Redwood Valley High School Announces Local ExCEL and Triple “A” Award Winners

Redwood Valley High School is pleased to announce its 2022-23 ExCEL Award winners: Blake Stephens and Avery Wilson.

The ExCEL award — Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership — is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, who show leadership qualities, and who work voluntarily in their community.

Blake Stephens is involved in Football, Basketball, Track, Robotics, Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Drumline, NHS, Student Council, Prom Committee, Junior Class President, NHS President, and has been on the A Honor roll each of his high school years. Blake is active in volunteering through his church, Dollars for Scholars, Rotary, Lions, Garnett Gardens and volunteers at school.

Avery Wilson is involved in Tennis, Gymnastics, Track, Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Solo and Ensemble, NHS, Student Council, Class Officer, Musical Pit Band, Speech, Student Tutor, and has been on the A Honor roll each of his high school years. Avery is active in volunteering through her church, Youth Gymnastics, Student Council Blood Drives, as a Nanny, helping at a local restaurant and volunteers at school.

Camden Cilek and Rachel Huhnerkoch from Redwood Valley High School have been named this year’s Triple “A” Award nominees. Triple “A” Award winners are students who are recognized for excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. Established in 1988, the Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award (Triple “A” Award) is sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League. The award is given to high school seniors who have a “B” or better grade point average and who participate in league-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities.

Camden has a 3.994 GPA and is involved in Cross Country, Hockey, Track, Band, Jazz Band, Robotics, NHS Student Council, Student Rotarian and Senior Class Representative. Camden has competed in State as a Cardinal in Cross Country 3 times and at the State Track and Field Meet. Camden Will be attending Bethel or Gustavus Adolphus and Majoring in Physics Education.

Rachel has a 3.749 GPA and is involved in Cross Country, Visual Arts, Track and Field, Band, NHS, Pep and, Jazz Band, Drumline Rachel was awarded best of site at the Visual arts contest and represented Redwood Valley at the State Art Show. Rachel will be attending Minnesota West in Luverne for Radiology.