By Noon Kiwanis

The Austin Noon Kiwanis Student of the Month is Michael Carroll, a senior at Austin High School.

Michael is described as an “ambitious, passionate and uplifting student.” Besides attending high school, he has also been taking some post-secondary courses at Riverland Community College for the last two years and has been part of the University of Minnesota Talented Youth Mathematics Program. He is the current president of the Mower County Advisory Board and has been involved in various activities, including Science Olympiad, FFA, Math Masters, 4 H, Student Council and orchestra .

“Austin High School has offered me many positive experiences . I appreciated the time the teachers gave to me to ensure that I was prepared for Advanced Placement exams. Playing in the high school orchestra for four years has been enjoyable — it’s fun to prepare and perform different works of music.”

Regarding FFA, “…leadership opportunities and community service are just two aspects that make FFA an important organization to belong to. Our FFA group has helped the Cedar River Watershed District with river cleanup and the county with ditch cleanup annually.”

“Outside of school, I have participated in Enterprise 4-H club for the last nine years. Every year we help prepare the Rose Creek Cemetery for Memorial Day. We also help serve dinners, ring the bell for the Salvation Army, clean up the fairgrounds, and assist younger or new members in preparing their projects.”

“My future plans include attending a four-year university, but I have not committed to a school yet . There are many careers I know are not for me, but I know I will find my passion— thinking it will go toward chemistry, biology or mathematics .”

“There have been many positive impactful people in my life . My grandfather, Papa, has taught me the love of a hobby and lifelong learning. He has been a beekeeper for many years — I started to attend monthly bee classes with him and eventually started my own hive. My mom has been great in encouraging me academically. I have developed a strong passion for learning and a desire for higher education from her — like she always says, “You have to stretch your brain.”