NYM seniors honored for work in and out of the classroom

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

During their time at New York Mills High School, Jace Rudolph and Kiera Radniecki have not only been leaders in the classroom, but on the athletic fields as well. Now the NY Mills seniors are being recognized for excellence on and off the field, as they were recently named as the local AAA award winners.

Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, the AAA award honors high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in fine arts. Students who are nominated must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or better, participate in MSHSL sponsored fine arts and athletic activities, and comply with the MSHSL’s Student Code of Conduct.

Rudolph, who is the son of Chad and Lisa Rudolph, said he was “surprised I got it,” but was honored to receive the recognition. 

During his time at NY Mills School Rudolph has participated in football, cross country, basketball, baseball, bowling, knowledge bowl, robotics, National Honor Society, band, jazz band and marching band.

Radniecki was also surprised and honored when she learned of the local honor.

“I was honored because it is shows it was worth it to be in a lot of different activities and work hard,” she said.

The daughter of Matt and Julie Radniecki, has also remained busy at NY Mills School as she participates in tennis, track, knowledge bowl, student council, National Honor Society and band. 

In the fall she is planning to attend Minnesota State University-Moorhead and major in special education early childhood.

Rudolph said he is undecided about what college he is planning to attend in the fall, but is hoping to major in engineering. 

AAA Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process that involves League member schools, the League’s administrative regions, and a special committee of educators, business leaders, and members from the fine arts and athletic communities. 

The top two AAA Award candidates from each region will be recognized later this year. League officials will announce two state Award recipients—one girl and one boy from both Class A and Class AA schools—during a special ceremony. Each state award recipient will receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship.