Osseo Area Schools ISD 279: Six Osseo Area Schools Students Nominated For The Triple “A” Award

Press release from the Osseo Area Schools ISD 279:

February 10, 2022

Every year, high schools select two students to nominate for the Triple 'A' Award (Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award). This award, sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), honors seniors throughout the state who have a 3.0 or higher-grade point average and who participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities. Six students in Osseo Area Schools have been nominated this year.

The first nominee from Osseo Senior High School (OSH) is Jeremiah Groff. Groff has a 4.087 GPA and participates in cross country, Nordic skiing, track and field as well as orchestra and pit orchestra.

The second nominee from OSH is Alana Bauer. Bauer has a GPA of 4.026. During her time at OSH, Bauer has participated in volleyball, basketball, softball. She additionally is a part of the orchestra and the orchestra leadership council, solo/ensemble and orchestra quintet. Bauer is also a member of the Link Crew and National Honor Society (NHS).

“We are extremely proud of Alana and Jeremiah. They are great ambassadors of Osseo Excellence in the arts, academics, and athletics.” Bill Quan, the OSH activities coordinator, said.

Christina Zhu is the first nominee from Maple Grove Senior High School (MGSH). Zhu has a 3.94 GPA and participates in cross country and track and field, as well as being a member of the debate team and taking part in the musical and symphony orchestra.

Parker Koland is the second nominee from MGSH. Koland has a GPA of 3.85. While at MGSH, Koland has participated in cross country, Nordic skiing and track and field. Koland has also been a member of the NHS and orchestra.

“We commend these two students on their hard work and dedication during their high school career at MGSH, and we wish them luck as they enter into the Regional competition representing Maple Grove Senior High,” the MGSH Activities office said.

Anna Carstens and Cole Thorsen are the nominees for Park Center Senior High School. Carsten obtained a GPA of 4.02 and is involved in PSEO and National Honor Society. She also co-founded Destination Imagination, an international visual art and problem-solving competition.

“Being involved in arts, athletics, and academics through the past four years has made me a more rounded student and allowed me to explore different interests and find activities that I enjoy,” Carsten shared.

Thorsen is enrolled in three AP courses and has a GPA of 3.89. He describes how his involvement in choir transformed his confidence. He enjoys hockey and golf, and plans on taking his competitive golf career to the next level at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he will pursue a degree in PGA Golf Management.

“Cole embodies the “Triple A” award in everything he does. We have had the great fortune of having Cole for four years in music and social studies, as well as a teacher assistant role,” said Tim and Kate Kallevig, two of Thorsen’s teachers.

Two award nominees from each region will be invited to a recognition banquet in March and League officials will announce the four statewide Triple ‘A’ Award winners at that time. All 32 finalists will participate in an on-court ceremony during the Class AA championship game of the Boys Basketball State Tournament. The statewide award winners—a girl and a boy from Class A and Class AA schools—will also receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship. For more information on the Triple “A” Award, visit the MSHSL website.

This press release was produced by the Osseo Area Schools ISD 279. The views expressed here are the author’s own.