National Honors President, Dartmouth Hopeful Put Forward for 'Triple A' Awards

Two Burnsville High students are in the running for a statewide honor sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League.

Seniors Brianna Westbrooks and Isak Hawkinson have been chosen as the 2013 Triple "A" Award recipients at BHS, which gives them both a  shot at the state Triple "A" title. Triple "A" students must be solid contenders in three areas—academics (with a "B" average or better), fine arts and athletics. 

According to the district, Westbrooks and Hawkinson have taken the most demanding classes at BHS and kept high grade point averages.  

Earlier this year, Westbrooks was a contender in the National Merit Scholarship program. She is also the president of the BHS National Honor Society, a clarinet player in the school's concert band, and a member of the girls varsity soccer team. 

Hawkinson has been saving up for college for years. To that end, he has held two part-time jobs since he was 16. He told the Board of Education that he hopes to get into Dartmouth College. When he isn't working or studying, he runs cross country, plays bass in the concert band and volunteers at The Garage, a community center for teens. 

The Triple "A" Awards were established in 1988. The four finalists will be announced during a banquet in March, which will be held in conjunction with the Boys' State Basketball Tournament. Finalists will receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship.

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