In the spotlight

By Caiti Andersen, Amelia Cook, Brooklyn Cue, and Tyrika Floyd

 

The theme of the 2025-2026 Coon Rapids-Bayard yearbook is “Sine Bright and Stand Out.” It’s a perfect opportunity for unique qualities of students to be featured.

 

Junior Aaron Irlbeck was selected as an all state band participant, seventh grader Hayden Klein is hoping to golf competitively for a larger university, and fourth grader Hadley Musfeldt was recognized from her teacher as the class helper.

 

“Basically, all state is the most prestigious honor band that Iowa can bestow,” Irlbeck commented. “To get in, you have to go through an audition process, which has many components woven in. You have to be absolutely perfect, and there is no room for any mistakes. This is just like any sport. To get good at it, you have to practice hard so that you can perform even better.”

 

Irlbeck’s advice to those wanting to pursue this honor is to just keep at it. 

 

“You may not see the progress, but other people will and you will in the long run,” he said.

 

Hayden Klein says he plays golf almost every day.

 

“You meet a lot of people playing golf, so I have a lot of friends who also like this sport, and I want to compete at Arizona State or Texas,” Klein added. “I can’t wait to also begin playing for CR-B, and I hope to go really far in the state.”

 

Fourth grade teacher Taylor Schlepp had many praises for her student, Hadley Musfeldt.

 

“Hadley is so kind,” Schlepp said. “Her kindness is actually radiating. Hadley is always willing to help others no matter what it is. In the classroom, I would consider Hadley to be a teacher assistant if I am ever gone. She is willing to run to the printer if something is needed, and I just love that she is always coming to school with a smile on her face and is ready to learn.”

 

CR-B sets students up for success in a variety of ways and faculty and staff are noting and appreciating all of the hard work of their students.