Student of the Month

MAY 2012 STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Alexis Hanson, a junior at Lafayette High School, has been selected as Lafayette High School Student of the Month for May. Alexis is the daughter of Brad and Vickie Duden. Alexis has three younger brothers, James, George and Oscar.

Academically, Alexis is ranked near the top of her class. Alexis a conscientious student who has maintained “A” honor roll status throughout high school in addition to participating in a variety of school activities and organizations. Alexis has been a member of National Honor Society the past year. Alexis has shared her musical talents in the vocal program throughout high school. She has been a Student Council representative the past two years. She worked on the Annual Staff the past year. This year she was the girls basketball team’s student manager. Alexis was a distance runner in Track last year and is a student manager this year. The show would definitely not go on without members of the drama crew that Alexis has been a part of throughout high school. As a freshman, she acted in “Meeting Sam” and in “The Money in Uncle George’s Suitcase”. As a sophomore she acted in “Daddy’s Girl”. She also works on creating, building, arranging, and transporting props behind the scenes of each play.

Special honors for Alexis include being an honor guard at graduation exercises this year because of her high academic ranking. This year she was Lafayette High School’s ExCel award nominee. ExCel - Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership - is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, who show Leadership qualities, and who are model citizens. This year she was a Spring Fling attendant. In vocal solo contests the past two years, Alexis earned superior ratings as a freshman and as sophomore. In vocal ensemble contests Alexis earned a superior rating as a freshman, and three superior ratings her sophomore year. This year she received on excellent rating and two superior ratings in vocal ensembles. As a sophomore and as a junior she sang at Homecoming coronation.

In addition to her involvement in school activities, Alexis has volunteered her time and talent. She is involved in various projects and has participated in various ministries as a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, including sitting on the church council. She has taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school. She sings in the church’s “Lighthouse” contemporary group. She is currently employed at Red Lake Falls Cenex. Last summer she was a life guard at the Red Lake Falls Public Pool and she hopes to be work there again this summer. In addition to school drama productions, Alexis participated in Thief River Falls Community Arts Council productions. In “Kiss Me Kate, she sang in the chorus and she was the assistant director for “The Foreigner”. Alexis has been a member of the Happy-Go-Lucky 4-H club for nine years. She was the club’s secretary for two years before serving as treasurer this year. As a county ambassador her responsibilities are to enhance and promote the 4-H Youth program. In project areas of Needle Arts, Fine Arts, and Performing Arts, she has won several grand champion ribbons at the County fair level and advanced to the State fair level where she won blue ribbons.

In her spare time Alexis enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends, texting and napping.

Upon graduation from high school Alexis plans to attend college to pursue a career in education and theater.

Renae Dalen, faculty member, comments, "I am very pleased to announce the selection of Alexis Hanson as the Lafayette High School Student of the Month for May. In class Alexis always displays a good work ethic and a positive attitude. She works very hard to get good grades and to succeed at whatever she is doing. She is always respectful, willing to help out when needed, and friendly to everyone. The administration and faculty extend our congratulations to Alexis and her family, and we wish Alexis the best of luck with her future plans."

APRIL 2012 STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Hailey Keller, a senior at Lafayette High School, has been selected as Lafayette High School Student of the Month for April. Hailey is the daughter of Brian and Beth Keller. Hailey has one older sister, Samantha and one younger brother, Brandon.

Hailey is a conscientious student who has maintained “A” Honor Roll status throughout high school as well actively participating in school activities and organizations. As a freshman, Hailey played the trumpet in concert band and in pep band. She has been a member of the basketball and volleyball teams throughout high school. She played softball as a freshman and is also a member of the team as a senior. She also played a leadership role as one of the captains of the volleyball and basketball teams this year. She has been a member of National Honor Society the past two years and is currently serving as vice-president.

In addition to her involvement in school activities, Hailey is involved in various projects and has participated in various ministries as a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church. She has also been a volunteer in the youth/elementary basketball program the past two winters. She was employed by the Red Lake Falls School District as a youth t-ball coach the past two summers in the summer recreation program. Hailey has been employed at Voyageurs View Campground for the past three years.

In her spare time Hailey enjoys playing and watching sports, and spending time with friends.

