For his hard work in and out of the classroom, Carter Barto (right) is one of two CHS nominees for the Minnesota State High School League’s Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership (ExCEL) award.
The junior plays baritone saxophone in the Senior-High Concert Band, the Pep Band and in Red Folder Jazz. A three-sport athlete, he excels in football, basketball and baseball.
While an injury kept him out of basketball and baseball last season, in football this fall he was an All-Conference Honorable Mention and was voted by his teammates to receive the Unsung Hero award.
“He had a great season statistically, but it was the heart, him going out there and playing against opponents’ toughest linemen,” said head football coach Erik Hermanson. “He also helped the younger guys. We couldn’t ask for a better leader and a better player.”
This winter he is leading the Clipper basketball boys.
His favorite subject is English.
His most influential mentor is his supervisor at Lake Boys, Chris Seely (left).
“Throughout my time working with him, he has taught me many things to help in the real world and not just at work.”
To be eligible for the ExCEL Award, students must be a junior, make satisfactory progress toward graduation requirements, participate in a State High School League-sponsored fine arts and/or athletic activity, hold a leadership position in their school, and work voluntarily in their community as well as meet MSHSL general eligibility requirements. This is the 25th year that the Minnesota State High School League has sponsored the ExCEL Award.