Apple Valley High School Juniors Mitchell Dawson, Jaryn Pipkins Named ExCEL Nominees

juniors Mitchell Dawson and Jaryn Pipkins have been named the school's nominees for the Minnesota State High School League ExCEL Award. 

ExCEL, which stands for Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership, is a state program that recognizes high school juniors in Minnesota for their activeness in school groups, leadership and citizenship.

An independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota will select the state's ExCEL Award recipients in January. State ExCEL winners will be recognized on KSTC-TV (Channel 45) during winter state athletics tournaments.

According to a news release from the school's athletic department:

"Mitchell Dawson is a member of the Apple Valley High School soccer team and was a member of the 2010 State Championship team. This season, he was selected to the Section 3AA All-Academic team. Additionally, he was once a member of the Boys Track and Field team.

A talented musician, Mitchell is a member of the Apple Valley Wind Ensemble. He has performed with the Minnesota Band Directors All-State Band and the Minnesota Music Educators Association All-State Band.

Academically, Mitchell maintains a 4.0 GPA while challenging himself with Advanced Placement courses in history, mathematics, and language composition. He also scored a perfect 36 on the ACT college-entrance exam.

His commitment to the community is as impressive. Mitchell has given his time to the Valley Athletic Association as a youth coach and has volunteered at Feed My Starving Children, Operation Christmas Child, and creating care packages for our soldiers overseas.

"Jaryn Pipkins is a member of the Apple Valley High School basketball and track and field programs. She has already earned four letters, was named All-Conference for the 2010 season in both sports, and has earned Academic All-Conference awards. In track and field, Jaryn was a part of the 2011 state 4x100 State Champion relay team, a team that holds the record for the fastest time in state history. 

Active in the Apple Valley High School Choir, Jaryn is a member of the top choir, the Valley Select Choral. A member of the National Honor Society, Jaryn has been a peer tutor, a volunteer at many of our Fine Arts performances, and an Eagle Excellence Award Winner.

Jaryn has earned a 3.9 GPA while staying involved in so many activities. In her community, Jaryn has worked with Feed My Starving Children, as a volunteer with youth athletics, and with our Project Explore program."