By Kim McDarison
The Fort Atkinson Rotary Club Sunday hosted its 63rd banquet in honor of Fort Atkinson High School’s top scholars.
This year, 21 students were counted among the “top 20” in response to a tie grade point average (GPA) score, Fort Atkinson High School Principal Leigh Ann Scheuerell told the 120 community members assembled at the Fort Atkinson American Legion Banquet Center.
The full group including Rotary Club members, scholars, and their family members and friends all of whom arrived for dinner, received inspirational words from honors address speaker Chris Scherer, and learned about each scholar.
Dinner was provided by the Fort Atkinson Hospital catering service, and served with help provided by students within the Fort Atkinson High School ProStart Culinary Arts program, which is led by Kevin Duncan. The culinary arts group also provided dessert.
The late afternoon, early evening affair included music provided by a jazz duo composed of Carter Lemke playing the bass, and Emmet Fettig playing the saxophone. Both are freshmen at Fort Atkinson High School, their teacher, Sam Fettig, said.
Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson program chairperson Carla Haubenschild delivered words of welcome, followed by Rotary Club member and retired School District of Fort Atkinson Superintendent Jim Fitzpatrick, who, offering some inspirational thoughts, noting that the banquet was a “time-honored annual event,” which, he said, found its origins in 1960, when some of the area’s business people met with the then-district Superintendent James Luther.
“Their plan at that time was not only to recognize top high school students for their great efforts and accomplishments, but to also plant the seed of ‘service above self,’ in hoping students would leave this banquet with a desire to serve others in the communities they might one day find themselves,” Fitzpatrick said.
As students celebrated Sunday, he asked them to “remember that you have some extraordinary gifts that should be maximized to their fullest in serving others.”
Haubenschild next introduced Scherer, noting that he is a Fort Atkinson High School Class of 2010 graduate, who, after attending the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for three years, began running businesses full-time, and continued their successful operation until he encountered complications brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, she noted his time spent serving two terms as a Fort Atkinson City Council member, including time served as the body’s president, and his 16-year membership with the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce. He holds office as the president of the group, and will continue in that role through 2023.
At the podium, Scherer told those in attendance that when he wrote his speech, he asked himself several questions, including: “What is something I wish I would have heard when I graduated?”
To find the answer, he said, he looked through the myriad activities, academics, volunteer hours and business milestones that were found within his senior portfolio.
Addressing the scholars, he said he was not a top 20 scholar in high school, and while he took his share of honors and AP classes, he didn’t always get an “A,” but, he said, he continues to enjoy a challenge and he likes to learn.
In his portfolio he also found a letter which he had written as an assignment to himself 15 years ago, and, he said, he found some wisdom in his letter that was worth sharing. He wrote: “those who do not create the future they want, must endure the future they get.”
He stressed to students that the road ahead would require hard work as a component of realizing their dreams.
“You, with helpful guidance from others, can determine a path you want to take in life, but you, and only you, are in charge of executing the work and learning necessary to reach the proverbial end of that path,” Scherer said.
He defined work as two sides of the same coin, labeling each side “education” and “action.”
He offered students a list of goals, beginning with the process of setting a goal, and ending with the value of understanding a critical action: “Just start.”
His final advice to students was to embrace their life’s journey, but, he said, he wanted to “emphasize the importance of considering coming back to Fort.”
Scherer said the Fort Atkinson community is highly supportive of its community members, and while students would likely find themselves exploring new places, and learning and growing along the way, Fort Atkinson would always be there for them.
“You can always come home,” he said.
Scheuerell next arrived at the podium and read to the audience a short biography of each of the 21 honorees, who, while she read, were invited to come to the podium to receive a certificate and a congratulatory handshake from School District of Fort Atkinson Superintendent Rob Abbott and Haubenschild.
Twenty-one scholars
Following are photos and bios of each honoree as they arrived at the podium to receive recognition. Within each photo, the honoree is flanked by Abbott, at left, and Haubenschild.
Almir Ajdini
The son of Gazmend and Merdije Ajdini, Almir, according to his bio, will look back fondly on high school by remembering some of the little moments along the way that will bring back positive memories, such as playing chess and poker in between class with his friends, along with the conversations he had with friends at lunch. One of his favorite memories from high school is creating all the meaningful friendships with cool people he’s met along the way. Almir plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He also would like to start a family and eventually move back to Albania. He is also a proud Muslim, his bio noted.
