Forty-five local high school students were selected by their respective school staff and were celebrated at a special event April 17.
The 33rd annual Students of Character Celebration recognizes high school juniors and seniors throughout Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties for their quiet leadership, perseverance, and dedication to their community, school, and fellow students. Donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals make it possible for each student to receive a scholarship.
The students include:
Abagayle Audette and Rowyn Bach of Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School
Audette was nominated by Thomas McIver. “Life and school have not been easy for Abagayle, who lost her mother during middle school, then moved cross country to a new school. However, Abagayle persevered to find her own path. She demonstrates kindness and a strong sense of fairness daily. She has been an integral part of her school community through participation in speech, theater, and yearbook.”
Bach was also nominated by McIver. “Rowyn is a gracious and selfless person. He has encountered many personal challenges over the years but does his best to lead by example and do the right thing. Rowyn is an active participant in community service projects, and he is dedicated to ensuring others’ needs are met. He plans to become an electrician serving the Walker area.”
Sean Gotchie and Ellianna Johnson of Cass Lake-Bena School
Gotchie was nominated by Alisha Hillukka. “During middle school, Sean struggled with attendance issues and substance use. After an invitation to live with his sister in Bemidji, he committed to turning his life around. Sean now goes to school every day and works hard to be one of the top students in his class. He plans to attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.”
Johnson was also nominated by Hillukka. “Elli switched schools eight times before joining Cass Lake-Bena High School. Despite having to make new friends, learn new systems, and start over, she maintained a positive attitude. Elli enhances the school climate by going out of her way to make everyone feel like they belong. She encourages her peers to reach for the stars and is a positive influence.”
Trey Flowers of Northland Community High School
Flowers was nominated by Scott Peterson. “Trey has experienced many difficulties, including the loss of his brother. Despite challenges, he strives to be a positive influence for others. He encourages his peers to be kind by reminding them to be empathetic to difficulties others may be experiencing. Trey plans to earn a degree in business or graphic design.”
Katelyn Denton and Alyssa Wheeler of Pine River-Backus School
Denton was nominated by Janice Oakley. “Katelyn’s passion for music is clear: She shines in musicals and choir, leads as an officer on the Choir Board, and advocates for other students who struggle with music content. Katelyn has overcome changing schools and personal challenges to pursue her goal of music education, and she inspires others to chase their passions.”
Wheeler was nominated by Teresa Hamp. “Alyssa is a driven and dedicated student, class officer, and advocate. She is always the first to arrive before a choir concert, assist younger students, and lead class discussions. After recently losing her older brother to suicide, she has continued to show her inner strength by becoming a passionate advocate of suicide prevention.”
A recording of the complete event is on the Sourcewell Facebook page.
About Sourcewell
Sourcewell (formerly National Joint Powers Alliance) is a self-supporting government organization, partnering with education, government, and nonprofits to boost student and community success. Created in 1978 as one of Minnesota’s nine service cooperatives, we offer training and shared services to our central-Minnesota members. Throughout North America, we offer a cooperative purchasing program with more than 325 awarded vendors on contract. Sourcewell is driven by service and the ability to strategically reinvest in member communities.
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