Alexis Steckelberg Steele County Rober t Chladek Academic Agribusiness Scholarship
$5,000
Cael Robb Ron Baker Memorial Scholarship
$3,500
Nicole Behne Climate By Design $2,000
Justice Caballero Climate By Design $2,000
Alfons Cantu Climate By Design
$2,000
Sadam Dahir Climate By Design
$2,000
Devon Dut Climate By Design
$2,000
Damon Erickson Climate By Design $2,000
Marcus Graham Climate By Design $2,000
Lilli Merryman Climate By Design $2,000
Abdullahi Moussa Climate By Design $2,000
Harley Odell Climate By Design $2,000
Car ter Oltmans Climate By Design $2,000
Morgan Simon Climate By Design $2,000
Sierra Spindler Climate By Design $2,000
Car ter Strawmatt Climate By Design $2,000
Jaxon Wells Climate By Design $2,000
Henry Bon Mann Math Scholarship $1,250
Jonathan Clubb Mann Math Scholarship $1,250
Kiara Gentz Mann Math Scholarship $1,250
Lileigh Nguyen Mann Math Scholarship
$1,250
Ugbad Mohamed Bruce Larson Memorial Scholarship
$1,200
Anton Schroeder Owatonna FFA Scholarship $1,100
Anna Fox Owatonna FFA Scholarship $1,100
Jaxon Wells Owatonna FFA Scholarship $1,100
Ava Eitrheim Deb Flemming Scholarship
$1,000
Lauren Waypa Maggie Dixon Honorary & Joseph Cundiff Memorial Scholarship $1,000
Laura Deml Lee Foundation Scholarship
$1,000
McKenna DuFrene Lee Foundation Scholarship $1,000
Madelyn Simon Brenda Wilcox Scholarship
$600
Anton Schroeder FFA Alumni Association Scholarship
$500
Elizabeth Wunderlich Roepke Continuing Education Scholarship
$500
Gavin DeWitz Roepke Continuing Education Scholarship
$500
Kathryn Ihrke Roepke Continuing Education Scholarship
$500
Jayden Villareal Random Acts of Kindness Scholarship
$500
Landen Robinson Random Acts of Kindness Scholarship
$500
Mariah Rions Random Acts of Kindness Scholarship
$500
Christopher Homuth Dennis Johnson Trades Scholarship $500
Sierra Spindler Dennis Johnson Trades Scholarship $500
David Smith Full Circle Counseling & Wellness $500
Lileigh Nguyen Edward Stepanek Scholarship $10,000/yr for 4 years Rohit Poduval Edward Stepanek Scholarship $10,000/yr for 4 years Kiara Gentz Charles & Norma Buxton Scholarship $5,000/yr for 4 years Paiton Glynn Meilahn Family Scholarship $4,000/yr for 4 years
The faculty and staff of Riverland Community College congratulate the senior class of 2023! We can’t wait to see everyone this fall in one of our academic programs including bachelor’s degree and short-term training options.
