Maturing with the new millennium

By SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The class of 2000.

Thirteen years ago, Britta Rieke entered kindergarten at Washington Elementary School in New Ulm.

On Friday, she graduates from New Ulm High School as a member of the Class of 2000.

On the first day of school in the fall of 1987, Rieke wore her favorite jean dress outfit, and she sported a Mickey Mouse backpack. She carried a small bouquet of garden zinnias to give to her teacher, Mrs. Leske.

As thousands of students receive diplomas this year, they share the distinction belonging to the class of the new millennium.

Rieke, now 18, was featured in an article in The Journal on her first day of school. She smiled at the photographer capturing the moment as she walked toward the entrance of Washington School.

This week, Rieke, still in denim, reflected on her school days and her future.

The graduation ceremony takes place at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Vogel Arena. It is commencement, another beginning.

"I'm ready and excited for it," said Rieke, "I'm ready for my party on Saturday to get together with family and friends ... to laugh and talk about the good ol' days."

Rieke is the daughter of Randy and Lola Rieke of New Ulm. Randy is manager of Farmers Co-op of Hanska, and Lola is a kindergarten teacher in Gibbon.

Rieke enjoyed her whole school experience.

"The grad standards started with the class of 2000," said Rieke, "There were high expectations for us. It's just kind of neat to be the class of 2000."

Beyond the classroom, Rieke participated in many activities. She played the saxophone in band; sang in choir/pops choir. She played basketball, volleyball, softball; and ice skating and dance also beckoned her.

"My teachers and friends have been the best part of school. Their support and the fun we've had. ... I'll never forget it" said Rieke, "The teachers are wonderful and always there to help me. A big thank you to the teachers."

The counselors and principals who helped her throughout her education with New Ulm Public Schools provided positive experiences for her.

"They, along with my parents have guided me and matured me all the way through. They have prepared me to go off to college."

Rieke recalled how she was always proud of riding her bus to school. She remembers how she liked meeting the bus at the bus stop at the morning and seeing her friends.

In fifth grade, Rieke fell in love with science when she had Mr. Shriver as a teacher.

"I love science because it's hands-on," said Rieke, "I just love the field."

Rieke plans to study in the medical field when she attends Winona State University in the fall. This summer she will be an intern at the New Ulm Medical Center, and she will also work at Big Kmart in New Ulm.

She eagerly anticipates her college experience.

"It's something new," said Rieke, "There will be more responsibilities, but I think I can handle them."

Rieke's science teacher at NUHS, Darlene Filzen, has been a wonderful and caring teacher for the two years she had her as a teacher.

"She would update my parents on how I was doing," said Rieke, "Not only do I think of her as a teacher, but also as a friend. ... I feel I can go and talk to her."

Filzen described Rieke as "an extremely hardworking student, dedicated, and extremely pleasant to get along with."

"She's just a real great student," said Filzen, "She's a great student because her attitude is good and she's hard-working."

Rieke feels especially close to her parents, and she has felt she could tell them anything as she was growing up.

"I think I'll miss New Ulm, my friends and teachers," said Rieke.