The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its November Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, November 3.
The students, who are members of the Senior class, are selected for this honor through a voting process by teachers at the high school, and their biographies are written by themselves.
Cooper McGuire
Cooper McGuire is the middle child of Christopher and Mallory McGuire. Cooper has an older sister, Gena, who has already graduated from MPHS, and a younger brother, Finn, who still attends Mineral Point Unified School District. Cooper was born in Dodgeville in 2009 and has grown up in Mineral Point. He has attended Mineral Point Unified School District his whole life.
Cooper has been active in musical theatre, drama club, and forensics throughout his high school career. Cooper takes pride in his schoolwork and his involvement in the aforementioned clubs. Cooper spends much of his time working on schoolwork or on his clubwork. Cooper enjoys many aspects of his clubs and working with the people in them. Cooper has also been in band and choir throughout his whole middle/high school career. In the band, Cooper plays trombone, and in the choir he sings bass. Cooper has been on the honor roll every quarter of his high school career. Cooper is very grateful for the opportunities that the school district has given him.
The musical and drama clubs have been a big part of Cooper’s high school career. First year, Cooper went out for both the play and the musical “Into the Woods;” he played the knight, and in the play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” he played the cop. Sophomore year, Cooper was Karl the Giant in the musical “Big Fish” and played Sir Andrew Aguecheek in the play “Twelfth Night.” Junior year, he played Horton the Elephant in the musical “Seussical” and Dave in the play “Almost Maine.” This year, he will be playing Chiron in the musical “ The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical”.
Outside of school and clubs Cooper enjoys reading, playing video games, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. Cooper also enjoys spending time out at his grandparents farm, playing with his pets, whittling, woodworking, and listening to music. After high school, Cooper plans on going into masonry. Cooper also hopes to continue acting either in community theater or by working as an extra on films. He would also like to help with Wisconsin conservation efforts and other conservation efforts to help save endangered species so they won’t go extinct.
Cooper would like to thank Kiwanis for giving him the honor of being Student of the Month. He would also like to thank Mr. Tom Steger for helping Cooper learn more about and build a love for science. He would also like to Thank Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh and Mr. Matt Nevers for helping him learn and continue his love for music. He would also like to thank Mr. Terry Cool and the now retired Mr. Dan Burreson for helping revitalize his love for history and making learning fun again. He would like to thank Mrs. Erika Brunson for helping him plan his future. Cooper would like to thank his friends and family for supporting him through high school and for helping him create many cherishable memories. Finally, Cooper would like to congratulate his friend Alstan Van Overmeer for being the other November Student of the Month.
“Cooper McGuire has demonstrated amazing dedication to the music department throughout his high school career. He has participated in nearly all musical extra curricular activities that our district offers. I have particularly enjoyed witnessing his development within the Musical Theatre Club. For his first role in ‘Into the Woods’ he earned Best Comedy, for his supporting lead role in ‘Big Fish’ he earned the award for Biggest and Bravest Character, and for his lead role as Horton in ‘Seussical’ he earned the award for ‘Faithful 100% – For the one who stuck through thick and thin, you’re just like Horton, everyone’s friend.’ I am excited to see how he continues to grow in his role of Mr. Brunner – Chiron in this year’s production of ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.’ Cooper has always represented the MPHS Choral Department and school positively by participating in Solo & Ensemble Competitions and SWAL Honors Choir Festival. Cooper’s dedication, team-mentality, and consideration towards others have always been models for his peers, and they will be missed when he starts the next chapter of his life.” ~ Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“It has been a pleasure watching Cooper navigate from Kindergarten all the way through Mineral Point Schools. Cooper was always a very inquisitive student and his curiosity led him in many directions. Cooper has always enjoyed school and loved to pick the brains of teachers when in elementary school. I’m sure this trait has continued as he has grown into a wonderful Senior student. It’s been a joy watching him sing and blossom his musical talents, too! Congratulations on becoming October’s Student of the Month, Cooper! Enjoy being a Senior and best wishes for the future!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Cooper has been a Sources of Strength leader since middle school. He consistently shows up when needed, is reliable, and is a role model for younger students who look up to him. I’ve also enjoyed seeing him share his musical and theatrical talents through singing, musical theatre, drama club, and band. His contributions on stage and throughout our school make him a deserving choice for Student of the Month.” ~ Mrs. Dani Robb, School Social Worker
“Cooper brings a unique blend of technical skill, practical creativity, and heartfelt dedication to everything he does. A true hands-on learner, he pairs his talent in STEM with a strong work ethic and a quiet, encouraging style of leadership. His upcoming journey to UW-Platteville to pursue Construction Management is an ideal fit, and his thoughtful, reliable character will make him an exceptional asset on any project team. Congratulations, Cooper!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Congratulations, Cooper, on being selected as a Student of the Month for November. I can’t wait to see your performance in this year’s musical. Your ability to stay focused, work hard, and problem-solve will serve you well as you take the next step on your journey. You have been, and continue to be, an outstanding, kind, and caring individual, and a wonderful role model for underclassmen. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Best of luck.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“I’ve had the privilege of being Cooper’s band teacher for the past seven years, and during that time, I’ve watched him grow into an incredibly dedicated, dependable, and well-rounded young man. In our music program, Cooper plays trombone in concert band, marching band, jazz band, and pep band. He’s the kind of student who steps in wherever he’s needed and always puts the group’s success ahead of his own. He leads by example, supports younger students, and brings a consistently positive attitude to rehearsals and performances. Cooper, 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
Alstan Van Overmeer
Alstan Van Overmeer is the first child of Jessie and Adam Van Overmeer. He has a younger sister, Elsie, who attends Iowa-Grant High School. Alstan was born in 2009 and has lived in Mineral Point and attended the Mineral Point Unified School District all his life. He’s heavily involved in the arts. He has operated the projections and, more recently, sound effects in the school musical and play crew every year of high school. He has also played the French Horn in the band since middle school.
