TThe Little Falls and Pequot Lakes high schools recently announced the 2019-20 ExCEL winners.
Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, ExCEL — standing for Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership — is a recognition program designed for Minnesota high school juniors. Students who are active in fine arts and/or athletic activities, who show leadership qualities and who are model citizens in their community are eligible for the award. ExCEL Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process that involves league member schools and an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota.
Little Falls nominated juniors Abigail Borash and Luke Kush and Pequot Lakes nominated juniors Megan Buffington and Ethan Johnson.
ADVERTISEMENT
Borash, the daughter of Wayne and Joyce Borash, has participated in cross-country, Nordic ski, band, accompanies the choirs on the piano and plays piano for many community events. She also participates in FFA, peer helping, student council and visual arts.
Kush, the son of Dave and Lori Kush, has participated in football and basketball. He also participates with peer helping, along with coaching younger students in football and basketball. Both students are on the honor roll.
Buffington, the daughter of Dana and Adam Buffington of Pequot Lakes, participates in band, speech and track and field. The junior is on the “A” honor roll and is active in school groups such as student council and National Honor Society. Buffington volunteers with her church and has organized a blood drive as part of her student council duties.
ADVERTISEMENT
Johnson, the son of Krista and Derrek Johnson of Crosslake, participates in cross-country, Alpine ski and track and field. He qualified for the state cross-country meet this fall and finished 67th overall. Johnson is on the “A” honor roll and is part of the Leadership Group at PLHS. Johnson volunteers with his church and several running events in the community.
Statewide ExCEL winners will be announced in February 2020.
