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From the WIAA -- 

Sixteen senior girls and 16 senior boys from St. Croix Falls to Racine have been selected as finalists to receive the prestigious 2024 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (WIAA) Statewide Scholar Athlete Award, presented by We Energies Foundation and Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. More than 1,213 Scholar Athlete finalists have been recognized since the program began in 1984.

To determine the top 32 finalists, four boys and four girls were selected (based on both athletic and academic achievement) from each of the four WIAA divisions. “Each of these remarkable student athletes has excelled in academics and athletics,” said Tom Shafranski, Assistant Director of the WIAA. “17 of this year’s 32 WIAA Scholar Athlete finalists have a grade point average of 4.0 to date. When you combine all 32 scholar athlete GPAs, the average is 3.9. This year’s honorees have already earned a total of 323 varsity letters during their first 3-1/2 years of high school. That’s an average of ten letters per athlete, and we have not yet completed our spring sports season.”

This year more than 836 seniors were nominated for the award by 422 high schools throughout the state. 

The 2024 WIAA Scholar Athlete Finalists will be recognized at an awards ceremony Sunday, May 5 at SentryWorld in Stevens Point. Keynote speaker will be Joe Delagrave, a two-time Paralympic medalist and current head coach of the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Team.

Of interest this year, St. Croix Falls High School produced two WIAA Scholar Athletes - Lucy Belisle and Eli Prokop. Additionally, Edgar High School has their twelfth WIAA Scholar Athlete, Teegan Streit, and Mauston High School honoree Brock Massey and Stevens Point Area Senior High honoree Aloysius Franzen are their schools tenth award recipients.

A live stream of the awards program will be available statewide across ABC affiliates, including WKOW, WAOW, WXOW, WQOW, WVTV and CW14 at 1 p.m. on May 5. A video replay of the Awards Program will take place on Sunday, May 12 at 1 p.m.

Division 1

Cayden Brandenburg, Janesville Parker High School - 3.61 GPA
Brandenburg has earned nine letters in football, wrestling and track and field. He is a three-time sectional champion in wrestling, earning the Vikings' team MVP award his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was the conference wrestler of the year award his senior year. As a junior, he also won sectional championships in the 200 and 400 dashes as well as the 1,600 relay, breaking his school record in the 400 dash. In football, Brandenburg was voted first team all-conference as a senior. In his essay, he writes, “High school sports are some of the most challenging, competitive, fun, and physical tasks one can participate in. It’s not only physical, but also mental. I have learned many different lessons playing sports but that will greatly benefit me after high school. First and foremost is teamwork/accountability. Second is discipline.” Brandenburg is planning to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to study Kinesiology.

Aloysius Franzen, Stevens Point Area Senior High, 4.0 GPA
Franzen is a combined seven-time letterwinner in track and cross country. He helped the Panther’s cross county team win back-to-back state cross country championships as a junior and senior, In track, he was a member of the State champion 3200 relay his junior season. His efforts earned him the conference cross country MVP award as a senior as well as five all-conference honors across the two sports. Franzen stated, “At the beginning of freshman year, I had a few lofty goals for cross country and I was quickly humbled when during that season I passed out multiple times during races due to undiagnosed exercise induced asthma. I realized during this time that it is better to set goals that are attainable rather than those that one may run themselves into the ground to achieve." Franzen plans to attend the University of Minnesota to study nutrition and food science while competing in cross country and track & field.

Connor O’Donnell, South Milwaukee High School, 4.0 GPA
O'Donnell is the first in his class academically, and he has earned 11 varsity letters across the sports of football, soccer and wrestling. He is a four-time individual sectional champion and State qualifier in wrestling. He also received his team MVP award in wrestling four times as well as the conference MVP award his junior year. In soccer, he was voted team MVP as a junior and senior. O'Connell received all-conference honors his senior season in football. Reflecting on lessons learned, O'Donnell shares, “The most important lesson I have learned is how to bounce back when faced with adversity. The ability to confront a problem, accept failure, and then focus on the next task is important when looking forward in life. As many of my coaches say, coaching is not necessarily to make the best athletes, but to make each athlete the best person they can be. This mentality shows the true beauty and power behind sports.” O'Donnell will attend Brown University and study pre-med and sport medicine while participating in wrestling.

