The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its January Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, January 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.
Lillianna Berget
Lillianna Berget is the daughter and youngest child of Bradley and Anita Berget. She has four older siblings: Brianna (31), Bailey (29), Wesley (23), and Alexis (21), which substantially added to her success as a student and overall as a person. She has lived in Mineral Point her entire life and always attended the Mineral Point Unified School District with her family.
Lillianna has found that throughout high school, it has been a privilege to dedicate her time to clubs and activities. Some clubs she partakes in are FFA, Skills USA, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and National Honor Society. She finds that being involved in these clubs helps her learn the importance of community involvement.
For the past four years, Lillianna has been part of Forensics and Cheerleading. During her Forensics career, she won a gold and silver medal at the State level. For Lilianna, it was not just about the medals. Being in Forensics has allowed her to step outside her comfort zone and gain a level of professional speaking abilities. Lillianna was inspired to start Cheerleading after watching her older sister, Alexis, participate in Cheerleading during her high school years. Lillianna was co-captain for her Sophomore and Junior years and captain her Senior year of the Football Cheerleading Squad. Cheerleading has taught Lillianna the importance of responsible leadership and the organizational needs of a team.
Another thing that has allowed Lillianna to excel, especially these last two years, is the ability to participate in online and classroom college classes. A perspective she carries through life is the ability to challenge herself, even if it seems uncomfortable. These college classes accomplish that and even allow her to get a head start for college.
Outside the school environment, Lillianna dedicates much of her time to showing livestock. Growing up on a farm has allowed her to become accustomed towards a life of caring for animals. It has always been an essential aspect of her life and taught her many lessons. It may have started as a small project when she was younger, but it has turned into something much bigger, allowing her many opportunities. Concentrating her time on sheep, Lillianna has traveled around the country every year to compete at high-level livestock shows. Something about the livestock industry that keeps Lillianna hooked is the environment, which always makes her feel like she has a family. Through the hard work and dedication she provides, she knows there is always a purpose at the end.
Lillianna’s plan for the future involves attending a four-year college majoring in marketing. Although unsure of what college she will attend, she believes that marketing is a major that holds many possibilities for the future, depending on what kind of route she plans to take.
Lillianna would like to extend her heartfelt gratitude to everyone in the Mineral Point School District. She realizes that Mineral Point is a place full of opportunities and privileges that not every student can receive, so being able to grow into the person she is today stems from the Mineral Point District itself. Another thanks goes to her family and friends for being her sole support, motivation, and guidance throughout life.
Lastly, Lillianna would like to thank Kiwanis for giving her this fantastic opportunity and say a big congratulations to Jadyn Swinehart, her fellow Student of the Month and outstanding classmate.
“Congratulations to Lillianna Berget on becoming January Student of the Month! Such a well-deserved honor for this young lady. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of being her classroom teacher, I have always witnessed Lilli’s seriousness towards school and her studies. Whether you are able to observe her in the classroom, in Forensics, or in the show ring, you will truly notice her poise and dedication. She is humble with success. Best wishes as you finish out your Senior year and move on to the future!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Lilli, it has been such a pleasure getting to know and work with you in Forensics over the years. Watching you transform from a quiet, shy girl into a public speaking force with a great sense of humor and timing has been so much fun. One of the many things I admire about you is how willing you are to put in the practice time and try new ideas. I know this will take you far, and I wish you the best of luck as you pursue your dreams.” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“‘Use your smile to change the world – don’t let the world change your smile’ – Connor Franta. Anyone who knows Miss Lilli knows that her smile truly lights up the room. I have enjoyed this smile for the last four years in and out of the classroom and over the last ten years on the dance floor. My favorite memory of Lilli will forever be watching her smile ear to ear every time she dances, even throughout an hour-long practice in 100° heat! Lilli, in everything you do, from school, cheerleading, and Forensics (to name a few), you give 110%! For this reason, I know you will be beyond successful. It will be so strange not to have a Berget girl in my world next year, but I am so excited to see what the future holds for you, Sweet Girl! ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Lilli, congratulations on your selection as the Student of the Month for January. You always have been, and continue to be, an outstanding, kind, and caring individual who takes advantage of each moment. Thank you for being a great role model for underclassmen. As a student, you continue to impress me with your talents and ability to work hard to succeed in all areas of life. Best wishes.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Lilli Berget is an outstanding student, excelling academically while being actively involved in a wide range of school and community activities. Her dedication and diverse interests showcase her well-rounded nature and her drive to make a positive impact. With aspirations toward a career in marketing, Lilli demonstrates creativity, ambition, and a natural ability to connect with others. Getting to know Lilli has been a true pleasure, as her thoughtful nature, strong values, insight, and goals reveal a depth that often goes unnoticed to the world. There is so much more to Lilli than meets the eye, and I am excited to see her spread her wings and accomplish incredible things. Best of luck, Lilli, and enjoy your Senior year!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
Jadyn Swinehart
Jadyn Swinehart is the daughter of Daniel and Tonia Swinehart. She has a younger brother named Logan, a Freshman at MPHS. Jadyn has lived in Mineral Point since she was born in 2006 and has attended Mineral Point Schools since Pre K.
