Emphasis on education, 4-H, music, drama make up Baumann's award-winning profile

By Sue Odegard

"I may not know exactly what I want to do in the future, but I am appreciative of the education I've received here. The people of River Falls are very, very supportive of education," said Mike Baumann, a senior at River Falls High School.

Baumann, who was named the "1999 Youth Volunteer of the Year" by the River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, comes from a family that places high values on education. His father, Larry, is a professor in the UW-River Falls Department of Animal and Food Sciences. His mother, Elaine, is principal at Meyer Middle School. He has a brother, Tim, 14.

"I feel very lucky to attend River Falls High School," Baumann said. "What I have here is very special."

His activities at the high school are many.

"At the top of the list is my involvement in band," Baumann said. "I've been in it for four years. I play bassoon and am the drum major. Practices start in the summer. It's a great way to meet people."

Last fall, the River Falls High School Marching Wildcats took 1st place in the Class AAA State Marching Band Championships. They also captured 1st place in all the caption awards including: Outstanding Drum Major, Colorguard, Percussion, Visual Performance and Musical Performance. It was the first time in Wisconsin history that one band took home top honors in every category. LeRoy Lee is the band director.

"Mike has been an excellent leader," Lee said. "He is friendly, easy to meet and always works to his best ability. He won the 1999 Wisconsin State Outstanding Drum Major Award that required conducting, marching and leadership skills. He is very deserving of this new award as well."

Vocal music and drama are an important part of Baumann's life as well. He is a member of the high school Select Choir and Costumed Carolers. He has performed roles in the River Falls Community Theatre, the St. Croix Valley Summer Theatre and the High School Drama Department.

"The high school play 'Antigone' was my favorite," he said. "I did it as a junior and was cast as Creon, the King."

Baumann, 18, is a member of the boy's swim team. He is president of the National Honor Society, was on the Mock Trials team as a freshman and junior, and the forensics team for four years.

"I went to state and earned a gold medal in forensics last year," he said. "I was in the solo acting category and performed three different characters interacting with each other."

Baumann has served for three years on the high school's Principal-Student Forum, and worked for a year with the Core Planning Group on issues surrounding the construction of the new senior high school.

Outside of school, Baumann has been very active in the Pierce County 4-H program. A 7-year member of the Mann Valley 4-H Club, he has served as treasurer, vice president and president. Terri Pearson is co-leader.

"Mike is very energetic and resourceful," Pearson said. "He's encouraging and very helpful to the other members. 4-H has helped provide the groundwork for youths to try things they might not otherwise experience and Mike is not afraid to try new things. He is enthusiastic and very comfortable with people."

Baumann, who lives in rural Clifton, said he has participated in a number of 4-H events.

As a sophomore, he attended a Youth Congress in Madison. As a junior, he participated in the Out-of-State Exchange Program, staying with a family in Ogden, Utah for eight days. There, he went hiking in the mountains.

Baumann said he also participates in a monthly community service project - planning activities like Bingo for the residents of Riverview Manor in River Falls.

In addition, he has entered a number of projects in the Pierce County Fair.

"I was named grand champion for a landscaping project," Baumann said. "I decided to fix up an eye-sore in our yard. It was a big, overgrown lilac bush and I dug all around it, put in some mulch and planted a perennial garden."

Baumann has lived in River Falls for about 12 years. He attended kindergarten through 8th grade at St. Bridget Parish School.

"I was born in South St. Paul but I consider River Falls my home," Baumann said. "I like the small town atmosphere and I've always felt safe and comfortable here. I feel very thankful and very honored to be a part of this community."