Senior Spotlight: Brock Stollfuss, The Marine Life Wiz!

Meet RHS Senior, Brock Stollfuss! He partakes in a plethora of activities at RHS. Brock thrives in Band and is a part of the Jazz band. He is also an active member of the Math and Science Club and an officer of the National Honor Society chapter. Recently he joined the Drama club and landed the lead in the spring musical Into The Woods. To top it off, he is on the boys' tennis team!

Brock posing during a trip with his family

RHS Math Teacher Mrs. Hannah Truesdale was the Math Club advisor and noted “I got the chance to have Brock in one of my Algebra 2 sections as well as be an advisor for the math club his Freshman and Sophomore year. Brock has so many talents and strengths, I believe Brock is very goal-oriented, and he will do whatever work necessary to get where he wants to go. That's an excellent trait to have. He's also a great problem-solver, and he's not afraid of a challenge. Since I no longer have Brock in class, I already miss our math conversations. Overall, Brock is just a very kind and hard-working person, and I'll miss seeing him around, saying a quick "hello", and hearing what he's up to. I wish him the best of luck! I know he will do great things.”

Brock commented that he will miss competing with the Math club and is proud that they have placed in the top 3 at all the math meets this school year

Science is another passion of Brocks. He credits the RHS Science Department for not only building his love for science but also encouraging him to pursue his love for marine life. The RHS Early College Credit Program (EECP) and the opportunity to learn about climate change and global climate policy while attending the 2023 World Affairs Seminar have been stepping stones toward his goals. Although he has not chosen a school yet, he is planning on attending a college in Florida to obtain a degree in Marine Biology or Marine Affairs.

Some of Brocks’s ECCP courses have included Government & Politics and Criminal Justice. Currently, he is taking Calculus and Intro to Law. Brock appreciates that these dual courses are a great way to get a head start on college courses and affirm the path he wants to follow.

Brock and friends show their “Uni” support while at the University of Miami for their Summer Scholars Program

Brock attended the University of Miami’s Summer Scholars Program. During this 3 week Marine Biology program he learned through lectures and labs and participated in field trips to fossilized reefs, mangroves, and shark tagging. Students are exposed to potential majors and careers while connecting with peers from around the globe.

Mr. Brad Roost, RHS Science Teacher, shared “Having first taught Brock in Biology during his sophomore year, I quickly realized what an amazing student he is. Brock's approach to academics is not just about grades; it's about delving deep into subjects he's passionate about. He's not afraid to ask questions or challenge himself, always striving for a deeper understanding accompanied by a quick wit. Brock has been a driving force in the Science Department during his time at RHS. Through my work with the Science Club, I have further witnessed Brock's leadership, and passion for science. As if that wasn’t enough, for the past two years he has served as a teacher's assistant in our department. I can’t say enough about Brock. The entire department is going to miss him after he graduates. He is genuinely one of the nicest people and most deserving students I have had the pleasure of teaching. I am excited for what the future holds and I look forward to following his career. Kudos, Brock!”  Brock feels very lucky to be able to travel and have new experiences with the Science Club, such as Discovery World Milwaukee and a Science Fair in Madison.

Brock’s love for science inspired him to initiate the first-ever RHS Earth Week last spring. He noted that it was such a rewarding experience because so many people were involved with a topic that he holds close to his heart. Brock was so happy that he made so many positive contributions to the community and hopes that RHS will continue this tradition for many years to come.

Brock playing the French Horn during the RHS Winter Concert 2022

Some favorite RHS memories include the Community Winter Jazz Band tour to local nursing homes and elementary schools. RHS Band Teacher Mr. Sam Erickson shared

“Brock has been involved in both concert band and jazz band for the last few years. He is a multi-talented musician. This school year he has played the french horn, trombone, tuba, bassoon and sang with the jazz band. Currently, he is perfecting his skill with the French Horn for Solo Ensemble as well as the Trombone for jazz band. Brock is naturally talented when it comes to music. He uses his abilities to encourage his classmates whenever he can. The thing I will miss most about Brock is his sense of humor. He is always excited to be making music and provides some great laughs for everyone.”

Brock (sitting bottom right) and friends taking pictures before Junior Prom 2023

English teacher Mr. Paul Wiegel noted “Brock's opinions on the characters in the novels we read are always interesting. He seems to go beyond just the surface ideas for what might make a character tick and remember the little details that might have slipped past many of the other students. Brock was in my Honors American Literature class. I will miss Brock's dry sense of humor the most, he would make an interesting or funny comment in class, and everyone would laugh except him. He knew it was good, so he didn't have to laugh.”

He is going to miss all the connections and friendships he has made with students and staff during his time at RHS but we are so proud of what he has accomplished and cannot wait to see what he will do in the future!

