The Mineral Point Kiwanis Club honored its May Students of the Month at its meeting Tuesday, May 3.
The students, who are members of the senior class, are selected for this honor through a voting process by staff at the high school, and their biographies are written by themselves.
These are the final Students of the Month for the 2021-22 school year.
Miles Houtakker would like to start off by thanking the Kiwanis organization and the staff at Mineral Point Schools for making this incredible opportunity possible. Additionally, he would like to congratulate Ross Lindsey on earning the May Student of the Month honor.
Miles is the son of Jay and Leah Houtakker and the brother of Gavin and Lilly Houtakker. Miles has a kind heart, quick wit, strong work ethic, and a supportive family that has shaped him into the person he has become. Miles is an active member in the Mineral Point Community and has learned to appreciate the community for all they have done for him.
The community and Mineral Point High School offer countless opportunities to learn valuable life skills. Miles takes advantage of many of these opportunities. He is a volunteer EMT, captain in both soccer and track and field, and has participated in math team and band.
When not in school, Miles enjoys playing soccer. He likes playing on a team with friends and being given an opportunity to do what he loves. Outside of the school setting, you can see Miles working at Lands’ End. He enjoys this job because it gives him an opportunity to talk with new people and to be active. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his cousins and friends, playing games, watching movies, and being active outside.
Participating in many activities helped Miles discover his desired career choice. Being in soccer and being a part of a team showed Miles the importance of what teamwork could accomplish. After graduating Mineral Point High School, Miles plans on attending Southwest Wisconsin Technical College to pursue a career in electrical distribution. He is looking forward to adding to his skill set, becoming part of an incredible team, and conquering new challenges.
Again, Miles would like to congratulate Ross Lindsey on achieving May Student of the Month. He would like to thank everyone that constantly pushed and supported him through his school journey. He would also like to thank everyone who made this opportunity possible: the wonderful Mrs. Lisa Hay and the Kiwanis organization, his encouraging teacher and coaches, and especially his family — Jay, Leah, Gavin and Lilly.
“Miles Houtakker began his school years with his cute smile and it has continued throughout. As a young kindergartner, he would easily take direction and thought of learning as fun. He liked the challenge of gaining new information and would want to know all there was about a subject he enjoyed. Miles has matured into a confident young man with varied experiences. His love of learning has taken him traveling and experiencing our world in person. I am so envious of his bravery! Congratulations, Miles! Good luck in the future. I can’t wait to hear about where life takes you!” ~ Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Miles Houtakker is one of my favorite humans. He is always so helpful and kind. I have no doubt he will do great things and have much success.” ~ Amanda Ingwell, Elementary Instructional Assistant
“Miles, you are truly a talented individual who is kind and genuine. The traits and abilities that you have displayed throughout your high school career are one of the many reasons that you have such a bright future ahead of you. Thank you for your commitment to making Mineral Point Schools a better place. Congratulations.” ~ Matt Austin, High School Principal
“Like many of our soccer players, I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing Miles since he was just a kid. Even at a young age, he was an eager, willing, and capable competitor and a natural athlete. In high school, Miles played for Dodge-Point for three years. His sophomore year he was on a foreign exchange trip. Upon his return, I noticed a definite change in Miles. He had matured, become more confident, and learned what living in a place different than the US could be like. Many of us do our best to see the world through the eyes of others, but there is no substitute for the immersion of living abroad and the perspective that experience can bring. An exchange program can teach the student what their priorities should be and what perceptions they should let go of. In a nutshell, I believe that Miles returned with those lessons well-learned and put them to practice. That kind of experience prepares young people for leadership in whatever their future endeavors may be. I look forward to learning about his continued progress! Miles is a skilled player and I was fortunate enough to see him score one of the best goals I’ve ever seen come from a high school player. I also thoroughly enjoyed Miles’ company while we were together playing soccer these last two years especially. Continued growth to you, Miles, and all success in the future! Thank you for such wonderful memories on the pitch!” ~ Erik Bakken, Boys Soccer Coach
“Blogger Mandy Hale’s quote, ‘Trust the wait. Embrace the uncertainty. Enjoy the beauty of becoming. When nothing is certain, anything is possible,’ seems to perfectly describe Miles Houtakker to me. Miles, you have indeed been a joy to teach. You are always engaged and digging deep. I love how you sincerely want to understand, not just memorize for the moment. I so appreciate your ability to embrace uncertainty and to live genuinely. Like the quote, I feel that you are always becoming – never willing to settle or stay the same. You were a blessing to me in a time when teaching was always pleasant and definitely not easy. Your future is so bright! I feel honored to say I played a small part in your foundation. Without a doubt, I know you will do big things, my boy! Don’t forget the little people in Staverland!” ~ Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher
Ross would like to thank the Kiwanis organization and the school staff for choosing him as May Student of the Month. He would also like to congratulate Miles Houtakker on receiving this honor as well.
