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2016

EAGLE GROVE

EAGLE

2011

www.theeaglegroveeagle.com

Your local news media source

Volume 130

Issue Number 20

Cost $1.25

Thursday, May 19, 2016

In the blink of an eye EGHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian talk memories, studying, goals, and the future

IN THIS WEEK’S EAGLE YOU’LL FIND MORE THAN 380 FACES INSIDE THIS WEEK’S EAGLE Graduation Page 2 Council approves housing grant guidelines Page 3 Supervisors discuss fly problem Page 3 DARE graduation Page 4

BY KIM DEMORY egeagle@goldfieldaccess.net It seems as though only yesterday, the Class of 2016 were just freshmen walking through the doors of Eagle Grove High School for the very first time...but in the blink of an eye, they have become alumni. As Class Valedictorian Brian Gonzalez and Salutatorian Dani Koester addressed their classmates of 2016 during Commencement Ceremonies held Sunday, May 15, they took them on a trip down memory lane of the past four years. It was fun, it was stressful, always memorable, and sometimes - even competitive. Admittedly, Brian and Dani have been competitive in their grades all throughout their four years of high school - taking many classes together and inevitably asking how the other one did on tests, sometimes before they even had their scores back. Yet they were always there to support each other in their journey to be at the top of the class, and a success in all things they did. They were even there for each other on their final day as Eagle Grove High School seniors, standing side-by-side at Commencement giving their speech together. Brian told the crowd he wasn’t even sure whether or not he wanted to give the Valedictorian address because of nerves, but knowing Dani had his back and was right there next to him, he went for it, even though it was out of his comfort zone...and he encouraged his classmates to do the same as they begin the next chapter of their life. The two also shared another common denominator that they say

ended up motivating them to where they are today. In earlier years of school, they both struggled. Dani said her struggle with learning was in elementary school. Instead of giving up, she got extra help and also put in learning time with her grandma. “Since then, my goal was to succeed with my grades,” Dani said. Middle school is where Brian faced challenges. In fifth and sixth grade, he was at the top of his class. In seventh and eighth grade, he digressed...he even got an “F” in one of his classes. Then came freshman year of high school. At report card time, he found out he was fourth in his class, and that’s when it clicked for him. “I thought, ‘I didn’t know I could do this well,’” Brian said. In his sophomore year, he set the goal to graduate as Valedictorian of his class. Their secret to success? They both agreed, it’s a combination of things: staying motivated, devoting a lot of time to your studies - even if that means staying home while your friends go out, keeping your priorities straight, do your work early, and do your best. “My dad told me, ‘Don’t be lazy. You have to work at something.’ and he always pushed me to do better,” Brian said. Dani and Brian also agree that being involved in high school clubs, groups, and extra-curricular activities helped them stay focused on their long-term goals, and develop time management skills along the way. Dani was a member of FFA, FBLA, National Honor Society,

volleyball, AAU volleyball, track, Student Council, and the Wright County Charitable Foundation. She is also a nine-year member of the Wright Warriors 4-H Club, served as a 4-H camp counselor, is a vacation Bible School teacher, volunteered with the parks and rec. volleyball camp, and helped with high school volleyball camps. Dani also holds down a job at The Farm and works as a lifeguard at the Eagle Grove Family Aquatic Center during the summer months. Brian was a member of the National Honor Society, FCA, FCCLA, FBLA, Student Council, speech, basketball team, baseball team, football team, track, cross country for one year, and a member of the Leo’s Club. He also coached the Left and Right Academy (basketball) and a youth flag football team. Brian also works as a lifeguard and detassled corn his freshman year. To their friends and underclassmen they leave behind, Brian encourages them to work hard to achieve their dreams and goals. “Keep pushing through and say you can until you actually do...but don’t work too hard that it affects your health and you have no time for fun in high school either. These (years) should be the best time of your life.” Dani agrees. “You’re only in high school once...go to the games... and remember that your GPA your freshman year really does matter.” With a 3.98 GPA, Brian is headed to Iowa State University on a full tuition academic scholarship. He will be majoring in business finance, realizing his interest in the field after having completed classes

Gonzalez recognized by Gov. Branstad for Academic Excellence Page 5 RBMS band concert Page 8 Senior Recognition Night Pages 14 & 15 Fieldtrip to Fishpond Park Page 16 Dalton Schaffer to run in Australia Page 17 State Track qualifiers Pages 18 & 19

BRIEFLY 5/6 Grade Track Meet Friday, May 20 12:30 p.m. start HS track Preschool Graduation Tuesday, May 24 always have their backs. But they 7 p.m. will always treasure their good times RBMS Auditorium

Eagle Grove High School Salutatorian Dani Koester and Valedictorian Brian Gonzalez. Photo by Kim Demory at the Career Academy. Dani, with a 3.96 GPA, will also be attending Iowa State University where she will study genetics. It has been her goal for years to work in a science-related field. “It feels good to help others and make life a little better,” she said. Dani and Brian are excited about what the future holds for them, and happy that they will have a familiar face on campus who they know will

and memories of EGHS. “I really enjoyed being in sports, being competitive, and just being around my peers and teachers,” said Brian. “I will always treasure bonding with classmates, going on trips, being involved, and Friday Night Lights...I loved high school football games,” said Dani.

Last Day of School Friday, May 27 Dismissal at Noon

Weekly Weather Report Weekly Rainfall from Rainfall 4-1-16 1.25” 4.25” Growing Degree Days 4/11 - Current 2015 Average 368 383 382

Going up

Something’s fishy

Kids around Eagle Grove patiently waited last weekend for the new playground equipment to be finished. They, and their parents, are anxious to have the project completed so play can begin. Many volunteers braved the cold on Saturday, May 14 to begin the project, and returned again on Sunday to continue work. When it’s completed, it’s sure to be a popular place.

Mike Andersen and Brayden Lyman were just two of the many parent/high school volunteers who came out to help the second graders during their mini fieldtrip to Fishpond Park on Friday, May 13. For more photos from the day, see inside this week’s Eagle. Photo by Kim Demory

Photo by Kim Demory

Weekly Update: Soybean planting is in full swing and it’s very important to remember the key role soybean pre-emerge herbicides play. It’s hard to stop the planter before a rain shower but this is the ideal time to apply these herbicides. Remember, the best way to control waterhemp is to stop it in the soil.


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