by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
St. Joseph seniors Reid Nydeen and Derek Steichen were recently named the St. John’s Prep School Triple A Award (Arts, Academics, Athletics) recipients.
Each year, the Minnesota State High School League recognizes high-school seniors from member schools who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field and in fine arts.
Nydeen is the daughter of Pam and Lance Nydeen and Steichen is the son of Kathy and Mark Steichen, all of St. Joseph.
Nydeen plays soccer, basketball and runs track. She is also a member of the school band and National Honor Society.
“At St. John’s Prep, I participate in many different activities and arts,” Nydeen said. “I have always loved sports and participating in as many athletics as I can. However, I also love the arts. I have taken band and ceramics and really appreciate both of these fine arts; they give me a chance to be unique.”
Nydeen said athletics are important to her because she feels it is very important to be active every day and try new things. She also feels it is important to be in sports because they help her to learn how to work as a team, encourage other teammates and learn leadership skills.
“These are highly important, because the skills you learn by working as a team, help in the future when working with a community, classmates and even colleagues,” she said.
Nydeen said art is important to her because it gives her a chance to be unique and be herself.
“It is a chance for me to relax and enjoy something I really love to do,” she said. “It also gives me a chance to make a mistake, but then understand what I did wrong and fix it.”
Nydeen plans to attend the College of St. Benedict to study either elementary education or psychology.
“Reid is a leader on the athletic field and in the classroom,” said Jill Pauly, director of Communications and Events. “She is a dedicated mentor to younger students and teammates. As a senior captain on the soccer and basketball teams, she always makes sure her teammates feel included and involved in game strategies and team activities. “Reid is also a dedicated scholar who is focused on her studies and strives to do her best every day. Reid is intellectually curious and is actively engaged in her classes. Her enthusiasm for learning is contagious. ”
Steichen plays soccer, basketball and runs track. He also participates in photography, ceramics and is a member of National Honor Society.
“Athletics are important to me because they give me a vessel for my effort to be used in a productive manner,” he said. “Art is important to me because it gives me a way to relax and find beauty in the small things in life.”
After graduation, Steichen plans to attend the University of Marquette in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. to study biomedical engineering.
“Derek is an easy going student who is quick to smile and make his teammates and classmates feel comfortable and a part of the community,” Pauly said. “He works hard in the classroom and on the soccer field and basketball court. As the senior captain of the basketball team, he motivates his teammates, including those on the JV and C squads, by being optimistic and positive throughout their games and practices.
“Derek is a driven student and teammate who is persistent and organized. He’s able to identify his goals and plan ahead to accomplish them.”
St. Joseph senior Reid Nydeen was recently named a St. John’s Prep School Triple A Award recipient. After graduation, she plans to study elementary education or psychology at the College of St. Benedict.
St. Joseph senior Derek Steichen was recently named a St. John’s Prep School Triple A Award recipient. After graduation, he plans to study biomedical engineering at the University of Marquette in Wisconsin.
