Excellence is the result of caring more than others think is wise—

Risking more than others think is safe—

Dreaming more than others think is practical—

Expecting more than others think is possible.

Welcome to the

Academics, Arts & Athletics Award Banquet Les Zellmann, President MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Minnesota State High School League is proud to sponsor this banquet in recognition of the remarkable accomplishments of 32 young men and women from across our state. Each honoree has chosen countless times to practice and rehearse a little longer, to study a little harder, to say “yes” to those in need a little more often. How privileged we are to share their spotlight and to remember that throughout Minnesota we have an untold number of multi-talented young men and women who were not selected to be recognized here today but who deserve our praise and gratitude nonetheless. Our schools, and our future, are in very capable hands. Today we also acknowledge the families, teachers, coaches, advisors, and administrators all who have contributed to our honorees’ accomplishments. Through your encouragement, support and example, you have stressed to them the importance of stretching their abilities, and of being the best they can possibly be. Your values have become their values. You, too, deserve to share their spotlight. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Minnesota State High School League, I want to thank the team from Fairview, Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care and the Institute for Athletic Medicine for co-sponsoring this wonderful recognition program and to pledge to each of you here the Minnesota State High School League’s continuing commitment to academics, the arts and athletic achievement within our member schools. Thank you all for coming.

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Program Welcome Jody Redman Associate Director, MSHSL

Spotlight Parade 2011 Triple “A” Achievers

Lunch Comments Les Zellmann Board of Directors President, MSHSL

Heidi Richards Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care

Introduction of Triple “A” Achievers Barbara Seng Retired Fine Arts Consultant, MSHSL

Dan Johnson District Director of Athletics, Hopkins High School

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Annalise Wallerich Lake City High School

Region 1A

G.P.A. 3.93 Tennis, dance team, golf, band “My academic performance and qualities I have developed by participating in all of these areas are things I will always remember and benefit from throughout my life. I will someday encourage my own children and others to be active participants in all activities their high schools have to offer. I will continue my dedication and growth in these areas during my college years as I discover even more about the positive contributions I can make.” College plan: to attend the College of St. Benedict’s, majoring in mathematics education and participating in band and golf

Logan Spitzack Triton High School

Region 1A

G.P.A. 3.792 Football, basketball, baseball, band, choir “Leadership is very important in athletics. I have learned from my coaches and teammates that you need leaders to have a balanced team. Over time I have taken over a stronger leadership role on my teams. I understand that I need to set a good example on and off the fields to be a good leader. If I can be a good influence on a younger teammate, I am doing my job as a leader.” College plan: to major in elementary education at St. Cloud State or Bemidji State and to play baseball

Danielle Larson St. Peter High School

Region 2A

G.P.A. 4.15 Soccer, basketball, track and field, band, choir “I think I have grown the most from my involvement in band because it has taken me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to face challenges that have made me stronger. I remember shaking with nerves the whole time I was playing a solo, but looking back I realize that I have developed confidence and courage from the experience. I know that I will be able to call upon that bravery and self-confidence when facing new and scary adventures in my life in order to emerge from them successfully.” College plan: to major in biology or journalism, and participate in soccer, track, and music

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Andrew Thies Sibley East High School

Region 2A

G.P.A. 4.094 Cross country, basketball, track and field, choir “By experiencing the sense of accomplishment that stems from the hard work and dedication I put into my school work, I have been inspired to continue challenging myself and working hard. My coursework has also taught me the lesson that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. By never giving up when things become tough I have learned to persevere not only in school, but life as well.” College plan: to study pharmacy and run track and field at South Dakota State University

Karina Fast Mountain Lake High School

Region 3A

G.P.A. 3.98 Cross country, basketball, track and field, band, choir, speech “I have often thought back to times that I felt like giving in, and the incredible feeling I had when I finished strong instead. Often times I have thought about skipping homework and going to bed, and then I remember to persevere because I know how I will feel, knowing that I gave my best effort all the way to the finish line.” College plan: to major in political science and Spanish at Northwestern College in Iowa, and continue participation in cross country and music

Dillon Schultz Springfield High School

Region 3A

G.P.A. 3.93 Football, basketball, golf, choir, speech “To me, sports are not just activities, but they are my passion. Since a young age, I have loved the thrill of competition in many different sporting events. My determination in sports to be the best I can be and achieve my goals will bring me future success as well. I know that if I continue to work as hard in the future as I do in activities such as sports, I will have a bright future to look forward to.” College plan: to attend South Dakota State University, majoring in agriculture and business and playing golf

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Calli Jo McLellan Heritage Christian Academy

