February
15, 2005
Contact: Lisa Lissimore or Howard W. Voigt / MSHSL
ATTENTION:
EDUCATION / NEWS EDITORS
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2005
ExCEL Award winners announced
Twenty-four
Minnesota high school juniors have been selected to receive the Minnesota State
High School’s League ExCEL Award for 2005 and will be recognized on KSTC TV
during the broadcasts of the State Girls’ and Boys’ Hockey Tournaments.
ExCEL
(Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership)
is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school
juniors. Students who are active in fine arts and athletic activities, who show
leadership qualities, and who are model citizens are eligible for the award.
More than 200 students were nominated this year.
ExCEL
award recipients are selected through a multi-level process that involves League
member schools and an independent panel of judges from schools throughout
Minnesota. In addition to being recognized on KSTC TV tournament broadcasts,
each student will participate in an on-court awards ceremony during the State
Girls’ Basketball Tournament.
Rachel
Anderson
Evansville High School
Rachel put her leadership skills to the test by creating a lock-in for the
children in her community. She gained valuable experience from being class
president her freshman year and member of the prom committee. A member of the
“A” honor roll, Rachel also serves as a 4-H club officer, camp counselor,
and county officer. She played basketball her freshman year, and has earned
“Excellent” and “Superior” awards in band and choir. She had a lead role
in the school play her freshman year, and also shares her acting gifts with her
church and 4-H. Rachel is also active in her church youth group and has made
several mission trips over the years. One of Rachel’s teachers called her a
light that shines every time she walks into a room. “Her abundant smiles and
warm kind nature have been a positive influence in our school and will continue
to be as she travels through life.”
Athletics: Basketball
Fine Arts: Pep and Concert Bands,
Choir, School Play
Community: 4-H Officer, Church Youth
Group and Mission Trips, Regional Safety Day Instructor, Adopt-a-Highway Program
Favorite Quote: “When it’s all over, it’s not who you were. It’s
whether you made a difference in someone’s life. That’s what being the best
you can be is about.” – Unknown
Lauren
Buesgens
Becker High School
Along with being an “A” student throughout her high school career, Lauren
has also been elected class officer the previous two years. Lauren is also a
peer tutor, enjoys competing in the Knowledge Bowl, and is a member of the
National Honor Society. Fine arts and athletics are also no problem for Lauren.
She is involved in the jazz, marching and pep bands, and is also active in both
her school and church choirs. Lauren has lettered in swimming, gymnastics, and
track and field. She has earned All-Conference honors in gymnastics and was also
named to the All-Conference Academic Team in track. Outside of school, Lauren
volunteers at her church, as well as at the local food shelf and retirement
home. She is also a member of her church’s youth group, and is a member of
Fellowship of Christian Athletes. One of Lauren’s teachers says of her, “she
is an excellent role model to her fellow students and a wonderful representative
of Becker High School.”
Athletics: Gymnastics, Swimming, Track
and Field
Fine Arts: Band, Choir
Community: Becker Jaycees, Food Shelf, Volunteer at St.
Scholastica Retirement Home, Youth Group Leader at Church
Favorite Quote: “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life,
that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.” –
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jonathon
Curry
New Ulm High School
Jonathon first learned the value of service as a seventh-grader when he
participated in Santa’s Closet – a project that provides Christmas gifts for
kids. Since then, he has become more involved in his community through coaching
youth activities, the Superintendent’s Council, his church, and Network New
Ulm. Jonathon has also excelled in athletics. In basketball, he was the leading
scorer in both his ninth-grade and sophomore seasons, and he has lettered in
both football and baseball. Academically, Jonathon has been on the “A” honor
roll for the last three years, and is ranked No. 1 in his class. He is also a
member of the National Honor Society, is junior class treasurer, and is chapter
president of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. He had a major
role in Grease this year, and has also
won numerous awards in band. One of Jonathon’s teachers said, “he is
actively involved in many leadership roles, and this is a testament to his moral
character and ethical values.”
