Misgen earns top honors at NRHEG

NRHEG Valedictorian Sierra Ellen Misgen, 18, is the daughter of Mark and Sara Misgen and family to Payton, Markus, Makota, Preston, Makenna and Amelia. She plans to attend the University of Minnesota Duluth to study exercise and rehabilitation science. 

While in high school, Misgen has been part of National Honor Society, track, competition cheer, sideline cheer, cross country, yearbook, volleyball and basketball. 

Misgen has been active in the community, participating in youth cheer camp, youth cheer team, her church’s youth group and church camp. She was also a lifeguard and water safety instructor at the Owatonna Country Club. 

Of achieving valedictorian, Misgen said she is proud to know all her hard work has paid off and was worth it. 

Misgen’s parents said, “We’re incredibly proud of Sierra and all she’s accomplished. She works hard and gives her all. Watching her balance school, sports, and activities is unreal. Being  valedictorian truly reflects her dedication, and as her parents, we couldn’t be happier.” 

Misgen advises students to always try their best, work hard, avoid procrastinating and not be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. 

She said she was not always certain she would manage this accomplishment. “However, I worked hard throughout high school in hopes that I would achieve this award. I always worked hard in school and did the best I could in each of my classes.” 

Misgen said what she will miss most about high school is being able to see and talk to her friends every day and being involved in sports. 

Her favorite memories include competing at Competition Cheer Nationals as part of the NRHEG team in Orlando, Florida, and placing eighth in the nation. 

Misgen’s favorite subjects in school were math and Spanish; and her least favorite was English. 

Her favorite teachers in school were Mr. Ferber and Señora Olson. “Both of these teachers greatly influenced both my academic life and my life outside of school. They taught me valuable lessons, making a lasting impression on my life inside and outside the classroom.” 

For her future, Misgen is looking forward to cheering at UMD, meeting new people and starting college. 

In ten years, she hopes to have a doctoral of physical therapy and be working as a physical therapist. 

Misgen said if it were possible to travel back in time and give herself advice during her freshman year, it would have been, “It’s okay not to be perfect; making mistakes is normal, and we use them as lessons to learn and grow.”