Region 4A

G.P.A. 3.9 Volleyball, basketball, softball, choir, visual arts “I believe that we are capable of far more than we realize and I want that opportunity to pursue my intended major in college. All I desire is to be able to live my life to the fullest. I know what I want and am meant to do, and I am not afraid to go after it. One life is what I have been given, and I am striving to make a difference.” College plan: to attend Azusa Pacific University in California, majoring in theatre arts and participating in choir

Steven Kiesel Breck School

Region 4A

G.P.A. 3.64 Football, Alpine skiing, lacrosse, band “Finding that if I dedicate myself to something, and really devote time to it, I can be as successful as I want to be is a lesson that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It will help me in whatever career I choose, and I will aspire to be the best as I can be, knowing that I have had a great education thus far. It is a matter of taking advantage of the opportunities given to me that will determine how well I can do in my life, and that is something only I can determine.” College plan: to major in economics at Williams College in Massachusetts, and play on the football and lacrosse teams and continue in music

Ellen Black Litchfield High School

Region 5A

G.P.A. 4.078 Tennis, hockey, golf, band, choir, visual arts “Athletics has taught me leadership qualities. I lead by example. I only ask my teammates to do what I would do. I train in the off season, put in extra time, and give 100 percent. Sports have also improved my communication skills with coaches and teammates. I have learned to be a gracious winner and loser. I have competed on both highly successful teams and teams that keep me humble.” College plan: to major in biology and play tennis at the University of St. Thomas

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Alex Maciej Holdingford High School

Region 5A

G.P.A. 3.7 Football, basketball, baseball, track and field, band, choir “Fine arts activities have shown me that the only way to achieve your goals and improve at something, is by hard work and perseverance. Hours and hours of practice and performing all contribute to the development of musical abilities, along with many valuable life lessons. The fine arts taught me that a cast of fifty or sixty people can all put their minds and efforts toward one common goal and the outcome will be spectacular.” College plan: to attend the University of Minnesota, Duluth, major in engineering and play football

Ellen Ferry Underwood High School

Region 6A

G.P.A. 4.042 Volleyball, basketball, band, choir, speech “Taking tough classes, participating in academic activities, and balancing everything else hasn’t always been easy. However, hard work and commitment to learning are worthwhile endeavors. Certainly, my high school education has taught me the basics — reading, writing, and arithmetic — but it has also allowed me to take chances and learn from my mistakes. I’ve discovered new ideas, challenged the old ones, and stretched my ways of thinking to see the bigger picture.” College plan: to attend a four-year, liberal arts college, majoring in psychology, communications, marketing or advertising, participating in basketball, volleyball and music

Matthew Cotter Morris Area High School

Region 6A

G.P.A. 4.0 Cross country, swimming, golf, band, choir, speech “My motivation to learn and lust for challenges has led me to strive for increasing academic involvement, an overwhelming passion of mine. My desire will push me in the future to be a successful and happy person. I firmly believe that my current deep involvement in academic activities has been perfect preparation for a healthy, academically strong future.” College plan: to major in mathematics, run cross country and continue involvement in music, perhaps at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Emily Diener Marshall School, Duluth

Region 7A

G.P.A. 4.367 Soccer, Nordic skiing, track and field, choir, band “Being active in sports throughout my high school career turned out to be an incredible stress-reliever. I personally thrive on a busy schedule because it forces me to manage my time well. I realized how important it is to be dedicated to multiple things because each in turn gives me a break from the others. Being used to a multi-activity schedule as I enter college will make it much easier for me to become active in clubs and activities because I already have the skills required to make such a situation successful.” College plan: to explore majors in chemistry, journalism and communications, perhaps competing in soccer or track and field and music

Adam Eskuri Esko High School

Region 7A

G.P.A. 3.928 Cross country, basketball, track and field, band, one act play “Athletics has been a huge part of my life. The hard work and dedication necessary to achieve success makes managing time commitments critical. I had to become organized and had to prioritize my commitments to meets any required deadlines. Those organizational skills will be very beneficial to my future.” College plan: to attend the University of Minnesota, major in nursing, and to continue athletics through intramural leagues

Mikaela Janicke Greenbush-Middle River High School

Region 8A

G.P.A. 3.967 Volleyball, basketball, softball, band, choir, one act play, visual arts “My participation in athletic activities has instilled in me a strong work ethic, teamwork skills, and leadership and motivational skills. As a three-sport athlete I have learned to manage my rigorous coursework and athletic practices and competitions all at the same time. Intense and grueling practices have given me a strong work ethic and have given me the mental toughness to face and handle adversity in real life situations.” College plan: to major in psychology and participate in drama and softball at Bemidji State University or Jamestown in North Dakota

