By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Ashley Wendland and Elliot Severson were recognized earlier this year for their excellence both in and out of the classroom. The Henning juniors were nominated as the Henning School ExCEL award winners. The award is open to all juniors across the state and recognizes excellence in fine arts and/or athletics, leadership in the school and volunteerism in the community.

Wendland, who is the daughter of Holly and Corey Wendland of Henning, participates in dance and student council at Henning School. 

The junior said she was surprised to see how many activities and organizations she is a part of throughout the community. It wasn’t until she began to fill out the ExCEL application that she realized how much she does in the greater Henning area.
Not only was it interesting to see how many different activities she participated in during her time in and out of school, but Wendland said it was fun to see what other people wrote about her character and contributions as part of the application process.

“I didn’t realize I did so much and what other people had to write about us that was cool,” she said.

Severson is the junior son of Amy and Eric Severson, of Henning. He is involved in a number of activities in the school including the student council, math league, knowledge bowl, BPA, basketball, chamber choir and the musical. 

The Henning junior agreed with Wendland that when he began filling out the application for the award it struck him how many activities and contributions he has made in school and in the community.

“It struck me how much of an impact I had and have done in the school,” he said. 

The ExCEL award recognizes Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, leaders in their schools and who demonstrates a strong commitment to community service. Every student who is nominated must participate in a MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activity, hold a leadership position in the school, volunteer in the community and be making satisfactory progress toward graduation.

Students who are nominated for the award are chosen by a multi-level selection process with other nominees from across the state. Each statewide finalist was recognized during the broadcast of the 2026 winter tournaments and also participated in an on-court award ceremony during the girls basketball state tournament in March.