For the seniors graduating in May, that means that the hard work they put into extracurricular activities and academics paid off. With this in mind, there are a few seniors who have stood out in their majors and to their friends as well.
One of these accomplished seniors is Steven Van Meeteren. He is triple majoring in mathematics, chemistry and bio-health professions. He participates on the cross country and track team, represents Colenbrander Hall on student government and is also an English language tutor for the PIECE program.
“I am going to miss the close-knit community at NW” Van Meeteren said. “I am grateful for the relationships I got to build in the dorm, in the classroom and at practice.”
After Steven graduates, he will be attending medical school at Kansas City University.
Azariah Schaefer met Van Meeteren his freshman year.
“I admire that Steven is very disciplined and hardworking. He works hard to be the best person he can be.” Schaefer said. “Steven is a load of fun when he gets away from his busy schedule, so I hope that he may find time to relax and unwind after all the hard work he has accomplished so far.”
Another senior to recognize is Hailey Louw, a statistics major with minors in economics and computer programming. She is involved with the track team, investment club, the honors program, writes for “The Beacon” and is an intern for the Intercultural department.
“I’ve learned a lot about how I can better help people with what I’ve learned. I’ve really started to see how our education can be used to pursue God’s redeeming work in the world.” Louw said.
Louw will be pursuing her master’s degree in statistics at the University of Wisconsin – Madison in the fall.
Misael Bruzzone met Louw in freshmen year seminar. Bruzzone admires Louw’s passion for working with data and helping people.
“I hope to see Hailey do both of those things by achieving the goals and dreams that she sets for her future,” Bruzzone said. “Hailey is incredibly smart and committed. She is always trying to learn as much as she can about the things that interest her.”
Paige Ginger is an elementary education major with endorsements in reading, K-12 special education and will be receiving her coaching authorization through the AEA. She participates in discipleship groups, International club events, tutoring, writes for “The Beacon” and is a representative for Fern in student government.
“I know that the things that I have experienced in the classroom will help me out in my career, but the things I have experienced outside of the classroom has also made an impact,” Ginger said. “The experiences and memories that I have been able to be a part of and create is such an amazing blessing in my life.”
Ginger will be teaching at Sioux Central High School in a special education classroom in Sioux Rapids, Iowa.
Grace Braun has known Ginger since they were both discipleship group leaders and have been friends since.
“I admire Paige’s creativity and her genuine kindness towards everyone she meets,” Braun said. “Paige was always working towards her future career as a teacher and sharing her excitement and future goals with those around her.”
Another standout senior is Rachel Smart. She is triple majoring in theatre, English teaching and secondary education. Smart focused a lot of her college career in the theatre department, serving in seven stage productions and design or production role for six of those productions. She has also written for “The Beacon” and is a tutor.
“My education at NW has helped me to become so much more open to the world around me, has equipped me to go out into the world with purpose and has also simply brought me so much joy and wonder,” Smart said.
Karisa Meier met Smart her freshman year and have been great friends since.
“I truly admire Rachel’s work ethic and unending kindness,” Meier said. “She is passionate about what she believes in and always wants to expand her knowledge to develop her opinions.”
While these are just a few of NW’s standout seniors, many more exist both in and out of the classroom.
