Gavin Almlie. Photos: Chris Emeott
These area students are pursuing their passions and leading their peers.
Each year, St. Croix Valley Magazine asks administrators and staff at local high schools to nominate students who are making an impact. These students stand out for academics, athletics and school involvement; they’re also great people and leaders who come from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. From a pool of fantastic area students, our editorial team has the honor and challenge of selecting a few to feature within these pages. Without further ado, meet some standout seniors from the class of 2024:
Gavin Almlie
Osceola High School
“Gavin is a born leader … Gavin was among the first group of students to get trained in teen Mental Health First Aid this year and become a member of the Bandana Project at Osceola High School [OHS]. The training gives students the tools to help their peers find appropriate help and resources when they are struggling with their mental health … Gavin jumped at the opportunity to help others and pave the way for the project to move forward in the future … Gavin is constantly going out of his way to find ways to lead. He is willing to stay after school, come early, whatever it takes to get the work done. We often joke that Gavin is just a part of the staff. He is always looking out for the underdog and fighting for justice and equity for everyone.” —OHS staff (AnnMarie Campeau, Beth Friedrichsen, Claire Patterson and Amanda Wicklund)
Gavin in his own words:
What is one experience that has shaped who you are today?
The most impactful [experience] would be a trip that my family and I took to Thailand while in my eighth grade year. During this trip, we stayed in bamboo huts along the rice fields in the mountain region where the local Karen tribes call home. On Christmas morning, we donated materials, such as walking canes and warm jackets for the farmers and their families; in return, they blessed us with a ceremony and tied a string to our wrists symbolizing their thankfulness and blessings upon us. Having this opportunity opened my eyes to the possibilities of how I could impact my own community and build upon my knowledge and experiences through my high school education.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the St. Croix Valley?
I love to stay active in my community by doing anything and everything I can … though my favorite thing to do around my hometown is to volunteer at the Acreage in Osceola, [Wisconsin]. This may sound cheesy, but truly, for me, it is a paradise there. I have learned so much through volunteering and have gained experience and awareness that not many people get a chance to be a part of.
Describe your high school experience in three words.
Challenging. Transformative. Empowering.
What’s next after high school?
As far as college is concerned, I have big goals of going to a well-accredited school. New York University, Harvard University or the University of Wisconsin: Madison are some of the schools that I am considering. My interests of study would be mathematics, business and law … I would also love the chance to play on the college tennis team … I’ve also had this big dream of moving to a big city, like New York City, to start acting, songwriting and singing. I guess there’s no way of knowing right now where I’ll be five years from now or even one, but for now my plan is to enjoy my life as much as possible. As long as I am happy, then I will have been successful.
More to know about Gavin
- Selected to represent his class at Wisconsin Leadership Seminars
- Sings the national anthem at many home sporting events
- Qualified for state forensics competition
- Active in OHS cross country and tennis teams
- Member of Drama Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Global Scholars, Math Team, OHS Link Crew, National Honor Society, OHS Mock Trial team, OHS Student Council and Wisconsin State High School Honors Choir
- Participated in Jazz Band
- Nominated to attend Badger Boys State, an eight-day experience to learn more about government and leadership
- Volunteer with Kinship of Polk County
Annaliese North
Stillwater Area High School
“Annaliese is helping Stillwater Area High School [SAHS] to be a great place for all students. She did an amazing job this past winter volunteering as a coach for our adaptive soccer team. Annaliese was the epitome of encouragement and engagement, and it was obvious how much her peers looked up to her. Annaliese has found a calling through this vehicle as she aspires to be a special education teacher, and I believe this desire is well-founded. Annaliese is gifted when it comes to making an impact on other students and her genuine desire to see students of all abilities excel is a model for all of us.” —Robert Bach, SAHS principal
Annaliese in her own words:
What is one experience that has shaped who you are today?
I would definitely say volunteering for adaptive sports this year has made such a positive impact on me. Since then I’ve now figured out what I want to do after high school and college, which is special education teaching. Helping these teams has introduced me to so many amazing people and taught me so much!
