2023 Foley Graduation

at Foley High School,

CHARLIE ALBERS

Parents: Tom and Susan Albers

School activities: Football, basketball, golf, track and field, Minnesota Honor Society, and student council.

Future plans: Attend college and study engineering. Advice to underclassmen: Don’t wait to start something you want to do.

IZABELL ALDERINK

Parents: Jason and Pam Alderink

School activities: Tennis, drama, drumline and marching band.

Future plans: Attend the College of St. Benedict for nursing.

Advice to underclassmen: Just live in the moment and be a teen.

ANNABELLE ANDERSON

Parents: Nathan and Angie Anderson

School activities: Dance team, student council, Minnesota Honor Society, class officers and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Future plans: Attend the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and major in communication sciences and disorders. My goal is to become a speech pathologist.

Advice to underclassmen: Make the most of your high school experience; before you know it, you’ll be graduating.

CARTER ANDERSON

Parents: Matt and Aimee Anderson School activities: None.

Future plans: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t sweat it.

JOSH ANDRIE

Parents: Mark and Misty Andrie School activities: None.

Future plans: St. Cloud State University for psychology, and then, whatever happens from there happens.

Advice to underclassmen: Do well in school and you’ll do even better in life.

BLAKE ARNOLD

Parents: Sean and Angie Arnold School activities: FFA.

Future plans: Attend Alexandria Technical & Community College and obtain a degree as a diesel mechanic. I plan to work on agriculture equipment.

Advice to underclassmen: Have fun.

MADISON BARON

Parents: Chad and Anita Baron School activities: Volleyball and track and field.

Future plans: Attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to pursue a career in kinesiology.  Advice to underclassmen: You get what you work for.

KAYLA BARTHEL

Parents: Jason Barthel and Cassandra Monson School activities: FFA and trapshooting.

Future plans: Ridgewater College to become an agronomist.

Advice to underclassmen: Live in the moment and not in the future. Also, take every opportunity you can get.

JACQUALYNN BEAUCHAMP

Parents: Rob and Rose Beauchamp  School activities: Speech, drama, marching band, Minnesota Honor Society and FFA.

Future plans: Attend Minnesota State UniversityMoorhead to begin my bachelor’s degree in psychology and minor in art therapy.

Advice to underclassmen: Take every chance you get to try something new; before you know it, the chance will be gone.

GRACIE BLANK

Parents: Jeremy and Kristi Blank School activities: Minnesota

Honor Society, student council and yearbook committee.

Future plans: Attend College of St. Benedict for business.

Advice to underclassmen: Do not stress too much over homework and tests; you will remember your experiences and friends not your grades.

ANDY BOETTCHER

Parents: Ted and Judy Boettcher School activities: Golf.

Future plans: Going to Northern Arizona University for physical therapy.

Advice to underclassmen: Do what you like; don’t depend on others.

TRAVIS BOYLE

Parents: Jeannie Boyle  School activities: Fall musical, spring play, one act play, marching band, basketball, track and field, Minnesota Honor Society and FFA.

Future plans: Obtain a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a pre-veterinary medicine emphasis.

Advice to underclassmen: Remember the past, but don’t hold on to it; grow with the present and long for the future.

PATRICK BRAMBRINK

Parents: Glenn and Jackie Brambrink School activities: Baseball and football.

Future plans: Union.  Advice to underclassmen: Be on time, get er done and go home.

BRIDGET BURSCH

Parents: Mike and Katie Bursch

School activities: Softball and trapshooting.

Future plans: Attending North Dakota State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science nursing degree in hopes of becoming a registered nurse.

Advice to underclassmen: Work hard in school, but make sure to have some fun along the way.

CLASS THEME: Shrek

From kindergarten to graduation

FHS seniors reflect on last 13 years

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL | STAFF WRITER

FOLEY – When Ethan Novak and Mitch Thell met as kindergarteners, they were not much more than acquaintances. In fact, throughout their education – all of which was in the Foley School District –they remained at a distance.

But as the years passed and they grew academically, physically and in maturity, Novak and Thell also grew closer to each other. Now, as Foley High School seniors, they consider each other best friends.

As they reflect on the last 13 years of their lives, Novak and Thell attribute much of their newfound friendship to the bonds forged in the halls of Foley Public Schools. They agreed growing up around each other in the same school district and with many of the same circles of friends precipitated their inevitable alliance.

