On Wednesday, March 19th, the Wagner Rotary Club met at Two Spurs for our annual Scholar Recognition meeting. President Jordan Weber brought the bell and gave it a hearty ring to bring the meeting to order. He led the group in prayer, and we then feasted on a delicious buffet of roast beef and all the trimmings. Thank you to Two Spurs for the wonderful lunch!

President Weber congratulated all the students present, and explained that each year, seniors and juniors with a 4.0 or greater grade point average from Wagner High School are recognized by our club as a Rotary Scholar. This year, there were two seniors and three juniors who met the criteria. The high school principal Lori Kokes introduced each student and gave a brief biography of each.

Addison Cuka, a junior, is the daughter of Tyler and Larissa Cuka. Her future plans are to attend SDSU and major in biology. She has been active in the following activities during her time at WHS: band, chorus, volleyball, FFA, track, cheer, NHS, gymnastics, and was a statistician. Her advice to underclassmen: “Don’t get involved in drama, get your work done.” Her favorites include the color blue, sushi, Chipotle, the TV show Supernatural, and reading.

Matthew Kokes, a junior, is the son of Jay and Lori Kokes. He plans to attend SDSU, but is undecided on his major. He has been involved in band, newspaper/yearbook, football manager, NHS, boys basketball stat, and HOSA. His favorite color is blue.

Ashlyn Koupal, a junior, is the daughter of Mike and Tera Koupal. The person she admires the most is her sister Macy. She’s been involved in band, chorus, student council, volleyball, basketball, track, and was a football statistician. Her advice to underclassmen: “Live in the moment”. Her best memory has been going to state tournaments where she met a lot of new people and had a lot of fun. Her favorites include the color blue, pizza, Adam Sandler, the movie Sidelined, TV show Outer Banks, and Fortnite. Her favorite subject is math and her favorite teacher is Mrs. Brunsing.

Presley Slaba, a senior, is the daughter of Matt and Mieke Slaba. Her future plans are to attend Iowa State University for Animal Science and possibly become a veterinarian. The person she admires most is her Grandma Rete. She has been involved in band, chorus, oral interp, student council, cross country, school play, swim team, newspaper/yearbook, track, NHS, and was a basketball stat. Her advice to underclassmen: “Try your best, study as much as you can, and above all, be kind and smile”. Her best memory in high school is having lots of fun and laughs while participating in All-State Chorus. Her favorite quote is Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Her favorite color is turquoise, favorite classes are biology and baking pastries, favorite meal is ring bologna with friend potatoes and baked beans, favorite movie is Forrest Gump, and she loves to read. Her favorite teachers are Mrs. Ishmael, Mr. Kirwan and Mrs. Zephier.

Lydia Yost, a senior, is the daughter of Matt and Amy Yost. Her future plans are to join the ROTC Army program at Black Hills State University and will double major in Sociology and psychology with an emphasis in Law and Justice and a minor in Military Science. The person she admires most is her sister Emma. She has been involved in chorus, volleyball, cross country, newspaper/ yearbook, school play, basketball, softball, track, NHS, HOSA, and was a statistician. Her advice to underclassmen: “Just be yourself and you will find your people.” Her favorite memories from high school were All-State Chorus and making it to the state basketball tournament with her sister. Her favorite quote: “Our stories and struggles are different, but we all deserve to bloom – Rithvik Singh”. Her favorites include the color yellow, mac and cheese, the tv shows Criminal Minds and White Collar, painting, and reading. Her favorite teachers are Mr. Papousek, Mr. Kirwan and Mrs. Ishmael.

The Wagner Rotary Club congratulates all five students on their success, and wishes them the best in their future endeavors.