Marissa Otto (17′) | Our Students Our Stories

Rick McGrath | School District of Beloit News

Rotary Club of Beloit
Student of the Week
December 2016

If there is one word that comes through when Joel and Jeanne Otto talk about the experiences of their daughter Marissa during her time as a student in the district and at Beloit Memorial High School (BMHS) in particular, it is gratitude. This sense of appreciation, they say, is becoming even more pronounced as Marissa prepares to graduate in June.

“We feel thankful and blessed to have had Marissa be able to be a part of the School District of Beloit and to be graduating from BMHS with the class of 2017,” Joel and Jeanne say. 

Beloit Memorial Jazz Orchestra

“The opportunities Marissa has had with being a part of the band program, and in particular the Beloit Memorial Jazz Orchestra (BMJO) the last three years, have truly been amazing,” they say, noting that their daughter plays the flute for wind ensemble and piano for the Beloit Memorial Jazz Orchestra. …She also sings for the BMJO…. Trips to California, New York multiple times, New Orleans multiple times, Florida, Memphis, Minneapolis, Purdue, and many other regional festivals and competitions have broadened her horizons and instilled so much confidence in her, not to mention how these experiences have increased her knowledge of our nation’s music history and culture. 

“She has also adopted an amazing work ethic through the dedication and hours of practice time and rehearsal required to hone her skills, working with her rhythm section, and working together with the Jazz Orchestra overall. Marissa has been able to learn about personal responsibility through her involvement with the band program as well, by always checking in with teachers for what might be missed when gone for band trips, and always following through after the trip to get all required assignments and work done.” 

For Marissa and our family,” Joel and Jeanne continue, “her opportunity to be involved with the arts programs here at BMHS has been great, including her involvement in several of the musical productions. …She is playing piano in the pit orchestra for the spring musical this year, Mary Poppins. And I know she really enjoyed the production of Shrek that the high school did a couple of years ago.

AP Courses

“Finally,” they add, “the opportunity Marissa has had to take multiple AP courses during her time at BMHS have given her a huge advantage. In addition to earning 20 plus hours of college credit, she has been able to learn and understand what it takes to pursue and succeed with college level education. This huge benefit of having so many AP classes available has definitely set her up and prepared her for a successful future into college and beyond.” 

As Joel and Marissa look forward to the conclusion of Marissa’s high school career, they say, “We are thankful that Marissa has been able to study, learn, and grow in so many ways during her time at BMHS. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the teachers and school district employees who have helped make her high school experience so memorable and successful.”

The post Marissa Otto (17′) | Our Students Our Stories appeared first on School District of Beloit News.