• Work 3-4 days per week and still enjoy your summer
• Must be 18+ to apply
• $19.00 per hour, plus shift premium
• Over time available
Parents: Matt and Carina
Future plans: Automotive Engineering Technology
Aden
Parents: Diana Foster and Matt Beckmann
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato Automotive Engineering Technology
Parents: Shane and Brooke Berg
Future plans: Attending Rochester Community and Technical College H-Vac Program
Avyana Lynn Boyd
Haley Hope Breitbarth
Parent: Jim Borchert
Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College Special Education
Parents: Ryan Schroht and Casey
Boyd
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Parents: Jason and Sheila Breitbarth
Future plans: Attending Rochester Community and Technical College Nursing
Andrea Lynn Briggs
Parent: Garrett Briggs
Future plans: Attending the University of Idaho
Maverik Charles Bueltel
Parents: Ben and Karen Bueltel
Future plans: Serving in the U.S. Navy
Jared Dennis Cain
Parents: Jane and Robert Reese
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Alexus Elizabeth Chamber
Samuel Edward Christensen
Parents: Brent and Valerie Christensen
Future plans: Serving in the U.S. National Guard
Jaylee Victoria Christopher
Parents: Jessica Musel and Keith Christopher
Future plans: Attending South Central Technical College and Minnesota State University, Mankato - Nursing
Thomas R.R. Cliff
Parents: Tim and Tammy Cliff
Future plans: Attending South Central College
Auto Body Repair
Alexander Brian Cords
Parents: Jeff and Sheena Cords
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Dylan Paul DePew
Parents: Rachel Lovelace and Gary DePew
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Aidan Henry Deyle
Parents: Peter and Charlene Deyle
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Anton William Domeier
Parents: Mark and Michelle Domeier
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato Graphic Design
Kara Leslie Doyle
Parents: Kyle Doyle and Kayla Armstrong
Future plans: Serving in the U.S. National Guard
Blake Robert Eustice
Parents: Matt Eustice and Jennifer Swenson
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Sarah Christine George
Parents: Carolee Strand and Christopher George
Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College
Radiography
Wyatt Adam Groskreutz
Parents: Adam and Jodi Groskreutz
Future plans: Attending Martin Luther College
Dawson Michael Hallum
Parents: Jody Simon and Brandon Hallum
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Lucas John Hanna
Parents: John Hanna and Miriam Hanna
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Calvin William Haun
Parents: Kara Haun, Grandson of Wanda Wicker
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Nash Michael Howe
Parents: Jeff and Angela Howe
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Bailey Joy Ihrke
Parents: Chris and Sara Ihrke
Future plans: Attending Gustavus Adolphus College
Elementary Education
Bree Olivia Ihrke
Parents: Chris and Sara Ihrke
Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota
Architecture
Dylan Lee Ingvaldson
Parents: Tait Ingvaldson and Jenny Ingvaldson
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Erin Marie Jacobson
Parents: Erik and Heidi Jacobson
Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University
Agronomy
Treyvin Brian Johannsen
Parents: Mandi Muri and Darren Johannsen
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Shelby Marie Johnston
Parents: Todd and Melissa Johnston
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato Education
Katheryn Lynne Kofstad
Parents: Isaac and Martha Kofstad
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Olivia Chevelle Kofstad
Parents: Gabe and Laurel Kofstad
Future plans: Traveling
Jackson Wyatt Lageson
Parents: Joe and Elizabeth Sahawneh
Future plans: Attending the University of Minnesota Microbiology
Taya Raeann Lembke
Parents: Jeff and Tara Lembke
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Makota Grahm Misgen
Parents: Mark and Sara Misgen
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato Law Enforcement Wrestling
Olga Malu Monrreal
Gaona
Parents: Dinora Gaona and Anselmo Monrreal
Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College
Bryce Daniel Mudget
Parents: Billy and Becky Mudget
Future plans: Electrician Apprenticeship
Conner Milton Nelson
Parents: Jim and Rita Nelson
Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College Supervisory Management
Vada Irene Nelson
Parents: Dion Nelson and Tim Millhouse, Todd Nelson Future plans: Furthering education
Valerie Laurie Nelson
Parents: Allan and Doreen Nelson
Future plans: Furthering education
Charlie Ryan Nissen
Parents: Ryan and Holly Nissen
Future plans: Attending the Owatonna Aviation Program
Jed Lawrence Pfundt Jr.
