Nominees for MSHSL’s 2019 ExCEL Awards

Six South Washington County Schools students have been nominated for the Minnesota State High School League’s ExCEL Awards. ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, show leadership qualities, volunteer in their communities and are model citizens. East Ridge High School has nominated juniors Gwyneth Gerlach and Sujay Garlapati, Park High School has nominated juniors Jake Kuemmel and Adison Steinke, and Woodbury High School has nominated juniors Tiffany Holiday and Parker Theis to represent their schools.


East Ridge High School’s Sujay Garlapati participates in Tennis and Piano. He is a member of Business Professionals of America, National Honors Society, Coding Club, Math Team, Medical Club, Youth Advisory Council and is on the School’s “A” Honor Roll. Sujay’s community service involvement includes Hospital volunteering, NHS volunteering in the community and ERAA Tennis Coach.


East Ridge High School’s Gwyneth Gerlach participates in Cross-Country, Track and Field and Orchestra. She is a member of Tri-M Music Honor Society, Club Unified, Drawing Club, and is on the school’s Academic “A” Honor Roll. Gwynn’s community service involvement includes Special Olympics, volunteer gymnastics coach, Relay For Life, The Arc MN Tapemark Pro AM Golf Tournament, Tri-Angels Charity 5K race volunteer, St. Paul Triathlon and the Arc MN Annual Rose sale.


Park High School’s Jake Kuemmel is captain of the tennis team and has earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors in the sport. Jake also plays football and basketball. He is involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, Youth Advisory Council, Leaders of the Pack and is a Link Crew leader. Outside of school, Kuemmel has participated on a mission trip with his church and has attended leadership camps. He volunteers with the Animal Humane Society, Feed My Starving Children, and with youth sports camps. Jake has also taken many IB courses and has a 3.9 GPA.


Park High School’s Adison Steinke is captain of the Wolfpack hockey team and plays lacrosse, earning All-State Academic honors in both sports. She is also involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, Student Advisory Council, Leaders of the Pack and is a Link Crew leader. Steinke volunteers for Special Olympics, Feed My Starving Children and middle school retreats. She is also a “big sister” for youth hockey players. Adison has taken many IB courses and has a GPA of 4.3.


Woodbury High School’s Tiffany Holiday participates in Cross Country, Nordic Ski, Track & Field, Varsity Orchestra and Concert Orchestra. She is a member of Key Club, National Honor Society and the Athletic Leadership Council. Tiffany’s community service involvement includes Feed My Starving Children, Fostering Love Project, Church Youth Council and Church Youth Group-Service Projects. Tiffany has a 4.26 GPA and is a recipient of the Advanced Placement Scholar Award and Academic Award.


Woodbury High School’s Parker Theis participates in Football and Track & Field. He is a member of Student Council, Athletic Leadership Council, SADD and serves as a D.J at multiple school events such as Spring Dance, School Pep Fest and Royal Connections Prom. Parker’s community service involvement includes Feed My Starving Children, Chamber of Commerce Expo, SoWashco Cares Food Packing and WAA Youth Sport Camps. Parker has 3.7 GPA.



This is the 23rd year that the MSHSL has sponsored the ExCEL award. An independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota will select ExCEL Award recipients in January. Award winners will be announced via the League website in February and will be recognized on KSTC-TV during the broadcast of the 2019 winter tournaments.

Congratulations to these students for demonstrating excellence in community, education, and leadership!