Athletics: Football, Basketball,
Baseball
Fine Arts: Pep, Jazz, and Marching
Bands, Speech, Fall Musical, Payne Street Singers
Community: Network New Ulm
Participant, Brass Ensemble and Focus Bible Study at Church, Youth Basketball
Coach, Santa’s Closet, Church Youth Council
Favorite Quote: “Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
Andy
Dawkins
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Fergus Falls
A member of National Honor Society, Andy is a straight “A” student and was
sophomore class president last year. He is on the Junior-Senior Banquet
committee and won a VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Award this year. Andy has
won Spotlight on Scholarship awards in soccer, track and field, choir and band,
and was also awarded both the Leadership and Coaches awards for his work on last
year’s track team. A church choir member and volunteer for Habitat for
Humanity, he is also active in choir and band at school. He performed with the
Minnesota All-State Choir in 2002 and has also earned “Superior” ratings in
the section and state ensemble contests. Andy has been a junior counselor at
Lutheran Island Camp and is also a student representative on the Board of Youth
Ministry at his church. Andy’s teacher said that he is respected by faculty
and students alike because of his genial spirit and sensitivity to others.
Athletics: Soccer, Track and Field
Fine Arts: Choir, Choraliers,
All-State Choir, Concert, Pep and Jazz Bands
Community: Redeemer’s Song Drama
Club, Youth Group, Choir, and Mission Trips for Church, Junior Counselor at
Lutheran Island Camp, Music/Drama Leader for Vacation Bible School
Favorite Quote: “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you
see.” – Henry David Thoreau
Kari
Foley
Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School, St. Louis Park
As class president for two consecutive years, Kari knows about taking initiative
and getting the job done. She won the Student Council Adviser’s Award in 2004,
was leader of the 2004 phone-a-thon, and is a Race for the Cure volunteer.
Perhaps most impressive, however, she recently helped raise $12,000 for the
Lance Armstrong Foundation by running a student-organized 3-on-3 basketball
tournament. Kari is a member of National Honor Society, and helps her fellow
students as a peer tutor. She was a freshman orientation guide, and she is a
member of the Red Knight Volunteer Corps. One faculty member said of Kari,
“Her level of commitment, reliability, and responsibility far exceeds her
peers.” While activities such as these would fill most anyone’s schedule,
Kari has also found time to participate in mock trial, as well as softball,
tennis and volleyball.
Athletics: Softball, Tennis,
Volleyball
Fine Arts: Debate, Mock Trial, Speech
Community: Garibaldi 3-on-3 Basketball
Tournament, Race for the Cure, Sharing
and Caring Hands, Peer Tutor
Favorite Quote: “Keep your head and your heart in the right direction and
you will not have to worry about your feet.”
Joseph
Fragodt
Benson High School
Joseph is an “A” student, a member of Student Council, and has been a state
finalist in the Business Professionals of America program. He is a member of
National Honor Society, and has lettered in basketball, football, tennis, and
track and field. He won conference championships in both the 300-meter hurdles
and in the doubles competition in tennis last spring. Joseph is also part of the
concert choir and swing choir. He took part in the fall play as a sophomore and
has also acted with the Broadway Dinner Theatre. In the community, Joseph
coaches basketball, football and tennis, while also spending time with Habitat
for Humanity and the Adopt-A-Highway program. He also volunteers at church,
sings in the Church Bell Choir, and helps out as an altar server. Joseph’s
student council advisor speaks to his leadership skills by saying “Joseph
leads by example in and out of the classroom. Joey doesn’t do what is popular;
he does what is right.”
Athletics: Basketball, Football,
Tennis, Track and Field
Fine Arts: Choir, Theatre
Community: Adopt-a-Highway, Bell Choir
and Altar Server at Church, Habitat for Humanity, Youth Sports Volunteer
Favorite Quote: “Pride comes from what you do when nobody is watching.”
– Unknown
Kirsten
Haukom
Marshall High School
Kirsten is constantly proving that laughter and companionship may cure all ills.
