The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its November Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, November 5.
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.
Annie Robinson
Annie Robinson is the daughter of Mike and Amy Robinson. Annie grew up on a 325-acre diversified livestock farm with her three siblings: Joey, twin sister Ellie, and Johnny.
Annie and her family raise sheep, goats, and cattle to show nationwide at state shows, jackpots, and county fairs. Annie enjoys showing goats the most, and a few of her greatest achievements in the ring include being Reserve Champion Wether at the Wisconsin State Fair, Reserve Champion Doe at the Wisconsin Goat Expo, Grand Champion Overall Showman, and First Place Overall in the Master Showman contest at the Iowa County Fair.
However, her achievements don’t stop in the ring. Outside the ring, Annie is involved in Livestock Judging, Livestock Quiz Bowl, 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, Skills USA, The Junior Boer Goat Association, American Boer Goat Association, cross country, and track and field.
These organizations have helped shape Annie into the person she is today. While being involved in these organizations, she has had many successes, winning state and qualifying for nationals in both FFA and 4-H Livestock Judging to placing 4th in the State in the FFA Creed competition and placing in the Top 5 at State with all three of her proficiency applications.
Along with all her achievements in ag-related organizations, Annie has shined as an athlete, being First Team All-Conference four times, qualifying for State four years in a row, winning a state team title and state runner-up title in cross country and placing 7th, 12th, and 10th individually in the Division 2 State Cross Country meet, as well as 22nd in the Division 1 State Cross Country meet. Her successes in sports only continue in track with being a First and Second Team All-Conference runner nine times; she has also qualified nine times for the State track meet in the 1600, 800, and 4×800 Freshman and Sophomore years and the 1600, 3200, and 4×800 Junior year.
Her involvement doesn’t just stop there. Annie has served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the County Line 4-H Club. She has served as Treasurer for the Junior Wisconsin Meat Goat Association for the past three years and as the Mineral Point FFA Chapter President for the past two years.
These leadership positions will help Annie in the future as she has been accepted and has committed to South Dakota State University to continue her academic and athletic career. She hopes to get a degree in both Animal Science and Ag Business. She will also be running Division 1 cross country and track for the Jackrabbits at South Dakota State.
Annie is grateful for all the support she has received and the opportunities she has been able to experience because of help from others. She wants to thank her teachers, coaches, family, and especially her ag teacher dad, and mom. She is especially grateful for all her parents have done for her, from caring for her animals to cheering loudly at her cross country meets. Annie also wants to take this time to congratulate her sister on all she has achieved and on being November Student of The Month.
“Annie Robinson is a sweet girl and I have enjoyed watching her grow into an adult. Although I didn’t get the pleasure of teaching the girls, I know their dedication to school has always been in the forefront. Annie is caring, hard working, and diligent. These are the beginnings of becoming a happy, healthy adult! I wish you the very best in college and the future, Annie! Congratulations on being Student of the Month!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Annie’s dedication and commitment to excellence make her an outstanding student who always seeks the best in every opportunity. Her positivity, kindness, and ability to uplift those around her make her a true champion for others. Pointer Nation can’t wait to see what the future holds. We are thrilled to celebrate Annie’s contributions to our school community! Congratulations, Annie!” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Annie Robinson is an amazing young woman. Her kind and thoughtful disposition along with her contagious smile filled the elementary classrooms with joy. Annie’s strong work ethic and determination to succeed were obvious at a young age. As she has grown through middle and high school, these attributes continue to shine. You deserve this recognition, Annie. Enjoy your Senior year!” ~ Mrs. Laurie Heimsoth, 5th Grade Teacher
“Congratulations on earning Student of the Month! I cannot believe you are about to graduate. I still remember you as a little girl traipsing through the barn in your boots and bows and climbing fences like a pro. It’s been such a pleasure to have you in class and see your warm smile in the hallways. Your work ethic and grit will take you far! Best of luck as you move on to the next level of learning and running. I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish!” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“‘Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.’ Miss Annie Robinson is hands down one of the most fearless young ladies I have known. I met her as a ten-year-old dancing for me in HalfX Entertainment. Even then, she was the determined spitfire that you see today. She would convince her dad to work all afternoon so that she could stay and learn all four routines, even the high school one! And, you guessed it, she could have easily performed with the older girls if she wasn’t two feet shorter than them! Annie is the poster child for a strong, beautiful, determined, independent woman! I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her dominate everything she does. I can’t wait to see what doors you break down, Sweet Girl! You make everything a little brighter with that sweet smile and spunky attitude!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Congratulations, Annie, on being chosen as a November Student of the Month! Your drive and determination have brought you much success in high school and I am confident that will continue at the next level. You have a quiet confidence, but strong, influential voice, and those qualities will continue to assist you in achieving your goals. Your leadership and responsibility set you apart, and I will miss you next year. It has been a pleasure to watch you grow and witness your commitment to excellence in everything you do. Thank you for making MPHS a better place.” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
Ellie Robinson
Ellie Robinson, daughter of Mike and Amy Robinson, has grown up in Mineral Point with her three siblings. Ellie’s older brother, Joey, is attending Lakeland College in Mattoon, Illinois; her twin sister, Annie, is a Senior, and her younger brother, Johnny, is a Sophomore at Mineral Point High School.
