Whether they’re competing on a basketball or volleyball court, leading a student council meeting or performing music on stage…no matter if they’re studying inside a classroom or out volunteering in their community, juniors Taylor Wolf and Carson Lyons and seniors Vivian Hilfer and Mason Kluntz have been making the most of their years as Cleveland High School students.
For their efforts, Wolf and Lyons are the school’s nominees for the Minnesota High School League’s ExCEL award while Hilfer and Kluntz are the nominees for the similar Academics, Arts, and Athletics (Triple ‘A’) Award.
The quartet was recognized in the new gym just before the boys varsity basketball game on Friday.
Wolf (third from right) participates in volleyball, basketball, softball, band, FCA, the National Honor Society, student council, SADD, and volunteers with multiple organizations in the community.
English teacher and Student Council co-advisor Madeline Strenke (second from right) presented Wolf’s certificate.
“When Taylor was a student in my ninth-grade English class, she immediately distinguished herself through her intelligence, curiosity and strong work ethic,” Strenke said. “She consistently went above and beyond expectations, not for the grade, but because she took pride in doing her best work. Taylor is the kind of young woman who raises the bar for those around her and consistently embodies the qualities this award seeks to recognize. What truly sets Taylor apart is her ability not just to generate meaningful ideas to improve our council and school culture, but to follow through on those ideas until they become reality. She is the first to volunteer her time and energy, often arriving early or staying late to ensure that school events run smoothly. She does not wait to be told what needs to be done; she simply sees a need and steps in to meet it. She never seeks recognition for these efforts. Her motivation comes from a genuine desire to serve her school and community. Her humility, kindness, and respect for others have earned her the admiration of her teachers and peers alike.”
Lyons (center) participates in football, basketball, baseball, band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Honor Society and Student Council. He also has a youth service role in Emily Manser’s fourth-grade class and volunteers with multiple organizations in the community.
Science teacher and Student Council co-advisor Anneliese Johnson (left) presented Lyons’ certificate.
“Being a role model in high school takes more than talent or a busy schedule. It takes consistency, humility and the willingness to show up for others when it isn’t required,” Johnson said. “Carson demonstrates all these traits daily. Younger players look up to him not simply because of a formal title, but because he is the kind of leader who models composure, hard work and genuine encouragement. He is almost always among the first to volunteer when a task needs doing, whether that means organizing something behind the scenes, helping a classmate or stepping into a leadership role that others might shy away from. I am also certain he does even more behind the scenes than I’m not aware of, simply because he never seeks attention for the support he gives to others. He consistently gives his time in ways that go unannounced because he is not motivated by recognition.”
Hilfer (second from left), who was an ExCEL award nominee last year, participates in track & field, band—where she often sings solos for the group—Student Council, Yearbook and the National Honor Society. She has a youth service role in Emily Elverum’s third-grade class She volunteers to teach classes at church, participates in studio dance and takes all college level classes at Cleveland. After graduation, she is undecided on a college but plans on majoring in business and pre-law.
Band director Erik Hermanson (right) presented Hilfer’s certificate.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have been Vivian’s band and jazz band director for the past five years,” Hermanson said. “In that time, I have been able to see her represent the school as a musician, a scholar, and an athlete. She is a naturally gifted and talented musician, excelling as a singer and piano player. Her excellence though is not because of her natural talent alone, it is because she has worked tirelessly to improve, with her dedication and personal drive helping raise group expectations here at Cleveland and pushing us to new heights. She has soloed for the group in performances from Universal Studios in Florida all the way to the Mall of America. Vivian is also active in dance and very involved with competitive dance. She has proved through that to be a model of maturity, strength, and courage and those attributes translated to the track where she is always pushing herself and others to succeed and achieve beyond their abilities. In the classroom, sports, music, and life, Vivian is a proven winner. She is the ultimate example and a mentor for our younger students.”
Kluntz (third from left) participates in football, basketball, band and currently takes all college level courses in his final semester at CHS. After graduation, he plans to major in civil engineering at MSU,M-Mankato.
Hermanson, both Kluntz’s football coach and band director, presented his certificate.
“I have had the privilege of working with Mason both as his band director and as his football coach,” Hermanson said. “In every setting he consistently demonstrates the talent, discipline, leadership and character that define a truly deserving Triple ‘A’ Award recipient. Mason is a senior trumpet player in our concert band and top jazz group, where he distinguishes himself not only through natural musical ability but through exceptional work ethic and commitment. In addition to his artistic achievements, Mason is one of the most dependable and self-motivated students I have ever taught. He is consistently punctual, prepared and willing to go above and beyond expectations. Athletics provides another arena in which Mason excels. As a vocal and positive leader, Mason continually pushed both himself and his teammates to work harder and strive for excellence. His confidence, knowledge of the sport, determination, and relentless work ethic have made him a cornerstone of the Cleveland Clipper football program. He is a fine young man of strong character and integrity, and he represents the very best of what the Triple A award is intended to honor.”
About the awards
The ExCEL Award recognizes students who demonstrate Excellence in Community, Education, and Leadership. These students aren’t just involved—they lead. They serve others, support their schools and make a difference in their communities through attitude, effort and character.
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 will be recognized in a ceremony during the Girls Basketball state tournament Class AAA championship game.
The Triple ‘A’ Award stands for Academics, Arts, and Athletics. This award recognizes students who excel in all three areas, showing dedication in the classroom, commitment to activities and arts and leadership in athletics. These students represent what it truly means to be well-rounded, hardworking and positive role models in their schools.
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.
Content courtesy of activities director Walker Froehling.