Risovi named Teacher of the Year

Not a single person in the NR-S Gym was seated on Friday night, as 32-year educator Jamie Risovi received the Bank Forward Teacher of the Year award. When Josh Guler, New Rockford Market President at Bank Forward, announced that the veteran elementary teacher was selected for the award by his peers, everyone rose to their feet in honor of a great leader in the school district.

"I've always appreciated teachers, but after the COVID lockdown and homeschooling our kids, it's more apparent how important every one is to the development of our children," Guler said.

One of Risovi's students himself, Guler was brief when outlining his accomplishments. He simply said "he's been teaching for a long time." Risovi has not only led classrooms of students to success in their elementary studies for 32 years, but also was instrumental in starting the baseball and archery programs at the school. In five years, the Rocket archery program has grown to become the largest in the state, with 83 archers competing during the 2021 season.

"I don't know what to say. I'm very humbled by this," Risovi said after a long standing ovation and a great deal of applause. "I've been going to this school my whole life, and I've taught with a lot of great, great teachers."

Risovi announced earlier this spring that he will retire from teaching at the end of the school year. It was advice he got from former educator and co-worker, Warren Duvall, that told him the time was right. Duvall said, "It's ok to teach one generation, and it's ok to teach the second generation, but by the time the third generation comes, pass it off to someone else." Risovi took that advice to heart as he has taught two generations of students. Some of the students he taught during his first years at NR-S now have children of their own, graduating from high school, after also being instructed by Risovi.

Students will still have the opportunity to receive instruction from Risovi even after he retires, as he has committed to coaching the Rocket archery team next season, alongside Mike Schaefer and Lucas Weisenburger.

The Teacher of the Year award was the grand finale of the annual Awards Ceremony, held Friday, May 15 in the NR-S Gym. Students in grades 7-12 were recognized for excellence in athletics, academics and involvement in special organizations and clubs. Seniors were the stars of the show, however, receiving numerous awards and scholarships to cap off their high school careers.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Advisor Pat Rinde highlighted her student's successes at the N.D. State Leadership Conference. Junior Connor Cronin had several top 10 finishes, including a fourth place award in business law, which qualified him to attend the national conference this summer. He also finished sixth in both advertising and economics, as well as, ninth in intro to business communications. Cronin was also recognized as the Chapter Who's Who. Alexa Anderson placed 11th in introduction to information technology, while Taylor Anderson placed 13th in business law.

Mindy Meier, leader of Sources of Strength, reported that her group had met nearly every week this past year. They talked about mental health and how to get through tough times. They served pie to everyone on Pi Day in memory of NR-S math teacher Mark Johnson, who died by suicide last August. Her senior member, Cassie Longnecker, received a special gift.

Esports coach Erin Radke recognized the top players in her program during its inaugural season. Senior Stephen Merrick was named Assist Leader in esports play. Classmate Alex Harrison was named Offensive MVP, as well as Season MVP. The most improved player was Jacob Louters, while the Defensive MVP award went to Wyatt Dockter.

Senior Chloe Heinz was recognized as the MVP of the Cross Country team. She also earned East All-Region Team honors. Three students received letters in Cross Country, including Heinz, Katie Allmaras and Ava Peterson.

Head Coach Elliott Belquist handed out special awards for football. In his address, he recognized both players and parents for their resiliency amid COVID-19. "It's a hard place to be, but you made the most of it," Belquist said, recalling the day the team learned they would be sitting out two games due to close contact. The team played five of the eight scheduled games last season. Hunter Johnson received the Hardest Hitter and Most Valuable Defensive Player awards. Kaden Jensen was named the Most Improved, while Nick Berglund was declared the Hardest Worker. Freshman of the Year honors went to DJ Mudgett. Top Offensive Player was Johnny Grann.

In his first season back at the helm of the girls basketball program, Belquist recognized the 14 players and also gave out special awards. Defensive MVP was Cassie Longnecker, Offensive MVP was Dani Bjerke, Most Improved was Mya Cudworth, Rising Rocket was Kelsie Belquist, and Hustle and Heart was Chloe Heinz.

Boys basketball head coach Tyler Cook announced the player-voted awards for his program: Offensive MVP was Evan Ulrich, Defensive MVP was Johnny Grann, Hardest Worker was Nick Berglund, Rocket Award (Best Teammate) was Hunter Johnson. Cook commented about how he watched the players step into new roles, noting how exciting it was to see the team come together.

Archery Coach Jamie Risovi recognized senior Koven Walford, who in his five years on the team has shot in three national tournaments, won $4,000 in scholarships, and won countless tournaments. He received a scholarship to compete in shooting sports at University of Jamestown next fall. Walford is an "awesome role model to all of our archers," Risovi said.

Music director Annette Hovey recognized the five seniors receiving Music Booster scholarships this year: Kenna Munson, Chloe Heinz, Dani Bjerke, Kayden Wiedrich and Justyne Klocke. Wiedrich earned the prestigious National Choral Award, while Klocke was honored with Hovey's special award, Voz de la Música (Voice of Music).

Cassie Longnecker was named to the honorable mention Academic All-State team. This overall achievement and ACT score award is sponsored by the Association of Secondary School Principals. Longnecker also received the Constitution Award from the State Bar Association of North Dakota, for her understanding of the functioning of the U.S. Constitution and our democratic republic form of government.

Johnny Grann and Koven Walford were the senior recipients of the President's Award for Educational Excellence, given by President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona. Walford also received the Patricia Wagner Memorial Scholarship, given in memory of the former elementary teacher who died in 2016.

Nine senior athletes were recognized by Athletic Director Elliott Belquist: Chloe Guthmiller, Chloe Heinz, Dani Bjerke, Kayahna Hopfauf, Cassie Longnecker, Johnny Grann, Koven Walford, Hunter Johnson and Evan Ulrich. In order to earn the Senior Athlete Award, a student must letter in two sports as a senior, and must earn at least eight letters in high school competition throughout their career. Female Athlete of the Year went to Chloe Heinz, and Johnny Grann received Male Athlete of the Year. When this year's class goes to college next fall, there will be a total of 12 NR-S alums actively playing collegiate sports: seven football players, and one each in college shooting sports, golf, baseball, volleyball and basketball.

Dollars for Scholars board members Rachel Holzwarth and Tubby Bymoen handed out $19,800 in scholarships to seniors. The complete list of scholarships, award amounts and recipients is at left.