Science department honors nine students for January
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Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:19 PM CST
For the Herald - The Chippewa Falls Senior High School science department is pleased to announce its science students of the month for January.
Sophomore Ben Urbas, the son of Janet and Mike Urbas, is nominated by his biology teacher Jane Rubisch.
“Ben demonstrates superb understanding on tests, quizzes, and homework,” Rubisch said. “He demonstrates a great work ethic and does not waste time. He is thorough and not careless when doing his homework.”
Ben plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Stout or Eau Claire, his anticipated areas of study are history or science. Some of his hobbies and interests include swim team, fishing and computers. He also does some volunteer work through church and works with the Dolphins Program.
Ben attended Southview Elementary. He chose Mr. Pfundheller as his most influential teacher.
“He was a great teacher, he was the one who got me interested in history and teaching as a possible job,” Ben said.
Sophomore Pa Houa Xiong, the daughter of Kha Neng Xiong and May Lor Xiong, was nominated by her biology teacher, Mark Cloutier.
“Pa Houa is a talented and serious student,” Cloutier said. “She was the only student in my classes to get a perfect score on the first semester final. Pa Houa is academically curious and not afraid to work to find understanding.”
Pa Houa’s future plans include attending college, probably at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, but she is unsure yet. She would possibly like to attend Harvard, Stanford or Madison.
She would like to study in the area of health and biology to pursue a career as a surgeon. She would like to build a big house for her parents, take her family traveling and continue to study, aiming beyond her limitats. Some of her hobbies and interests include playing soccer, drawing, dancing, watching movies, reading and learning.
Pa Houa attended both Longfellow and Sherman Elementary School. She chose Mrs. Waldusky from Longfellow Elementary as her most influential teacher.
“She’s not such a nice person, in fact she’s even kind of strict,” Pa Houa said. “I liked her a lot because before I went to third-grade. I was kind of dumb, and didn’t understand much in school. When I had her in third-grade, somehow the way she taught us was getting through! Mrs. Waldusky made me feel smarter and I started getting better grades. I think that without her I wouldn’t have made it this far.”
Senior Carly Peterson, the daughter of Julie Peterson, was nominated by her human anatomy teacher, Candy Jenke.
“Throughout this year Carly has earned nearly perfect scores on all class work including projects and assessments,” Jenke said. “She is usually the first to turn in long term assignments, which are always very complete and accurate. She often goes beyond what is expected. Consequently, her test scores reflect a high degree of learning. Carly also takes time and skillfully ask questions until she has learned the concept and possible applications. Keep up the good work, Carly.”
Carly plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She would like to pursue a career as a physician assistant. Some of her hobbies and interests include volleyball, softball, being with friends and family.
Carly has been involved in tutoring at Hillcrest Elementary, volunteering at the Chippewa Manor, Rotary Club, National English Honor Society, Co-President of Chemistry Club, Athena and Russian Club.
Carly attended Southview Elementary. She chose Mr. VanAmber from Chippewa Falls Middle School as her most influential teacher.
“He told me that I had the ability to accomplish any goal that I set for myself, and I will always remember how much he believed in me,” Carly said.
Freshman Curtis Schimmel, the son of Cyndi and Tim Schimmel, was nominated by his physical science teacher Julie Holzinger.
“I chose Curtis because he has the highest grade in all four of my physical science classes for first semester,” Holzinger said. “Curtis obviously does excellent work on everything. His work is neat, well organized and he expresses himself in writing very clearly. Curtis is a fairly quiet guy, but will ask questions when he needs to. He is a real detail person. In addition to his good grades, I also believe that Curtis is a person of integrity and he shows respect and courtesy to everyone. All these are qualities that will take him far in all aspects of life. It is my pleasure to recognize Curtis for his outstanding work in physical science.”
Curtis plans to attend college and study in the areas of computer programming and game design. Some of his hobbies and interests include soccer, video games and poker. He has also been involved in 4-H.
Curtis attended Hillcrest Elementary. He chose Mr. Crawford from Chippewa Falls Middle School as his most influential teacher.
“He was nice,” Curtis said. “I had him for T.A. and it was really fun. He was my eighth-grade science teacher.”
Sophomore Allison Blair, the daughter of Patty and Tom Blair, was nominated by her Earth science teacher Dan Loomis.