She spends countless hours every year visiting with the elderly, and she often
plays the piano or sings for the residents. A member of the “A” honor roll,
Kirsten is also active in varsity athletics. She has lettered in both basketball
and golf, and took fifth place individually in the Southwest conference golf
tournament last year. She also earned Spotlight on Scholarship awards in both
sports. Kirsten also finds time to work as a peer helper and volunteers as a
Rotary basketball coach. She is very active in her church where she is the
pianist/organist. She also brings food to the sick, does yardwork for the
elderly, and serves as a babysitter in the nursery. One of her teachers called
Kirsten “an exceptionally involved student” who displays leadership without
regard to fanfare.
Athletics: Basketball,
Golf
Fine Arts: Pep, Jazz, and Marching
Bands, Choir, Saratoga Singers
Community: Church Pianist/Organist,
Nursing Home Volunteer, Rotary Basketball Coach, Bible School Aid
Favorite Quote: “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” –
Albert Einstein
Laura
Huiras
St.
Mary’s High School, Sleepy Eye
Laura has learned from many experiences, from coaching elementary basketball to
serving her church as an altar server and reader. She volunteers as a volleyball
camp instructor and helps her relatives by babysitting. She is on the “A”
honor roll, is the treasurer for the National Honor Society, and has been the
vice president of her class for the past three years. She was the activities
chairperson on this year’s Homecoming committee, and also served as emcee at
last year’s prom. All-Conference in golf, she also lettered in volleyball and
basketball. She was also named to the Academic All-Conference teams in all three
sports. Laura participates in both marching and pep band, and was a majorette
her freshman year. She choreographs routines for her dance team and collects
statistics for the football team. “In class and on the court, Laura shows
confidence and exudes poise and maturity by standing up for what’s right, not
what’s popular,” her counselor said.
Athletics: Volleyball,
Basketball, Dance Team, Golf
Fine Arts: Pep and Marching Bands,
Musical
Community: Youth Group at Church,
Youth Basketball Coach, Volleyball Camp Instructor, Bloodmobile, Babysitting
Favorite Quote: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only
through experience through trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened,
ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
Megan Kack
Minneota High School
Megan is a member of the concert, jazz, marching, and pep bands, and also
participates in girls’ and mixed ensembles in choir where she has earned an
“Excellent” rating at the state and section music contests. Megan has also
been involved with the school musical, orchestra, and speech. She plays varsity
basketball, volleyball and golf, and has been elected to Student Council all
three years of her high school career. She is a member of the New Student
Welcome Committee, and was a peer tutor as a freshman and sophomore. Maintaining
a 4.0 GPA, she has been a member of the Spanish club and National Honor Society
for the last two years, and was a member of the Math League as a freshman. Megan
is active in her church, and serves as an assistant Sunday school teacher, altar
server, and church choir participant. She has been involved in the
Adopt-A-Highway program, blood drive, and youth sports programs, as well as the
Cancer Walk. One of Megan’s teachers said, “Megan has been consistently
dedicated to her work and devoted to helping others.”
Athletics: Basketball, Golf,
Volleyball
Fine Arts: Band, Choir, Musical,
Orchestra, Speech
Community: Adopt-a-Highway, Blood
Drive, Cancer Walk, Church Volunteer, Community Food Drive, Youth Sports
Favorite Quote: “Your living is determined not so much by what life brings
to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you
as by the way your mind looks at what happens. Circumstances and situations do
color life but you have been given the mind to choose what the color shall
be.” – John Homer Miller
Christopher
Kuehl
Martin County West High School, Sherburn
A member of the jazz, marching, and pep bands, Chris is also active in
choir, speech and theatre. He has earned “Superior” ratings in both band and
choir, and has also participated in Honors groups in each activity. Chris is
also a gifted athlete, and plays basketball and tennis. He was voted “Most
Valuable Player” as a freshman tennis player, and “Most Improved Player”
that same year on the basketball team. Chris is an “A” student who has been
a class officer throughout his high school career. He has been a peer tutor, and
was a state participant in Future Problem Solving in 2003 and 2004. Outside of
school, Chris is a 4-H member, and has served as treasurer of his local chapter.
He also volunteers at his church and at the nursing home, and participates in
the Road Ditch Pick-Up program. One of Chris’ teachers said, “Chris models
good sportsmanship and a positive attitude for others to see.”
