The Hastings Rotary Club publicly recognizes Hastings High School students who exemplify Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’, as way to reward and foster these ideals, and also build mutually rewarding relationships between school administration, staff, students, parents and the Rotary members.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

• On the 2nd Thursday of each month from October through May, we recognize the selected student, who will be accompanied by their parents and a member of the HHS staff to help them feel comfortable. Rotary meetings begin at 7:30 a.m., at the Hastings Green Mill restaurant, and last until 8:30 a.m.  Breakfast is served, and will be provided at no charge to our guests.

• A Rotarian will introduce the student to members of the club, and ask the student to give a brief speech about their particular involvement in school, the activities which embody the concept of ‘Service above Self’ for which they were selected, and future career goals and secondary plans, if known.

• Students will receive a Rotary gift in recognition of their accomplishment.

• Award recognition information will be sent to the local media for follow-up and publication

Student Selection Criterion

The student selected should demonstrate some or all of the following attributes:

• Gets involved in various school or other service related groups

• Takes a leadership role among their peers

• Diligently works to ensure success for themselves and others

• Exemplifies the Rotary four-way test:  “Of the things we think, say or do…

• Is it the TRUTH?

• Is it FAIR to all concerned?

• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned

 Pictured left to right:  Derrick Jaeger-Rotary Member, Buck Dickens-step father, Sara Tvergberg-mother, Justin Tvergberg- Student of the month Paul Vaith- HHS.

Justin was nominated by Dana Strain, Bill Ruder, Tim Haneberg and Cindy Benson.  Below is the information about Justin.

It is with our great pleasure and honor to nominate Justin Tverberg for the Rotary Student of the Month.  Justin is an extremely busy student-athlete who excels in sports, the classroom, and throughout the school.  He is a three-sport athlete who competes in Wrestling, Track and Field, and is the captain of the Football team.  Justin is also the head commissioner for the Link Crew program and is involved with helping other students in the AVID program.  He also excels in the classroom, boasting a 3.617 G.P.A. all while taking strenuous classes such as AP Literature.

Justin’s coaches, teachers, and advisors were thrilled with the opportunity to talk about him and the positive impact he has on his peers. Mrs. Benson, Justin’s Link Crew advisor said, “Justin is an excellent Link Crew leader.  He goes above and beyond to ensure his freshmen have a great experience at HHS.  His positive character and enthusiasm naturally draws freshmen to him.  During his second year in our program, Justin was chosen to be one of our commissioners.  In this leadership role, he communicates easily with his peers and follows through on any task needed to be completed.  He is an excellent role model for his freshmen and the rest of our leaders.” 

 This same sentiment was echoed by Justin’s wrestling coach Mr. Haneberg.  “Justin has not been wrestling very long.   To catch up to his peers, Justin has dedicated himself to weight training, nutrition, and becoming a student of the sport.  His strong work ethic and positive attitude allows him to find success in wrestling and he has emerged as a leader on the team through his actions and empathy towards others.  Justin’s maturity, calm demeanor, and caring nature allows him to help those around him make positive changes or decisions in their lives.  He radiates positive energy and is always willing to share a smile or compliment.” 

Coach Strain, Justin’s football coach, echoes many of the same sentiments.  “Justin has developed into an excellent player and leader for our team through a work ethic that is beyond the norm.  He is driven to improve on a daily basis and we typically need to slow him down so he doesn't overextend himself. He has top gear and nothing else! Justin also has a passion for helping others.  He has personally grown so much through his connections to school and sport... and he loves giving back to help others experience those same school and sport connections.  He doesn't do it because he is supposed to... I believe he is genuinely appreciative of all who have helped him along his path and he is truly driven to do the same for those who come behind him!”   

Finally Mr. Ruder, a former teacher of Justin’s, said Justin “always greets me with a handshake and eye contact.  He smiles genuinely and treats others with kindness and grace.  Academically, he is a determined young man that wants to succeed and absolutely will.  He is a blessed and upright young man that I am extremely proud of.”

In Justin’s free time, he loves working out, eating as much food as he can, and hanging out with his friends. He will attend Augsburg University for Health Science and will play football.