Dodgeland names top students

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:37 PM CDT

JUNEAU - Top academic honors for the Dodgeland High School Class of 2008 have been announced.

The valedictorian for the class of 2008 is Sarah Leissring, daughter of Richard and Carol Leissring of Juneau. She earned a 4.56 cumulative grade point average while enrolled in a rigorous college preparatory curriculum.

Throughout her high school career, Leissring participated in a variety of extra curricular activities. She played in the Dodgeland High School band nine-12, competed in forensics nine-12, was a participant in the gifted and talented program nine-12, a member of the German Club 10-12, a Purple Pride mentor 11 and 12, participated in mock trial nine-12, was in the music departments musical productions 11 and 12, participated in solo/ensemble nine-12, played volleyball nine-12, was a tutor nine and 10, was a member of the academic bowl nine and 10, a student council member 10-12 and on the character council 12.

Leissring was also active outside of school, singing in St. John's choir, assisting with St. John's vacation Bible school, assistant with St. John's girls basketball nine and 10, assisted with the National Honor Society blood drives, served as a St. John's forensics judge, was a WILS Mustard Week eradication participant, assisted with Commit To Be Fit, and helped wrap gifts at Clearview.

Leissring has earned numerous awards and distinctions including: high honor roll nine-12, Brewer's Student Achiever Award nine-12, Lions Academic Excellence nine-12, outstanding freshman and sophomore high school band, honors band 10 and 12, junior honor guard, state solo/ensemble, state forensic, All Conference Academic Award, best defensive volleyball player, and all conference forensics 11.

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Leissring assumed the following leadership roles: a drum major in the Dodgeland High School band, class secretary, National Honor Society president, served as a committee chairwoman for National Honor Society, was first chair clarinet and a Purple Pride Leader.

In addition, Leissring has been employed part-time at Old Hickory Golf Club since 2006.

Leissring will be attending Northern Michigan University next fall majoring in sports science/pre-physical therapy with a full scholarship.

Veronique Cole, daughter of Merrill Cole and Daina Burcham-Cole of rural Juneau, is the 2008 salutatorian.

Cole has taken a challenging college prep curriculum while maintaining a 3.912 cumulative grade point average. She has participated in basketball nine-12, softball nine-12, math team nine-12, Purple Pride 11 and 12 and Peer Drama 12.

Cole volunteers at People Against a Violent Environment and is currently working at McDonalds. She is planning to attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in fall.