On Saturday, March 15, during halftime of the Class AAA Girls Basketball State Championship Game at Williams Arena, the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) recognized the 36 students from across the state who were named recipients of the 2025 ExCEL Award, including Waconia High School junior Jonathan Phenix.
Sponsored by MSHSL, ExCEL (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for high school juniors. Students who are active in fine arts and/or athletic activities, who show leadership qualities, and who are model citizens are eligible for the award. To be eligible for the ExCEL Award, students must: be a junior in high school; make satisfactory progress toward graduation requirements; participate in a League-sponsored fine arts and/or athletic activity; hold a leadership position in their school; work voluntarily in their community; and meet MSHSL General Eligibility Requirements.
Phenix plays the tenor saxophone in Waconia High School’s concert band, pep band and jazz band. Athletically, he has participated in basketball and track and field. His other activities include student council, conservation club and unified sports, where he holds leadership roles in each. Through those three activities, Phenix has accumulated more than 600 volunteer hours.
“Jonathan is a constant and positive force within our band and school community,” High School Band Director Nick Hansberry wrote in his letter of recommendation. “Jonathan excels at meeting his peers where they are and has a unique ability to gain trust through his positive attitude and tenacity. He is constantly challenging himself, seeks improvement, and readily applies constructive feedback.”