Athletics: Basketball, Tennis
Fine Arts: Band, Choir, Speech
Community: 4-H, Church Volunteer, Road
Ditch Pick-Up Program
Favorite Quote: “I am a strong believer in luck and I find the harder I
work the more I have of it.” – Ben Franklin
Ryan Larson
Annandale High School
Being a three-sport athlete is only the beginning of the contribution Ryan
makes to his school. Aside from playing football, basketball, and golf, he also
excels in the fine arts. Ryan is a member of the jazz, marching and pep bands,
and also participates in choir and the pit orchestra for school musicals. He has
been a section leader in band, and has earned “Superior” ratings in both
band and choir. Ryan is an “A” honor role student, and has spent two years on
student council. He is also a member of National Honor Society. Outside of
school, Ryan is involved with his church youth group and Youth for Christ. He
also volunteers as a youth basketball referee and at the local youth football
camp. Ryan describes a time recently when he helped out at the Community Meal
program in St. Cloud as having “a bigger impact on me than on anyone who came
that day.” One of Ryan’s teachers describes him, “as a top leader and
student in our school.”
Athletics: Basketball, Football, Golf
Fine Arts: Band, Choir, Pit Orchestra
for the Musical
Community: Church Volunteer, Community
Meal, Youth for Christ, Youth Sports Volunteer
Favorite Quote: “Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though
you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” – The Apostle Paul
(Col. 3:23)
Ann
Lundebrek
Buffalo High School
Ann discovered a sense of satisfaction while providing childcare for less
fortunate families in the ninth grade, and has volunteered hundreds of hours
over the past three years. As an honor roll student, Student Council member and
editor of the school newspaper, Ann also finds time to work as an instructor at
Vacation Bible School and participate in Teens Against Tobacco Use and
Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is a captain on her Nordic ski team and
has been an All-Conference honorable mention for the past two seasons. She has
lettered in Nordic skiing, swimming and diving, cross country and track and
field, and also participates in orchestra. “Ann is one of those exceptional
people who manages to have a positive influence on everyone she encounters,”
said one of her teachers. “In the time I have known her, she has impressed me
as a person of outstanding character and exemplary integrity.”
Athletics: Swimming and Diving, Cross
Country, Nordic Skiing, Track and Field
Fine Arts: Orchestra
Community: Buffalo Community
Orchestra, Music Ministry and Youth Group at Church, Reading to the Blind,
Childcare for Needy Families
Favorite Quote: “I went to the woods because I wished to live
deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not
learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not
lived.” – Henry David Thoreau
Jonna
Maas
Westbrook-Walnut Grove High School
A counselor-in-training with Shetek Lutheran Ministries, Jonna helped each of
her campers realize how special they are. She’s a top student and was one of
two sophomores inducted into National Honor Society last year. In her church,
she serves as an acolyte and lector and is a Vacation Bible School aide. She is
also a 4-H member and has been a county ambassador and youth leader for the past
three years. In the fine arts, Jonna participates in concert choir, Choralaires,
and the marching and jazz bands. Her drumline took “Best at Site” her
freshman year, and she has earned “Superior” and “Excellent” ratings in
both choir and band. As an athlete, Jonna was one of three ninth-graders on the
varsity volleyball team. She has earned letters in volleyball, basketball and
track, and will be a captain on the 2005 volleyball team. Jonna’s instructor
said she has a quick wit and infectious laugh and that she represents the best
in young people.
