Okoboji 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: Emily Quanbeck
School: Okoboji High School
GPA: 4.0
Parents: Rodney and Crystal Quanbeck
Sibling: Anna
Favorite Quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston S. Churchill
After high school, Quanbeck will be attending Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota. While there, she will be studying exercise science and, after receiving her bachelor's degree, she plans to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy.
Quanbeck has been involved in a myriad of activities and groups at the high school, including multiple swim teams, tennis, National Honor Society, speech, mock trial, student council, several bands and choirs, thespian society, art society, Kiwanis Key Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has also served as a Sunday School teacher, Lakes Regional Healthcare emergency room junior volunteer, Special Olympics volunteer and swim coach as well as participating in a mission trip to Mexico City. She plans on becoming a part of the Mustang swim team once she arrives at SMSU in the fall.
In addition to her participation in many activities, Quanbeck has received several honors during high school including the Governor's Scholar Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award, National Honor Society inductee/officer and Des Moines Register Academic All-State. She is also a four-time winner of a varsity swim team letter, a four-time state qualifier and a four-time awardee of the Swim Team Hard Worker Award.
"The person who inspired me the most has been one of my past teachers, Linda Seeger," Quanbeck said. "In Mrs. Seeger's classes, there was never a dull moment. While teaching us math, she also taught us life lessons and inspired us to go live our best lives with no boundaries or cares of what others think."
Quanbeck also gave some straightforward advice to underclassmen.
"Get to know your teachers," she said. "You spend the most time with your teachers, so it is important to know them on a personal level as well. Knowing them also makes your classes a little more bearable."
Name: Roy Blankers
School: Okoboji High School
GPA: 4.0
Parents: Tim and Beth Blankers
Sibling: Walt
Favorite Quote: “The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” - Plato
Next year, Blankers will be attending the University of Iowa, studying biomedical sciences on a pre-med track.
He was involved in high school baseball, basketball, student council and the National Honor Society. During his time at Okoboji High School, he has received several recognitions, such as the Iowa Lakes Community College President's List, Iowa Baseball All Underclassmen List, Northwest Iowa Review Athlete of the Week nominee, IHSBCA All District Team and Siouxland Conference All-Conference Baseball Team.
As far as inspiration goes, Blankers said his parents have always been the biggest influence on his future.
"They have both always worked hard throughout their lives," he said. "My mom has always helped me with my schooling and set a strong example of work ethic. I want to work a job similar to my father, so he has always been there to answer my questions and help as he lived it himself."
Before he heads off to pre-med, Blankers has some of advice for underclassmen.
"Always look ahead and plan for the future, but don't overthink and stress it," he 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