“In preschool and kindergarten, growing up together is like a puzzle,” Thell said. “Everyone is their own piece and it’s all scattered, but as you grow up, you kind of put them together – sometimes in the wrong spots – but by the end when you graduate, everyone’s pretty much in their spot.”

And even though Novak and Thell did not form a tight bond until their senior year, they share many memories from their academic careers from as early as kindergarten. They both remember running about underneath the cover of a rainbow-colored parachute in gym class during their first year of school. It is a core memory both agreed they will never forget.

Throughout their time in Foley – both in the community and in the schools – Novak and Thell hold many memories they cherish. From favorite teachers to amusing anecdotes to heartfelt moments, they said Foley served them well.

Now, with only a few weeks until graduation and even with enthusiasm for what lies ahead, Novak and Thell said their situation is bittersweet.

On the one hand, they remain poised and confident their next steps forward will prove purposeful; on the other, they

are not familiar with a world without high school as a backdrop for meaningful relationships and solid structure.

“I’m scared, excited, happy and prideful that I made it this far and I’m doing well,” Thell said, who will soon head to San Antonio, Texas, for seven weeks of U.S. Air Force basic training. “Part of me wants it not to end, but most of me wants it to end.”

Thell said it is daunting to know he is going to be away from home for a long time, but he also knows this is the correct path for him. He wants to eventually become a pilot in the Air Force, and to do that, he knows discomfort will become a mainstay of his journey. But that does not make it much easier to leave, he said.

Novak is planning on getting into commercial construction after attending St. Cloud Technical and Community College for two years. While he holds his academic career in Foley near and dear to his heart, he is more than ready to move on.

“It’s about time,” Novak said. “I’m excited for the next step.”

For Novak and Thell, one of the biggest challenges in moving into post-graduation life will be continuing to foster their friendship, especially from thousands of miles apart and without a direct line of

communication as Thell will not have his phone at basic training.

“I’m with (Novak) every day, three times, four times a day, for several hours,” Thell said. “Knowing for sure while I’m at basic, I won’t see him a single time, but even after that, it won’t be as often.”

Novak agreed it will be difficult to navigate, especially with their friendship blossoming right as they reach the end of school. For at least the past year, they have met at Snap Fitness in Foley in the mornings, then spent time together at school, and then more time after school in athletics.

But, they are making the most of the time they have before they maneuver into unknown territory.

Novak and Thell have made the observation that many people regard their time in high school as sacred years and often reference the period as “the good old days.”

They have quickly come to realize they are living within a moment in time they will hold in high esteem for the rest of their lives. The road after graduation might be bumpy or it might be smooth sailing, but either way, Novak and Thell are not letting any moments slip by without recognizing it for what it is.

PHOTO BY JAKOB KOUNKEL

Mitch Thell (left) and Ethan Novak reminisce about their time in Foley Public Schools May 2 at the high school in Foley. Novak and Thell have become best friends as senior students, and they both have been in Foley Public Schools since they were kindergarteners.

CRAFT

Parents: Karen Schefers, Jason and April Craft School activities: Winter drumline, marching band, theater, Minnesota Honor Society, student council and jazz band.

Future plans: Attend North Dakota State University with a major in biochemistry.

Advice to underclassmen: Have fun and take it all in.

JACE DAVID

Parents: John David, Tina David School activities: VEX robotics and esports.

Future plans: Attend the University of St. Thomas for marketing.

Advice to underclassmen: Use class time efficiently.

EMMA DIETZ

Parents: Tim and Maria Dietz School activities: Softball and FFA.

Future plans: Attend AnokaRamsey Community College for nursing.  Advice to underclassmen: If you’re thinking about doing something, just do it. Don’t be afraid if you’re going to mess it up; half the time no one is watching.

Congrats

KRISTEN DREXLER

Parents: John and Tricia Drexler School activities: Choir, band, marching band, drama, speech and football manager. Future plans: I’m going into history education at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t shy away from opportunities or activities and be dedicated to everything you do. You’re going to miss it some day.

KAITLYN FOSTER

Parents: Greg and Amy Foster School activities: Cross-country, basketball, softball, knowledge bowl and speech.

Future plans: I’m pursuing a degree in medicine while also playing collegiate basketball and softball.

Advice to underclassmen: Nothing is ever that serious.

ALEX GAPINSKI

Parents: Ryan and Laura Gapinski School activities: Wind ensemble, marching band and esports.

Future plans: St. Cloud Technical & Community College or Bethany Lutheran College. Advice to underclassmen: Read your emails.

students in the senior class were offered the opportunity to be featured in this publication.

