Four Titans win MN High School League awards

 

When it comes to balancing co-curricular activities in the arts and athletics, with academics, leadership and volunteerism, all while maintaining stellar grades, could be a difficult task. However, four students from Tri-City United High School have mastered it and stand out above the rest. They have been recommended for Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Triple “A” Award for a senior male and female, and the Excel Award for the same in the junior class.

 

Triple “A” Award

Seniors Andy Feddema and Andrea Grof are recognized for their excellence in the classroom, on the athletic field and in the fine arts with the MSHSL Triple “A” award. 

 

Andy Feddema

The male recipient of the award is Andy Feddema, the son of Greg and Kelly Feddema of Cleveland. This senior is busy in school with College in School classes (four), as well as being a member of band, football, basketball and baseball teams. 

Andy is also involved in National Honor Society (NHS), and is the president of the TCU Business Professional of America (BPA) chapter, of which he was a state qualifier his sophomore year. He has also been the class president every year of high school.

The teacher who recommended Andy spoke highly of the his work ethic, both in-class and out of class.

“Andy take a leadership role in athletics, classroom activities, and other school-related functions. Even though he is a humble kid, that has not stopped him from taking on that leadership role,” he wrote.

TCU High School Principal Alan Fitterer echoed the teacher’s words of praise for Feddema.

“Andy is one of those quiet, positive leaders who leads his peers through the outstanding example that he sets day in and day out,” he said.

 

Andrea Grof

The female recipient of the Triple “A” Award is Andrea Grof, daughter of Mike and Bea Grof of Le Center.

Andrea’s academic determination has lead her to take several Post Secondary Education Option classes to receive high school and college credit her senior year. 

Andrea’s extra-curricular activities include math league, BPA, band, all state band and jazz band, choir, orchestra, one act play, speech, debate and visual arts. She has also played basketball, tennis, and track and field. During her junior year Andrea was vice president of the student council. In her senior year, she is its president.

Last year Andrea was awarded the Society of Women Engineers and the Gopher Valley Conference Gold award. Andrea is thankful she has had the chance to do so much while she has been in high school. 

“I feel grateful that I have had the opportunity for all these different activities,” Andrea noted on her application. “I loved every moment, no matter how hard it might have been.”

Fitterer knows Andrea well through student council as well as her attendance at the monthly school board meetings as the student representative. 

“Andrea has a great sense of humor that really shows through at the school board meetings,” he said. “She is an excellent student leader that I work with more than any other student at TCU. She is always smiling and willing to go the extra mile.”

 

Excel Award

Juniors Mitchell Dooley and Megan Traxler were also recognized by the MSHSL with the Excel Award that recognizes one male and one female for excellence in community, education, and leadership.

 

Mitchell Dooley

Mitchell is the son of Dave and Mary Dooley of Lonsdale. Mitchell is involved in football, basketball, track. He was part of the 2011-12 All Conference 4x800 relay team. Mitchell is also a member of the TCU Pep, Concert and Marching Bands.

Mitchell has been on the honor roll, was a class officer in ninth grade, and has been the vice president of the German Club for three years. He is also a member of Knowledge Bowl and National Honor Society.

Mitchell has volunteered at Immaculate Conception Church, Lonsdale Public Library, TCU Elementary School, and the former Montgomery-Lonsdale High School and the Food for Kidz packing event. 

He said the volunteer event that made the biggest difference for him was the Food for Kidz packing event in New Prague. 

“I learned the value of volunteering,” he wrote on his nomination form. “I then understood that a little time and effort can make a huge difference for others.”

 

Megan Traxler

The female nominee for the Excel Award from TCU is Megan Traxler, daughter of Jeff and Kathy Traxler of Le Center. The junior student is involved in volleyball, basketball and track. She is also in marching, pep and concert bands. Megan received a superior rating this year and took first place in concert in Philadelphia.

Megan excels in the classroom as well as her extra-curricular activities. She has earned and maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average her freshman to junior years in high school. She has also held leadership positions in NHS, Business Professionals of America (BPA), student council, the homecoming committee, and her class. She was also the treasurer for the math league, and she tutors peers with their homework.

Her volunteer work includes being a youth volleyball referee and coach, a participant for Kids Against Hunger, and the Food Shelf. 

Megan also served on the consolidation committee that helped bring together the Montgomery-Lonsdale and Le Center School Districts. Her input on the committee helped the new district choose a name, mascot and school colors. 

Megan said she feels a big accomplishment on this task because the task at hand had a big impact on both communities.

“I feel like I accomplished something big and worthwhile,” she wrote. “The new school will stand for many years, and even though I only get to attend for two, I will always have the pleasure knowing that I contributed to something great.”

Fitterer spoke highly of the four students whose actions and determination exemplify the awards they won.

“All four of these young people at TCU are NHS members, for which one has to be outstanding in the four areas of academics, service, leadeship, and involvement,” he said. “No doubt that all four of these young people are deeply involved in each of these.”

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