By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

New York Mills High School recently announced this year’s Triple A Award winners as Audrey Weller and Elijah Geiser. This award goes to students engaged in the areas of academics, arts and athletics in their senior year of high school. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and are nominated by faculty members. Both award winners will have their achievement recognized at the spring scholarship ceremony.

“I was very surprised,” said Weller. “I would have thought other people in our grade got it, but at the same time, I know I have worked hard to do all the things that I’m involved in.”

“I would agree,” said Geiser. “I was probably just as surprised, but I’m in speech and in two sports, but still I was proud and happy.”

Weller, daughter of Brad and Bridget Weller, is active on the cross country team, as a manager for the wrestling team and has been a high school band member. She is also involved in 4-H and FFA.

“This award means a lot to me,” said Weller. “I have definitely put myself out there to join all of these different activities and getting this award is showing that I really did work hard in all of them. I’d say the biggest lesson I’ve learned is just how to be more outgoing—through all of the activities that I’ve been in—I’ve learned how to be more outgoing and not be as shy of a person that I used to be.”

Geiser, son of Matt and Natasha Geiser, is active in track and field, cross country, speech, the fall play, art classes, and also starred in the Perham community musical. He is also involved in 4-H and FFA.

“I would say it’s that recognition,” said Geiser of the award. “To show that I’ve worked hard in the three aspects: arts, academics, and athletics.

“I’ve learned mostly to follow my heart and be my own person,” he continued. “Don’t be afraid to try new things for sure, and I think self-confidence is another one, being confident in the things that you’re good at.”

As both students are active in a variety of arts and athletics as well as working hard in their academic studies, they shine as an example of two hardworking students for the rest of their peers. The two students gave their best advice for the upcoming underclassmen for their remaining school years.

“I would say just get out there and do things that you’re scared of because you never know the impact they’re going to have on your life,” said Weller. “Just do it even though you’re scared.”

“I would say time management is the biggest thing if you want to be involved with a lot of things,” said Geiser. “You are most likely going to have late nights working on homework if that’s what you need and you’ll have to be okay with that. Like Audrey said, try new things and don’t be afraid, you’ll be a lot happier in the end with your accomplishments.”