctorate degree in a related field after completing her bachelor’s degree. She has a passion for all things health and helping others to achieve their goals and feel their best.
Malea would like to congratulate Bryce Vamstad on being named Student of the Month. She would like to thank her teachers, all of whom created a lasting impact on her future. She will never forget any of her teachers because of how much they helped her throughout her life. She would also like to thank her parents and family members for giving her constant support and encouragement. She would not be where she is today without them. Finally, she would like to thank the Kiwanis Club for organizing this luncheon and for all of the hard work that they do.
“Malea came to Kindergarten a quiet, shy girl and has blossomed into a beautiful, confident adult. Whether she is on the altar at church, or the court at school, she uses her confidence for success. Although she is still a quiet young lady, she goes above and beyond to show her accomplishments in a variety of ways. Congratulations, Malea, on becoming Student of the Month! Enjoy your Senior year! The future is bright!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Malea Aschliman is such a wonderful role model and one of the kindest humans I have ever met. Her drive, ambition, and determination are unmatched. I have had the honor of knowing Malea for many years and am proud to say that I have had the privilege to coach her. Thank you, Malea, for being who you are and showing what true kindness is.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Ingwell, Elementary Instructional Assistant and Assistant Volleyball Coach
“I have had the pleasure of being one of Malea’s coaches in track and field since her Freshman year. Malea comes to practice with an infectious smile on her face. The smile may subside a bit during a 400m workout, but quickly returns when she is done! Malea has such a positive attitude that shines through and makes her coaches and teammates feel good just by being in her presence. The last few years, Malea has been a leader on our team. She teaches underclassmen her crafts, the hurdles and high jump, which can be intense and very technical for new athletes. Her encouragement and ability to ease the nerves of teammates prior to a competition is an amazing attribute that she possesses. Enjoy the rest of your Senior year, Malea!” ~ Mrs. Heather Langreck, Assistant Track Coach
“Mother Teresa once said, ‘Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.’ This is who Malea is to her core. You can’t help but be happier when you are around her. She is always positive and kind with a beautiful smile on her face. I am so honored to have been her coach for the past two years. Not only is Malea intelligent and works hard in the classroom, but she is a fantastic athlete and leader. She is one of the best captains I have ever had on our team this year. She leads by example, pushes her teammates to live by our standards, but supports everyone along the way. She wants to pull everyone up with her. She was kind and inclusive to our underclasswomen and would often be seen going down to the lower court to do a drill with them to make them feel important and supported — a small act of kindness that made a huge impact on our program. I am so proud of Malea, and I can’t wait to see what she does in the future! Congratulations on this honor, Malea! There is nobody more deserving.” ~ Mrs. Kari Kabat, Middle School Math Teacher and Head Volleyball Coach
“Malea is such a wonderful example for underclassmen to look up to, as she is kind, determined, hard-working, and always has a smile on her face. As a student, you have truly taken on the role of learner and pushed yourself by taking college courses and working on the skills you will need for the next step in your journey. As you finish this chapter of your story and start the next, these qualities are going to continue to guide you and help you reach your goals. Congratulations, as you are very deserving of the Student of the Month Award. Best of wishes, you are going to do great things.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Malea Aschliman is an extraordinary and compassionate young woman who has been a shining light in our school community. I cannot express enough how her kindness and innate ability to make others feel seen, heard, and noticed have left an indelible mark on both our school and those who have had the pleasure of interacting with her. Malea’s commitment to her education is evident in her decision to pursue a degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. Undoubtedly, she will excel in this field as she has already taken significant steps to prepare herself for college-level work. By graduation, Malea will have earned over 40 college credits, a testament to her academic prowess and determination. Malea, congratulations, enjoy your Senior year, and keep spreading your light and kindness – our world needs it.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“‘Use your smile to change the world – don’t let the world change your smile.’ Anyone who knows Miss Malea knows that her smile truly lights up the room, and her giggle sings through the halls. Malea, I can’t tell you how much your positive, go-getter attitude is a game changer. Your desire to learn and better yourself has always been equal to your positive attitude. I love to watch how you sincerely want to know the why of everything. Watching you grow in the classroom, on camera, and on the forensics stage has been amazing. I will genuinely miss you next year, but I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you, Sweet Girl!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
Bryce Vamstad
Bryce Vamstad is the son of Brad and Jennie Vamstad. He was born in Two Rivers in 2005 and moved a couple of times until he found Mineral Point. Bryce has one younger brother, Thorin, who is also currently attending Mineral Point High School.
