The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its March Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, March 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.
MacClain Busser
MacClain “Mac” Busser is the son of Rob and Kara Busser. He was born in Dodgeville on October 31, 2005.
Mac grew up in Waldwick before moving to town in Kindergarten and has been attending Mineral Point Schools since preschool. Currently, Mac is a member of Skills USA and serves as Parliamentarian, Future Business Leaders of America, Blue Crew, Math Team, Apprenticeship Program, and DARE. Mac was selected as a member of the National Honor Society, and this will be his second year as a member.
Extracurricular activities that Mac is involved in include cross country, wrestling, golf, and trap shooting. Mac is currently captain of the wrestling team and a sectional wrestling qualifier. Mac has also been a captain for the trap shooting team in his Sophomore, Junior, and Senior year. Last year, Mac placed 3rd in Masonry at the State Skills USA convention and was recognized by the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association as an honorable mention for scholar-athlete.
As a student-athlete, Mac has believed in the quote from Dan Gable, “I never won anything by myself. I was always strong because of help that gave me extra strength to win.” Mac would like to thank the coaches and teachers who helped him succeed inside and outside the classroom.
The outdoors has always been an interest of Mac’s. This includes camping, hunting, fishing, and kayaking. Mac also loves to participate in BBQ competitions with his family and, at 16, won 1st place in the ribs category at the Linden Frolic. Mac’s family has instilled giving back to the community by volunteering; you will find Mac often helps with chicken BBQs, Avenue of Flags with the Legion members, and helping coach MP youth wrestlers.
Currently, Mac works for A.B. Electric through the school apprenticeship program and plans to attend Southwest Technical College to be an electrician.
Mac would like to congratulate his fellow classmate Ella James on being named Student of the Month. Mac and Ella have been good friends since they were three years old attending the same daycare. Also, Mac would like to acknowledge his parents for the endless support they have given him throughout the years. Finally, Mac would like to thank the Kiwanis for this recognition and luncheon and the positive impacts they bring to our community.
“Congratulations to Mac on becoming March’s Student of the Month! Mac Busser came to Kindergarten oh so many years ago with his shy smile and kind disposition. He was always thinking of his peers and had many gestures of kindness towards others. He even invited his kindergarten teacher to tacos after parent teacher conferences! Mac has grown and matured into such a helpful young man. My students have benefited from his supportive and caring attitude through leadership classes and visits to the elementary school. Mac is also very recognized for his hard work on the wrestling mat, both for himself and helping the little ones with their youth practices – always showing up for others. He is empathetic and loyal and these qualities will be the cornerstone to his future success! Congratulations, Mac man! We look forward to watching your bright future! Best wishes next year and beyond!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Such a well-deserved honor for Mac to get Student of the Month. The young man has worked hard academically and treats everyone around him with a kind and positive attitude.” ~ Mr. Curtis Fiedler, Middle School Special Education Teacher and Head Wrestling Coach
“Despite his reserved nature, Mac radiates warmth and generosity, always extending a helping hand to his peers and teachers alike. Mac consistently goes above and beyond to assist others without seeking recognition. He exemplifies the true spirit of compassion and selflessness, inspiring us all to be better individuals. Congratulations, Mac, on this well-deserved recognition.” ~ Mrs. Cindi Nothem, High School Math Teacher
“I would like to take a moment to congratulate and recognize MacClain Busser for his outstanding leadership this year. While Mac may not always be the loudest voice in the room, his integrity, reliability, and genuine kindness has made him a standout student. He consistently demonstrates respect towards his peers and teachers and his humility and sincerity make him the perfect role model for others. You are one of a kind, Mac!” ~ Mrs. Valerie Martin, Middle/High School Business Teacher
“Mac Busser is responsible and kind, and leads with humility. He has been an exemplary Youth Apprenticeship student and member of our Construction Academy. He is earning the credentials needed to step right into the workforce and be successful. Mac has a positive ‘can-do’ attitude, never shying away from a task or expectation. He consistently earns top grades at school and evaluations from his employer. Mac, thank you for being the person you are. Your leadership, kindness, and altruism is needed in our world and I will miss you next year. Best of luck!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“American civil rights activist Marian Wright Edelman wrote, ‘Being considerate of others will take you further in life than any college degree.’ Mac Busser could be the most considerate student I have ever taught. He is the poster child for empathy and kindness to others. You have been a joy to work with throughout the last four years, Mac! You made me smile daily, especially during the difficult COVID Zoom days. Your future is incredibly bright! I can’t wait to see where life takes you!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
Estella James
Estella James is the youngest daughter of Aaron and Christine James. Estella has one older sister, Morgan, who is currently getting her master’s at Viterbo University.
