Activities director Rich Kern recognized (from L-R) CHS Triple ‘A’ Award nominees, seniors Dylan Zimmerman and MaKenna Mueller, and ExCEL award nominees, juniors Maya Lassiter and Blake Lyons, during halftime during the boys basketball game on Thursday.
Zimmerman participates in trap and jazz band and is a member of the National Honor Society.
His most important mentor is his scoutmaster Mary Klaseus for helping him achieve Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts.
He plans to attend Gustavus Adolphus College next fall.
Mueller is active in pep band, concert and jazz band, and hockey.
She said her parents, Cole and Carrie Mueller, have been her most important mentors.
“They always push me to do my best and be my best when it comes to school, sports, and just as a person. They taught me to work hard for the things I want and not to let anyone or anything get in the way.”
She plans to attend Kansas State University next fall.
Lassiter is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and SAAD and participates in volleyball, boys hockey as manager, jazz band, pep band and concert band
Her mom Andi Lassiter is her most important mentor.
“She is always there for me and is the biggest leader in my life. I call her any time if I need anything. She has the best advice for me.”
Lyons participates in pep band, concert band, jazz band, student council and is a member of the National Honor Society. He competes in football, basketball and baseball.
His most important mentor has been social studies teacher Dave Cink.
“Every day he shows up with a positive attitude and is a positive role model. He's also willing to help anyone at any time with no questions asked. He also has a good sense of humor and can be quite funny at times.”
To be eligible for the Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award, a student must be a senior at the time of nomination. Nominations are limited to two qualifying students per school, one male and one female. They need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the date of nomination, must participate in at least League-sponsored athletics activity and one League fine arts activity and comply with the MSHSL Student Code of Conduct. The award was established in 1988.
Triple ‘A’ Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process involving member schools of the League, the League’s administrative regions, and a special committee of educators, business leaders, and members from the fine arts and athletic communities.
Two award finishers from each region (one boy and one girl) are invited to a recognition banquet in March, and League officials will announce the four statewide Triple ‘A’ Award winners at that time.
All 32 finalists will also participate in an on-court ceremony during the Class AAA championship game of the Boys Basketball State Tournament. The statewide award winners—a girl and a boy from Class A and Class AA schools—will also receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship.
To be eligible for the ExCEL award, a student must be a junior making satisfactory process toward graduation, participate in MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activities, hold a leadership passion in their school and volunteer in their community.
ExCEL award winners were selected in February and will be recognized in a ceremony during the Girls Basketball state tournament Class AA championship game.