Awards and RecognitionsAbout MDE :

This section of the Minnesota Department of Education Web site will recognize schools, students, community and agency partners, grantees and others who have made significant contributions to improving education throughout our state.

Congratulations to 2008 US Senate Youth Delegates, Aleesa Arends and Anthony Hernandez
United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) delegates and alternates are selected based on their outstanding ability, demonstrated leadership and commitment to volunteer work. The two will participate in a week of activities for USSYP delegates in Washington, D.C., and receive a $5,000 college scholarship.

Delegate Aleesa Arends of Hills-Beaver Creek High School, is also a member of the National Honor Society, peer helpers, the math league and the varsity volleyball team. Delegate Anthony Hernandez is Austin High School’s student council president, a member of the National Honor Society, co-captain of the speech and debate team

First alternate is David Nulsen of St. Louis Park High School. Second alternateis Sarah Nelson of Bayport.

The United States Senate created the USSYP in 1962. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation funds and administers the program. For more information, visit http://www.hearstfdn.org/ussyp/.

2007 Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation (MAEF) 
School Spotlight Award 
The School Spotlight Award recognizes schools that demonstrate academic excellence through significant gains in student achievement. The award spotlights curriculum, instruction, assessment, and staff development that address the needs of all students and work toward closing the achievement gap. All Minnesota schools that participate in Minnesota’s statewide assessments are eligible to apply. 2008 application guidelines will be posted in the Fall.