District 196’s four comprehensive high schools have nominated a total of 16 students for 2025-26 leadership awards sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League.  

Eight District 196 seniors have been nominated by their high schools for the MSHSL Academics, Arts and Athletics (Triple A) Award, which recognizes well-rounded seniors who have achieved a 3.0 or higher grade-point average and participate in both athletic and fine arts programs, in addition to exhibiting exemplary citizenship and the highest standards of sportsmanship and conduct. Each high school in the state can nominate a senior boy and girl for the award. Section and state Triple A Award honorees will be selected this spring from the list of nominees. The Triple A Award nominees from District 196 are Elise Weisenburger and Louis Gustafson of Apple Valley High School; Sophie Sherman and Tristin Nguyen of Eagan High School; Anna Rezcallah and Sai Rahul Reddy of Eastview High School, and Isabella Dahling and Ari Paitich of Rosemount High School.

Eight District 196 juniors were nominated for the Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership (ExCEL) Award, which recognizes 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. The ExCEL Award nominees from District 196 are Leila Korkowski and Nathan Soliday-Foster of Apple Valley High School; Maya Roth and Gavin Yang of Eagan High School; Abby Tranter and Riley Jarrard of Eastview High School, and Reagan Chappell and Jacob Staats of Rosemount High School. Gavin Yang, Maya Roth, and Jacob Staats were chosen from eight highly competitive regions to advance for state honors. The award recipients will be recognized during halftime of the 2 p.m. Class AAA Girls Basketball State Championship game.