Senior Spotlight: Austin Brown, The Choir Extraordinaire!

Meet Austin Brown! If you can't find Austin in the Choir room or the shop, you’ll most likely find him at a sports practice. He is on the basketball team and the track & field team where he is a member of a 4x100 relay team and competes in the long jump. While he wishes he had started track & field earlier, he is very proud of crushing his Personal Record (PR) in his last meet. 

Austin and family celebrating basketball Senior night

Austin’s greatest high school accomplishment is his State Choir Solo Ensemble performance in his junior year. Mr. Kenton Baker, RHS Choir Teacher shared, “Austin has always loved to sing. He is focused and engaged during his voice lessons and his hard work paid off when he made it to State for his classical vocal solo last year.” Austin noted that while it was stressful, being able to compete at the highest level and doing something that he loves was a tremendous experience. Mr. Baker had high praise for Austin commenting, “He has matured into a great leader in the tenor section. It's rare to find someone who loves learning about vocal technique and performance strategies the way that Austin does. I will miss the fun energy that he brings to rehearsal every day.”

Austin performing during the 2023 Homecoming talent show

RHS teacher Mr. Jon Potratz shared, “Austin is a nice guy who cares about himself and others. I will miss his positivity and the kindness he showed me and others in class.” He took advantage of RHS shop classes such as Intro to Manufacturing & Construction, Energy & Transportation, and the Art of Welding. Mr. Potratz commented, “Outside of the shop, he is incredibly talented playing the electric guitar which I found out when I heard him jam at the talent show. Because of this, he earned the nickname from me: Shredder Brown.”

Austin and Coach Schnell-Harrison during a game

Austin, we are so proud of what you have accomplished in your time at RHS and we cannot wait to see what you’ll do in the future!

Senior Spotlight: Lexi Brown, The German Wiz!

Meet RHS Senior, Lexi Brown who has positioned herself to be ahead of the game. Lexi is taking advantage of the Start College Now program offered by RHS where upperclassmen take college courses through Wisconsin Technical Colleges.

With this opportunity, Lexi has made her plan for her future to attend Moraine Park Technical College to obtain her associate's degree in nursing. She explained that she is thankful for the Start College Now program which gave her a head start on her education. Lexi plans on becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, she knew she wanted to follow this path due to her love for kids and helping others.

Lexi's Senior Portrait

Mr. Brad Roost, a Science teacher here at RHS, shared some comments about Lexi and her time in his classes:

“Lexi Brown is one of those students who I always found to be respectful, outgoing, and attentive in class. It's a combination that made her a welcome member of my classroom.  I had the privilege of having Lexi in both my Physical Science and Biology classes. It always felt she had a clear vision of what she wanted out of life. Recently completing her CNA license, Lexi is paving the way toward her goal of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Her aspiration to make a difference in the lives of others, coupled with her compassionate nature, makes her a standout individual. I am confident that she will carry her passion for learning and dedication to community service into her future endeavors with the same grace and determination that she has exhibited throughout her time here.”

Lexi noted that she considers managing her busy schedule of attending both high school and college-level classes at the same time as well as having multiple jobs to be one of her biggest accomplishments.

Liani, Lexi, and McKenzie at Junior Prom

Lexi shared that the support of her friends, loved ones, and RHS staff members helped her to stay on track with her goals this year. Her favorite memories are of time spent with friends. She knows that high school can be tough but she built her support system so she can have people to rely on and help her get through everything. Lexi loves going to all the dances and football games, but what sticks out the most is Homecoming week with all the activities and overall positive atmosphere. 

Mrs. Rachel Stindt, RHS Chemistry teacher, shared:

“Lexi took Physical Science with me her freshman year, she is such a great leader. She is so willing to talk with anyone and help everyone. She is willing to go out on a limb and try something new outside of her comfort zone. I will definitely miss her sass and her confidence, these attributes keep you wanting to talk to her. Lexi, keep kicking and pushing boundaries”

Lexi is going to miss the “small hometown” feel of RHS. She loves how everyone is here together and how she grew up with everyone. She doesn't care if she's close with everyone, she just knows that the class of 2024 has a special place in her heart. 

Lexi and Aubrey at the 2023 Halloween Bash

Lexi has been an active member of the German Club for the past four years. Currently, she is in German 5 with Mrs. Sarah Seidler. In 8th grade, Lexi had the opportunity to take a world language class, either Spanish or German. She chose German and now it's one of her favorite subjects. The German Club provides many different activities, fundraisers, and cultural events. A highlight is building a float for the Homecoming parade, getting dressed up, and giving out candy. Other events include community events such as September Fest and Dickens of a Christmas as well as the RHS Halloween Bash, bake sales for Walk to End Alzheimer's, and many parties.

