Rosemount High School News
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December 8, 2014
Rosemount High School has nominated Jessica Ojala and Jacob Grunklee for the ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) Award.
Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, ExCEL is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors. Students who are active in fine arts and/or athletic activities, who show leadership qualities, and who are model citizens in their community are eligible for the award.
ExCEL Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process that involves League member schools and an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota. Award recipients will be recognized on KMSP-TV during the Girls' and Boys' State Hockey and Basketball tournaments.
Jessica Ojala is the daughter of Wendy Ojala and Justin Klett. She is on the "A" Honor Roll and has a GPA of 3.993. She is member of the National Honor Society and the Chinese National Honor Society. She has participated in DECA, FCA and Mock Trial. She is a letter winner in soccer and has been awarded Most Valuable Player. She has also been selected as All-Conference, All-Section, All-Academic and All-State. She is involved in Choir and has received an excellent ranking in the solo/ensemble contest. Jessica is a youth group leader at her church. She has also volunteered her time helping with Meals on Wheels, Feed My Starving Children and the Blood Drive. She has helped with Rosemount soccer camps and has done volunteer coaching with Dakota Rev. She has also been involved with the Junior Achievement Program and Dakota Hawks.
Jacob Grunklee is the son of Brian and Patty Grunklee. He is on the "A" Honor Roll and has maintained a GPA of 4.0 and is ranked #1 in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Chinese National Honor Society and the Tri-M Honor Society. He has participated in cross country and track and field. He is a letter winner in band and is the current section leader. He participates in wind ensemble, pep band and jazz band. He has earned numerous excellent ratings in the solo/ensemble contest. He was selected for the Minnesota Youth Symphonic Orchestra. He was a member of the Rosemount Marching Band that marched in the Rose Bowl Parade in 2014 and was awarded "Outstanding Musician". Jacob was also selected as a member of the MMEA All-State Band. Jacob is involved in the Dakota County 4H serving as an ambassador and summer camp counselor. He has also volunteered his time with the Rosemount Haunted Trail, Parkview clean-up, Feed My Starving Children and the Salvation Army. He is also a praise team member and sound technician at his church.
"The ExCEL Award program is an excellent opportunity for high school juniors who have excelled to receive statewide recognition for their leadership and community service," said Rosemount High School Assistant Principal Michael Manning.
Congratulations to Jessica and Jacob on this great accomplishment.
