The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its February Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, February 4.
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.
Cole Hentrich
Cole Hentrich was born on January 17th, 2007 and is the son of Jason and Shannon Hentrich and the younger brother of Alexis Hentrich. He has lived in Mineral Point his entire life, attending Mineral Point Schools from elementary through high school.
Throughout high school, Cole has been an active and dedicated student, balancing academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. He is the Vice President of the National Honor Society and has been on the Honor Roll every year. He is also a member and treasurer of Key Club, where he enjoys giving back to the community, a lawyer for Mock Trial, where he works on public speaking, and a variety of other clubs he has picked up in his Junior and Senior years like musical and Forensics. He also had the opportunity to go to UW-Eau Claire where he participated in Badger Boys State where he learned a lot about the government. He also has participated in multiple sports, including football, golf, pickleball, and trap shooting. In trap shooting, he is one of the tri-captains. Working out has also been a major part of his life, helping him grow both physically and mentally over the years.
Outside of school, Cole has gained valuable experience working a variety of jobs, including at Walmart, Olson Plumbing, farm work, and also tutoring. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, playing video games, watching movies, and TV shows, and reading. He often goes on outdoor adventures with his friends, even going as far as going to Colorado with his friends for a week this last summer. Although he used to be shy, high school has helped him grow out of his shell, and he now considers himself more extroverted and willing to connect with others.
Cole has a strong passion for math, science, and problem-solving, which has led him to explore careers in engineering. He is considering pursuing mechanical, civil, or chemical engineering in college and hopes to attend Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Cole is incredibly grateful for the support of his family, friends, teachers, and coaches, who have all played a role in shaping him into the hardworking and motivated person he is today. He believes in making the most out of life and living by the motto, “You only live once, so might as well have fun while doing it.” Cole would also like to give extended congratulations to Eli Lindsey, his fellow Student of the Month, who continues to achieve the unachievable.
“Cole Hentrich has been a serious student since the beginning all those years ago. He always wore his sweet smile and was kind to those around him. His success academically has shown throughout the years and now he is a Senior ready to graduate! Cole represented Mineral Point at Badger Boys State and has participated in sports to make him an all-around student. Congratulations, Cole, and best wishes as you select your future plans!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Cole, two of the many things I admire about you are your engaging and calming presence and your ever-ready kind smile. These two traits make a huge difference inside and outside of a classroom and will serve you well as you continue to make connections and pursue your dreams. I wish you the best in all you do.” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“Congratulations, Cole, on becoming a Student of the Month! You are very deserving of this honor. I have watched Cole grow into a passionate, hands-on learner with a strong interest in engineering. His problem-solving mindset shines through projects like buying and refurbishing old vehicles, an ambitious hobby he enjoys with his friends. With a strong academic record, resilience in the face of challenges, and a deep commitment to community service, Cole is a well-rounded and motivated student who will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact in college and beyond. Best of luck with all your future endeavors, Cole!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“‘The most reliable way to predict the future is to create it.’ Cole, you have impressed me with your ability to create positive outcomes since I saw your smiling face as a Freshman. Your polite, kind, genuine demeanor will continue to take you places. I hope you continue to push yourself to try new things. Watching you do this for the last four years has been so much fun. I wish you all the best – you deserve it!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
Eli Lindsey
Eli Lindsey is the youngest child of Matt and Alea Lindsey. He was born in Dodgeville and raised in Mineral Point as a true Pointer attending elementary, middle, and high school in this special town. He has two older siblings. His older brother, Isaac, graduated from UW-Madison last year with a personal finance degree and is now taking a 5th year at South Dakota State finishing out his basketball career. His sister, Mallory, is currently a Junior at UW-Oshkosh where she is pursuing a double major in advertising and public relations with a minor in multimedia journalism/social media. She is also playing basketball for UWO.
Eli is a multi-sport athlete and has been very active from an early age. He started playing basketball at the AAU and Travel League level during his elementary days and continued to do so throughout his high school career. Eli has also been a Wisconsin Junior PGA member which has given him the opportunity to play in many tournaments around the state on beautiful golf courses and led to him falling in love with the game. His Freshman and Sophomore years, he was the quarterback for the football team earning a varsity letter and All-Conference honorable mention his Sophomore year. While on the Mineral Point Basketball team, Eli has been a four year letter winner, named team captain since his Sophomore year, earned many MP team awards, and was honored with All-Conference, All-Area, All-State, and WBCA Academic Awards. His teams have been Conference Champions, Regional Champions, Sectional Champions and State Champions and they are hoping to add to that list this year! Eli has also had much success on the MP Golf team. He has earned varsity letters each year, is a team captain, as well as earning individual All-Conference honors. Like in basketball, his golf teams have been Conference Champions, Regional Champions, Sectional Champions, and State Champions. He is looking forward to the season ahead with high hopes to finish off his high school career on another positive note.
Eli takes great pride in achieving high honors in the classroom each year and is a member of the National Honor Society. Throughout his high school years, Eli has been involved in many clubs including Wake Up Mineral Point, MPTV (production team and on air anchor), The Blue Crew where he is an officer, the yearbook staff, the Forensics team, Future Business Leaders of America where he is the current Vice President, and enjoys his time as a peer leader for Sources of Strength. Recently, Eli competed in a FBLA competition where his team earned Regional and State Championship titles. This qualified them for Nationals last summer where they achieved National Finalist recognition while competing in Orlando, Florida.