Ben Wozniak, Milwaukee King High School, 4.0 GPA
Wozniak is a combined six-time letterwinner in baseball and swimming & diving, and he first in his class academically. He qualified for the State swimming and diving meet in the 200 and 500 free styles three consecutive seasons. He is a five-time conference team champion, including three times in baseball and twice in swimming & diving. He also received his conference MVP award during his sophomore, junior and senior year of swimming & diving. Wozniak writes, “Swimming and baseball have always been instrumental points in my life, orchestrating a symphony of relationships, competitiveness, and stability for me. My high school experience in Milwaukee highlighted the systematic sufferings of some friends and classmates. Playing sports and recognizing these inequities solidified my desire to give back to urban communities through healthcare.” Wozniak plans to attend college to study nursing.

Division 2

Mason Lane, Lodi High School - 3.75 GPA
Lane is a 10-time letterwinner, participating in baseball, football and wrestling. His leadership propelled the Blue Devils to a State football championship his senior year while also earning both team and conference player of the year awards. Beyond the gridiron, Lane qualified for the State Individual Wresting Tournament his junior and senior years, and he also received the conference player of the year award in wrestling as a senior. In addition, he received all-conference honors in baseball as a junior. Reflecting, Lane writes, “One of the most valuable lessons I learned, is that even if you do everything right, things may not go as planned. I spent years training to be a wrestling state champion, and I fell just short of that goal my senior year. What I have realized is it’s not only about the end result, but about the entire journey and process that allowed me to compete at that level.” Lane intends to attend the University of Wisconsin and study business as a football preferred walk-on.

Brock Massey, Mauston High School, 4.0 GPA
Massey has earned a combined 10 letters in football, basketball and baseball. The 4.0 student is a three-time South Central Conference selection in both basketball and baseball and was a part of the conference champion basketball team his junior year. The Golden Eagle is a three-time conference player of the year, receiving the honor during his junior year of basketball and baseball, and his senior year of football. Reflecting on an important lesson he has learned, Brock shares, “In high school sports, you are met with adversity all the time. Whether it is if you are losing in a game, someone gets hurt, the weather doesn’t play to your favor; you have to overcome it through being resilient and almost care-free. Having a care-free attitude is about thinking no matter what happens, I am going to try my hardest and be my best.” Massey intends to study astrophysics in college.

Sean Nicholas, Catholic Memorial High School - 4.0 GPA
Nicholas has earned 12 varsity letters across five sports, including track & field, cross country, soccer, football and basketball. A 4.0 student, the Crusader is a three-time State participant, qualifying in football, cross-country and track & field, including a second-place finish in the 3,200 meter relay his freshman year. Nicholas helped the football team earn a sectional championship his junior year and was awarded the team MVP in soccer as a senior. He also helped his football team win conference championships in football as a junior and senior. Reflecting, Sean writes, “I can fully appreciate all my teachers and coaches that imparted wisdom and encouragement to push me to my full potential. Their continual support helped me persevere and manage a heavy workload in the classroom and in athletic endeavors.” Nicholas will attend Marquette University to study business.

Owen Plate, Plymouth High School - 3.99 GPA
Plate has earned 10 varsity letters across the sports of soccer, tennis and football. A three-time State qualifier and all-conference performer in tennis, the Panther earned both team and the conference MVP honors his sophomore year. On the soccer field, he was a member of the State runner-up team his senior year, and he is a three-time all conference kicker in football. He has also earned first team all-state kicking honors his junior and senior seasons. Owen shared, “Through sports, I have learned to take failures, overcome them, use them to fuel questions and push myself to not make the same mistakes in the future. This ability to quickly bounce back from adversity will continue to benefit me in the future to not let impediments divert my course. Through failure, I was immediately shown that there is a better way to do things than my current strategies.” Plate plans to attend the University of Wisconsin to study environmental science.

Division 3

David Malin, Aquinas High School, 4.0 GPA
Malin is an 11-time letterwinner. He captured back-to-back State wrestling championships his junior and senior year, and he is a four-time all-conference selection in the sport. On the football field, Malin helped the Blugolds make history by winning three State championships. In track & field, he helped set the Blugolds' school record in the 400 meter relay and contributed to a team State track and field championship as a freshman. Malin reflects, “The most important skill I learned through my academic and athletic career is trusting the process. A student athlete goes through many highs and lows. If you consistently show up everyday with a great attitude and willingness to work, you will get better, even if the results do not feel that you are.” Malin plans to attend the University of Wisconsin to study Biology and participate in wrestling.