Mrs. Siedler noted “Lexi has taken German 2 through German 5 with me. We are currently learning about the geography of the Rhine River as well as reading some legends and new literature that have connections to the river. Lexi has so many strengths, in my classes she has developed confidence in her communication skills which is just so impressive. As a person she is so creative, unbelievably kind, has such an open mind, and has a great work ethic. All of these are such great qualities that will serve her well in the future. I will miss the wonderful sense of humor and the positive energy that she brings to every class! I will also miss the creative expressions she invents in German that become a fun part of our classroom culture - for example, "Tschüss Kuss," which means "good-bye kiss”. Lexi has accomplished so much during her time at RHS and has enriched the high school experience of so many of her classmates just by being the authentically sweet person that she is! I can't wait to see what is in store for her next as she pursues a career path in health care - she has a bright future in front of her!”

Lexi dressed in traditional German clothing for the 2023 Homecoming parade 

Lexi, we are so proud of what you have accomplished in your time at RHS and we can not wait to see what you’ll do in the future!

Senior Spotlight: McKenzie Parnell, The Nursing Extraordinaire!

Our next Senior being featured is Mckenzie Parnell!

McKenzie is a dedicated student-athlete who is working towards becoming a surgeon. She has been able to become an Agency Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) through the Youth Apprenticeship (YA) program. 

McKenzie commented that becoming an Agency CNA is one of her biggest accomplishments. She plans on following a Healthcare career path in the fall when she goes to the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire to pursue her bachelor's degree in Biology. If that doesn't seem challenging enough, McKenzie plans on being in the Marines as a reserve. After she receives her bachelor's she wants to go to medical school to become a trauma surgeon. 

McKenzie is thankful for the opportunity to job-shadow at Ripon Hospital through the RHS Medical Explorers program. Students go to the hospital and rotate through a variety of different departments such as the lab, surgery, physical therapy, emergency department, clinic, the work and wellness department, and more. It allows the students to explore many facets of the medical field.

Liani, Lexi, and McKenzie enjoying Junior Prom together

Mrs. Tanya Monet-Bakken, a Science teacher here at RHS, shared some comments about McKenzie’s time in her classes: 

“I have had the pleasure of having McKenzie in sophomore biology, anatomy, and genetics in the past, now Bio105, and as a TA. Currently, we are getting ready to take the first unit exam. This is a very fast-paced college class, so we have been covering a lot of chemistry content like functional groups and macromolecules. Students got to bring in food items to test the pH of and ran an acid-base lab. McKenzie's group was the most successful at getting their hydrogen gas to ignite and make a loud pop/whirl sound. McKenzie is a very determined individual, she has a strong work ethic. She seems to have an amazing ability to work with elderly people in a way most people her age would not be mature enough to handle.I will miss McKenzie in the classroom as she adds so much to the positive environment, but even more so as a TA. She has truly been a gift in helping run labs, clean, organize, and brainstorm new ideas. I wish you all the best, I know you can do anything you put your mind to.”

While McKenzie is pursuing her dream career she also plays softball. She has been on the RHS Softball Team all four years of high school and has played since she was four years old. McKenzie plans on continuing her softball career in college. She mentioned that some of her favorite memories are celebrating all the team’s different accomplishments, especially gathering around home plate when a teammate hits a home run.

McKenzie will miss being around her friends everyday. She mentioned that some of her favorite memories are with her friends especially on bus rides. Whether it was for sporting events or field trips, they are always so fun and she will miss those rides the most. McKenzie had noted that she will also miss all the staff members who had helped her pursue her dreams. She had said that they were the biggest help and the best support system. 

McKenzie, we are so proud of what you have accomplished in your time at RHS and we cannot wait to see what you’ll do in the future!

Senior Spotlight: Devonte Moyer, The Artist Extraordinaire!

Meet RHS Senior, Devonte Moyer!

Devonte is such a wonderful student to be around, he is really into creating all different kinds of art and being a part of the Chess club here at RHS.

Devonte showing off some of his art work in the RHS Winter Art Show

Devonte has built special relationships with his classmates and teachers and just loves being around them. It is the part that he is going to miss the most about RHS. He enjoys being in Mr. Lyle’s classroom room. It has a very welcoming environment and the courses challenge each student to grow to their full potential. He shared that he enjoys all the support that is offered in Mr. Lyle’s class and that he feels he has grown into the best version of himself.

I got the chance to talk with Mr. Lyle about Devonte and all that he has accomplished at RHS. Mr. Lyle commented

“Devonte has so many strengths, he has a great sense of humor, he is fun to play games with and he loves building and creating art. I will miss hearing about his night every morning, the jokes he tells me, and the laughs we have together. I will miss talking about Star Wars and Marvel with him and hearing about all of the new music and movies he has discovered.” 