Athletics: Volleyball, Basketball,
Track and Field
Fine Arts: Concert Choir and
Choralaires, Concert, Jazz, Pep, and Marching Bands, Pit Band for Fall Musical,
Polka Band
Community: Acolyte, Sunday School
Accompanist and Lector at Church, Shetek Lutheran Ministries, Luther League, 4-H
Youth Leaders, Accompanist at “Miss Westbrook” Contest
Favorite Quote: “Live each day as if it were your last.” – Unknown
Andrew
Malovrh
Virginia
High School
A top student, Andrew is a member of Student Council, Key Club, and Spanish
Club. He’s served his school on the Homecoming and Prom committees and was
Master of Ceremonies at last year’s Grand March. He enjoys coaching elementary
basketball and is also a Sunday school teacher and Vacation Bible School
assistant. He won an Outstanding Service Award for over 100 hours of service to
East Range Service Learning and is also a peer listener. Athletically, Andrew
has earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field. His
football team participated in the 2004 state tournament, and the Mesabi
Daily News named Andrew “Athlete of the Week” in October 2004. Andrew is
also active in choir and has been a soloist in the Pops Concert with the A
Cappella Choir. Andrew’s coach calls him the “heart” of the team. “I
have never seen a better example of positive leadership which Andrew
demonstrates every single time he competes whether in the classroom, or in the
athletic arena.”
Athletics: Football, Basketball, Track
and Field
Fine Arts: Concert and A Cappella
Choirs, School Musical
Community: Elementary Basketball
Coach, Sunday School Teacher and Vacation Bible School Assistant at Church,
Virginia Schools PER (Planning, Evaluating and Reporting Committee), East Range
Service Learning
Favorite Quote: “What is popular is not always right, what is right is not
always popular.” – Unknown
Jessica
Meyer
Royalton
High School
A solid “A” student, Jessica serves as treasurer for Family, Career and
Community Leaders of America and secretary for Students Against Drunk Driving.
She is a junior leader in 4-H and was grand champion in cattle showing at the
Morrison County Fair in 2003. In the community, she serves her church by
teaching Sunday school and is also an elementary basketball coach. Jessica has
lettered in band, cross country, basketball and softball. She won the “Hustle
Award” in basketball last year, and the “Coaches Award” in softball. She
will also be a captain on the 2005 cross country team. Jessica shares her acting
abilities by participating in one act plays and speech. She was a section
finalist in speech last year, and her 4-H “Share the Fun” plays have also
won several honors at both the Morrison County Fair and the State Fair.
Jessica’s teacher and coach said she ranks as one of the most outstanding
people he has had the pleasure to be associated with in 30 years of teaching.
Athletics: Cross Country Running,
Basketball, Softball
Fine Arts: Pep, Marching, and Concert
Bands, Speech, One Act Play
Community: Youth Group and Sunday
School Teacher at Church, 4-H Junior Leader, Elementary Basketball Coach, Food
Drive
Favorite Quote: “When quitting is no longer an option, you’re halfway
there.” – Unknown
Andrea
Millerbernd
Littlefork–Big
Falls High School
A three-year letter-winner and
two-year captain in both volleyball and basketball, Andrea excels in the
athletic world. She has also lettered twice in softball, and was selected to the
All-Conference team as a sophomore in volleyball, and as a freshman and
sophomore in basketball. Along with winning consolation honors at the state
softball tournament, she was also All-Conference as a freshman and sophomore,
and was the North Lakes Conference “Pitcher of the Year” in 2004. Andrea has
lettered twice as a member of both band and choir, and has also participated in
the spring play. Active in her school, she served as a class officer during her
freshman year, was a member of the Kids Plus program and National Honor Society,
and was part of the prom committee. She has done all of this while maintaining
an “A” average. As well as volunteering in youth sports, Andrea also spends
time in her church volunteering. Andrea “displays compassion and concern for
others, regardless of age or ability, and she has been a role model for many”
said one of her teachers.
Athletics: Basketball, Softball,
Volleyball
Fine Arts: Band, Choir, Theatre
Community: Adopt-a-Highway, Church
Volunteer, National Honor Society, Youth Sports Volunteer
Favorite Quote: “Take pride in how far you’ve come, have faith in how
far you will go.” – Unknown
Genevieve
Moe
Aitkin
High School
From being a leader on her softball team to helping choreograph dance team
routines, Genevieve is an outstanding athlete who has already lettered in
volleyball, dance team, and softball. She was an All-Conference selection for
softball and was part of the championship high kick dance team in 2004. Off the
playing field, Genevieve volunteers as a softball coach for elementary-age
girls, and also helps create the haunted trail at Camp New Hope. She was named
Most Valuable Freshman on the Student Council in 2003 and is a student
representative on the School-to-Work Committee. Musically, she participates in
the marching, pep and jazz bands, and is also part of the Madrigals singing
group. Last year, she was selected to attend the Interlochen Arts Camp for two
months. Genevieve’s softball coach says her greatest attribute is her strong
moral character. “She is a person I would want my children to choose as a
friend,” he added.
