NEW GLARUS — On Friday, May 30, New Glarus Middle School celebrated a year of student-driven learning as seventh grade students proudly presented their Choice Unlimited projects. The event, held in the New Glarus High School Auditorium, Library Media Center, brought together staff, families, and community members to witness the culmination of a year-long journey rooted in curiosity, research, and creativity.
The Choice Unlimited program empowered students to explore topics of personal interest, engage in in-depth research, and create original presentations to share their learning. The projects included presentations on the following:
● Aerospace Engineering and Flight Demonstration by Henry Bork
● Wilderness Survival by Mason Kersten and Levi McMannes
● Trends of 2024 by Elsa Ottmer and Hayden Segebrecht
● The 966 IH tractor by Jack Nyhus
● The Packer/Bear Rivalry by Jayden Mueller and Jordan Welhouse
● Classical Music and a Piano Solo by Logan Derendinger
● GHOSTTA (Time Travel) by Anneliese Ramirez
● New Jersey v. TLO Court Case by Ze’ Cacchione
● Beef Judging by Lena Nyhus
● Marine Biology by Graycee Andreas
● Impaction Colic In Horses by Ellie Zimmerman
● Volleyball by Avery Severson
● Duck Hunting by Henry Beal
● Robots of Destruction by Townes Hyberger
● Diving Deep into Panama City Beach by Ella Wearing
● Construction and House Blueprints by Rian Righter
● The Oregon Trail by Sadie Mitchell
● Hunting White Tail Deer in Wisconsin by Wyatt Rindy
● Hip-let by Allison Schmitt
● Baylee’s Baked Delights by Baylee Hessling
● Travel Nation Destination by Alice Boyle and Kaliah Stelter
● Cars by Keegan Olvera
● The Beginnings of Writing by Sedona Ojer
● Brunettes and Redheads by Lucy Schiro and Ella Stampfli
● The Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks of All-Time by Connor Winden
● Through the Ages: Before Dinosaurs by Sammy Schutz
● The Allis-Chalmers C by Hudson Speth
● Who Let The Dogs Out by Lilliana Valentino
● Mechanical Engineering by Reanne Frontzak
The presentations were excellent and a culmination of a year of hard work.
“This is one of the most exciting events of the year,” said teacher Jeff Winden, who created this learning opportunity for students. “Our students are deeply engaged because they get to take ownership of their learning. The passion and knowledge on display today are a testament to what students can achieve when they’re given choice and voice.”
Attendees listened to presentations and then moved from station to station, asking questions and learning from students who spoke with confidence and enthusiasm about their work. Each presentation reflected the unique interests of the learner, showcasing not only academic research but also real-world application, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
New Glarus Middle School looks forward to continuing the Choice Unlimited tradition in the years ahead, as students continue to lead with curiosity and a love of learning.