Devonte, we are so proud of what you have accomplished in your time at RHS and we can not wait to see what you’ll do in the future!

Senior Spotlight: Colin Rieder, The Econ Wiz!

We are happy to be featuring RHS Senior Colin Rieder! He is a dedicated student-athlete while also being a co-captain of the Robotics team. Colin is part of the track, swim, and soccer teams. While taking on all those responsibilities, he is an active member of the Key Club and National Honor Society. 

Colin's Senior Portrait

Colin will be attending UW-Whitewater this fall and in preparation for his next steps, he is taking classes at Ripon College through the Early College Credit Program. Colin shared that he is thankful to have the opportunity to take these college-level classes now.

Ms. Becki Baird, RHS Social Studies commented “Colin was a student in my Economics and AP US History classes last year as a junior. It was obvious immediately that he had a special affinity for Economics. He had such a solid understanding of the material. I would call him "the Econ major"---which was very fitting, as he has gone on to take Economics classes at the college this year. Colin is naturally gifted, intuitive, and thoughtful. He asked great questions to clarify and gain further understanding. He just possesses an excitement for learning, a natural curiosity. Always coming to class with a smile on his face. I will miss his enthusiasm and willingness to participate, but also his kindness and care for those around him. Colin has set very clear goals for himself, all related to business, which I'm sure he will fulfill.” 

Colin (sitting on the left), Brandyn (Standing on the left), and the coach looking over their robot before the competition

Colin has done much in his four years at RHS but his biggest accomplishment was when the high school Robotics team made it into the Top 7 at a competition in Milwaukee his Junior year. While this is a favored memory by Colin, he also mentioned that his all-time favorite memory is when a classmate and good friend Brandyn Beahm convinced him to try pole vaulting. Colin had said he was so worried that he might break another bone, but now he is a vital part of the pole-vaulting team and is part of a training group called Polebenders. This group provides opportunities for kids of all ages to train and compete in tournaments for Pole Vaulting and Colin has yet to break a bone while training or competing. 

Mr. Paul Wiegel, an RHS English teacher shared “When Colin gave his speech in American Literature last year, we talked about some aspects of his presentation style and how he would need to be aware of some of those things like body language, gestures, and speed. A lot of students get up to give a speech and forget about those kinds of things because they are nervous, but Colin did not forget them. He was conscious of them, and it really made for a good speech. And, of course, Pringles Mondays. If it weren't for Colin and his friends in my 7th hour Study Hall this semester, I wouldn't have such a wide knowledge of the different flavors of Pringles potato chips that are out there in the world.”

Whether he recalls best friends or the teachers who made his classes fun, Colin will miss the relationships with all the people that he has spent time with at RHS.

Colin pole vaulting at a competition with the Polebenders team

Colin, we are so proud of what you have accomplished in your time at RHS and we can not wait to see what you’ll do in the future!

Senior Spotlight: Rylee Pinnow, The Anatomy Wiz!

Meet RHS Senior, Rylee Pinnow! Rylee is a dedicated student, she currently is already taking college classes through the Early College Credit Program where students can take college courses during school hours and get both High School and College credits. (a great savings for students!). 

Rylee (left) and Amanda (right) headed to Junior Prom

Rylee is involved in a few different activities as well. She has a Youth Apprenticeship (YA) through Webster's Marketplace and is an active member of the Key Club as well as the National Honor Society Chapter.

Following graduation, Rylee plans on attending Fox Valley Tech for dental hygiene and assistance. Right now as she is working in hospitality/food & beverage, she does a lot of stocking in the produce department while also learning the proper techniques for cleaning in and around the department. Rylee enjoys getting to work with her teammates, she has mentioned how her coworkers make work fun. 

Rylee (left) and Emma (right) before a concert

Some of Rylee’s fondest memories are with her friends in class or at lunch. It is what she will miss most about RHS.

Rylee is currently taking Anatomy and Physiology at the high school with Mrs. Monet-Bakken. She likes this class because of how interesting it is to learn about the human body. It has given her great background knowledge to prepare her for the college-level course that she will take in the next year. 

I got the chance to sit down with Mrs. Monet-Bakken, a science teacher here at RHS. Mrs. Monet shared “Rylee is a great student, she has such a fun personality. She gets along well with everyone in the class and you can often see her and her group having fun with whatever the day’s task is. Rylee is also very prepared for class, you can tell she takes her education seriously by completing her work, answering questions fully, and simply coming prepared. Currently, she is in my Anatomy and Physiology class, I also had her for Biology. Currently, we are investigating our senses. Students chose 10 labs to test their senses and relate that information to the class content of the nervous system. This included taste testing potato chips/chocolate chips/sour candies along with balancing labs, vision labs, and listening labs. I will miss Rylee’s genuine character. She is just a pleasant person to be around.”

