Gillitzer, Grau earn MFL MarMac’s top academic honors

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

Kayden Gillitzer has earned the title of valedictorian of MFL MarMac’s class of 2021, and Rose Grau is the salutatorian.

Kayden, who is the daughter of Chad and Kandi Gillitzer, said the honor is one she’s worked toward throughout her school career. 

“Ever since I started getting letter grades in elementary school, I’ve always been like, ‘I want to get an A,’” she shared. “As I got to junior and senior years, it was a little tougher, but I knew I could do it. It just took a lot of time management.”

Rose is the daughter of Joshua and Annette Grau. She acknowledged being one of the top students wasn’t a specific goal.

“I just always tried my best, and it worked out that way,” she said.

Both students were heavily involved in extra curricular activities during high school.

Kayden was a member of SODA (Students Opposed to Drugs and Alcohol) and National Honor Society (NHS), serving as vice president of the latter this year. She also played volleyball for three years and basketball for four years, and ran cross country one year.

Rose was involved in dance, cross country, musicals, choir and show choir, band, speech, NHS, SODA and golf. She also participated in productions at the Elkader Opera House.

“I enjoyed all the activities I was a part of, but the music department was a really big part of my high school career. I felt at home there,” she said.

The two said being involved helped them most with time management.

“I had to make sure I had my stuff done and made it to those practices and meetings,” said Kayden. “Sometimes it takes you to make time to find answers or ask questions.”

She said it helped to be surrounded by like-minded individuals.

“They were involved and took care of their school work and valued it like I did. That helped a lot. If I was by myself, I’d probably procrastinate more than I already do,” she joked.

Rose said being involved also makes students more well rounded, which is a valuable life trait.

“There are so many great activities here, and it’s so doable to try as many as you would like to be involved in,” she remarked.

Academically, Kayden appreciated trying a variety of classes.

“I liked switching up throughout the day and having a balance,” she commented.

She especially appreciated the TA and work experience opportunities MFL MarMac offers.

“I honestly still don’t know what I’m going to do, but I’ve been able to have senior release eighth hour and go work at the daycare, and I’ve really liked that. I’ve also been a TA for a PE class,” she said. “Letting kids have work release and go to a job and see if they like it is a really good part of the school. It will help kids decide what they want to do.”

Rose, on the other hand, gravitated toward English classes. But she also became a surprising fan of history.

“In high school, I really enjoyed western civ, American history and U.S. government,” she said.

Both students listed Lynn Jones as their favorite teacher. Rose described her as authentic and always willing to help.

“She was always there if I had a question,” agreed Kayden. “I also just liked her approach to teaching, from the first day of school when we introduced ourselves as what we were bringing to a picnic. She knew how to make a connection with each student.”

While Kayden and Rose said COVID-19 has made aspects of their junior and senior years difficult, it’s also helped them learn.

“I’ve learned to appreciate the activities we get to do throughout the year more, like homecoming and prom. I was grateful we still got to do those things, even if it was at a smaller scale,” shared Kayden.

“It’s taught us a lot about modern day technology—all the advancements that have been made since last year,” added Rose. “I’ve also learned to appreciate the time I spend with others. During the quarantine time, it was a blessing spending time with family and taking a break from life. I think people get so caught up and busy, so that time was important in making memories and learning basic life skills that might not have been learned otherwise.”

Plus, said Rose, if students can make it through a pandemic, handling life’s future curve balls should be easier. 

“You never know when things are going to happen,” she said. “You have to deal with it as it comes.”

As they inch closer to graduation on May 23, Kayden and Rose reflected on how they’d like classmates to remember them.

“I’d like to be remembered as an example that you can get involved in whatever you want to, while also doing what you need to do in the classroom,” Kayden said.

Rose hopes others will recall her efforts to make everyone feel included and noticed.

“My biggest piece of advice is to be kind. It will take you so far,” she said. “Even a simple smile—that is so important.”

Next year, both Kayden and Rose will attend the University of Iowa. Additionally, Rose will take some classes at Kirkwood Community College.

Kayden’s major is currently health and human physiology, but she’s keeping her options open.

“I also have interests in teaching,” she noted.

Rose is undecided as well, but wants to pursue a career path that’s meaningful and allows her to work with people.

“That’s very important to me,” she said.

No matter where they go, the two said the lessons they’ve learned at MFL MarMac will be valuable.

“There’s something to be said for being raised in a small town and being a part of a small school,” Rose said.