Royalton High School is proud to announce that Kaylee Rudolph was selected as Student of the Month for February. Kaylee is the daughter of Philip and Michele and has a freshman brother named Zackary. When it comes to family Kaylee says they have been her biggest supporters, “My family has always been my biggest supporter. They encourage me to step out of my comfort zone and try my best even if I'm not confident in myself. If they didn't push me to try new things I don't think that I would be the person I am today. They also inspire me to see the good in people even if others don't. Growing up on a family farm taught me persistence, if something doesn't work the first time keep trying. My dad also instilled in me that the amount of effort you put in is what you get back, so work harder than everyone else. One of my favorite things to do with my family is traveling. Every summer we take a road trip to a new place. So far with my family, I have visited 12 states, and one day I hope to have visited all 50.”

Outside of school Kaylee volunteers at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Bowlus and has worked at the Little Falls Bakery and Deli. She also enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her friends and family.

At Royalton High School, Kaylee has been involved in a number of activities such as FFA, volleyball, Track and Cross-Country student manager, Jazz Band, Solo/Ensemble, Concert/Contest Band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and Minnesota Honor Society. In regards to all these activities her is what Kaylee had to say, “In the variety of clubs that I am a part of I have learned many beneficial life skills including leadership, communication, and time management skills. Band is something that I'm passionate about, and has taught me commitment and responsibility. I am 1st chair in my section and play flute, piccolo, and I am learning how to play the alto saxophone. By being involved in sports I was able to build better relationships with my fellow classmates and see how hard work really does pay off.”

When it comes to her classes Kaylee says her favorite class was Intro to Ag because of its hands on approach, “ One of my favorite parts of this class was we were able to design a fishing rod, build it, and take it home for a forever memory. I would encourage other students to take this class because it is a great class to try something new. Even if you are not extremely interested in ag classes I think that this one has something for everyone.”

As for a favorite teacher in high school, Kaylee says Mr. Skwira and Mr. Coppicus stand out, “Mr. Skirwa and Mr. Coppicus are two of my favorite teachers and have helped me become the leader I am today. Both of them helped me step out of my comfort zone, and are part of the reason I decided to further my education in both their areas, Agriculture and Music. Skwira and Coppicus always made class time important by making sure I really understood what they were teaching.”

Kaylee’s favorite memory in high school happened after track, as Kaylee put it “My favorite high school memory is after every track meet last year Erin, Zara, Grace, and I would go to Bills and get chocolate milk then meet back at the parking lot and talk. This memory stands out above all because last year was an exceptionally strange year and spending that time with my friends made me forget all that was going on in the world at the time.”

Next year Kaylee plans to attend Southwest Minnesota State University to major in Agriculture Education with a minor in Music and in ten years Kaylee hopes to be doing the following, “In 10 years I hope to have a job as an Agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at a high school somewhere in Minnesota as well as be settled down and have started a family.”

Kaylee’s  advice to high school freshmen is short but sweet “These four years fly by fast so join all the activities you want, go to sporting events, don't be afraid to ask questions, and stand up for yourself, because before you know it, it will be your senior year.”