The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its January Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, January 2.
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.
Charles DaVee
Charlie DaVee is the only child of Rink DaVee and Jenny Bonde. He was born in Dodgeville and has lived in Mineral Point his entire life, first attending daycare with Ann Gorgen and then moving on to morning preschool with Mrs. Laura Busch, then elementary, middle, and high school, all in Mineral Point.
At school, Charlie loves participating in the Math Team, Mock Trial, playing trombone in the band, and participating in musical theatre club activities as a crew member. He also enjoys volunteering at the Fall Fair and basketball games with Key Club.
In his spare time, he greatly enjoys fishing, dirt biking, snowboarding, snowmobiling (when he can get it running), tinkering with his electric skateboard, and working on his truck. When he can get his truck started, Charlie loves getting out in nature. Whether that is hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking, he always gets outdoors every chance possible. Most days, he can be found hiking in Governor Dodge State Park or some other nearby public land with his friends.
After High School, Charlie plans to attend a four-year university but is currently undecided on location. He hopes to pursue an environmental science or engineering degree.
Charlie wants to extend a huge thank you to his parents for being extraordinary role models and encouraging him to pursue his interests, whatever they may be. He would also like to thank all of his elementary, middle, and high school teachers for the amazing education he has received over the last fourteen years. Finally, Charlie would like to congratulate his good friend Abby Webb for being named Student of the Month as well. She is smart, hard-working, and definitely deserving of this award.
“Charles DaVee has been a serious student from the start! He was always a bit quiet, but inquisitive and wanted to learn all he could about the world around him. I am happy Charles seems to have found his niche in life and seems happy and content. Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month, Charles! You will do great things in life! Keep that wonderful smile!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Charlie is a naturally curious learner. Having the opportunity to work with him throughout his education has allowed me to see his passion for learning. He is a self-directed learner, always willing to explore topics of interest to better understand how the world works. Charlie’s motivation will serve him well as he transitions to higher learning.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Heisner, Options in Education Coordinator
“Charlie is such a fantastic student, role model, and individual and we are lucky to have him at Mineral Point. His overall positive outlook and the fact that he is reliable, purposeful, and genuine, lead me to believe that he is going to be successful in any future endeavors he chooses to pursue. It has been a pleasure to have had the opportunity to get to know you. Congratulations on your selection as the Student of the Month. Best wishes.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“I have loved working with Charlie DaVee within the Musical Theatre Club during his high school career. For his role in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ he earned the backstage award for The Flash, for his role in ‘Chicago’ he earned the award for Backlighting Champion, and for his role in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ he earned the award of Swiftest Feet. For this year’s production of ‘Into the Woods,’ he earned the award for Solution Superhero for his ability to remedy sudden issues with ease, collaboration, and calm. I appreciate Charlie’s patience and kind personality, willingness to step up to challenges and tasks, and quiet leadership, and can attest to his well-timed witty humor. Charlie’s sense of focus, professionalism, and dedication will be missed backstage and within the music department, and will certainly take him far after high school!” ~ Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“Congratulations, Charlie, for being chosen as a Student of the Month. I have so enjoyed getting to know you and your passions. Your intellect and curiosity are some of my most favorite traits of yours, and those traits have made such a positive impact in our school, especially when you share your knowledge of science and excitement for our environment. I am excited to see what the future holds for you and feel grateful to have had you as a student. Enjoy the rest of your Senior year!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
Abigail Webb
Abby Webb is the child of Bill and Susan Webb. She was born in St. Louis in 2005. She has two brothers, James and Elliott, who are also Seniors at Mineral Point High School. Although she was born in St. Louis, Missouri, Abby moved to Mineral Point when she was nearly two years old and has gone to school there since preschool.
Abby has participated in both band and choir for most of her school years, and she plans on taking her musical knowledge with her after high school. She has also participated in the high school musical theatre program for all four years, and she has been excited to take part in the school’s new drama club. Most recently, she played the Baker’s Wife in “Into the Woods,” and the year before that, she played Horatio in “Hamlet.” She is also part of the school’s Mock Trial club.
