Harris-Lake Park 2024 All Academic students announced
The All-Academic Team is a feature in the Dickinson County News to showcase those students who have worked hard in the classroom over the past four years.
To begin the selection process, the DCN works with each area high school, and the principal or guidance counselor nominates two students based on academic performance and grade point average. In the event that more than two students have the same GPA, the nomination is based on balanced academic success, involvement in extracurricular activities, such as athletics, fine arts and academic groups.
In addition to their academic achievements, each of the six students profiled have been role models for their school and communities. Many have volunteered their time to help with a variety of causes during any free hours they may have.
Staff feels each of the students on the All-Academic Team will likely make positive contributions in their chosen fields and to their communities in the future.
Congratulations to all of our outstanding honorees for 2024.
Name: Landon Greve
School: Harris-Lake Park
GPA: 4.0
Parents: Bret and Kathy Greve
Sibling: Madeline
Favorite Quote: "The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self." - Fred Rogers
After Greve graduates, he plans to attend Northwestern College in Orange City to study genetics and molecular biology, in addition to running for their cross country and track teams. After college, he hopes to land a career as a genetic engineer.
During high school, Greve was involved in cross country, dance, track, golf, choir, speech, student council and National Honor Society as well as multiple stage productions. He has received All-Conference honors for running cross country and track, multiple Division I choral ratings, four consecutive trips to the Iowa Vocal Jazz Championships and was chosen to represent Harris-Lake Park at both large group and individual All-State speech festivals. Greve is a recurring member of H-LP's A honor roll, and for the past two years, he has served as president of his school's National Honor Society chapter.
Greve says his grandmother has been one of many figures in his life who have inspired him.
"She has such a remarkable and gentle way of turning nerves into confidence," he said. "Her advice and encouragement are often exactly what I need to hear. She has always been one of my biggest supporters, and I feel very lucky to be her grandson."
Greve's advice to underclassmen is to never underestimate the power of hard work and kindness.
"Although these are two ideas that seem fairly simple, they will collectively take you farther than any given talent or ability is capable of doing," he said. "However much you choose to apply these principles in your life will ultimately determine what you get out of it. It isn't an easy concept to grasp, especially as the outcomes we want are rarely instantaneous. Yet, this is the reason why we should never lose faith in the process."
Name: Brooke Nicks
School: Harris-Lake Park
GPA: 3.968
Parents: Randy and Toni Nicks
Siblings: Dalton, Caleb and Gabe
Favorite quote: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
Nicks plans to study exercise science at Northwestern College in Orange City as a prerequisite for physical therapy.
During high school, Nicks was involved in softball, dance team, volleyball and basketball. She also has participated in Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society and student council. Outside of school, Nicks danced at two studios, where she also did student teaching. She has been on H-LP's A honor roll each of her four high school years, received the War-Eagle All-Academic and Danforth Leadership awards, earned Volleyball All-Academic honors as well as All-Conference honors.
Multiple people inspired Nicks, but one who stuck out to her was her fourth-grade teacher Mrs. Jones.
"She always inspired me by how she treated others and how kind she is," Nicks said. "She goes above and beyond for everyone around her, even when she does not need to. I always hoped that when I grew up, I would be just like Mrs. Jones."
Nicks' advice to underclassmen is to live in the moment.
"Enjoy every moment, take advantage of opportunities, get involved in activities and have fun with your friends," she said.
THE HONOREES
2014
Graettinger-Terril – Alexandra Oleson and Grace Skattebo
Harris-Lake Park – Megan Garms and Sarah Kruger
Okoboji – Ben Meyer and Clare Eckard
Spirit Lake – Jennifer Poncelet and Logan Sorensen
2015
Graettinger-Terril – Brittany Larson and Ethan Eldridge
Harris-Lake Park – Mikaela Heikens and Skylar Cudmore
Okoboji – Thomas Mayer and Abigail Meyer
Spirit Lake – Jenna McCoy and Josie Hoien
2016
Graettinger-Terril – Sara Harris and Cassy Olesen
Harris-Lake Park – Jacie Rueter and Grace Heikens
Okoboji – Peter Eckard and Shaelyn Adams
Spirit Lake – Ben Wetzeler and Meghan Wickham
2017
Graettinger-Terril – Ty Kral and Emma Feldhacker
Harris-Lake Park – Zachary Garms and James Harmon
Okoboji – Juan Rubiano and Lindsey Wittrock
Spirit Lake – Hannah DeWild and Noelle Yost
2018
Graettinger-Terril – Madison Norris and Anna Sorenson
Harris-Lake Park – Trevor Gunderson and Brandon Rowe
Okoboji – Laura Nielsen and Taylor Hoffman
Spirit Lake – Katie Tryon and Madison Kueper
2019
Graettinger-Terril – Kailee Hauge and Morgan Hellyer
Harris-Lake Park – Cheyenne Nelson and Taylor Meyer
Okoboji – Bradenn Droegmiller and Jadyn Baumann
Spirit Lake – Mikia Kriener and NancyLynn Maris
2020
Graettinger-Terril – Kadin Norris and Madison Hough
Harris-Lake Park – Abdulla Elbuytari and McKenzie Heikens
Okoboji – John Alexander and Martha Stein
Spirit Lake – Grace Birkland and Emma Loveall
2021
Harris-Lake Park — Lucas Gunderson and Zoe Melby
Okoboji — William Alexander and Maria Sorenson
Spirit Lake — Brianna Dreeszen and Mason Weeks
2022
Harris-Lake Park — Natasha Bremer and Ava Rasche
Okoboji — Lexi Duffy and Haley Harms
Spirit Lake — Irish Knutson and Brooke Smith
2023
Harris-Lake Park — Tyce Gunderson and August Jones
Okoboji — Ellie Albertoni and Connor Cunningham
Spirit Lake — Caleb Frostestad and Carter Toews
2024
Harris-Lake Park — Landon Greve and Brooke Nicks
Okoboji — Roy Blankers and Emily Quanbeck
Spirit Lake — Ella Turner and Isabelle Wycoff