December Rookies of the Month at Teutopolis High School are Claire Bushur and Will Niccum. They were nominated by their teachers and then selected by a team of faculty members in recognition of their active participation in school activities, their academic efforts, and their kindness and respect of others.
Claire Bushur, the daughter of Pete and Theresa Bushur, is a sophomore at THS. She is the vice-president of her class, was also a freshman class officer, and has been a member of the Student Council for two years. In addition, Claire has participated in Band and Chorus for two years and Spanish Club, Varsity Club and Jazz Band for one year.
She has played basketball and been a member of the track and field for two years. Claire was awarded both the Freshman Accelerated Reader Award and the Most Outstanding Field Award in Track and Field, and she has been on the High Honor Roll for all 5 quarters of her high school career.
Throwing shot put and discus, playing the piano, reading, and spending time with friends and family are her hobbies.
She plans to graduate from high school and then continue her education at the college level where Claire hopes to participate in track and field. At this time, she is undecided about a major.
When Bushur was asked her motivation to succeed, she stated, “My parents motivate me to succeed by pushing me to do my best in everything.”
Will Niccum, the son of Pete and Brandy Niccum, is also a sophomore, and has been a member of Volunteens, the Internet Society, and Drama Club for the past two years. He has been the sound technician for the high school plays and musicals and a volunteer for SEARCH, a religious education program for adults with disabilities.
Will has earned a Superior Rating in piano, and his hobbies include hanging out with friends, reading, going to the movies, swimming, traveling on family vacations, and golfing with his Grandpa Bohnhoff.
His future plans are to attend a 4-year college and earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, get married and have a family, and travel abroad.
When asked what or who motivates him, Niccum stated, “My mom motivates me to succeed. She pushes me to study hard and excel in school.”