For Hastings High School senior Isabella Stagno, making a difference does not always mean standing in front of a crowd or being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it means decorating a classroom door, helping organize music for the band or simply finding a way to make someone else smile. That approach to leadership and service earned Stagno recognition as the Hastings Area Rotary Club’s Student of the Month, an honor that also gave her teachers an opportunity to celebrate a student who would much rather be helping behind the scenes than standing in the spotlight.
Stagno was nominated by Hastings High School teachers Luke Warren and Morrison, who have worked with her through the school's advisory program throughout her four years of high school. Warren explained that the nomination was something they had been discussing for quite some time, and they made a point of submitting her name for the first recognition of the school year. They wanted Stagno to have the opportunity to receive recognition in front of her classmates during the school's pepfest, particularly because seeking attention is not something that comes naturally to her.
Warren described Stagno as a model Hastings High School student whose willingness to serve others makes her an important part of the school community. Whether participating in advisory activities, encouraging classmates to get involved or helping wherever she is needed, Stagno has developed a reputation for leading through her actions rather than seeking recognition. Warren said he and Morrison had been hoping to nominate her for a couple of years, and they worked with assistant principal Moore to make sure she would be among the first students recognized.
For Stagno, the award provided an opportunity to think about what service really means. She admitted that she was surprised to be selected, explaining that her understanding of leadership had changed as she became more involved in school activities.
"Service is about helping others behind the scenes, and that's where I strive," Stagno said.
One of her favorite examples comes from the advisory program, where students participate in classroom door decorating contests. Stagno enthusiastically takes on the decorating, often finding herself among the only students willing to participate. While she enjoys trying to win the contest, her motivation goes beyond the competition. She hopes that students walking down the hallway will notice the decorations and enjoy something that brightens their day.
Music has become another major part of Stagno's high school experience. Her schedule includes concert band, wind ensemble and select chorale, along with college writing and AP Calculus BC. She also participates in marching band, the backup band for show choir, winter pep band and National Honor Society. In addition to performing, she serves as a band aide, assisting the music directors with work in the music library, including organizing music for the jazz program.
Although trombone is her primary instrument, Stagno has developed an interest in learning several others. She plays baritone in concert band and has collected an assortment of instruments, including a trumpet, viola, piano, alto saxophone and clarinet. Her collection has become something of a feature in her bedroom, which her parents described as relatively organized despite the number of instruments competing for space.
Her involvement in the show choir backup band has been especially enjoyable. Stagno said one of her favorite parts is performing during the dance breaks and watching the students respond to the music. There are challenges, however, particularly when the musicians are positioned behind the performers and the lighting makes it difficult to see.
Stagno's passion for music has also shaped her plans after graduation. She intends to attend North Dakota State University, where she plans to major in music education with a minor in mathematics education. Her decision was influenced by the university's trombone professor, an important consideration for someone planning to pursue music as a career. She also hopes to continue performing in marching band while attending college.
The music program has provided Stagno with more than an opportunity to develop her talents. It has also given her a sense of belonging that she did not always feel growing up. When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Stagno reflected on the difference between her middle school and high school experiences.
"I would probably tell them they're not alone because I know in middle school I felt really alone," Stagno said.
That feeling changed as she became involved in music and discovered a community of students who shared her interests. The friendships and connections she developed have become some of the most meaningful parts of her high school experience, making the thought of graduation bittersweet.
Her mother, Brenda Stagno, praised the Hastings High School music department for creating an environment where students can develop those connections. She described the marching band as a family, explaining that the relationships formed through the program extend beyond rehearsals and performances. Brenda has also served as a chaperone, giving her an opportunity to see firsthand how the students support one another.
The importance of family was another theme during the Rotary recognition. Stagno attended the gathering with her parents, Anthony and Brenda, and her sister, Anna. The family received praise from friends and school officials for its involvement in school activities and willingness to support other families.
Darin Wald, a family friend, described the Stagnos as welcoming and generous people who regularly make others feel included. He recalled their willingness to volunteer with the marching band, including serving as chaperones during the group's trip to Colorado. Anthony Stagno also spoke about the importance of keeping children involved in activities, explaining that the family's schedule often revolves around music rehearsals, performances and other school commitments.
Dr. Kristine Wehrkamp Herman expressed appreciation for the family's role in developing Isabella's commitment to helping others. She said students who place importance on service contribute to a positive school culture, and that the partnership between families and schools is an important part of building that environment.
When asked whether leadership came naturally to her, Stagno connected that instinct to growing up with a younger sibling. She explained that looking after her sister helped develop her tendency to take care of others, offer guidance and step in when someone needs help. She also identified Warren and Morrison among the people at school she looks up to.
Warren said Stagno's influence can be seen in the way she encourages other students to participate, even when they are initially reluctant. Her enthusiasm for advisory activities often convinces a classmate or two to join her, and her willingness to take initiative has made her someone teachers can count on.
The recognition also brought out Stagno's modest side. When asked whether hearing so many people praise her accomplishments felt strange, she answered with a simple yes. For someone accustomed to working quietly behind the scenes, being the center of attention was a different experience.
As Stagno prepares for graduation and the next chapter of her education, her contributions to Hastings High School offer a reminder that leadership takes many forms. Through music, academics and everyday acts of kindness, she has found a way to help others while pursuing the activities she loves. The Student of the Month honor recognizes those contributions, but for Stagno, the real reward appears to be knowing that something she has done might make another person's day a little better.