Rylee with friends before the Homecoming dance

Rylee, we can't wait to see what you’ll accomplish in your remaining time here at RHS and what you'll do with your future.

Senior Spotlight: Kyra Lovell, The Cheer Queen!

The next Senior Spotlight today is Kyra Lovell!

Kyra is a passionate student who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Kyra has been an active member of the cheer squad since freshman year. She is on both the football cheer team and the competition team. 

Kyra's Senior Portrait

Kyra plans on attending college after graduation, she is excited for all the new opportunities that will come with going to college. She mentioned that her parents are a big factor in pursuing a higher education. Kyra plans to attend UW-Stevens Point and join the cheerleading team. 

Kyra’s favorite memories with the cheer team is going out to eat together after competitions, hanging out, and making memories. One of Kyra’s biggest accomplishments with the team was when they went to state her Freshman year. She thought it was cool to be able to go that far as a Freshman. Another fun thing that Kyra enjoyed about RHS cheer was getting the opportunity to cheer and do stunts with the UW-Stevens Point cheer team. Kyra loved having the opportunity to do bigger stunts with the college team. She loves that she gets to learn new stunts and techniques with the Pointers.

Senior cheerleaders with Coach Conlon 

I got the chance to sit down with Profe Marta Yedinak, one of the world language teachers at RHS. She had very pleasing comments about Kyra.

“Kyra has been in Spanish class all through high school. Unfortunately, she is not in my class right now, but I sure miss her smile and good attitude. Kyra is an incredibly kind person, she constantly looks for ways to make others feel right and comforted. She is caring, and warm, and immediately empathizes with anybody around her. Kyra's smile can lighten up a room! She is funny and inquisitive. I will miss her dearly” 

Although qualifying and competing at state for cheerleading is pretty cool, Kyra is most proud of the fact that she got through the ACT. I can’t blame her for that, it was a rough day. 

Even after competing at state and getting the ACT done, Kyra is going to miss the environment at RHS, most importantly Homecoming week. Kyra loves going all out for spirit week with all the dress-up days, decorating, and all the activities for everyone to participate in.

Kyra and friends enjoy Senior sunrise 

Kyra, we are so proud of what you have accomplished in your time at RHS and we can not wait to see what you’ll do in the future!

Senior Spotlight: Brandyn Beahm, The Robot Master!

Meet RHS Senior, Brandyn Beahm who is involved in many activities offered by Ripon High School. Brandyn currently has a Youth Apprenticeship with Ripon’s largest employer Alliance Laundry Systems here in Ripon. What drove Brandyn to pursue this job is his love for robotics and engineering and the opportunity for real-world experience in those fields. Brandyn is also co-captain for the high school's Robotics team.

Colin (left) and Brandyn (right) show off their Robot at a competition

In a conversation with Mrs. Rieder, the RHS librarian, she had great things to say about Brandyn. 

“Even though I am not an actual teacher at Ripon High School, I have had the privilege of getting to know Brandyn as his First Lego League (FLL) coach and RHS Robotics mentor. While Brandyn has always been interested in robots, it has been amazing to watch as he has progressed from building a robot out of Legos in FLL to designing, wiring, and programming a large industrial robot that can complete complex tasks for the RHS Robotics team. Brandyn’s main strength is that he is always willing to learn new skills. Between the Robotics team and his apprenticeship at Alliance, Brandyn has learned multiple coding languages. He puts in the time outside of school to research and learn how to write code himself instead of relying on someone else to teach it to him. I will miss Brandyn’s willingness to teach others what he has learned. He has been a role model to the underclassmen on the Robotics team. Brandyn is willing to work side by side with the new members as they learn how to design, build and program the robot.”

Brandyn is also a dedicated athlete. You will find him down at Ingalls during the fall and spring. Brandyn has played football all four years. In the spring Brandyn competes with the RHS Track Team. His main event is Pole Vaulting. During his junior year he qualified for indoor state and was First Team All-Conference. He is part of relay teams, and competes in the 100 meter dash. Outside of school Brandyn is part of a training group called Polebenders. This group provides opportunities to kids of all ages to train and compete in tournaments for Pole Vaulting.

Brandyn completing a vault in a competition over the summer

In a conversation with Mr. Brad Roost, a science teacher at RHS, shared, 

“Brandyn Beahm is an amazing student in and out of the classroom. Brandyn was in my Biology class his sophomore year. He is also a member of the National Honor Society which I advise. Even with clubs, work, and sports, Brandyn has achieved high academic achievements. He clearly is a well-rounded young man.  He was always a lot of fun to have in class. When Brandyn was in my Biology class, he and a group of other students had a cardboard cutout of me made and created a website about me. It was all done in good fun. Although embarrassing, it was also very complimentary. I have no doubts Brandyn will succeed wherever he lands after high school.” 

