Jefferson, Kennedy high schools name ExCEL nominees

Jefferson juniors Megan Schrooten and Zachary Harris, and Kennedy juniors Macie Miller and Sonte Lajeunesse-Wood are this year’s Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership (ExCEL) Award nominees.

Each year, high school juniors are recognized for their involvement in school activities, volunteer efforts and leadership qualities. Nominees are eligible for a statewide award in January. 

Schrooten participates in band, cross country, Nordic ski, and track and field. She is on the “A” honor roll, National Honor Society, performs in the school musical and is part of the Bloomington Riders mountain biking team. Schrooten also volunteers with the Buck Hill Mountain Biking camp and the MN Cycling Association. 

Harris participates in swimming and the Jefferson marching, symphonic, varsity and concert bands. He volunteers at Ridgeview Elementary and the Minnesota State Adapted Floor Hockey tournament.

Miller is a two-sport captain for soccer and basketball and was named All Conference in soccer this fall and in basketball last year. Miller is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers at Hillcrest Community School, Feed My Starving Children, the Salvation Army, and Operation Christmas Child.

Lajeunesse-Wood is a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track and field. He is the captain of the Kennedy boys’ basketball team. This fall he was named All-District Honorable Mention and Defensive Lineman in football and was selected the team’s captain for next season. During the off-season, Lajeunesse-Wood volunteers his time working with kids at summer basketball camps.