Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Zimmerman_MiddleHigh_Logo

Logo Title

Awards

ExCEL Logo

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, Wells Fargo. 

Nomination Criteria 

Every League member school is invited to nominate one girl and one boy for the ExCEL Award. Nominees must:

  • Be a junior in high school

  • Make satisfactory progress toward graduation

  • Participate in an MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activity

  • Hold a leadership position(s) in their school

  • Volunteer in their community

  • Meet MSHSL General Eligibility Requirements (Bylaw 206)

  • The ExCEL Award nomination form is posted on this website.  We’re counting on you to help us to recognize student leaders in your school who are making a difference. 

Selection Process

  • The ExCEL Award recipients will be selected by an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota. 

Triple A Logo

The Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award, commonly known as the Triple 'A' Award, honors high school seniors throughout the state who have a 3.0 or higher-grade point average and who participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities. This award is sponsored by M Health Fairview and the Institute for Athletic Medicine. 

Nomination Criteria 

To be eligible for the Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award, a student must:

  • Be a high school senior at the time of nomination. Schools may nominate one senior boy and one senior girl for this award.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of nomination.
  • Participate in at least one League-sponsored athletic program and one arts/activity program.
  • Comply with the MSHSL's Student Code of Conduct 
  • Complete the application form and submit it to the administrative region secretary by the deadline specified by the region committee.

Selection Process

  • 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.

Triple 'A' Recognition 

  • The top two award finishers from each region will be 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 AA 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.
A golden laurel wreath frames the words %22MINNEAPOLIS ATHENA AWARDS%22 in blue text against a white background.

ATHENA AWARD

The Athena Award is awarded to the “outstanding senior female athlete” in each school.  The award is based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports.

There will be a formal recognition lunch banquet at the Earle Browne Heritage Center in May.