Jonnie Pierschalla-Zastrow has been named March Youth Optimist at Merrill High School. She was nominated by Mr. Robert Klug and Mr. Josh Wilson.
“I was Jonnie’s Algebra 1 teacher when she was a Freshman,” said Mr. Klug. “Jonnie carries herself around school with a smile on her face. She has an outgoing, energetic personality. She is confident in herself. She isn’t afraid to go outside of her comfort level. Although she was in my classroom a number of years ago – she makes it a point to say hello in the hall any time that she passes my room. I’ve noticed the classes that she has taken in my department, and she isn’t afraid to challenge herself. Jonnie is a genuine, high-quality Merrill High School student.”
“Although Jonnie’s academic abilities are evident in her transcript and her success during her time at Merrill High School, what I most admire about Jonnie is her personality,” Mr. Wilson said. “I often tell students that, as they move forward in their lives as a student and beyond, they need to be an advocate for themselves. I appreciate Jonnie’s assertiveness. She does not hesitate to clearly communicate what she needs in order to be successful. Jonnie does not want to know the ‘correct’ answer but she wants to know why an answer is correct.”
“Jonnie works to turn weaknesses into strengths,” he said. “This attitude, combined with her assertiveness and determination to continually seek ways to better herself, will serve her well as she moves forward in a career dedicated to helping others. … 2019-2020 was my first year teaching at Merrill High School after years of teaching outside of Wisconsin. I was asked to begin an Advanced Placement (AP) United States History course which had not been previously offered at MHS. Jonnie enrolled in that first course as a Sophomore. The class can be a challenge for students, and Jonnie made every effort to do well in the course. I was impressed by her commitment to her studies and her determination to improve as a student throughout the course of the year. She sought out help as needed and incorporated feedback in improving her work. Jonnie received high scores on assignments and exams throughout the class and did very well on the end-of-course assessment to earn college credit for completing the course. Jonnie is intelligent, compassionate, and determined. She will do great things as she moves forward and I am excited to see what she accomplishes.”
Jonnie has been involved in MHS Dance Team (lettered), Symphonic Band (lettered), Wind Ensemble, Junior Optimist Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, National Honors Society, Student of the Quarter, and Tri-M at school. She has also been actively involved at Brookes School of Dance, and as a Dietary Aide at Pinecrest Nursing Home, a Hospitality Aide at Pinecrest Nursing Home, a Certified Nursing Assistant at Pinecrest, a Bell Ringer for Salvation Army, and helped with Breakfast with Santa, made button headbands for healthcare workers, made cards for nursing homes, and helped with Girl Scout Halloween party, Make a Difference Day, and Highway Clean Up.
After graduation, Jonnie plans to attend Northcentral Technical College to get an associate’s degree in nursing, then to work while continuing her education to get a BSN, and ultimately plans to become a nurse practitioner. Jonnie is the daughter of Jessica Pierschalla.