Future is Bright for 4 Co-Valedictorians
By Kaitlyn Holmgren and Gabriel Siler
This years Saint Croix Central High School graduating class of 2018 has 4 co-valedictorians. These 4 incredibly dedicated individuals include Abigail Edelman, Collin Nelson, McKenna Johnson, and Tyler Miller. All 4 of these students focus on more than just their studies, and are very active in extracurricular activities and the community as well.
Collin Nelson
Nelson is a 3 year letter winner in both basketball and football, and a 4 year letter winner in track. As for football, he was named a captain his senior year. He helped lead the team to back to back state championship games winning as a junior, and as senior receiving runner-up. He has received multiple awards for football including 2x Academic All-State, All-Conference Quarterback and Defensive Back, and he also received the Burlsworth Character and Sportsmanship award. On the basketball team he was voted a team captain, and received many awards for including Academic All-State, and All-Conference. He has also participated in several clubs including, Band, Pathfinders, a group of upperclassmen that help freshman adapt to the high school, Students Offering Support (SOS) in which he was the president his senior year, and National Honors Society (NHS) in which he was the Vice President his senior year.
As for his favorite teacher Nelson said, “I would probably say Mr. DiSalvo, because I had a LOT of fun in that class, although I don’t remember what I learned.” Collin’s favorite high school memories are the two state championship football games he played at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. “Hard Work”, was the phrase Collin used to describe what it takes to become a valedictorian. His advice for underclassmen and future high schoolers is, “Enjoy high school to its fullest because it doesn’t last long.”
His future plans include attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison to major in engineering. Finally, the last comment Collin had was, “Thank you to the SCC Community for all of the support.”
Abigail Edelman
Edelman is a part of the varsity girls golf, softball and basketball teams at Saint Croix Central and participates in Students Offering Support, the National Honor Society and band. This past year Edelman’s golf team won the Team Academic All State award with the highest team grade point average. Abby and McKenna’s basketball team also took home the conference champion title, ending the season with one of the best records in Panther history.
Abby’s favorite teacher is Mr. Kimberly who teaches in the math department. When asked about her favorite high school memories, Edelman easily decided on Friday night football games. Abby’s advice for underclassmen and future high schoolers is “to work hard, make school a priority and to not stress out too much.” Abby said that the most important traits one must have to become a valedictorian is “strong work ethic, perseverance, and good study skills.”
Edelman is attending the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse to major in exercise and sports science with the hopes of working as a physical therapist, mainly with children.
McKenna Johnson
Johnson is a 3 year letter winner in girls basketball, and a 4 year letter winner in track. She played a role alongside Edelman in helping the SCC girls basketball team win the Middle Border Conference title. Other extracurriculars Johnson took part in include, Future Business Leaders of America, Students Offering Support, Pathfinders, and National Honors Society.
As for McKenna’s most influential teacher she said, Mr. Kimberly. Johnson’s favorite high school experience was homecoming powderpuff football. When asked about her advice for underclassmen and future high schoolers McKenna replied, “Just stay focused on your work but also get involved in activities.” McKenna believes the most important traits for becoming valedictorian is “perseverance and working hard.”
McKenna’s future plans include attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and studying business.
Tyler Miller
Tyler is very active in the FBLA community and is the Wisconsin Region 1 Vice President. Last year he attended Nationals in Anaheim California and is returning to nationals this year in Baltimore. Miller has lettered in Band and performed with the SCC Jazz band, marching band, pep band and competed in Solo and Ensemble. Tyler also took part in Students Offering Support, National Honor Society, and the Pathfinders.
When asked who his favorite teacher was Miller said it would probably be Mr. Kimberly. Tyler’s favorite high school memories are the student sections, especially the ones at state football. Miller’s advice for underclassmen and future high schoolers is, “Don’t take things too seriously. Study hard, but have fun also.” Miller believes the most important traits for becoming valedictorian are “Hard work, humility- don’t brag, and always be respectful.”
Tyler’s plans for the future include attending the University of Minnesota to major in Biology and then attending Medical school to become a medical examiner.
Edelman, Nelson, Miller and Johnson will graduate alongside their class of 106 students. The graduation ceremony will take place on Friday, May 25th at 7:30 in the high school gym. The ceremony is open to all friends and family wishing to attend.
