The ExCEL Award
The ExCEL Award – Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership – is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, leaders in their schools, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. This award is sponsored by the League's corporate partner TruStone Financial Credit Union.
Nomination Criteria
To be eligible for the ExCEL Award, a student must:
- be a high school junior at the time of nomination. Schools may nominate one senior boy and one senior girl for this award.
- make satisfactory progress toward graduation.
- participate in at least one League-sponsored athletic and/or fine arts activity.
- hold a leadership position(s) in their school.
- volunteer in their community.
- meet MSHSL General Eligibility Requirements (Bylaw 206).
Selection Process
ExCEL Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process involving member schools of the League and an independent committee of educators from schools throughout Minnesota. Please check with your school's Activities Director and Administrative Region Secretary for nomination deadline information.
ExCEL Recognition
All ExCEL Award recipients will be invited to participate in an on-court ceremony during the Class AAA championship game of the Girls Basketball State Tournament.
Questions about this program can be directed to your school's Activities Director or [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is the "ideal" ExCEL Award nominee?
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While all schools have many deserving students, the "ideal" ExCEL Award nominee is one who exemplifies high standards of academic achievement while demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership and community service. This student actively participates in League-sponsored athletics and fine arts activities, and serves as a positive role model through school involvement and volunteerism. Each school shall use its best efforts to ensure that racial/ethnic group members are given equal consideration for this award program.
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How should a school select its nominees?
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The minimum nomination criteria must be met and nominees must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to voluntary community service. Nominees must also have participated in a League-sponsored athletic program and/or a League-sponsored fine arts/activity at some time during their high school career. Each individual school can determine the process used to select nominees at the local level.
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How will the selection committee determine ExCEL Award winners?
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The selection committee will evaluate each ExCEL Award nominee based on:
- Community Volunteer Service
- Leadership Roles
- Involvement in a League-sponsored athletic program
- Involvement in a League-sponsored fine arts/activity
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What is the definition of a League-sponsored athletic program?
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League-sponsored athletic programs include: badminton, baseball, basketball, clay target, cross country running, dance team – competitive (winter season), football, golf, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, lacrosse, synchronized swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, wrestling, and adapted soccer, bowling, floor hockey, and softball.
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What is the definition of a League-sponsored fine arts and activity program?
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Involvement in MSHSL fine arts and activity programs includes region-hosted instrumental/vocal music competitions, debate, speech, one-act play, visual arts, and robotics.
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Are cheerleaders, dance team members and students in adapted athletics eligible for this award?
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Yes, students who participate in these programs are eligible for the ExCEL Award. However, cheerleaders and performance dance team members (fall season) must participate in an athletic and fine arts or activity program. Students involved in adapted athletics must be making progress in their individual programs at the expected rate.
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When will the League announce the ExCEL Award Recipients?
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The official list of ExCEL Award recipients for each year is published on the MSHSL website in early February.
