The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its March Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, March 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.
Ryan Schael
Ryan was born in Atlanta, Georgia where he spent the first 15 years of his life. During that time, he attended Cogburn Woods Elementary School, Hopewell Middle School, and completed his Freshman year of high school. Ryan is the youngest of two children and is incredibly proud of his older sister, Melanie, who is currently a Junior at Miami University, majoring in Biology (Pre‑Med) and performing on the university’s synchronized skating team.
Ryan moved to Mineral Point during his Sophomore year, and since then, he has become a valued and active member of the community. Throughout high school, he participated in percussion in band, joined the football team in the fall, and competed with the wrestling team in the winter. This year, as a Senior, Ryan began an internship at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville, gaining hands-on experience and building important life and work skills.
Outside of school, Ryan enjoys many hobbies. He loves playing Fortnite, shooting basketballs, throwing the football, and listening to country music. He is known for his hard work, determination, positive attitude, and the joyful energy he brings to everyone around him. Ryan has faced challenges with courage and has proven time and time again that his enthusiasm, resilience, and big heart make him “extra” in all the best ways — extra hardworking, extra social, and extra joyful.
Ryan is applying to Kennesaw University and Gwinnett Technical College in Georgia this month and is proud of his journey and excited for the future ahead.
Ryan would like to congratulate Ella Wilson on being named March Student of the Month, thank Kiwanis for making this possible, and would like to take this moment to express his gratitude to the people who have supported him. He thanks Mrs. Callie Gundlach, Mrs. Morgan Burris, Mr. Terry Cool, Mr. Matt Nevers, and every teacher since his Sophomore year for believing in him and using his strength to help him grow. He also extends special thanks to Coach Justin Leonard and Coach Curtis Fiedler for welcoming him to their teams and giving him the opportunity to be part of the Pointer athletic family. Also, thanks to Mrs. Angela Klein for opening all the best possibilities. Finally, Ryan is grateful to the Pointer parents, friends, classmates, teachers, and administrators for embracing him, supporting him, and making him feel like he has been a Pointer since the 1st Grade.
“Ryan has been a young man that is kind and considerate of others, while always finding ways to be part of the group. He brings so much to our wrestling team that draws his teammates to him. He has become one of the boys with our team, most likely learning more things than he should from his friends and teammates, but he is a light for the group that all rally around to see his joy after a match. Ryan is part of the wrestling team that has made an impact that will last for years to come, and I really look forward to what the future holds for him.” ~ Mr. Curtis Fiedler, Middle School Special Education Teacher and Head Wrestling Coach
“Ryan is the best little ‘Smartie Pants’ in the school. I so enjoy seeing him in the halls. We all were so happy he will finish his Senior year with us here at MPHS!,” ~ Mrs. Sue Gollon, Middle/High School Library Assistant
“Ryan, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to see you shine this school year, both at school and at your occupational opportunity. When it comes to new experiences and new challenges, you consistently push yourself and make meaningful connections with both peers and staff along the way. You always take the time to check in with others, and your natural empathy and strong communication skills will get you far in life. Congratulations on your recognition as Student of the Month!” ~ Ms. Brianna Bennett, Speech & Language Teacher
“Congratulations to Ryan Schael on becoming March’s Student of the Month! What an exciting honor! We are fortunate that you were able to become a Pointer and we’re especially proud of you in the classroom! Hard work always shows! It’s been a great joy watching you on the wrestling mat with your teammates and friends! Best wishes in the future!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I am truly honored to be one of Ryan’s teachers and have had the privilege of knowing him for the past three years. Each morning in homeroom, Ryan sets the tone for the day by greeting classmates and teachers with a warm smile and positive attitude. His consistent kindness and respect for others do not go unnoticed. Ryan is one of the hardest-working students I know. He approaches his academics with dedication and perseverance, always ready to learn and striving to do his best. Beyond the classroom, Ryan is deeply involved in our school community. He demonstrates commitment and teamwork as a member of the wrestling and football teams, while also showcasing his creativity and passion through his involvement in band. What truly sets Ryan apart is his character. He is a loyal friend, a supportive classmate, and a young man of integrity. He leads by example in both his words and actions. Ryan is more than deserving of Kiwanis Student of the Month recognition, and I am proud to celebrate his accomplishments and the positive impact he has on our school each and every day.” ~ Mrs. Callie Gundlach, High School Special Education Teacher
“Ryan Schael is a kind, friendly, and hardworking student who has really made the most of his time at Mineral Point High School. Ryan has always been ready to try anything, whether it is a new class or a new sport, and has worked hard to achieve his goals. I have enjoyed working with you, Ryan, and I will miss your friendly smile and hallway greetings. Best of luck to you as you approach graduation and beyond.” ~ Mrs. Marcia Blackbourn, High School Instructional Assistant
“Ryan, Mineral Point is so lucky to have had you as part of our school and community over the past few years. You have brought so much fun, joy, positivity, and love not only to your teachers and peers, but to community members as well. Your hard work, determination, kind soul, care for others, and contagious smile are just a few of the many qualities that make you the incredible young man you are. Your future is bright, and I can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you. Remember, you will always be a Pointer, and we will forever be here cheering you on.” ~ Mrs. Morgan Burris, District Special Education Teacher
Ella Wilson
Ella Wilson is the youngest daughter of Carrie Wilson and Greg Wilson. She was born in Mineral Point in 2007. Ella has three older sisters, all of whom have graduated from Mineral Point High School. Stephanie, the eldest, is 26 and has graduated from Southwest Technical College with a degree in graphic design. Stephanie is married to Vincent Gagliono; they have one daughter, Fiona, and are expecting another child. Rita is the second oldest. She graduated from Michigan Technical College and is now pursuing her master’s in physics at the University of Toronto. Hope is the second-youngest; she attends Michigan Tech College, where she studies biology.
