Chad Gilmer attended Bloomington Jefferson high school where he participated in track, basketball, soccer and football. In his letter of application Chad talked about the role of teamwork in sports and emphasized how he expects that teamwork will be an important part of his life as he pursues his career. In addition to being an outstanding student Chad was named to Adidas All American team in soccer. Chad will attend Augsburg University in the fall.

Matthew Haugen attended Pelican Rapids high school and participated in football, basketball and track and field. Matthew stated, in his letter of application, “the power of teamwork and trust is especially evident in sorts, but is equally important elsewhere in life”. Matthew carries a 4.0 GPA and is ranked number one in his graduating class. He will attend the University of Minnesota in the fall.

John Gans attended Sauk Rapids-Rice high school and participated in football, wrestling and track and field. John has a 4.022 GPA on 4.0 scale. In addition to being an outstanding student John also demonstrated high levels of leadership. “I was voted captain for the 2008 football season by my teammates. It was a huge honor for me to know that my friends thought of me in that way and wanted me to help lead them to victory”. John will attend Saint Johns University in the fall.

Ryan Madson attended Hutchinson high school and participated in football, wrestling and tennis. Ryan has excelled in the classroom and is the second ranked student in his class of 223. Ryan said in his letter of application that “although my high school sport activities will soon end, the lessons and values I have learned will continue to shape me as a person and help me achieve future aspirations”. Ryan has set the bar high and will attend MIT in the fall.

Eli Eggen attended St. James high school and is the male alternate this year. Eli participated in cross country, wrestling and track and field. Eli emphasized accountability in his letter of application, “I also know that at the end of competition I must be accountable for my performance. My individual performance cannot be blamed on someone else’s decisions, mistake or lack of motivation. Eli will attend the University of Minnesota in the fall.

Sabrina Larson-Bushlack attended United South Central high school where she participated in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Sabrina is proud to have served as captain of her volleyball and basketball teams and said, “being a captain helped me step out of my comfort zone and take on the role of leader. I pushed myself harder than ever to set an example for younger players and fellow teammates. Samantha is ranked number one her class and will enroll at Gustavus Adolphus college in the fall.

Samantha Johnson attended Minneapolis Edison high school where she participated in swimming and gymnastics. Samantha is an outstanding who is ranked number one her class of 203. The same drive that Samantha has demonstrated in achieving a high level of academic excellence also appeared in her drive to excel in the pool. Samantha made the following statement in letter of application, “athletics has taught me that no matter how good or bad you are at something with enough practice, drive and faith you can exceed your goals. Samantha will enroll at the College of Saint Benedict next fall.

Kayla Stursa attended Park Rapids high school and ;participated in cross country, basketball and track.. Kayla, like all if our winners, is an outstanding student and is number one her class of one hundred and six. Kayla, in her letter of application, stated; “because of athletics I am a better person who has dedication, hard work ethics and teamwork skills”. Kayla will attend Bemidji State University in the fall and will continue as a cross country runner.

Brianna Engelson attended Two Harbors high school where she participated in soccer, basketball and softball. Brianna achieved the rand of number one her class of 94. Brianna attributes many of her skills to athletics. “Athletics has had a profound and positive impact on my life. I have gained friends, leadership skills as well as learned the importance of teamwork and dedication”. Brianna will enroll at Carleton College in the fall.