Jadyn is involved in many college classes including CAPP, Advanced Placement, and Southwest Technical College. She is also involved in many extracurriculars within the school. Her extracurricular activities involve Forensics, Band, Jazz Band, Key Club, FFA, National Honor Society, 4-H, and Iowa County 4-H Ambassador’s Program. Leadership positions she has include section leader of the percussion section in band and Vice President in Pleasant View 4-H. She is also involved in a number of athletics including cross country, travel softball, and she is planning on going out for track in the spring. Jadyn is also very involved in community service experiences as she participates in Santa Cop every year, which is run by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department. In this event, she holiday shops and wraps gifts for children of low-income families. Jadyn additionally was previously a Junior Hunter Safety Instructor and is on track to becoming certified as an official instructor. Jadyn also currently balances her job with all of her extracurriculars as she works at Lands’ End as a trimmer in embroidery. Balancing all these activities sure is not easy, but she gets them done!
When Jadyn is not participating in her extracurriculars, she likes to hunt deer, turkeys, and waterfowl. She also likes to hang out with friends doing various outdoor activities and even ice skate in the wintertime. Listening to music is also a fun pastime for Jadyn!
After high school, Jadyn plans on attending the University of Wisconsin-Stout to further her education in biology. She also is going to be playing softball as a left-handed pitcher and outfielder.
Jadyn would like to thank her friends and family for everything they have done to help her succeed. Jadyn would also like to thank all of the staff members in the Mineral Point School District for turning her into the young woman she is today. She would especially like to thank Mr. Tom Steger for fostering her interest in the biology world. She would also like to thank Mr. Matt Nevers for making her into the leader she is and noticing her outgoing personality. Finally, Jadyn would like to thank her parents for always supporting her through both her academic and athletic journeys.
Jadyn would like to thank the Kiwanis for this outstanding opportunity. She would also like to congratulate her fellow student of the month, Lillianna Berget, and all former and future classmates who have, or will, receive this honor.
“Jadyn Swinehart was a confident little Kindergartner back in 2012-13. School was fun and she enjoyed being with friends. As I have watched Jadyn grow into a young woman, it has been exciting to watch her succeed. The many extracurriculars have helped blossom her into the great young lady she is today. Softball, music and FFA, to name a few, have helped continue the confidence she exudes. She works hard at her studies and it shows. Congratulations, Jadyn! This award is well deserved! Best wishes next year at UW-Stout!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Jadyn has been such a great asset to our band program! She keeps the pep band in line with her drum set abilities, and serves as our drumline section leader for marching band. Jadyn also is taking my CAPP Music and Culture class this semester. She is a very diligent worker and asks really interesting questions about the topics that we are discussing in class. Jadyn, I am proud of your accomplishments in and outside of school! Congratulations!” ~ Mr. Matt Nevers, Middle/High School Band Teacher
“‘Confidence is the most beautiful thing you can possess’ – Sabrina Carpenter. Miss Jadyn, I knew you were a spark plug the first day I met you in English 9! I loved bantering with you and have thoroughly enjoyed watching you grow over the last four years as a student, an athlete, and a Forensics team member. You never shy away from a challenge or standing up for your beliefs. I know your future is bright. I can’t wait to see what comes next for you!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Jadyn, as you complete your Senior year and continue to write your story, I am excited because of the bright future you hold. Your determination and attributes that have helped you get this far will serve you well and help you reach your goals. Congratulations, you are very deserving of the Student of the Month Award. Your future is bright and I am sure that you will accomplish amazing things.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Jadyn Swinehart is a bright and curious student with a quiet confidence that shows her strength and determination. Whether she’s succeeding in sports, impressing everyone with her amazing drumming skills, excelling in FFA, or following her passions for animals and science, she always gives her best effort. Getting to know Jadyn over the past two years has been a true privilege, uncovering layers of her brilliance that aren’t immediately apparent to others. I’m so excited for others to get to know Jadyn—her ideas, passion, and leadership are truly special. She has the drive and talent to make a real difference. We will miss you in the coming years, Jadyn, but know you are destined for great things. Congratulations!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
(Berget photo by Candace Dolan; Swinehart photo by Camae Blackburn)