Local

Maria and Aaron Andres, parents of the November Middle Level Leader; Livie Andres, November Sauk Prairie Optimist Middle Level Leader; Roxanne and Tom Andres, paternal grandparents; and Marion DeGiovanni, maternal grandmother on November 19 at the Sauk Prairie Optimist meeting at the 6:8 dining room.

Taylen Young, son of Dana Hellenbrand, stepfather Cory Cegielski, and Kevin Young, is the December Optimist Student of the Month. Taylen is a quiet leader who inspires those around him to get things done. His leadership has shown in three different areas this school year. First, Taylen has been a part of the Sources of Strength team during his time at Sauk Prairie High School and this fall he became the student Healthy Activities Wedge leader. He organized a Spikeball tournament during SOS week and is setting up more opportunities for students to be active during school. Second, Taylen has been a charter member of the new Eagle Enterprises team. They are hard at work developing three separate ventures, including a school store. Finally, he was selected for the Eagle Advocacy Group, a team of students who are meeting regularly with administration to help improve the culture of the school. As Heather Slosarek, his English teacher, notes, “He is a driven individual, who shows up!” On top of these activities, Taylen has been to state two times for FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and is aiming for nationals this year. He also has been doing an internship at Culver Franchising, learning more about the business world. Taylen plans on attending UW-La Crosse next year to pursue a Business Finance degree. Pictured, stepdad Cory Cegielski; Taylen Young, December Sauk Prairie High School Optimist Student of the Month; Kaylen’s mother, Dana Hellenbrand; Optimist member Steve Koehler; and High School Assistant Principal Shane Been on December 3 at the Optimist meeting at the 6:8 dining room. The Optimist club meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at the 6:8 dining room at 7 a.m. If there is a fifth Wednesday, the club meets at noon at the Sauk Prairie administration’s board meeting room and is a potluck lunch. All are welcome.

Diego Estrada Rivera, son of Maria Rivera-Ramirez and Saul Estrada-Geni, is the Sauk Prairie Optimist November Student of the Month. Diego has had a sterling career in both the classroom and in athletics.  He has taken several AP classes and has excelled in them.  He is an active member of the Student Voice Group, helping provide input to make SPHS a better place.  He has been a three- year letter winner on the boys soccer team, helping win conference two times and regional three times as a steady force on defense.  Outside of school, he has volunteered at summer school for several years, working as a teaching assistant for elementary classes. Drew Kornish, Sauk Prairie High School varsity soccer coach who also taught Diego in elementary school PE, remarks, “Diego’s dedication to his community goes far beyond a simple sense of obligation—he is driven by a genuine passion for helping others. Anyone who spends time with Diego quickly realizes that his service comes not from duty, but from a heartfelt desire to make a difference. Sauk Prairie is truly fortunate to have Diego as a caring and contributing member of our community.” Diego aspires to go to UW-Madison or UM-Twin Cities next year to continue his studies in either Civil Engineering or International Business. Pictured, Veronica Gallas, Sauk Prairie High School teaching assistant; Diego’s sister, Zoe; Diego’s mom, Maria Rivera-Ramirez; Diego Estrada Rivera, November Sauk Prairie High School’s Optimist Student of the Month; Daniel, Diego’s brother, and Shane Been, SPHS Assistant Principal at the Sauk Prairie Optimist meeting on November 5 at the 6:8 dining room.