Waconia High School juniors Mya Sannes and Jonathan Phenix have been named the school’s 2025 recipients of the ExCEL Award.
Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, 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.
Sannes plays both the clarinet and saxophone and has been involved in various ensembles within the Waconia Band program. She also participates in marching band and choir. Athletically, Sannes competes in both swimming and diving events for the girls swimming and diving team. Other activities she is involved in include student council and National Honor Society.
“Mya has been a natural leader from the moment I met her as a middle school music student,” Waconia Middle School Music Teacher Susan Snorek said. “Her ability to influence others positively shows brightly in her everyday life as well as her activities. She works extremely hard, she is eager to learn new things, and she has a natural ability to influence and lead others in a positive way.”
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 said. “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.”