Star Publications solicited responses for its Class of 2023 Graduation Keepsakes through multiple avenues, including its newspapers, websites and social media platforms as well as contact through school districts by newsletters and Cap and Gown days. Participation in this publication is optional.

All

HALEY HAMILTON

Parents: Stacey and Brent Hamilton School activities:

Drama, band, drumline, marching band and jazz band.

Future plans: Attend University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and become a mortician.

Advice to underclassmen:

Life is short; do what you want.

NATALIE HANKS

Parents: Nick and Emily Hanks

School activities: Minnesota Honor Society, tennis, track and field, Conservation Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Unified Club, junior and senior class officer, and student council.

Future plans: Get a degree in biology at Northern Michigan University.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t take things too seriously.

ELLE HOLEWA

Parents: Scott Cavegn and Rachel Holewa

School activities: Choir, Penn Street Singers and drama.

Future plans: St. Cloud Technical & Community College for computer programming and animating. I would like to create my own animation studio.

Advice to underclassmen: Be yourself, take chances, make mistakes and be the best you can be.

MAEONNA HUNT

Parents: Kevin and Janita Dieger

School activities: Post-secondary education option.

Future plans: Attend North Dakota State University and major in biological sciences.

Advice to underclassmen: Follow your dreams.

LUKE HUTCHINS

Parents: David and Krista Hutchins

School activities: Band and tennis.

Future plans: Attend North Dakota State University for computer engineering. Advice to underclassmen: You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.

CARTER JOHNSON

Parents: Todd and Tonja Johnson School activities: Tennis.

Future plans: I will attend St. Cloud Technical & Community College where I will study to become an architect.  Advice to underclassmen: Make friends, have fun and enjoy this time while it lasts.

GABRIELLE JOHNSON

Parents: Scott and Carla Johnson

School activities: Student council and Minnesota Honor Society.

Future plans: Unknown.

Advice to underclassmen: 1

Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say and in the way you live.”

IAN KAPUSHINSKI

Parents: Patric Lewandowski, Tiffany Lewandowski, Thomas Kapushinski, Hannah Kapushinski  School activities: Band, drama, marching band and Penn Street Singers.

Future plans: Attend Minnesota College of Art and Design in Minneapolis.

Advice to underclassmen: Be confident. Get to know your fellow classmates.

ALEXANDER KIEKOW

Parents: Sandra and Lonny Kiekow School activities: Tennis, archery, Big Brothers Big Sisters, student council and Minnesota Honor Society.

Future plans: Attend St. Cloud State University for a business degree.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t let others dictate your choices in the future; choose for yourself.

ERIN KILORAN

Parents: Keven and Mary Kiloran  School activities: Volleyball, student council, Minnesota Honor Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Future plans: I plan to continue my education at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Advice to underclassmen: Work hard, but do not forget to have fun. Your time in high school flies by.

JACK KILORAN

Parents: Keven and Mary Kiloran  School activities: Basketball, track and field, Minnesota Honor Society and student council.

Future plans: Attend University of Minnesota-Duluth for business.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t stress the small stuff.

AIDAN KNICELY

Parents: Brandon Knicely and Jessica Knicely

School activities: Robotics, tennis and esports.

Future plans: Attend college and eventually open up my own business.

Advice to underclassmen: Find the right group of friends.

RAY KNOSALLA

Parents: Kurt and Danielle Knosalla School activities: Cross-country, track and field, and trapshooting. Future plans: Work with my dad for a while and go to college after.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t fall behind.

CLAIRE KROSKA

Parents: Amy and Jared Kroska

School activities: Big Brothers Big Sisters, student council, Minnesota Honor Society and girls basketball manager.

Future plans: Attend Minnesota State University-Moorhead and major in speech and language hearing sciences to become a speech language pathologist.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t take each day for granted because it will be gone before you know it.

DANIEL KROSKA

Parents: Larry Kroska and Janelle Kroska-Beehler

School activities: Choir.

Future plans: Get a degree in psychology to help troubled teens.

Advice to underclassmen: Your time here is limited, so make each day count, and don’t let others choose what you do in life.

Be strong & courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. For the Lord will be with you wherever you go!

Love, Mom, Dad & Jackson

CONGRATS Class of 2023!

MARISSA KUKLOK

Parents: Kevin and Krista Kuklok School activities: Student council, choir, Penn Street Singers and 4-H.  Future plans: I am planning on taking the year off but finish getting my associate degree.

Advice to underclassmen: Just enjoy your high school years; a lot can happen, but it goes by fast.

