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West Iron names top seniors in Class of 2023

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IRON RIVER -- West Iron County High School has named its top 10 seniors in the Class of 2023.

They are --

-- Emma Bofinger of Iron River is the daughter of Jonathon and Mary Bofinger. She has been involved in National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, student council, Forest Club, track and field, and cross country. Bofinger is ranked first in her class and has achieved A honor roll and A-B honor roll throughout high school. She plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall to pursue a pre-med degree.

-- Abram VanLanen of Iron River is the son of Joel and Diana VanLanen. He has been on the A honor roll throughout high school and has been involved in extracurriculars such as Forest Club, History Club, Chess Club and the WIC Quiz Bowl team. VanLanen was hired for the Youth Conservation Corps based out of the ranger station in Watersmeet this summer, where he will work on invasive species identification and control, archaeological digs, erosion control methods and more. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as winter and summer camping, fishing and ATVing. He is very interested in local and world history and participated in historical character role playing at Fort Wilkins in Copper Harbor for six years. His interests in temperate ecosystems inspired him to pursue a degree in environmental science or engineering at Michigan Technological University.

-- Autumn Smith of Iron River is the daughter of Richard and Connie Smith. She has been in the National Honor Society and participated in many community service activities that include helping out at church, food drives and, her personal favorite, coaching soccer. Smith is in many extracurricular activities: Forest Club and tennis, track and basketball. She has received an ASA Association of student artists award, student of the week and a Michigan Tech Society of Women Engineers-Certificate of Merit for STEM classes. She plans to finish her prerequisites at Bay College, then transfer to Kirtland College for the cardiac sonography program.

-- Katarina Hemeleski of Iron River is the daughter of Michael and Judi Hemeleski. Throughout her high school years at WIC, she was involved in basketball, tennis, track, symphony, Business Professionals of America and Forest Club. Through BPA, she qualified for state finals both years she competed. She also participated in solo and ensemble, where she received a first for her solo and a second for her ensemble piece. Hemeleski was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa through Bay College, received the Certificate of Merit from the MTU Society of Women Engineers, and is a part of the National Honor Society. Through NHS, she volunteered around her community by participating in food drives, tutoring and more. She also spent time with her mom picking up garbage around Iron River. Hemeleski plans to study anthropology and psychology attending Michigan State University. She also hopes to join a musical group through MSU to continue her love for music and instruments.

-- Callista Bortolameolli of Iron River is the daughter Kimberly and Levi Geneman. She is very involved, while also maintaining high standing academics. Bortolameolli participates in National Honor Society, Lakes and Streams Association as student director, Forest Club, Key Club, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and tennis. She plans to attend Michigan State University this fall to become a travel nurse.

-- Zoe Waters is the daughter of Daryl Waters of Crystal Falls and Kelly Waters of Iron River. She has been involved in volleyball, basketball and track through high school. She is also the president of Business Professionals of America, senior class secretary and a member of the Forest Club, National Honor Society, the 4-H Young Pacesetters Group and her church youth group. Waters has been on both the B and A honor roll throughout high school. She plans to attend college --though still deciding where -- and major in psychology/neuroscience with a minor in childhood development, with the goal of obtaining a master's degree.

-- Emily Fredrickson of Iron River is the daughter of Duane and Cindy Fredrickson. Her academic achievements include being a member of National Honor Society and named to the Bay College dean's list for the winter 2022 semester. She is involved in Key Club, Forest Club, Student Council and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Fredrickson shows her community involvement by working at the Iron River Care Center and volunteering at the Northwoods Animal Shelter. She plans to attend Central Michigan University this fall.

-- Jalyn Mattson of Iron River is the daughter of Jason and Sharon Mattson. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America, qualifying for nationals this year. Mattson plays the clarinet with the WICHS Symphony and has been involved with the West End Players theater group for 10 years. She is currently enrolled at Bay College, pursuing an associate in computer networking systems and security.

-- Lillian Schmutzler of Iron River is the daughter of Kevin and Carissa Schmutzler. She has achieved respectable grades while staying involved in school activities. Schmutzler is student council president and participates in Forest Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, track and tennis, where she earned an honorable mention with her doubles partner. She has helped coach the youth soccer program and took photos of the Christmas in Lights parade. Schmutzler plans to attend a university and earn a degree in business in marketing.

-- Mason Starkey of Gaastra is the son of Scott and Lisa Starkey. He and his family are originally from Valparaiso, Indiana. Starkey has been a part of WIC since seventh grade and has participated in 4-H Sharpshooting Archery and Rifle, track, cross country, golf and robotics. He enjoyed working for the Parks and Recreation at Pentoga Park and welding with Crystal Steel House during his work study. He is an avid hunter, angler and loves snowmobiling in the U.P. snow. Starkey plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering at Michigan Tech University.

West Iron County's graduation ceremonies will be 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 26.

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