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Jeremy Benson Stephen-Argyle Central High School

Region 8A

G.P.A. 3.63 Football, basketball, golf, band, choir, one act play “Involvement in sports has kept me physically fit throughout the years of high school, and has given me a chance to be a part of two state championships in football. I have a greater appreciation for the coaches and for all that they have done for the teams over the years. Being in these different types of sports has given me the desire to work hard and good things will happen, which I plan on carrying with me for the rest of my life.” College plan: to attend the University of North Dakota, major in microbiology and environmental science, and to continue athletic involvement through intramural leagues

Meghan Barry Lakeville South High School

Region 1AA

G.P.A. 4.17 Cross country, dance team, Nordic skiing, track and field, choir, visual arts “As an individual of many curiosities, I have lived my high school years with the philosophy that I will never know what could have been if I don’t take a few daring leaps and test new waters. I entered these waters an ordinary student and emerged a new person, one well rounded, versatile, and confident in their abilities.” College plan: to attend the University of Pittsburgh, major in athletic training and rehabilitation science in pursuit of further study in physical therapy; participate in choir and cross country

Luke Sadergaski Faribault High School

Region 1AA

G.P.A. 3.875 Band, choir, orchestra, one act play, football, swimming and diving, track and field “Musical performances have taught me how to get up on stage in front of people, stay focused and perform successfully without fear. Being section leader in band and choir has helped me become a confident individual and leader of others, which will be a great skill for my future. I’ve met many new people because of the musical groups I’ve been in and will always enjoy making music with these friends.” College plan: to attend the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse and study physical therapy, and to continue participation in track and field and music

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Julia Harrison Mound-Westonka High School

Region 2AA

G.P.A. 4.0 Cross country, Nordic skiing, hockey, track and field, speech, visual arts “I have learned what it takes to achieve success and how to push myself to get there. Not only have I learned about working towards a goal, I have also learned to respect my competitors. While during a race I will do all that I can to beat my opponents, afterwards I can shake their hands with gratitude, win or lose. Running and skiing has taught me humility and that there are always others working just as hard as I am.” College plan: to study pre-medicine at Dartmouth College, while participating in cross country, Nordic skiing, track and field and visual arts

Jeremy Borg Orono High School

Region 2AA

G.P.A. 3.91 Soccer, basketball, band “I have always challenged myself when it comes to my education. While working hard in the classroom, I have also found time to devote to music and athletics. These experiences have taught me the value of collaboration and teamwork. Throughout high school I have strived to become the best I can be. I have pushed myself to excel in academics, arts, and athletics. I have been blessed with many opportunities to succeed.” College plan: to major in architecture and possibly play basketball

Sharmila Ahmed Burnsville High School

Region 3AA

G.P.A. 3.986 Cross country, Nordic skiing, track and field, band “Throughout high school, my MSHSL fine arts, athletics, and academics have all gone hand in hand. I joined the varsity cross country running and skiing teams in eighth grade and was introduced to role models who were maintaining straight A’s, actively participating in choir, band, and theater, and still managing to qualify for state. I was given the opportunity to be part of an effective support system, and on the bus rides to ski meets, I would often be caught in calculus study circles or skiers practicing choir songs.” College plan: to major in pre-medicine/pre-physical therapy and to continue competing in Nordic skiing

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Andrew Hausmann Rosemount High School

Region 3AA

G.P.A. 3.864 Football, track and field, band, choir “As a young man a month away from high school, I was struck with tragedy when my father passed away in the 35W bridge collapse. Furthermore, I knew similar stories resulted in students dropping out of school. With this in mind, I actively ensured my story would not mirror that of failure. My responsibilities, priorities, and life perspective changed. I attacked academics, arts, and athletics through the most emotionally troubling time of my life.” College plan: to attend an Ivy League college and pursue engineering and medicine while continuing athletics and choir

Rebecca Dyson Roseville Area High School

Region 4AA

G.P.A. 3.99 Cross country, soccer, Nordic skiing, track and field, band, choir, orchestra “For someone who strives to achieve excellence, learning that victory does not always mean winning was a challenge. I truly value this lesson because humility has taught me that the most important thing is giving my best effort. I also attribute my courage to my participation in athletics. It is always scary to stick yourself out there and compete against others because you run the risk of failing. Sports have developed me self-confidence and given me the courage to take risks in all aspects of my life.” College plan: to attend the University of Minnesota studying pre-law and psychology, competing in cross country and track and field, and playing in music ensembles

