Two young men are valedictorian, salutatorian for PdC

The valedictorian and salutatorian for Prairie du Chien’s Class of 2018 are Evan Boisvert and Jacob Mallat, respectively. 

Evan is the son of Walter and Mary Boisvert, of Prairie du Chien. He plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison for biomedical engineering. 

Throughout high school, Evan has participated in National Honor Society, Key Club, Skills USA, Political Science Club and the graduation committee, some for all four years. He’s been a member of the golf team all four years, and was even awarded most improved player his junior year. He’s played basketball for three year as well.

Evan is proud to have made high honors every term, every year of his high school career. “I maintained an unweighted 4.0 grade point average throughout my four years,” he said. He has also received sports, academic and music letters and pins.

Because of his success on AP tests he’s taken for college credit, Evan is an AP scholar with distinction. 

In the community, Evan has volunteered for dozens of different services through clubs, sports, the J-Walkers youth organization or by his own means. Mainly, he’s worked various sports concession stands and tournaments, school blood drives, church dinners for St. John’s and St. Gabriel’s and other church activities.

When asked to summarize the strengths he’s developed in high school, Evan said he’s a hard worker, motivated and a perfectionist. He’s excelled in all school subjects with a particular strength in math and art. 

“Over the last four years, the biggest thing I’ve had to overcome is time management with my course load, sports and lack of adequate study halls,” he noted.

Reflecting on his time at Prairie du Chien High School, he feels Mr. Hutter has had the greatest impact on him. “He was the one who helped me decide on pursuing engineering,” Evan stated. “His class, AP environmental science, gave me an entirely different outlook on the environment and made me care even more on protecting nature.”

He shared that his AP psychology teacher, Mr. Grinde, has been an inspiration to him because of his “admirable character, care for his students and being a quality family man. He deserves and has earned the utmost respect.”

Another great man, in Evan’s eyes, is Jan Waller, who he’s been acquainted with as his basketball coach. “His dedication to the kids and program while holding an important job is amazing. His character is impeccable, and he is genuinely a good person with high morals, great integrity and respect for others,” Evan explained.

If he could change anything, he wishes he would have focused on training for golf in the off-season much more, so he’d have finished more satisfied with his performance. 

After graduating, Evan is excited for classes at UW-Madison and about experiencing all the culture and opportunities to make friends. Yet, he will miss seeing his friends every day and the camaraderie in each class, as well as “the daily roasts that my friends help create.”

Speaking to underclassmen, Evan left this advice: “Take many AP classes and treat the final exam seriously, since it’s free money for college.”

Jacob is the son of Kevin Mallat and Bobbie Jo Kramer. He lives in Eastman. He intends to take courses in environmental engineering at UW-Platteville this fall.

Jacob has been highly involved throughout high school in clubs, sports and other extra-curriculars. He was inducted into the National Honor Society and has been part of the graduation committee. He participated in football all four years, basketball for three and baseball for two. He was a top junior, letter winner and captain in the football program. He achieved an academic letter and pin. 

He has had plenty to keep him busy in the community as well. Jacob has volunteered at a cancer benefit, played bingo at Prairie Maison, worked multiple blood drives and, for the past three summers, worked for Prairie Roofing with Cory and Clay Koenig.

Considering his personal accomplishments, Jacob is gratified to have gained a solid work ethic and a “no quit” attitude. He believes such characteristics will carry him through the toughest of times in his future. The biggest obstacle he’s overcome the past four years has been two concussions he suffered in football, causing him to miss most of his junior and senior seasons. 

In the halls of Prairie du Chien High School, Jacob is most appreciative of Ms. White’s impact on him. “She is someone who has always helped me with anything I have ever needed, and especially over the course of my senior year she has helped me deal with anything and everything related to college from applying for it to filling out scholarships,” he said. “I have spent more time in her classroom getting help over the past four years than any other person, and without her help I would not be in the same position to succeed as I am today.

Jacob added that he’s been most inspired by Coach Thiry and Coach Amundson. Both have been able to make hard work and winning fun, while also sharing their desires to see kids prosper off the field. These are two men he said he looks up to greatly for their devotion to the district and the students who are willing to work hard to achieve success.

Looking back on his high school career, Jacob wishes he hadn’t been so hard on himself. “I was always my biggest critic and it often hindered my ability in athletics. Later in high school, I learned the real reason I participated in athletics was because I truly enjoyed them, and that was something I tried to pass on to others,” the senior said.

Those times in athletics are memories he’ll miss the most though. “I’ve poured my heart and soul into them. Sports have taught me so much and I hope to never forget the lessons I’ve learned from them,” he stated.

Similarly, Jacob’s advice to underclassmen is to “Be passionate about everything you do in life, and always work hard. Success is not given; it is earned, so be the best you can be each and every day.”

Upon graduating, Jacob is excited to see what life has in store for him. He hopes college is just as enjoyable as high school and he’s ready to meet new people and create new friendships.