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!