Bryce has lived in Mineral Point through most of his life and has been attending the schools since Pre-K. Bryce participates in multiple extracurricular activities in high school. Though he wishes he did more, he is a part of forensics, Sources of Strength, Future Business Leaders of America, and the National Honor Society. He enjoys trying new things and volunteering for the community when he can. And even though speaking in front of others is nerve-wracking, he likes to compete in forensics and learn the necessary skills for his future. He is also excited to help organize the National Honor Society penny war fundraiser.
Sports have always been a large part of Bryce’s life. He has been participating in them for as long as he can remember and has always loved the competition. He is a part of the basketball, baseball, and football programs in Mineral Point. In all three sports, Bryce was awarded with Academic Honors from the state and district. For baseball, he was awarded First Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention All-Conference, and First Team All-Area. In football, he was awarded two Second Team All-Conference Honors as well as an Honorable Mention. And for basketball, he was named Honorable Mention All Area. Bryce has always been dedicated to these sports and pushes himself to be the best player he can be. He not only loves the sport, but he loves the team, coaches, and all the people that support them when they play.
When Bryce isn’t busy practicing or doing schoolwork, he loves doing a variety of hobbies. During the summer, he loves to swim and fish up at the family cabin. During the winter, or bad days, he likes spending time playing games with friends. He also loves to spend time with his girlfriend when he can.
After high school, Bryce plans to attend a four-year university and study biology or a Pre-Physician Assistant program. He plans to complete his undergraduate and then pursue a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. He enjoys learning about the human body and would love to help others in the future through this career.
With that, Bryce would like to congratulate Malea Aschliman on being Student of the Month with him. He would like to thank the Kiwanis Club for giving him this honor and organizing this meeting. Bryce also wishes to thank his parents, grandparents, and all of the others who have not only pushed him to be great but also to thank them for always being supportive on his journey.
“Bryce Vamstad is a great young man and I have enjoyed watching him grow and mature throughout the years! Whether he’s lifeguarding, on the football field, on the basketball court or in the classroom, he has shown his ability to shine. Bryce is always kind and his achievements are many. Congratulations, Bryce! Enjoy your Senior year and best wishes in the future!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Congratulations on your selection as the December Student of the Month, I couldn’t think of a student who is more deserving of this honor. You are dependable, respectful, and positive, and serve as an important role model for your peers, younger students, the school, and the community. It is encouraging to see you grow as a leader and I can’t wait to see what your future holds, as you have consistently demonstrated the skills that you need to be successful in any career you pursue. Best of luck with your future.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Congratulations, Bryce, on being chosen as a December Student of the Month. You are kind, approachable, and a leader in our school and community. You are a student who truly embodies the values we hope to instill in all of our students, and you carry these qualities beyond the walls of the school. From a professional standpoint, I admire your desire to succeed and genuine willingness to help others. And although I knew it, after Merrill spent one practice with you, he stated, ‘Bryce is such a great kid. He works hard, is a leader, and is willing to put in the work.’ Bryce, thank you for being a shining example of what we hope our students take away from their time at Mineral Point Schools and best of luck in your future endeavors.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Musician Billy Cox once said, ‘The two things in life you are in total control over are your attitude and your effort.’ Bryce, you have always impressed me with how controlled you can stay. It is as if we can see the gears in your mind turning. Your ability to lock into a conversation and make others feel your sincere interest is priceless. This quality will open many doors for you. I was so proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone to join forensics and equally pleased to see you succeed! Never lose that 110% ‘go for it’ attitude. I can’t wait to see what the next four years hold for you!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
(Aschliman and Vamstad photos by Ann Gorgen)