Eli Prokop, St. Croix Falls High School - 3.75 GPA
Prokop has earned 11 varsity letters across football, wrestling and baseball. He helped the Saints earn a trip to State in baseball his sophomore year and to a State championship his junior year. He was an individual and team State qualifier in wrestling his sophomore year, and a State runner-up in team wrestling his senior season. Prokop was the captain of the Saints' regional champion football team his senior year. Prokop writes, "Through high school athletics, I have learned that hard work, grit, and perseverance are extremely important and if you put in the work you will reap the rewards. I held myself to high standards both in the classroom and athletically because both are equally important. I have also learned to be selfless and that everyone has their own unique skill sets and abilities and if combined selflessly, amazing things can be created.” Prokop plans to attend Western Wisconsin Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to study cardiac sonography.

Teegan Streit, Edgar High School, 4.0 GPA
Streit is first in his class academically, and he has earned nine varsity letters across the sports of football, basketball and track & field. As a junior, he was a three-time medalist at  the State Track & Field Meet and was also voted the conference track & field most valuable player that same year. As a senior, he helped lead the Wildcats to a football State championship. He was also named the team MVP in basketball as a senior. Streit shared, “Of all the lessons I have learned from my teachers, coaches, and parents, the two most important are time management and leadership. I lead by example and vocally when needed. Leading by example is a value that is understated and undervalued in today's society. Integrity is the truest form of leadership. People can see it, they know it, and they appreciate it.” Steit will attend the University of Wisconsin La Crosse to study elementary/middle education.

Tegan Werner, Crivitz High School - 3.95 GPA
Werner, has earned a combined 11 varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. He helped his basketball team win  conference championships the past three seasons. As a junior, Werner received both conference and team MVP honors. He also achieved the 1,000-point milestone his junior year of basketball. On the baseball field, Werner received all-state honorable mention as a freshman while also being voted the Wolverines' team MVP his freshman and junior seasons. He was a three-time all-conference selection in football. Werner writes, “Perseverance is the biggest lesson I have learned. Life is not easy. School gets hard, certain subjects may be a challenge, injuries may happen in sports, no matter what it is. I know that in order to be successful you cannot shy away from these things, rather push through and try your best to overcome the obstacles.” Werner plans to attend college and study civil engineering.

Division 4

Jared Kaufman, Three Lakes High School, 4.0 GPA
Kaufman is first in his class academically, and he has earned a combined 11 varsity letters in 8-player football, basketball and baseball. He helped his baseball team earn two conference championships as a freshman and sophomore. He also earned first team all-conference honors as well as Bluejay team MVP honors his junior year. That same year, he helped his team earn a regional championship in both basketball and baseball. As a senior, he earned both team and conference MVP honors in 8-player football. Kaufman writes, "One of the main lessons that I learned during my high school student-athlete experience is that the little things are sometimes the most important. These so-called “little things” may seem insignificant by themselves, but in reality, they can make or break a situation.” He intends to attend Brigham Young University to study accounting. 

Tanner Lamb, Almond-Bancroft High School - 3.61 GPA
Lamb has earned a combined nine letters across football, basketball and baseball. As a senior, he led the Eagles to their first-ever State Basketball Tournament appearance. Lamb tied the Division 5 State Tournament record for steals in a game. He was voted the the co-conference basketball player of the year as a senior. In addition, he is a three-time team conference champion in basketball, three-time team basketball MVP. Lamb was also chosen as the offensive conference player of the year in football as a senior, and two-time baseball team most valuable player. Lamb shares, “I am responsible for my own actions. As a student athlete I know I am held to a higher standard than others, and I make sure to stay away from bad distractions. As a student athlete, I am a role model to other students; so I try to set a good example, be respectable in the classroom to my teachers and other classmates.” Lamb will attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to study sports management.

Ben Matczak, Gillett High School, 4.0 GPA
Matczak has earned 11 varsity letters across the sports of cross country, basketball, 8-player football and track & field. He is a three-time State qualifier in track & field on his team’s 3,200 relay. Matczak is a three-time all conference performer in track & field, and he was welcomed into the Tigers' 1,000-point club in basketball. He also received team basketball MVP honors as a sophomore and senior. He was selected as the team MVP in 8-player football his junior season. Reflecting on high school, Ben writes, “l learned the importance of perseverance. Overcoming hurdles has taught me that with dedication and hard work, I could tackle any obstacle. Secondly, l learned about the power of teamwork. Working within a team environment,
whether in the classroom or on the field, taught me not only to communicate effectively, but also listen to others' ideas and support my teammates.” He plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to study finance.