Athletics: Volleyball, Dance Team,
Softball
Fine Arts: Pep, Marching, and Jazz
Bands, Choir, Madrigals, Minnesota Honor Band, Spring Musical
Community: Church, Community Meal,
Youth Softball Coach, Camp New Hope
Favorite Quote: “Failure is only an absolute when you give up. Everyone
gets knocked down; the question is, will you get back up?” – Unknown
Michael
Petersen
Sleepy
Eye High School
Earning Spotlight on Scholarship gold certificates in football, basketball, and
track and field, Michael also made the “A” honor roll for the past three
years. He was an All-Conference Honorable Mention in football this year and has
also been a captain on the basketball team. Off the playing field, Michael has
earned “Superior” ratings in concert band and has performed at the Minnesota
Music Educators Association Convention. A busy church volunteer, he also worked
as a soup kitchen volunteer and a youth basketball referee. He is a member of
National Honor Society, is an officer with Future Farmers of America, and also
works on the school newspaper and volunteers on the Homecoming committee.
Michael’s teacher and coach said he has shown tremendous leadership qualities
and is willing to take on new challenges with confidence.
Athletics: Football, Basketball,
Baseball
Fine Arts: Concert, Marching, and Pep
Bands, Brass Quartet
Community: Youth Group and Music
Quartet at Church, Soup Kitchen Volunteer, Youth Basketball Referee, Homeless
Shelter and Nursing Home Volunteer
Favorite Quote: “Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of
being a second-rate version of someone else.” – Judy Garland
Jessica
Pierson
St. Clair High School
Athletics: Basketball, Track and
Field, Volleyball
Fine Arts: Chamber Singers, Concert
band, Concert Choir, Marching and Pep Bands, Theatre
Community: Blood drive, Salvation
Army, Sunday School Volunteer, Youth Soccer Volunteer
Favorite Quote: “We are not afraid of tomorrow for we have seen yesterday
and we love today.”– Unknown
Timothy
Polansky
Grygla-Gatzke
High School
Timothy is an “A” student and member of Student Council and the Homecoming
committee. He competes on the Knowledge Bowl team, is a peer helper, and a
Boys’ State delegate. He is also active in his church youth group. He
volunteers as a youth basketball coach and referee, checks water levels in
rivers for Riverwatch, and spent three days painting St. Mary’s Mission School
on the Red Lake Indian Reservation as part of a service project. He has earned
gold Spotlight on Scholarship awards in football and basketball. He was also
named “Most Valuable Offensive Lineman” in football last fall. In the fine
arts, he’s lettered in choir and band and participates in the pep, concert and
marching bands and concert choir. He was also on the stage crew for the school
play his sophomore year. Timothy’s coach calls him a quiet, yet
forceful leader. “He pushes himself hard, bringing others along with him to
reach high goals,” he said.
Athletics: Football, Basketball
Fine Arts: Pep, Concert and Marching
Bands, Concert Choir, School Play
Community: Youth Group and Altar
Server at Church, Food Drive Chairperson, St. Mary’s Mission Trip, Riverwatch
Volunteer, Youth Basketball Coach and Referee
Favorite Quote: “Winners never quit and quitters never win.” – Vince
Lombardi
Michelle
Schreier
St. Agnes High School, St. Paul
A member of the Latin, Math, and
Spanish clubs, Michelle spends time peer tutoring and has also participated in
mock trial and the Academic Quiz Bowl. She has also been on the “A” honor
roll throughout her high school career. In the fine arts, Michelle has competed
in speech for three years, and has spent one year each in choir and piano.