Parents: Jed and Jessica Pfundt
Future plans: Serving in the U.S. Navy
Andrew Dale Phillips
Parents: Dale and Jeanette Phillips
Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University Precision Agriculture and Baseball
Gavyn Chance Pietz
Parents: Shelene Dumdei and Curtis Pietz
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Clair RaNaye Pittman
Parents: Sam Pittman and Relissa Kriesel
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Sawyer Michael Prigge
Parents: Carey and Terri Prigge
Future plans: Attending the University of North Dakota Aviation
Cody James Reistad
Parents: Kevin and Robin Reistad
Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College Electrician Program
Evan Raymond Schaefer
Brady Bennett Schlaak
Kaleb David Schmidt
Sidney Ellen Schultz
Tatum Charolette Smith
Parents: Mike and Shannon Santo
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Parents: Heidi and David Anderson and Tim Schaefer
Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College Welding and Electrician Program
Parents: Ben and Erin Schlaak
Future plans: Attending the College of St. Scholastica Exercise Science
Parents: Craig and Rachel Schmidt
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Parents: John and Wendy Schultz
Future plans: Attending Winona State University Radiography
Vulcan
Parents: Tracy Smith and John Hansen, Troy Vulcan
Future plans: Attending Black Hills State ElementaryUniversity and Special Education
Trinity Tracy Smith Vulcan
Parents: Tracy Smith and John Hansen, Troy Vulcan
Future plans: Attending Black Hills State University Nursing
Mayla Soulisak
Parents: Pete and Sub Soulisak
Future plans: Attending Baylor University Biology
Brooklyn Cecelia Strand
Parents: Amy Strand, Ryan and Jenny Strand
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Josie Brenn Strom
Parents: Brenton and Kelli Strom
Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College Radiography
Spencer James Swenson
Parents: Mollie and Brendan Mullenbach, Trevor Swenson
Future plans: Furthering education
Ethan River Thompson
Parents: Jena Thompson and David Thompson
Future plans: Attenading the University of Minnesota Computer Engineering
Will Richard Utpadel
Parents: Alison Grunwald and Kellen Utpadel
Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College Electrician Program
Corrie Alan Warner
Parents: Angela and Craig Davis and the late Jeff Warner
Future plans: Attending Iowa Central Community College Welding and Automotive Programs
Eva Lauren Wayne
Parents: Brandon and Jodi Wayne
Future plans: Attending the University of St. Thomas Business
Neela Marie Wencl
Parents: Ed and Melissa Wencl
Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin, River Falls Animal Science
Noah David WilderGodtland
Parent: Jill Godtland
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Gavin Daniel Wilkenson
Parents: Dan Wilkenson and Billie Jo Jenniges
Future plans: Attending South Central Community College Precision Ag
Grace Elizabeth Wilkenson
Parents: Matt and Kara Wilkenson
Future plans: Attending Rochester Technical and Community College
Radiography
Ashley Larissa Wobschall
Parent: Jeri Wobschall
Future plans: Attending Aims Community College
Surgical Technology
Bradley Kent Wobschall
Parent: Jeri Wobschall
Future plans: Entering the workforce
Katelyn ZimmermanKathleen
Parents: Mike and Tina Zimmerman
Future plans: Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato
Olivia Anderson
Hosea Baker
Parents: Glee and Terry Baker
Future plans: Winona State University for computer science
Lilyanna Bakken
Parents: Aryanna Kreuter and Colt Bakken
Future plans: Getting bachelor’s in nursing, then becoming a flight nurse
Marleen Beckmann
Parents: Evelyn and Frank Beckmann
Future plans: Travel the world
Ethan Brandt
Parents: Michelle and Robert Whiting
Future plans: Go to college at Riverland for generals
Natalie Brandt
Parents: Michelle and Robert Whiting
Future plans: Work a lot
Bailey Brown
Parents: Heidi and Shawn Brown
Future plans: Goring to college for social work
Morgan Camery
Parents: Tom and Miranda Camery
Future plans: Navy
Jesse Alexander Cardenas
Parents: Beatriz and Genaro Cardenas
Future plans: University of Minnesota Twin Cities for sport management
Haven Carlson
Parents: Jason and Jessica Carlson
Future plans: Attending Iowa State University for animal science and pre-vet
Cade Christianson
Parents: Aaron and Jessie Christianson
Future plans: Attend University of Wisconsin-Stout
Levi Denherder
Parents: Mike and Angie Denherder
Future plans: Diesel tech at Riverland Community College
Micah Desmond Donnelly
Parents: Dan and Mary Donnelly
Future plans: Winona State University for nursing
Elizabeth Nicole Pineda
Espe
