Six SoWashCo Juniors Nominated for 2022 ExCEL Awards

Six South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) students have been nominated for the Minnesota State High School League’s (MSHSL) ExCEL Awards. ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who engage in school activities, show leadership qualities, volunteer in their communities and are model citizens.

East Ridge High School (ERHS) has nominated juniors Cecilia Groch and Michael Edgerton, Park High School (PHS) has nominated juniors Lydia Best and Chase Hiber and Woodbury High School (WHS) has nominated juniors Ava Hacker and Adam Wall to represent their schools.

East Ridge High School’s Cecilia (CeCe) Groch is one of the captains of the ERHS girls hockey team and an active competitor on the golf and debate team. She also participates in leadership roles in Student Cabinet, Student Council, Youth and Government, homecoming committee and unified prom. CeCe is active outside of school volunteering with The Humane Society, Feed My Starving Children, The Salvation Army, Red Cross blood drives and is a youth hockey mentor. 

East Ridge High School’s Michael Edgerton is an active member in marching band, jazz band, fall musical and winter percussion. He’s also a leader on the wrestling team and in many school clubs and activities including ERHS Diversity Club, Black Student Union, Drama Club and the Fellowship of Student Athletes. Outside of school, he gives back to his community by volunteering with his church, Diversify Our Narrative and Jack and Jill of America. 

Park High School’s Lydia Best is a four-time letter winner and captain of the cross country team as well as being a two-time letter winner in track and field. She participates in a variety of clubs at PHS including Student Council, Key Club, Link Crew, National Honor Society, Leaders of the Pack and homecoming committee. Lydia also gives back to her community through volunteering with the Healthy Kids Running Series and numerous fundraisers.

Park High School’s Chase Hiber is a two-time letter winner, captain and lead recruiter for the speech team. He’s also the executive producer and anchor for the school morning announcements, and serves as a Link Crew leader and member of the AVID council. Outside of school, Chase is involved in SoWashCo Community Education programs, SoWashCo Cares programs and volunteering at his church. 

Woodbury High School’s Ava Hacker is the captain of the swim and dive team, participated in the state swim meet in 2021 and was named an All-Conference athlete. She serves in leadership positions at WHS in National Honor Society and Link Crew. Outside of school, Ava volunteers at the Family Achievement Center, with youth athletes and her faith community. 

Woodbury High School’s Adam Wall is a three-sport athlete, competing in cross country, baseball and skiing. He shows leadership outside of school through volunteering in his community. He frequently helps his elderly neighbors by providing free lawn care, and volunteers at youth camps, Feed My Starving Children and the Adopt A Highway program. 

This is the 26th year that the MSHSL has sponsored the ExCEL Award. An independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota will select ExCEL Award recipients in February. Award winners will be announced via the MSHSL website in February and will be recognized on KSTC-TV during the broadcast of the 2022 winter state tournaments.