Pierz Students Honored as Students of the Month

Abigail Virnig and Olivia Thielen recognized for academic excellence, character, and leadership

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:30am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A colorful, abstract grid of silkscreened student objects like textbooks, a basketball, and a tennis racket, capturing the well-rounded accomplishments of the honored Pierz Healy High School students.The diverse extracurricular activities and academic achievements of Pierz Healy High School's Students of the Month are celebrated through a vibrant pop art composition.Bismarck Today

Abigail Virnig and Olivia Thielen, students at Pierz Healy High School, have been named Students of the Month for their outstanding academic performance, strong character, and impactful leadership within the school community.

Why it matters

The Student of the Month program at Pierz Healy High School celebrates students who embody the school's values of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and positive impact on their peers. Recognizing Virnig and Thielen's accomplishments highlights the caliber of students at the school and the types of well-rounded, community-minded individuals it is producing.

The details

Virnig, the daughter of Jeremy and Kristie Virnig, is active in a wide range of school and community activities, including tennis, basketball, track and field, Minnesota Honor Society, Student Council, Peer Helping, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Pep Band, and youth group. Her basketball coach praised her grit, dedication to academic excellence, and positive influence on the school. Thielen, the daughter of Andy and Jenny Thielen, is also being honored for her upbeat personality, strong work ethic, and involvement in activities like tennis, WEB, EPIC, Peer Helping, Minnesota Honor Society, and Prom Committee. Her chemistry teacher described her as a 'ray of sunshine' who brought joy and energy to the classroom.

  • Abigail Virnig and Olivia Thielen were named Students of the Month in April 2026.

The players

Abigail Virnig

A student at Pierz Healy High School who has been recognized as a Student of the Month for her academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and positive impact on the school community.

Olivia Thielen

A student at Pierz Healy High School who has been recognized as a Student of the Month for her upbeat personality, strong work ethic, and involvement in various school activities.

Scott Herold

The basketball coach at Pierz Healy High School who praised Abigail Virnig's grit, dedication, and positive influence.

Jetta Boser

A role model for Abigail Virnig, who has shown her the importance of faith, hard work, friendship, courage, and bravery.

Mr. Essen

Olivia Thielen's college chemistry teacher, who described her as a 'ray of sunshine' who brought joy and energy to the classroom.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Abbie Virnig is a student of high character. One quality about Abbie that shines brightest is her grit, which gives her the courage and perseverance to give Pierz Schools everything she has to offer.”

— Scott Herold, Basketball Coach

“Olivia is an absolute ray of sunshine. She was always smiling and laughing even during challenging times. Her positive attitude helped to create an atmosphere in the class that just made things more fun and enjoyable.”

— Mr. Essen, College Chemistry Teacher

The takeaway

The recognition of Abigail Virnig and Olivia Thielen as Students of the Month at Pierz Healy High School highlights the school's commitment to fostering well-rounded, community-minded students who excel academically, demonstrate strong character, and make positive contributions to their peers and the broader school community.