2023 Outstanding Students

Alyssa Spane

Outstanding Student in Academics

Alyssa Spane is the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award in Academics. She is the daughter of Robin and Travis Spane.

She is a 2021 graduate of Oran High School and has been a member of the Softball Team and Phi Theta Kappa during her time at MAC.

Alyssa has enjoyed all the hands-on activities MAC has offered in Zoology and Anatomy, along with the field trips and dissection in these courses. She said visiting Snake Road and the St. Louis Zoo was especially memorable. When asked about her experience at MAC, she said, “All of the courses I have taken, the professors have been very helpful and taught me a lot!”

After graduating from MAC, she plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University and earn her degree in Biomed. She’d like to continue her studies and eventually obtain a doctorate in Optometry.

Isabelle Bruckerhoff

Outstanding Career & Technical Education Student

Isabelle Bruckerhoff has been named the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award for Career and Technical Education. She is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Engineering Technology – Design and Drafting.

She is the daughter of Thomas Bruckerhoff and Melissa Robnett and is a 2021 graduate of Owensville High School.

While at MAC, Isabelle has served as the President of MAC’s SkillsUSA organization. In this role, she has been responsible for planning and organizing meetings, fundraising opportunities, and coordinating with local businesses to support and sponsor the MAC chapter of SkillsUSA. At the recent Missouri State SkillsUSA Competition, Isabelle was a co-member of the Post-Secondary Division Gold place team in Urban Search and Rescue in Robotics. 

Isabelle was recently named the Missouri Southeast Region Breaking Traditions Winner. She also is a member of the MAC Track & Field team, specializing in short sprints.

Of her MAC experience, she says, “I loved learning under Mr. Klusmeyer and Mr. Shelton. My favorite classes were OSHA Safety, Architecture, and CAD Special Applications, where I was able to put my own creativity into my projects.”

Upon graduation, Isabelle plans to go into the workforce. She intends to work towards completing her bachelor’s degree and then continuing her studies to earn a master’s degree in architecture.

Chyna Estes

Outstanding Student in Art

Chyna Estes has been chosen to receive the Award for Outstanding Student in Art.

She is the daughter of Deana Estes and Alan Estes. Chyna was homeschooled and graduated in 2017.

While at MAC, Chyna served as the Art Club vice president and then president. She has supported several Art Club workshops and planned several successful fundraising activities. Chyna was granted the opportunity by the MAC Science Department to propose, develop, and complete a science mural that is displayed in the Science wing of the Arts and Science building.

Chyna was also the student representative on the MAC Diversity Committee, selected to serve as the MAC representative to the Missouri Governor’s Student Forum, performed with the MAC Singers, and was involved with the summer theater sessions as part of the Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy. A recipient of the MAC Art Activities Scholarship, she is graduating as part of the MAC Honors Program.

Reflecting on her influences at MAC, she says, “Ms. Warner has been an incredible mentor for me and gotten me through a lot of things that should have otherwise impeded my academic performance.”

Her future plans include completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in printmaking. She would eventually like to either work in a professional printmaking shop or work as an independent art exhibitor.

Jacob Baker

Outstanding Student in Leadership and Campus Service

Jacob Baker has received the Outstanding Student Award in Leadership and Campus Service.

Jacob is the son of Mike and Tina Baker. He is a 2019 graduate of Perryville High School.

Jacob is graduating with an Associate of Science in Nursing. While attending MAC, he has been able to participate in the pilot program for 2^nd year RN students to attend classes from Perry County Memorial Hospital. This opportunity provided a way for students who live in the Perryville area to attend class while not having to commute to the main campus each day, making college more affordable and getting a degree more attainable. Jacob was selected to be part of the Academic Employer Partnership, where he had the opportunity to work at Perry County Memorial Hospital while earning clinical hours toward his last two nursing courses.

Jacob has been involved in campus life, serving as a member of the Student Nurses Association, serving as a delegate to the National Student Nurses Association Convention, and co-wrote two resolutions for presentations at the convention. He also serves our country as a member of the National Guard.

After graduating from MAC, Jacob would like to continue his education to become a Board Certified Emergency Nurse and get his bachelor’s degree in nursing and eventually become a flight nurse.

Laine Cottrell

Outstanding Student in Athletics

Laine Cottrell has received the Outstanding Student Award in Athletics.

She is the daughter of Lance and Jodie Cottrell and is a 2021 graduate of Steelville High School. 

Laine has been a member of the Mineral Area College Track and Cross Country Teams. She served as a Team Captain, was named a three-time Academic All-American, two-time Athletic All-American, and was a member of the 4^th place National Cross Country team in 2022, and the 3^rd place National Track team in 2022.  Laine has also participated in the campus Archery Club.

Laine reflects on her time at MAC by saying, “I absolutely have had the best experience here at MAC.”

She expressed that all her teachers were amazing, but Dr. Young, Dr. Calkins, and Mr. Byers had the greatest influence on her, always encouraging and knowing how to help. She also credits Coach Davis with having a significant impact, “Coach Davis has always been so caring and uplifting when it comes to track. He has truly been one of the best coaches I have ever had. He always knows the right thing to say.”

Laine’s future plans include attending Missouri Baptist University in the fall, where she will continue running track. She plans to get her bachelor’s in exercise science and eventually become an athletic trainer.