Clearwater/Clear Lake graduating seniors are ready and eager to start the next phase of their lives. With their talents, knowledge and drive to succeed, the future is bright for these young adults.
Sonja Annis, St. Augusta, parent Jaime Annis
Annis graduated from Tech High School and plans to attend Mankato State to become an elementary or math teacher. During high school she worked at The Skating Place.
One of her favorite school memories is making the garden outside of Clearview. Her advice to future seniors, “No senior slides, keep your head on straight because this year counts.”
Angela Bustillos, Clearwater, parents Maria and Moises Bustillos
Bustillos graduated from Tech High School and plans to obtain her generals and then transferring to a four-year college for a business degree. In high school she played basketball and worked at Wash and Tan.
One of her favorite memories is making scarecrows at Clearview. Her advice to new seniors, “Do all your work because it catches up to you.”
Jacob Carper, Clearwater, parents Israel and Jenny Carper
Carper graduated from Tech High School and plans to attend Technical College for either civil engineering or electrical technician. During high school he played baseball and worked at the Clearwater Travel Plaza.
His favorite memory is one 2-point conversion catch in sixth grade. His advice to next year’s seniors, “Keep working hard and go for gold.”
Katarina Frank, Haven Twp., parents Troy and Rebecca Frank
Frank graduated from Tech High School and plans on attending Tech College for robotics and automation, and instrumentation and process control. In high school she was involved in robotics, We Act, band, orchestra and NHS.
Her favorite memory is winning the Sartell Robotics Tournament and going on to nationals. Her advice to future seniors, “Make the most of your time in high school.”
Will Goenner, Clear Lake, parents Adam and Emily Goenner
Goenner graduated from Tech High School and plans to attend St. Cloud State University for one year before transferring to Oregon State University for forest management. In high school he played football, baseball and lacrosse, and worked on the family farm.
His favorite memory is Gage Scott stuck in the chair at Clearview. His advice to future seniors, “Keep your head down and keep going.”
Drew Kiffmeyer, Clear Lake/St. Cloud, parent Tammy Kiffmeyer
Kiffmeyer graduated from Tech High School, and plans to study business at the Tech College. In high school he played wrestling, football and baseball, and this spring he started his own business, Kiffmeyer Lawn and Landscaping.
One of his favorite memories is recess on the playground at Clearview. His advice to next year’s seniors, “Stay connected with your friends.”
Madison Leaders, Clear Lake, parents Chase and Nicolette Leaders
Leaders graduated from Tech High School and plans on attending Mankato State for either music education or speech pathology. In high school she was involved in theater and choir, and worked at Kid Stop.
Her favorite memory is the dance parties in Mr. Haus’s classes at Clearview. Her advice to next year’s seniors, “Get involved and don’t procrastinate.”
Brenna Leuthard, Clearwater, parents Blayne and Penny Leuthard
Leuthard graduated from Annandale High School and plans to attend St. Cloud Technical & Community College for her generals before transferring to a four-year college to major in environmental science. During high school she was involved in tennis, speech, band, choir, art club, fall plays and NHS, and worked at The Kettle.
Her favorite school memory is falling and getting a concussion in Spanish class. Her advice to next year’s seniors, “Take time to study.”
Matthew Neuman, Clearwater, parents Luke and Katie Neuman
Neuman graduated from Tech High School and plans on attending Community Options on the SCSU campus. During high school he was involved in floor hockey, softball, soccer and Youth Build, and worked at the Clearwater Travel Plaza.
His advice to next year’s seniors, “Work hard and don’t procrastinate.”
Zach Ritzer, Clearwater, parents Chris and Cindy Ritzer
Ritzer graduated from Tech High School and plans on attending Community Options on the SCSU campus and then go on to Tech College, possibly for automotive. During high school he played hockey, soccer and bowling.
Haillie Rollins, Clear Lake, parents Ethan and Samantha Lewis
Rollins graduated from Tech High School and plans to attend the College of St. Benedict to pursue nursing. In high school she was involved in HOSA, Knowledge Bowl, drama club, Upward Bound, German club and USAT, and worked at Amoco Gas Station.
Her favorite memory is when Gage Scott got stuck in a chair in first grade and the janitor took out a flip phone and took a picture before he helped him get unstuck. Her advice to next year’s seniors, “Don’t limit yourself, the world is endless.”
Kallie Sylvester, Clearwater/South Haven, parents Chad and Kristine Sylvester
Sylvester graduated from Annandale High School and plans to attend St. Cloud State University for her RN degree, then continuing her education and obtaining a degree as a nurse anesthetist. During high school she was in cross country, 4-H and NHS.
Her favorite memory is winning the State 4-H Championship on her two-year-old mare, Kira. Her advice to future seniors, “Have fun and don’t get caught up in the little stuff. It goes faster than you think.”
Mara Wehlage, Clearwater/St. Augusta, parent David Wehlage
Wehlage graduated from Tech High School and plans to attend St. Cloud State University for her generals and then possibly a degree in sign language interpretation. In high school she was involved in drama, plays, German club and sign language club, and worked at Coborn’s.
One of her high school memories is getting suspended twice, once for doing pushups in the lunch room. Her advice to future seniors, “Do you best in school and go with your gut instinct.”
Tyler Zachman, Clear Lake, parents Tom and Jenny Zachman
Zachman graduated from Tech High School and plans to attend the University of Minnesota for natural resources and criminal justice. During high school he played baseball, football and wrestling, and worked at the Clearwater Travel Plaza.
His favorite memory is when Gage Scott got stuck in a chair at Clearview. His advice to new seniors, “Always do your best, it’ll pay off.”
