The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its January Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, February 3.
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.
Annabelle Busch
Annabelle Busch is the middle child of Laura and Brian Busch. She was born in Madison in 2008 and has lived in Mineral Point her entire life. She has an older brother, Jackson, a 2023 graduate of Mineral Point who now attends college in Madison, and a younger sister, Eleanor, a Freshman at Mineral Point High School.
Annabelle has attended Mineral Point Schools throughout her life. During high school, she participated in numerous activities, including cheerleading, which she joined as a Freshman and later earned the role of captain her Senior year. She has served as a wrestling manager since middle school and continued this role in high school, working with varsity, junior varsity, and girls teams. Beginning her Junior year, she also worked with the football team, completing a variety of managerial tasks. In addition, she represented the Senior class on the 2025 Homecoming Court.
Academically, she challenged herself by taking several dual-enrollment, college-level courses and earned honor roll recognition multiple times. Since her Sophomore year, she has worked as a teacher’s assistant in the school library, where she assists Mrs. Kris McCoy and Mrs. Sue Gollon. In this role, she designs monthly book displays and creates interactive activities for students, including STEM projects, teamwork challenges, crafts, and other engaging programs. She also completed leadership courses that allowed her to plan and lead activities for elementary students, promoting communication and empathy.
After graduation, Annabelle plans to attend UW-Green Bay, pursuing a degree in psychology with the future goal of working in Sports Performance and Exercise Psychology.
Outside of school, she works as a business assistant for Mrs. Joni Martin, where she manages editing, organization, and other administrative tasks. She also babysits and enjoys watching the children she cares for learn, have fun, and grow. She has danced since the age of four and currently performs with a dance team in both the fall and winter seasons. In addition, she volunteers at her church. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her dog Maggie, being with friends, and traveling with her family.
Annabelle would like to thank the Kiwanis Club for this honor and for organizing this lunch. She also congratulates her classmate, Treityn Garcia, on being named February Student of the Month.
She extends her sincere appreciation to the Mineral Point teachers and staff for creating a memorable school experience and for providing opportunities that expanded her learning inside and outside the classroom. She offers special thanks to Mrs. Erika Brunson for her guidance and support throughout high school, Mrs. Kris McCoy for encouraging her love of reading and providing the opportunity to work in the library, and Mrs. Cindi Nothem and Mrs. Callie Gundlach for their encouragement and support in math.
She would also like to thank her mom for always encouraging her to strive for excellence in school and in life, and for supporting her interests and activities.
“Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month, Annabelle! It is with great pleasure that I compliment Annabelle. She has been part of our close family circle her entire life. Annabelle has always been a serious and studious young lady and it’s been a pleasure watching her grow and mature into the fine young lady she is today. When she was a Kindergartner, she was always shy with a sweet smile and I still see some of that shyness today. Although, we have also experienced the confident, determined side of Annabelle which makes her stand out as a student and as a person and friend! I appreciate knowing all sides of Annabelle’s personality and these traits will take her far in life! Annabelle, have fun deciding on your future goals and pursue your dreams with the resilience and fortitude you have shown us in the past! Keep on smiling and have fun the rest of your Senior year! Best wishes!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Annabelle Busch is an incredibly kind-hearted student whose genuine care and concern for others shine through in everything she does. She consistently goes out of her way to support and uplift others and possesses a unique ability to connect with everyone on a deeper level. Annabelle’s presence will be greatly missed in these halls! Congratulations, Annabelle!” ~ Mrs. Michelle Rielly, Middle School English Teacher
“Annabelle is such a gentle soul. She could often be found in the elementary library reading, cuddling up with a good book, talking books with me, or helping put ideas into action. Her teachers may or may not have had to call the library to have her return to class a time or two! I hope she continues to find the library as a home!” ~ Mrs. Micki Uppena, Elementary Librarian
“Annabelle Busch has been someone I can count on to do what I need to get done while she has been a manager for me the last four years and does it with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. I will miss her so much and am excited for her to continue to grow as she moves on from MPHS.” ~ Mr. Curtis Fiedler, Middle School Special Education Teacher and Head Wrestling Coach