Outside of school, Alstan has a passion for movies and history. He enjoys watching movies and working on his own film projects. Alstan’s love of movies has been a constant throughout his life, emerging only a few years after his birth. Likewise, his interest in filmmaking began early, with videos made with his friends, but has since evolved into digital animations. After high school, he hopes to attend film school and later participate in the film industry. He currently hopes to one day direct a movie.
Alstan’s other passion is learning. He takes interest in a variety of subjects, but he has a particular curiosity for history. He enjoys reading books and watching videos about a range of topics and time periods. He enjoys using and expanding his knowledge of history when he travels. He has traveled across the U.S. and to various other countries such as Costa Rica, Egypt, and Greece.
Alstan would like to thank the Kiwanis for selecting him as Student of the Month. Alstan would like to thank his teachers for helping him through school and enabling him to succeed in the classroom and beyond. He would also like to thank and congratulate his friend and fellow Student of the Month, Cooper McGuire.
“Congratulations on being chosen as a Kiwanis Student of the Month! It’s been such a pleasure working with you throughout middle and high school as both your teacher and librarian. You are an amazing independent learner who sticks with a project until you’ve mastered every skill it has to offer. That kind of perseverance will serve you well. I’ve also loved our conversations about travel and life; your sense of adventure, quiet humor, and genuine curiosity are truly engaging. I hope you continue to follow your passions, and I can’t wait to see where your future takes you. Best of luck in everything you do, and please keep in touch! Best wishes,” Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“I have had the pleasure of witnessing Alstan Van Overmeer’s commitment to the High School Musical Theatre Club over the last four years. Alstan’s dedication, focus on details, and quiet leadership style have always shone in the technical booth. Over the years, he has earned the awards of Powerfully Perfect Projections in ‘Into the Woods,’ Perceptive Projections in ‘Big Fish,’ and ‘Tech Wizard of Nool’ You lit the stage with perfect glow, A wizard’s touch on every show in ‘Seussical.’ For his Senior year, Alstan will continue in his role as Projections Designer and Operator, and is also designing and running Special Sound Effects for our upcoming show, ‘The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.’ Alstan’s reliability, professionalism, creativity, and ability to handle sudden changes and requests have always served as models for his peers. His multifaceted talents, disposition, and work ethic will be deeply missed throughout the music department, and will surely take Alstan far in future endeavors!” ~ Mrs. Ashley Calderon-McHugh, Middle/High School Choir Teacher
“Congratulations on becoming a Student of the Month for October, Alstan! I have watched Alstan grow into a confident young man since he came to school all those years ago. He was a quiet young student with many interests. As a Kindergartner, he was very interested in animals and nature and I recall his family visiting a zoo in every city they visited! How special it is to allow children to learn animal traits, habitats, and other interesting facts in a true learning environment! Throughout the years, I have observed that Alstan became a runner and it seems as the years went by, he held his head higher as if he was becoming increasingly confident with each run! Alstan, I wish you all the best as you choose your future goals! Finish strong and have fun! The world is waiting!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Alstan consistently shows up, works hard, and lets his dedication shine through his actions. I especially enjoy seeing his creativity and technical talents come to life through his behind-the-scenes work, including projections for Musical Theatre and Drama Club. I can’t wait to see where these talents lead him in the future. Congratulations on being named Student of the Month!” ~ Mrs. Dani Robb, School Social Worker
“Alstan is an exceptionally creative thinker whose quiet, kind demeanor naturally sets him apart. Driven by a deep passion for the film industry, he has taken incredible personal initiative throughout high school, independently mastering animation and expanding his film study skills beyond our standard curriculum. His artistic vision, dedication, and gentle character make him a truly standout student. Congratulations, Alstan, on this well-deserved nomination for Student of the Month.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“Congratulations Alstan. If I were to describe you, I would use the words talented, smart, and focused. Overall, Alstan is a great individual because he cares and is willing to put in the hard work on any task he faces. As you move on to the next chapter of your life, know that you have the tools to be successful. Your future is bright, and I am sure that you will accomplish amazing things.” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“I’ve had the privilege of being Alstan’s band teacher for the past seven years, and during that time I’ve watched him grow into a remarkably dedicated, dependable, and well-rounded young man. Alstan’s versatility and work ethic shine across every aspect of our performing arts department. In our music program, he plays French horn in the concert band and mellophone in the marching and pep bands. Beyond performing on stage, Alstan is a crucial backbone of our production behind the scenes, serving on the tech crew for our musicals by sourcing sound effects and designing custom visual effects that elevate our entire show. Alstan is the definition of someone who quietly leads by example. Respectful and focused, he never seeks the spotlight for its own sake, yet his impact is felt everywhere. He is extremely dependable; if Alstan signs up for a commitment or offers to help, you can guarantee he will show up, do exceptional work, and go above and beyond without hesitation. Alstan, I am incredibly proud of everything you’ve accomplished and deeply grateful for the gold standard of leadership and character you set in our school community. Congratulations!” ~ Mr. Matt Nevers, Middle/High School Band Teacher
(McGuire photo by Lois Peart; Van Overmeer photo by Jessie Van Overmeer)