H-M-S students earn All-WEC academic accolades

Five Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School students were honored for their intellect last week during the War Eagle Conference All Academic Banquet.

The event was held March 30 at Trinity Christian High School. H-M-S students honored that evening included seniors Gabe Bronstad, Samuel Heyn and Bennett Haack, and juniors Emily Heneman and Kaley Pearson.

The night featured a ham dinner and an address from keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg. The H-M-S contingent was also given their academic All-War Eagle Conference certificates from last year, as the ceremony was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

H-M-S sophomores earning All-WEC academic recognition were Elise Haack, Lance Berends and Abigail Kunzman. Freshman included Heather Elgersma, Abigail Otto, Adam Schierholz, Kinsey Schirmer, George Vargas and Kyra Vermeer.

Gabe Bronstad is the son of Stephanie Bronstad and Gary Bronstad. He has been involved in quiz bowl, National Honor Society (NHS), Spanish National Honor Society, wrestling, golf, football and track.

In addition to NHS and Spanish NHS, Bronstad's academic honors include Football All-State Academic, Wrestling All-State Academic, War Eagle All Conference All Academic and Football All-Academic. He plans to attend the University of Iowa and study pre-med.

Samuel Heyn is the son of Terry Heyn and Kara Heyn. He has been involved in football, basketball, baseball, cross country, golf, quiz bowl, NASA National Space Settlement Design Competition, chess club and band.

Heyn's academic honors include NHS, War Eagle Conference Academic Award (2020-21), All-District Academic Award and honor roll. He plans to attend the University of Iowa and major in sports broadcasting/statistics.

Bennett Haack is the son of Ryan and Erica Haack. He has been involved in basketball, baseball, golf, band, jazz band, quiz bowl, business club, student council, youth group, Bible study, football statistician, NASA National Space Settlement Design Competition and speech.

Haack's academic honors include Academic All-State Basketball 2021, NHS, Spanish NHS, National Society of High School Scholars member and College Board National Recognition Program. He plans to attend the University of Iowa to study statistics and pre-law.

Emily Heneman is the daughter of Tony and Molly Heneman. She has been involved in jazz band, pep band, concert band, marching band, basketball cheerleading and football cheerleading.

Heneman plans to attend college and major in dermatology.

Kaley Pearson is the daughter of Trisha and Jeremy Pearson. She has been involved in volleyball, basketball, band and jazz band.

Pearson plans to attend the University of Iowa to study dental hygiene.