The War Eagle Conference Academic Banquet was held March 30 at Trinity Christian high school in Hull. Included among those recognized were 14 students from Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn.
The address was given by Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg, who grew up in Hawarden. He pointed out that small towns bring out partiticipation and community involvement by the students. “Balancing all those responsibilities and maintaining high academic achievement is quite an accomplishment and I promise that that level of work ethic and focus will pay off for you down the road,” said the Lt. Governor. “Whatever your future holds, the efforts that you put in right now will actually pay dividends.” Gregg shared some of the lessons he’s learned on the road from student to holding the second highest executive office in the state: Failure is okay, and might be for the best. Work hard, do the right thing and trust that good things will happen. Be careful that your plans for the future don’t blind you to opportunities that may not have existed before, so be adaptable to change. Show kindness to everybody because you never know when it will come back around. Gregg reminded the students that great opportunities exist in the state and to consider Iowa in their future.
The HMS honorees included:
Class of 2021
Gabriel Bronstad
Gabe is the son of Stephanie and Gary Bronstad. He has participated in Quiz Bowl, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Wrestling, Golf, Football and Track. Gabe’s future plans involve Pre-Med at the University of Iowa. His academic honors include National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Football All-State Academic, Wrestling All-State Academic, War Eagle All Conference All Academic, Football All-Academic.
Samuel Heyn
Samuel is the son of Terry Heyn and Kara Heyn. He has been active in Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Quiz Bowl, NASA – National Space Settlement Design Competition, Chess Club and Band. Samuel’s future plans are to attend the University of Iowa majoring in Sports Broadcasting/Statistics. His academic honors include National Honor Society, War Eagle Conference Academic Award (2020-2021), All-District Academic Award (Football 2020), Honor Roll.
Bennett Haack
Bennett is the son of Ryan and Erica Haack. He has participated in Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Band, Jazz Band, Quiz Bowl, Business Club, Student Council, Youth Group, Bible Study, Football Statistician, NASA – Space Settlement Design Competition and Speech. Bennett plans to attend the University of Iowa and major in Statistics and Pre-Law. His academic honors include Academic All-State Basketball 2021, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars member, College Board National Recognition Program.
Class of 2022
Emily Heneman
Emily is the daughter of Tony and Molly Heneman. Her activities include Jazz Band, Pep Band, Concert Band, Marching Band, Basketball Cheer and Football Cheer. Emily’s future plans are to major in Dermatology.
Kaley Pearson
Kaley is the daughter of Trisha and Jeremy Pearson. She has been active in Volleyball, Basketball, Band and Jazz Band. Kaley plans to attend the University of Iowa to get her degree in Dental Hygiene.
Also honored from HMS were, from the Class of 2023, Elise Haack, Lance Berends and Abigail Kunzman and, from the Class of 2024, Heather Elgersma, Abigail Otto, Adam Schierholz, Kinsey Schirmer, George Vargas and Kyra Vermeer.