2015 | Minnesota | BOYS

Woodbury | Royals | BOYS

Academically, Austen was excellent, achieving at the very top level of students in class. His homework was very thorough and consistently completed at the highest level. This was due to his tremendous work ethic and his eagerness to learn. Austen was an attentive learner whose participation in class discussions was excellent, always showing his natural intelligence by discussing topics on a much higher level than most of his classmates. His participation in small group activities was even stronger. He could assume leadership responsibilities if necessary, and he worked very well with a variety of students. He is extremely sensitive to the diversity of our student body (32% minority population). He is well liked by all students as he consistently presents a friendly demeanor and has a great balance of work and fun in his personality. Austen’s test preparation was diligent, and noticeable in his results. The course is extremely challenging for sophomores and Austen worked through the challenges without discouragement. He is an energetic, intelligent and hard working young man with an extremely bright future.

I have also coached Austen as a part of the Woodbury High School Hockey program. I recall his eagerness to compete since he was about in 5th or 6th grade. He would do so with a very positive attitude. As he has grown into a young man, that eager competitiveness is still evident as he earned the position of starting goalie last year as a junior. His personality and work ethic has allowed him to become one of the most well rounded individuals I have worked with in over thirty years in education. He has talents academically, athletically, and musically to go along with his strong and likeable personality.

Austen has such a positive approach to everything that I cannot imagine anything but success for him. His contribution to society will be significant, I am confident of that. I have no reservation about recommending Austen Macalus to any major university with the highest of academic expectations. That institution will be proud to have a student of his capabilities, as I am proud to have worked with Austen.