“Allison is a very positive and energetic student!” Loomis said. “Her participation in discussions contribute greatly to the learning atmosphere of the classroom. She has excellent science skills and is always willing to go above and beyond what is expected.”
Allison plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her anticipated area of study is theater. She would like to pursue a career on Broadway. Some of her hobbies and interests include acting, cooking and music.
Allison attended Stillson Elementary. She chose Mrs. Kuehn as her most influential teacher.
“She made learning science easier and understandable,” Allison said. “I can remember many of the things she had taught me, She also made class fun.”
Sophomore Thomas Nevins, the son of Alison and Paul Nevins, was nominated by his pre-AP chemistry teacher Rolan Rohde.
“Thomas distinguished himself by getting a perfect score on the comprehensive pre-AP chemistry semester exam,” Rohde said. “This is a very rare event, and underscores his mastery of the subject material.”
Thomas plans to attend college he has not decided where; his anticipated areas of study are physics, chemistry, or possibly astronomy. His hobbies and interests include football, harmonics, the Musical, track and field and karate. He is also involved with YCC.
Thomas chose Ms. Kuehn from Chippewa Falls Middle School as his most influential teacher.
“I love a good challenge and Ms. Kuehn was probably the first to provide this challenge in a science class,” Thomas said.
Freshman Macade Ploederer, the son or Lori and Mark Ploederer, was chosen by his physical science teacher, Nick Gagnon.
“Macade is an excellent student in my physical science class,” Gagnon said. “Macade always puts forth his best effort because he truly cares about his education. Macade values learning, and it is reflected by efforts in class as well as his grades. Macade has had to overcome adversity during this first semester. He missed many days of school due to illness, and yet still was able to earn a A for the semester. Macade is truly a special student and worthy of this award.”
Macade’s future plans include joining the United States Air Force Academy, attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison or the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. His anticipated area of study is engineering he would like to focus on civil engineering.
Some of his hobbies and interests include football, basketball, track, rugby and bowling. Macade is also involved with church activities at Faith Lutheran Church.
Macade attended Fairchild Elementary and Stillson Elementary in Chippewa Falls. He chose Mrs. Zabrowski from Chippewa Falls Middle School as his most influential teacher,
“She made reading interesting and fun,” Macade said.
Senior Katie Bernier, the daughter of Dave and Kim Bernier, was nominated by her human anatomy teacher, Candy Jenke.
”Katie has shown a strong work ethic throughout the first semester, resulting in her being my top student,” Jenke said. “Katie takes advantage of every opportunity to go beyond requirements pushing herself to learn as much as possible about each topic. In addition to her effort she also seeks additional information through questions to further her understanding with her positive attitude, top-notch study skills, and strong work ethic. I know Katie will remain one of my top students.”
Katie would like to attend University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire or the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities to complete a major in kinesiology or biology before going on the graduate school for physical therapy.
Some of Katie’s hobbies and interests include animals, shopping, movies and being outdoors. She has also been involved in FFA for four years, HOSA for three years, and Psychology Club for one year.
Katie attended Parkview Elementary School. She chose Mr. Heuer from Chippewa Falls Middle School as her most influential teacher.
“He helped me to achieve goals and showed me the importance of setting new ones,” Katie said.
Freshman Jessica Pitsch, the daughter of Kim and Brian Pitsch, was nominated by her physical science teacher, Julie Holzinger.
“I chose Jessica as student of the month primarily because of her consistent high quality work in physical science,” Holzinger said. “Every assignment and test she has done has been well done giving her an overall grade of 94 percent for first semester. Jessi is well organized and make good use of her time in class. She is a pretty quiet person, but is very focused and determined, in my opinion. Since Jessi hopes to be a pharmacist someday, her excellence in Science will be necessary to accomplish that goal. I am very pleased to be able to recognize her as a Student of the Month.”
Jessica would like to attend the University of Minnesota to pursue a career as a pharmacist. Some of her hobbies and interests include swimming, boating, softball, golfing and hanging out with friends. She is also involved with FCCLA.
Jessica attended Jim Falls Elementary School. She chose Mrs. Thompson from Chippewa Falls Middle School as her most influential teacher.
“Before I had Mrs. Thompson for seventh-grade math, I never liked math and now math is my favorite subject and I am good at it,” Jessica said.
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