The Triple ‘A’ Award is an award established in 1988 made to recognize students showing excellence in academics, arts and athletics. Each year, Minnesota schools choose one female and one male to represent. Owatonna’s nominees for this year were seniors Laken Meier and Jacob Ginskey.
To be eligible for the award, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be involved in at least one league athletic program and at least one arts/activity program. They fill out the application and then submit it to their school. All of the applications are then looked at by a special committee and the top two are chosen for the school.
After being selected for the school district, the two nominees are then sent to a regional level, and if they move on from there, the state level. The two state-level winners win a $1,000 scholarship for four years, a total of $4,000 to any school. Activities Director Marc Achterkirch is a part of the Owatonna district committee and helps look through applications for the selection process.
Achterkirch said, “It just reminds you of all the really incredible stuff that our kids do day in and day out.” All of these students are acknowledged for their hard work and effort put into this school and their activities.
Laken Meier is a DECA officer, track & field captain, and vice president of the Concert Choir. She is also involved in Swim & Dive, National Honors Society, Carolers and the musical: Newsies. Meier said, “It is a really big honor to get this award. I spend a lot of time and put a lot of work into all my activities so it’s really cool to be recognized for it.” Next year, she plans to attend an undecided 4-year university to major in elementary education and continue running track.
Jacob Ginskey is a football captain, basketball captain, track & field captain, and National Honors Society Treasurer. He is also involved in DECA, SHOC, FCA, Rotary, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Band and Choir. Ginskey says, “I hope to enjoy the time I have left, finish all of my classes with a good grade, and hopefully make it to state in track.” He plans to attend Gustavus Adolphus College next year where he will play football and major in business.
Ginskey and Meier were both recognized in the district for their involvement and academics, although they did not make it past the regional level. The AAA State level winners have already been announced by MSHSL officials.
