The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its May Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, May 6.
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.
These are the final Students of the Month for the 2024-25 school year.
Cylin Carey
Cylin is the daughter of Shane and Tori Carey. She has lived her entire life in Mineral Point. She has three siblings: an older brother, Caden, who is an RN at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse; an older brother, Colbi, that works for Eilertson, Inc doing directional drilling out of Verona; and a younger sister, Cambrey, that is a Freshman in high school here in Mineral Point. Cylin also has a cat, Mittens, and a dog, Scout.
Since Cylin was little, she’s struggled with her hearing. At 3-year-old screening, they discovered she was only speaking in vowels, and figured they were the only sounds she was hearing. Her mom had questioned doctors for a couple of years, because she wouldn’t leave her ears alone. She had three surgeries trying to keep the fluid under control with the hearing loss she had. She learned how to shape her mouth and say consonants in a year. Her speech teachers were always amazed at how hard she worked at everything, even when she was three. She finally got a hearing aid in her right ear when she was in 4th or 5th grade. At this point, they figured she only heard maybe three words in every sentence. She still struggles with her hearing to this day. Every specialist she has seen says they have no idea why her hearing fluctuates so much. She has days when her hearing isn’t too bad and days she can’t hear much. This has affected how she learns and takes things in. She has never once complained about her struggles and the disadvantage it gives her, besides her complaining to her mom about her ears bugging her for the past 18 years. She takes on her daily hearing fluctuation and pain like it’s a path and not a wall.
This school year, Cylin has been doing half her days in high school and the other half doing college business classes online with Southwest Tech. Cylin is planning to attend UW-Platteville to study accounting in the fall.
Outside of classes, Cylin is involved in three sports. She was on the volleyball team that made it to State. She was also a wrestling manager for the wrestling team that just won State. She has been helping fix statistics for wrestling in the background for eight years, and the second half of this season started doing photos. She is currently busy playing softball with the Mineral Point varsity team. She is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America and Skills USA. She works at Walmart in her spare time, which has been a struggle with sports in her Senior year. She has rarely had a day this school year that hasn’t had something to do with sports and work. Her parents think she overloaded her schedule and had to work on college homework in any spare time she had.
Cylin would like to thank all the staff members at Mineral Point for helping her grow into the person she is, especially for working around her hearing difficulties, which fluctuate so much. She wants to especially thank all her hearing teachers, and Mrs. Cindi Nothem, Mr. Ben McWilliams, and Mrs. Valerie Martin, for helping her grow her love for math. Finally, Cylin wants to thank her parents and siblings for their encouragement, endless support, life lessons, and love throughout the years.
Cylin would like to thank Kiwanis for this opportunity and congratulate her fellow Student of the Month, Alan James, and all the previous and future Seniors selected for their hard work and dedication.
“One of the hardest workers for me as a manager this year. The behind the scenes work that has to be done for our team never gets enough credit and she does all of this and more without complaint. Moreover, she does all of this for us while still working hard and doing well in the classroom. She is bubbly, has a great sense of humor, and always has a smile on her face while being asked to do things for others that rarely gets acclaim. She has such a great work ethic and a great mindset that when she has a job or wants to accomplish something, it gets done. We will truly miss her being a part of this team.” ~ Mr. Curtis Fiedler, Middle School Special Education Teacher and Head Wrestling Coach
“Congratulations, Cylin, on being named May Student of the Month. It’s been a pleasure having you in Accounting class. You consistently bring a strong work ethic and positive attitude to the classroom every day. I’ve been especially impressed with how efficiently you grasp complex concepts and apply them with confidence. Your enthusiasm for business and learning is evident, and I have no doubt you’re going to do amazing things in college and beyond. I’m proud of you and excited to see where your journey takes you next. Keep up the great work, Cylin!” ~ Mrs. Valerie Martin, Middle/High School Business Teacher
“Cylin, you are a remarkable, kind, human and I love you! It has been so amazing watching you grow over the years. I feel blessed to have been part of your life and please remember I am always here for you. I am so proud of you and all that you have accomplished and can’t wait to see where you go from here. Good luck and congratulations.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Ingwell, EC and 4K Teacher
“Cylin, you are truly beautiful, inside and out. Your warm personality and infectious sense of humor light up every room, and they’ll carry you far in life! I feel so fortunate to have been both your teacher and coach, witnessing first hand your incredible work ethic and team-first attitude. You are the perfect mix of grit, positivity, and just the right touch of sass—that’s a winning combination no matter what path you take. I can’t wait to see where your journey leads next. Wishing you all the best in college and beyond—don’t be a stranger!” ~ Mrs. Kari Kabat, Middle School Math Teacher and Head Volleyball Coach
