We are pleased to announce that Abram Waage is our 2025 NMMA Essay Contest winner and scholarship recipient for Roseau High School.
Abram was invited to the Manufacturing Day and NMMA Essay Competition Winner Program Breakfast on Tuesday, 10/14/25, at 8:30am.
Abram, along with the other essay winners from neighboring schools, read their essays to the group present, received his scholarship award and had a photo opportunity at the end of the ceremony.
Congratulations Abram!
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Good afternoon,
I received a letter just a few minutes ago from our administrator that was written by a Mr. Ty Johnson as part of his Intro To Business Class. His assignment was to write a letter a company that he admired.
As a 35 year old who is an avid waterfowl hunter, I very much enjoyed getting this letter. I was the same kid as Ty is in high school writing letters and reaching out to companies that I had used their products and aspired to be involved with. 20 years later I can say that those letters paid off as I pushed to earn a career in the outdoor industry. I began my pursuit as a Pro Staff member while I was in high school, it lead me to guiding waterfowl hunts across the country from north to south, which in turn lead to a career as a manufacturer’s sales rep, and ultimately an opportunity with Beavertail Products, DOA Decoys, and Otter Outdoors.
I believe that all too often kids do not realize that dreams do in fact come true. With a plan, a goal, an idea of how to go about achieving it, along with family and friends to support them along the way, anything is achievable.
Attached is a formal offer letter for Ty to join our Pro Staff. I would like to extend him the same opportunity that I was offered 20 years ago that got me started own the path that I am on, my dream path. If possible could you please deliver this to him in his Intro To Business class, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Ben Marleau
U.S. Sales Manager
Otter Outdoors / Beavertail Products & DOA Decoys
Triple A Award Nominees - Anna Ulvin and John Delaney
Congratulations to Anna Ulvin and John Delaney for being the 2025-2026 Triple A Award nominees. The Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award, commonly known as the Triple 'A' Award, honors high school seniors throughout the state who have a 3.0 or higher-grade point average and who participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities.
Nomination Criteria
To be eligible for the Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award a student must:
be a high school senior at the time of nomination. Schools may nominate one senior boy and one senior girl for this award.
have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of nomination.
participate in at least one League-sponsored athletic program and one arts/activity program.
comply with the MSHSL's Student Code of Responsibilities.
complete the application form and submit it to your school. Each school can submit two finalists to their administrative region secretary.
Triple ‘A’ Recognition
Two award finalists from each region (one boy and one girl) will be invited to a recognition banquet in March and League officials will announce the four statewide Triple ‘A’ Award winners at that time. All 32 finalists will also participate in an on-court ceremony during the Class AAA championship game of the Boys Basketball State Tournament. The statewide award winners—a girl and a boy from Class A and Class AA schools—will also receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship.
Excel Award Nominees - Amelia Kvien and Levi Johnson
Congratulations to Amelia Kvien and Levi Johnson for being named the 2025- 2026 ExCEL Award Nominees.
The ExCEL Award – Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership – is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, leaders in their schools, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. This award is sponsored by the League's corporate partner TruStone Financial Credit Union.
Nomination Criteria
Every League member school is invited to nominate one girl and one boy for the ExCEL Award. Nominees must:
Be a junior in high school
Make satisfactory progress toward graduation
Participate in an MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activity
Hold a leadership position(s) in their school
Volunteer in their community
Meet MSHSL General Eligibility Requirements (Bylaw 206)
Each recipient will be recognized on 45TV during the broadcast of the 2026 winter tournaments. They also will participate in an on-court award ceremony during the Class AA championship game of the Girls Basketball State Tournament in March.
