Pickford Students of the Month (from left) are Mickael Cantin, Pat Savoie, Kristen Schmitigal, and Kip Cline. Mickael Cantin, Pat Savoie, Kristen Schmitigal, and Kip Cline have been named Pickford High School's students of the month for February.

Mickael Cantin, 15, is a freshman and the son of Madonna Benson and Corey Benson. His siblings are Nolan Benson, 6, and Justin Benson, 18.

His favorite school subjects are science and physical education, and his favorite activity is football. He enjoys playing hockey and riding snowmobiles. His extracurricular activities include basketball and football, and he is proud of playing football in the Superior Dome at Northern Michigan University in Marquette as a freshman. He works part-time at Daily Bread Restaurant in Pickford. He plans to think about his future later, after focusing on getting good grades in school.

When asked what education means to him, he said he believes it "is the most important aspect toward a successful career."

His mother is the person he admires most, "because she has always been there for me," he said. "And she's always taught me to be honest in everything I do."

Pat Savoie, 15, is a sophomore, and the son of Ron and Jackie Savoie. He has a sister, Stephanie, 18.

His favorite school subject is Woods II, and his hobbies include playing basketball, woodworking, snowmobiling, running, and watching NASCAR racing. He is a member of the Life Teen Youth Group, and his favorite activities are snowmobiling and basketball. His extracurricular involvement includes cross country running, basketball, and track. He works part-time at Pickford Cooperative grocery store in Pickford. Education to him means "obtaining the tools you need in life to succeed." He hopes to attend college after high school graduation.

He is proud of sharing the 2004-2005 title of junior varsity basketball Most Valuable Player with Jordan Potter. He said he most admires "all the men and women who defend our country so that we can have freedom."

Kristen Schimitigal, 17, is a junior and the daughter of Phil Schmitigal and Katy Estrada. She has a sister, Rachel.

Her favorite school subjects are art and mathematics. Her hobbies include cartoon drawing and doodling, and she enjoys listening to music. She is a member of the Stalwart Presbyterian Church and Youth Group, and she participates in volleyball. She also takes piano lessons.

She said, "Education means a lot to me and my future, because without it, it's hard to succeed in life."

She works part-time at Raber Bay Restaurant in Raber. She is proud of having her cartoons published. She admires her father.

Her career goal is to work in audio production or sound engineering.

Kip Cline, 17, is a senior, and the son of Kip and Lisa Cline. He has two siblings, Cheyenne and Kristen.

His favorite school subject is biology, and his favorite activity is bicycle riding. His hobbies include metal detecting, sports, and paintball. He participates in basketball, football, track, cross country running, and Science Olympiad. He is proud of placing third in the high jump at the track State Finals.

He works part-time, taking care of lawns. In the future, he hopes to find a job that allows him to work outdoors.

When asked about education, he said it means "Learning the things that you will have to know in the future."

The person he admires most is Lance Armstrong "because he overcame cancer to become the best bike rider, ever," he said.