EVANGELIA KUPERUS

Parents: Henry and Amanda Kuperus School activities: Band, marching band and FFA.

Future plans: Going to Ridgewater College to become a veterinary technician.

Advice to underclassmen: Do what you love and never give up on your dreams.

MEGAN LATTERELL

Parents: Mark and Jennifer Latterell School activities: Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Future plans: Attend Winona State University to get a degree in elementary education with an emphasis in early childhood.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t be afraid to do what you want because no one truly cares.

Enjo y Enjoy

DEVIN LOMBARD

Parents: Jason and Krisy Lombard School activities: Football.

Future plans: Get a nice paying job.

t .

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t stress out about school; you’ll make it through.

EMILY LYON

Parents: Jeremy and Stephanie Lyon School activities: Archery, band and marching band.

Future plans: Undecided.

Advice to underclassmen: Go to prom at least once. I didn’t think I’d like it because I don’t like to dance, but I, surprisingly, had a lot of fun.

BRITTANY MELLGREN

Parents: Joe and Kristin Mellgren School activities: Swimming and diving, basketball, softball, Minnesota Honor Society, Unified Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters and student council.

Future plans: Attend the University of Wisconsin La-Crosse to earn my master’s degree in occupational therapy.

Advice to underclassmen: Work hard and enjoy every minute. Make the most of every situation because it goes by fast.

EVAN METZGER

Parents: Mike and Jeanne Metzger School activities: None.

Future plans: Open a power sports shop.

Advice to underclassmen: You best be nice or else.

AIDEN MICHOLSKI

Parents: Mike and Dana Micholski School activities: Baseball, wrestling and football.

Future plans: Attend Central Lakes College to play baseball.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t give up on life.

ISAAC MILEJCZAK

Parents: Dan and Tonya Milejczak School activities: Cross-country, tennis, trapshooting and student council.

Future plans: Attend University of North CarolinaWilmington to major in biology/premedical.  Advice to underclassmen: If you ain’t first, you’re last.

KYLE MOHS

Parents: Joe Mohs and Amanda Mohs School activities: Football, trapshooting and fishing club.

Future plans: Join the workforce as a welder.

Advice to underclassmen: Enjoy your time in high school. Have fun and make memories because, before you know it, it will come to a end.

NATALIE MONROE

Parents: Joel and Michelle Monroe School activities: Math league and Minnesota Honor Society.

Future plans: Get a job and go to college at Anoka Technical College.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t give up; it will get better.

ASHLEY NIEMAN

Parents: Jason Britton and Vicki Nieman

School activities: Choir.

Future plans: I’m going to college to become a veterinary technician.

Advice to underclassmen: It’s OK to put your health, whether mental or physical, first.

ETHAN NOVAK

Parents: Danny and Jen Novak

School activities: Cross-country, basketball, track and field, and Minnesota Honor Society.

Future plans: Attending St. Cloud Technical & Community College.

Advice to underclassmen: Take advantage of opportunities inside and outside of school.

PIPER OSBORNE

Parents: Chad Osborne, Kari Plafcan School activities: Volleyball, basketball, and track and field.

Future plans: Attend Concordia College in Moorhead and major in exercise science and rehabilitation along with run track.

Advice to underclassmen: Take in the four years of high school. Though it may seem like it will take forever, in the blink of an eye, you’re graduating and moving on.

BAILEY PETERICK

Parents: Ashton Neis and Corey Peterick

School activities: Volleyball and Minnesota Honor Society.

Future plans: Attending St. Mary’s University of Minnesota-Winona for nursing as well as minoring in Spanish.

Advice to underclassmen: You are more than a test score.

KATELYNN POLLARD

Parents: Shawn and Laura Pollard  School activities: Art club, FFA and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Future plans: Attend St. Cloud Technical & Community College for early childhood education.

Advice to underclassmen: Go to all the events. They are fun, and you only get to do them a couple times.

AJ RAHM

Parents: Andy and Stephanie Rahm School activities: Drumline, marching band, drama, math league, jazz band and Penn Street Singers.

Future plans: Become a musician or something cool. Advice to underclassmen: Don’t take grades too seriously.

LOGAN RANDALL

Parents: Mark and Kimberly Randall School activities: None.

Future plans: Army tanker.

Advice to underclassmen: The milk at the bottom of the cooler is fresher than the stuff at the top.

MATTHEW ROTHFORK

Parents: Todd and Tara Rothfork School activities: Golf, art club, VEX robotics, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Minnesota Honor Society.

