Celebrating Excellence

Each year, high schools across Wisconsin nominate outstanding senior student-athletes for the prestigious WIAA Scholar Athlete Award. To be eligible, nominees must be seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and must have earned a minimum of four varsity letters in WIAA-sanctioned sports during their freshman through senior years. It is one of the highest honors a student-athlete can receive in the state, recognizing both academic dedication and athletic achievement.

This year, Faith Christian School proudly nominated Landon Viss and Emily Sorensen—two remarkable seniors who truly embody the spirit of excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in their leadership.

Landon Viss: A Passionate Competitor and Humble Leader

Landon Viss, a multi-sport athlete, has made a significant impact on Faith Christian athletics throughout his high school career. He earned varsity letters all four years in soccer and baseball, and two years in basketball, serving as a team captain multiple times. His dedication and adaptability were on full display during his senior soccer season when he stepped into the goalkeeper role for the first time and excelled—showing once again his commitment to his team.

Landon maintains a 3.79 GPA, ranks 6th in his class, and leads both by example and with heart. He’s been recognized with numerous honors, including all-conference awards in soccer and basketball, and Faith Christian School’s Eagle Award, the highest athletic distinction we offer.

In his essay to the WIAA, Landon reflected on the value of patience and emotional maturity gained through sports—traits we’ve seen him develop year after year. As a leader and a mentor to younger athletes, Landon consistently displays both humility and strength. He will continue his athletic journey next year as a collegiate soccer player at Olivet Nazarene University. We are proud to have had Landon represent Faith Christian School so well.

Emily Sorensen: A Record-Setting Athlete and Academic Trailblazer

Emily Sorensen stands out not only as a dominant athlete but as an exceptional scholar. With a 4.08 GPA and the distinction of being valedictorian of the Class of 2025, Emily has consistently prioritized academics while excelling in basketball, track & field, and volleyball—earning varsity letters in all three sports throughout her high school career.

Her achievements in athletics are nothing short of historic. This year, Emily surpassed both 1,000 career rebounds and 1,000 career points in basketball, a feat unmatched by any other female athlete in Faith Christian history. She holds multiple school records in track & field and is a three-time state qualifier, competing in front of thousands of spectators, with hopes of returning to the state stage again this spring. Emily plans to compete collegiately in track & field and has received multiple NCAA Division I offers.

In her WIAA essay, Emily shared how athletics—especially track—have helped shape her self-confidence and made her a more well-rounded individual. Her drive, determination, and humility have left a lasting mark on our school.

Out of more than 806 seniors nominated by 415 schools, Emily was named one of only 32 statewide finalists for the 2025 WIAA Scholar Athlete Award—a truly remarkable honor. Only four boys and four girls from each WIAA division are selected for this prestigious recognition based on academic and athletic excellence. Emily was honored at the WIAA Scholar Athlete Awards Ceremony on May 4 in Stevens Point.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Landon and Emily for their incredible achievements. Their hard work, character, and commitment to excellence represent the very best of Faith Christian School.