by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Four Sartell High School students received “Students of Excellence” awards at a banquet and recognition ceremony recently at River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. It was the 28th consecutive year of the honors banquet.
The honored students, all seniors, are Haley Anderson, Mac Nies, Zachary Fisher and Ryan Kororll.
More than 600 people, including school officials and parents, attended the banquet.
The Sartell honorees were among 154 high-school seniors from 38 Region 7 schools who received the Students of Excellence awards, which are given annually to high-achieving students as chosen by their schools. Each school can select from two to four seniors to be recognized at the annual recognitions banquet.
The program is sponsored by school districts, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Resource Training and Solutions. Sandra Cordie of Sartell, director of educational events for RTS, has coordinated the event for many years.
Dr. Rob Cavanna, executive director of RTS, urged all students to keep the phrase “Carpe diem” in mind. Those Latin words, which mean “Seize the day,” were often quoted by teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams, to inspire his students in the movie Dead Poets Society.
“Use your time wisely,” Cavanna told the students. “Take advantage of opportunities and challenges and help others along the way.”
The honored students received certificates sent by Gov. Mark Dayton and congratulations sent by Minnesota Commissioner of Education Brenda Cassellius.