Unlike most Seniors, Brandyn has his plans for the future set and is ready to start the next phase. Brandyn will attend UW-Platteville and pursue an engineering major. Even with a challenging  major, he plans to continue being a student- athlete and be a part of the UWP pole vaulting team. 

While he was in middle school Brandyn discovered that he wanted to be an engineer, he found his love for robots from the middle school LEGO League robotics club. Once in high school, Brandyn started taking Tech-Ed classes with Mr. Jon Potratz. I sat  down with Mr. Potratz and talked with him about what Brandyn has achieved in his four years.

“Brandyn is a well- rounded young man who is driven and very intelligent. He has taken 3-4 classes with me in his four year run at RHS and in that time he has demonstrated incredible abilities within my area of study. He is currently not taking any of my courses at the moment, but in the past- Introduction to Engineering Design, Introduction to Manufacturing and Construction, Energy and Transportation. Brandyn is a consistent hard worker, great problem-solver/ engineering brain, team player & leader (robotics club), motivated. I will miss his efforts in class and will miss talking to him about his youth apprenticeship as he was always doing very advanced and impressive tasks at his placement.” 

Seniors and Coach Bradley stand together after their last game all together as Tigers

During his sophomore year, the YA program was introduced and Brandyn decided to get involved to fully know if this was the career path he wanted to follow. He first found out about Alliance and “absolutely loved it”. He has been working there for two years and still enjoys it, this was his deciding point that his path would be engineering. 

Some of Brandyn’s favorite memories of RHS are hanging out with his friends at various sporting events. Some of his absolute favorites are when he and his friends would get together and goof off. He really loves track meets, whether it's cheering  his friends on or just hanging out with them in-between events. Following Graduation, Brandyn shared he will miss playing sports and being with all his RHS friends in one place. He knows that everyone will be spread out and it will be hard to see them all at once. His best memories come from participating in extracurricular activities with his friends. 

Brandyn and a group of friends during Prom

Brandyn, we can't wait to see what you’ll accomplish in your remaining time here at RHS and what you'll do with your future.

Senior Spotlight: Reese Downs, Youth Apprentice 

The first Senior coming into the spotlight is…myself. 

Let me introduce myself. My name is Reese Downs and I'm authoring this new Ripon Tiger Nation series where we will be featuring current Ripon High School Seniors.

I am involved in quite a few activities. I am a Co-President for the RHS National Honors Society chapter, the Treasure for our Key Club, a representative for Student Council, and a new member for the Drama Club. I also play volleyball and soccer, and if that's not enough, I also have a Youth Apprenticeship (YA) with the school district working with Mrs.Meyer who is the District’s public relations specialist.

I already have somewhat of a plan for my future. I plan on attending UW-Stout or UW-Platteville and pursuing a major in Professional Communications & Emerging Media. After playing sports my whole life, I knew that I wanted to work in sports but I really didn't know what I was going to pursue a career in. In my junior year I was a campaign leader for our Science Club’s Earth Week. I was in charge of social media and building the outreach to spread the word about all that was happening in the school. I really enjoyed it and started to take on more activities with social media. I started taking care of the Key Club social media and kept learning how to build and reach audiences. In my work for Earth Week, my work was sent over to Mrs.Meyer. After a few conversations and meetings, I was offered the chance to be one of the first Youth Apprentices with Mrs.Meyer. With this, I got the opportunity to learn more about Social Media and school PR. I started with small projects and slowly was given the opportunity to take on bigger projects like this blog. With all the opportunities that Ripon High School has given me, I have been able to know that I want my future career to be a Social Media Manager for a sports organization. 

Seniors celebrating with Coach Landerman after winning conference for Coach's last season

In all my four years here at Ripon, I feel my biggest accomplishment is my senior season of volleyball. We won conference, won a regional championship, and did much more. I’ve played volleyball my whole life, and yet this season will hold so much more meaning. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to play with the girls I have gotten to learn from and the coaching staff.

I will miss volleyball a lot but I truly think I will miss being around my friends so much. I've gained so many friends in my time here. I've gained them through sports, clubs, and mixed classes. The opportunities RHS has given me to make all the friends I have is what I will miss the most. I do also think I will miss the teams I have been lucky to be on in my four years. Again leading back to having all the friends that I do now, it wouldn't have been possible without all the opportunities RHS has given me. 

Some friends and I enjoying Homecoming activities 

I hope you got to know me a little bit and will enjoy the other RHS Seniors that I will be featuring in the upcoming weeks. I hope that I am able to show all the fun experiences current seniors are offered here in Ripon. 

