All-Star Student of the Week

Simply put: Saint John’s Prep senior Sam Rogers is one smart cookie. Rogers was recently recognized in the December issue of the international publication, "The Physics Teacher". Sam completed a complex Physics challenge from the September issue and was actually one of only four high school students in the world to get it right.

Friends, coaches and teachers all praise Ben Borash for his near perfect blend of confidence, leadership and humbleness. The Royalton High school senior is captain of the basketball team and also takes part in countless other activities and community events

Since the 4th grade, Pierz Healy High School senior Cassie Virnig has had a never-ending passion for acting and theater. With an outgoing personality and a sense of energy that never seems to run out, Cassie isn't afraid to constantly try new characters, personalities and even accents.

For as long as she can remember, South Junior High 7th grader Ashley Tarrolly has loved playing tennis. She’s been playing since she was two years old, even though the racket was almost bigger than her.

For 15-year-old Beth-el Algarin, powerlifting and setting world records has become a way of life. The Pierz teenager trains with her father Luis, who's been her coach since starting her with the weights when she was just eight years old.

Described by teachers and fellow volunteers as consistent, caring and dependable, Foley High School senior Ben Kraemer has become a role model for numerous children in Central Minnesota. Over the past several years, Kraemer has spent much of his time involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

At just 10-years-old, Talahi Community school 5th grader Mackenzie Oksa can already tell people that she’s been an elected official. She was recently elected mayor of BizTown: which is part of a junior achievement program that gives kids a chance to run a miniature town for a day by themselves.

For six-year-old Kaitlyn Reichel and her Mom Cindy, cooking has become a chance to bond and spend time together. It's also given them a unique chance to give back to the community. The 1st grade Pine Meadow Elementary student recently entered a national contest in hopes of winning $30,000 for her school.

For as long as he can remember, Gopi Ramanathan says friends and classmates have tried to stump him with geography questions. Ramanathan has won gold at national geography bees and is always up for the challenge.

With an enthusiastic sense of humor and a huge smile, there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know 1st grader Austin Opsahl at Mississippi Heights Elementary. Austin has down syndrome and is a student in the essential living skills programs. One of his favorite parts of school is getting to see friends and play football.