Special honors for Hailey include being an honor guard at graduation exercises as a sophomore and as a junior because of her high academic ranking. She was a Homecoming attendant as a freshman and as a junior and was a Homecoming queen candidate last fall. She was named All-Conference Honorable Mention in softball as a freshman. As a sophomore, Hailey was named the basketball team’s Most Valuable Defensive Player. As a senior volleyball player, she received the Coach’s Award, and the team’s Most Improved Player and Defensive Player.

Upon graduation from high school Hailey plans to attend Minnesota State Community and Technical College to pursue a Registered Nurse degree.

Jason Kenfield , faculty member, comments, "I am very pleased to announce the selection of Hailey Keller as the Lafayette High School Student of the Month for April. Hailey has been a hard working student with a positive attitude. She is respectful, helpful, and friendly. The administration and faculty extend their congratulations to Hailey and her family, and wish Hailey the best of luck with her future plans."

MARCH 2012 STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Britta Glass, a senior at Lafayette High School, has been selected as Lafayette High School Student of the Month for March. Britta is the daughter of Todd and Jan Glass. She has two older brothers, Cody and Robbie.

Britta is a conscientious student who has maintained “A” honor roll status throughout high school. She actively participates in school activities and organizations. Britta has been a member of National Honor Society the past two years. As a freshman, she participated in choir. If you were to ask Britta what her favorite sport was, she would probably tell you it depended on the season. Britta has been a member of the volleyball, basketball and softball teams throughout high school. Britta played a leadership role as one of the captains of this year’s volleyball and basketball teams. She will also be a captain for this year’s softball team.

In addition to her involvement in school activities, Britta has been involved in various projects as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She has assisted the Small World Early Learning Center for the past two years as a Child Care Aide. She is also a volunteer coach and referee in the elementary basketball program held during the winter in Red Lake Falls. Britta has been employed at Voyageur’s View Campground and the First Presbyterian Church.

In her spare time Britta enjoys playing sports, shopping, and hanging out with friends.

Special honors for Britta include being an honor guard at graduation exercises as a sophomore and junior because of her high academic ranking. She was the 2011 Lafayette High School Homecoming Queen. As a senior she was the volleyball team’s Most Valuable Player and was named All Conference as well. She was an All Conference Honorable Mention for volleyball as a junior. As a senior and as a junior she was selected to participate in the North Central All-Star volleyball tournament. In basketball, she was the Offensive Most Valuable Player as a junior and as a sophomore. Britta was named to the Walker Basketball Tournament All-Tournament Team for the past two years. She was a KRJM Radio Athlete of the Week as a sophomore. She earned the Most Improved Player as a freshman while playing basketball. During the 2011 softball season she made 41 hits--breaking the school record for the number of singles in a season. She was that team’s Most Valuable defensive player. Other softball awards earned by Britta include 2011 All Sub-Section 8A North and and 2011All Section 8A Honorable Mention.

Upon graduation from high school, Britta plans to attend college to pursue a career in dental hygiene.

Steve Philipp, faculty member,comments, "Britta is a responsible student with an excellent work ethic who displays a positive attitude toward learning". The administration and faculty are very pleased to announce the selection of Britta Glass as the Lafayette High School Student of the Month for March and to extend their congratulations to Britta and her family, wishisng her the best of luck with her future plans.

FEBRUARY 2012 STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Natalie Beyer, a senior at Lafayette High School, has been selected as Student of the Month for February. Natalie is the daughter of Neil and Polly Beyer.

Natalie is a conscientious student who has maintained honor roll status throughout high school. She actively participates in school activities and organizations. Natalie has used her musical talents by participating in the vocal and instrumental programs as a member of the band and choir throughout high school. She plays bass clarinet in concert and pep band. In Drum Line, she has played cymbals and now keeps the beat on the bass drum. She has acted in a number of plays and has worked on creating, building, arranging, and transporting props behind the scenes as a member of the Lafayette High School Drama Club. Natalie has been a member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) throughout high school serving as chapter co-president the past two years. She has presented Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events which are competitive events in which members are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and career preparation. She has been a member of the Knowledge Bowl team for the past two years and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels as a senior. She was a manager for the volleyball team and the girls’ basketball team as a freshman. She has been a manager for the boys’ basketball team for the past two years. She has been on the golf team for the past three years and will again be a part of that team this spring.

