By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Four Henning students were recently honored for their work not only on the athletic field, but in the classroom and community as well. 

Kyle Tierney and Emma Severson were recently selected as the Henning School AAA Award winners, while Ally Hart and Tyson Misegades was recognized as the school’s ExCel Award winners.

Tierney is the son of Kevin and Michelle Tierney of Henning and is involved in track, cross country, choir, band, BPA, SADD and knowledge bowl. 

Tierney said he was honored to be chosen as the local AAA Award winner.

Severson is the daughter of Eric and Amy Severson of Henning and she is involved in volleyball, basketball, BPA, student council, SADD, knowledge bowl, choir, band, speech and National Honor Society. She was also honored to be recognized as the local winner of the prestigious award. 

“It was cool to be recognized and it is an honor,” she said. 

In addition to the AAA Award that is given to seniors in high school, a pair of Henning juniors were also recognized with the ExCel Award. The award is given to juniors who make an impact on the court, in the classroom and in their community. 

Hart is the daughter of Scott and Deb Hart of Henning. She is involved in volleyball, basketball, track, National Honor Society and student council.

Misegades is the son of Randy and Becky Misegades of Henning. He is involved in football, basketball, baseball and National Honor Society. 

Both Hart and Misegades said it was an honor to be recognized for the award. 

Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, the AAA award honors high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in fine arts. Students who are nominated must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better, participate in MSHSL sponsored fine arts and athletic activities, and comply with the MSHSL’s Student Code of Conduct.

The AAA Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process that involves MSHSL member schools, the league’s administrative regions, and a special committee of educators, business leaders, and members from the fine arts and athletic communities. 

The top two AAA Award candidates from each region will be recognized later this year. League officials will announce two state AAA Award recipients—one girl and one boy from both Class A and Class AA schools—and will honor all 32 finalists during an on-court ceremony during the Class AA championship game of the boys basketball state tournament in March. Each state award recipient will receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship.

The ExCel Award nominees will also compete against students from other school districts in the region. Finalists will have the opportunity to participate in an on-court awards ceremony during the Class AA championship game of the girls basketball state tournament in March. The criteria for nomination is similar to that of the AAA Award as the MSHSL looks to honor students making an impact in their classroom, on the athletic field and in their community.