Parents: Lisa Espe; Gibert Pineda
Future plans: Live in a nice house with a backyard to save and train abandoned pitbulls
Teresa Gonzales
Parents: Nancy and Richard Gonzales
Future plans: Air Force
Annika Green
Parents: Chad and Jodi Green
Future plans: Become a travel nurse
Hanna Hamersma
Parents: Chad Hamersma and Laura Coughlin
Future plans: Going to Washington and becoming a vet tech
Abby Hefling
Parents: Lonna and Ryan Hefling
Future plans: Attending MSU, Moorhead and obtaining a master’s in speech pathology
Hailey Hensrud
Parents: Travis and Allison Hensrud
Future plans: Bachelor’s in social work
Aidan Holmes
Parents: Cassie Holmes, Ryan Hering
Future plans: Work
Brittany Johnson
Parents: Larry and Tammy Johnson
Future plans: Radiology program in fall
Jenna Johnson
Parents: Mike and Rita Johnson
Future plans: Attend Riverland for radiology
Heidi Judy
Parents: Brenda and Luke Judy
Future plans: Undecided
Grace Krejci
Parents: Troy and Maryl Krejci
Future plans: Attend Winona State University, majoring in clinical exercise science and Spanish
Faith LaFontaine Johnson
Parents: Ryan LaFontaine; Tina LaFontaine
Future plans: Join college, get a place
Sierra Larson
Parents: Jeff Larson and Tammy Larson
Future plans: Attending University of Northwestern to major in marketing
Madi Lea
Parents: Kim and Kent Lea
Future plans: Attending MNSU to pursue a nursing major
Mikayla Martinez
Parents: Jessica Jensen; Rosalio Martinez
Future plans: Undecided
Ethan Marzolf
Parents: Jami and Travis Marzolf
Future plans: Undecided
Chloe McCarthy
Parents: Shawn and Stephanie McCarthy
Future plans: Bethel University to major in elementary education
Sam Michaud
Parents: Timothy and Amber Michaud
Future plans: Bachelor’s degree in math
Tyler Miller
Parents: Corey and Laura Miller
Future plans: Make money
Trista Motl
Parents: Debra Severson; Joe Motl
Future plans: Moving to WA and going to college there
Dakota Rylie Mueller
Parents: Allison Jean (Bonnema) Mueller; Jeffery Roy Mueller
Future plans: Going to Riverland Community College for an English major
Kaylee Nirk
Parents: Greg and Jennifer Nirk
Future plans: Criminal justice
Anna Pauly
Parents: Darren and Angie Pauly
Future plans: Attending Dakota State University and majoring in exercise science
It’s been a pleasure and a honor to report on all your achievements. We can’t wait to see what to see what you do next!
Sam Pirkl
Parents: Daniel and Laura Pirkl
Future plans: Attending University of Wisconsin-River Falls for structural engineering and football
Katie Quandt
Parents: Melissa and Brett Delaney; Justin Quandt and Shay Condit
Future plans: Planshere
Anna Reese
Parents: Amanda and Jeremi Reese
Future plans: Attending Riverland Community College for business and real estate license
Clare Rennie
Parents: Amanda and Luke Rennie
Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University for agricultural education
Alexander Riley
Parents: Shawn and Michelle Riley
Future plans: Attending college
Joie Ruhter
Parent: Stefanie Ruhter
Future plans: Alexandria Technical and Community College for welding certificates
Lucas Schammel
Parents: Craig and Melissa Schammel
Future plans: Attending Riverland to be an electrician
Cyprus Schleicher
Parents: Brian and Megan Schleicher
Future plans: College for precision agriculture
Abby Smith
Parents: Jared and Karen Smith
Future plans: Psychology at University of Minnesota-Duluth
Sam Smith
Parents: Jake and Cara Smith
Future plans: Business
Alexis Steckelberg
Parents: Karl and Tricia Steckelberg
Future plans: Attending South Dakota State University to major in animal science
Madelaine Stoen
Parents: Randy and Amy Stoen
Future plans: Attending Riverland/ Winona for radiology and then Mayo Clinic School of Health
Anna Suchanek
Parent: Joe Suchanek
Future plans: v
Anika Sunde
Parents: Ben and Michelle Sunde
Future plans: Going to UMD for environmental sciences
Paul Sunde
Parents: Jon and Ellen Sunde
Future plans: Plumber
Elliott Swenson
Parents: Kerie Olson; Rick Swenson
Future plans: Going to Riverland for law enforcement
Abby Thoreson
Parents: Josh and Angie Thoreson
Future plans: U of M Morris for environmental studies
Leah Thorson
Parents: Jeff and Amy Schieck; Terry Heitzinger
Future plans: College for crop and soil science
Madison Thurnau
Parents: Jenny and Kenny Thurnau
Future plans: Attending Riverland
Community College and then UMD for exercise science
Harmon Sanford
Parents: Nina and George Sanford
Future plans: Enlisted in the Air Force
Photos and info for the Medford High School graduates were not received in time for publication in this special section. The team at the Owatonna People’s Press sends a huge congratulations to this year’s Medford graduates.
