Student Leaders from Rogers Middle, High School Honored at January Board Meeting

At its regular Board Meeting in early January, the ISD 728 School Board took time to honor and present certificates to student leaders from around the District, continuing a time-honored tradition. 

Students from Rogers Middle School and Rogers High School took center stage. Here's a feature on each of the honorees submitted by their principals/teachers. 

Rogers Middle School

Kennedy Wippler

Kennedy Wippler is a fifth Grade student from RMS. We are choosing her because she always goes above and beyond in class, always puts forth a great effort, is creative, shows up each day and is a leader amongst her peers, and can work successfully with anyone while pushing others to do/be better. On day one of Math she asked for enrichment work! She is a high effort student that wants to understand the "why" and how things work. Kennedy is a great kid and student.

Noelle Pfeifer

Noelle Pfeifer has been chosen as an exemplary eighth grader at RMS and is an invaluable part of our RMS community. Noelle is a leader among her peers in many different aspects of the school.  She serves as President of the Rogers Middle School Honor Society, and is a WEB leader as well. Not only does she excel in academics, but Noelle’s ingenuity stands out amongst the crowd. She is a true creative, whether it be in Visual Arts, Musical Performance, or Public Speaking! Noelle is always kind and treats all students and staff with care and respect, making her the best choice to receive this recognition this evening. 

 

Rogers High School

Anya Schmidt

Anya Schmidt is an outstanding student-athlete who consistently embodies Royal PRIDE both in the classroom and through her extracurricular activities. With a GPA exceeding 4.0 and impressive scores on college entrance exams, Anya has distinguished herself academically. Her teachers describe her as engaged, focused, positive, enthusiastic, polite, respectful, and humble, making her a prominent leader among her peers.

Beyond academics, Anya has been a remarkable representative for Rogers High School. She has set records in track and field for sprints and shot put, earned numerous medals at state competitions, and led the RHS volleyball team to multiple state tournament appearances. Anya is committed to playing Division I volleyball at the University of St. Thomas. She holds several school and state records in volleyball. Her accolades include repeated all-state and all-conference honors, the academic all-state award, and being named Ms. Baden as Minnesota's most outstanding volleyball player during her senior year.  In its 40th year of honoring the nation’s most elite high school athletes, Gatorade has announced Anya Schmidt of Rogers High School the 2024-25 Gatorade Minnesota Volleyball Player of the Year. 

Anya is also actively involved in the National Honor Society, where she serves as President, is a Link Leader at RHS, tutors her peers, coaches at youth volleyball camps, and is active in her church.

One teacher commented that Anya is "a tenacious competitor on the volleyball court and the track, Anya is equally as determined in the classroom.  She demonstrates a high level of engagement in learning activities and has never had a late assignment in the two years I have had her in class.  Her determination to succeed is uncommon and I look forward to following her journey, one that I know will be exceptional in so many ways".

Given her outstanding character, respect for others, strong leadership qualities, and “It’s a great day to be a Royal” attitude, Anya is more than deserving of recognition from our school district as an exemplary student and athlete.

Titus Fredman

Titus Fredman is often described by his teachers as being the definition of leadership through both his actions and attitude. He treats his peers with respect and creates positive environments in the classroom, and is always willing to help others or lift them up. Titus has taken on a challenging course load and has excelled academically.

One of his teachers commented, "Titus is such a positive and hardworking student-athlete that he naturally steps into a leadership role." Throughout his time at Rogers High School, Titus has actively participated in Cross Country, the Nordic Ski Team, Tennis, Choir, National Honor Society, Link Crew, and Student Council, holding leadership positions in the various organizations.

He has received the Royal Award in both cross country and Nordic skiing, and has earned all-conference and state participation in Nordic skiing. Titus has served as Vice President of the National Honor Society, Choir President, and was voted Homecoming King this year. Remarkably, he has accomplished all of this while managing part-time jobs and training for a half-marathon before his senior year.

As his Nordic Ski coach stated, "He is the 'glue' that helps shape the team's culture into something incredible. Over the past two years, Titus has been honored with the 'Royal Award,' recognizing an athlete who embodies what it means to be royal both on and off the field. Thank you, Titus, for your leadership; it has been an incredible year, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! Congratulations!"

Titus consistently goes above and beyond in his leadership and commitment to creating a positive “It’s a great day to be a Royal” culture, embodying positivity and resilience that inspire those around him, making him highly deserving of this recognition and honor.