48 | Saturday, June 7, 2025 Elk River Star News
Madison Miller
Parents: Heather and
John Miller Town: St. Michael 1. Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
Over the past year, I have taken two classes at RHS and co-led a mental health-focused club.
In addition to my online PSEO courses through Anoka-Ramsey Community College, my senior year schedule included College in School Spanish 202( Spanish 4) and Concert Choir.
Outside of school and work, I have dedicated much of my time to organizing club meetings and finding ways to support the community through HUSH. I’ ve been a member of HUSH( Helping U Seek Help) since the beginning of my sophomore year and have truly grown passionate about its mission. Because of that, the increased responsibility and effort required of club leaders this year has been more than worthwhile for me.
2. What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special?
While there have been many moments over the past four years that could be considered memorable,
Braden Reines
Parents: Ginny Reines and David Reines Town: Rogers 1. Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
This past year, I have been a member of the Varsity boys volleyball team during its inaugural season as a sanctioned high school sport. Our season has been going very well and we expect to make it far in state this year.
2. What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special?
One of my most memorable experiences was senior night for the boys volleyball team. After being part of the program for the last four years it was
the most meaningful experiences for me were found in the small, in-between moments of everyday high school life. It was in the quiet minutes before class started, the casual conversations in the hallways, and the shared glances or added notes during lectures that I formed my strongest connections. These moments led me to my closest friends— people who brought nonstop laughter, unwavering support, and a true sense of belonging.
While these experiences may not be the kind that stand out on a college resume, they’ ve shaped who I am more than anything else. That’ s what makes them so special.
3. What are your plans for the future?
After high school, I plan to major in Health Sciences on a Pre-Med track at Butler University in Indianapolis.
especially meaningful to get a send off for all of us seniors.
3. What are your plans for the future?
Next year, I plan to Study Mechanical Engineering at Montana State University, and plan to use this degree to develop greater systems of renewable energy.
JACKSON SMITH
Parents: Patrick Smith Town: Rogers 1. Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
Jackson was involved in a wide range of activities throughout high school. He participated in theatre all four years and was a member of the tennis team for two years. He held a leadership role in the RHS Drama Club and was also a member of the National Honor Society and the World Language Club. Academically, Jackson took a variety of challenging courses, with some of his favorites being AP Biology and AP Chemistry.
2. What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special?
Jackson’ s most memorable high school experience was
Reese Gentry
Parents: Erika Gentry,
Doug Gentry Town: Otsego 1. Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
Over the past years, Reese has taken many different types of classes that would challenge her including AP classes, Honors classes and many PSEO( Post Secondary Enrollment Opportunity) classes. By the time she graduates high school, she will have almost 48 college credits.
In high school, Reese was involved in many extracurricular activities. She was President of Student Council for 2 years and organized the Homecoming Dance, Snow Weeks, and pep fests. She was also the Co-President of HUSH( Helping U Seek Help) which is a mental health awareness group. They look to spread positivity and kindness throughout the school whether it’ s making mental health awareness posters or organizing staff thank you events.
Reese is also the Historian of National Honor Society where she participated in blanket making for the Children’ s Hospital. Reese also competed in a Management ProStart competition where she created a fully-functioning restaurant. She placed 3rd in the state competition. Lastly, Reese was involved in reading children’ s books to elementary school students. This moment was especially meaningful to him because it gave him the chance to inspire young minds and make a positive impact on their lives.
3. What are your plans for the future?
Jackson plans to attend UCLA to study biology on a pre-med track. He also hopes to stay involved in the arts throughout college by joining clubs focused on acting, singing, and dancing.
Lacrosse for 2 years.
2. What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special?
Reese’ s most memorable high school experience was bringing back the Homecoming Dance at Rogers High School. She says that it was a lot of work to plan, but was extremely rewarding in the end. The first year, Student Council was able to sell over 400 tickets and the second year they sold over 800 tickets. Planning this event helped Reese grow her leadership and organizational skills. This event was special to her because it started a new tradition at Rogers High School and she hopes they will continue the event after her graduation.
3. What are your plans for the future?
Reese will attend the University of Kansas to major in Mechanical Engineering on a pre-med track.
Mya Gierman
Parents: Wanda and
Steve Gierman Town: Rogers 1. Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
Mya’ s classes were almost all college courses this past year. She was a captain of the high school gymnastics team, and qualified for state.
2. What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special?
Mya’ s most memorable high school experience was football games. She enjoyed dressing up for the themes and cheering on
JEREMIAH RUGRODEN
Parents: Peter and Elise
Rugroden Town: Otsego 1. Highlight your involvement in high school classes and extra-curricular activities this past year.
This past year, Jeremiah challenged himself by taking Calculus 3 and 4 in the same semester, whilst being involved in two robotics clubs as well as knowledge bowl. During competition week, he would work on schoolwork during the day, then stay up until 3 am every night to work on robotics. His dedication earned him several awards and taught him the importance of remaining persistent in the face of challenges.
2. What was your most memorable high school experience? Why was it special?
Jeremiah’ s most memorable high school experience was visiting Houston, Texas for a robotics competition. There, he and his
Tyler Kiel
Kiel did not submit a questionnaire to be included in this special section.
with her friends. 3. What are your plans for the future?
Mya will be attending Arizona State University. After undergrad she hopes to continue her education at a law school to become a lawyer.
teammates had the opportunity to explore one of the largest robotics events in the world, as well as receive an exclusive NASA tour with some of their employees. The experience brought him closer to his friends and offered opportunities to create connections.
3. What are your plans for the future?
In the future, Jeremiah plans to obtain a master’ s degree in aerospace engineering, which he will use to seek a job in the space industry. He aspires to one day work on spacecraft at a company like NASA or SpaceX.