Abby has always loved writing and art. She has taken the CAPP Writing 101 course and is planning on taking the CAPP Creative Writing course this spring. In her free time, she enjoys drawing in her sketchbook. Although she doesn’t plan on being an art major, drawing is something that she will enjoy for the rest of her life, and she plans on improving her art skills daily. She also takes Tang Soo Do classes and likes challenging herself – she will be a returning camper at a wilderness summer camp in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of Minnesota. Abby is a 2023 recipient of the National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award.
Throughout her years in music programs, Abby has participated in Solo/Ensemble, even going to state with her accomplishments. She has also participated in the Tri-State Honors Band and SWAL Honors programs. This October, she performed in the Wisconsin State Honors Band at the Overture Center. This year, she was selected to participate in the Dorian Choir Festival and the WCDA Choir Festival, as well as the Wisconsin Concert Band Association Honors program. She is planning to take her flute with her when she leaves Mineral Point.
After high school, Abby plans to go to college, although she hasn’t decided where yet. She would like to leave her options open when it comes to what she would like to pursue – she is interested in a range of subjects. Even though she may not pursue music or art, she would like to keep those skills in her life, as well as musical theatre and drama.
Abby would like to congratulate her classmate and friend Charlie DaVee for also being selected as Student of the Month. She has known Charlie for about seventeen years and counting, and they’ve been friends since they were playing in the park in elementary school. She would like to thank her teachers for always pushing her to reach her potential and her parents for encouraging her to be the best she can be, as well as her flute instructor Mrs. Nancy Schmalz for being an amazing mentor. In addition, Abby would like to say how much she appreciates her peers in all of the classes and extracurricular activities she’s taken part in, especially those in band, choir, and theatre.
“Abby Webb is a sweet, kind, and clever young lady and has always had a great interest in reading. Her shy smile and kind heart make her personality shine through. As she continues on in life, I wish her the best! I look forward to watching her educational and career choices. Best wishes in the future, Abby and congratulations on becoming Student of the Month!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I had the pleasure of having Abby in my class for both kindergarten and 5th grade. Abby was one of the most empathetic students. She could see and feel others’ emotions and always wanted everyone to feel safe and happy. In 5th grade, Abby worked very hard and learned to persevere through challenges. She grew in her independence and stood up for what she believed in. I only run into Abby periodically, and she is fairly shy, but I know her traits of being kind, empathetic, and strong will lead her to all the greatness she deserves. I wish you the very best, Abby.” ~ Mrs. Laurie Heimsoth, 5th Grade Teacher
“Abby is a creative student. She enjoys the process and growth while not getting caught up in competition. She is a well-rounded student, possessing strong academic skills balanced with her creative talents. Abby is kind, helpful, and insightful. Congratulations on this recognition.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Heisner, Options in Education Coordinator
“Congratulations Abby on being selected as the Student of the Month for January. I was so impressed with your performance in the musical this year. If I were to describe Abby, I would use the words talented, kind hearted, and dependable. To me, these qualities are going to aid in your success and help you reach your goals. 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
“Abby Webb has demonstrated great dedication 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. Abby has always displayed a desire to improve her craft, and has particularly grown in trying new opportunities during her Senior year. I have enjoyed witnessing her development within the Musical Theatre Club. For her role in ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ she earned the awards for Most Consistent Actor and Improved Singer, for her role in ‘Chicago’ she earned the award for Most Improved Acting, for her role in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ she earned the award for Boldest Vocals, and in this year’s production of ‘Into the Woods,’ she was cast in her first lead role, for which she earned the award for Tenderest Notes. Abby has always represented our department and school well by participating in choir tours and solo competitions, and this year she will partake in the Dorian Festival and WCDA All-State Honors Choir. Abby’s multifaceted skills and sweet disposition have always amazed me, and they will be missed when she starts the next chapter in her life.” ~ Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“Abby Webb is a talented, kind, and humble person. She is a delight to have as a student and I know she has positively impacted our school and her peers with her caring personality. Abby is gifted in the fine arts. Her talent for theater, band, choir, art, and writing have truly impacted our school and community in many wonderful ways. You will certainly be missed in the coming years, Abby, and we are so grateful you shared your skills with us. Enjoy the rest of your Senior year and best of luck in the future.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
(DaVee photo by Lifka Bennett; Webb photo by Tonya Backes)