Future plans: Attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for mechanical engineering through the National Guard ROTC program.

Advice to underclassmen: If you can’t do it all at once, just put a little in every day.

TRENT SANDBERG

Parents: Ander Sandberg and Tanya PiatzSandberg School activities: None.

Future plans: Attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth for a chemistry major.

Advice to underclassmen: Make sure to do your homework and study.

NICOLE SCHAEFER

Parents: Drew and Renee Schefers

School activities: Track and field.

Future plans: Attend Iowa Central Community College for pre-veterinaary medicine and run on their track and field team.

Advice to underclassmen: If you’re not first, you’re last.

CORINA SCHEFERS

Parents: Kyle Kirchoff and Missy Schefers

School activities: Yearbook.

Future plans: I’m not sure quite yet, but it’ll hopefully be something in the trades.

Advice to underclassmen: Live life modestly. It’s hard to live life worried about what other people think or do; it’s a waste of time.

NEVAEH SCHMIT

Parents: Jamie and Jaimae Schmit  School activities: Band and FFA.

Future plans: I plan to go straight into the work force and possibly further my education.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t worry about fitting in; just be yourself.

ANDREA STAY

Parents: Chris Stay, Tina Stay School activities: None.

Future plans: Attend St.Cloud State University for mechanical engineering.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t stress too much; life will sort itself out.

HALEY STUDENSKI

Parents: Caleb and Courtney Studenski  School activities: Volleyball, softball, historian for student council and treasurer for Minnesota Honor Society.

Future plans: Attend Mankato State University and obtain a bachelor’s and masters degree in social work.

Advice to underclassmen: People in this world aren’t going to like you, and that’s OK. Don’t sacrifice yourself or your happiness to please other people.

TAYLOR TADYCH

Parents: Chad and Mikki Tadych School activities: Jazz band, marching band, pep band, wind ensemble, drama, Conservation Club, GenderSexuality Alliance, Minnesota Honor Society and student council.

Future plans: Study at Hamline University for an English major and communications minor.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t lose sight of what’s important.

MITCHELL THELL

Parents: Scott and Stacey Thell School activities: Cross-country, robotics, and track and field.

Future plans: Join the U.S. Air Force as a survival evasion resisitance and escape specialist.

Advice to underclassmen: Don’t drop out; it’s really not that hard.

BAILEY THIELMAN

Parents: Jeff and Jamie Thielman  School activities: Student council, Big Brother Big Sisters, senior class officer and student council officer.

Future plans: Attend Winona State University to pursue accounting and possibly finance.

Advice to underclassmen: Be involved in school. I have made so many friends because of the activities I was involved in and am so grateful of those friendships.

ZACHARY TIMM

Parents: Jeff and Valerie Timm School activities: Drama and esports.

Future plans: Attend St. Cloud State University to earn a four-year criminal justice degree.

Advice to underclassmen: Take as many electives as possible to personalize your learning and make school more enjoyable.

AUNIKA WECKMAN

Parents: Kevin Johnson

School activities:

None.

Future plans: None.

Advice to underclassmen: Never give up.

JONAH WENDT

Parents: Dave and Kim Wendt School activities: Band, tennis and coaching tennis.

Future plans: Attend Hamline University for a marketing degree and tennis.

Advice to underclassmen: Keep your GPA up; you’ll be a senior before you know it.

MARLEY WHEELER

Parents: Tony and Sheila Wheeler School activities: Swimming and diving, volleyball, basketball, track and field, high school rodeo, Minnesota Honor Society, student council, Conservation Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters and FFA.

Future plans: Attend North Dakota State College of Science to get my doctorate of equine veterinary science while playing college volleyball.

Advice to underclassmen: Focus your time on yourself and your goals because time goes by way too quickly, and you don’t want to spend it on others.

EVIE WILEY

Parents: Susan Wiley School activities: Tennis and drama.

Future plans: I’m taking a year off from schooling and will work.

Advice to underclassmen: Be kind to one another.

ALI WORM

Parents: Jason Worm, Sheila Worm, Carrie Abfalter

School activities: Art club.

Future plans: Start my own grooming business.

Advice to underclassmen: It may be hard at first, but keep on going. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.

WRUCK

Parents: Scott and Lisa Wruck School activities: Tennis, student council and Gender-Sexuality Alliance.

Future plans: Attend St. Cloud State University for nursing.

Advice to underclassmen: The only thing people will remember about you is how you treat others. Please be kind.