Your first year of college usually means your first dorm experience and maybe even your first time living on your own. Every college or university has its own requirements for housing, but no matter what they are, parents and students should consider that dorms offer a great transition for students between their parents’ house and setting up housekeeping on their own.
Your college will assign you a moving day for your dorm and you’ll also probably get your roommate assignment well before then, too. Use that extra time to get acquainted with your roomie and decide who is going to bring what. You may want to choose a communal décor scheme, paint the walls (if allowed), and choose who is going to bring kitchen utensils and other items. Read over your dorm rules and residential life guidelines. Know beforehand where to park, who to ask for assistance and what is allowed in your dorm room.
In addition to your clothing and toiletries, you’ll also want to bring:
• Important documents, such as credit and debit cards, passports, your school ID, car registration and insurance paper work, health insurance cards, a copy of your birth certificate and your Social Security card, an emergency contact list, and your class schedule.
• Power strips and surge protectors, extension cords, chargers, cables for HDMI and ethernet, logins for streaming services.
• A quality backpack and school supplies for all of your classes.
• A shower caddy, especially if your dorm features a communal hall bathroom, with shower shoes.
• Cleaning supplies and a toolkit.
• A first-aid kit, prescription medications, any over-the-counter medications you use regularly, vitamins, tissues and bandages.
• Sets of sheets, bath towels, washcloths, hand towels, blankets, hangers, a laundry hamper
or bag, change for the laundry, dish towels and sponges, an iron or wrinkle-release spray.
• Lamps, dry erase boards and markers, fan or space heaters (if allowed), Command strips or poster tack, a rug, bed risers, a
mirror, additional seating and a small vacuum are nice things to have.
• Snacks and shelf-stable foods, microwave snacks and foods, a mug and other utensils, dish soap, a sponge and paper
towels.
After you’re all moved in, it’s time to say your goodbyes. Parents and friends, depending on how long of a drive they’re fac-
ing, may stay overnight at a nearby hotel. In that case, make plans to show them around campus and go to dinner before you head back to your dorm for your first night of college.
Many college students complain about the freshman 15, or the phenomenon of gaining weight their first year of school. Studies show that freshmen are indeed likely to put on some pounds, but it doesn’t have to be permanent.
Not only are you on your own with full control of how much you eat and when, but your body is also going through some pretty rapid metabolic changes as you get older. Try to choose nutritious foods more often than not, carefully monitor your alcohol consumption and try to get in exercise when and how you can. Eating unhealthfully, including indulging in too much booze, can make your energy levels plummet and handicap your memory. Not ideal conditions for success in higher education.
Noticing that your clothes don’t fit as well and that you’re carrying around some extra weight might lead to a panic. Be careful not to freak out. Make careful, gradual adjustments to your eating and exercise habits to slim down. Don’t go for the latest fad diet or skip meals. You can dig yourself in deeper when you revert to old habits and start a trend of yo-yo dieting, which can be even worse than carrying the extra weight to start with.
Preventing the freshman 15 is the best way to beat it. Keep a balanced diet with regular exercise and getting plenty of sleep can keep the weight off and build better health down the line. Here are some tips for staying slim:
• Avoid stress eating, eating while studying or eating while watching TV. When you eat, eat slowly and mindfully.