Ella has been a Pointer since 1st Grade, when she switched from being homeschooled to public school. During her time at Mineral Point High School, Ella has been an active participant in several groups. Ella is Captain of the Girls’ Soccer team, a member of the Wrestling team, and President of the Art Club. She has also been a member of the musical’s costume crew for the past four years, has participated in the play, and has played bassoon and bass drum in the band. Ella has challenged herself this year by taking multiple college-level classes, including CAPP Music and Culture, CAPP Writing 101, and CAPP Creative Writing.
Outside of school, Ella enjoys working at the vet clinic with her dad, working at Lands’ End, working concessions at basketball games, hanging out with her favorite niece, and spending time with her friends and family. Some of Ella’s hobbies include art, baking, and decorating cakes.
After high school, Ella plans to attend college for industrial design.
Ella would like to congratulate her classmate, Ryan Schael, on being named March Student of the Month. She would like to thank her teachers: Mrs. Rachael Schroeder, Mr. Matt Nevers, and Mr. Mike Hadfield for always supporting her and pushing her to improve and become her best self. She would also like to thank Kiwanis for organizing this lunch. Last but certainly not least, Ella would like to thank her parents, grandparents, friends, and siblings for helping her become the person she is today.
“Words cannot express how proud I am of Ella WIlson! Ella is the true example of the metamorphosis from a caterpillar to a butterfly. She came to school quiet, shy, and without a lot of confidence. Although she has always had her spunk, it has been fun to watch her grow, evolve, and embrace the true individual that she is. Whether it has been academics, sports, art, music, baking, or style, Ella has a relentless drive and work ethic to be the best at everything she does. Through this tenacious diligence she has found success, confidence, and a true ability to hone in on her passion for expressing herself. Ella you are a remarkable, young lady who has the potential to do anything you set your mind to! You have earned and deserve this recognition and I am so excited to see what you accomplish next! Continue to spread your wings, beautiful butterfly!” ~ Mrs. Rachael Schroeder, Reading Specialist
“Ella Wilson is a sweet, kind young lady with a shy smile. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of teaching Ella in Kindergarten, I know she’s part of a lively group of friends. Whether Ella is in the classroom, on the soccer field, or on the wrestling mat, she shows her serious determination that allows her success as an all around student. Ella, I’d like to congratulate you on becoming Student of the Month for March and wish you all the best in the future! We will be cheering you on from afar!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“I have had the pleasure of witnessing Ella Wilson’s dedication to the High School Musical Theatre Club over the last four years. Ella’s work ethic and quiet leadership style have always shone through. Although she never auditioned for staged roles, she was always willing to do whatever was asked of her, and so she made her debut onstage as Will’s Son last year, and played the memorable role of the Lorax this year. For her role as a Costume Crew Member throughout her high school career, Ella earned multiple awards, including Rookie Crew of the Year for ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ Most Organized Beautician for ‘Into the Woods,’ and Wardrobe Most Valuable Player for ‘Big Fish.’ This year, Ella’s thoughtfulness and thorough work offstage during ‘Seussical’ earned her the special award of Care of the Lorax – from wearing a mustache to caring for trees, she always took care of all our needs! Her self-motivation, willingness to try new things, and consideration of others have always served as models for her peers. Ella’s multifaceted talents, 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
“I have really gotten to know Ella this past year as she finally came out for wrestling. Her energy and smile light up a room as she is a hard worker and fits right in with the team. She has been a joy to have on the team this season. Her work ethic and demeanor is something that is going to serve her well for life after high school, and I am excited to see what she goes on to accomplish.” ~ Mr. Curtis Fiedler, Middle School Special Education Teacher and Head Wrestling Coach
“I’ve had the privilege of being Ella’s band teacher for the past seven years, and during that time I’ve watched her grow into an incredibly dedicated, dependable, and well-rounded young woman. In our music program, Ella plays bassoon in concert band and percussion in marching band and pep band. She’s the kind of student who steps in wherever she’s needed and always puts the success of the group ahead of herself. She leads by example, supports younger students, and brings a consistently positive attitude to rehearsals and performances. One of the things I admire most about Ella is her reliability. When something needs to get done — whether it’s organizing concession stands, helping another student, or taking on a new challenge — I know I can count on her to give 100%. Ella, I am incredibly proud of you and grateful for the example you set in our school community. Congratulations!” ~ Mr. Matt Nevers, Middle/High School Band Teacher
(Schael photo by Madisyn Heim)