Kevin Ross, Flambeau High School - 3.52 GPA
Ross is a combined nine-time letterwinner in golf, 8-player football and basketball. He is a three-time team most valuable player in golf and was named the conference golf co-player of the year as a freshman. During his junior season, he earned a trip to the State golf tournament while also helping his team earn a conference championship. In basketball, Ross helped his team win a conference championship his sophomore season. In addition, he was the Falcons' 8-player football team MVP his senior year. Reflecting on a lesson learned, Kevin shares, “During golf my sophomore year at sectionals, I had the worst round of golf ever. I decided to work really hard in the off-season. When my junior year came around, I was able to shoot my lowest round at sectionals and advance to State. I have learned through sports the importance of never giving up, to persevere.” He intends to compete in golf and study elementary special education at Viterbo University.

Division 1

Braelee Jodarski, Oshkosh West High School - 3.97 GPA
Jodarski is an 11-time letterwinner across the sports of cross country, basketball ans softball. She is a three-time cross country State qualifier, and she also received earned all-conference honors her freshman through junior seasons and was selected team MVP twice. Jodarski is a two-time state qualifier with the Wildcats' softball program and has received first team all-conference recognition in softball three consecutive years. Braelee writes, “The greatest lessons I’ve learned through my high school academic and athletic experiences are that the value of failure is much greater than just getting back up again. Failure in both the classroom and athletics has taught me that how I choose to define my response, and how I choose to implicate the “lessons” I learn from failure, dictates my character as well as my dedication to myself when I face adversity.” Jodarski intends to enroll at Winona State to study biology/applied health and compete in softball.

Alexa Kinas, Kaukauna High School - 3.93 GPA
A four-sport athlete, Kinas has earned 14 varsity letters across the sports of golf, basketball, cross country and track & field. She was part of the Ghosts' first-ever cross country State championship team her freshman year. In track & field, Kinas set the school record in the 400-meter dash and is a three-time State qualifier, two-time team MVP. She earned all-conference honors three years in a row. She writes, “My golf coach always said that playing under pressure is a privilege. I am very grateful for the opportunities I have been given to constantly be the best athlete and teammate I can be. I have learned to never take anything for granted which I have discovered through injury and times of defeat. All of these experiences and lessons are essential for success in various aspects of my life.” Kinas plans to attend Loyola University (Ill.) to study and play basketball.

Sara Mlodik, D.C. Everest High School - 4.0 GPA 
Mlodik is first in her class academically and has earned a combined seven varsity letters in cross country and track & field. She led the Evergreens to a team State track & field championship her freshman season and followed with a Division 1 individual State cross county championship title as a junior. Mlodik is a four-time conference cross country champion and has received all-state track and field honors in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs her junior year. Mlodik writes, “While taking academically rigorous courses, I learned that taking on a challenge and not being afraid to make mistakes leads to a stronger understanding of the curriculum. In distance running, racing has taught me that success comes not only from physical endurance but also from mental perseverance.” Mlodik will compete in cross country and track & field while studying materials science and engineering at the University of Wisconsin.

Violet Schulteis, Slinger High School - 4.0 GPA
Schulteis is first in her class academically, and she has earned seven varsity letters in cross country and track & field. She led the Owls' Cross Country team to a State runner-up trophy as a junior, and followed with a State team championship her senior year. She is a four- time first team all-conference recipient in cross country as well as four-time team MVP. Schulteis earned the team MVP honor in track & field her freshman through junior seasons. Schulteis shares, “Among the lessons I’ve learned, two stand out prominently: the importance of collaboration, and the crucial need for adaptability when faced with setbacks. The significance of teamwork became evident early on through my experiences on the track and cross-country teams. Despite their appearance as individual activities, these sports are deeply rooted in the collective efforts of teammates.” Schulteis plans to study exercise science and compete in cross country and track & field at Winona State University.

Division 2

Ava Dean, McFarland High School - 3.97 GPA
Dean, has earned a combined 10 letters in volleyball, basketball and soccer with the Spartans. She is a three-time conference champion as a member of the soccer program. Dean helped her team win a State championship her freshman year. In volleyball, she was selected as conference co-player of the year and received first team all-state honors her senior year. She was also part of the two-time State qualifying volleyball team and received honorable mention all-state honors in basketball her senior season. Dean shares, “The process is what people don’t see, but it is the most demanding part, which is why integrity has been a value I have developed and will continue to use in the future. It has also advanced my time management skills, and learning how to be productive has helped me tremendously with my academics as well as my work ethic.” Dean will attend the University of Wisconsin to study business-real estate and urban land economics.

