The MSHSCA is proud to announce the 2011 scholarship winners. A big thank you goes to Gregg Martig for his hard work and time in this selection process. The quality of the student athletes sending in applications is very impressive and is a very positive reflection on the quality of our student athletes. We would like to introduce to this year’s scholarship winners.

Alexis Mehr, ROCORI High School, won the Val Teichroew Scholarship. Alexis is a member of her high school swimming, basketball and softball teams. She states that “being a part of those teams introduced me to everything being an athlete has to offer; new friendships, team camaraderie and lessons that will stick with me for the rest of my life.” Alexis will attend the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse majoring in physical therapy.

Chanel Madson, Westbrook Walnut Grove High School, won the Betsy Farness Scholarship. Chanel has been an active participant in band, choir, Knowledge Bowl, Student Council and FFA, as well as volleyball, basketball and track during her high school years. Through her activities and athletics, Chanel says, “I have been taught to set attainable goals and achieve them, which frequently pushes me outside my comfort zone. However, it is there that I find I grow the most. I have developed focus, self-discipline, mental strength and a work ethic that thrives under pressure.” Chanel will attend either Bethel University or Northwestern College this fall.

Katelyn Adams, Two Harbors High School, was awarded the Kathy Fredrickson Scholarship. While in secondary school, she participated in soccer, basketball, softball and track. Katelyn states, “I love the physical and mental challenges that sports provide and I have had so much fun participating in, coaching and refereeing sports throughout my high school career. Sports have helped me develop my character and given me skills and positive attributes that have transferred to my daily life.” Katelyn plans to participate in soccer and basketball at the University of Wisconsin Superior and College of St. Scholastica.

Kaylee Maxon, NRHEG high school, received one of the McDonald’s Scholarships. Kaylee has participated in gymnastics, volleyball, track and cheerleading. Kaylee believes that, “each sport requires the same basic athletic characteristics; responsibility, discipline, leadership, mental clarity, self confidence, teamwork and sportsmanship.” She will attend Gustavus Adolphus College to pursue a career in nursing.

Mara Olson, St. Louis Park High School, received one of the Gatorade Scholarships. She was a member of her high school soccer, basketball and track teams. Mara stated in her essay published in the Cross Country Journal that, “Long distance running is both one of the hardest and one of the simplest activities. It is the ultimate test of the body’s muscular synergy, a trial of the mind’s power over body and a test of limitations. But when it gets down to it, little thought is exercised in the actual act of running. And that is what I love. For me, running is an escape from my hormone-driven, teenage mind and an opportunity to delve into the purely physical essence of myself ” Mara will attend Butler University this fall.

Robbie Glass, Red Lake Falls Lafayette High School, received the Steve Kerzie Scholarship. Football, hockey and baseball were Robbie’s sports of choice. He writes, “Strength, determination, courage, resolve and confidence were all needed at one point in time and are still necessary. Some of the few places that you can hone these traits are on the fields, courts and rinks of Minnesota. I have made lifelong friends, word as a team and learned valuable lessons from wise coaches.” Robbie is undecided where he will attend college.

Nicholas Solberg, Cambridge-Isanti High School, won the Darien DeRocher Scholarship. Nicholas feels that, “Athletics provide a sense of pride for belonging to something bigger than oneself. My participation in football, swimming and diving, and track and field made my confidence grow, made me mentally strong and chiseled my body. For every down, length, yard or second; I’ve learned that things happen for a reason. They have taught me how to live my life and have defined me as an individual.” Nicholas will attend the University of Minnesota Morris this fall.

Donald Mattia, Lakeville South High School, is the recipient of the Howard Emerson Memorial Scholarship. Donald’s high school sports were football and baseball. He wrote, “High school sports are more than an entertainment event, they’re a lifestyle. It means you’re dedicated, that you’re part of a greater team. Sports are a way to stay healthy and provide fun you can’t get anywhere else. High school sports form individuals who are able to work with others and become leaders in society.” Donald is undecided where he will attend college.

Connor Hedstrom, Detroit Lakes High School, received one of the Gatorade Scholarships. Connor was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age seven. Through his three year treatment, he states, “I became a fighter. My coaches, as well as my doctors, were individuals that taught that the difference between being successful or not, is not a lack of strength or knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.” Connor participated in football, basketball and golf. He plans to pursue Biochemistry at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, with the dream to become a Pediatric Oncologist.

Benjamin Harney, Rochester Century High School, received one of the McDonald’s Scholarships. Benjamin participated in soccer and tennis throughout his high school career, but as a senior, he also became the kicker for his high school football team. He began his essay by stating, “Although I’ve attended school for an education, I often think that I’ve learned much more about life through athletics. Things that are hard to teach in a classroom like teamwork, leadership and true friendship are all discovered during a sports season.” Benjamin plans to attend Luther College in the fall.