• Eat at regular times and don’t
skip meals.
• Keep between-meal and latenight snacking to a minimum.
• Choose a mix of nutritious foods.
• Choose lower-fat options when you can and watch portion sizes.
• Stay away from vending machines and fast food.
• Keep healthy snacks on hand and avoid soft drinks.
• Keep a regular sleep schedule and don’t take too many naps. Avoid caffeine in the evening and avoid exercising or listening to loud music before bed.
Some schools may even offer diet and nutrition counseling for students to help you manage your weight in addition to access to workout equipment and personal training services. Check with your campus recreational center for more information.
Four-year colleges get a lot of attention from high school graduates, and with good reason. But there’s another option: Technical and trade schools.
Technical and trade schools are generally more affordable than four-year colleges and universities and also may offer a quicker path to a career than traditional higher education.
These schools offer graduates careers as mechanics, respiratory therapists, dental hygienists, paralegals, plumbers, court reporters, HVAC technicians, electricians, occupational therapy assistant, radiological technologist and more.
In many ways, choosing a technical or trade school is much the same as choosing a college or university. First, you decide your area of focus. Talk to friends and family. Find, if you can, a mentor in your chosen field that you can talk to about the pros and cons of
the job. Your high school counselor may be able to offer you personality tests and literature on different careers to help you make your decision.
Once you have a field, then look for schools that are accredited in that area. You also want to research the school’s reputation in your chosen industry. That will make a huge difference in getting hired after school. Look into complaints about the school and ask the staff to explain each one and how it was resolved. Lastly, look at the school’s graduation rate. That refers to how many students who have started the program finish successfully. A high graduation rate is an indicator of a strong program.
If you’re eager to start working on your career but haven’t graduated yet, look into schools that offer dual enrollment with your high school. Dual enrollment programs allow you to take courses that are worth both high school and technical college
credit. When you graduate with your diploma, you’re that much closer to your technical college degree or certification, too. De-
pending on your state, the student may even be exempt from tuition, registration and lab fees, and textbooks.
The day a student graduates from college is a momentous occasion.
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that more than two million students earned bachelor’s degrees at the conclusion of the 2019-20 school year, the most recent year such information was available.
As another graduation season rounds into form, millions more hardworking college students are about to receive their degrees. Commencement will be a big moment for those students and it will also prove a proud moment for their families, who will want to reward graduates with a gift commensurate with this significant accomplishment. As graduates prepare to trade in campus life for the professional arena, well-wishers can consider these graduation gift ideas.
• Attire: Though many businesses have committed to remote or hybrid working in recent years, college graduates will still need something more than hoodies and sweatpants as they enter the professional arena. Professional attire can include anything from suits to business casual clothing. Developing a professional ward-
robe can be costly, so gift givers can take new college grads out shopping for attire that can help them make a strong first impression. If distance or timing makes such an excursion impossible, a gift card worth enough money to help grads begin building an impressive professional wardrobe can make for a great gift.
• Tote bag/messenger bag: Traditional briefcases are still around, but many modern professionals now prefer tote bags and messenger bags. Bags with padded pockets that can accommodate 15-inch laptops can be especially useful and help new graduations set a professional tone during interviews and after landing a job.
• Apartment furnishings: Of course, some newly minted grads will already have a job lined up by the time they stroll across a graduation stage and receive their degrees. In such instances, they might benefit from a little help furnishing their first apartments. Some new kitchenware, a gift card to a furniture store or some gadgets like a new smart TV or home speaker system can help a new place feel like home that much sooner.
• Cooking lessons: Now that
the campus dining hall is in the rearview mirror, new grads will have to prepare their own meals. Some might be doing so for the
first time, so some cooking lessons with a local chef or instruction offered at a local restaurant can ensure new grads aren’t
spending the bulk of their earnings on takeout or dining out.
College graduation is an exciting time in a young person’s
life. Loved ones can consider an assortment of gifts to make this period even more special.
