2008 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

The scholarship committee of the MSHSCA has completed their difficult task of naming the scholarship winners for the 2007-08 school year. The process of selection has become more difficult as more qualified applicants apply each year. The committee works hard at trying to balance the awards between; large school and small schools metro schools and out state schools and male and female applicants. On behalf of the membership of the MSHSCA, I would like to thank the committee for all of their hard work and commitment of time. The scholarship winners each bring a wealth of talent and accomplishments that are a wonderful reflection of our student athletes. The awards will be made to each winner following the completion of the first semester of their freshman year of college.

Zachariah Loppnow, Lake City HS: Zach participated in football, wrestling and track. He plans to attend the Institute of Technology, U of M, Minneapolis in the fall. Zach credits athletics with helping a shy, overweight boy through his 7^{th grade year. With goal setting and hard work, his accomplishments grew, but beyond that he learned the characteristics of honesty, integrity and humility.}

Alexander Thornton, Byron HS: While in high school Alex participated in cross country and track. He served as captain of his cross country team. Through his participation, Alex states that he has learned the skills of dedication, leadership and teamwork. Alex will attend Gustavus Adolphus College in the fall.

John Dunlap, Little Falls HS: John plans to attend the University of Milwaukee to pursue a degree in Business Administration, in the fall. He participated in cross country, basketball and track, while in high school. John feels the relationships, lessons, hardships and successes he has experienced through his involvement in athletics have taught him the importance and value of respect, teamwork, passion, self-confidence and perseverance.

Christopher Eichten, Wabasso HS: During his high school years, Chris participated in football, basketball and baseball. He will attend Southwest Minnesota State University for his undergraduate studies, but has plans for a career as a chiropractor. While many great memories and friendships have been created though athletics, Chris states that; “The work that you put in while no one is watching is what makes you a good player.”

Abigail Thomas, Maple Lake HS: Abby participated in cross country, basketball and track during her high school career. She plans to attend University of Minnesota, Duluth. Through athletics, Abigail feels she has learned valuable lessons about sportsmanship and working as a team, but also how to set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Carrie Johnson, Montevideo HS: Tennis, basketball and softball were Carrie’s sports during her high school years. Carrie states that athletics have given her many opportunities to be active in her school and community and allowed her to develop a work ethic, teamwork and leadership skills. She plans to attend Gustavus Adolphus College.

Brianna Duff, Anoka HS: Brianna plans to attend Bemidji State University this fall. From her three sports of soccer, Nordic skiing and track, Brianna states that she has learned that hard work and determination are two steps to success; everything in life takes hard work and sports have given her the mental toughness to know she can accomplish her goals.

Kira Peterson, Two Harbors HS: Kira brings the determination and perseverance she has learned from the sports of soccer, Nordic skiing and track to the classroom. With a special interest in physics and the environment, Kira will attend Whitman College in the fall.

The two alternates will receive a $500 scholarship

Christopher Dens, Brainerd HS: Christopher will attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus, this fall. He participated in soccer, swimming and track and attributes those sports to developing perseverance, dedication and a positive self image in himself.

Rachel Strobel, Chokio-Alberta HS: During high school, Rachel played volleyball, basketball and softball. Although these sports provided her with many memories and healthful exercise, she also attributes her goal setting, time management and determination to athletics. She will attend Minnesota State University, Moorhead.