MMCRU Spotlights: Senior Spotlights

C Starr Photography

By Christian Lowden

Ethan Johnson is a senior at MMCRU High School. He enjoys shooting hoops and dancing. Johnson has been involved in Special Olympics with sports including bowling, basketball, and track. He has also been involved in band and pep band. Johnson really enjoys his dog named Buddy. His plans after high school is to go to Life Skills Day Hab in LeMars.

By Tessa Weiler

Carver Miller is a senior at MMCRU High School. Miller has been involved in football, bowling, and track. His favorite memories from high school have included Friday night football games and seeing the school become one family. Outside of school, Miller enjoys hanging out with his friends and family. He also enjoys playing video games. Miller’s plan after high school is to attend Black Hills State University where he will major in Special Education with a minor in Coaching. He will also be playing football. Miller’s advice for underclassmen is to “Cherish every memory, it goes by so fast.”

By Carver Miller

Lucas Braun is a senior at MMCRU High School. His favorite class is college online, which is an open period. His favorite teacher is Mrs. Kelly Peters. Braun’s favorite high school memory has been Homecoming his Senior Year. Braun’s plans after high school is to attend Simpson College where he will earn a degree in Exercise Science. His dream is to become a Physical Therapist. Braun’s advice to underclassmen is to “Wait until the last minute, and it’ll only take a minute.”

By Grant Prescott

Sidney Krier is a senior at MMCRU High School. Her favorite class has been Comp with Mrs. Bottjen. Krier’s plan after high school is to attend South Dakota State University where she plans to receive her Associate’s Degree in Agriculture Science, and then attend Mortuary School. Her favorite memories include Homecoming her Senior year, Golf Season, and Prom. Her dream job is to farm, and become a funeral director.

Question of the Week

By Tessa Weiler

This week I asked students and teachers in the MMCRU High School, “Are you afraid of zombies?” Carter Astidias (Jr.) shared that he is not afraid of zombies. Xander Tentinger (Sr.) said, “Yes, but I have never seen one!” Mr. Youde claims that he is not afraid of zombies, and he is faster than all of them. Mick Schnepf (Fr.) said, “Yes, because they are scary!” Finally, Mr. Schuttler claims that he is terrified of zombies because they are not normal.

Retiring after 24 Years at MMCRU

By Christian Lowden

Sandy Lehner has been a paraeducator at MMCRU and RU for 24 years, and this year she is retiring. She enjoys being a paraeducator because she gets to work with different kids. In her spare time, Lehner enjoys crafting and spending time with her family. When she retires she is going to keep busy by helping her husband, Mike Lehner, with his side business. Her last day working for MMCRU is May 16, 2025. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to our school, and congratulations!

By Tessa Weiler

McCartney Pierce is a senior at MMCRU High School. His favorite high school memory is when he stopped wearing headphones. Pierce’s plan after high school is to begin working right away. His dream job is to become a comic book drawer. His favorite class is Shakespeare which leads to his favorite teacher being Mrs. Bottjen. Pierce stated that he likes Mrs. Bottjen because, “she makes class fun.” His favorite school lunch is Mr. Rib. His advice for underclassmen is to “keep your locker clean!”

By Brody Jackson and Noah Hart

Max Pepper is a senior at MMCRU High School. Pepper’s favorite class is Construction 3 with Mr. Long. He enjoys this class because the students get to go out and build projects together for the people of the community. Pepper’s favorite high school memory is buying a boat and jet ski with his friends so they can go boating during the summer. His plan after high school is to attend Des Moines Area Community College where he will study Diesel Technology. Pepper’s dream job is to become the President of the United States.

Senior Spotlight

By Patience Nissen-Teepe

Audrey Etter is a senior at MMCRU High School. She has been involved in Student Council, NHS, Cross Country, Basketball, and Track. Etter plans to attend William Penn University where she will major in Entrepreneurship, Small Business, and New Media. She will also compete in Track and Cross Country. Her most memorable moment in high school was Basketball her Freshman year. The advice that Etter wants to share with underclassmen is, “Be involved in anything that you can, and take all required classes as soon as you can.”

By Autumn Sanow

Allison Astidias is a senior at MMCRU High School. Astidias has been involved in Band, Jazz Band, Drum Line, Choir, G-Sharps, FCCLA, Wrestling Cheer, and Speech. Her favorite hobby is playing her flute every opportunity she can get. After high school, Astidias plans to attend Iowa State University.

Question of the Week: Have you ever slipped on a banana peel?

By Tessa Weiler

This week I had the pleasure of asking people if they have ever slipped on a banana peel? Noah Hart (Sr.) said, “No, I have never slipped on one.” Mr. Derrick Marra (Business Teacher) said, “Yes I have, it was very embarrassing!” Mr. Alex Wimmer (History Teacher) said, “No, I don’t think I have.” Ms. Brenda Bird (Spanish Teacher) thought that it was a good question, but said, “No, I have not.” Beckey Geerdes said, “I have not slipped on a banana peel, but my grandson has!” Finally Mr. Mark Schuttler (High School SPED) said, “Nope, never!”

By Brody Jackson

Kylie Harpenau is a senior at MMCRU High School. Her favorite class is World Wars which is taught by her favorite teacher, Mr. Wimmer. When asked what her favorite part about her senior year is, she replied “Having an open campus.” Harpenau’s plan is to attend Northwestern where she will major in nursing.

By Patience Nissen-Teepe

Ashley Hurtado is a senior at MMCRU High School. After high school Hurtado plans to attend a four-year university where she will major in nursing. Hurtado’s favorite memory from high school is when she made it to All-State Speech for Musical Theater. During her high school career, Hurtado was involved in Jazz Choir, Jazz Band, Drumline, Speech, FCCLA, Student Council, NHS, Wrestling Cheerleading, and Track. Hurtado’s advice for underclassmen is, “Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, don’t procrastinate, and get your work done.”

By MMCRU Communications

Izzy Richardson is a senior this year at MMCRU High School. Richardson’s favorite subject is History because she loves learning about the past, and Mr. Wimmer is her favorite teacher. Throughout her high school career she has been involved in Softball, Football Cheerleading, Competitive Cheerleading, Dance, Speech, NHS, and SkillsUSA. Richardson’s plan is to attend the University of Iowa where she plans to major in Psychology and pursue a career as a Therapist. When asked to share advice for underclassmen, she replied “Don’t take things for granted, and in order to change things you yourself have to change them, don’t let little things get to you.”

By Grant Prescott

Jace Colling is a senior this year at MMCRU High School. Colling’s favorite class throughout high school is CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) which is a collaboration between business, the community, and education. His favorite teacher is Mr. Long, the shop teacher at MMCRU. Colling is most excited about graduating, meeting new people, and living on his own. Colling’s plan is to attend Wayne State, where he will major in Business Administration, and play football. His dream job is coaching a high level college football team.