Estella has been a part of the Mineral Point Unified School District since preschool and is involved in several extracurricular activities. She is the FFA treasurer and two-time Future Business Leaders of America secretary. Estella is also involved in band, Forensics, theatre, Key Club, National Honor Society, and softball. Estella has also served three years on the student council.
Estella has been involved in FFA since 8th grade and has participated in many different activities, from dairy judging, quiz bowl, and discussion meet. FFA and agriculture have had such a significant impact on Estella’s life and have taught her much about public speaking and self-confidence. As well as speaking for FFA, Estella has also participated in Forensics for the past four years. She is also a senior captain for Forensics. She has participated in prose and group interpretation and received a perfect score at the state level in her Freshman year.
One of the most exciting experiences Estella had while attending Mineral Point was being able to be a part of the Cornwall Exchange Program. Estella traveled to Cornwall in March of 2023 with five other students and had a fantastic time. They explored all over Cornwall and even experienced London for the first time! This trip will be an unforgettable trip and experience for Estella.
Outside of school, Estella is active with her 4-H club and the county 4-H program. Estella has served on the county’s 4-H Ambassador team for the past four years; this year, she is serving as 4-H Royalty. As well as working with the local community, Estella also had the honor of receiving the James Crowley Leadership in 4-H Award at the Wisconsin State Fair this past year.
Estella plans to attend Purdue University in the fall to pursue a plant biotechnology, breeding, and genetics degree. Estella also wants to thank all of the staff at Mineral Point for their continued support over the years. She also wants to thank Kiwanis for the support of Mineral Point High School and all they do for the community. Finally, Estella wants to congratulate her lifelong friend, MacClain Busser.
“It has been a fun time watching Ella James grow from a young elementary student to a teenager with many accomplishments and awards. Ella’s bright smile and hard working attitude will be sure to follow her throughout her future endeavors. Whether she’s doing a creative writing assignment, on the basketball court or judging an FFA competition, Ella always puts forth her best effort. Congratulations, Ella, on becoming March’s Student of the Month. Make the most of the Senior year you have left!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I admire Ella’s ability to balance her involvement in various activities while maintaining a positive outlook and upbeat personality. She truly embodies the spirit of leadership and engagement. I appreciate her willingness to step up and take on leadership roles within our school and more specifically, FBLA. Her can-do attitude brings an energy and vibrancy to everything she’s involved in and I wouldn’t have been able to get through my first year in Mineral Point without her! I appreciate you, Ella!” ~ Mrs. Valerie Martin, Middle/High School Business Teacher
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ella James within the Musical Theatre Club during her high school career. Her efforts displayed through backstage crew projects and assignments in ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘Chicago,’ and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ were truly exceptional. For this year’s production of ‘Into the Woods,’ she earned the award of Show Stealer for her performance as the puppeteer of Milky White. Ella’s first and only cast role was absolutely stunning and moving, especially for a character without lines or stage direction from the script – Ella was completely responsible for actively emoting and personifying a huge, awkward, and lovable puppet. Her performance also earned her a nomination for the Jerry Awards this year. I appreciate her sweet personality, flexibility, creativity, and quiet leadership. Ella’s professionalism, compassion towards peers, great talents, and dedication will be missed both backstage and onstage, as well as throughout the music department, and will certainly take her far in all of her future pursuits!” ~ Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“Ella James is a wonderful student, who is bright, service-focused, and a joy to work with. Ella is taking our most challenging courses and excelling. Ella is active in our school and community clubs and organizations, making her an excellent role model for all. My favorite part of Ella though is her kind, caring, and patient personality. She brings a light to each room and conversation she is a part of, and has truly made our school better with her positive influence. Best of luck in the future, Ella, and thank you for making MPHS a great place to be.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“‘The dream is free. Hustle is sold separately.’ This poster should display a picture of Ella James with it. This young lady has shown complete drive and hustle throughout her four years at MPHS, and most impressively, she has done this with the best attitude. Ella’s upbeat, go-getter personality makes her a joy to work with and for. These qualities will truly open many doors in your future, Ella. I wish you all the best and can’t wait to see your future unfold.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
(Busser photo by Ann Gorgen; James photo by Christine James)