Ellie has been involved in numerous activities and clubs throughout her high school career. Ellie currently serves as the Mineral Point FFA Chapter’s Vice President. She has been on the Mineral Point FFA officer team for three years. Her prominent achievements in FFA have been being a State Proficiency Finalist in beef and sheep production. She placed 5th and 4th with her beef proficiency at the State FFA Convention and 4th with her sheep proficiency. She was also a member of the State Champion FFA Livestock Judging team in 2022 and went on to the National FFA Livestock Judging Contest that placed 21st as a team in the nation. Ellie is also involved with SkillsUSA and National Honor Society.
Besides clubs, Ellie has also been involved in sports. She runs for Dodge-Point Cross Country and Track and Field. Ellie is a 4x Cross Country Conference Champ, 4x Conference MVP, and holds the conference meet record for the fastest 5K. She is a four time State qualifier placing 4th, 3rd, 8th in Division 2 and 5th in Division 1. She was also part of the State Championship team in 2021 and State Runner-up in 2022. Ellie is the current record holder for the fastest 5K for Dodge-Point. Ellie is an eight time Conference Champion, nine time Regional Champion, nine time Sectional Champion and nine time State qualifier in track. Ellie made the podium for all her State qualifying events during the 2024 track season. She placed 6th for both the 1600 and the 3200. She was part of the 4×800 team that placed fourth in the previous three years. She also enjoys playing varsity basketball during the winter.
Outside of school, Ellie is involved with the County Line 4-H club. Ellie won the state 4-H livestock judging contest in the summer of 2021. She and her team qualified to go to the National Contest in Louisville. She also has participated in the livestock quiz bowl and skillathon for 4-H at the state level.
When Ellie is not focused on school, she enjoys working on the family farm and showing animals. Ellie raises sheep, cattle, and goats. She shows at the county fair, state fair, and jackpot shows. Some of her top achievements occurred at the Wisconsin State Fair. She had Champion Non-Registered Doe and Overall reserve Home-Born and raised Southdown Wether. She had Champion Goat Wether and Doe at the replacement State fair in 2020. Ellie also competed in the Iowa County Fair Master Showmen contest and placed second.
Ellie will continue her academic and athletic career at South Dakota State University. She plans to major in Agronomy with a minor in Animal Science. She will also run Division 1 Cross Country and Track for the Jackrabbits.
Ellie would like to thank the Mineral Point Unified School District and teachers for the great opportunities she has received. She would also like to thank her parents, family members, and the Kiwanis for this opportunity to be a student of the month. She would also like to congratulate Annie for being November Student of the Month.
