Goessel valedictorians look to future
Staff writer
Goessel High School’s class of 2023 is expected to have three valedictorians:
Justin Nickel
Nickel has been heavily involved in FFA since eighth grade and placed in career development events, winning in ag mechanics in district competition and finishing 12th in state competition.
Nickel also has been a student council member and class officer.
He plans to attend Hutchinson Community College and study agricultural diesel mechanics.
“I have been attending Newton High School’s automotive technology program,” he said.
Nickel plans a career in agriculture, possibly taking over his family’s farm southwest of Goessel.
“It’s just what I’ve always done and thought of since second or third grade, and I enjoy it,” he said.
In some ways, he’s surprised graduation is here.
“It’s here a lot quicker than I imagined it would be, but I’m also glad to be at that point,” he said. “I’m also glad for those who have helped me along the way.”
Notable among them are his English teacher, ag teacher, and family, Nickel said.
Ashley Rosfeld
Rosfeld played volleyball all four years during high school.She has been active in track and served as basketball manager.
Rosfeld has heavily participated in the school’s Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America organization.
Rosfeld plans to attend Tabor College on a volleyball scholarship, school counselor Janna Duerksen said.
“I don’t know that she’s declared a major,” Duerksen said.
Jacob Wiens
Wiens was an all-around athlete, a star in Goessel’s football, basketball, and track programs.
He has been a class officer and member of Goessel’s student council and has been active in FFA. He placed 20th out of 100 at a state ag mechanics competition.
Wiens plans to study agribusiness and agronomy at Hutchinson Community College, then transfer to Fort Hays State University or Kansas State University.
“It’s definitely been a process,” he said of reaching graduation. “Some days it feels like it’s gone by fast, and some days it feels like it’s gone by slow. I’m ready to go on to the next level.”
His planned degree can take him a lot of places, he said.
“I love agriculture, and it’s a good place to start,” he said.
His grandparents own a farm. Living in a rural community helped influence my decision.
“Along with my plans after high school, I’m excited to go out and get away from Goessel and meet new people and do new things,” he said.