Jonas Boshart
The son of Jeff and Peggy Boshart, Jonas, according to his bio, has many meaningful moments while at Fort Atkinson High School. Three, which most stand out for Jonas, include: running cross country, which helped him develop resiliency and a love of exercise; Table Top Role Playing Game Club, which gave him a chance to make new friends while bonding over a shared hobby, and Performing Arts Club, which taught him how to balance schedules, memorize lots of things quickly and work with a team to put on a stage production. One of his favorite memories from high school was the band trip to Disney. Jonas plans to attend UW-Madison where he will study biology and creative writing.
Kaitlyn Burke
The daughter of Aaron and Amber Burke, during her high school career, according to her bio, Kaitlyn was involved in many different sports, clubs and organizations, but the couple that most standout include being on the Cross Country and Track and Field teams, as she appreciated the coaching, along with discovering her passion for running. Also her experience in journalism and yearbook expanded her love for writing and using her creativity, her bio noted. Kaitlyn plans to attend UW-Madison where she will study nutrition and dietetics.
Trent Davis
The son of Jeff and Kelly Davis, according to his bio, Trent, during high school found most meaningful his experiences in Cross Country and Track. Getting to bond with the teams and making good friends was very important, he said. Going to Cross Country camp two times held the most memories, he added. Among his fondest memories, Trent cited a Cross Country tradition which included a senior passing down a blanket to a junior. He felt great pride not only in receiving the blanket from an upperclassmen, but passing it on to the next. Trent plans to attend UW-LaCrosse to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science, with additional plans to pursue a master’s degree in software engineering. Trent noted that in his junior year of high school he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Ellison Emrick
The daughter of Luke and Laura Emrick, according to Ellison’s bio, her most meaningful high school experience was becoming the head captain of the debate team. She found it to be a great way to help her teammates reach their full potential while achieving her own goals, she said. Ellison looks back fondly on homecoming, especially the spirit week dress-up days and pep-rally challenges. This fall, Ellison plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she will major in neurobiology and minor in global healing. Additionally, she plans to attend graduate school, looking to pursue a joint degree in law or public policy and neuroscience, or attend medical school.
Kade Eske
The son of Matthew and Megan Eske, according to his bio, Kade participated in many activities in high school, including swim team, National Honor Society, and volunteering with Kiwanis Club and his church. His fondest high school memory is that of going to state with the swim team. As noted in his bio, Kade speaks to the hard work and continual improvement over four years, which ultimately led to two relay teams qualifying for state. He will attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. Kade has goals to join clubs, earn additional cybersecurity certificates and find an internship in this field.
Cal Fettig
The son of Sam and Shari Fettig, according to his bio, Cal had many standout experiences in high school. Track and field taught him that individual success can only be a result of personal time and efforts. Soccer taught him the importance of working as a team and having good character. The Tech Ed. department was instrumental for his college/career decision and hands-on experiences. He is fond of the experience of winning the sectional tournament with his soccer team and competing in the state-level competition in 2021. Cal plans to attend Montana State University where he will study mechanical engineering and join the Army ROTC program.
Abby Frame
The daughter of Luke Frame and Kara Emrick, according to her bio, Abby’s favorite memories include her experiences as the wrestling manager in ninth and tenth grades and her involvement in FFA in grades 10-12. Abby also holds fond memories of earning academic awards throughout her high school career and being recognized for her hard work. Abby plans to attend MATC where she will earn her RN license and later work in labor and delivery. She also plans to go back to school to get her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Maya Geiger
The daughter of Dave and Tanya Geiger, according to her bio, Maya took full advantage of the variety of activities at Fort Atkinson High School, but those that most stood out included cross country, enhanced by what she described as amazing coaching, a welcoming team, and great experiences, the Big Buddy program which afforded her the ability to serve as a role model for elementary school students, and Link Crew, which she described as the perfect opportunity to be a leader that makes others feel welcome. Among her fondest memories, she cited Homecoming Week. Maya plans to attend UW-LaCrosse where she will major in elementary education. She also cited her time working at BASE, the district’s after school care program, as important because it provided a “sneak peek” into her college career.