In addition to school activities, Natalie is involved in numerous projects and has participated in various ministries as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she has helped with the Vacation Bible School program. Other church activities she participates in are “The Amazing Grace Race”, special events decorating and Minister of Hospitality. As a member of the Pembina Trails 4-H organization, Natalie served as president for two years. As a junior, she was secretary of the Huot Hustlers 4-H organization and is the treasurer this year. She is currently a member of the 4-H Leaders’ Council. Natalie works on the family farm, provides child care for friends and family and maintains the Louisville Township Hall yard.

In her spare time Natalie enjoys spending time with friends and family and listening to music.

Special honors for Natalie include earning an Excellent Rating (single star) while performing a bass clarinet solo as a sophomore. She earned Excellent and Superior Ratings (double star) while performing in Minnesota State High School League sponsored Vocal, Solo and Ensemble contests. As a freshman golfer, she was presented with the Coach’s Award.

Upon graduation from high school Natalie plans to study Cosmetology and Photography in college.

Lynn Vatthauer,a faculty member, comments," Natalie is a responsible student who is always respectful, helpful, and friendly to everyone.” The administration and faculty are very pleased to announce the selection of Natalie Beyer as the Lafayette High School Student of the Month for February and to extend their congratulations to Natalie and her family, wishing her the best of luck with her future plans.

JANUARY 2012 -- STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Katya VantHof, a senior at Lafayette High School, has been selected as Lafayette High School Student of the Month for January. Katya is the daughter of Terry and Tammy VantHof. She has one older sister, Heather, and two older brothers, Michael and Bryce.

Katya is a student who has maintained honor roll status throughout high school. Katya is a member of the National Honor Society. She has participated in various service projects as a member of that organization.

In addition to school activities, Katya has participated in various projects and ministries at the Evangelical Free Church.

In her spare time, Katya likes to make jewelry.

Special honors for Katya include attendance at Minnesota Girls State sponsored by the Red Lake Falls American Legion Auxiliary. As a participant, Katya experienced a week of learning focused on responsible citizenship and love for God and Country.

Katya plans to attend the University of North Dakota upon graduation.

Jason Kenfield , faculty member, comments, “I am very pleased to announce the selection of Katya VantHof as the Lafayette Student of the Month for January, 2012. Katya is an exemplary student who demonstrates a good work ethic and positive attitude in and out of the classroom. She is also a polite, respectful, helpful, friendly young lady. The administration and faculty extend our congratulations to Katya and her family, and we wish Katya the best of luck with her future plans.”

DECEMBER 2011 STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Breanna Columbus, a senior at Lafayette High School, has been selected as Lafayette High School Student of the Month for December. Breanna is the daughter of Bruce and Pam Columbus. Breanna has one older sister, Cassie.

Breanna is a conscientious student. Academically she is ranked near the top of her class. She also participates in school activities and organizations. Throughout high school, Breanna has been a part of the drama crew either acting or creating, building, arranging and transporting props behind the scenes of plays. She acted in “Beyond Tolerance”, “Between Any Two Points”, “Crenshaw Family Reunion”, “Meeting Sam”, and in “Exit”. Breanna has been a member of the National Honor Society for the past two years. She has participated in various service projects as member of that organization. Breanna has helped conduct school programs and activities as a member of the Student Council this year. Breanna served on the Homecoming Committee this fall. Breanna shared her musical talent playing trombone in concert and pep band the past four years. She participated in volleyball as a freshman and in track since a sophomore.

In addition to her involvement in school activities, Breanna has volunteered her time and talent. She is involved in various projects and has participated in various ministries including Youth Choir for the past three years and as a Lector for two years as a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Breanna has served as vice president, Leaders Council President and participated in various community service projects as a member of the Huot Hustlers 4-H Club. For two summers, Breanna held Summer Youth Development employment for the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Breanna is currently employed at the Red Lake Falls Veterinary Clinic.

In her spare time, Breanna likes listening to music, spending time with friends and family gathering around camp fires.

Special honors for Breanna include being an honor guard at graduation exercises as a sophomore and junior because of her high academic ranking. She received an excellent rating as a freshman while performing in drum line. Breanna has been a member of the concert choir for the past four years. Breanna has received excellent and superior ratings while performing in vocal solo and ensemble competitions.

Breanna plans to attend Bemidji State University upon graduation.

Renae Dalen, faculty member, comments, “I am very pleased to announce the selection of Breanna Columbus as the Lafayette Student of the Month for December, 2011. Breanna is an exemplary student who demonstrates a good work ethic and positive attitude in and out of the classroom. She is also a polite, respectful, helpful, friendly young lady. The administration and faculty extend our congratulations to Breanna and her family, and we wish Breanna the best of luck with her future plans.”

