Owatonna Names Triple-A Award Nominees

Owatonna High School announced their nominees for the Minnesota State High School League's Triple-A Awards program. Kaia Elstad and Carson DeKam participate in league-sponsored athletics and fine arts programs and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, which is the minimum for consideration for the honor.

Elstad honors include Superior rating in choir and all conference in orchestra. She is a section leader in both as well. She frequently has shown off her singing ability while performing the National Anthem at OHS events. Elstad is a three-year member of the soccer team, earning all conference and acting as team captain. She is a five-year member of the track and field team.

DeKam has earned Superior rating in band and is a section leader in band, choir, and orchestra. He was a three-year state participant for the football team, earning all-district honors. DeKam is a four-year basketball player and two-year member of the baseball team.

Each school can submit a boy and girl for consideration for the Triple-A award. Each region will review the nominees for advancement to further levels with the top male and female students named in the spring.

In making the announcement, Owatonna Activities Director Marc Achterkirch stated, "The purpose of the Triple "A" award is to recognize and honor high school seniors that have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in fine arts.  All of which Kaia and Carson have achieved during their high school careers."

The Triple-A award is for current high school seniors. The high school league sponsors the ExCEL Award for current juniors. Sarah Kingland and Nolan Burmeister were announced as Owatonna's nominees in early December.