October Student of the Month - Fiona Myers
By Bruce Karnick - Hastings Journal
Two Hastings High School seniors were honored for their leadership, service, and character during the Hastings Area Rotary Club’s weekly breakfast meeting held Thursday, Dec. 11, at the 2nd Street Depot. The gathering brought together Rotary members, school representatives, and family members to celebrate the October and November Students of the Month in one shared presentation.
The combined recognition came after October honoree Fiona Myers was unable to attend her original presentation date due to surgery. Rotary members took the opportunity to recognize both students together, allowing time for extended remarks from teachers and coaches who have worked closely with them throughout their high school careers.
The Rotary Student of the Month Award is presented to Hastings High School seniors who exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. The program also serves to strengthen relationships between the school and the broader community, while highlighting students who lead through their actions, character, and commitment to others.
Fiona Myers was named the October Student of the Month and was nominated by Ms. Benson, Ms. Massmann, and Mr. Haneberg. Each spoke about a student who sets a high standard in the classroom, in athletics, and in how she treats those around her.
“It is truly an honor to nominate Fiona Myers for the Rotary Student of the Month,” her nominators said. “Fiona is an extremely dedicated student-athlete who inspires others with her unwavering discipline, work ethic in the classroom, example she displays in sports, and her leadership throughout the school.”
Myers is a three-sport athlete, competing in soccer, wrestling, and track and field. Her schedule is equally demanding off the field. She serves as a Link Crew leader, is a member of National Honor Society and Best Buddies, and leads as an FCA huddle leader. Despite the busy calendar, she maintains a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Her academic load includes multiple Advanced Placement and college-level courses, including AP Chemistry, AP Language, AP Statistics, AP U.S. History, AP Calculus AB, college macroeconomics, college psychology, college public speaking, college writing, landscaping, and Unified Physical Education.
Teachers described her as someone who never cuts corners and consistently shows up prepared. Mr. Haneberg said, “Fiona is a phenomenal young woman and an amazing support person for fellow students. She is a student-athlete who is the definition of both leadership and character.”
He added that her influence is felt beyond wins and grades, noting that she models leadership and integrity in everyday interactions. “Her ability to be a positive role model to her teammates and peers allows them to analyze situations that high school students are faced with and make moral decisions,” he said.
Ms. Massmann highlighted Myers’ work welcoming younger students into the school community. “Amongst other things, Fiona has served as a Link Crew leader for the past two years, playing an important role in welcoming our new ninth graders to the building and helping to set the tone for a positive school culture,” she said.
She added that Myers balances energy and dependability, saying she “brings a great energy and sense of humor as a leader while also consistently showing up as a steady and reliable presence.”
Ms. Benson reflected on Myers as a student in AP Chemistry. “She came to class ready to learn each day,” Benson said. “Even when the material was difficult, she approached the class with a positive attitude and worked hard to reach her goals.”
Benson added that while Myers earned a passing AP exam score, the growth she showed along the way stood out most. “She improved her problem-solving skills, and her grit to succeed continued to shine,” she said. “She was a delight to work with every single day.”
Outside of school, Myers works at Dairy Queen and enjoys spending time with friends. Looking ahead, she plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, where she hopes to major in exercise science.
2025 November Student of the Month - Ryder Ashcraft
By Bruce Karnick - Hastings Journal
Two Hastings High School seniors were honored for their leadership, service, and character during the Hastings Area Rotary Club’s weekly breakfast meeting held Thursday, Dec. 11, at the 2nd Street Depot. The gathering brought together Rotary members, school representatives, and family members to celebrate the October and November Students of the Month in one shared presentation.
The combined recognition came after October honoree Fiona Myers was unable to attend her original presentation date due to surgery. Rotary members took the opportunity to recognize both students together, allowing time for extended remarks from teachers and coaches who have worked closely with them throughout their high school careers.
The Rotary Student of the Month Award is presented to Hastings High School seniors who exemplify the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. The program also serves to strengthen relationships between the school and the broader community, while highlighting students who lead through their actions, character, and commitment to others.
Ryder Ashcraft was recognized as the November Student of the Month and was nominated by Mr. Olson, Mr. Lutz, and Mr. Feikema. Their remarks focused on Ashcraft’s consistent selflessness, leadership, and ability to lift others without seeking attention.
“I would like to nominate Ryder Ashcraft for Rotary Student of the Month,” Mr. Olson said. “Ryder is probably in the top 1% of just all around amazing kids that I have had the chance to work with.”
Olson has known Ashcraft through coaching basketball and teaching AP Statistics. He described a student who puts team success ahead of personal recognition. “He truly embodies being a servant leader,” Olson said.
Recalling Ashcraft’s time playing JV basketball, Olson noted that “Ryder prided himself on doing everything possible to help the team be successful and that usually meant things that didn't show up in the box score.” He added, “You could always count on him for playing hard and being a great teammate.”
Ashcraft’s encouragement of others stood out just as much as his effort. “No matter how he played he was always encouraging to his teammates and picking them up when they were down,” Olson said.
