Jenifer Weyer and Isaac Millner, both Annandale High School juniors, were selected as Annandale’s nominees for the 2015 ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) award.
ExCEL is an award given in recognition to Minnesota high school juniors who participate in school activities, who hold leadership positions in their schools, and work voluntarily in their communities.
Every member school of the Minnesota State High School League is invited to nominate one girl and one boy for the ExCEL Award.
ExCEL nominees must be a junior in high school, be making satisfactory progress toward graduation requirements, participate in a MSHSL fine arts and-or athletic activity, hold a leadership position in their school and work as a volunteer in their community.
There were 20 Annandale juniors that applied for the ExCEL award. The application process included the submission of an essay.
An independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota selects 16 ExCEL Award recipients each year. ExCEL winners will be recognized on KSTC-TV (Channel 45) during the broadcasts of the 2015 winter high school state tournaments.
Jenifer Weyer
Weyer is an excellent student but also is involved in many extra-curricular activities, including cheerleading, speech, mock trial, Business Professionals of America, Key Club and the National Honor Society. Weyer also participated in band and choir as a freshman and sophomore.
Weyer is an all-state cheerleading team member and will be participating with that elite team at a Saturday, Jan. 31, competition.
Teacher Pam Fliegel wrote the recommendation for Weyer.
"I’ve known Jenifer for three years now and have admired her quiet demeanor, yet strong work ethic," Fliegel said. "Jenifer leads by example. In my classroom she was the one who participated in discussions, questioned to be sure she knew what was required and always went above and beyond expectations. What a great leader."
Weyer has plans to choose nursing as a profession and hopes to be accepted into the nursing program at Winona State University. In the 2014-15 school year, Weyer is taking all of her classes at St. Cloud State University through the Post Secondary Enrollment Option. PSEO allows her to earn college credits while still in high school.
Weyer is the daughter of Barb and Larry. The family lives in Clearwater.
Isaac Millner
Millner is the son of Scott and Corrine Millner. Isaac is the eldest of nine children. The Millner family lives in Annandale.
Millner is a long-distance runner in track and cross country and also participates in other extra-curricular activities, including mock trial, Key Club, Student Council, National Honor Society and choir and theater.
Millner played a waiter in the AHS 2014 fall production of "Witches."
Sandy Jerpseth contributed a recommendation for Millner’s ExCEL application, and she had high praise for the young man.
"When I had Isaac as a student in ninth grade civics there were times he made me a better teacher through his inquisitive questions and desire to make the most out of each class period," Jerpseth said. "His frequent class participation added a lot to our class.
"Isaac leads by example both inside and outside of the classroom. He is a student full of integrity, strong character and genuine concern for others. I believe other students admire Isaac for the kind person he is."
Millner hopes to pursue a career in law.
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