“‘Some leaders don’t need to be loud to be powerful—they lead by example, consistency, and heart.’ Annabelle Busch is the definition of a quiet leader, someone whose impact is felt the moment you rely on her, and you know she never lets you down. She is incredibly dependable and organized, always prepared and steady in everything she takes on, with a level of maturity that makes people instantly trust her. I can’t tell you how much it meant to me to know I had you there, helping with the chaos in your steady, calm manner. My favorite Annabelle quality is her fiery, feisty side which shows when she stands up for what matters or pushes herself and others to be better. I will definitely miss you next year, as a football cheerleader and dancing for Halftime Entertainment, but I am so excited to see where the future takes you!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School Media Teacher
“Congratulations on earning Student of the Month! It has been such a pleasure learning, planning, and working with you over your high school career. You have made such an impact on our school library with your ideas and your energy. I love talking about books with you and brainstorming programming ideas. Your thoughtfulness always shines through. I wish you the best of luck in all you aspire to do. Your amazing organizational skills, planning strategies, work ethic, and knowledge of self-care will take you far and benefit all of the people lucky enough to know you and work with you. Lastly, I would like to give you a big thank you for your years of helping us in the library. We are a better place because of your contributions. Wishing you the best.” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“Annabelle, known to me as Belle — I am so proud of the person you have become and cannot wait to see what your future holds. It was a complete joy having you as a 5th Grade student. You had high standards for yourself and others, yet were able to laugh and find the goodness in others. You even found ways to smile during math. It has been an even bigger joy to watch you learn and grow through your daily life. Being on the sidelines, reading about your successes, or hearing about your challenges, and seeing how you continue to plan next steps and take them as you feel comfortable, reminds us all that life is a journey. Your journey is just beginning, and it promises to be amazing. Annabelle, keep being you, keep being strong, and enjoy the ride.” ~ Mrs. Laurie Heimsoth, 5th Grade Teacher
“Annabelle is a kind-hearted and outstanding young lady. She was a teacher assistant for me for one semester and was able to take inventory and categorize all equipment for the football program. Her efforts saved me hours of time that I didn’t have, and I greatly appreciated that.” ~ Mr. Justin Leonard, High School Special Education Teacher and Head Football Coach
“Annabelle, being able to celebrate you today is truly an honor. You are kind, smart, helpful, and caring with a heart of gold that shines in everything you do. I have been incredibly lucky to watch you grow from your elementary school years into the amazing young woman you are today, and even more blessed to call you a friend. You are a special student—one I connected with immediately—and that speaks to your genuine character. I am so excited to see all the great things you will accomplish after high school, because I know your future is bright and full of promise.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Ingwell, Early Childhood and 4K Teacher
“Annabelle Busch is so much more than a student to me. I am deeply grateful to know Annie both personally and professionally, and to share a bond that has been built through years of friendship, family, and countless memories that will always connect us. She is strong while still allowing herself to be vulnerable, driven yet eager to learn, and endlessly kind, thoughtful, and compassionate toward others. Annie finds joy and meaning in life’s simplest and most precious moments, and her humility and warmth leave a lasting impact on everyone around her. Annie, I am unbelievably proud of the young woman you have become, and even more than that, I hope you are proud of yourself. Your heart is so good, Annie, and I hope you never forget just how deeply loved you are.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
Treityn Garcia
Treityn Garcia is the youngest child of Jennifer and James Garcia. He was born in Platteville in 2008 and has lived in Mineral Point most his life. He has two older brothers, Gage and Caiden.
Treityn has attended Mineral Point Schools for all of his scholastic years. During his high school years, he played football for a year. Treityn has been a part of the band for all four years of high school. He plays the tenor saxophone, and he was nominated for SWAL Conference Honors Band twice and Tri-State Honors Band once. He also has been first chair four times all throughout high school.
Treityn chose many hard classes to challenge himself throughout his Senior year, taking college classes like CAPP Physics, CAPP Writing 101, and CAPP Creative Writing. He also plans on taking the AP Chemistry exam later this year.
