The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its January Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, January 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.
Madalyn Kabat
Maddy is the middle child of Mike and Kari Kabat. She has an older sister, Kennedy, who attends Edgewood College and has played volleyball there for the past three years, as well as a younger brother, Liam, who is currently a Sophomore in high school and participates in track and cross country. Maddy moved from Iowa-Grant to Mineral Point in 7th Grade and has attended Mineral Point Schools for the past six years. She was born in 2007 in Dodgeville. After previously living in Montfort, Maddy has now lived in Mineral Point for the last five years.
Maddy is actively involved in Skills USA and the Blue Crew. She was honored to be a member of the Homecoming Court during her Freshman year and was selected as a Homecoming Queen candidate this year. Maddy has also earned a place on the Honor Roll multiple times throughout her academic career. Maddy is a dedicated and hardworking student who takes her schoolwork seriously, even when it is challenging. Despite having a learning disability in reading, she continues to persevere and succeed. Being recognized with this honor means a great deal to her and reflects her determination, resilience, and commitment to her education.
Sports have been a central part of Maddy’s life, especially volleyball. She thrives on the court, and athletics have taught her valuable lessons in leadership, dedication, and perseverance. Maddy has earned 12 letters in athletics, earning varsity status in all three sports she has played every year since her Freshman year. She is also the only female in her class to compete as a three-sport athlete.
Volleyball has always been Maddy’s primary passion. Over the past three years, she has been voted Most Valuable Player by her teammates and served as Team Captain for two of her four seasons. She is the only player in school history to win a WIAA Regional title all four years of her high school career and was a member of the program’s first-ever WIAA State qualifying team in 2024.
In volleyball, Maddy is a three-time SWAL Conference Champion and a two-time SWAL Player of the Year (2024–2025). She earned First Team All-Conference honors three times (2023–2025) and was named WVCA All-State First Team in both Division 4 and Division 3 in 2024–2025, along with Honorable Mention in 2023. In addition, Maddy holds three school volleyball records.
Basketball has also played an important role in Maddy’s life. She began playing basketball in the 3rd Grade and developed a strong love for the sport throughout her elementary school years. Maddy is grateful for the many talented coaches she has had the opportunity to learn from along the way. Maddy is one of this year’s basketball captains for the 2025-26 season. During the 2025 season, she helped lead her team to a Conference Championship. From 2023 to 2025, Maddy was recognized as the team’s top rebounder and led the team in field goal percentage.
In softball, she has been voted Most Valuable Player by her teammates for the past two seasons and earned Rookie of the Year honors as a Freshman. Maddy led her team in hits for the last two seasons and was awarded the Golden Glove as an outfielder. During the 2024–25 season, she was named First Team All-Conference, as well as earning All-District and All-State honors the last two seasons. Her team qualified for the WIAA State Tournament in 2025.
Maddy will continue her volleyball career at UW-Platteville next year, where she will pursue her passion for the sport at the college level. She will also continue to explore career paths that sparked her interest.
Maddy would like to thank the Kiwanis for this honor and congratulate Madelyn Steffes on being named January Student of the Month. She is very happy to share this special moment with her. Maddy would also like to thank the Mineral Point School staff for making her high school experience so memorable.
A special thank you goes to Mrs. Erika Brunson for helping guide her with her future, and Mrs. Kristin Staver for being like a second mom to her during high school and for all the help she gave her with grammar, Mrs. Cindi Nothem and Mrs. Kari Kabat for sparking her interest in math; Mr. Tom Steger for inspiring a greater interest in biology; and Mrs. Valerie Martin for providing a strong educational background in business and finance. Lastly, Maddy would like to extend a huge thank you to Mrs. Callie Gundlach, Mr. Justin Leonard, and Mrs. Marcia Blackbourn for their hard work, support, and guidance throughout the years, and for helping make her transition from high school to college feel far less overwhelming.