Thomas Kendrick St. Paul Central

Region 4AA

G.P.A. 4.79 Cross country, soccer, Nordic skiing, track and field, band, orchestra “Playing music to such an extent at school has helped me become who I am as a thinker and a person. I have developed my brain not just in the structured, math and science related aspect, but also creatively. Playing music is like learning another language, yet one with no limitations on its usage and boundaries. I will definitely continue playing trumpet in college, and it will help me enjoy my life more, make friends who also play music, and add a crucial, creative activity to my daily mental exercises.” College plan: to study engineering at the University of Minnesota or Michigan Tech University, and continue music performance and Nordic skiing

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Olivia Evanson Maple Grove High School

Region 5AA

G.P.A. 4.0 Swimming and diving, gymnastics, track and field, orchestra “My instructors and my peers have taught me many skills that have enriched my musical ability and have also impacted my life outside the classroom. They have taught me the importance of detail, for example, dynamics and articulation in an arrangement. Additionally, my patience has grown while working to learn new and difficult pieces over the years. Most importantly, they have taught me how balance can make or break a piece, similar to the fact that balance in all aspects of my life can assist me in future success.” College plan: to study biomedical and chemical engineering at the University of Minnesota and compete in diving

James Rafter Mounds View High School

Region 5AA

G.P.A. 3.607 Swimming and diving, band, visual arts “In my academic coursework, I strive to take the courses that both hold interest with me and challenge me intellectually. By taking classes that will challenge me mentally, I am able to grow and develop as a student, ultimately helping me later on in life when I am faced with even more challenging obstacles.” College plan: to attend the United States Naval Academy, study aeronautical engineering and compete in swimming

Lyndsay Gusek Robbinsdale Armstrong

Region 6AA

G.P.A. 4.0 Cross country, soccer, track and field, band, orchestra “Throughout high school, I have participated in a variety of activities. I have battled athletes on the soccer field, analyzed the works of Shakespeare, performed stirring compositions with my school orchestra, fought through grueling cross-country races, and conquered challenging problems in physics. Along the way, I have developed discipline, persistence, and confidence.” College plan: to attend the University of Minnesota, study chemical engineering, play in orchestra and participate in intramural and club sports

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Edward McKlveen Edina High School

Region 6AA

G.P.A. 4.32 Cross country, football, band, Nordic skiing, track and field “Three hours spent skiing in below freezing weather sounds enjoyable to few, and after three months of daily training even I must force myself to gear up and hit the trails. Yet without fail, I’ll be out there every day. I have observed the simple philosophy of ‘you get out what you put in’ through my participation in cross country, Nordic skiing and track and field. This statement encompasses the self-discipline necessary to drag yourself out to train every day, and also the perseverance necessary to increase motivation after a bad competition.” College plan: to study biochemisty/pre-medicine, compete on the Nordic ski team and perform in music ensembles

Mandi Salo Hermantown High School

Region 7AA

G.P.A. 4.0 Golf, choir, speech, visual arts “My involvement in the arts has undoubtedly been one of the most positive parts of my high school experience. My commitment to the arts, besides being a cornerstone of my high school career, has developed focus, confidence, and proficiency in my public speaking and communication abilities – skills that will permanently benefit my life.” College plan: to major in speech pathology at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and continue involvement in fine arts and athletics

Mark Volker Cambridge-Isanti High School

Region 7AA

G.P.A. 4.0 Cross country, wrestling, track and field, band, choir “Excellence isn’t just what you do; it is how you do it. It is putting in the extra time in whatever activity you choose to ensure that you do your best. Studying for the test, staying after practice to drill, and bringing music home to learn it are just a few examples of the pursuit of excellence. When a person pursues excellence in the little pieces of life, it becomes a habit that is tough to break. Excellence has nothing to do with a person’s natural ability and everything to do with a person’s attitude in facing new challenges.” College plan: to study pre-medicine, play oboe, and compete in track and field

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Maria Zimmerman Becker High School

Region 8AA

G.P.A. 4.0 Cross country, gymnastics, track and field, choir “My academic coursework has greatly prepared me for the future. My high school classes are the groundwork on which I will build more levels of education and knowledge. The time and effort I have put into my high school classes has shown me that hard work pays off. In the future, I will continue to work hard and will hopefully see even more benefit from my determination and devotion to my education.” College plan: to study pre-medicine at the University of Minnesota, and participate in choir and track and field

Lukas Gemar Moorhead High School

Region 8AA

G.P.A. 4.0 Cross country, track and field, orchestra, speech “The opportunities I have had for intellectual advancement have prepared me for a life of academic exploration. Each course I have taken and each educational activity I have been involved in has incited me to know more. In addition to stimulating a love for learning, my academic involvement has taught me how to be diligent. I hope that these skills, coupled with my passion for education, will help me to be successful in college and beyond.” College plan: to study psychology and physics, run cross country and track and field, and participate in music ensemble

