Ella Mary Meyerkorth

Ella Mary Meyerkorth is heading into an exciting new chapter after graduation. She plans to attend the University of Northern Iowa, where she will run track while majoring in Sports Nutrition, a path that perfectly combines her love for athletics and interest in health and performance.

Throughout high school, Ella has found joy both in the classroom and on the field. Math has been her favorite subject because of the satisfaction that comes when everything finally clicks, while her true passion lies in sports, especially track. Whether she’s competing, practicing, or just staying active, sports have been a central part of her life. When she’s not busy, she enjoys spending her free time either playing sports or relaxing with a good movie.

Ella is especially excited to be part of a college track team and continue competing at the next level. While stepping into the future can feel a little uncertain, she is ready to embrace the experience. Looking back, she describes her high school journey in three words: exciting, memorable, and exhausting, a reflection of the hard work and dedication she’s put in along the way.

Her parents, Ryan and Becky Meyerkorth, have been her biggest role models, as she recognizes the countless sacrifices they’ve made for her and her sisters. Their support has shaped who she is today, and she hopes they know how much she appreciates everything they’ve done.

Some of Ella’s favorite high school memories include the 2024-2025 basketball season and sweeping EA in volleyball districts during her junior year, moments filled with teamwork, energy, and school pride. She’ll especially miss playing basketball and seeing her friends every day.

Ella’s advice to underclassmen is simple but meaningful: “You’re only in high school once, take risks.” She also wishes she had realized sooner that not everyone has to like you, and that staying true to yourself is what really matters. If she could go back, she would spend less time worrying about the little things.

One thing people might be surprised to learn about Ella? She can do a backflip!

As she looks ahead, she carries with her the advice: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” In 10 years, Ella hopes to have graduated college and be starting a family of her own.

Tayden Blaine Cook

For Tayden Blaine Cook, high school has been a mix of competition, friendships, and unforgettable moments along the way. As he gets ready to graduate, he reflects on a journey that he describes as long, busy, and enjoyable.

Tayden, the son of Troy and Andrea Cook, plans to attend Southwestern Iowa Community College after graduation, where he will continue playing golf. He is considering a major in finance or business, with the goal of landing a well-paying job and building a solid future.

A strong influence in Tayden’s life has been his dad, who he says has always supported him in every sport and activity. That encouragement has helped drive Tayden’s passion for athletics, especially golf, his favorite sport.

While he enjoys being active, Tayden also appreciated the balance that school provided. His favorite classes were dual credit courses, giving him time to stay caught up while still enjoying his day. When he wasn’t in class, he spent most of his free time playing sports or hanging out with friends.

Some of Tayden’s favorite memories come from postseason football games, where the excitement and energy made for unforgettable experiences. Looking back, he says he would work harder in sports if given the chance to start over, but he wouldn’t change much else.

Tayden encourages underclassmen to make the most of their time, saying, “You’re only in high school once, so make it fun.” One piece of advice that has stuck with him is to not dwell on the past, but instead keep moving forward.

Outside of what most people see, Tayden also enjoys bowling, adding another hobby to his competitive side.

In 10 years, Tayden sees himself working at a bank, but still thinking about the game he loves, golf. While he’s excited for what’s ahead, he knows he’ll miss high school sports the most.

As graduation nears, Tayden Blaine Cook leaves behind a high school career full of memories and looks forward to what comes next.