Lilie Fouts, Xavier High School - 4.0 GPA
Fouts is a combined seven-time letterwinner in cross country and track & field. During her junior and senior cross country seasons, she led the Hawks to back-to-back team State championships. She is a three-time team MVP in track & field and a two-time team MVP in cross country, Fouts received the conference cross country MVP honors her senior season, and she is a two-time state runner-up in the 3,200-meter run and is a three-time individual sectional champion in cross country. In her essay, she shares, “I learned success comes to those who are resilient and willing to make sacrifices. From long workouts and prioritizing recovery to studying hard even when unmotivated, cross country, track and field, and academics made me the assiduous worker I am today. When I am given a task, I will not give up until I have completed it to the best of my ability.” Fouts is intending to study songwriting/music business and participate in cross country and track & field at Belmont University.

Nora Gremban, Northland Pines High School - 3.65 GPA
Gremban has lettered eight times across three sports, including cross country, track & field and basketball. She brought home an individual State crosscountry championship her senior year while also receiving the conference most valuable runner honor that season. Gremban is also a five-time State champion in track & field, running both the 800-meter and 1,600-meter races. She was named her conference’s runner of the year five times and also earned six conference selection honors in track & field and cross country combined. Reflecting, Gremban shares, “Determination builds focus and holds students accountable. This empowers student-athletes to continue to put their best foot forward, realizing that athletics do not define you. Many can get caught up in the whirlwind of homework and competition, yet learning to put your wellness first is crucial. Becoming your best, authentic self will ensure success in all other aspects of life.” Gremban intends to attend the University of Wisconsin to study psychology and participate in cross country and track & field. 

Eliana Sheplee, Rice Lake High School - 4.0 GPA 
Sheplee has earned 11 varsity letters throughout her career participating in volleyball, basketball and track & field. She is a three-time State champion and the State record-holder in the 400-meter dash. Sheplee also brought home a state championship in the 200-meter dash as a sophomore and is a three-time all-conference performer. She is the Warriors' all-time leading scorer in basketball and is a three-time all-conference selection. Sheplee also helped the volleyball team to a sectional championship as a junior. She  received all-Conference honors three times in volleyball. She writes, “Sports are like life: we have ups and downs, wins and losses, but we can enjoy the journey and learn along the way. We will not always get to compete how we want, but we can be grateful for the learning that comes with the journey.” Sheplee plans to participate in basketball and track & field and study business at the University of Northern Iowa. 

Division 3

Aubrey Dorn, McDonell Central Catholic High School - 4.0 GPA
Dorn is ranked first in her class academically and has earned a combined 11 varsity letters in the sports of volleyball, basketball and softball. She helped the Macks earn back-to-back State championships in volleyball her sophomore and junior years. Dorn was also part of the schools' first State championship basketball team her junior year. She is a two-time, all-conference selection in both volleyball and basketball. In addition, Dorn contributed to the Macks' sectional championship in softball as a junior. Dorn stated, “The most important lesson I learned throughout academics and athletics is resilience and how to overcome adversity. I realized that attitude and effort alone can resolve most of the problems you encounter. I learned there is always value in how much effort you decide to put in, no matter the outcome. It is crucial to see how far you can push yourself without giving up.” Dorn will attend Viterbo University to play basketball and study biochemistry.

Kacy Eggebrecht, Phillips High School - 4.0 GPA
Eggebrecht has earned eleven letters spanning the sports of volleyball, basketball and softball. She is a nine-time conference team champion, including two titles in softball, three in volleyball and four in basketball. On the basketball court, she helped the Loggers to four straight regional championships. Eggebrecht was named to the all-conference first team three times and was voted conference player of the year. She is a two-time first team all-conference selection in volleyball. During her freshman season, she helped her softball team make a State appearance, Eggebrecht shares, “Motivation is essential to achieving success. Prioritizing school work, and effectively practicing time management skills, is important as I pursue my goals. Through athletics, I have experienced countless setbacks that taught me the virtue of resilience. Setbacks will always happen, but it is your response that matters.” Eggebrecht will attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to study animal science.