When not in the classroom, on the court, or on the course – whatever the activity is, he enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and God. Eli believes his inner strength and motivation comes from those three things and that his faith has been the guiding factor in all that he does.
Next year, Eli plans to attend Viterbo University where he will pursue a degree in Nursing with the plan to go on to become a Nurse Anesthetist. He will also continue his golfing career as he has been given a partial scholarship to play for the Viterbo V-Hawks Golf Team.
While Eli will miss being in the Mineral Point Unified School District, he will always be a Pointer at heart. He has loved his time here and will never forget his roots. He is very proud of where he comes from and one day hopes to live and raise a family in the area. Once a Pointer, always a Pointer. He would like to thank all of the teachers and school administrators in the school district. Each and every one of them have helped shape him into the person he is today in one way or another. A special shout out to Mrs. Kristin Staver, who is not only a great teacher, mentor and role model of hard work…she is also an amazing Aunt who does so much for him. Also, Eli would like to thank Coach Dan Burreson and the entire basketball staff for their guidance and constant source of support throughout his high school career. They sure have spent a lot of time together and Eli will miss being with them in the gym. Coach Cory Sokol, his mom Deb Mester, Scott Schmitz, and Greg Gevelinger are also on his list of special thank yous. They have played a big role in growing Eli’s love for the game of golf. He is so appreciative of his time spent at the Dodge-Point Country Club and the encouragement that he has received from all of their members. Lastly, Eli thanks his mom and dad for their guidance and love throughout the years. Without it, his time in Mineral Point wouldn’t have been nearly as special.
Eli would also like to thank the Kiwanis for this opportunity and would like to congratulate Cole, his fellow Student of the Month, for being selected for his hard work and dedication.
“Eli Lindsey is a kind young man with many talents. Whether he’s in the classroom, on the court or on the golf course, it seems success surrounds him! Congratulations on becoming February’s Student of the Month, Eli! Finish your year strong and best wishes in the future beyond Mineral Point! You’ll always have a crew rooting for you wherever you go!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Eli Lindsey’s dedication, compassion, and drive make him a deserving Student of the Month! His strong work ethic shines through his academic success and athletic commitment, shaping him into a disciplined and resilient leader. With a passion for healthcare and aspirations to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Eli is poised to make a meaningful impact in the medical field. Eli, thank you for being an outstanding role model at MPHS—your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see all you accomplish! Enjoy the rest of your Senior year!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Eli Lindsey has been an outstanding student-athlete at Mineral Point High School for four years. Even given all his accomplishments academically and athletically, Eli’s best quality is his character. He is kind to anyone he encounters, supportive of his teammates/classmates/friends, and is as genuine a young man as I have ever been around. He has made a positive impact in everything he has been involved with and I have really enjoyed seeing Eli grow into the person he is today. He has been an incredible leader as a student-athlete and a great role model for the next generation of Pointers!” ~ Mr. Bret McGraw, Middle School Social Studies Teacher and Assistant Boys Basketball Coach
“Eli, your energy, kindness, and leadership have been such a great asset to our school and community. Your positive influence was made even more clear this holiday season when I was asking my grandson whose jersey he would want for Christmas. I was thinking of professional athletes across many sports, but he replied, ‘Lindsey.’ When I asked which team he played for, he said with a come-on Grandma look, ‘The Pointers, you know, Eli Lindsey.’ That spoke volumes about you. I wish you the best of everything as you continue the great work.” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“It has been a pleasure to coach Eli the past four years. He has been a great teammate and a great leader. Over the course of the past four years, he has been willing to play whatever role we have asked him to play on the basketball floor. Eli has always been a team first guy. He has been a great leader both by example and as a vocal leader. In the classroom, Eli has always put forth his best effort and has been truly interested in learning. He is goal oriented and driven both in the classroom and on the basketball floor. As both a student and as an athlete he has always been willing to help others, oftentimes putting the concerns of others ahead of his own concerns. Eli always has a plan and has an extremely bright future ahead of him.” ~ Mr. Dan Burreson, High School Social Studies Teacher and Head Boys Basketball Coach
“Congratulations on being selected as Student of the Month! You have achieved numerous accolades throughout your academic and athletic careers at MPHS, all of which are commendable. However, what I am most proud of is your outstanding character and the respect you consistently show to both your peers and teachers. Your positive attitude, warm greetings, and genuine interest in others do not go unnoticed. These small acts of kindness reflect your thoughtfulness and make a meaningful difference in our school community. Keep up the great work, Eli. I am honored to have you as a student.” ~ Mrs. Valerie Martin, Middle/High School Business Teacher
“‘Being positive isn’t pretending everything is good. It’s seeing the good in everything.’ Eli Lindsey genuinely sees the best in everyone and everything. Eli, you have the unique ability to bring sunshine into the entire room. This quality has always allowed you to stand out from the crowd and will open more doors for your future than you can imagine. You are the last Osterday grandchild to go through MPHS. I can’t imagine not hearing ‘Hi, Aunt Krissy’ every morning next year, but I am so excited to see you grow in college. You have made us so proud in everything you have done, both in and out of the classroom. Never lose that positive can-do outlook, Sweet Boy! You inspire me to be better every day.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver – AKA Aunt Krissy, High School English Teacher
(Hentrich photo by Mike Smith; Lindsey photo by Ann Gorgen)