Looking at the school year ahead! 

As a new school year kicks off, it’s time to look ahead to the exciting events and initiatives that are in store. For alumni, this is a great opportunity to stay connected to your alma mater and show your support for the school community. Here are some of the events you can plan on attending this year, and why it’s important to show your support.

Homecoming 2023

The homecoming game is always a highlight of the school year, and a great opportunity to reconnect with old classmates and cheer on the school team. This year, consider attending the annual Homecoming Breakfast at RHS from 6:30 - 8:00 am if you are in town. Head down to historic Watson St. for the parade which starts at 4:00 pm and show your school spirit at the football game with kick off at 7:00 pm at Ingalls Field. Your presence can help to create a sense of community and pride for current students, and can also be a fun way to catch up with old friends.

Class Reunions

The summer was bustling with reunions, and the fall is shaping up to be just as lively! The Ripon Education Foundation is available to provide assistance with your class reunion as part of its mission to foster alumni connections. We are able to cover the postage for invitations, and our Coordinator of Alumni Outreach is on hand to help with the planning as well as providing personalized nametags featuring senior photos. Below are some snapshots from the many summer reunions.

March is Music in Our Schools Month

On March 7th the RASD Music Department presented their annual Music in Our Schools concert to a packed house that featured the choirs and bands in Grades 5-12! A highlight of the evening was a moving performance of “Dry Your Tears Afrika” by all the choirs and bands together. A compilation video of the evening is featured on our Facebook page. Thank you for supporting our music programs.

New RHS Principal Announced

The Ripon Area School District announced Mr. Bill Kinziger as the recommended candidate for the principal position at Ripon High School beginning July 1, 2023. He will replace Randy Hatlen whose last day will be June 30, 2023. Mr. Kinziger is currently the Ripon High Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, a position he has held for 8 years. Previously, he was a social studies teacher at Ripon High School and Lumen Charter High School for 25 years. Mr. Kinziger was the unanimous choice of the sixteen-member selection team following three full days of interviews and a community Meet & Greet.

Prior to joining the staff at Ripon High School, Mr. Kinziger was a social studies teacher in Howard Lake-Waverly Winsted in Minnesota for 5 years. He has an undergraduate degree in broadfield social studies from St. Norbert College, a master of Education from Saint Mary’s University. Mr. Kinziger completed his principal licensure program through Marian University. 

Mr. Kinziger was an integral part of a group that developed a virtual instructional plan for our students to continue their education. Over the past 8 years, he assisted in implementing a current high school writing initiative which has helped maintain Ripon’s high ACT scores compared to the averages of the state and surrounding districts. Mr. Kinziger was also an essential part of developing and implementing the mission and vision of Lumen Charter School, a project-based school for Ripon High School students which at one point included about 20% of the high school population.

References described Mr. Kinziger as professional and dedicated, commenting on his amazing ability to build relationships with students. He was noted as having strong communication and interpersonal skills. Mr. Kinziger is described as being “crucial to developing the overall climate and culture of Ripon High School” as well as having “created an environment where all students feel welcomed and comfortable to be themselves. In addition it was stated, “he has a great rapport with our coaches and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure coaches have the support they need to be successful.”

RHS Boys Basketball Team Earns Academic All-State

The RHS Boys' Basketball Team earned FIRST PLACE Academic All-State from the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association for Division 3. Their GPA of 3.793 earned them the top spot! It's also worth noting that their academic excellence was the second highest among all divisions! Read the full article about this incredible achievement here.

Distinguished Alumni Nominations

Nominations for the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award are being accepted until Monday, April 3rd. Use the link below to send us your nominee. To be eligible for nomination, an individual must have graduated from Ripon High School at least ten years ago and have distinguished themselves through career and/or community involvement. Use THIS LINK to nominate an alumnus for consideration. For further information, please contact Samantha Daun, RHS school counselor, at 920-748-4621.

RHS Drama Department Presents "Anastasia the Musical" to Our Tiger Cubs

RHS Senior Ariana visited with Barlow Park Journey students to share a little bit about the RHS Musical Anastasia. It was a treat for our youngest learners to see a "real-life" princess and learn more about the story and being a part of the RHS Drama Department. All students were treated to special performances by the entire cast during the school day leading up to the public performances which were strongly attended.

Giving Thanks for All Our Alumni Members

We’ve reached November, and in the spirit of the upcoming holiday, we wanted to share just how thankful we are for all of the members of Ripon Tiger Nation this year and every year!

Even if you’re not able to get back into the area very often, you’re still always a member of the Ripon alumni family!

Throughout the year, we see our members making a positive impact in many ways:

• Volunteering: No matter what capacity you are sharing your time and talents, you’re helping in a big way! We understand that your time is precious, and the fact that you choose to spend it supporting RASD is so greatly appreciated!
  
