Winona Area Public Schools
The teaching profession appears to be in pretty good hands.
In a special ceremony Wednesday afternoon, the Winona Education Association celebrated seven future teachers in the Class of 2024 with its annual Aspiring Educators Signing Day.
The seven students planning to pursue a career in education include:
- Nyle Abdel-Magid, Mathematics Education, University of St. Thomas
- Trinity Bolssen, Early Childhood Education, Minnesota State College Southeast
- Ike Erdmanczyk, Physical Education, Special Education, Minnesota State College Southeast and Winona State University
- Avrielle Menton, Elementary Education, Winona State University
- Nick Schultz, Education, Winona State University
- Hazen Stangl, Music Education, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- Riley Wilken, Elementary Education, Minnesota State College Southeast and Winona State University
The ceremony was hosted by WEA Co-President Dheadra Wang. Scott Halverson, the 2023-24 WEA Teacher of the Year, delivered an inspirational message, passing along the wisdom of another “graduating senior,” counselor Karen Whitney-Thrune, who is retiring after serving the district for 43 years.
“Karen’s No.1 hope for each and every high school graduate is that they would choose a career where they would never have to work a day in their life,” Halverson said. “We only have so much time on this planet, and we need to spend it on experiences that fill our cup with joy. Congratulations, graduates, on choosing a career that will make a difference in your community, and has the potential to fill your life with joy.”
Abdel-Magid said his parents were his motivation for entering the field of education, and said his dad was a big “math guy.” His favorite teacher is Seth Haun.
Bolssen’s work at head Start Preschool motivated her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her favorite teacher is Theresa Pearson.
Erdmanczyk’s aunt and uncle, both involved in education, inspired him to pursue a career as a teacher. He gravitated toward physical education because he likes sports and having fun with students. His favorite teacher is Seth Haun.
Menton comes from a family of educators, including her mother, Sundra Menton, who just happens to be her favorite. Her favorite class is English.
Schulz said his parents are the reason for entering the field of education. He likes to talk, and he thinks that will serve him well in front of students. His favorite teacher is Steven Gilbertson.
Stangl said band directors Myron Haug, Tim Gleason and Russell Diggins instilled a passion for music and showed him that being a high school band director can be a fun career.
Wilken spent some time in her mother’s classroom at Bluffview Montessori School as part of the Service Learning Class at the high school. That experience inspired her to pursue a career in education, as was the influence of her grandmother — also a teacher. Her favorite teachers include Tanya Corcoran, Dwayne Voegeli and Katie Pearce.
Graduation is set for Friday, June 7.