NASHWAUK — There’s no one accomplishment that defines twin sisters Maddy and Abby Koivisto.
The Nashwauk-Keewatin seniors will graduate as the top two students in their class. They’ve been figure skating since first grade and in archery since fifth. They’re both in the band; Maddy is a percussionist, and Abby plays clarinet. They love crocheting and sell crocheted animals at craft fairs. Both are part of National Honor Society, Student Council, the Math Team and Knowledge Bowl. And, Abby’s on the trap shooting team.
But more importantly, they’re always willing to lend a hand. They’re trustworthy, dependable and hardworking.
“Because of their diligent work, I have seen both of them supporting their classmates in various ways throughout the year, and I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to witness these shining examples of Spartan Pride every day!” wrote band teacher Dan Melby when he nominated the Koivistos to be North Star Students.
“I thought it was a really cool opportunity, because usually it’s one student,” Melby said in an interview. “But I wanted to nominate two, because you can’t pick between them. It’s just incredible. They’re both just amazing.”
To the Koivistos, they didn’t do anything special. Growing up, they tried lots of different activities and stuck with the ones they enjoyed.
“I’m not the greatest at any sport that I do,” Abby said. “I’m just there to show up and have fun.”
“That’s just straight up intrinsic motivation,” Melby said.
Abby’s most passionate about figure skating; she likes the jumps and spins. Maddy prefers archery.
Maddy was quick to say she was proud of always doing well in school, but otherwise, both struggled to brag about themselves and their accomplishments.
Their science teacher, Roopa Joshi, did not have that problem.
“I love those two girls. They are super, super amazing. How kind they are to their classmates, how helping they are, how they create the community around them, that’s beautiful. Besides being smart, they have so much to give to the community,” she said.
“I am going to cry when they leave school. Abby is my TA [teaching assistant]. I just give her my lab, and she prepares my whole lab for all 30 students. I have not ever seen any high schooler doing that. So, she amazes me every single day by doing something. Maddy, same way, super smart, a little quiet, but very kind, very gentle, very loving, very helpful.”
The girls are both quiet, Maddy even more so than Abby. But in the year he’s taught them, Melby has seen them emerge from their shells more.
Their livelier sides pop out discussing sibling squabbles. Maddy admits Abby can get on her nerves sometimes.
“I just go up to her and just explain things that I’m interested in, and she doesn’t care all the time,” Abby explains, “and I just keep saying it.”
The Minecraft videos she watches, for example. But Maddy can give as well as she gets. Abby said she’s heard a lot of plots of books she’ll never read.
Melby, who’s in his first year with the district, said it’s been fun to get to know the Koivistos more in the short time he gets to teach them. They’re both quick to learn their music and are productive even when Melby’s working with another section.
Their stellar attendance is also important. With just 21 students, Abby and Maddy being away for some competition or event is a noticeable absence: Half the clarinet section is gone, a quarter of the percussionists.
“The idea that they’re here every single day is something I wish that more students would understand like them is that sometimes just being there for others is a big deal,” Melby said. “And I can only imagine the presence that they leave in the other classes that they’re in.”
Troy Grunenwald has taught the Koivistos in English since eighth grade. He said they’re memorable students, and it’s been a pleasure to teach them.
“I think there are a lot of seniors at this time of year that are fading, and they’re ready to be done. And those two girls are engaged every single day in what we’re doing in the classroom, and beyond that, they’ll take work home,” he said.
“They’re taking challenging online classes. Their schedule is booked solid, and they crave learning. And not just at an average level. They’re trying to get the most out of everything they do. Every assignment they do is meticulous.”
The Koivistos plan to attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth this fall. They both plan on continuing to skate; Maddy wants to stick with archery and Abby with band.
Abby wants to be a high school math teacher. Grunenwald thinks she’ll be exceptional, given her passion for learning and helping others.
Joshi is proud of her decision.
“These days, there are very few people who want to get in this profession, because it’s not easy, and Abby has chosen to do that,” she said. “That means we have touched her in some way.”
When she heard that Maddy would be studying pharmacy, she was overjoyed.
“I’m so excited about that! That my chemistry kid is going to chemistry school!” she said. “I’m very excited for both girls. They have [a] bright future ahead of them.”
There will be a lot more to learn as Abby and Maddy Koivisto go on from Nashwauk-Keewatin. But they’ve already learned some of the most important lessons.
"The legacy that I hope they'll leave here with other students is that being here and enjoying it and doing what you can to do your best every day and just showing up is such a big deal,” Melby said.
“It's overlooked a lot, but it really makes a huge difference.”
North Star Student is a series from the KAXE News Team, featuring Northern Minnesota students who deserve to be recognized, whether because of athletic accomplishments, artistic endeavors, academic achievements or other efforts.