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NOVEMBER 2011 STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Jennifer Nord, a senior at Lafayette High School, has been selected as Lafayette High School Student of the Month for November. Jennifer is the daughter of Peggy & Tim Nord. Jennifer has one younger brother, Andrew, and a younger sister, Hannah.

Jennifer is a conscientious student who has maintained honor roll status throughout high school. She also actively participates in school activities and organizations. Jennifer has been a member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) throughout high school serving as chapter president the past two years. As a sophomore, she was vice-president. She has presented Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR) Events which are competitive events in which members are recognized for proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills and career preparation. Jennifer has used her musical talents by participating in the vocal and instrumental programs. She was a member of the choir as a freshman and a sophomore. She has been in instrumental music throughout high school. She plays baritone in both concert and pep band. As a freshman and as a sophomore, she performed a baritone solo at the Instrumental Contest. As a junior, Jennifer participated in Knowledge Bowl which she plans to continue this year. For her senior year, Jennifer is adding participation in River Watch. She has participated in golf throughout high school.

In addition to her involvement in school activities, Jennifer has volunteered her time and talent. She is involved in various projects and has participated in various ministries as a member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday school for one year at her church. She has been a part of her church youth group throughout high school including the “Amazing Grace” service project the past two years. Jennifer continues in Girl Scouts at the Ambassador level. Last year she participated in the “Thinking Day” project learning about the culture, food and customs of another country. Jennifer has worked at Brent’s Fresh Foods for the past two years.

Special honors for Jennifer include earning an excellent rating for playing bass drum in Drum Line at contest as a freshman. She earned a superior rating while performing in Drum Line playing snare drum at contest as a junior. She was selected to play in the Northland Community and Technical Colleges Honor Band her sophomore and junior years. Jennifer has presented STAR Events at the State level winning a silver medal as a freshman and gold medals her sophomore and junior years.

In her spare time Jennifer enjoys fishing, hunting and reading.

Upon graduation from high school Jennifer plans to attend college to pursue a career as a historical archivist.

Lacie Hovland , faculty member, comments, "I am very pleased to announce the selection of Jennifer Nord as the Lafayette High School Student of the Month for November. Jennifer is a responsible student who is always respectful, helpful, and friendly to everyone. The administration and faculty extend our congratulations to Jennifer and her family, and we wish Jennifer the best of luck with her future plans."

OCTOBER 2011 STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Kyle Thibert , a senior at Lafayette High School, has been selected as Lafayette High School Student of the Month for October. Kyle is the son of Steve and Jane Thibert. Kyle has one older brother, Alex and one older sister, Samantha.

Kyle is a conscientious student who has maintained “A” or “B” honor roll status throughout high school in addition to participating in a variety of school activities and organizations. Academically, Kyle is ranked near the top of his class. Kyle has been a member of National Honor Society the past two years. Kyle has shared his musical talents in the instrumental programs. He plays bassoon, trombone and percussion in concert band, percussion, in pep band, and quints in drum line. He has worked on the Annual Staff the past three years. He also plans continued participation in Knowledge Bowl as he has for the past three years. As a member of the Speech team, Kyle has also been a member of the National Forensics League. Kyle has been an important part of the drama crew throughout high school. As a freshman, he acted in “Crenshaw Family Reunion”, as a sophomore, he acted in “The Money in Uncle George’s Suitcase”, and in “Meeting Sam” and as a junior he acted in “Daddy’s Girl” and “Exit”. He also works on creating, building, arranging, and transporting props behind the scenes of each play. He has been a part of the Riverwatch Program for the past three years and will again be a part of that team.

Special honors for Kyle include being an honor guard at graduation exercises as a junior because of his high academic ranking. As a junior, he was chosen as a Spring Fling attendant. He has earned an Excellent rating while performing in drum line ensemble as a sophomore. As a junior he earned the Excellent rating for performance in drum line and a Superior rating for performance in the percussion ensemble. Based on a points system in band, Kyle won the Silver Award as a junior for over 900 participation points, second only to the Gold Award which he will likely earn this year by accumulating 1200 points. Other special honors include selection in honor bands.