Nathan Hartwig
The son of Steve and Heather Hartwig, according to his bio, Nathan was extremely active in so many areas of Fort Atkinson High School. He cited baseball and basketball as having provided him with amazing experiences. Nathan has also been actively involved on the family farm, which has helped him find an interest in agriculture. Nathan noted a favorite high school memory when the Fort Atkinson team won against Watertown, 6-0 in the regional semifinal in his junior year. Nathan will next attend UW-Madison with plans to major in agricultural business management.
Alyssa Heagney
The daughter of Matt and Cara Heagney, according to her bio, Alyssa has been highly involved throughout her high school career. Some of her favorite involvements include her memberships on the school’s volleyball team and softball team, along with her election to the Student Senate. She described a high school highlight within her career when the volleyball team was in the playoff games. She particularly enjoyed watching her classmates cheer for the team. Alyssa will next attend Crown College where she will pursue a degree in accounting and finance.
Logan Kees
The son of Brad and Cindi Kees, according to his bio, Logan was an extremely active member of the Fort Atkinson High School athletic program. Some of his favorite memories include being part of the football team, the basketball team and also attending the WIAA Leadership Conference with Mr. Mahoney. He cited as a fond memory earning a spot on the varsity basketball team his freshman year and getting to play with his childhood best friends. Logan plans to attend UW-LaCrosse, where he will be playing football. He remains undecided about his area of study, but has a strong interest in finance.
Eleanor Kohl
The daughter of Joel Kohl and Shalon Cox, according to her bio, during her high school career, Eleanor was the National Honor Society vice president, a member of the blood drive committee, a participant in the Big Buddy program, and was a four-year letter recipient, three-year captain, and two-time, all-conference honorable mention in girls basketball. Eleanor identified fond high school memories associated with helping the girls basketball team win its first conference game since 2015. Eleanor will next attend the Milwaukee School of Engineering, where she will major in mechanical engineering and play basketball.
Ethan Larson
The son of Travis and Amy Larson, according to his bio, Ethan has been a highly active member within the school’s athletic program. Among his favorite high school experiences he cited competing in soccer, swimming, and track and field. These experiences taught him so much about time management and true friendship, he said. Additionally, he cited a valued memory of swimming at the 2023 State Championship, identifying the experience as his “peak moment” as an athlete, calling it a moment he will never forget. Ethan will next study engineering at UW-Milwaukee, and has further plans to move into a master’s program.
Josh Larson
Another son of Travis and Amy Larson, according to his bio, Josh cited soccer as an especially meaningful high school experience. He has, as a part of playing the sport his whole life, formed a passion for it. Josh also takes pride in being a member of the National Honors Society, which, he noted, taught him a lot of important skills, and led him to find ways to volunteer within his community. His fondest high school memory is that of qualifying for state with his soccer team and playing in the state game. Josh will attend UW-Oshkosh, where he will choose his next path. He plans to explore his interests and make more memories along the way.
Allison Notbohm
The daughter of Alan and Heather Notbohm, according to her bio, Allison’s favorite high school memories include all the different friends she met along the way. Allison will next attend Blackhawk Technical College to pursue a degree in dental hygiene. Allison was unable to attend Sunday’s banquet.
Valentina Santamaria Munante
The daughter of Claudia Ladd, Scott Ladd and Pepe Santamaria, according to her bio, Valentina finds volunteer work extremely important. She was a proud member of the Fort Atkinson High School Interact Club and she has enjoyed giving back to her community. A fond high school memory was returning to in-school learning after the COVID year and seeing all her friends again. Valentina will next attend UW-Madison where she will major in mechanical engineering and minor in Spanish.
Melia Schueller
The daughter of Greg and Marcia Schueller, according to her bio, while in high school, Melia was involved in a variety of activities. Her favorites include being a member of show choir, showing horses with 4-H, and being a part of her church youth group. Her favorite high school memories come from attending all the different show choir competitions around the midwest. Melia will next attend Taylor University to obtain a degree in physical therapy and equine rehabilitation.