2010 Triple “A” Award Winners

Sonja Peterson Two Harbors

Peter Wollin Greenbush-Middle River

Ellen Degler Chaska

Mathew Schnorenberg Mankato East

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Previous Triple“A” Award Winners 1989

1997

2005

Laura Stone, Canby Darren Kraabel, Menahga Shannon Monahan, Alexandria Jim Hornsten, Chisago Lakes

Amanda Jepson, Monticello Eric Anderson, Fairmont Christy Boraas, Lac qui Parle Valley David Joosten, Balaton

Hannah Sieling, Watertown-Mayer Chad Karlsson, Rush City Amanda Kern, St. Cloud Apollo Daniel LaFountaine, St. Cloud Apollo

1990

1998

2006

Lori Kocher, Mankato West Matthew Kelso, Chaska Leanne Amiot, Crookston Central Michael Hopper, Westbrook

Kathryn Eisenmenger, Fairmont Todd Ferguson, Alexandria Janelle Evenson, Pelican Rapids Whitney Kuehl, Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Leah Kay, Dassel-Cokato Josef Nevers Tofte, Duluth Andrea Millerbernd, Littlefork-Big Falls Daniel Murray, Blue Earth

1991

1999

2007

Emilie Hanson, Prior Lake Scott Norquist, Forest Lake Carrie Redman, Medford Andy Werder, Browerville

Meghan Stritesky, Ogilvie Timothy Nelson, Braham Sarah Geers, Robbinsdale Cooper David Bradley, Rochester Mayo

Lisa Hilde, Osakis Carl Stenoien, Underwood Quentin Dudley, Worthington Deborah Barany, Roseville Area

1992

2000

2008

Karrn Gustafson, Cambridge Tom Riitters, Little Falls Chad Solvie, Hancock Jill Wolverton, Fairmont

Janie Hanson, Blue Earth Area Mark Borgen, Badger Lindsay Hartmann, Alexandria Scott Ferguson, Alexandria

Ellen Gustafson, Houston Ali Khalili, Byron Cecilia Noecker, St. Paul Highland Park David Dulak, Red Wing

1993

2001

2009

Erin Kolbe, Owatonna Ryan Williams, St. Cloud Apollo Jill Temple, Osakis Jorn Pung, Braham

Angela Hummel, Jackson County Central Jeremiah Aakre, Underwood Amber Swenson, Park Center Jonathan Dumm, Alexandria

Kaari Jensen, Pierz Sam Thielen, Wheaton Sarah Bingea, Delano Jakob Lindaas, Moorhead

1994

2002

2010

Kristina Kozlovsky, North Branch Timothy Walther, Columbia Heights Kristin Olson, Glencoe Eric Engelmann, Glencoe

Heather Danckwart, Wabasha-Kellogg Ben Aakre, Underwood Rebekah Solem, Thief River Dalls Lincoln Andy Bohnsack, Dassel-Cokato

Sonja Peterson, Two Harbors Peter Wollin, Greenbush-Middle River Ellen Degler, Chaska Mathew Schnorenberg, Mankato East

1995

2003

Brigit Riley, Columbia Heights Randy McLain, St. Francis Natasha Hamann, Perham Michael Stoick, St. Michael-Albertville

Elisa Ingvalson, Blooming Prairie Alex Mohrbacher, Warroad Elizabeth Eisenmenger, Fairmont Philip Litfin, Waconia

1996

2004

Marguerite Thorn, Albert Lea Aaron Crowser, Alexandria Abby Stritesky, Ogilvie Brent Stiles, Lewiston-Altura

Kelsey Aakre, Barnesville Matthew Hanson, Dodge Center Pamela Chapman, Winona Stephen Thorn, Albert Lea

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The Purpose of Triple“A” Program • To recognize and honor high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, the arts and athletics. • To elevate academic standards and create greater awareness of League-sponsored activities and their values. • To provide member schools of the League with the opportunity to participate in a statewide program that supports, promotes, and recognizes academic and extracurricular achievements.

Nomination Criteria To be eligible for the Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award students must: • be a high school senior at the time of nomination. Nominations are limited to two qualifying students per school—one male and one female. • have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the date of nomination. • participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities. • comply with the MSHSL’s Student Code of Conduct.

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Fairview Health Services, Institute for Athletic Medicine, and Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care are proud to sponsor the

Minnesota State High School League

Academics, Arts & Athletics Award Program RECOGNIZING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS FOR THEIR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE IN THE CLASSROOM , THE ARTS AND ATHLETICS .

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