By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Staff Writer
Anna Jacobson graduates as the NRHEG Co-Salutatorian of 2021 with Grace Tufte.
Jacobson is the daughter of Erik and Heidi Jacobson, and sister of Tyler and Erin of New Richland.
Jacobson didn't expect to win Salutatorian. “I knew I had a great GPA,” she says, “however there are so many more students who also work very hard for their grades.”
At NRHEG, Jocobson's played volleyball and softball for four years and basketball for two years. She was also involved in both National Honor Society and choir for two years. Outside of school, Jacobson was involved in Luther League, Operation Christmas Child, and Adopt-A-Highway. On the job, she worked as a lifeguard, a nanny, and a certified nursing assistant.
“I feel honored and proud of my accomplishment after working hard over the last four years,” says Jacobson of earning Salutatorian.
Jacobson's parents are also very proud. “They said that hard work pays off,” says Jacobson.
Jacobson's advice to younger students is: “Being a 'try hard' in school is not a bad thing. Work hard and strive for success.” If she could give her former freshman self any advice she would say, “Live every moment to the fullest. Work hard in everything you do. You will make mistakes along the way; use those mistakes to your benefit and learn from them.”
Jacobson plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse to major in Exercise Science, preparatory for her future career in Physical Therapy.
“I will miss seeing my classmates every day,” says Jacobson. “We grew up together, and I have become friends with so many of them.” One of Jacobson's favorite school memories was the Costa Rica trip that she took during high school. “I made my closest friends on that trip,” she says. Another favorite memory was prom. She jokes, “We get to see our classmates 'worst' dance moves.”
Jacobson's favorite subjects in school were algebra, anatomy, and college literature. Her least favorite was any history class.
Jacobson's favorite teachers were Susan Schaub and Mike Weber. “[Schaub] constantly showed that she wanted us to succeed,” says Jacobson. “I always knew she would help me when needed. Her dedication to the class allowed me to love her classes most! Mr. Weber also allowed me to write more creatively yet scholarly. I also loved his sarcasm we got daily.”
Jacobson says she is looking forward to working at a job she loves, and doing her best to support her family. Jacobson says that in ten years, “I see myself having my doctorate in physical therapy, and hopefully getting a job at Mayo Clinic or another great facility.”
Tufte
Grace Tufte graduates as the NRHEG Co-Salutatorian of 2021 with Anna Jacobson.
Tufte is the daughter of Paul and Melissa Tufte, and the sister of Spencer and Charles of New Richland. The family also has a dog, Fozzy Bear.
Tufte says she feels relieved and proud to have won Co-Salutatorian. “It was always my end goal,” she says. “I worked hard for it.” Per Tufte, her parents are also “extremely proud and excited about it.”
In school, Tufte played volleyball and softball, and was involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, and various committees, including Prom, Homecoming, and Float, etc. Outside of school, she was involved in Celebrate Me Week Camp, food drives, and confirmation. She also helped in Sunday school and was a softball and volleyball camp worker. She has worked as a waitress at the Willows Restaurant in New Richland, as a custodial worker at a local company, and she occasionally babysat for two different families.
Tufte's advice for younger students is, “Don't stop trying, and always thoroughly do every assignment. Get involved!” If she could give her freshman self any advice, it would be, “Don't stop trying, and never limit your connections or opportunities.
Tufte plans to attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, majoring in accounting.
What Tufte will miss most about high school are all the connections and friends she has made, and being able to see them every day. Tufte says some of her funniest school memories are, “Brenlee starting a fire on accident, and one of my classmates, Caden Riewer, coughing a loogie on my shoe my freshman year.”
Tufte's favorite classes were all the algebra classes she took. Her favorite teachers were Susan Schaub, “Because she never gave up on anyone, and prepared us most for college,” Nate Jensen, "Because he has always been supportive and always willing to help out," Mike Weber and Mike Domeier, “Because they allowed creativity in English, and, as long as you could prove your answer, it was right. They allowed different ideas. And Senora is just the best!”
Tufte is looking forward to starting her career, making connections, and experiencing new opportunities. In ten years, she hopes to be a CPA at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and living in a suburb of the Twin Cities.