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Bachman, Koehn are MFL MarMac’s top scholars

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MFL MarMac Valedictorian Kaylee Bachman and Salutatorian Rose Koehn

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

 

Kaylee Bachman has been named the valedictorian and Rose Koehn the salutatorian of the MFL MarMac High School Class of 2022.

 

Kaylee, who is the daughter of Chet and Rachel Bachman, said earning the title has been a goal throughout high school. 

 

“It’s rewarding to know the hard work paid off—like the times I didn’t go to games because I had to do a homework assignment or study for a test,” she shared. “But at the same time, I know there’s a lot more to be done than just what we’ve done in high school.”

 

Rose is the daughter of Reid and Katie Koehn. Although she’s maintained good grades the past four years, being named salutatorian was a surprise. It’s meaningful because she’s challenged herself academically.

 

“Knowing I took harder classes and was still able to accomplish this was exciting,” she said.

 

The honor is even more special because the students have been involved in multiple activities. Kaylee is an accomplished gymnast, focusing on the sport year-round, and has participated on the dance team, National Honor Society, SODA (Students Opposed to Drugs and Alcohol) and choir. Rose was a member of the volleyball team, served as a wrestling manager and has maintained a job during high school.

 

“Balancing all your activities can be a little difficult, but it’s possible,” Rose said.

 

Academically, Kaylee cited math as one of her favorite subjects, but she’s grown to like chemistry and physics too. Her younger self would be surprised at that.

 

“I always disliked science in middle school, but sophomore year of high school, I realized how much I loved chemistry. I was surprised how much I started to like science and working in labs. That’s why I went into physics this year,” she explained. “Because of that, now I’m going for a future job that involves a lot of chemistry and math too.”

 

Rose prefers English classes, but has warmed to math because of the challenge it poses.

 

“It’s fun to figure out the problems,” she said, noting it’s the same for college course offerings. “It’s been good to take classes at a higher level because it’s a challenge.”

 

Diane Rothmeyer is Kaylee’s favorite teacher. 

 

“I not only like her as a teacher and how much she pushes us, but I like her as a person. She sets a really good example for they type of person we want to be,” Kaylee said.

 

Rothmeyer is one of Rose’s favorite teachers as well.

 

“I like how it’s really easy to talk to her,” she said. “I also like Mr. Simon. His classes are really fun.”

 

Both Kaylee and Rose have valued the opportunity to take college credit and concurrent courses at MFL MarMac, both in online and in-person settings. Not only have classes saved them money and lessened the course load and length of time when they attend college, but it’s encouraged independence and time management.

 

“Online courses have prepared me because you’re independent, you have to ask questions and be the one to email your professor. You have to take charge,” Kaylee stated. “As juniors and seniors, we’ve learned to take an initiative for ourselves.”

 

Overall, she feels MFL MarMac can meet many academic interests.

 

“Toward the end of your high school career, you really get a chance to choose which path you want to take. Keep challenging yourself because you never know when that path is going to change,” she said.

 

According to Rose, MFL MarMac has empowered her to seek guidance if she needs it.

 

“The school really stresses that it’s important to have teachers to go to and it’s good to ask questions. That’s important in preparing for the future, to know you can always ask for help,” she remarked.

 

As sophomores when COVID-19 hit, Kaylee and Rose acknowledged the pandemic greatly shaped their education and maturity throughout high school. They appreciated MFL MarMac’s work to offer in-person learning last year.

 

“That helped us stay in touch with everybody and not get behind in classes,” Rose said.

 

“The school saw everyone’s mental health and put that as a priority. Yes, there’s a pandemic going on, but people need to keep interacting,” Kaylee added. “I appreciate that our school did what they could to make things work.”

 

The two said some positives have come out of the pandemic. One is Canvas, an online site that organizes classes and homework. 

 

Kaylee can’t imagine what life was like before Canvas. 

 

“It seemed more unorganized—you didn’t know what was coming next in the course and took it day by day. On Canvas, we can see what we can work on ahead of time, double check due dates. We’ve been able to take more initiative ourselves,” she said. 

 

“It’s forced students to be more responsible,” Rose noted.

 

COVID-19 helped Kaylee evaluate her physical activity, eating habits and course work.

 

“It was a huge thing in my maturity process. I’ve really grown to take things into my own hands,” she said. “When we were first taken out of school, I also realized how important it was to spend time with the people around you. Some people are so focused on school that they forget the connections around them.”

 

Looking back on her high school career, Rose hopes classmates and teachers will remember her as a kind person.

 

“I want to be remembered for being nice to people and always willing to help out. Someone a person can be friends with,” she said.

 

Kaylee referenced a quote: “People won’t always remember what you say. They’re not always going to remember what you do. But they’re always going to remember how you made them feel.” 

 

“I think that’s important for people to remember,” she reflected. “It’s never too late to focus on your character and who you are as a person because, ‘Yay, I’m valedictorian.’ But how many people are going to remember that? Not that many. As it is such an honor, it’s definitely more important who I am as a person. When people see me or hear my name, what kind of feeling do they get? I hope people remember me as a good person and a kind person. I’ve always tried to live a life of integrity.”

 

Kaylee’s plans in the fall are to attend the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. She plans to major in biology and minor in communications for a pre-dentistry track. Her goal is to be an orthodontist, capitalizing on her love of math and science.

 

While she’s loved the small-town upbringing, she’s excited to see what’s outside Clayton County.

 

“It’s important for people to expand their horizons. You never know how much the world has to offer,” Kaylee said.

 

Rose will head to the University of Northern Iowa, where she’ll major in business management and potentially minor in Spanish.

 

“There are a lot of jobs open with that degree, so I would have a lot of options. I didn’t want to narrow myself down quite yet,” she stated.

 

Both will look back fondly on the MFL MarMac Class of 2022.

 

“Everyone in our class is so involved. Hopefully we can show underclassmen that they should get involved and that you can do great things,” Rose said.

 

Kaylee is proud of her classmates’ diverse interests and talents.

 

“We’ve got artists, speech members, musicians, athletes. As far as I know, a lot of those programs have, within the last two to four years, done things the school has never done before,” she shared. “A lot of great things are happening at our school right now, and our class has been a huge part of it.”

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