MOULTON, IOWA -- Austin Burkland of Moulton-Udell High School attributes his success to determination, while lending a helping hand.

"I try to be as hard working as I can, just try to help other people out...if they need help on something I try to help them," Burkland said.
    
Outside of the classroom, he plays tennis, basketball and baseball. And he enjoys video games. In school, he loves the challenge of science.

"My favorite teacher is Mr. Altmaier and chemistry is my favorite class. It's just really fun. We do a lot of labs in there and it's just a really fun class," Burkland said. 

"Well I'd say that Austin has a personality that...he wants to succeed...passionately. He passionately wants to succeed. And he will always take the time to figure out how to succeed," said math & science teacher Jim Altmaier.
    
And his post-graduation life is awaiting him.
 
"I'm looking at Indian Hills right now for two years and then possibly transferring to UNI to get my Master's in education with a major in mathematics," Burkland said.
    
Austin also has this advice for those striving to achieve academic success.

"Just work really hard, and do all your assignments and make sure you do them the best you can," Burkland said.

"He's got a lot of gifts and talents for our community and for our world...it will be interesting to see how he puts them into action," Altmaier said.