2023 Triple 'A' Award Winners Announced
Posted: Sunday, March 26, 2023 - 8:48 AM
Four Minnesota high school students have been selected as the 2023 Triple ‘A’ Award state scholarship recipients.
Established in 1988, the award, popularly known as the Triple ‘A’ Award, recognizes high school seniors from across Minnesota for their achievements in academics, the arts/activities and athletics. To qualify, students must have a 3.0 grade-point average or better and participate in League-sponsored athletic and arts/activities programs. League member schools are invited to nominate one boy and one girl for the award. Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process involving the League’s administrative regions and a committee of educational, athletic, and arts/activities leaders.
The 2023 Triple ‘A’ Award state scholarship recipients are Avery Anderson, Orono; Isaac Kreft, West Central Area; Maci Lake, Sebeka; and Ava Lowman, Cambridge-Isanti. Each student will receive a $4,000 scholarship.
“We are proud to recognize, honor and celebrate these well-rounded students,” said Charlie Campbell, the League Associate Director who oversees the Triple ‘A’ program. “They have demonstrated excellence and achievement in academics, the arts/activities and athletics and are leaders in their schools and communities.”
Since its inception 1988, more than 16,000 students have represented their school in the Triple ‘A’ Program.
Maci Lake Region 6A
Sebeka High School
Grade-point average: 4.0
Activities: Band, choir, volleyball, cross country, basketball, softball.
Maci is at the top of her class at Sebeka High School and is a member of the National Honor Society. She’s active in Business Professionals of America and is president of the organization’s parliamentary procedure team, which placed third in State competition. She plays the piano, the trumpet and the French horn, and is involved in Jazz Band and Show Choir. Her volleyball coach says Maci has worked hard in all of her sports – she’s captain of THREE teams --volleyball, basketball and softball. But she has been most impressed with Maci’s selflessness and leadership. During this senior year, the volleyball team’s setter was out for the season, and Maci volunteered to give up her role as a hitter and become a setter again.
Quote: “…my main goal has always been to stay humble and to treat others with respect. I have no doubt that the skills I have gained by being a student of the fine arts and an athlete will help me to persevere and be successful in life.”
College plans: To pursue a degree in biology and training as a physician’s assistant.
Isaac Kreft Region 6A
West Central High School
Grade-point average: 4.0
Activities: Band, choir, speech, robotics, football, cross country, basketball, baseball, track and field.
Isaac is a member of the National Honor Society at West Central Area Schools. He received the ExCEL Award. His school counselor notes Isaac’s eagerness and curiosity to know more about many subjects, taking such courses as Community Carpentry, Emergency Medical Response and Welding to explore diverse careers. Isaac competed on the sectional level in speech five times, and earned Most Valuable Speaker. He has played in many of the school’s bands, and sang solos in several school concerts. Isaac was named football team captain and Most Valuable Defensive Player, and qualified for the cross country State Tournament. He also participated in Section championships for basketball, and track and field. Isaac was also basketball team captain this year. Outside of school, Isaac earned the Eagle Scout rank in Boy Scouts. His counselor says Isaac has grit and resilience, paired with a positive attitude.
Quote: “I have learned that teamwork is essential for success. No person can win a game alone, play each instrument in the band, or fulfill every role in a group project. Teamwork leads to becoming a family.”
College plans: To pursue a career in engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Naval Academy and participate in football and fine arts.
Ava Lowman Region 7AA
Cambridge-Isanti High School
Grade-point average: 4.36
Activities: Band, choir, speech, tennis, track and field.
Ava is a member of the National Honor Society and an A-P Scholar of High Distinction at Cambridge-Isanti High School. She’s a leader in the school’s Link Crew program --that’s an international program -- where Ava and other students mentor incoming ninth graders to help them make a smooth transition to high school. She has been speech team captain in both her junior and senior years. She earned All-Conference Honors in speech in 2021, then the Section 7AA championship in her speech category last year. Ava teaches and coaches middle school students about speech. She performs in the a cappella choir, the top jazz band, and plays piano for choir substitutes. Ava has had roles in many musicals. Her coach and teacher calls Ava an “outstanding student and incredible leader.”
Quote: “Being in a community of supportive, uplifting people has helped my confidence and my smile grow. I am so grateful to get to serve as a leader as I have learned how to turn a group into a community and value each individual’s role.”
College plans: To pursue a college education and participate in tennis, music and speech.
Avery Anderson Region 2AA
Orono High School
Grade-point average: 4.09
Band, choir, soccer, hockey, Lacrosse.
Avery has earned superior ratings in choir and band. He’s a member of the Chamber choir, too. His Spanish teacher called Avery an “exceptional student, largely due to his positive attitude.” He earned a letter of academic recognition last year. Avery lettered EIGHT times in three different sports. He’s been captain of the soccer team, which went to State this year. He’s captain of the Lacrosse team, and part of the leadership group of the hockey team. He also performed the national anthem at last year’s Minnesota High School Hockey State Tournament at the Xcel Center. His teacher says Avery “perseveres to achieve high standards,” he’s “extremely responsible and dedicated."
Quote: “The adversity that I have faced through these platforms has not only made me a better person and leader to my peers but has also taught me lessons that have molded me into who I am. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunities to take a step out of my comfort zone...”
College plans: To pursue a degree in biology or psychology and participate in college sports.
2023 Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award finalists:
Class A
- Region 1A Jude Gosse, Triton and Anika Reiland, Kingsland
- Region 2A Emmett Gerres, Belle Plaine and Solveig Senf, Fairmont
- Region 3A Camden Cilek, Redwood Valley and Amanda Overgaauw, Murray County Central
- Region 4A Evan Fraser, Nova Classical Academy and Alyson Marshall, Providence Academy
- Region 5A Myles Dziengel, Eden Valley-Watkins and Eleanor Heller, Melrose Area
- Region 6A Isaac Kreft, West Central Area and Maci Lake, Sebeka
- Region 7A Jake Bradach, Eveleth-Gilbert and Emma Ostrowski, Aitkin
- Region 8A Caleb Zejdlik, East Grand Forks and Aidra Johnson, Kittson Central
Class AA
- Region 1AA Ethan Petersilie, Kasson-Mantorville and Grace Elton, Stewartville
- Region 2AA Avery Anderson, Orono and Ivy Jenson, Worthington
- Region 3AA Benjamin Ertl, Academy of Holy Angels and Siri Anderson, Bloomington Kennedy
- Region 4AA Justin Luan, East Ridge and Chloe Koch, St. Paul Highland Park
- Region 5AA Steven Zhou, Mounds View and Gabrielle Wahl, Champlin Park
- Region 6AA Andrew Westermeyer, Wayzata Alexa DeRoche, DeLaSalle
- Region 7AA Brady Johnson, St. Francis and Ava Lowman, Cambridge-Isanti
- Region 8AA Alexander Oberton, Little Falls and Evelyn Kreft, Becker
