The Hastings Area Rotary Club honors one senior student each month of the school year who exemplifies Rotary’s motto of “Service above self” and this month that is Alyssa Nestingen. Alyssa was nominated by Mr. Derek Fairbanks, Social Studies Teacher and Ms. Kari Jaeger, Language Arts Teacher. Here is what they had to say about Alyssa:

“I would like to nominate Alyssa Nestingen for Rotary Student of the Month. Alyssa is the type of person who has become a consistent "go-to" for me. She is one of the most dedicated and stand-up students I know. Having gotten to know her through both Youth in Government and Student Council, she has become a rock-solid leader in both. Alyssa is strong in her beliefs and is true to herself even when she holds an unpopular opinion. She is not afraid to speak up for people too afraid to speak for themselves. When she gives, she gives her whole attention and focus. She has one-upped my respect for her time and time again through her actions and the way she carries herself. She is recognized by her peers as a role model and is seen as exemplary by the organizations she is involved in, including getting the Servant Leadership Award at Youth in Government this year - an award that is given to only 1 of the nearly 1500 delegates from around the state. Alyssa is a model of dedication, hard work, leadership and character,” Derek Fairbanks.

“It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Alyssa Nestingen. Alyssa was a student in my Honors English 9 class, and now she’s a student in my University of MN Introduction to Literature course. I’ve known Alyssa for almost four years, and I know she demonstrates all the attributes of a Rotary Student of the Month: She dedicates her time to school and service groups, she’s a leader among her peers, she stretches herself and others, and she exemplifies the four-way test of seeking truth, fairness, goodwill, and the greater good for all.

For as long as I’ve known her, Alyssa’s appreciation for what life has given her has steered her to a future of helping others. Outside of school, Alyssa volunteers at Joni and Friends, a camp for individuals with disabilities. In school, Alyssa makes mature choices, studies hard, takes honors, AP, and college classes, volunteers through National Honors Society, and is a positive role model for her peers. Throughout high school, Alyssa’s involvement in Youth in Government (YIG) has been exceptional—even in the midst of a global pandemic. Throughout her years in the program, she has been a leader as an attorney, a district court judge, and a Supreme Court justice. This year, at the YIG Model Assembly, Alyssa received the first-ever Student Servant Leadership Award. She was chosen from out of more than 1500 students for her dedication to the program. Alyssa’s view of the world is broad, and she looks for ways to use her voice to promote understanding and justice, which will benefit her as she pursues a degree in law.

Simply put, Alyssa loves to learn. She is a critical reader and a strong writer, but her greatest attribute as a student is her curiosity. If you ask her what she enjoys about school, she’ll say “asking questions and listening.” In our college literature class, the students participate in three graded discussions each week. Our texts cover complicated themes, and Alyssa demonstrates empathy and an insatiable desire to know more about the rich history and diversity of our world. Alyssa participates openly, honestly, and extensively, and she isn’t afraid to show her own vulnerability. She has received a 100% on our discussions so far, which exemplifies her confidence and willingness to use her voice and explore ideas. Additionally, she challenges her classmates by posing reflective questions, and she is skilled at disagreeing without being disagreeable. She helps create a learning environment that teachers and students enjoy.

Alyssa Nestingen is most deserving of being a Rotary Student of the Month. She seeks opportunities to grow and to help her communities, and her dedication to learning is admirable,” Kari Jaeger.

For being named the Rotary Student of the Month, Alyssa, her parents and the nominating faculty were invited to join the club for breakfast at their meeting where the members learned more about Alyssa and her goals. She plans on attending Fordham University in the Bronx, New York studying law with the ultimate goal of becoming a judge at the federal level.

Aside from the invite to the Rotary meeting, the Student of the Month also receives a 250 dollar scholarship check to aid in their continued education.