Treityn plans on going to college to eventually get a chemical engineering degree after two years at UW-Platteville. His dream job is to manufacture chemicals when he is done getting his degree.
Outside of school, Treityn works at Walmart helping customers with their needs. Some of his hobbies are cooking, fishing, and hanging out with friends.
Treityn would like to congratulate his classmate, Annabelle Busch, on being selected as a Student of the Month. He would like to thank the Kiwanis for this honor. Lastly, he would like to thank his band teacher Mr. Matt Nevers and his parents for always believing in him and always pushing for him to be his best.
“Treityn Garcia is one of the sweetest, kindest, and gentle souls I have had the pleasure to teach. He has always thought of others before his own self and shows skills of hard work and dedication to his task and subject manner. I have enjoyed watching him mature and grow into a fine young man with goals for the future. I’ve seen him working hard beyond the school day and in extracurriculars such as band. Treityn, congratulations on becoming Student of the Month and best wishes as you pursue your future aspirations!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Treityn AKA 54 was, as he said, ‘The spirit animal of the football team’ this past season. Treityn was a great reminder to me of what high school football is: a group of young men finding their way through their young lives. Treityn’s personality and excitement for life helped me every day I was out there coaching with the boys. He was a joy to have on the team, and I was so proud to see him participate as a Senior in his only year playing a sport.” ~ Mr. Justin Leonard, High School Special Education Teacher and Head Football Coach
“I had the privilege of teaching Treityn Garcia both during his middle school years and again last year when he was a Junior. Watching his growth from a young adolescent to a responsible young man has been a gratifying experience. Treityn consistently demonstrates a remarkable sense of accountability and an exceptional work ethic. His personal growth is evident, and it has been an honor to witness his transformation over the years. Congratulations, Treityn!” ~ Mrs. Michelle Rielly, Middle School English Teacher
“Treityn, I want to give you a big thank you for being so helpful and willing to jump in when I needed it. You helped me get a laser printing project done for softball on a really quick turnaround, and I truly appreciate your positive attitude and readiness to help. It didn’t go unnoticed, and it says a lot about the kind of person you are. Congratulations.” ~ Mrs. Amanda Ingwell, Early Childhood and 4K Teacher
“Treityn Garcia is a kind, intelligent, and hardworking student who has made a meaningful impact on our school community. As a talented musician and dedicated contributor to our band, Treityn will certainly be missed next year. It has been a pleasure getting to know you better this year, and I am proud of how resourceful and dependable you are. I wish you a wonderful rest of your Senior year and continued success in the future.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“‘Positive energy has a way of lifting everyone around it without ever trying to steal the spotlight.’ Treityn Garcia brings that kind of energy into every space he enters, consistently showing kindness and respect to everyone he interacts with. He approaches situations with creativity and an open mind, often offering thoughtful ideas and fresh perspectives that make a difference. Just as importantly, Treityn is genuinely uplifting—encouraging others, supporting his peers, and helping create an environment where people feel valued and motivated. His steady positivity doesn’t just brighten moments; it leaves a lasting impact on the people around him.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School Media Teacher
“Treityn is one of the most dedicated and passionate students in our band program. As a section leader, he consistently goes above and beyond to support his fellow musicians, offering guidance and encouragement while always keeping the success of the group at the forefront. His work ethic and positive influence make those around him better musicians and teammates. As a performer, Treityn’s love for music is unmistakable. He eagerly seeks out every opportunity to perform, lending his talents as a saxophonist to jazz band, saxophone ensemble, pep band, and any group that needs him. When he performs, his musical energy is captivating—he draws the audience in and communicates the emotion of the music with sincerity and depth. Watching Treityn perform is truly a joy. Beyond the band room, Treityn has been an integral part of our school musicals as a stage crew member for the past two years. He has grown into a skilled, reliable, and trusted stagehand, and our adult supervisors have come to depend on him greatly. Treityn’s presence has made a lasting impact on our music department, and he will be deeply missed after graduation.” ~ Mr. Matt Nevers, Middle/High School Band Teacher
(Busch photo by Lifka Bennett; Garcia photo by Cassie Schmidt)