Triple ‘A,’ ExCEL Award recipients announced

Four Edina High School (EHS) students are recipients of two annual awards through the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). The awards are a collaboration between the League and local schools. Coaches and advisors nominate students based on the MSHSL award criteria. Students complete an application form and local coaches and advisors make the final selection.

Seniors Owen Gage and Sara Park are Triple “A” Award winners. The award recognizes seniors who excel in the arts, athletics, and academics.

Owen is captain of the Nordic ski and track & field teams, with numerous conference, section, and state awards in each sport, as well as being an awarded member of the cross-country team. He plays tuba with the Concert Band and the Orchestra Winds Ensemble. Owen has twice received Academic All State recognition, in addition to a Minnesota Bilingual Gold Seal in French and National Merit and AP Scholar honors.

Sara is captain of the track and field team, with two conference awards, four section awards and two state awards. She has twice set the school record for the 4x400 meter relay. She is vice president of the Student Council, a math tutor, Link Crew member, and volunteer Korean School teacher. Sara plays violin with the EHS Concert Orchestra and is a two-time Academic All-State recipient, among several other AP Scholar achievements.

Emma LaFrenz and Peter Rock, grade 11, are recipients of the ExCEL Award. The award is for juniors who demonstrate academic success, school involvement and volunteer in the community.

Emma is a member of the varsity track and field team, Link Crew, World Cultures Club, Girl Up and the Student Activities Advisory Council. She is a member of the EHS band and received a superior rating in solo competition. Emma is an active volunteer through her faith community, including teaching Sunday school, serving community meals, leading Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir and participating in a mission trip.

Peter has twice lettered in Nordic skiing and is a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team, Student Council, Chinese club and Mosaic. He is also a member of the Concert Band and the Jazz Band. Peter’s volunteer activities include work with Second Harvest Heartland, YMCA Camp Du Nord and the League of Women Voters.

The MSHSL will select four students from among all award winners statewide, who will receive four-year $1,000 scholarship.

Pictured clockwise: Sara Park, Owen Gage, Peter Rock, and Emma LaFrenz