Breaking News
Local News

Scholastic banquet honors top seniors in local high schools

By Kevin Sweeney 6 min read

The Rotary Club of New Ulm honored graduating high school seniors Monday with its 56th annual Rotary Scholars Recognition Banquet.

The banquet recognized the academic top 15% of the graduating classes at Cathedral High School, New Ulm High School, and Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School.

In addition, the Rotary Club presented its Service Above Self Award to three seniors, one from each of the graduating classes. The award recognizes students who exemplify the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self." The recipients were selected by faculty and administration at their schools for their scholastic achievement, leadership among fellow students and participation in extracurriculars, as well as demonstrating service in community activities.

The recipients of the Service Above Self awards are Kallie Olson from Cathedral High School, daughter of Dan and Annette Olson; Laura Bertrang from New Ulm High School, daughter of Jan and Wendy Bertrang, and Natalie Hennig from MVL, daughter of Brian and Grace Hennig.

All were praised by their principals for their activities and attitudes at school and community.

"Kallie is a wonderful example of Service Above Self," said CHS Principal Ereica DeVries. "She has provided many years of service for New Ulm Area Catholic Schools, her church and the local community. Kallie is devoted to helping other people without the need for recognition.

"Much of Kallie's services stems from her 4-H career, including area cleanup projects and making corn bags for cancer patients. She has assisted with service groups, include the Giving Tree, Adopt a Family, Santa's Closet and Meals on Wheels. Kallie serves as a leader at Vacation Bible School and as a regional 4-H Camp counselor. Kallie also provides service by volunteering with her church community in fundraising efforts."

NUHS Principal Mark Bergmann lauded Laura Bertrang.

"This award is a testament to Laura's exceptional character, her tireless work ethic and selfless commitment to serve her community and school.

This award recognizes students who exemplify outstanding community services, academic excellence, leadership and personal character. Laura is a remarkable individual who exemplies all of these qualities."

Bergmann said Bertrang has demonstrated kindness and compassion to her classmates, and is eager to help new students and visitors, making everyone feel welcome. She shows leadership as student council president "where she prioritizes the interests and needs of her peers above her own. She represents the students of New Ulm High School with integrity and conviction, always striving to make a positive impact on the school and community."

In her track and volleyball participation, " she embodies the spirit of what sports should be about," said Bergmann. Despite working three part time jobs, she still earns high academic honors while taking college level courses. She helps in the community by helping bag toys for Santa's Closet and preparing Thanksgiving Community Dinners.

Dr. Timothy Plath, principal of MVL, described Natalie Hennig's many activities, including basketball, volleyball, dance team, speech, band, choir, Chargaliers, drama, National Honor Society and student council, including serving this year as student body president. "Outside of school she has been involved with youth groups, including a mission trip to Arizona, and volunteering for community groups such as the Brown County Humane Society.

"When I asked her teachers to describe her, I received comments like this," said Plath: "She is kind, gracious and punctual in all aspects of life. She is brilliant and focused while also making people laugh. Natalie shows leadership and shares her services with others with joy. Her excitement for leadership opportunities and serving others has been an example for many."

Retiring New Ulm School District Superintendent Jeff Bertrang was the speaker, and he focused on Rotary's Four Way Test and how it could be applied in the students' future lives.

The Four Way Test is:

Is It the Truth?

Is It Fair to All Concerned?

Will It Build Good Will and Better Friendship?

Will It Be Beneficial to All Concerned?

Bertrang said that in regard to truth, it can be difficult at times to ascertain what, out of all the information that is out there, what is beneficial, what is advantageous to your position, and what is true? He urged students that whether they rely on social media, newspapers, TV or radio for information, to be constantly aware of the need to verify what is true.

He asked students how they would handle truth, whether they would hold to the truth or put it aside for their personal interests.

"Alan K. Simpson, retired senator from Wyoming, is quoted as saying, 'If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters,'" Bertrang said.

Speaking of fairness to all concerned, Bertrang said there are many definitions for fairnesss, from equity, to objectivity, to receiving what you deserve, and what you have worked for. Fairness can have three meanings, he said: Sameness, in which everyone gets the same, as in those who buy a theater ticket all get equal chance for a seat; deservedness, in which people who work hard are rewarded for their work, getting what they deserve, or getting nothing if they didn't work for it. Fairness can also mean need, where those who have more than they need should give some to those who can't contribute as much.

"Fairness takes into account factors that humans have obligations to one another, and the more one has, the more one is expected to contribute to the common good. Fairness and responsibility are linked."

For Friendship and good will, Bertrang said we are all social creatures, and are we doing what we can to reach out to others in need without asking for anything in return. Offering help to those in need, being willing to listen to others, to be welcoming to others, are all ways to build good will and friendship. Volunteering, he said, to help others, to build community, is another way to build friendship.

On the 4th standard, being beneficial to all concerned, Bertrang asked if people should do good things only for themselves or their immediate friend? People who live in a larger community should be aware of the needs of that community, and do what they can to make it a better place.

Starting at /week.