Academics, Arts and Athletics
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.
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 Responsibilities.
- complete the application form and submit it to your school. Each school can submit two finalists to their administrative region secretary by the deadline date specified by the region committee. This form will be posted on the MSHSL website in October.
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. Please check with your school's Activities Director and Administrative Region Secretary for nomination deadline information.
Triple ‘A’ Recognition
Two award finalists from each region (one boy and one girl) 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 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.
Questions about this program can be directed to your school's Activities Director or [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is the “ideal” Triple ‘A’ Award nominee?
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While all schools have many deserving students, the "ideal" nominee is one who has achieved academic excellence and, at the same time, put forth the time and effort to participate in a League-sponsored athletic program and a fine arts/activity. Each school shall use its best efforts to ensure that racial/ethnic group members are given equal consideration for this award program.
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How should a school select its nominees?
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The minimum nomination criteria must be met and nominees must have an outstanding GPA and participate in a League-sponsored athletic program and a League-sponsored fine arts/activity at some time during their high school career. Each individual school can determine the process used to select nominees at the local level. A review of the selection criteria for region committees will be extremely valuable as schools identify their Triple ‘A’ Award nominees.
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How will the selection committee determine Triple ‘A’ Award winners?
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The selection committee will evaluate each Triple ‘A’ nominee based on:
- Academic success
- Involvement in a League-sponsored athletic program
- Involvement in a League-sponsored fine arts/activity
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What is the definition of a League-sponsored athletic program?
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League-sponsored athletic programs include: badminton, baseball, basketball, clay target, cross country running, dance team – competitive (winter season), football, golf, gymnastics, hockey, lacrosse, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, lacrosse, synchronized swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, wrestling, and adapted soccer, bowling, floor hockey, and softball.
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What is the definition of a League-sponsored fine arts and activity program?
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Involvement in MSHSL fine arts and activity programs includes region-hosted instrumental/vocal music competitions, debate, speech, one-act play, visual arts, and robotics.
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Are cheerleaders, dance team members and students in adapted athletics eligible for this award?
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Yes, students who participate in these programs are eligible for the Triple ‘A’ Award. However, cheerleaders and performance dance team members (fall season) must participate in an athletic and fine arts or activity program. Students involved in adapted athletics must be making progress in their individual programs at the expected rate. They must also participate in a fine arts or activity program.
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When will the League announce the four award winners?
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The Triple ‘A’ winners will be announced at the Triple ‘A’ Award banquet held in conjunction with the Boys Basketball State Tournament in March.