Ross Lindsey is the middle child of Ryan and Danielle Lindsey. He has an older sister Kyla, who is currently a junior at the University of Dubuque and a younger sister Laci, a freshman at Mineral Point. Ross would like to thank his parents for supporting him and teaching him the importance of hard work and perseverance. Ross grew up in rural Mineral Point and has always enjoyed helping his dad and grandpa on their family farm. Ross is very appreciative to have grown up in the small town of Mineral Point; the generosity, support, and love this community shows its youth is like no other.
Ross has participated in wrestling and football throughout high school and has also been involved in Skills USA, Student Council, Youth Group, National Honor Society, Blue Crew, and FFA where he has served as Treasurer, Secretary, and this year as Vice President. FFA has given him the opportunity to pursue his love of showing cattle; Ross spends countless hours working on his animal to prepare for competition at national, state, and county shows.
Outside of school activities, Ross enjoys hunting, snowmobiling, boating, playing cards, and hanging out at the lake with his family and friends.
Ross would like to thank all of his teachers, coaches, and advisors for supporting him throughout high school and shaping him into the person he is today. Ross plans on attending UW-Madison in the fall to pursue a degree in the healthcare field.
“Ever since elementary, Ross has been committed to everything he has participated in whether it’s his academics, athletics, clubs such as FFA and Skills USA, as well as the friendships he has obtained over the years. Ross is an extremely kind individual who not only focuses on school life, but is an experienced beef showman at local and state levels. Ross serves as a senior class officer and through his character, leadership qualities, and community service, he was selected for the National Honor Society. As Ross takes his next step at UW-Madison, I’m sure he’ll continue to succeed and make all of us proud. Congratulations on being selected for Kiwanis Student of the Month.” ~ Janet Lawinger, High School Administrative Assistant
“Ross Lindsey is a kind young man with great demeanor. From a young boy starting out in school until now, he has always been caring and kind to all. To watch his contagious smile while being funny and entertaining his friends all the way to his serious stature on the wrestling mat has been a joyful experience. Ross, I hope you always continue putting smiles on the faces of those you love. It is a gift. Congratulations on becoming Student of the Month. Enjoy your last high school experiences! Good Luck next year!” ~ Jill McGuire, Kindergarten Teacher
“Congratulations Ross on your selection as the Student of the Month. Your ability to work hard, strive to do your absolute best, and be a caring and kind individual make you a fantastic role model for your peers and underclassmen. Thank you for always being willing to lend a helping hand, having a smile on your face, and making a positive impact on others. As you move on to the next chapter of your life, I am excited to see what the future holds. Best wishes.” ~ Matt Austin, High School Principal
“I am so proud of you and the accomplishments you have achieved through your high school years and I can only imagine what your future holds for you. I am one of the lucky ones who has been able to watch you grow in and outside of school. You have grown from a little towhead spiked-haired cutie pie whose smile stole everyone’s heart to a man whose smile is still doing the same. Your heart is so big and you are always one to step up and help anyone in need. Along with this, your work ethic in and out of school is one that can never go unnoticed. You may not have always won 1st place, but you never gave up nor let it stop you from continuing to work hard. In life, I have no doubt you will persevere and reach your number one goal which will be the most important one you’ll make. I know you will come out on top. Good luck, Ross, in everything the next chapters of life bring your way.” ~ Judy Pelton, Middle School Instructional Assistant aka Aunt Judy
“Rossy, Mr. Rogers once said, ‘There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.’ Well, sweet boy, if this is true, you will be the most successful person I know in the end! You have the unique ability to bring sunshine into every room you entire. This quality has always allowed you to stand out from the crowd and will open more doors for your future than you can imagine. Your positivity truly changes the mood of a room. I can’t imagine next year without hearing your giggle and not having to answer your crazy questions, but I am so excited to see what the future brings you. Thank you for always being the first volunteer and the last to leave a job undone. You are truly lovely inside and out, Kiddo! I am thankful I have been able to be your teacher, advisor, and ‘pretend’ Aunt Krissy!” ~ Kristin Staver, High School English Teacher