  

• Advocacy: If you’ve told others about being a Tiger supporter, shared anything on social media or email, or voted for our recent referendum, we’re so thankful for your advocacy!

• Donations: This week is #RiponROAR week for the Ripon Education Foundation in honor of American Education Week. The Foundation is celebrating 25 years! Since their formation in 1997, they have raised $1,464,433. The Foundation provides grants to teachers for special programs, funding for students’ participation in club competitions such as Future Business Leaders of America(FBLA) Nationals, as well as initiatives such as the recent upgrades to the District's outdoor spaces. The Foundation also awards scholarships to graduating seniors and helps donors create scholarship funds in memorial and in recognition of individuals.

Our honorary RHS Senior “Coach” is out on social media spreading the word about #RiponROAR !

We have plenty to be thankful for this year, and members like you are right at the top of the list. We hope you are able to enjoy the holiday with friends and family and that you have plenty to be thankful for in your own lives.

A very happy beginning to the holiday season to all of you!

RASD Announces 2022 Distinguished Alumni

The Ripon Area School District honored Jill Geer from the class of ‘88 as the 2022 Distinguished Alumni during halftime of the Homecoming game on September 30.

Jill’s career has been focused on helping U.S. Olympic athletes share their stories with the American public. It has taken her to six Olympic games and 18 countries as the Team USA spokesperson in track & field and gymnastics.

She grew up in Ripon with school, community and sports the family focus. She attended every home RHS and Ripon College basketball and football game. At home, Jill took turns reading the newspaper, did crossword puzzles and played trivia games with her family. 

Jill graduated with honors from Ripon High School in 1988 as a state champion in cross country and holding several records in basketball and track & field. She also played flute for the RHS band and served as drum major.

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Arkansas, Jill earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. She was an NCAA Championships participant in cross country, competed for the track team and was a writer and editor for the campus newspaper. 

In the 1990s, she worked as a journalist in Arkansas and Washington DC, where she was a news editor and wrote a sports column for Knight Ridder-Tribune’s national news service. In 1996, she was a production assistant for NBC at the 1996 Olympic Games, beginning her career in Olympic sports. She was chief communications & marketing officer for USA Track & Field for 19 years,  then spent two years as chief marketing officer for American College of Education and as a consultant for Parity, a company dedicated to generating revenue opportunities for female athletes. In 2021, she returned to the Olympic movement as chief communications & marketing officer for USA Gymnastics, helping the organization as it reached a settlement with sexual assault survivors and instituted protocols to protect athletes.

Although her career is international in scope, Jill volunteers at her Indianapolis neighborhood food bank, has co-chaired a statewide fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and has volunteered in multiple capacities for local churches and schools. She is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion and is a frequent speaker to college and young professionals’ groups.

Jill regularly returns to Wisconsin and credits her family and Ripon upbringing for instilling in her the service-oriented approach that has informed her career. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband and teen-aged son and has two adult stepsons.

Ripon Voters Consider Operational School Referendum on November Ballot

How Will the Referendum Help?

The Referendum would provide $850,000 of funds to sustain Ripon school operations in each of the next six years. The School Board is asking the community to support staff positions which are helping students recover from the learning loss and the social-emotional impact of COVID. The District will still seek cost-saving measures, new grant revenue, and shifting to self-funded medical insurance to address the budget gap.

Why is the Referendum Needed?

Ripon faces a gap in funding due to a three-year freeze in state revenue. The School Board temporarily addressed the freeze in revenue with one-time federal revenue from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants. Now those funds are expiring, and it is unlikely new revenue increases for the 2023-2024 school year will match typical annual cost-of-living increases over the prior three-year period.

How Would an Approved Referendum Affect School Property Taxes?

If a November 2022 referendum is approved, the school property tax rate is still projected to DECREASE resulting in the lowest rate in 40 years. The rate is expected to drop by $0.12 to $8.17. This is partially possible because of a $13.9 million City of Ripon TID district closing. The closing of the tax shelter in the business park allows the District’s tax levy to be spread over new property value.State legislature provided taxpayers additional tax relief for the 2022-2023 school year. Projected increases in state equalization aid will lower property taxes, but not increase revenue for schools.

What Happens if the Referendum is Not Approved?

Roughly 73% of the District’s operating expenditures are staffing costs. RASD would balance its budget by reducing positions, including classroom teachers, reading interventionists, behavior interventionists, and pupil support staff positions, which are helping the District individualize instruction. Students in elementary schools would be impacted the most because learning gaps and social emotional needs are greatest in our youngest students. With a passed referendum, the Board looks to retain these staff positions and continue to support extraordinary student achievement.

More information about the referendum is available on the RASD website under the Community Tab.