Three SoWashCo Students Named Athena Award Winners

The St. Paul Area Athena Awards program honors outstanding female high school senior student-athletes from St. Paul and suburban public and independent high schools for their athletic achievements. The award is based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports. Three seniors have been selected as Athena Award winners this year.

East Ridge High School  - Elle Wildman is a dedicated student-athlete. She has been captain of the ERHS Girls Soccer team twice, has four letters in soccer, three All-Conference Awards, one All-Conference Honorable Mention Award, three All-State Awards, All MN Star Tribune Team, Minnesota State Tournament All-Tournament Team and three-time team Most Valuable Player(MVP). She is also part of the ERHS Girls Basketball team and has lettered three times. She has two All-Conference Honorable Mention Awards and was named Defensive Player of the Year. Elle plans to attend the University of Iowa to play soccer and major in exercise science after graduation.

Park High School - Josie Leonard is a committed student who excels in both academics and athletics. She has been the recipient of various awards including the Jerome Detviler Award, the Verstitly Award, the Best Attitude Award and the MHSSCA Academic Excellence Award. She volunteers as a youth hockey coach and does various volunteer activities through her work in the Key Club. Josie plans tot attend the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs to play lacrosse and study aerospace engineering.

Woodbury High School - Sarah Vaske demonstrates strong dedication as a student-athlete, balancing her studies and sports. She has served as team captain for Cross Country, Basketball and Track and Field. She has achieved many records including the 2nd Woodbury High School All-Time Fastest 5K, the 2nd All-Time Fastest 3200m and the 3rd All-Time Fastest 1600m. She volunteers as a National Honor Society tutor and is a facilitator for a Basketball camp for youth. Sarah plans to attend Creighton University to run Cross Country and Track and major in psychology.