Hailee Thompson, Bonduel High School - 3.86 GPA
Thompson has earned 11 letters in the sports of basketball, volleyball and softball. She is a six-time all-conference selection. She was a part of the regional champion volleyball team her junior year and is a three-time team MVP. The three-time volleyball all-conference selection was named conference player of the year her senior year while also achieving 2,000 career assists. On the softball field, three-time all-conference and team MVP selection was chosen the conference most valuable player award her junior year. Thompson was also the Bears' team MVP in basketball her senior year. She shared, “I have grown to learn that family and the support behind me is one of my biggest blessings. Having supportive people in both my academic and athletic careers has helped me recognize that no matter what the circumstance is, if I put my mind to it, I can accomplish it.” Thompson plans to double major in sports marketing and leadership, and play softball and volley ball at Lakeland University.

Lucy Belisle, St. Croix Falls High School - 3.97 GPA
Belisle has earned 11 varsity letters across the sports of in volleyball, basketball and track & field. She helped the Saints volleyball team earn a State runner-up finish her junior year and followed with a State championship her senior year. Belisle helped the basketball team win four conference championships and qualify for State her sophomore season. She received team most valuable player honors her senior year. In track & field, she was a three-year all-conference performer and team MVP as a freshman. Belisle writes, “Experiencing good leadership through sports has been what led to the skills I have picked up to be one myself. I will forever be thankful to the role models who have taught me to hold my composure gracefully and spread positivity and encouragement to my teammates. These skills expand beyond a basketball court and carry into daily life by creating an environment that others around me feel motivated by.” Belisle intends to study education and compete in volleyball at Augustana University. 

Division 4

Sophia Bablitch, Rosholt High School - 3.72 GPA
Bablitch has earned a combined eight varsity letters in cross country, basketball and track & field. A three-time State track & field qualifier, she won the State championship in the 3,200-meter run her junior year. Bablitch was also a two-time State runner-up in the 1,600 meter race her sophomore and junior seasons. She possesses the Hornet track & field school records in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 runs. Bablitch won three conference track & field titles She is a four-time State qualifier in cross country. Bablitch shares, “If I have learned anything throughout my high school career, as I balance my life as a student-athlete with a chronic medical condition, it would be resilience and mental strength.  The connections and friendships I made along the way with competitors and teammates also taught me that I am never alone in my struggles.” Bablitch plans to attend the University of Minnesota to study journalism and communications, and compete in cross country and track & field.

Kendall Duellman, Assumption High School - 3.8 GPA
Duellman has earned 11 varsity letters across the sports of volleyball, basketball and soccer. She is a three-time all conference select and most valuable player her junior season in soccer. Duellman helped the Royals soccer to State appearances as a freshman and sophomore. On the basketball court, she was a member of the State championship team her freshman year and earned four conference championships. In her essay, she shares, “Small details matter. My freshmen year started with a teacher telling me to “do the little things.” I was not exactly sure what he meant, but as I started to hear it more often, it became apparent. They are things that may go unnoticed to most, but can make a big difference in someone's day. These often unnoticed little things in life are what make a leader.” Duellman intends to attend Marquette University to study business administration. 

Alana Durtschi, Albany High School - 4.0 GPA
Durtschi is first in her class academically and has earned 11 varsity letters in three sports, including basketball, softball and volleyball. She helped her Comets basketball team win a State championship her senior year, and she received the all-conference honors as the league's MVP the past two seasons. On the softball field, she helped the softball team finish State runner-up in 2021 and earned team MVP honors her sophomore and junior seasons in addition to receiving all-conference recognition as a junior. Durtschi shares, “Juggling academic studies with a busy athletic schedule is tough, but it taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. I’ve learned that sports can be a temporary thing, so I make sure to apply the same level of determination to academics. I’ve achieved high marks in difficult classes and multiple college courses that earned me the honor of valedictorian.” Durtschi intends to study education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Marah Brett Gruen, Royall High School - 4.0 GPA
Gruen is first in her class academically and has earned a staggering 17 varsity letters across five sports, including. cross country, volleyball, basketball, softball and track & field. As a freshman, she helped the Panthers win a State track & field championship and qualify in for State in volleyball. As a sophomore, she was a four-event State track and field qualifier, participating in the mile, two mile, triple jump and long jump. Gruen earned all-conference track & field honors three years. She received the all-conference and MVP awards in cross country, volleyball and basketball her senior year as well as first team all-state honors in volleyball and basketball. Gruen shares, “My involvement in five sports while maintaining a 4.0 GPA has allowed me to enhance my time management skills, gain valuable leadership skills, improve my mental strength, and become accommodated with handling pressure. These priceless characteristics have allowed me to grow individually and as a teammate.” Gruen intends to participate in volleyball and study nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.