That same approach carries into the classroom. Olson described Ashcraft as someone who naturally helps others learn. “He works great with others in the class and has no problem helping when other students need a nudge in the right direction,” he said. “He is almost another teacher or coach.”
Mr. Lutz spoke about Ashcraft’s leadership beyond sports and academics. He described Ashcraft as “not only a fantastic student-athlete who has taken a number of our most challenging courses HHS offers and has given his very best effort in 3 varsity sports, but is also an All-Conference Human Being.”
Ashcraft is one of the few students to serve as a three-year captain for FCA. According to Lutz, he played a key role in reshaping huddle meetings and growing participation. “He serves with purpose and grace, and is genuine in his love for others and commitment to service,” Lutz said.
Mr. Feikema echoed those sentiments, focusing on Ashcraft’s character. “Ryder is one of the finest young men you could ever hope to meet,” he said. “Ryder is driven to be successful in his own right, but his primary focus has always been the well being of others.”
Feikema added that Ashcraft is always looking for ways to help those around him, saying he is “constantly searching for ways that he can help students and staff, and is willing to go above and beyond to make someone else's day a little bit better.”
As the morning concluded, Rotary members applauded both students for the example they set. Myers and Ashcraft were recognized not just for their achievements, but for the way they quietly influence their school and community through service, integrity, and care for others.
2025 December Student of the Month - Bobby Wargo
By Bruce Karnick - Hastings Journal
Bobby Wargo does not spend much time seeking attention. Most days, he is more comfortable behind the scenes, helping a classmate finish a project, lending a hand to a teacher, or quietly solving a problem with his tools. That steady approach to school and community life is what recently earned him recognition as the Hastings Area Rotary Club’s Student of the Month.
Wargo, a senior at Hastings High School, was selected for the honor based on his involvement in technical education, his leadership in the school’s Tech Club, and a reputation for hard work that follows him from classroom to classroom. Teachers who nominated him described a student who shows up ready to work, treats people with respect, and sets an example without needing to be asked.
During the Rotary Club meeting where he was recognized, Abby Meyers offered a brief introduction before reading remarks from his teachers.
“Bobby is a genuine, hard working student who has great work ethic and a positive attitude,” Meyers said. “He is always respectful, dependable and willing to help others, whether that be a teacher or another student. He sets a great example for everyone around him.”
Those words fit comfortably with how Wargo describes himself. When given the microphone, he kept his comments simple and to the point, thanking the group for the award and talking about the classes that have shaped his plans for the future.
“I like to help my teachers and classmates with various projects,” Wargo said. “I’ve been involved in a lot of tech ed classes, such as woodworking, electronics, drafting, metals, small engines, wrecked vehicles and house wiring.”
He also talked about his role in the Tech Club, which meets after school and gives students hands on experience with tools and technology.
“I also help run the technology club after school with Mr. Davenport and my classmate Jack McGregor,” he said.
That exposure to practical skills helped Wargo discover what he wants to do after graduation. While he did not initially expect it, one class in particular changed his direction.
“I took the house farm class, and it was actually fun,” he said. “And then after I took the class, I’m like, you know, I want to become an electrician now. It’s kind of fun.”
Wargo plans to attend Dakota County Technical College and hopes to secure an apprenticeship after earning his high school diploma. He told Rotary members he is looking forward to learning on the job while continuing his education.
Family members in attendance spoke about the values that shaped his work ethic. One speaker shared a short reflection that drew smiles from the room. The message was simple, be kind to everyone and work hard, and if you keep at it, stuff like this happens.
Teachers echoed that sentiment, noting that Wargo’s reliability and willingness to try new things stand out. One educator said having him in class was a benefit to everyone, not just academically, but personally as well. They spoke on having Bobby in classes being a blessing and Bobby is a person to look up to, that he makes people want to be a better person.
Beyond the classroom, Wargo stays busy with a wide range of activities. He plays golf, shoots trap and is part of the school’s archery team. Outdoors, he enjoys hunting and fishing, especially ice fishing, a hobby he admitted can get expensive but remains worth it.
He also has a creative side. Through drafting classes, he learned computer aided design and discovered a love for 3D printing, a hobby that has become popular at home as well.
“My mom especially likes to 3D print,” he said. “I probably had my printer for about a week, and then she took it over.”
When asked about favorite school projects, Wargo pointed back to woodworking. One assignment, a nightstand he built two years ago, still sits beside his bed and gets daily use, a small but fitting symbol of his practical approach.
As the meeting wrapped up, Rotary members and school staff thanked Wargo and his parents for the example they set. The recognition, they said, was not just about grades or awards, but about service, responsibility, and preparing for life beyond high school.
Wargo accepted the applause with a smile, clearly more comfortable returning to work than standing in the spotlight. For a student who prefers action over attention, the honor served as a reminder that steady effort, kindness, and a willingness to help do not go unnoticed.
2025 January Student of the Month -
By Bruce Karnick - Hastings Journal
Come to the 3/12/26 Meeting to Meet our next two Students of the month!
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