The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its April Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, April 7.
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 Ripp
Cole is the youngest child of Michelle and Roger Ripp. He has three older sisters: Amanda, Jackie, and Mackenzie. He was born in Dodgeville in 2007.
Cole has attended the Mineral Point Unified School District his whole life. He has made it on the Honor Roll or High Honor Roll every semester. Cole was also involved in 4-H where he displayed woodworking at the Iowa County Fair.
Cole is a three-sport athlete and plays football, basketball, and baseball. In football, he is a two year letter winner and also earned Academic All-State his Senior year. He also received Dodgeville Chronicle All-Area his Senior year. In basketball, he is a two time letter winner and was also two time Academic All-State. During his Junior year, the team was Conference Champions, Regional Champions, Sectional Champions, and were State Qualifiers. In baseball, Cole was a two time letter winner, and is getting ready for his Senior season.
In his free time, Cole likes to farm, fish, golf, and spend time with friends and family. After Cole graduates, he plans to go into the trades and become a plumber.
Cole would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers for all the support. He gives a special thanks to his parents for all the support and motivation with athletics and academics. He would also like to thank Mr. Kyle Carey for teaching him about cabinetry and construction. Mr. Carey’s class has taught Cole a lot about tools and building. Mr. Carey’s class also helped Cole realize that he wanted to go into the trades. Cole would also like to congratulate his friend and classmate Thorin Vamstad on Student of the Month. Lastly, Cole would like to thank Kiwanis for the recognition and for organizing this lunch.
“Cole is an amazing and responsible young man! Always helping others!” ~ Mr. Kyle Carey, Middle/High School Tech Ed Teacher
“Congratulations on becoming April’s Student of the Month, Cole! Although I didn’t get the pleasure of being your teacher, I have been able to observe your considerate manners and the way you have always respected those around you. Many years ago, I watched as you became more familiar with the school, the bus, and your surroundings, I could see your personality begin to show. That kind kid is the man you are becoming today. It has been fun watching you as you excel in both sports and academics! I wish you the best in the future! You will do well, I’m sure!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Cole Ripp is a deserving choice for Student of the Month. In Accounting class, he has a natural talent for the subject and really understands how everything works, often picking things up quickly and making connections others might miss. While Cole is more on the quiet side, he is always kind, respectful, and a pleasure to have in class. He consistently does great work and brings a positive, steady presence to the classroom. Congratulations, Cole!” ~ Mrs. Valerie Martin, Middle/High School Business Teacher
“‘Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.’ This quote reflects the character of Cole Ripp, a student and athlete who consistently puts others first. Cole is determined in everything he pursues, approaching both academics and athletics with focus and perseverance. He is reliable and someone his teachers and teammates can always count on to follow through and give his best effort. Beyond his work ethic, Cole’s kindness stands out—he treats others with respect and is always willing to lend a helping hand. I can’t thank you enough for being my ‘handyman’ the last four years whenever I needed you for media, prom, homecoming, and student council. I know your future is bright, Sweet Boy!,” Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School Media Teacher
“Throughout his time at Mineral Point, Cole has consistently demonstrated leadership and a drive for excellence in every project he tackles. Whether he is in the classroom or involved in school activities, his positive attitude and reliability set a fantastic example for his peers. His future plans to enter the trades speak volumes about his character, and he is sure to be an asset to any workforce he joins. Congratulations, Cole!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Cole is such a fantastic student, role model, and individual and we are lucky to have him at Mineral Point. His overall positive outlook and the fact that he is reliable, purposeful, and genuine, lead me to believe that he is going to be successful in any future endeavors he chooses to pursue. In addition, he has a true skill in woodworking and has helped with many projects along the way. It has been a pleasure to have had the opportunity to get to know you. Congratulations on your selection as the Student of the Month. Best wishes.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
Thorin Vamstad
Thorin is the son of Brad and Jennie Vamstad and the younger brother of Bryce Vamstad. He was born in 2008 in Dodgeville.
He has attended the Mineral Point Unified School District his entire life and has taken advantage of many opportunities to get involved and learn new skills. This year, he was a member of Future Business Leaders of America, where he gained experience in leadership and business, further expanding his interests beyond the classroom.
Thorin is a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track. He played baseball for three years before deciding to go out for track this year. In football, he is a two-year letter winner and earned Academic All-State his Senior year. He was also named Second Team All-Conference on both offense and defense and earned Dodgeville Chronicle All-Area First Team honors on both offense and defense. In basketball, he is a two-time letter winner and a two-time Academic All-State athlete. During his Junior year, his team achieved a successful season, winning Conference, Regional, and Sectional titles and qualifying for State.
Outside of school, Thorin enjoys spending time with friends and family. After graduation, he plans to attend UW–La Crosse and is currently undecided on his major.
He would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers for their continued support. He is especially grateful to his parents for always pushing him to do his best in both academics and athletics. He would also like to thank Mr. Tom Steger for sparking his interest in biology and making it a class he truly enjoys.
Thorin would like to congratulate Cole Ripp on being named Student of the Month. He is also thankful for the recognition from Kiwanis and appreciates the opportunity to be part of this lunch.
“Thorin Vamstad came to Kindergarten a sweet, kind boy and has kept that personality all through his time at Mineral Point Schools. Whether Thorin is on a basketball court, a baseball diamond, a football field or at the pool, he always shows his best and most determined personality. It is this determination that will take him far into the future with his academics and then his career. I am happy to say Thorin takes great pride in his work and we take great pride in him! Congratulations, Thorin! I hope the end of your high school career is both fun and exciting! Best Wishes!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“‘Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.’ This quote perfectly reflects Thorin Vamstad’s approach to both academics and activities. Thorin is a quiet yet deeply engaged student who consistently contributes in meaningful ways. While he may not always seek the spotlight, his presence is steady and impactful. He is always willing to step in, participate, and support others, demonstrating a strong commitment to his school community. Thorin’s loyalty to his teammates stands out—he is dependable, encouraging, and someone others can count on. His persistence, motivation, and team-first mindset make him an invaluable member of any team he joins. I am very excited to see where the future takes you, Thorin – especially the next four years at my alma mater, UW-La Crosse.” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School Media Teacher
“Thorin is a student who has shown a clear focus on his future career by tackling and passing multiple college courses while still in high school. This proactive approach to his education has prepared him well for the transition to a college healthcare program. It is rewarding to see him move toward a career where his technical knowledge and dedication will be put to great use. Congratulations, Thorin!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Congratulations on your selection as a Student of the Month for April. Thorin is such a wonderful example for underclassmen to look up to as he is kind, motivated, and always has a smile on his face. Thank you for always being willing to lend a helping hand and making a positive impact on others. As he completes his Senior year and continues to write his story, I am excited to see his dreams become a reality. Best wishes as you work towards your goals and I am sure that you will accomplish amazing things.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
(Ripp and Vamstad photos by Ann Gorgen)