Michelle has been a member of the varsity volleyball team for three years, and a
track and field team member and captain for two years. She earned St. Agnes’
track and field “Gatorade Player of the Year” honor in 2003 and
All-Conference honors in 2004. Michelle spends time with her church,
volunteering as a Sunday school teacher and Fall Festival worker. She also
spends time visiting nursing homes and doing yard work for the elderly. Michelle
enjoys helping kids and has participated in youth groups and the Babysitting for
Free program. Michelle’s teacher describes her as having an “outgoing,
friendly and helpful personality” that only adds to her remarkable
accomplishments.
Athletics: Track and Field, Volleyball
Fine Arts: Choir, Piano, Speech
Community: Babysitting for Free,
Church Volunteer, Nursing Home visits, Yard Work for Elderly, Youth Group
Favorite Quote: “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have
only today. Let us begin.” – Mother
Theresa
Matthew
Solberg
Cambridge-Isanti High School
Matthew has exhibited superb volunteer
service and has also achieved excellence in academics, arts, and athletics. On
the “A” honor roll throughout his high school career and a member of the
National Honor Society, Matthew has also contributed significantly to the
football team where he has lettered the past two years. He was also named
All-Conference this year. In the arts, he participates in concert band, jazz
band, and jazz choir, and has been his section leader in band for the last two
years. In the community, Matthew contributes as a youth football coach, is music
leader at his church, and also volunteers for the Meals on Wheels program.
Matthew is also a Sunday School teacher and Church Council member. Matthew’s
principal describes him as an “exemplary young person who consistently
demonstrates the qualities of respect, responsibility, self-discipline, honesty,
and compassion.”
Athletics: Baseball, Basketball,
Football
Fine Arts: Concert and Jazz Bands,
Jazz Choir
Community: Church Council member,
Church Music Leader, Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Sunday School Teacher, Youth
Football Coach
Favorite Quote: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other
plans.” –John Lennon
Ben
Thompson
Apple Valley High School
A three-time letter winner in Alpine skiing, Ben also excels in a variety of
other activities. He is a member of the band, choir, and speech programs at
Apple Valley, and is also active in the theatre department. He has played
numerous lead roles in his career, and won the “Outstanding Performance”
award for his role as Romeo in Romeo and
Juliet. Ben is an “A” honor roll student, and is also a member of the
National Honor Society. He was the Homecoming emcee and is active as a new
student ambassador. Along with volunteering as an assistant ski instructor and
being active at his church, he is also very involved in the community theatre.
Ben says of his experiences at community theatre, “Volunteering in community
theatre has taught me that supporting others and being a part of something
larger than myself is what gives life, and acting, real meaning.” One of
Ben’s teachers says of him, “In my many dealings with Ben, I have noticed
that he has a wonderfully positive influence on those around him.”
Athletics: Alpine Skiing, Tennis
Fine Arts: Band, Choir, Speech,
Theatre
Community: Church Usher and
Eucharistic Minister, Community Theatre Volunteer, Volunteer Ski Instructor
Favorite Quote: “You can throw away the privilege of acting, but that
would be such a shame. The tribe has elected you to tell its story. You are the
shaman/healer, that’s what the storyteller is, and I think it’s important
for actors to appreciate that. Too often actors think it’s all about them,
when in reality it’s all about the audience being able to recognize themselves
in you.” –Ben Kingsley
Jason
Ulbrich
Byron
High School
In addition to being an “A” student, Jason has been on Student Council
throughout his high school career, and served as vice president as a sophomore.
Jason is a member of Family Community and Career Leaders of America and a member
of Students Against Drunk Driving. He volunteers at his church, and recently
headed up a construction project there. Jason is also a Sunday school teacher
and altar server, and volunteers with the Boy Scouts. He is a three-year choir
member at school, and participated twice in the fall school play, earning a lead
role in 2003 and a major role in 2004. Jason also competes in three sports:
soccer, basketball and golf. His counselor said, “Jason displays strong
leadership skills and works fantastically as a member of a team.”
Athletics: Basketball, Golf, Soccer
Fine Arts: Choir, Theatre
Community: Adopt-a-Highway, Boy
Scouts, Church Volunteer
Favorite Quote: “If a man does his best, what else is there?”—General George S.
Patton
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