“When Cylin Carey was a little girl, she always wore the same shy smile we see today. However, don’t let that shy smile fool you! Cylin is fierce and a force to be reckoned with! Whether she is on the volleyball court, the softball field, or in the classroom, she uses her ‘younger sister’ power to exemplify her strength and courage in all situations. It has been a joy watching Cylin grow up. She is hard working and shows this when serving as a wrestling manager. Her skills of perseverance and dedication are sure to take her far in the world! Congratulations, Cylin, on becoming May’s Student of the Month! Good Luck next year! Have fun and be safe!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“‘The greatest ability is dependability.’ Cylin Carey exemplifies this principle through her unwavering kindness, positive attitude, and determination. She treats everyone respectfully and warmly, creating an environment where others feel valued and supported. Her optimism is contagious, uplifting those around her even in challenging situations. Cylin’s determination drives her to pursue her goals with perseverance, making her an excellent role model. I am sure the future holds great things for you, Sweet Girl! Never lose that bright smile and positive attitude.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Congratulations, Cylin, on being named a Student of the Month for May! It’s been an absolute joy getting to know you this year and discovering all the wonderful things that make you, you. I love your sensitive side and how you’re always up for a good time. You light up every room with your sweet, smart, hardworking spirit and your wit is spot on. Taking on full-time Business Management courses through Southwest Tech as a Senior while acing your MPHS classes and juggling countless activities is nothing short of phenomenal, and you should be incredibly proud of yourself. I’ll admit, I thought I would really miss you next year, but then you told me I had to move into your dorm room with you, so I guess we won’t be spending much time apart after all! Enjoy every moment of your final month of high school, because it truly won’t be the same without you. Best of luck in all your future adventures and thank you for leaving such a positive mark on MPHS!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
Alan James
Alan James is the oldest son of Mike and Megan James. He has lived in Mineral Point and Dodgeville. Alan attended St. Joseph’s Elementary and Middle School up until 7th Grade. He then switched to Mineral Point for the last two years of middle school, where he then finished the next four years of high school. Alan has one older sister, three older brothers, one younger sister, and one younger brother.
He has participated in football and wrestling for four years. Alan has three years of all-conference honors in football and one year of all-conference honors in wrestling. Alan’s favorite sports memory is winning the Team State Wrestling Championship in his Senior year.
Alan has had an interest in sports since a young age. One of Alan’s favorite things from Mineral Point High School was being a part of the football and wrestling teams. He loved making new friends and facing adversity with them. He loves waking up early, working hard, and staying up late and working hard.
Outside of school and sports, Alan works in construction as a carpenter. He loves to work outside and likes being a part of a team. He also loves learning new things and mastering what he already knows. Alan likes to work, make money, and spend it. He plans to work right out of high school.
Alan would like to thank most of the MP staff for making high school an enjoyable experience, from the teachers who did the core classes to his favorite construction and shop classes. He has enjoyed all four high school years and would change very few things about his experience.
“I got to really know Alan over the last four years when he came out for wrestling for the first time. He has made such great lengths as a wrestler where he was able to defeat the 3rd place finisher in the State to help us win our Team State Final on our way to clinching the Pointers a State Championship this year. One of the things that I have been impressed with as much as his growth as a wrestler is his growth as a person. Always quiet, never enjoying the limelight, but taking the role as a leader of these young men and women on our team, in the school and out in the community. Such a great choice for Student of the Month and he will certainly be successful in whatever the future holds for him.” ~ Mr. Curtis Fiedler, Middle School Special Education Teacher and Head Wrestling Coach
“Although Alan James wasn’t a kindergartner in our school, I remember seeing him often as a young boy. His calm demeanor is admirable. Watching him in football and wrestling have been exciting and we know there will be many opportunities for teamwork in his future. Being a team player isn’t always easy, but it can be very rewarding! Thank you, Alan, for showing younger children how to work as a team! Congratulations on being selected as May’s Student of the Month! Best wishes in the future!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“‘Silence is a source of great strength. The quieter you become, the more you can hear.’ Alan James embodies this quiet strength through his thoughtful presence and unwavering dedication. As an engaged student, he listens intently, asks insightful questions, and consistently pushes himself to improve. His respectful attitude toward both peers and teachers creates a positive and focused learning environment. Alan’s quiet determination and strong work ethic speak volumes, proving that true strength often comes not from loud words but from steady action and purposeful intent. Because of these qualities, your future is incredibly bright, with amazing things to come. Never lose that tenacious spirit, Alan; it will surely take you places!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Congratulations, Alan, on being chosen as Student of the Month for May! You are an outstanding student whose strong work ethic shines through your stellar academic record, athletic achievements, and exceptional success in our Youth Apprenticeship program. I admire your dedication to pursuing a career in the trades, and your quiet, kind, and humble leadership serves as a positive role model and inspiration to your peers. You have earned the respect and admiration of both staff and students, and your lasting impact on our school community will not be forgotten. Best wishes in all your future endeavors – you have a bright future ahead!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
(Carey photo by Tori Carey; James photo by Lifka Bennett)