Sixteen students representing all four comprehensive high schools in District 196 were nominated for the Minnesota State High School League’s annual citizenship and leadership awards for the 2022-23 school year. 

Eight District 196 juniors were nominated for the Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership Award. The ExCEL Awards recognize high school juniors who are active in fine arts and athletic activities, who demonstrate leadership qualities and who are model citizens in their community. Each high school in the state can nominate one junior boy and girl for the ExCEL Awards. Two recipients are selected from each of the eight competitive regions in the state for both Class A and AA schools. The ExCEL Award nominees from District 196 are Ellen Stumbo and Jayden Haueter of Apple Valley High School; Ava Bertsch and Mason Hoekenga of Eagan High School; Emily Percival and Connor Barry of Eastview High School, and Ayelishka Teko-Folly and Gavin Conway of Rosemount High School.

Eight District 196 seniors were nominated for the Academics, Arts and Athletics Award. The Triple A goes to nominated seniors with a 3.0 or higher grade-point average who participate in athletic and fine arts programs, and exhibit exemplary citizenship and the highest standards of sportsmanship and conduct. Each high school in the state can nominate one senior boy and girl for the award. Section and state Triple A Award recipients will be selected this spring from the list of nominees. The Triple A Award nominees from District 196 are Amy Tong and Apollo Oase of Apple Valley High; Yen Ly and Archan Sen of Eagan High; Sophia Wang and Nathan Buckley of Eastview High, and Jessa Snippes and Grantham Green of Rosemount High School.