“Maddy Kabat is a friendly, fun young lady with lots of spirit. I have observed Maddy throughout her years here in Mineral Point and these are some of the words that come to my mind. But, obviously, she is also studious and academic. She works hard in the classroom, on the field, and on the court. Maddy is a real trooper and I am happy to support her and congratulate her on this success. Have fun in your Senior year, Maddy! Best wishes as you finish up both your sports and your academic futures! Congratulations on being Student of the Month!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Madalyn’s effort, consistency, and determination sets the standard for our team. She makes everyone around her better, at practice as well as in games.” ~ Mr. Merrill Brunson, 6th Grade Teacher and Head Girls Basketball Coach
“I have had the privilege of teaching Maddy during both her middle and high school years, and she stands out as one of the most diligent and committed students I’ve ever had the honor of teaching. In the classroom, Maddy consistently demonstrates reliability, dedication, and perseverance. Her time management and ability to handle responsibilities are truly remarkable. Maddy frequently takes on extra tasks, showcasing natural leadership skills without needing any prompting. She embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and is always receptive to feedback, using it constructively to drive improvement. Maddy knows what she needs to succeed and confidently seeks the necessary resources or support. This assertiveness reflects her maturity and drive for excellence in all her endeavors. I do not doubt that Maddy will become an incredibly successful adult, continuing to set high standards for herself and inspiring those around her. Congratulations, Maddy!” ~ Mrs. Michelle Rielly, Middle School English Teacher
“Maddy Kabat, you are my FAVE! Knowing you has truly been a privilege, and I am so proud of you. You are a wonderful role model and consistently lead by example. You are a hard worker and always do the right thing. We have had so many laughs together; just being around you brightens my day! You hold a special place in my heart and I will always be one of your biggest fans! You know you are one of my FAVORITE humans, and I am excited to see where life takes you and all the amazing things you will do after high school. I am always here for you! Love you, Mander.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Ingwell, 4K/Early Childhood Teacher and Assistant Volleyball Coach
“Maddy is well-deserving of the Student of the Month honor. She truly can do it all, bringing toughness, motivation, and focus into everything she takes on. In the classroom, Maddy asks thoughtful questions, works hard each day, and genuinely supports her peers. Her positive attitude, determination, and natural leadership make her an excellent role model for underclassmen and a wonderful choice for this recognition. Great job, Maddy!” ~ Mrs. Valerie Martin, Middle/High School Business Teacher
“‘Hard work and perseverance are the quiet engines behind every great accomplishment.’ Maddy Kabat lives that truth every day — showing up early, staying late, and giving her best even when no one is watching. She is dedicated to her teammates and her school, consistently stepping up as a dependable leader who leads by example rather than words alone. As a role model, Maddy carries herself with integrity and kindness, lifting others and creating a supportive environment wherever she goes. Her positive energy is contagious, and her sense of responsibility earns her the trust and respect of others — proving that character, effort, and perseverance truly make a difference. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you throughout the last four years. You have grown beyond measure as a student-athlete. I can’t tell you how much I have appreciated your thoughtfulness in saying thank you and your intuitive nature in helping before being asked. You are going big places, Sweet Girl! I can’t wait to see what comes next! You will always hold a special place in Staverland!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School Media Teacher
“Maddy Kabat is a student who works incredibly hard at everything she does, consistently demonstrating passion, drive, and excellence in both academics and athletics. Her tenacity and ambition are innate qualities that set her apart and cannot be taught. At the same time, Maddy is insightful, introspective, and deeply caring, always mindful of how others feel. She is a rare and powerful combination of determination and sensitivity. I am grateful to have gotten to know her beyond what the world often sees, and to witness her sweet, thoughtful soul. With her work ethic and heart, Maddy is truly unstoppable. Congratulations, and enjoy the rest of your senior year.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“As Maddy’s parent, coach, and her teacher, I could not be more proud of this recognition. While many people see her grit, intensity, and fire on the court, what makes me most proud is the work she puts in every day in the classroom and the effort she gives in everything she does. Having a learning disability has shaped Maddy into a resilient, disciplined young woman who often puts in twice—sometimes three times—the work, without ever looking for excuses. She has learned how to use her tools, push through challenges, and keep showing up. Beyond her competitiveness, Maddy has a deep care for her teammates and a true team-first mindset. She leads through connection, support, and relentless work ethic, and that is what makes her so special. We are so excited to continue watching her compete and grow at the next level. ‘Hard work, heart, and humility will always take you far.’” ~ Mrs. Kari Kabat, Middle School Math Teacher and Head Volleyball Coach
Madelyn Steffes
Madelyn Steffes is the daughter of Eric and Rebecca Steffes. She is the middle child between two boys — Lance, an electrician, employed at A&B Electric and Emmitt, an 8th Grader at Mineral Point Middle School. Madelyn is the granddaughter of Ralph and Mary Jean James and Donna and the late Ernest Steffes. Upon graduation she will be a fourth generation MPHS graduate.
Madelyn has been a Mineral Point student her entire life. During her high school career, she has been involved in many extracurricular activities and clubs including Musical Theatre, Dungeons & Dragons, Drama Club, Mock Trial, Forensics, Marching Band, Pep Band, and FFA. Madelyn is first chair trumpet in the high school band and is Vice President for the Environmental Wellness Club (EWC). Outside of school, she volunteers at Community Connections Free Clinic in Dodgeville and participates in 4-H, church choir, and the Mineral Point City Band.