“Ellie Robinson is a humble student and I have enjoyed watching her blossom into a kind young lady. She is obviously a serious student with many future goals. Congratulations on becoming student of the month, Ellie! Best wishes in the future – keep working hard to meet all your future goals! The Jackrabbits will be lucky to have you and your sister!” ~ Mrs. Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Congratulations to Ellie Robinson, our Student of the Month for November! Ellie’s dedication, hard work, and focused approach make her a standout student and an even better person. Her leadership shines through in every opportunity she embraces, and her kindness and genuine care for others leave a positive mark on our school community. Ellie truly embodies excellence and compassion, and we are so proud to recognize her!” ~ Mr. Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Congratulations, Ellie. What a joy it was to be your Kindergarten and 5th Grade teacher. I never doubted that you would do great things. Your hard work and determination were evident from the day you entered school. Your willingness to meet challenges head-on was impressive and through your middle and high school years, you have continued to take on challenges and challenge yourself. Aside from that, you were always happy and filled with empathy. You are a gem! As you finish your high school career and head to college, keep being your great self. Challenge yourself, stay kind, sweet, and empathetic. You are destined for greatness.” ~ Mrs. Laurie Heimsoth, 5th Grade Teacher
“Congratulations on earning Student of the Month! It has been such a pleasure watching you grow up and become the strong, confident leader that you are. It was so fun to watch you as a little girl hustle around the farm and show those animals who was boss, and then later get to know you better as a student. Your determination and willingness to put in the hard work will take you far as you pursue your dreams. I look forward to following all of your accomplishments. Best of luck to you in all you do!” ~ Mrs. Kris McCoy, Middle/High School Librarian
“‘Though she be but little, she is fierce.’ – Shakespeare. This should be the quote under Miss Ellie Robinson’s Senior picture! Ellie is fierce in every aspect of life. Watching you attack the classroom, the track, and the FFA arena has been nothing short of amazing. As fierce and determined as Ellie is, she is just as kind and caring. I will never forget your sweet face bringing me gifts after my fall and surgery last year. You will never know how much that meant to me. You are as beautiful inside as you are out. I know that you could rule the world if you wanted to. I will be cheering my heart out for you and Annie next year. I can’t think of a better mascot for you to represent – go conquer the world, Sweet Jackrabbit!” ~ Mrs. Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
“Congratulations, Ellie, on being chosen as a November Student of the Month! You are reliable and responsible and possess a profound commitment to your passions. You are humble, yet hungry, and always striving toward your next goal. Your work ethic makes you unique and your determination is unmatched, as you approach academics and extracurriculars with the same grit and tenacity. You have a calm presence and lead by example, inspiring others without needing to raise your voice. We will certainly miss you in the coming years but are happy you get to chase your dreams. Enjoy your Senior year and best of luck!” ~ Mrs. Erika Brunson, Middle/High School Counselor
“These are two of the nicest students in Mineral Point, quiet by nature and fierce competitors underneath. They are involved in so many activities inside and out of the school, and are leaders in everything they do. The Mineral Point Unified School District will miss both of these outstanding ladies, and we wish them nothing but success.” ~ Mr. Mitch Wainwright, Superintendent
“Annie and Ellie — it has been an honor to be part of your educational journey at the Mineral Point Unified School District. I have had you in class and FFA from your 8th Grade year on. You are always willing to help out with anything and help others in the class be successful. You are always reaching for excellence in your classroom work and it shows in your successful academics. Your success in both the classroom and FFA is amazing. Being state winners and finalists in several FFA events, and being national qualifiers in FFA livestock judging, shows your hard work in FFA. Your leadership skills show in the FFA as being officers for the past three years and organizing many successful FFA events. You have shown your leadership skills also in your athletics by leading your cross country team to state title and runner up. Your work ethic in and out of school is second to none with many long hours put in to reach your goals. You’ve probably heard this quote by legendary college basketball coach, John Wooden: ‘The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.’ This statement is so true for the both of you, as I have seen what others have not in the hard work you put in to be successful in class, FFA and athletics. We are watching and are very proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations on being honored as Kiwanis Students of the Month; it is a great honor and you are both well deserving of it. Good luck next year as you continue your education and running career at South Dakota State University. Go Jackrabbits. Proud of you.” ~ Mr. Mike Robinson, Dad and Middle/High School Agriculture Teacher
(Robinson photos taken by JKD Photography)