The Hastings Rotary Club recognizes Hastings High School seniors who exemplify Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’ as a way to reward and foster these ideals. The Student of the Month also builds mutually rewarding relationships between school administration, staff, students, parents and the Rotary members. Each school year, eight senior students are nominated by their teachers to earn the Rotary Student of the Month. The selected student, their nominators, a school board member, school superintendent Dr. Tammy Champa and the recipient’s family are invited to a Rotary meeting for breakfast and recognition.
Septembers Student of the Month is Briseis Rusnacko.
Rusnacko was nominated by Ms. Jaeger, Ms. Mahlen, Ms. Cardell and Mr. Casperson.
Here is what they had to say:

I have been waiting years for Briseis Rusnacko to become a senior so that I can nominate her for the honor of Rotary Student of the Month. I have known Briseis since her sophomore year when she transferred to HHS and joined my advisory, and this year she is a student in my Introduction to Literature course through the University of Minnesota. I know Briseis well, and I am positive that her character and leadership make her the ideal recipient of this honor.
Briseis is one of the most engaged and considerate students I’ve known in my 26+ years of teaching. She has an open mind and a cooperative spirit, which make her a delight to be around. Briseis looks for opportunities to welcome students in, and she encourages students to explore new ideas with her. Her concern for others is authentic, and she is skilled at finding ways to use her abilities to help others. For the past three years, she has been a leader in my advisory. While some advisories have leaders who drive competition, Briseis is a leader who fosters empathy. If a classmate is having a bad day, she checks in with them the next day. If she knows I have a doctor’s appointment on Friday afternoon, Monday morning she’s there asking me how I’m doing. It’s no surprise that she chooses to be active in Student Council and Link Crew, she was a Youth Ambassador, and this year she is one of our district’s first student representatives on the school board. Briseis is known throughout the school, even by teachers who have never had her in class, simply by the roles she plays in making our school climate the best it can be. We are only a few weeks into Briseis’ senior year, and I am already impressed with her contributions in College Literature. Briseis not only participates honestly and thoughtfully, but she also asks judgment-free questions as a way to understand and include others. Her classmates and I appreciate and admire her positive attitude and enthusiasm, which are contagious. I look forward to experiencing the lasting impact Briseis will have on HHS and ISD 200. Ms. Jaeger
Briseis joined choir when she came to HHS in her sophomore year and had never been in a choir before, so this was totally new to her. It did not take her long to start finding her place among the returning students and she was and still is always engaged in learning during the class. Briseis consistently walks in with a smile on her face, asks how I am doing and truly cares about the answer. She is kind to everyone she meets and includes students that tend to pull away due to insecurity or shyness. She is truly the poster student of the Rotary four-way test! Ms. Mahlen

Agree! Briseis is very deserving of this honor for all of the reasons stated by Ms. Jaeger and Ms. Mahlen. Ms. Cardell

Briseis is an excellent choice for this recognition. Briseis has been an outstanding student in all three Ceramics she has taken. She is motivated, creative, attentive, she is great in discussions and critiques and always puts her best foot forward. Now that she is my student aide her best attributes shine brightly. Briseis is one of the most selfless students I have encountered. She generously helps other students and teachers in any way she can, often without being asked and always with a smile. Briseis has a deep well of kindness and positivity and she shines that light on everyone around her. Mr. Casperson

Congratulations, Briseis Rusnacko!