Paige Teubert
The daughter of Rebecca Teubert, according to her bio, Paige took great advantage of a lot of different opportunities at Fort Atkinson High School, citing among her favorites becoming a valued member of the high school band, and performing at the State Capital and Disney. Favorite memories also come from Band Camp and meeting new people. Paige also was a member of the school’s Library Advisory Club, which helped her feel included within the school community. She also learned to find value in fun activities such as dances and homecoming. Paige plans to attend UW-Milwaukee and has yet to declare a major, but is looking to pursue something related to statistics or research.
Bryan Volla
The son of Eric Volla and Paula Lueck, according to his bio, while in high school, Bryan put all of his efforts into his academic successes. Setting and achieving high goals in his learning was the most meaningful for him. Looking back on high school, Bryan cited his senior year as his favorite, and pointed to fond memories of AP Environmental Science class. Bryan will next attend UW-Eau Claire, where he will major in biology with an emphasis on ecology and environmental biology. His goal is to become a biologist for the National Park Service. He offered thanks to his parents for their support.
Analiese Walter
The daughter of Kevin and Dana Walter, according to her bio, throughout high school, Analiese has been an excellent performer. She cited membership on the pom squad as helping her pursue her love of dance and spreading school spirit. Analiese was active in the Fort Atkinson High School music program, performing in choir and playing baritone in the band. She enjoyed choir because it allowed her to express her feelings through singing. A favorite memory was being named the 2022 Homecoming Queen by her peers. This fall, Analiese will attend UW-Whitewater where she will pursue a career in technology. Analiese takes pride in maintaining a cheerful and positive attitude, and hopes to continue role modeling kindness and compassion. Said Analiese: “Perhaps I will also be the ‘rainbow’ in someone else’s ‘cloud.’”
Photos from the event follow.
Rotary Club of Fort Atkinson program chairperson Carla Haubenschild delivers words of welcome to about 120 guests arriving at the American Legion Banquet Center, Fort Atkinson. The guests included 21 Fort Atkinson High School scholars, their friends and family members, and members of the Rotary Club. The organization has annually sponsored the scholars banquet for 63 years.
Carter Lemke, playing the bass, and Emmet Fettig, playing the saxophone, comprise a jazz duo which played music during dinner. Both are freshmen at Fort Atkinson High School.
Guests fill the space at the American Legion Banquet Center. The evening’s meal, catered by Fort Atkinson Hospital’s catering service, featured salad, grilled chicken stuffed with spinach and cheese, mashed potatoes, gourmet carrots, and, provide by the ProStart Culinary Arts students along with their teacher Kevin Duncan, a choice between flourless chocolate cake or turtle cheesecake for dessert.
Rotary Club member and retired School District of Fort Atkinson Superintendent James Fitzpatrick offers words of inspiration to attendees assembled for the Graduating Class of 2023 Top Scholars Banquet.
Guest speaker Chris Scherer delivers the honors address. Scherer is a Fort Atkinson High School Class of 2010 graduate, small business owner and entrepreneur/audiovisual and event engineer. He also is a former Fort Atkinson City Council member and is serving as the president of the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce.
Fort Atkinson High School Principal Leigh Ann Scheuerell prepares to invite the Class of 2023 top scholars to the podium to receive a certificate.
School District of Fort Atkinson Superintendent Rob Abbott offers a statement of appreciation in advance of the ceremonies closing remarks.
Twin brothers and top scholars Ethan, at left, and Josh Larson arrive for dinner.
The Graduating Class of 2023 Top Scholars gather after dinner on the steps of the Fort Atkinson Club Community Center. They are Logan Kees, back row, from left; Almir Ajdini; Trent Davis; Ellison Emrick, and Maya Geiger, followed by Jonas Boshart, third row, from left; Kade Eske; Calum Fettig, and Nathan Hartwig, followed by Joshua Larson, second row, from left; Ethan Larson; Eleanor Kohl; Kaitlyn Burke, and Bryan Volla, followed by Analiese Walter, front row, from left; Abigail Frame; Valentina Santamaria Munante; Alyssa Heagney, and Paige Teubert. Also honored but not pictured were Melia Schueller and Allison Notbohm.
Kim McDarison photos.
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