ExCEL Award

The ExCEL Award

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 Wells Fargo. 

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)

The ExCEL Award nomination form is posted on this website and will be accepted through December 10, 2021. We’re counting on you to help us to recognize student leaders in your school who are making a difference. 

Selection Process 

The ExCEL Award recipients will be selected by an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota. Award recipients will be announced via the League website on February 1, 2022.

ExCEL Recognition

Each recipient will be recognized on 45TV during the broadcast of the 2022 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.