What’s your favorite thing to do in the St. Croix Valley?
Summer Tuesdays in downtown Stillwater. It’s fun with the live music, vendors and hanging out with friends.
Describe your high school experience in three words.
Many exciting opportunities.
What’s next after high school?
My goal after high school is going to college for a special education teaching major. I’m hoping to become a special [education] teacher for elementary students. As well as becoming a teacher, I still want to continue to show dogs and work for the professional handler that I work for now who has taught me a lot; I can’t wait to continue to learn more.
More to know about Annaliese
- Member of the SAHS Trust Club, organizing inclusion activities for students
- SAHS student of the month, November 2022
- Serves as a volunteer student coach for several SAHS adaptive sports
- Travels around the country showing dogs through the American Kennel Club and qualified for the Westminster Kennel Club show in May 2023
Ivy Lothenbach
St. Croix Preparatory Academy
“Ivy is one of the top basketball players we have had attend St. Croix Preparatory Academy [SCPA]. She is a quiet leader in our school and a kind and funny member of our community. She works hard in the classroom and brings that dedication and hard work to the court. She shows up for her teammates.” —Andrew Sachariason, SCPA Upper School principal
Ivy in her own words:
What is one experience that has shaped who you are today?
One experience that has shaped who I am today is when my parents separated. Their separation created a new environment and gave me a new role to fill in my family. With my mom being a single mom, I stepped up to try and help her as best as I could. This included making dinner some nights and helping out more with my sisters. In doing so, I feel I matured a lot, and it pushed me to try hard in everything I did. Along with that, just watching my mom stay strong and keep pushing through the obstacles she faced made me realize I wanted to be like her. The whole experience allowed me to become independent, determined and overall the person that I am today.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the St. Croix Valley?
My favorite thing to do in my hometown is to go bowling at Stillwater Bowl, and in the summer I love boating or going to the beaches on the St. Croix River. I enjoy both of these because it is time I spend creating memories and having fun with my friends and family.
Describe your high school experience in three words.
Rewarding. Dynamic. Exciting.
What’s next after high school?
After high school, I plan to go to college and pursue a degree in nursing. If the opportunity arises, I would also love to continue playing basketball throughout college.
More to know about Ivy
- A Honor Roll since ninth grade
- Contender for top 3-point scorer in the state in 2022–2023 season
- Holds all-time single game scoring record at SCPA (46 points)
- Holds all-time single game 3-points scored (nine 3-pointers)
- Second in SCPA girl’s basketball history to reach 1,000 points
Mohammad Rmeiti
Stillwater Area High School
“Mohammad is a student of American-Lebanese origin. His backstory is incredible, especially when you take into account his academics, grades, kindness, respect and resiliency. He loves school and learning. Mohammad is an artist and is navigating the cultural changes of Stillwater after living in and attending school in Lebanon for years. He treats others well, works hard and is a quiet leader. His teachers report such positive things about him. He asks great questions, has a beautiful mind and always follows up and through on things. His is a wonderful story to highlight in terms of obstacles overcome and positivity.”—Robert Bach, SAHS principal
Mohammad in his own words:
What is one experience that has shaped who you are today?
There are lots of experiences that shaped my personality, mainly depending on myself for everything in life. I had always been independent and responsible for decisions and actions that I must take, and that is because my experience in life taught me that nobody is going to care for me more than myself, which made me eager to accomplish even more as I promised myself that I am responsible for it.
What’s your favorite thing to do in the St. Croix Valley?
I had always been a nature-loving person and have a passion in exploring the outer world. St. Croix Valley is an amazing spot for people who love nature and water like I do. I like visiting Taylors Falls and going [on the] scenic boat tours where I feel that the nature is alive in me.
Describe your high school experience in three words.
Growth. Independence. Positive mindset.
What’s next after high school?
After high school, I will invest my energy, leadership experience and knowledge into seeking change in my community. I will volunteer more in local areas, apply for college and continue working part time at my current workplace. Thus, all [the] things I acquired in high school would be a key for me towards success.