Over the summer, Madelyn has three jobs, including a farm hand at Shooting Star Farms, a tour guide at Pendarvis State Historic Site, and a babysitter for Leah and Jason James. She also shows cattle, Milking Shorthorns, at a variety of shows at the local, state, and national levels throughout the summer. In her free time, Madelyn enjoys reading, taking care of her fish, and helps care for young dairy cattle at her uncle’s farm, Pine Valley Farm, in Mineral Point.
Madelyn would like to thank the Kiwanis for this award, and congratulate Maddy Kabat for receiving Student of the Month as well. Maddy has always been kind to Madelyn and she feels as though Maddy deserves to be seen as a role model.
She would also like to thank the Mineral Point High School staff for helping her through her high school career and providing the club opportunities that have expanded her experiences outside the classroom. Madelyn would also like to thank her family for their support as she has gone through high school. Her education at Mineral Point has created a strong foundation that she will rely on for the rest of her life. Following graduation, Madelyn is planning on studying Psychology at a four year university in Wisconsin.
“Madelyn Steffes is a bright young lady with a warm personality. As a little girl, she seemed always willing to help others around her. I see this trait in her today. Being around her animals has also taught her to stay calm and focused in pressure situations. These traits benefit Madelyn with her academic life, too. I see she is both a strong learner and studious gal. She is focused, and through all her life has remained helpful to others. Congratulations, Madelyn, on becoming Student of the Month! Have fun finishing up your Senior year! Best wishes in the future!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“As Student of the Month, Madelyn stands out for her leadership, dedication, and positive attitude. She works hard in everything she does and is never afraid to challenge herself academically and creatively. Her impressive musical talents shine through in every play, musical, and performance.” ~ Mrs. Dani Robb, School Social Worker
“Madelyn Steffes embodies a spirit every day of treating others with warmth, patience, and genuine care. She shows a level of maturity beyond her years, thoughtfully considering how her actions affect the people around her. Madelyn is attentive to others’ needs, always noticing when someone could use help or encouragement, and she steps in without hesitation. In the classroom, she is an engaged student who listens attentively, participates thoughtfully, and contributes constructively, setting a positive example for her peers. As a natural leader, Madelyn inspires others not by demanding attention, but by quietly doing what is right — reminding everyone that kindness and character truly lead the way. These assets will carry very far in life, Dear Girl! I expect to see big things in the future. Thank you for always being one of the first to volunteer to help me, no matter what was on the table that day! I wish you all the best – you deserve it!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School Media Teacher
“Madelyn’s growth over time has been truly special to watch. I remember a shy student who was unsure of herself, and today she stands as a model of resilience, hard work, and quiet determination. She consistently pushed through challenges and never gave up, even when things were difficult. These are the skills that will take her far in life, and I cannot wait to see what she does with her future. ‘Believe you can, and you’re already halfway there.’” ~ Mrs. Kari Kabat, Middle School Math Teacher
“I have had the pleasure of witnessing Madelyn Steffes’ dedication and growth throughout the High School Music Department. Madelyn’s positive attitude and team mentality have always shone in Musical Theatre Club. She represented the Vocal Music Department well when she participated in both UW-Platteville and SWAL Honor Choir Festivals for two years. Madelyn’s efforts displayed while onstage in ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ earned her the award for Most Expressive. For the show ‘Into the Woods,’ she was awarded the role of Granny and for the show ‘Big Fish’ her performance as Jenny earned her the award of Rookie Supporting Lead. This year, Madelyn’s performance as Mrs. Mayor in ‘Seussical’ was truly memorable and her positivity and professionalism in rehearsals earned her the award of Leadership. Her sweet personality, drive to grow, willingness to try new things, and consideration of others have always served as models for her peers. Madelyn’s multifaceted talents, self-motivation, disposition, and team-mentality will be deeply missed throughout the music department, and will surely take her far in future endeavors!” ~ Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“Madelyn Steffes is an outstanding student and a valued member of our school community, known for her exceptional talents in theater, music, and the classroom. Madelyn is also a leader in several student organizations. She is a quiet, kind leader who makes others feel included and supported through her actions, integrity, and quiet confidence. Her positivity and light will be greatly missed next year, along with the many ways she shared her talents with our school. We have no doubt she will continue to shine and make a difference wherever she goes. Congratulations and best of luck, Madelyn.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
(Kabat photo by Robin Wiegman; Steffes photo by Lifka Bennett)