Corlett, Schaller are MFL MarMac’s valedictorian and salutatorian

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

Hailee Corlett has been named valedictorian, and Savannah Schaller salutatorian, of the MFL MarMac class of 2023.

Corlett is the daughter of Joshua and Kellee Corlett of Monona, while Schaller is the daughter of Kurt and Rhonda Schaller of McGregor.

The honor has been a long-time goal for the two.

“My academics have always been a high standard for me. I really wanted to push myself to reach this goal,” Corlett said. “I’m honored and blessed to represent my class. I appreciate MFL MarMac for all they’ve done for my academic success.”

They both credited taking harder classes—such as Spanish and advanced math and English—for pushing them to succeed.

“You have to keep up with those expectations, and that motivated me. Taking harder classes made it feel more earned than given to us,” Schaller explained. “All my teachers pushed me to be the best I could be. They know my quality of work and expect that of me. I’m appreciative they never let me take the easy way out. That has created a strong work ethic for me.”

Schaller listed math as her favorite subject at MFL MarMac, not always for the content but because of the tight-night family students have developed over six years on the honors track.

Corlett, too, mentioned math and English as her favorites. Choral director Jaydeane Berns was a teacher she appreciated.

“I feel like she pushed me to be a better person in my other classes and for my future career. She’s very dedicated to helping students be better people,” Corlett said.

Guidance counselor Abbey Cottrell, whom Schaller took a teaching class with last semester, stood out to Schaller.

“I really got to know her and her personality, and she really took the time to make sure I was doing OK. Even now when I’m not in her class, she checks up on me and understands how busy and stressful senior year can be,” Schaller said.

According to Corlett, involvement in extra-curricular activities additionally held herself and Schaller accountable to their academics. It also made them more well-rounded people.

Corlett’s activities included volleyball, dance, Students Opposed to Drugs and Alcohol (SODA), National Honor Society, speech (including junior and senior rep), choir (including junior rep and current vice president) and show choir. She was class vice president two years and has served on student council for three, including last year as vice president and this year as president. She’s worked at Quillin’s and now Walmart as well.

Schaller’s list is equally extensive: speech, SODA, volleyball, managing the wrestling team, softball, choir, show choir, dance team, student council, FFA, NHS and current class president. She is also heavily involved at her dance studio in Prairie du Chien and, throughout high school, has worked at Spook Cave and Maggie’s Diner.

“I love that we’re a small school because I have the opportunity to do everything I want. I feel like I wouldn’t have had the opportunity in a bigger school,” Corlett said. “It’s nice when we’re announced for show choir and everyone on that stage is involved in so many different things, whereas other schools you’re only focused on one thing. If you’re involved in more, you get to grow and learn as a person.”

“We also learned a lot about leadership through student government opportunities and National Honor Society. That pushed us as well, and will extend to our future when we get involved on campus or in careers,” she added.

Schaller said being involved has helped her manage her time and prioritize what’s important in life. 

“I don’t think I’d be the person I am today without all those things,” she shared.

It’s also forged important friendships—and why Schaller suggests younger students get involved and soak up their four years of high school.

“There are different people in different groups, so you’re able to get a whole bunch of new connections. Make the most of it,” she said.

Corlett had similar advice. 

“Get involved and find what you truly are passionate about,” she said.

Schaller will next year attend the University of Northern Iowa for an exploratory major. She was awarded a presidential scholarship, so will also take some honor courses.

Corlett is headed to the University of Iowa, where she was offered direct admission into the Tippie College of Business. She plans to pursue marketing.

Schaller said it’s still sinking in that her high school career is nearly over. She’s proud of not only herself, but the whole class for how far they’ve come.

“I’m glad we were able to leave our mark, not only academically as a class, but in all aspects of high school,” she shared.

According to Corlett, the pandemic, which began their freshman year, was perhaps the biggest learning experience.

“It was never normal. It didn’t set in to us that we were in high school until junior year,” she said. “I’m proud of us for getting through that and growing as individuals and still achieving so much.”

At Sunday’s graduation ceremony, “I think I’m going to be emotional,” Corlett added. “It’s bittersweet. I’m excited for the future, but I’ll be sad to leave.”