Michaela Howk delivers the keynote speech at the New Ulm Rotary Scholars Recognition Banquet at Martin Luther College (MLC), Monday. The top 15% of seniors from New Ulm High School, Minnesota Valley Lutheran and Cathedral High School were honored during the banquet. Howk spoke on her career in healthcare and how her life was changed by a life-threatening accident last year. Photo by Clay Schuldt

NEW ULM – The New Ulm Rotary honored the top 15% of seniors from New Ulm High School, Minnesota Valley Lutheran and Cathedral, Monday at the annual Scholars Recognition Banquet at Martin Luther College (MLC).

From the schools, 39 seniors were recognized for their academic achievements. This is the 59th year the New Ulm Rotary has sponsored the event.

Michaela Howk served as the keynote speaker for this year’s banquet. Howk is a native of New Ulm and was honored during the 2016 Rotary Scholars Recognition banquet. After graduating from New Ulm High School, she pursued a career in health care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of St. Thomas and is a nationally registered EMT.

Last year, Howk was the victim of a life-threatening hit-and-run accident. She was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street early on New Years day. She was found unresponsive in the middle of the road. A Good Samaritan stopped and called 911. During transportation, she stopped breathing and had to be manually ventilated. Since her accident, Howk has undergone eight surgeries for her injuries and said it has been a battle to get back to the life she carefully built.

“Before I was ever an EMT, a college graduate or even a nursing student, I was a high school senior sitting where you are,” she said. “On March 28, 2016, I attended this same banquet unaware of how much my path would change or how much those changes would shape who I am today.”

Her plan after high school was to attend college, study neuroscience, become an EMT and work in healthcare. She achieved that goal and was planning to pursue a degree in nursing when the accident happened.

She said her carefully built plan was interrupted in an instant. Before the accident, she was the person caring for others, but now the roles had shifted, and she was the one who needed care.

“There were times that simply standing seemed impossible,” she said. “I had to redefine progress. My goals were no longer about careers, but healing.”

Through it all, Howk said she learned that even once a plan is interrupted or changed, a person’s life still holds purpose.

“Our worth is not defined by how perfect our plans are,” she said. “Sometimes the most meaningful growth happens when life sends us on another path than the one we chose.”

Howk advised the seniors not to measure their life against the timelines of others and not to be afraid to change direction. She warned that the fear of uncertainty often prevents people from moving forward.

Howk said all the students attending the banquet were there because they are the top of their class, but being a scholar is more about what you know. She said it is about always being curious and looking for ways to grow and help others. She asked the seniors to stay curious even when things are difficult and not giving up on something just because it does not come naturally.

At the close of the program, the New Ulm Rotary bestowed the Service Above Self Award to students from each school. The award is given to students who possess outstanding qualities in academic achievement, leadership amongst their peers, and participation in extra curricular activities.

The Service Above Self award went to Megan Fingland of CHS, Ryan Johnson of NUHS and Nora Grace Otto of MVL.

Cathedral High School (CHS) principal Erica DeVries said Fingland was a leader who steps forward whenever there is a need. Fingland serves on CHS Student Council as president, participates in golf, coaches hockey and runs a baking business.

“She leads with kindness, humility and a servant’s heart,” DeVries said. “Her commitment goes beyond the school day, including many hours working with the church and community.”

Fingland has also donated baked goods from her business to support school organizations and other local causes.

NUHS principal Mark Bergmann said Johnson received the award for his work behind the scenes. Bergmann explained that Johnson has used his musical talents to serve as an accompanist for every vocal music and band performance in the past four years at NUHS.

Bergmann said Johnson’s musical talent has provided the perfect backdrop to countless performances.

“His kindness and selflessness have made an extraordinary impact in his school and community,” Bergmann said.

MVL principal Dr. Tim Plath said Otto received the Service Above Self award for her eagerness to help and her generosity of time. In school, Otto participated in basketball, softball, volleyball, played in the band, jazz assemble, sung on swing choir, served as manager of the cross country teams and participated in the drama department. Outside of school, she is involved with the church, singing in the choir and teaching Sunday school.

Plath said Otto was also known to consistently greet people with a smile. He said she was a great representative for MVL and truly deserving of the Service Above Self award.