Jan Niklas Mentzen better known as “Niklas†has been recognized as the Heartlandbeat.com student of the month for January 2012. Heartland 1st grade teacher, Dee Steever, nominated Niklas who is a senior foreign exchange student participating in the EF (Education First) program. Although his family has lived in Norway for the past three years, he is a native German who is now living with his host family, Curt and Mary Folkerts, in rural Bradshaw.
It’s evident to everyone who meets Niklas that he is a very friendly and sociable person who has successfully assimilated to his new surroundings. Mrs. Steever noticed how friendly and willing to always stop and talk to the younger classes Niklas is. “He really brightens up the little ones’ days when he stops to talk,†said Steever.
Niklas admits that there is something about him that attracts younger children and it makes his day better when he can see them smile. His future plans reflect that since he wants to go on and become a pediatric doctor. “I really like the school and especially enjoy playing basketball. I think Coach Baer is a great coach and I love being part of such a strong team,†said Niklas.
His parents plan on attending graduation in May and then Niklas will return to Norway where he will complete his 13th year of high school. “I want to return after that and hopefully go to the University of Nebraska where many of my friends will be going,†said Niklas. Even if those plans don’t work out, he is serious about returning to see the “life long†friends he has made here at Heartland. Congratulations to Niklas for being such a great example of a Heartlandbeat.com Student of the Month!
Shannon Siebert
