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In his nomination, school psychologist Evan Pagel noted Marren is "an incredibly positive force at DPHS" and that the school is lucky to have her as a student.

Van Remortel is a student leader in the school's Hope Squad, which focuses on suicide prevention and awareness, and Link Crew the school's freshman welcoming committee. Pagel praised Van Remortel's success in her studies, her engaging personality and school spirit.

"She's a compassionate and reliable young woman who's always willing and eager to step up when she sees a need in order to make a difference," Pagel said.

In her four years at DPHS, Marren has been involved in many activities and clubs, and plays softball for the Redbirds.

"I love being in a team environment with girls who help me learn life skills that I will definitely use in the future. Being involved in school activities has been very rewarding, and I have fun generating spirit in our school," she said. 

"All of these activities incorporate different aspects of my personality and teach me new perspectives. Ultimately, I want to be someone who anyone can come to if they need a friend or if they need to talk about something bigger, making a difference in our school every day. I am very grateful for this nomination and I appreciate your votes."

Carlson had joined an insurance company where he designed compensation models. He was fully remote, working from home with flexible hours. 
  
“It was a unique opportunity to try something different,” he said. 

But something major was missing – the people. 

“I missed my colleagues (at De Pere),” Carlson said. “In my private sector job, I’d only see people on a screen. That got old fast. It was all business. Nobody in my company knew my wife and kids, and I never met anyone else’s family.”

So when the chance arose to return to the DPHS math department, Carlson seized it. He had remained in touch with De Pere Principal Roger Allen, who was thrilled to welcome him back. 

Carlson’s leadership qualities – he previously served as the math department head – are especially valuable, Allen said. 

“He’s always positive and solution-based with his thinking,” Allen said. “To see him come back I thought would be a morale boost for everyone.”

Carlson is beginning his 20th school year, all at De Pere. Over the years he has taught pre-algebra, algebra, geometry and pre-calculus. He also helps coach the boys golf team. 

“If (the opportunity) wasn’t at De Pere, I wouldn’t have come back,” Carlson said. “You know you’re valued here. The community is very supportive of educators.

“You see some 100 kids a day. The number of lives you can influence … at no other job will you find you can have such an effect on people.”

And while the kids come and go, there’s also an important consistency in the student body. Carlson appreciates the overall positive attitude and respect they have for each other and the DPHS staff. 

“We’re very fortunate with the community of kids we have here,” he said. “There’s nothing else quite like it in the metro area.”

So, while back-to-school might have caused others some angst and nervousness, this year it was especially exciting for Carlson. He’s in a familiar, comfortable place where he plans to stay put. Even the big task of organizing a new classroom didn’t faze him. 

“When I came (back), I had more energy walking into the building that I never would have had at my old (office), which was in my basement,” Carlson said. “This is what I was called to do. It fits my personality, and it’s where I can make the biggest footprint.”

 

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring. 

To advance to Finalist status, Avanti, Tyson and Jeremy and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about their academic records, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student's earlier performance on the qualifying test. 

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 280 business organizations, higher education institutions, and individual donors that share NMSC's goals of honoring the nation's scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

Congratulations and best wishes, Avanti, Tyson and Jeremy!