In addition to his involvement in school activities, Kyle has volunteered his time and talent. He is involved in various projects and has participated in various ministries as a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church including the choir. Kyle is also a member of the Venture Scouts. This organization is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women between the ages of 14-20. Venture Scouts purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. He has been employed as a teller at Unity Bank for two years and as an associate at Sears for one year.

In his spare time Kyle enjoys reading and playing piano. Upon graduation from high school Kyle plans to pursue a career in Aerospace Engineering at the University of North Dakota.

Renae Dalen, faculty member, comments, "I am very pleased to announce the selection of Kyle Thibert as the Lafayette High School Student of the Month for October. In class Kyle displays a good work ethic and a positive attitude. He works very hard to get good grades and to succeed at whatever he is doing. He is always respectful, willing to help out when needed, and friendly to everyone. The administration and faculty extend our congratulations to Kyle and his family, and we wish Kyle the best of luck with his future plans."

SEPTEMBER 2011 STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Mikayla Miller, a senior at Lafayette High School, has been selected as Lafayette High School Student of the Month for September. Mikayla is the son of David and Peggy Miller. Mikayla has one younger brother, Joshua.

Mikayla is a conscientious student who has maintained “A” honor roll status throughout high school in addition to participating in a variety of school activities and organizations. Academically, Mikayla is ranked at the top of her class. Mikayla has been a member of National Honor Society the past two years. Mikayla has shared her musical talents in the vocal and instrumental programs throughout high school. She plays flute in concert band, trumpet, in pep band, bass guitar in both concert band and jazz band and quints in Drum Line. She was a Student Council representative the past three years. As a junior she co-chaired the prom committee. She worked on the Annual Staff the past two years and plans to this year as well. She also plans continued participation in Knowledge Bowl as she has for the past three years. The show would definitely not go on without members of the drama crew that Mikayla has been a part of throughout high school. As a sophomore, she acted in “Meeting Sam” and as a junior she acted in “Daddy’s Girl”. She also works on creating, building, arranging, and transporting props behind the scenes of each play. She has been on the golf team for the past three years and will again be a part of that team next spring.

Special honors for Mikayla include being an honor guard at graduation exercises as a sophomore and junior because of her high academic ranking. Last year Mikayla was Lafayette High School’s junior girl nominee for the MN State High School League ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) award. ExCEL is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for MN high school juniors who are active in school activities, who show Leadership qualities, and who are model citizens. She has earned a superior rating while performing in an instrumental ensemble in freshman and sophomore grades and a superior rating while performing in an instrumental ensemble as a sophomore and a junior. Based on a points system in band, Mikayla won the Silver Award as a junior for over 900 participation points, second only to the Gold Award which she will likely earn this year by accumulating 1200 points. Vocally, Mikayla earned superior ratings while performing in ensembles her freshman and junior years and an excellent rating while performing in her sophomore year. In vocal solo contests the past three years, Mikayla earned superior ratings as a sophomore and as a junior. Other special honors include selection in honor bands and the Concordia Honor Choir.

In addition to her involvement in school activities, Mikayla has volunteered her time and talent. She is involved in various projects and has participated in various ministries as a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, including teaching Sunday School. She plays guitar and bass guitar and sings in the church’s “Lighthouse” contemporary group. She is a bass guitar and flute accompanist for the vocal group “Heart of Worship”. As a member of the Huot Hustlers 4-H organization for the past six years, Mikayla has actively participated in beef cattle showing and horsemanship programs. Her 4-H projects have earned her numerous Grand Champion ribbons at the county fair and trips to the MN State Fair. Mikayla is also a member of the Venture Scouts. This organization is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women between the ages of 14-20. Venture Scouts purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. She is employed at the RLF Veterinary Clinic and also works on the livestock and grain producing family farm.

In her spare time Mikayla enjoys horseback riding, weightlifting and playing piano.

Upon graduation from high school Mikayla plans to pursue a career in Animal and Agricultural Science at either the University of Minnesota-Crookston or at North Dakota State University.

Renae Dalen, faculty member, comments, "I am very pleased to announce the selection of Mikayla Miller as the Lafayette High School Student of the Month for September. In class Mikayla displays a good work ethic and a positive attitude. She works very hard to get good grades and to succeed at whatever she is doing. She is always respectful, willing to help out when needed, and friendly to everyone. The administration and faculty extend our congratulations to Mikayla and her family, and we wish Mikayla the best of luck with her future plans."